MANUFACTURER Tigercat has added a fifth model to its harvesting head lineup.

The three-wheel 573 is said to be best suited to medium and larger tree profiles, with a 800 mm cutting capacity, achieving optimal performance on 400-600 mm diameter timber.

Initially shown off during September 2023's PLC live demo event in Washington, the unit has since undergone extensive testing from Alberta to Australia, with the firm saying it is "shaping up to be a high performing, reliable head for roadside processing and harvesting". 

The feed rollers close down to 60 mm, allowing the 573 to smoothly delimb and process smaller diameter trees and thus achieve higher value fibre recovery.

The compact frame design deftly handles poor stem form and contributes to tidy delimbing performance. The triangulated feed wheel arm configuration operates in locked three-wheel-drive. This, combined with timed knife arms, provides the operator with fast picking and positive stem control for high productivity in roadside processing applications. Independently mounted, trailing-arm length measuring ensures reliable tracking and accuracy.

The top knife and lower/back knife pivot on the same side of the chassis frame, aligning the position and flow of each stem centrally through the head. This arrangement promotes positive contact with all three feed rollers and the measuring wheel at all times. The result is better quality and accuracy, reduced fuel consumption, and greater processing speed. The orientation also provides the operator with a clear sightline to the measuring wheel.

The 573 is standard equipped with continuous rotation for ease of use and superior hose routing and protection. Quick, stable WiFi connectivity between the cab and attachment modules reduces wire routing along the boom and provides excellent command response.

The Tigercat D7 control system is available with priority or optimisation levels and is fully compatible and compliant with StanForD Classic and 2010.

A Tigercat statement added: "The 573 is a great fit for the H250D, 850 and 875E for roadside processing applications and the H822E and H855E carriers for in-stand harvesting."