First forestry crane with Hiab HiVision

Hiab has delivered its first Loglift forestry crane controlled using the camera-based HiVision remote control system.

The operator can work from inside the truck cab where the view of operations is provided by wearing virtual reality goggles displaying a feed from four cameras. The cameras on the top of the crane give the operator a 270-degree view of the working area.

Long-standing customer Ackestens Åkeri in Sweden bought the system to go on its new Scania truck. Johan Ackesten, owner and founder, said, “We have always been eager to try new things in our business. We were one of the first companies in this business in our area to buy a cabin-equipped forestry crane in the 1990s. When we saw and tested HiVision last year, it was quite obvious for us to go for this innovative solution. Also, my sons working with me in the company were very eager to acquire the next generation forestry crane,” Ackesten continued. 

Ackesten said he chose HiVision for reasons of safety, ergonomics and better economy. “Climbing into the cabin especially in harsh weather conditions can be dangerous. There is no need to do that anymore. Also, our customers in the forest industry appreciate that we can load more timber when we save on the weight of the cabin.”

Further deliveries of HiVision start elsewhere in Europe and in Japanbefore the end of the first quarter of 2017, Hiab said.