Tigercat releases prototype 480 track mulcher

Tigercat has recently shipped its prototype 480 track mulcher, the latest offering in the company’s growing line of vegetation management equipment. Other models include the M726E and M760 wheel mulchers and the M822C, based on the 822C track feller buncher. 

The new 480 is a 370 kW (500 hp) class track driven mulcher carrier suitable for tough terrain, sensitive site applications and large scale land clearing and right of way (ROW) projects.The company’s expertise at designing and building productive, reliable and efficient machines for full-time forest duty translates well to mulching and vegetation management market. They are one of a few  mulcher carrier manufacturers who have the depth of knowledge and experience necessary to fabricate components and design complex hydraulic and electronic systems that will survive serious and continuous forest duty cycles. Field proven design elements of the new 480 are taken from Tigercat’s very successful 700 series wheel feller bunchers and 800 series track carriers. 

High production and extremely low ground pressure combine to offer exceptional performance in the most demanding mulching jobs. With a Cummins QSX15 Tier III, 373 kW (500 hp) engine, the 480 is a powerful machine with 328 kW (440 hp) available to the mulching attachment. The machine is compact and manoeuvrable with a narrow overall width and a light footprint for soft soil conditions.

A highly refined closed loop track drive system propels the carrier and a dedicated pump powers the attachment. The 480 uses heavy duty track frames and a robust mounting system for the oscillating tracks whilst ah igh capacity cooling system uses a variable pitch fan with an automatic reversing cycle. 

The machine incorporates high-lift boom geometry for improved performance on uneven terrain. The counter-rotate function or CRF allows the 480 to pivot about its centre axis at the touch of a button for quick, effortless “on a dime” turns at the end of a row. All functions including the joystick steering are electronically controlled allowing for operator customization.

Tigercat state they have strived for the best possible access to daily service points and major components with large swing-out engine compartment doors and a tilting cab.

Contacts:
Paul Iarocci, Tigercat Industries Inc.
519-442-1529 Ext. 314
email: piarocci@tigercat.com

http://www.tigercat.com/pre_rel/pr-480.htm