Ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of infrastructure, such as power lines, pipelines, and transportation corridors can be a never-ending job. A big part of that job can be vegetation management. Utilities and governments are seeking cost-effective solutions to maintain vegetation.
Manufacturers are designing better solutions to these problems by launching new equipment with customer-centric and smarter features designed to improve productivity and reduce costs.
How can your company use new equipment to improve vegetation management operations? Read below about the latest innovations in vegetation management.
Bobcat AT450X Autonomous Electric Articulating Tractor
Doosan Bobcat, Inc., unveiled the industry’s first autonomous and electric articulating tractor—the Bobcat AT450X enabled by Agtonomy—a Silicon Valley-based, ag tech software company. The battery-powered AT450X is designed to autonomously or remotely execute farm tasks, such as mowing, spraying, precision weeding, and product and material transport. The machine’s AI constantly “learns” and the machine dynamically reacts to its environment. For example, it uses vision to detect objects and it can stop operation if needed. It can also identify different plants, so it knows which ones to spray.
Dur-A-Lift DTX2 Series Bucket Truck
This new telescopic, Class 3 bucket truck, the Dur-A-Lift DTX2, features working heights up to 39 feet, so you can reach those high-up branches and the driver doesn’t require a CDL (commercial driver’s license). Another innovation is its bottom-mount basket design, which allows workers to access areas obstructed by overhead obstacles. This design, which can be customized for landscaping, provides workers with a better view of the working area. Plus, the 180-degree basket rotator allows you to optimize basket position. And the bucket can be customized for landscaping.
FAE PT550 Tracked Carrier
The FAE PT550 Tracked Carrier is designed for heavy-duty work in forests, wooded areas, and along oil and gas pipelines. Recent upgrades include a completely redesigned cab with an integrated cabin pressurization system, large Lexan glass windows, ergonomic joysticks, a pneumatic seat, a 10-inch touchscreen display, and a 360-degree camera system. The machine’s Active Power Management technology combines the machine’s Floating System function with the Load Control function to better manage power and to ensure the head always precisely follows along the ground.
John Deere M Series QuikTrak Commercial Mowers
Deere's M Series models (including the Q820M and Q850M machines) feature the 7-Iron PRO decks for a better cut quality and after-cut appearance. Anti-scalp wheels on the deck's front and back edges help with uneven terrain as does the machine’s even weight, which is achieved through an optimal placement of the fuel tanks. Greater fuel capacity allows for fewer refuels. The machine also has more horsepower and provides greater speeds than previous models. The new, more comfortable cab provides a cockpit-like feel with improved access to controls and a foot platform that is 14 percent larger than the previous model.
Morbark Nex Gen 6400XT Wood Hog Horizontal Grinder
A key new feature of 6400XT Wood Hog Horizontal Grinder is its transport system—the Morbark Transportation Dolly, which eliminates the need for a specialized Low-Boy trailer. Its enhanced frame design allows for attachment of the Transport Dolly and can accommodate a machine width of up to three meters. Independent, air-ride suspension provides a better ride. Remote-controlled front and rear hydraulic locks allow for a single operator to attach the transport dolly in minutes. Other updates include an automatic hammermill drive-belt tension system and a PT Tech Hydraulic Torque Limiter for improved driveline protection and ease of setting adjustments.
Vermeer SC1052 Stump Cutter
The Vermeer SC1052 Stump Cutter is the largest cutter in the Vermeer line features a gas engine instead of diesel (found on earlier models) to avoid the Tier 4 system and to match customer’s preference for gas-powered machines. The machine’s exclusive Vermeer cutting system (VCS) uses a bolt to secure teeth to the cutter wheel. A mounting and retention structure helps keep teeth from shifting and it absorbs the shearing force during operation. A two-sided carbide V-profile cutter can be flipped, which extends tooth life. While cutting, the Vermeer SmartSweep control system monitors engine load and automatically adjusts power to provide a smooth and consistent cutter wheel sweep rate.
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