The New Automated swingblade

NZJake · June 23, 2005, 03:51:54 AM

Well here it is... If you guys were wondering why I hadn't been around lately, this is what I've been up to. Refining our ASM. Lots and lots of improvements (around 150kg lighter, almost the same weight as our manual machines)! Captain, you'll probably recognise alot of the improvements.

The fieldays interest was just great. Some of the little improvements are faster blade pivot/horizontal setworks/up down and feed speed. She's tweeked for the shootout next year 8).

Brownie was out cutting up a two metre diameter log with it today, maybe he'll get some pics uploaded on this thread.

Here's some before and after pics of the unit.

BEFORE

AFTER

These little logs were lasting 5mins each.

JimBuis · June 23, 2005, 06:21:34 AM

Okay, I've got to be the first to ask. ;D When will they be available in the U.S. and any ballpark idea of the price? ??? I have been hanging around here on the forum and keep asking questions, but haven't bought a mill yet. Certainly Peterson is on my shortlist. ;) Is there any possibility that you will be adding more information on your website such as longer videos? If not, do you have a longer video available that I can order?

Thanks,
Jim

crtreedude · June 23, 2005, 06:30:38 AM

And if this one is as light as the portables - that would make me think you are lightening up the portables too?

I still think you need to send one gratis to me and I'll test it really good for you - I send it back in a few years....

Captain · June 23, 2005, 07:04:45 AM

Hey guys, the ASM is available in the United States. (New reduced pricing to be finalized) In fact, we're closing a monetary deal on one tomorrow. You can request more information and a video on the website (that is being revised VERY SOON) or you can just IM me and I'll get it to you.

Move over CRTREEDUDE, the Captain is first :D

Captain

Fla._Deadheader · June 23, 2005, 07:06:58 AM

I just wanna know if that there ASM has 2 engines on it ????????????

crtreedude · June 23, 2005, 07:20:58 AM

Hey Captain,

I am a virgin market - what is your excuse. ;D

Captain · June 23, 2005, 07:30:27 AM

Yes, 2 engines. Always has....

No excuses CR, I'm just selfish

Captain

Ianab · June 23, 2005, 07:34:42 AM

Quote from: Fla._Deadheader on June 23, 2005, 07:06:58 AM

I just wanna know if that there ASM has 2 engines on it ????????????

Yup, 2 engines
The normal engine on the carriage driving the blade, and a little one down by the operators feet that moves the carriage. All the other functions are done with electric motors.

I've had a brief play with it... it's a sweet machine

Ian

crtreedude · June 23, 2005, 07:41:35 AM

The truth is that I am going to let Harold have all the fun cutting wood - I am waaaay too busy to play, as much as I want to. In a few more years I might purchase one, but currently I keep buying land. Jungle is fun too... 8)

Of course if Jake wants to send me one to test I am more than willing to accept it. ;D

Fla._Deadheader · June 23, 2005, 07:45:12 AM

Hmmmmm, 2 engines ?????????????????????

Seems like a lot of extra weight to haul around ???????????

According to the pics, just how portable IS the ASM ????????

Looks like a lot of stuff to move ????????????

Maybe I'm being too picky ???????????????

;D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Captain · June 23, 2005, 07:55:15 AM

It is truly not as portable as the Manual models....and the parts are heavier. Although I have setup and torn down by myself, it is easier with 2 people when placing the high track.

I would LOVE to have one setup in a saw shed here, and save the WPF for going portable...

Captain

Fla._Deadheader · June 23, 2005, 08:02:31 AM

OK, gotta go do some Machining. ;) ;D :D

Ianab · June 23, 2005, 07:02:35 PM

The new ASM is more portable than the original. It's lighter which helps, but a bit of clever thought has gone into how it dismantles. Less connectors to unhook, and the rails hinge in two places (where the support poles fit).

The 2nd engine is just a little (4hp?) lawnmower sized unit. All it does is power the carriage along the rails, which you would normally do by hand anyway. It does seem a good solution to the problem of bringing electrical or hydralic power from the main engine or running the drive from the powerhead. There is only a light control cable running from the frame to the carriage, no heavy power cable at all.

At the show the guys moved the saw from one side of the display to the other, took about 15 mins. It's not quite as portable as a low- low WPF setup, but moving it doesn't seem to be a drama.

Cheers

Ian

NZJake · June 24, 2005, 01:11:05 AM

Went out and did some weighing today, maybe some interesting info for some?

I've put togather a comparitive weight comparison between the standard WPF vs the new ASM (same model comparisons).

WPF kgs ASM kgs

Main carriage and transport wheels 230 238

Track 1 51 58

Track2 51 58

Upright operators end 10 40

Upright other end 10 7

Skid operators end 12 24

Skid other end 12 10

Low track leveller foot 5 5

High track centre support 10 10

Extra high track centre support(optional) 10

9m 12 core lead wire 1

Remote control station 2

Drive shaft link 5

Complete weight of the WPF...391kgs
Complete weight of the ASM...468kgs

So in actual fact the ASM only ways 77kg more then the push mills. That extra weight comes from the operators upright (5.5hp honda and transmission) and the operators skid + cover. Captain, she's 'alot' lighter than the machine you would have demonstrated.

Captain's right that the ASM takes a little longer to set up (10 bolts to tighten up). The reason is that the fastening of this mill requires regidity (the manual machines use quick release star knobs etc).

Cheers.

NZJake · June 24, 2005, 01:25:10 AM

To answer your guys's questions...

We will have a new website up and running in the next couple of weeks with lots of new features and information.

The ASM is available in the US at the moment.

We have a much longer video of the older type ASM available right now (should give you an idea of it's production capabillity). Just call the factory.

Or manual mills have really been simplified in weight over the years so they will remain the same.

Kerris will have the US prices sorted next week, just give her or one of the guys a call.

Wife · June 24, 2005, 04:46:25 AM

Finished that log 8)
it had quite the taper at one end unfortuntly. But we did get some very nice clears from it.
It did take a bit longer than we thought as we had to "alter" the log so that the frame would fit around the thing as to have room for the mill to travel up and down( It was 6'8" high and 7'5" wide at the large end). Anyhow after 2 hours of sawing (with the mill) and 2 hours of sawing (with the chainsaw) we managed to produce 1700bf of prime timber.
The bark must have been 6" thick in some places and made the saw work a bit. I'll post some pics when I get more time.And from Jakes wieghts, 2.2 pounds to a kilogram if ya need to convert. :D

crtreedude · June 24, 2005, 08:01:20 AM

Nah, we don't need no stinking conversion down here - but I think Harold does. ;D

Pretty nice looking mill. Jake, everytime you show me these things the CFO gets mad at you...