UK
The continuing success of Volvo Penta engines in Eco Log machinery leads to new models and brings enhanced benefits for customers and the environment.
When forestry equipment manufacturer, Eco Log chose to install Volvo Penta’s 8-liter engines in its new E series of harvesters, the relationship began to blossom. The 550, 560, 580 and 590 E models have proven to be popular with customers. And the collaboration has led to Volvo Penta engines also being selected in Eco Log’s new series of forestry forwarders – the 574E and 594E models.
“The discussions and collaboration we have had with Volvo Penta, have allowed us to create a real partnership between our two companies and thus optimize the marriage between engine and the base machine,” says Philippe Wion, business development manager at Eco Log. “The result was in line with expectations, and so the ‘E’ that defined the latest Eco Log series could also mean ‘Evolution’, as the synergy between Eco Log and Volvo Penta has become a good success.”
Eco Log launched its E series of harvesters in 2016, powered by Volvo Penta’s TAD870-873VE engines, with a maximum power of 218-320 hp at 2200 rpm. Peak torque for the machines reaches 1050-1300 Nm when operating at low speeds of 1060-1310 rpm. Eco Log and its customers are pleased with several aspects of the engines’ performance, including their quick power response, low fuel consumption, ease of installation, and long service intervals. “These 8-liter engines perfectly fit our machine range,” says Wion.
Easy handling of operations
Eco Log is based in Söderhamn, Sweden, and makes forestry harvesters – for felling trees, delimbing and cutting logs to size – and forwarders, which transport the cut timber from the forest to the closest road or other required destination. As well as having customers in Sweden, Eco Log exports machinery to many countries, including France, Germany, Russia, the US, Canada, and Chile.
The E series of harvesters was launched in 2016, and each has a cabin which can turn through 350˚. An innovative pendulum suspension arm tilts up to 25˚ sideways and at a pitch angle of 17˚ to the front and rear, enabling it to operate in hilly environments; and it is fitted with a Log Max harvester-head. The units are equipped with five pumps: two for the transmission; one for the suspension arm; one to operate the harvester-head; and one for the recirculation pump, which together with the vertically oriented coolers, optimizes the cooling capacity during the harvester operation. The Volvo Penta engine has exceptional load acceptance and provides power to the pumps, running at a low rpm, and can easily handle all working conditions. Low operating costs are reported due to the high fuel efficiency of the engines along with the excellent turning capability of the cab, which reduces the frequency required for moving the machine.
Contributing to success
At the beginning of 2017, Eco Log launched its new E series of forwarders, building on the growing relationship with Volvo Penta. The 574E fowarder is powered by a TAD871VE engine, while the 594E is fitted with a TAD873VE. All of Eco Log’s machines aer robust and durable, and sometimes need to be operated up to 24-hours per day.
“The response from the market has been very good and our entire forwarder production for 2017 is sold out,” says Wion. “Having Volvo Penta engines in our new forwarders, has significantly contributed to this success. They have offered a solution to optimize space and easy access.” He adds: “Our machines are built to work and that’s why they are powered by Volvo Penta!”
Safeguarding the foresty heritage
Volvo Penta’s TAD870-870VE models are powerful, compact, robust and economical off-road diesel engines. Their common rail injection enables excellent combustion and low fuel consumption. In addition, the exhaust aftertreatment system – using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) – means that the engines produce low emissions.
“Forestry is our heritage and working place, and for this reason we want Eco Log products to minimize their environmental print,” says Wion. “This is the only way to ensure the sustainability of our business; this is our legacy. Volvo Penta contributes to making our machines environmentally-friendly thanks to their low fuel consumption and low emissions.”
Elin Boije af Gennäs, sales manager for Volvo Penta’s industrial segment, says: “Both of our companies have worked hard to discover what the best options would be for Eco Log in their machinery. We knew that the engines would need to have an immediate responsiveness, in order to be optimally productive and cut the wood properly. We’re happy, of course, that the success of our engines in the Eco Log E series of harvesters has led to the installation of our models in their new forwarder machines. We anticipate a successful, continued progression with Eco Log.”
Eco Log will be at stand 826 at Elmia Wood forestry fair in Sweden from June 7-10. Volvo Penta will be at stand 1065.