NEW: Woodcracker® CS545 compact – Another powerhouse for small excavators!

The Upper Austrian company WESTTECH Maschinenbau GmbH is well-known for its innovations in the forestry machinery sector and unveiled another machine innovation at the end of last year: a smaller version of the grapple saw for excavators – the Woodcracker® CS545 compact.

The Woodcracker® compact machine series comprises two different sizes and is specifically designed for intelligent attachment to excavators. Its applications are highly versatile, including problem tree felling, safe removal of trees in sections, or maintenance work along transportation routes and utility corridors.

The new Woodcracker® CS545 compact is designed for carrier vehicles weighing between 8 to 15 tons, suitable for smaller excavators compared to the larger Woodcracker® CS610 compact, which is mounted on 15 to 20-ton excavators. The cutting diameter of the smaller CS compact is 54 cm, with a weight ranging from 610 kg (basic version) to 780 kg (fully equipped).

The centerpiece of this machine series, the saw box, has a unique feature: it is spring-loaded, preventing the saw from getting jammed during cutting and avoiding bending of the saw blade. Additionally, an automatic chain tensioner is installed to keep the saw chain at the correct tension, ensuring that the work process is not interrupted by a loose chain.

The saw chain is lubricated with grease instead of oil, preventing the disc from becoming contaminated by oil mist and keeping the driver’s cabin clean. Moreover, grease stays on the chain much longer, making it more economical and longer-lasting.

Special attention was paid during the development of the new grapple saw to ensure a powerful grip and large gripping volume. This ensures secure handling of the cut material during the cutting process.

Like all machines from Woodcracker®, the Woodcracker® CS545 compact is made of high-strength Hardox® steel and is low-maintenance and wear-resistant.