The Development of Vimek NG 870.1
Vimek has launched their first ever eight-wheeled forwarding machine as part of their Next Generation Project. Vimek has previously mainly focused on building smaller machines for self-employed forest owners. The smaller machines have not suited contractors who need to work at a high pace with high production levels. Now, Vimek hopes that the latest and greatest; NG 870.1 will be a machine that succeeds in arousing the entrepreneurs’ interest.
‘The contractors want to maintain a high production during their driving, while the landowner wants as little damage as possible after the end of the driving. Forest owners may not want a 15-tonne machine in their forest during a first thinning. That is why we have chosen to develop our new forwarder Next Generation’, says Johan Johansson, a sales manager at Vimek in Vindeln.
ElmiaWood 2022
Vimek recently exhibited the new and improved forwarder at the world’s largest forestry fair; ElmiaWood which occurred for the first time since 2017 so evidently there was no better time or place to demonstrate.
With a vast demonstration zone, Vimek could show off the unique capabilities of the NG 870.1 to its full potential and attract crowds to observe the extensive showcase.
Joe Litter from Oakleaf Forestry visited the demonstration site and commented on the day from ElmiaWood saying, ‘It’s been super busy. All day people have been coming to see the new machine. It’s bigger than Vimek’s previous offerings… it’s been really well received.’
Upgrades and Improvements
Featuring a brand new Cranab crane with a reach of 6.7 metres and intelligent boom control specifically designed for this forwarder. These added features allow users to have enhanced control and lead to higher levels of efficiency and precision.
It is powered by a 75hp, turbocharged Caterpillar engine and Bosch Rexroth transmission. An optimized design means that the machine can tackle terrain with ease and has a low power-loss system. Smart control programs help achieve durable and fast work despite a relatively small 55Kw engine.
The forwarder has been carefully researched and developed over a couple of years, where the development of comfort, load index, new technology, and accessibility in various stocks has received the most attention. A smaller forwarder is now able to take part in the technology of the larger machines. The Next Generation has a load index of 1: 1, which means that it loads as much as it weighs, (seven tons empty weight with seven tons load weight).
The unique steering bogie and its 7.5-tonne carrying capacity maintain a tight turning radius. Featuring a more spacious cab than Vimek’s previous machines with soundproofing, and LED lights around the outside for better visibility, enabling a pleasant driving experience for the user.
Vimek has chosen to drive with 8 wheels with four bogies to increase driver comfort. The two rear bogie pairs have been moved further back on the bed to avoid overhangs when loading long timber. If the wheel pair is moved further back, the compliance will be worse, therefore it has also been equipped with bogie steering which steers nine degrees automatically or manually to get better compliance in the stocks and be able to make the slip roads narrower. The width of the forwarder is between 195-225 centimeters depending on the choice of wheels.
All of these features would be anticipated in a larger machine, but Vimek has made them available in a more compact package.
Forestry Journal’s Interview with Joe from Oakleaf Forestry at ElmiaWood 2022
Get in touch for more information on this machine plus many more new and used forestry machines at +44 28 3833 0011 or email us at info@oakleafforestry.com.