The Bühler forestry operation, based in Schenkenzell in Germany, specializes in the harvesting of heavy timber from the most difficult of terrains. This task requires enormously powerful machines with high hydraulic power. Moreover, these machines must be especially stable and manoeuvrable in the demanding conditions prevailing in the forest.
This is why owner, Edwin Bühler, chose a Doosan DX235LCR-5 model when purchasing a new forestry excavator. The conversion of the excavator purchased from the Doosan dealer, Ummenhofer, was carried out by the engineering office for construction and forestry machines at Wirkstoff Technik in Constance.
Performance and Stability Count
Due to the continuous increase in storm and beetle wood damage, the use of powerful forestry excavators has become unavoidable in forestry operations. Narrow space conditions, extreme terrain, especially off the forest roads and steep slopes place high demands on the machines. Therefore, the choice of the carrier unit, which is adapted to the individual customer’s needs by means of appropriate conversion measures, is of great importance. To find the right machine for its needs, Edwin Bühler turned to the specialists at Wirkstoff Technik.
To select the excavator that would meet all the requirements desired by Edwin Bühler, models from different manufacturers were compared with each other on the basis of defined criteria. Decisive factors were the engine, rear swing radius, hydraulic power, price and the dealer.
Thomas Firner, owner of Wirkstoff Technik, said: “The Doosan DX235LCR-5 has a powerful and dependable Doosan six-cylinder engine that meets the high performance requirements of processing-aggregate operations. The compact design of the machine makes it possible to swivel the machine even in tight spaces, such as on forest tracks with steep rocky slopes. The dozer blade increases the stability even more.“
The excavator was purchased from Ummenhofer Baumaschinen GmbH in Pfullendorf. Thomas Firner added: “We know Ummenhofer as a top dealer offering excellent service.”
Extensive Conversion
The forestry excavator at Bühler will be used in a wide variety of applications. One of its main tasks is its use as a process excavator. Here, the logs are measured, delimbed and cut to length in a single operation, thus preparing them for further use. In addition, they are used in forest road construction and as a supply unit, where the logs are moved from storm areas onto the forest road and deposited for further processing with the harvester.
The conversion measures required to provide this versatility took a total of 16 weeks to complete. In addition to additional protection, a frame-mounted protective roof and the reinforced 30 mm thick windscreen, other additions include an Oil-Quick quick coupler to change between the various attachments used.
At the core of the conversion is the processor unit including control system from Koller Forsttechnik as well as the optimization of the hydraulic performance of the machine. In addition, a fixed 16 tonne cable winch from Adler and a remote winch control system were installed. The underside of the excavator was also additionally armoured to protect it from damage from below in off the road work. A toolbox, an additional hydraulic oil cooler and more shielding were also fitted.
Worthwhile Investment
After only a few weeks in service, the DX235LCR-5, which will be offered by Wirkstoff Technik under the designation F 300 C after the conversion, has fully impressed Edwin Bühler: “The forestry excavator has performed well in a wide variety of applications and has proven to be extremely reliable. In addition, I know that I can fully rely on the service of Ummenhofer and Wirkstoff Technik. With the new excavator, I have been able to significantly increase the efficiency and performance of my company, so that the capital investment has also paid off financially.“
Founded in 1992, the Bühler forestry company from Schenkenzell offers its services to private forest owners as well as to municipal or state forestry companies or clients. Its services range from felling, timber recovery, harvester operation and young stand maintenance to problem tree felling.
Wirkstoff Technik
Wirkstoff Technik from Constance was founded in 2015. The company provides design and development services for large OEMs but also builds individual machines for end customers. The direct line to the user is reflected in the designs. Engineers, fitters, technical draughtsmen and service technicians work hand in hand. The high level of expertise in the areas of manufacture, steel construction and welding technology allows the company to develop additives, attachments and complete solutions that optimize existing plant and machines.
Ummenhofer
Ummenhofer Baumaschinen GmbH was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Pfullendorf. Today, the company has 21 employees, four of whom work in sales and 12 in service. Last year, Ummenhofer opened a new branch in Schönau. In addition to the sale, rental and service of construction machinery, Ummenhofer also offers its customers a wide range of workshop services for the repair, maintenance and servicing of commercial vehicles and construction machinery. In order to offer high performance service on site or at the customer’s premises, the company has six fully equipped service vehicles.
For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com
