The Kokhanovsky Excavator Plant has released a prototype tracked harvester

While the prototype is being mastered in the forest, the Kokhanovo machine builders are conquering markets in near and far abroad.

The logging machine was developed by specialists of the "Amkodor" holding, which includes the Kokhanovo plant, in cooperation with Chinese and Finnish partners. It is designed for felling trees, delimbing, and bucking in the most difficult conditions of rugged terrain and complex relief, and has increased maneuverability and stability even on steep slopes.

In fact, it is a well-known Kokhanovo excavator, created jointly with the Chinese company Sinomach, which is equipped with additional hydraulic lines, electrical equipment, sensors, and the control cabin is adapted for new functions. The machine is equipped with a Kesla RH28 harvester head with a roller opening diameter of up to 700 mm and an economical engine with a capacity of 178 hp.

According to the enterprise director Andrey Yarotsky, the harvester prototype is undergoing tests in real operating conditions at the forestry enterprises of the Gomel, Vitebsk, and Minsk regions. So far, there have been no breakdowns, no non-conformities have been identified, and the testing phase will last until the end of the current year, after which the enterprise will be ready to meet the demand from the real sector of the economy for these products.

– This is a new line of machines for the timber industry complex, which will complement the range of wheeled harvester equipment already produced by the enterprises of the "Amkodor" holding, and will help the Kokhanovo plant diversify its excavator production, – noted Andrey Yarotsky.

The demand for such equipment, especially in Russia, is very high. For example, the estimated demand of the Russian market for such machines is at least a thousand units per year.

Logistics companies' dealers are awaiting the completion of trials and are already lining up for the new product. Meanwhile, the traditional excavator equipment from Kokhanovo machine builders is successfully penetrating foreign markets. In December 2017, the enterprise began deliveries to Uzbekistan, and today a contract for 10 machines is being implemented.

– The Uzbek market requires modifications to the hydraulics and cooling system for adaptation to operating conditions, so our specialists are working there, interacting with clients, including training local workers, – explained Andrey Yarotsky.

Recently, a delegation from Georgia visited the enterprise, where Kokhanovo machine builders supplied 4 machines several years ago.

– Since then, not a single signal, not a single feedback has come from there, we were already worried, and now it turns out that our equipment is working without any remarks and is very well-liked. So, following the visit, a contract has been prepared for the supply of 10 EO-3223 crawler excavators to Georgia, and in the future, partners are ready to purchase up to 100 such machines, – shared Andrey Yarotsky. – It will only be necessary to make modifications – to additionally attach a cleaning bucket with a cutting edge for trimming reeds.

Since the plant is part of the "Amkodor" machine-building holding, the promotion of products to foreign markets is carried out centrally through the management company. Where there are "Amkodor" dealer centers, excavators from the Tolochnsky district can be found. Recently, buyers from Bangladesh became interested in the 15-ton models.

The main thing is to ensure a good price-quality ratio of the products, and Kokhanovo excavators perfectly fit this market requirement, is confident Andrey Yarotsky.

SERGEY ANTONOV, "Vitebskiye vesti", photos from open sources. For illustrative purposes.