Forest Products Industry

International Forest Industries (IFI) takes a closer look at the Log Max 6000V Top Saw, a next-generation harvester head designed to improve productivity, measurement accuracy and operational control in modern forestry operations.

Developed for both wheeled and tracked harvesters, the Log Max 6000V Top Saw introduces several engineering refinements aimed at operators working in demanding harvesting conditions – including steep terrain, heavy branching and large-diameter timber.

Tilt Control for complex harvesting environments

One of the defining features of the Log Max 6000V Top Saw is its new Tilt Control system, which allows operators to lock the felling link and position the harvester head at a precise angle during processing.

This added control is particularly valuable when working in:

• Dense crowns with thick branching

• Steep or uneven terrain

• Situations requiring controlled processing of the upper stem

By improving head positioning, Tilt Control helps maintain smoother processing flow and reduces unnecessary stress on both machine and operator.

Optimised saw box design for larger timber

The 6000V Top Saw features a redesigned and extended saw box geometry, now capable of accommodating saw bars up to 90 cm. The repositioned saw unit enables the head to process trees with larger root structures while maintaining stability and cutting performance.

Additional protective elements – including a reinforced root bone plate – help extend chain and bar life, reducing downtime and maintenance requirements in high-output operations.

The maximum cutting diameter reaches approximately 78-80 cm, making the unit well suited for high-volume harvesting applications across logging, biomass and sawmill supply chains.

Improved length measurement accuracy

Accurate measurement is critical in modern forestry, and Log Max has focused heavily on improving this area in the 6000V platform.

Updates include:

• Reinforced measuring wheel arm and attachment

• Improved hydraulic circuit design

• Revised measuring wheel cylinder geometry

Together, these changes allow the measuring system to follow the stem contour more precisely, delivering improved length accuracy and reducing costly measurement errors during processing.

Robust saw unit and service-friendly design

The Log Max 6000V Top Saw is equipped with dual 318 MK2 saw units, featuring durable materials and thoughtful serviceability improvements. New forward-positioned grease points allow lubrication even when the head is tilted, improving safety and reducing maintenance time.

Other enhancements include:

• Reinforced bar holder with Hardox 450 material

• Improved sealing to prevent dust and debris ingress

• Simplified safety shaft design replacing traditional safety chains

These refinements are designed to maximise uptime while maintaining long-term durability in demanding forestry environments.

Designed for productivity, sustainability and precision

Underpinning the 6000V Top Saw is Log Max’s Active Friction Control (AFC) system, which optimises feed force to minimise friction and unnecessary wear. By reducing excess pressure during processing, AFC helps improve timber quality, lower operating costs and support more efficient use of energy.

Combined with the Log Mate 510 control system – compliant with StanForD 2010 standards – the 6000V Top Saw integrates seamlessly into modern forestry data and optimisation workflows.

Availability and applications

The Log Max 6000V Top Saw is suitable for a wide range of harvesting operations, including:

• Commercial logging

• Biomass harvesting

• Sawmill supply operations

• Large-diameter timber processing

The unit is scheduled for availability from Q1 2026.

(Video content below showcases the Log Max 6000V Top Saw in operation and highlights key design features and performance benefits.)

The post Log Max 6000V Top Saw: Tilt Control Technology Redefining High-Productivity Forestry Harvesting appeared first on International Forest Industries.