Tigercat Introduces Training Simulators

 In March 2021, Tigercat partnered with CM Labs Simulations to develop simulators to revolutionize training on Tigercat machines. The simulators were designed to replicate the behaviour of Tigercat log forwarders and wheel harvesters
with accuracy. Of those models, the wheel harvester simulator is the first to be completed.

According to a company press release, the simulators have three screens, a motions platform, and all the associated machine control software and hardware. The simulator’s software communicates directly with the Tigercat machine control software so the controls are identical to the actual machine. Adjustments that can be made on a real Tigercat machine are also available on the simulator, which will help teach operators motor skills and the effects of the many machine adjustments available to operators.

The simulators are also equipped with an actual operator’s seat that includes all the control pods, the machine’s computer control system, and the harvesting head control system (on the harvester simulator). This means that the transition from virtual to live machine is almost seamless.

“The introduction of the Tigercat simulator provides dealers with a valuable training tool that can save machine owners significant start-up costs,” says Jon Cooper, Tigercat VP of Cut-to-Length Systems. “Using the simulator to teach operational skills in realistic environments allows the new operator to enter into a real machine with much higher productivity levels from the start. This can produce extra production income and avoid expensive machine damage.”

Operators can train on a simulator without the fear of damaging equipment, so experimenting with different techniques or trying new methods can be done safely and risk-free. Another bonus is that training on a simulator does not tie up needed equipment and subsequently slow production. Simulator training allows for the trainee to transition to actual machines at higher initial productivity levels, lowering start-up costs.

Tigercat Industries designs and manufactures premium quality forestry and off-road equipment in Canada for worldwide distribution. The company’s product range includes complete full-tree and cut-to-length harvesting systems, a growing line of land clearing and vegetation management equipment, and specialized off-road industrial and material handling machinery.

In August 2021, John Deere announced that they would offer a 330-horsepower option for the 853M Tracked Feller Buncher and the 853MH Tracked Harvester, plus an optional dedicated travel system feature. The combination of the travel and horsepower options on the 853M and 853MH machines will enable John Deere to deliver enhanced performance in harsh conditions.

“We know that machine performance is critical for our customers, and we strive to find new solutions that further enhance operation, even when working in challenging conditions,” said Jim O’Halloran, Product Marketing Manager at John Deere. “This new horsepower option on the 853M and 853MH further enhances the functionality of the dedicated travel system, ensuring our machinery always surpasses expectations. Now, operators will have the option to further improve overall productivity and efficiency on their job site.”

According to a company news release, the dedicated travel system feature provides focused hydraulic functionality for the tracks, while providing independent hydraulic power and performance to the swing, boom, and attachment functions. This hydrostatic control of the travel function increases overall machine efficiency, especially during heavy multifunctioning. The additional horsepower is fully available for additional work, adding to the increased performance and productivity of the equipment.

The update adds to the customer-driven features found on the M-Series and MH-Series machines. The operator station was designed by loggers, for loggers, with comfort in mind. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize visibility, and ergonomically designed controls further enhance the operator experience. The rapid cycle system allows for low-effort joystick control of all boom functions, considerably reducing operator fatigue and increasing productivity.

John Deere is a world leader in providing advanced products, technology, and services for customers whose work is revolutionizing agriculture and construction – those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich, and build upon the land to meet the world's increasing need for food, fuel, shelter, and infrastructure.