Battery-powered combi machine and new “big” harvesting head attract the crowds at Malwa’s stand
At Elmia Wood the world’s first battery-powered combi machine is clocking up its first working hours.
“The battery arrived just a few hours ago. The machine has never run as much as it has on the demo on day one of the fair. We can really call it a world premiere for this prototype,” says Magnus Wallin, business developer and founder of Malwa.
The machine makes its way into the stand with an almost whining sound. Loads the wood and rolls on.
“The idea is that the battery will last a full working day and be charged during the night,” Magnus says.
Many passers-by stop and step into the forest where the demo is taking place.
Malwa’s brand new 980 harvester attracts equal interest.
“It has the power of a big machine with the agility of a small one. We’ve noticed increased demand for a machine that is slightly larger than our 560 – not least from our foreign customers. Today, more than every second Malwa is exported,” says Magnus Wallin.
A model that matches the requirements
Forests on the main European continent grow faster and are thinned later. With a larger mean stem volume and a greater mix of tree species, the demands increase.
“That’s why we need a bigger machine so the forest won’t outgrow our models. Many of our customers also harvest in plantation forests where growth is extremely fast.”
The solution is now on display at Elmia Wood.
“The 980 is large but at the same time we have been careful not to lose our DNA: agility, accessibility and ground damage prevention. I think many operators of large machines will be surprised at what the 980 can offer in terms of power and performance. It will also stand up well in the Nordic market for those who want a bigger Malwa with a more powerful engine. Or for people who have a big machine today and want a more agile alternative without trading down in capacity.”
Special crane from Kesla
To continue to offer a machine with gentle ground pressure, the 980 has been fitted with eight wheels to distribute its weight of nearly ten tonnes. The width of the machine is only 218 cm.
“It is an agile stand-operating harvester.”
The cab is completely new and offers good operator comfort:
“Large, spacious and quiet. And with good visibility.”
The crane is a Kesla 875H.
“The most powerful in its market segment and specially designed for the Malwa 980. The reach with extension is 7.5 metres.”
Many international visitors
The working hydraulics consist of three independent pumps.
“One for the transmission, one for the crane and one for the head.”
The harvesting head is a LogMax3000T.
“It’s well known and recognised as one of the best on the market. The cutting diameter is 52 cm. That has been a clear customer demand for a large harvesting head.”
Thoughts on the fair so far?
“There are far more international visitors than I’d expected. We’ve had many people in the stand. It feels very exciting.”
Captions:
It is the world premiere for Malwa’s new battery-operated combi machine…
… and for the new 980 harvester. “Our biggest machine to date but still with Malwa’s hallmarks of agility, manoeuvrability and ground damage prevention,” says Malwa’s founder, Magnus Wallin.