JCB 325T Track Loader Tackles Forestry Jobs

Mon April 13, 2015
Forestry Equipment Guide

JCB has developed the 325T ForestMaster, a compact track loader designed specifically to deal with the arduous working conditions found in the forestry and timber industries. Featuring additional protection for both the operator and the machine, the 325T ForestMaster also incorporates a heavy-duty recovery winch. This specialized compact track loader is powered by JCB’s Ecomax Tier IV Final engine, with no requirement for an expensive diesel particulate filter (DPF) or any aftertreatment.

Features include:

• Recovery winch significantly reducing downtime

• Front work light protection and FOPS guard for A/C and rear lights

• Track tube guard plus hydraulic hose and auxiliary coupler guard

• Lexan front screen with hinging front mesh guard plus Level 2 FOPS

Advanced Combustion

The 325T’s Ecomax engine delivers 74 hp (55kW) across a broad rev range from just 1,200 rpm. This high torque engine features an advanced combustion system, with ultra-high common rail fuel injection pressures and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing it to meet Tier IV Final emissions standards without the need for a DPF filter or time consuming regeneration.

This is particularly important in forestry applications, as the heat created during regeneration creates a fire hazard when combined with high amounts of timber chaff and sawdust. With no requirement for a DPF or regeneration, the 325T can continue to work productively, while other machines may need to be removed from the working area and remain idle during regeneration, according to the manufacturer.

The absence of a bulky exhaust after-treatment has allowed JCB design engineers to maintain a low engine cover design, improving visibility from the cab and safety on site. The EcoMAX engine can be de-emissionized for machine resale in non-regulated territories, increasing residual values for the customer.

Enhanced Protection

The 325T ForestMaster benefits from a comprehensive protection kit that includes an exhaust cover to prevent debris entering the engine bay, rear cab glass mesh, a left hand quarter panel guard and a steel tube guard for the auxiliary high flow circuit. In addition customers can specify front work light protection, a loader hydraulic hose and auxiliary coupler guards, air conditioning, FOPS guard with side protection, a cooling pack guard and a track tube guard.

The machine incorporates a full height side entry door, made possible by JCB’s Powerboom design, which enables operators to easily enter and exit the cab without having to climb over dangerous attachments. In addition, the cab is supplied with a Level 2 FOPS guard with steel mesh on both the left and right hand windows and a Lexan front windscreen with a hinging front mesh guard for easy cleaning.

Increased Productivity

A rear-mounted winch has been specifically designed for the ForestMaster, ensuring that operators can easily recover the machine when working in boggy ground. The swing-out mounting allows daily checks to be carried out and the winch design ensures a 28.7 degree departure angle, so there is no reduction in maneuverability on inclines.

The 325T ForestMaster can be equipped with a 60 in. wide (15.2 cm) mulching head with up to 45 cutting hammers. The ForestMaster delivers a highly productive, versatile, well protected forestry machine for contractors, with all of the benefits of the market-leading JCB skid steer and compact loader range.

For more information, visit www.jcbna.com.