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.
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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