This document serves as an instruction manual for Uniforest Forestry Winches, specifically models 35M and 40eco. It provides comprehensive guidance on the safe operation, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance of these machines.
Function Description
The Uniforest Forestry Winch is a modern forestry machine designed for towing cut-down timber from the forest and for timber ramping. Its construction facilitates effective and safe work in forestry environments. The winch utilizes a wire rope to tow timber to a ploughing attachment, where it is then secured to grooves on the winch housing with forestry chains. This allows for the transport of timber to locations accessible by other transport means. The winch consists of a welded housing, a drive mechanism, a clutch, a drum with wire rope, a brake, and a diverting pulley, all working in conjunction to provide the necessary pulling force.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual details key technical specifications for both the 35M and 40eco models:
| Specification |
Unit |
35M |
40eco |
| Work group |
EM |
1 |
1.2 |
| Towing force |
kN |
35 |
40 |
| Brake force |
kN |
37.5 |
50 |
| Wire rope medium speed |
m/s |
0.90 |
0.90 |
| Wire rope maximum length |
mm/m |
8/115 |
8/115 |
| Wire rope length (serial) |
mm/m |
10/70 |
11/60 |
| Tractor required power |
kW |
22-35 |
25-35 |
|
PS |
30-48 |
34-48 |
| Calculated tear force |
kN |
70 |
80 |
| Rated strength |
N/mm2 |
70 |
80 |
| Width |
mm |
1200 |
1400 |
| Length |
mm |
450 |
470 |
| Height without protective net |
mm |
1160 |
1160 |
| Height with protective net |
mm |
2000 |
2000 |
| Weight (without wire rope) |
kg |
245 |
235 |
| Power take-off RPM |
min-1 |
max 540 |
max 540 |
The winch requires a tractor PTO shaft with a maximum of 540 RPM and a three-point hitch of Category I or II. For the 35M, a PTO shaft with a torque max of 355 Nm (type W 200E Walterscheid) is recommended, while for the 40eco, a torque max of 500 Nm (type W 300E Walterscheid) is suggested.
Usage Features
The manual emphasizes safe operation, outlining several critical instructions:
- General Safety: Adherence to all general safety and accident prevention regulations is paramount. Only persons over 18, trained and knowledgeable about potential dangers, are permitted to operate the winch. Personal protective equipment (helmet, gloves, appropriate footwear) must be worn.
- Pre-operation Checks: Before each use or at least daily, the winch must be visually inspected for defects, which should be rectified by an expert. An expert examination is also required before first use, after significant alterations, and at least once a year.
- Tractor Connection: The winch connects to any tractor with a three-point hitch (Category I or II). The PTO shaft length must be adjusted correctly, and the cardan protection secured. The winch should be tilted backward by approximately 20 degrees after attachment.
- Wire Rope Handling: The steel rope must be completely unwound before first use and then wound back onto the drum under load to prevent damage. A minimum of 3 rope wraps must always remain on the drum. Damaged wire ropes must be replaced immediately.
- Operation Control: The winch is operated by lowering it to the ground, engaging the hand brake, and then using the winch controller. The operator must continuously observe the load during towing. Communication between the tractor driver and assistant is crucial.
- Danger Zones: It is strictly forbidden to stand in the danger area between the tractor and the winch, next to the tree being pulled, or within the triangular danger area when using a relay pulley. Riding on the winch during transport is not allowed.
- Prohibited Actions: Removing safety devices, using the winch for unintended purposes (e.g., lifting loads), pulling the red brake rope during towing, or lifting the hydraulic lever system during towing are all prohibited.
- Cardan Shaft Safety: Only manufacturer-recommended cardan shafts with intact protection pipes and funnels should be used. Connection/disconnection must only occur when the cardan attachment is off, the engine is stopped, and the ignition key is removed. The cardan shaft must be properly mounted, protected, and secured against rotation with a chain.
- Clutch and Brake Settings: The clutch ensures optimal pulling force and is factory-set but requires readjustment due to friction coating wear (though not during the warranty period). The preliminary brake prevents the wire rope from unwinding too easily, and the main brake is set via a nut to ensure sufficient braking force without hindering rope unwinding.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is essential for the winch's longevity and safe operation:
- Lubrication: Before any maintenance, the engine must be shut off, the key removed, and all moving parts allowed to stop. There are grease fittings on the upper pulley, guide, and lower pulley housing, requiring lubrication every 60 hours of operation. Non-frequent greasing can lead to wear and defects not covered by warranty.
- Drive Chain Lubrication: The drive chain must be lubricated every 100 hours with chain spray or special high-temperature grease. The PTO shaft protection must be removed for lubrication.
- Clutch Protection: It is crucial to prevent grease from contacting the clutch's friction coating, as this drastically reduces towing force and necessitates clutch blade replacement, which is not covered by warranty.
- Drive Chain Tensioning: The drive chain stretches over time and must be checked and tensioned every 60 hours. This involves loosening bolts on the drive housing, tightening a nut until the chain has minimal oscillation, and then re-tightening the bolts.
- Wire Rope Assembly: When assembling the wire rope, the protective net and drum cover must be removed. The rope is inserted into the guide of the upper pulley, directed to the rope drum, secured with a bolt, and then wound strongly according to the towing procedure.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common malfunctions such as insufficient pulling force, insufficient brake force, and difficulty unwinding the wire rope. Solutions range from replacing clutches and brake belts to adjusting settings and contacting service companies.
The document concludes with an EC Declaration of Conformity, affirming that the Uniforest winches comply with Directive 2006/42/EC and relevant harmonized standards.
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