MANUFACTURER Vimek has unveiled a new harvester for thinning. 

The 470 is said to be stronger, larger and more efficient than its predecessor and is designed to complement the eight-wheeled 870, which itself was given a facelift last year. 

Built on the same machine platform as its forwarding counterpart, the 470 becomes the company's sixth model in production, with sales expected to begin towards the end of 2024. 

Forestry Journal: Sales of the 470 will likely begin at the end of the year Sales of the 470 will likely begin at the end of the year (Image: Supplied)

Johannes Nilsson, CEO of Vimek, said: "We believe that the stand-by method still provides the best conditions for the driver to carry out the thinning with high quality. 

"Stand thinning requires a flexible and light harvester with good visibility and high capacity, these features are found in the Vimek 470. 

"In combination with the Vimek 870 forwarder, you get a minimum of cutting path area and the machine operators are given the best opportunity to make active decisions which trunks should be prioritised and which should grow further. 

"This provides the conditions for high growth of profitable ranges and reduces the risk of damage to the stock." 

The Stage V engine from Cat has an output of 55.4 kW, can handle HVO fuel and, according to Vimek, has a low diesel consumption and thus low emissions. The harvester is part of the Next Generation series together with the forwarder 870.

 Vimek 470 (preliminary data)

Dimensions
Width: 2060/2200/2300 mm (480/540/600)

Length: 7850 mm (min)

Height: 2950 mm*

Wheelbase: 2670 mm

Ground clearance: 480 mm*

Approximate weight: From 6100 kg

Steering angle waist: 45°

Steering angle front axle: 30°

Engine
Cat C2.2 DITAAC EU Stage V

Power: 55.4 kW

Torque: 270 Nm@1600 rpm

Fuel tank: 65l +(60l)

Faucet and unit
Faucet: Mowi P50 

Range: 6.4 m

Lifting torque: 43 kN

Faucet tilt: +/- 15°

Aggregate: Keto 42, kapdia max 42cm, 18" blade. Color marking (1 color).

Cab
ISO tested, ROPS, OPS, FOPS

Sound level: 70 dBA

Climate system: AC

Palettes: CAN-controlled with 7-button crane levers

Hydraulic system

Load-sensing pump with power regulation

Pressure: 25-260 bar
Flow: 137l/min at 1900 rpm

Dasa Forester Application system
Machine display 12.1"

Transmission

Hydrostatic mechanical

Gear 1: 0-9 km/h

Gear 2: 0-18 km/h

Traction force: 75 kN

Diff lock front axle

Diff lock rear axle

*May vary with equipment