FTG recently presented a series of new grapple loaders called M41T and M51T. The difference compared to the earlier models, M40 and M50, is that the new loaders have longer reach and more slewing torque. Both loaders also have more lifting torque meaning that they lift just as much on full length as the shorter predecessors, but more at shorter distances. 
Moheda M41T & M51T – a sneak peek
The sister site Skogsforum.se had a sneak peek at a test rig that had been operated a few months by a contractor within forestry & garden, “Magnus’ Trädvård” (Magnus’ Tree care). The owner of the company, Magnus Jonsson, uses tractor, log trailer/grapple loader and chainsaw in his daily business. He gets more and more jobs in private gardens where the Valtra A83 and the Moheda 10-ton log trailer are a perfect combination. Smooth enough to maneuver and fast enough for transporting material (brush, logs, etc.) on the road.
More slewing torque makes a difference
According to Magnus there is a clear difference in slewing torque compared to the old models. When Skogsforum visited him, he pulled down some windthrown trees that were stuck in other trees and here you could see the power in the new loader. The M41T has approx. 30 % more slewing power that the M40 and the larger M51T has 60 % more than the predecessor M50.
The grapple loader that Magnus is using, and that you can see on the photos and film in this article, is the smaller M41T model. The larger M51T, that will be around soon, has a modified telescope boom of a similar type as on forwarder cranes.
Figures about M41T and M51T grapple loaders
M41T
Reach (meters) 6,9
Lifting torque (kNm) 43
Lifting capacity at max reach (kg) 450
Lifting capacity at 4 meters (kg) 900
Slewing torque (kNm) 11
Slewing angle 360
Rec. oil flow (l/min) 35 – 50
Weight excl. grapple and rotator (kg) 720
M51T
Reach (meters) 7,5
Lifting torque (kNm) 55
Lifting capacity at max reach (kg) 500
Lifting capacity at 4 meters (kg) 1100
Slewing torque (kNm) 16
Slewing angle 360
Rec. oil flow (l/min) 40 – 60
Weight excl. grapple and rotator (kg) 1080
Film and photos
Here is a film from the visit:
and here are a couple of more photos:
This is a summary of an article signed Torbjörn Johnsen at Skogsforum.se.
Film and photos: Torbjörn Johnsen
