The Chilean forestry industry could take a decisive technological leap thanks to the Falcon Hydraulic Yarder, a hydraulic tower designed to operate in high-complexity terrain. Tested in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and New Zealand, this innovation aims to establish itself in Chile, where topographic conditions impose operational limits and increase production costs. Its goal: to convert steep and inaccessible areas into harvestable and profitable zones with the customary reliability the brand has offered the Chilean market for 10 years.
Cristian Botten Del Canto, LATAM Operations Manager at DC Equipment, emphasizes that this technology is specifically designed for the national forestry reality and to support the transition towards safer, more efficient, and productive operations.
One of its main advantages is agility. The tower eliminates dependence on winds and reduces the downtime typical of traditional systems. Its 12-meter collapsible mast and 1,200 meters of auxiliary cable allow the equipment to be moved within the forest in minutes, optimizing the transition between yarding points and reducing logistical processes.
Superior Performance
The Falcon Yarder incorporates specifications designed to respond to Chilean forestry geography: 14 tons of safe load capacity, 600 meters of skyline, and operating speeds that enable fast and precise cycles. Its haulback line reaches up to 8 meters per second with a pulling force of 6 tons, while the skyline can handle tensions of up to 14 tons.
In terms of control, the system stands out for its focus on ergonomics and efficiency. A 12-inch touchscreen provides full access to the PLC system for real-time configurations, while SureGrip joysticks and wide-view cameras allow for greater precision and safety for the operator.
The equipment integrates naturally with the Falcon 1750 yarding carriage, which features a 2-meter grapple and a useful capacity of 8 tons, improving cycle times and reducing risks for workers.
Technical Requirements
Regarding technical requirements, the system requires a base machine of at least 35T, reaching a total weight of 48T. It operates with two independent hydraulic drums, wet multiple-disc brakes, planetary reduction gearboxes, and requires a flow of 550 lpm at 4,800 PSI. The minimum power is 268 hp.
Botten states that the Falcon Yarder represents "a real change in how to work on extreme slopes," and projects Chile as the central hub for the company's technological growth and deployment by 2026.
The article inForest Contractors Magazine
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