Falcon Winch Assists – Build choices for all steep-slope loggers

Since 2013, DC Equipment have been the manufacturers of Falcon Winch Assists and during that time, a lot has changed. Now on to their 4^th Generation Winch Assist which has upgraded hydraulic system and features a ‘dual mode’ for wheeled and tracked downhill machines, DC Equipment have provided a range of methods to ensure that steep slope logging remains safe through accessible solutions to everyone.

We take a look at how successful logger across New Zealand are finding ways to keep their operation gaining traction.

New base machine builds

With Winch Assist builds done over almost all mainstream OEM base manufacturers including Sany, Caterpillar, Volvo, Komatsu, Doosan, John Deere, Hitachi, Hyundai and Sumitomo. You’re able to source your own machine or we can find one for you. The main benefits of a new build are eliminating any risk of downtime through the warranty support and reliability of new machines. It’s also useful for standardising fleets , consolidating servicing costs and operators being comfortable with machines if base machines can be the same or similar models.

Contractor supplied base machines

For contractors who have an existing machine in their crew which isn’t fully utilised or are investing in a winch assist for mainly it’s winch function, supplying DC Equipment with a second-hand base machine is an excellent way to get all the benefits of a winch in a cost-effective way. As part of the process with contractor supplied base machines, we work with you to ensure it will be suitable as a Falcon Winch Assist as there are minimum requirements such as base machine weight and hydraulic flow rates.

Leasing & Partner financed

For contractors who are starting out, have other priorities for their capital or would like utilise winch assisting in their operation for a short term, leasing is an excellent way to get access to the Falcon Winch Assist through finance partners such as TDF Solutions. With most leasing options, customisation and special requirements can often be accommodated so you don’t have to compromise on the machine you need. If this is something you’re interested, reach out and we can point you in the right direction.

Upgrades and added extras

In addition to making Falcon Winch Assists accessible to all contractors, we understand the importance of having a machine that is versatile. With a excavator base and the bucket still attached, small earthwork tasks and swapping out attachments are quick and efficient. Further to the machine itself, the following are also part of the Falcon Winch Assist.

* - Additional Extra

Dual Mode

Skidders and Forwarders can often be the go-to extraction method for ground-based crews and with that is the pressure to maintain high payloads and quicker cycles times. Dual mode intuitively changes the modes depending on if a wheeled machine or a tracked machine is recognized. The Dual mode changes are done through established communications between the tethered end and the winch end. The end result of the Dual mode is preserved skidder/Forwarder tracks from rutting larger payloads and ease of operation without hands-on operator management.

WATCH: Wild Hog Logging (Gisborne, NZ) felling and skidding with their Falcon Winch Assist

Guarding

Let’s face it, forestry isn’t the easiest environments for machines and operators so guarding and protection are highly important. We can provide additional guarding to preserve your investment and keep your team safe. 

Certified Rails*

With forest management companies advising contractors for certified rails installed due to increasing health and safety awareness, we can add them on as part of the build resulting in a approved machine from day one and no stress about compliance checks.

Plumbed/quick hitches & other features*

For added versatility we also can add a range of further features to ensure your valuable time in the forest is being maximised. Ask us about some of the added extras that are popular for loggers across New Zealand.