Bobcat Extends Forestry Cutter Attachment Range 

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Bobcat Extends Forestry Cutter Attachment Range: Bobcat has extended the company’s new range of forestry cutter attachments with a third model – the new FRC150ST – for use on the smaller Bobcat S630/H and S650/H skid-steer loaders and T590/H and T650/H compact tracked loaders.  

Bobcat Extends Forestry Cutter Attachment Range 

The new FRC150ST complements Bobcat’s recently launched FRC150HT and FRC200HT high torque forestry cutter attachments, which are compatible with the larger Bobcat T770H and T870H compact tracked loaders, S770H and S850H skid-steer loaders and the A770H all-wheel steer loader and provide cutting widths of 1.5 and 2.0 m, respectively,

Based on feedback from the field, the 1.5 m wide FRC150ST incorporates many improvements over the previous FRC150 model.  Among the improvements, the FRC150ST is manufactured almost entirely from Hardox, with a specially designed new fixed motor offering greater output and efficiency.  The enhanced design also offers a new, lighter drum, with carbide teeth, new hose routing and greater performance and manoeuvrability.

The FRC150ST forestry cutter mulches trees and underbrush in minutes − leaving a carpet of mulch behind when clearing trees and bushes for any kind of application.  The variable front gate can be adjusted to provide the coarseness or fineness of mulch that the finishing requires.

Providing a cutting width of 1.5 m, the FRC150ST forestry cutter is designed for continuous work on bushes and trees 100 to 120 mm in diameter, intermittent use for trees with a diameter from 150 to 200 mm and occasional use on trees 220 to 260 mm in diameter.

Applications are very varied and range from those in agriculture including vineyards, orchards, nurseries and tree care; forestry including cutting fire breaks in woods and forests, clearing work and removing unwanted undergrowth and trees; wildlife, national park and country estate management; perimeter maintenance of facilities such as schools and military bases; to site development in construction; land clearing for landscaping and recreation projects; maintenance work on vegetation next to pathways and other right-of-ways, utilities, railway lines and roads as well as clean-up work after storms and floods.

Powered by a new high performance motor, the 1.5 m drum on the FRC150ST forestry cutter is equipped with 30 fixed long-life carbide teeth.  Other new features include three rows of counter cutters; a new adjustable push bar configuration; a new reinforced chain protection system at the back; a new HD belt cover; new adjustable skid shoes; a debris and seal application kit; an automatic drum brake system; an ACD Control system and a patented fixed knife rotor with tungsten carbide tips.

The FRC150ST forestry cutter attachment is operated from the comfort and safety of the cab on the Bobcat loader − and the mandatory Forestry Applications Kit provides even greater safety and protection.

The Forestry Applications Kit protects the loader and operator from flying objects and debris.  It includes an impact resistant front door, which must be installed in order to operate the forestry cutter.  A safety feature stops the cutter drum from turning if the loader door is opened.

For work in confined spaces in woodland and forests, front and rear light guards are added to the loader to protect the lights.  A guard protects the hydraulic quick couplers, hoses and wire harness from falling trees and branches.  A level II FOPS (ISO 3449) protects the operator and the cab from falling trees and objects, while top and rear polycarbonate windows provide additional protection for the operator.

Shields protect the lift cylinders against debris and help to reduce material build-up in the engine compartment.  Although daily maintenance is essential in this type of work, a debris screen on the radiator ensures continuous operation and makes cleaning up easier.

All functions of the forestry cutter can be fingertip controlled from the operator seat without requiring the operator to remove their hand from the loader steering levers.  As mentioned above, the forestry cutter has a hydraulically-adjustable front gate that can be opened while cutting debris and then closed to retain material and provide a fine mulching action.

The Bobcat range of forestry cutters is part of the company’s comprehensive selection of attachments for forestry, estate management, amenity and landscaping work, which includes stump grinders, wood chippers, brushcutters, flail cutters, augers and tree transplanters.

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Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates

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Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates: Polaris has announced its 2018 off-road vehicle line-up highlights, with the introduction of a brand-new model and a host of significant updates across the RANGER, RZR and Sportsman families, including an all-new chassis, improved performance and enhanced technology.

Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates

Following the introduction of several new models for MY2017, Polaris continues to lead the charge into 2018 with innovative new products and solutions to further enhance user experience.

RANGER – MY18

Headline news for RANGER is the introduction of a brand-new model for the EMEA region, as the RANGER XP 1000 makes its debut.

Following extensive development and testing at the Polaris R&D facility in Wyoming, the new RANGER boasts class leading power (82hp), torque (61lb-ft), ground clearance (330mm), suspension travel (280mm) and towing capacity (over 1100kg).

Featuring the proven ProStar 1000 Twin Cylinder engine, the RANGER XP 1000 features a new one-piece frame providing improved chassis stiffness and automotive levels of refinement with a re-designed interior to provide more storage and capability.

Featuring bold and aggressive new styling on the outside, developments continue on the inside of the cab too. Dual-Sweep analogue dials and a 4” LCD Rider Information Center provide comprehensive information to the driver, while thicker seat foam provides better comfort. Practicality is boosted with a flip-up passenger seat enabling true flat floor storage in the cab too. This is further enhanced with additional cubby space.

The RANGER XP 1000 is due to arrive towards the end of 2017.

Other updates for the RANGER line-up in 2018 include fully sealed suspension bushings on the RANGER XP 900, providing improved durability and maintenance free operation for less downtime when work needs to get done.

The MY18 RANGER line-up will consist of the following models:

RANGER 570 (in Sage Green)

RANGER 570 EPS (in Sage Green and painted Blue Fire)

RANGER 570 – Full Size (in Sage Green)

RANGER XP 900 EPS (in Sage Green)

RANGER XP 1000 EPS (in painted Matte Titanium Metallic)

RANGER XP CREW 1000 EPS (in painted Suede Metallic)

RANGER Diesel HD (in Sage Green)

RANGER CREW Diesel (in Sage Green)

RANGER EV (in Avalanche Gray)

RZR – MY18

Following the introduction of the RZR XP Turbo 168 last year and RZR dominance and victory in the SXS class at the 2017 Dakar Rally, RZR has been subjected to a series of evolutionary enhancements for MY18.

An update on the Turbo model is the adoption of a new digital display on the Turbo model; ideal for keeping an easy eye of speed and engine performance. The new display offers quick and easy to see information on speed, engine revs, temperature, fuel level and range.

As well as updates to instruments and new colour schemes across the range, RZR 900 comes factory homologated for MY18 as standard.

The MY18 RZR line-up will consist of the following models:

RZR 570 (in White Lightning)

RZR 900 EPS (in painted Matte Titanium Metallic)

RZR S 900 EPS (in White Lightning or painted Ghost Grey)

RZR XP 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

RZR XP Turbo EPS (in painted Ghost Grey or painted Velocity Blue)

RZR XP4 Turbo EPS (in painted Ghost Grey or painted Velocity Blue)

RZR XP4 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

Sportsman & Scrambler – MY18

The evolution theme continues for the Sportsman and Scrambler models in 2018, with a host of technical updates, improving rider experience and durability.

Echoing the development of some RANGER models, the 2018 Sportsman line-up now features sealed suspension bushings, improving durability while reducing service requirements dramatically in the process.

Key updates for MY18 Sportsman 570 models include new fully enclosed side panels and a new four-inch LCD Rider Information Center.

The new side panels improve rider comfort by reducing engine compartment heat venting towards the rider’s lower legs, while the Rider Information Center offers easy-to-read comprehensive information.

Along with providing easily accessed information on speed, engine revs, distance travelled, duration of use, time, battery voltage, coolant temperature and gear position, the new system also offers programmable service interval information and can be customized by the user to select blue or red backlighting and brightness.

Other individual model updates in the Sportsman range include the move to dual A-arm front suspension on the 570 SP and Touring 570 SP models, while the Touring 570 models also get the XP style passenger backrest.

The MY18 Sportsman and Scrambler line-up will consist of the following models:

Sportsman 570 (in Sage Green or Indy Red)

Sportsman 570 EPS (in Sage Green, Indy Red, or Velocity Blue)

Sportsman 570 SP (in painted Sunset Red)

Sportsman Touring 570 EPS (in Sage Green or Velocity Blue)

Sportsman Touring 570 SP (in painted Silver Pearl)

Sportsman X2 570 EPS (in Sage Green)

Sportsman X2 570 EPS Nordic Pro Special Edition (in White Lightning)

Sportsman 6×6 BIG BOSS 570 EPS (in Sage Green)

Sportsman XP 1000 (in painted Havasu Red Pearl or painted Matte Copper LE)

Sportsman Touring XP 1000 (in painted Silver Pearl)

Scrambler XP 1000 (in painted Havasu Red Pearl)

GENERAL – MY18

Following on from the homologation treatment of other models, the MY18 GENERAL will too be available as a T1b factory homologated model. Other technical enhancements include a revised CV Propshaft for reduced driveline noise, passenger door enhancements and new colour options.

The MY18 GENERAL line-up will consist of the following models:

GENERAL 1000 EPS Premium (in painted Radar Blue)

GENERAL 1000 EPS Deluxe (in painted Titanium Metallic)

GENERAL 4 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

Full 2018 model details will follow soon with pricing and availability.

For further information, visit: www.polaris.com

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