SouthStar releases grapple processor
A NEW PROCESSING HEAD THAT IS equally adept at being used as a grapple has been released into the New Zealand market by SouthStar……with two already working here.
The versatile SouthStar Grapple Processor is designed to be able to sort, shovel and load like a grapple, and also process, measure and cut-to-length with all the advantages of a traditional processor.
“The Grapple Processor model has taken off in the North American market where we have sold over 80 units over the past 18 months and New Zealand contractors are now starting to see its value,” says SouthStar Equipment’s Jeremy Disher.
“It’s a very cost-effective solution and well suited to low production crews operating in steep country under a tower, where skid sites are tight. It would be ideal on the smaller landings proposed in the two-stage extraction model that is being championed by FOMS in Whanganui (see Breaking Out, page 43).”
A good feature of the new Grapple Processor is the powerful tilt lock system, which is activated with twin cylinders that allows the processor to operate with or without a heel attached. It combines with innovative tilt levelling software to control logs when loading from the back of a trailer or handling wood off centre.
The head is fitted with a powerful dual rotate motor drive that enables the operator to rotate logs up steep slopes when shovelling or loading trucks on uneven ground.
It has large capacity grapple de-limb arms to maximize capacity, without compromising de-limbing performance, and the unique drive arm design allows the drive arms to fold out of the way when grappling or loading.
SouthStar’s powerful 4x4 drive system is used for providing amplified torque in large wood, while at the same time increasing productivity and it has the ability to multi-stem small wood, which makes it even more versatile.
The proven DASA 5 computer system forms the basis of the controls and it can send production and service information via SouthStar’s unique Startrax Satellite Communication System.
The first two New Zealand SouthStar Grapple Processors are now working with Dean James’ Down & Out Logging operation near Gisborne, mounted onto a Sumitomo SH350 and on a Caterpillar 336 working with Nigel Kelly’s Nelson-based Kelly Logging.