Heavy-duty Quadco fixed felling head now in NZ
SOUTHSTAR EQUIPMENT IN NEW ZEALAND, a division of the Quadco group, is now offering the well-proven Quadco QB4400 fixed felling head in New Zealand and Australia. Quadco recently began production of the QB4400 after acquiring the product from Rosin Developments in Australia, which had been manufacturing and marketing it through Komatsu Forest as the KF800.
Dean O’Connor, MD for Southstar NZ & Australasia, says there is a family of three well-proven fixed felling heads which has been acquired from Rosin Developments. The smaller QB3500 (formally the KF750) and QB2500 (KF 550) will be going into production in due course.
“Our priority was to initiate production with the larger QB4400 first as this is where the most demand was but the other two products will soon also be underway,” says Mr O’Connor.
The QB4400 is suitable for 30-tonne plus base carriers and a mounting adaptor can be manufactured to suit most brands and models.
Mr O’Connor says that while the fixed heads have been around for many years in the hardwood industry, especially in Australia, they are a relatively new initiative within the Pine industry. Results from the fixed heads already working in pine plantations have proven significant reductions in stem breakage, as has been previously reported.
The QB4400 is a heavy-duty brute designed and built to handle the larger stems in this part of the world. Features include substantial steel fabrications with large pins and bushings, three high-torque rotate motors and a large, purpose-built hardened slew bearing. The control valve is located in the head, making for a relatively simple installation process on most base carriers. A separate standalone, user-friendly control system is also part of the package.
The Quadco group, which acquired Southstar back in 2016, offers a full range of attachments including the well-respected Quadco disc saws, the full range of proven Southstar processor and harvester products, along with fixed and directional felling heads.
The QB4400 can be viewed at Southstar NZ, located at 3 View Road in Rotorua, or contact your preferred machinery supplier for pricing and delivery information.
NZL