LOGGING
FORWARDER
SIMULATOR
PC-Based Equipment Simulators: Cost-Effective Hands-On Training Tools
The Forwarder Personal Simulator software puts you at the controls of a typical forwarder equipped with an articulated boom, telescoping extension, and free-swinging grapple attachment. You can even change the viewpoint during the simulation at the touch of a button.
You can either use your own PC or choose the convenience of our PC bundle with the Simlog software already installed, licensed, and ready to go in English or French.
Add a big screen display for “life size” graphics, and quality speakers for the audio feedback.
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LOGGING FORWARDER SIMULATOR
Module 1: Grapple Control 1
The objective of this module is to learn to control the movements of the boom and grapple attachment by picking up logs on the ground (forest floor) and then placing them, with care, within a target on the ground.
Module 3: Log Loading 1
The objective of this module is to improve the control of the movements of the boom and grapple attachment by loading logs into the forwarder’s cradle from a single log pile without disturbing surrounding small branches (“brushl”).
Module 6: Log Unloading 2
The objective of this module is to improve the control of the movements of the boom and grapple attachment by unloading logs from the forwarder cradle and adding them to logs already piled on the ground.
Logging Forwarder Software Description
Six (6) Simulation Modules of increasing level of difficulty begin by teaching basic skills and coordination in early exercises such as “Grapple Control” and “Log Loading 1”. Later Simulation Modules culminate skills training with advanced productivity exercises such as “Log Unloading 1 and 2.”
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Simulation Modules
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Grapple Control 1
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Grapple Control 2
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Log Loading 1
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Log Loading 2
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Log Unloading 1
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Log Unloading 2
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Key Features
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Highly realistic simulation graphics and physics
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6 Simulation Modules of increasing difficulty
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9 unique Performance Indicators to comprehensively evaluate the simulated work
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Many kinds of USB-ready simulator controls and mounting options
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Functionality to slow down, speed up, or reverse control functions
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Viewpoints from inside and outside the cabin
Tracking Results
Key Performance Indicators measure how quickly and how carefully the simulated work is performed, including log loading and unloading times, errors in log positioning and orientation, and the number of collisions between the grapple and the forwarder cradle (and pickets). In this way, the feedback is diagnostic, instead of just a consolidated pass/fail score.
Simulation results are automatically saved on the PC, along with data about any procedure and fatal errors. To simplify record keeping, a database product called Simulation Manager is available; the same database can be used with all of the simulators VISTA sells.
Software Pricing
Please contact us for pricing of a commercial software license for the forwarder simulator (in English or French). Small accidents due to inexperience can cost thousands of dollars in replacement parts and downtime, far in excess of your investment in this training tool. This priceless investment in the health and productivity of your workers represents an excellent training value and improves operator safety.
Logging Forwarder Simulator Controls
These Replica Controls from Simlog feature industrial strength components. There are a total of 8 push-buttons for the thumb, plus a trigger (not shown). The USB electronics are built right into the base.
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The controls are multi-purpose, so they can be used with the Hydraulic Excavator, Bulldozer, Wheel Loader, Mobile Crane, Tower Crane, Forklift, Harvester, Forwarder, and Drill Jumbo Personal Simulators. This means that if you are a customer, you may be able to re-use the Replica Controls that you already have.
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Replica Controls
Possible Setups
Custom Travel Cases for Replica Controls
For all setups, Simlog's Custom Travel Case makes transportation easy.
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Key Features
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Made-to-measure, with dedicated slots for levers, joysticks, pedals, steering wheel, and table-top mounting brackets
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Space for a laptop PC, cables, and documentation
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Pull-out handle, with multiple positions
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Wheels (casters)
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Cases are "stackable," for easy transport.
Specifications
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Overall dimensions: 30 (76cm) x 24 (61cm) x 19 (50cm)
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Approximate weight: 50 lbs. (23 kg) when empty, up to 100 lbs. (46 kg) when full (depending upon the Replica Controls.)
Operator Chair
Simlog’s Operator Chair with industrial controls is a cost-effective way to train forwarder operators with our Forwarder simulation software in a safe and realistic environment.
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Compared to Replica Controls with Tabletop Mounting Brackets, Simlog’s Operator Chair offers a superior simulation experience, thanks to an authentic operator seat with consoles for the left and right hands, mounted on an industrial platform with casters, for easy portability.
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The Operator Chair is configured with Simlog’s Multi-Function Replica Controls consisting of USB-ready industrial joysticks that provide easy connectivity. The joysticks feature 8 push-buttons, plus a trigger, and are designed for use with many Simlog simulators. But if you already have a Simlog Operator Chair that you are using with some other Personal Simulator, then you may be able to re-configure that Operator Chair by purchasing additional elements.
Possible Setups
Key Features
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Authentic industrial operator seat, with air suspension, and seat-belt
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Adjustable seat position (forward/backwards, three vertical positions)
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Adjustable armrests (in height and angle)
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Integrated left and right consoles for joystick controls
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Full steering column with pivot and telescope capabilities
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Fully functional industrial style pedals
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Steel platform with heavy-duty casters for easy portability
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Specifications
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Overall Dimensions: L 60” (152.4 cm) x W 30” (76.2 cm) x H 47” (119.4 cm)
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Weight: 385 lbs. (175 kg)
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Shipping Dimensions: 67″ (170.2 cm) x 43″ (109.2 cm) x 44″ (118.8 cm)
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Shipping Weight: approximately 550 lbs. (250 kg) One unit per skid, not stackable
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120 VAC/60 Hz, 220-240VAC/50 Hz
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Vibration System
Vibration increases the realism of our Personal Simulators by adding physical (tactile) feedback to the audio and visual, making the experience more “immersive” at little additional cost, especially when compared to a motion platform.
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The vibration that you feel is generated from the simulation software’s audio system as things happen. Engine idling, collisions with obstacles, digging virtual terrain, etc. can all be seen, heard and experienced! Adding vibration improves the realism of the simulation and makes the simulator-based training more compelling, encouraging trainees to be more serious and learn more carefully.
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For our Operator Chairs, Simlog offers a vibration system that includes the “ButtKicker Simulation Kit” plus special mounting for the operator seat. The “ButtKicker” is a low-frequency sound transducer equipped with its own amplifier and “volume” controller to change the “force” of the vibration created by the simulation software sounds.