A Closer Look at One of the Latest Additions to the Bell Forwarder Range
We’re a proud supplier of top brands of heavy machinery, including Bell forwarders from the Bell Equipment brand. As a local manufacturer, Bell Equipment understands the operation terrains and the requirements for machines that operate within forest environments. They are thus able to design and manufacture equipment made specifically for optimal productivity within the forestry application range.
One of the newest additions to their product profile is the T302D. It is a long-range Bell forwarder that features a unique combination of forwarder and trucking abilities. This makes the unit more efficient, since it is able to load timber from within the forest and then to transport it out to where it can be loaded for transport to the market or processed by the mill.
It comes with an extra strong timber haulage chassis. The unit also features a crane with operating capacity of 380 degrees and an amazing reach of over 8.4 metres. Fitted with a low emission 6 cylinder and turbo-charged engine from the Mercedes-Benz brand, the machine is powerful.
With the options of 6 by 6 drive train or 4 by 4 configuration, and a load capacity of over 21 tonnes, the machine is a must-have in the forestry industry. The strong chassis adds to its load capacity. Fitted with locks on the rear and the front chassis, the machine is very stable throughout operation, including the loading phase. Understanding the harsh operation conditions in the forestry industry, Bell has equipped the unit with a rear and front chassis with belly plates. On the front chassis, the plate protects the transmission unit.
Logs and uneven terrain characterise forests in South Africa, and it is thus essential to ensure optimal ground clearance for operation and protection against machine damage. It is obvious that Bell understands these conditions, as they have fitted the forwarder with raised prop shafts.
If the terrain is very rough, then you will want to use the 4 by 4 unit with its lower centre of gravity, which gives it added stability for moving in such conditions, even when fully loaded. Fitted with a strong and durable drive train, in addition to the familiar Bell axles, the unit has exceptional load power and has a broad track.
Fitted with new technology Xenon lights, the forwarder can be operated even in the darker parts of the forest, without compromising on driver safety. It has two lights for forward driving and four for reverse driving, with an additional two lights fitted to the crane.
The forwarder has a dual facing operator cab. This is significant, as it allows the operator to work facing the front or the rear, maximising visibility for the operator and enhancing safety, as well as productivity. Driver comfort is essential because of long hours of operation. To protect against fatigue, the operator cab is a ROPS/FOPS unit with a sky roof, which helps the operator to get a clear view of the crane.
What makes the T302D one of the best Bell forwarders for forestry applications is its flexibility, dual application and the speed with which the forwarder can move. With the ability to load and haul up to 300 tonnes of timber in a single work day, the unit is certainly a notable workhorse that will help to cut on costs and increase productivity during harvesting.
