Forestry & Energy Review - Vol 1 Issue 2 Autumn/Winter 2012

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CURRENT THREATS TO FOREST HEALTH

WHERE DOES THE VALUE LIE IN FORESTRY

TIMBERWOLF LAUNCHES SX200 SHREDDER

>> SEE PAGE 18

>> SEE PAGE 24

>> SEE PAGE 29

Forestry&Energy Volume 1 Issue 2 Autumn/Winter 2012 Price £2.95 (Stg)(UK Edition)

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APF 2012, RAGLEY ESTATE,WARWICKSHIRE, SEPTEMBER 13th–15th, 2012

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Foreword/Contents/Credits

Forestry&Energy R E V I E W

Volume 1 Issue 2 Autumn/Winter 2012

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Foreword

16 APF 2012

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elcome to the 2nd UK Edition of Forestry and Energy Review Magazine.

This issue will cover a selection of key topics which include the valuation of forestry and prices being achieved.All sectors have experienced market growth however the most significant performance has been in the prime Sitka Spruce plantations,where we have probably seen the doubling of freehold values over the last two to three year period.

This is due to a number of factors. In uncertain recessionary times forestry is viewed as a long term safe haven investment for investors such as pension funds.

Also there is the influence in the supply chain of biomass where wood that was once seen as waste now has a significant value. James Adamson MRICS of Scottish Woodlands Ltd explores the above thoroughly later in the edition.

Dr Freia Bladon of Sparsholt College outlines the current threats to Forest Health in the UK which are numerous and need to be taken very seriously.

The effect of outbreaks can have devastating effects on stands of trees. Dr Bladon gives details on how to identify an outbreak and it is incumbent on all involved to be vigilant in dealing with the various threats.

The final countdown to the APF Show is finally on.Many of the new products which will be displayed are previewed in the following pages. Once again Ian Millward and his team have brought together a huge number of events and stands which will both educate and entertain those who attend. See page 16 &17 for details.

We would like to thank the many people that helped bring this publication together to whom we are very grateful and we trust you will enjoy reading this new publication which will aim to provide a voice for the Forestry and Energy sectors.

You can also download this publication electronically to your computer, iPad and smartphone.

Features The UK's largest Forestry and Woodland Exhibition takes place at Ragley Estate, Alcester,Warwickshire between September 13th–15th, 2012.

18 CURRENTTHREATS TO FOREST HEALTH UK forests, trees and woodlands currently face an unprecedented level of risk from a range of non–native pests and diseases, writes Dr Freia Bladon PhD MSc BSc (Hons), Sparsholt College, Hampshire.

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24 WHERE DOES THE VALUE IN FORESTRY LIE? The last decade has seen interesting changes in the freehold valuation of commercial forestry. James Adamson (MRICS), Investment Manager with Scottish Woodlands Ltd looks at the current state of play.

Profiles 5 BE-GE – LEADING SEATING SUPPLIER IN THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY

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The Be-Ge 3000 seat is specified in leading forestry machine OEM's as their high end option seat.

14 BIOEQUIPMENT LTD Bioequipment Ltd supplies the forestry and bioenergy industries with complete equipment and machinery resources and has a team of individuals with over 50 years experience.

29 TIMBERWOLF LAUNCHES BRAND NEW MACHINE TO MARKET SX200 Timberwolf,the UK's leading chip and shred Manufacturer, is delighted to announce the arrival of their brand new product, the SX200 Shredder.

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Until the next time………

The Publishers Forestry & Energy Review Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Enquiries: Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

Contributors: Dr Freia Bladon PhD MSc BSc (Hons) Lecturer in Forestry and Arboriculture, Sparsholt College, Hampshire James Adamson (MRICS), Investment Manager, Scottish Woodlands Ltd

Published by: Select Media Ltd, 19 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Fax. + 353 1 6624981 Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Forestry and Energy Review 2012 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR... www.aspenfuels.co.uk

here used to be a time when people in the agricultural industry valves and pistons cleaner, which gives the had no choice but to bear the horrible emissions that their engine a longer service life and greater tools created.These times are now over with the introduction operational reliability. of the Aspen fuel range; an alkylate petrol which contains no benzene, For more information about Aspen sulphur or solvents – all of which are plentiful in the normal fuel please contact Anders Hildebrand at (which most of you use) designed for cars. Users of Aspen no longer Anglo American Oil Company, 3 Holly experience headaches, sore throats and eyes or nausea and generally Close, Sandford, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7QE. feel much better at work from not having to breathe in these harmful T: 01929 555975 E: aspen@aaoil.co.uk or www.aspenfuels.co.uk chemicals.

Aspen isn’t only better for the user; because of the cleaner burning characteristics of the product it means that the engines of your machinery remain cleaner and require less servicing. Ordinary petrol deteriorates if it stored in containers or petrol tanks, which results in starting and operating problems.Aspen retains its quality meaning you can leave it in your machine for as long as you like without the risk of your carburettor getting clogged up.

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Aspen is available in 2 and 4 stroke versions: Aspen 2 is a practical, ready–mixed alkylate petrol for chainsaws, hedge trimmers, mopeds, lawn trimmers and other land–based 2–stroke engines. It also improves machine performance and ensures a longer service life.The cleaner petrol means, in turn, a cleaner engine with fewer deposits.

Aspen 4 is an alkylate petrol for lawnmowers, rotary cultivators, snow blowers, boats and other 4–stroke engines. It helps to keep

BE-GE FORESTRY SEAT’S – ARE YOU SITTING AND WORKING COMFORTABLY? www.be-ge.co.uk

ary Shaw, Be-Ge Seating UK’s General Manager explains.“When choosing a driver’s seat for your forestry machine, you want the best seat available, it’s your working office and you spend long hours working remotely in arduous environments” We are the World’s oldest manufacturer of suspended driver seats and our experience over the years has produced a seat that not only offers maximum comfort, but it’s also reliable and built to last.

Nothing makes me more proud of our company than seeing a 20 year old forestry machine with its original Be-Ge seat fitted and more importantly the fact that you can still get spares and replacement cushions from us for the seat.

We see the seat as the one unit in the vehicle that is the direct interface between the driver and the rest of the machine, the correct seat offers the most satisfaction from drivers in terms of operation, working functionality and comfort.

That’s why when you buy a seat from us, you buy “More than a Seat” it’s an occupational health tool, that will give you years of service backed up with aftersales support from a company that really is passionate about its products. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s APF show where we will be exhibiting our full range of Forestry seating solutions.

For further information contact: Be-Ge Seating UK Ltd Unit 3, The Fulcrum, Lows Lane, Stanton, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 4QU. Tel +44 844 8000558 Fax +44 844 8000559 Website: www.be-ge.co.uk

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

BE-GE – LEADING SEATING SUPPLIER IN THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY

www.be-ge.co.uk

ur Be-Ge 3000 seat is specified in leading forestry machine Also available is our 7000 seat which is a reinforced air suspended OEM’s as their high end option seat.This is to cater for the driver seat that has been tried and tested over many years in the growing demand especially from “owner operators” who Forestry industry. It is designed to withstand the most extreme see their vehicle as their “working office”, spending hours working forestry working environments. alone in remote forests, they request a luxury seat with excellent Our 7000 seat is equipped with stepless weight independent vibration properties and maximum comfort though out their height adjustment, it can also be specified with a pneumatic working day. system (+ / –).The controls for the quick air release for comfortable Our options list is endless to cater for even the most demanding entry and exit and the stepless height adjustment can be mounted customers and considering our seat can cost less than 0.5% of the on either side of the seat.This model can also be equipped with a total vehicle cost.The seat is the one unit in the vehicle that is the seat cushion extension, which provides easier adjustment of the direct interface between the driver and the rest of the machine, length of the seat in order to sit in the most ergonomical position.

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“When driving a complicated Forestry or Industrial machine where precision operations are vital, you need a steady hand to make accurate movements.We are pleased to offer In co-operation with our partners Sittab, all your controls at your fingertips” the correct seat offers the most satisfaction from drivers in terms The backrest is reinforced and 640 mm high. 3” lapbelt is supplied of operation, working functionality and comfort. as standard, options include our XSS foam for even more added Our Be-Ge 30-/31-series is our newest series of air suspended comfort for the driver. seats that offer maximum comfort combined with a heavy duty We can also offer as an option our Our HealthVib®inSeat indicating body vibration exposure in accordance with the EU Directives design and innovative solutions. The seat offers many settings 2002/44EG concerning vibrations in the workplace. options and flexible adjustment.You can, for example, choose For further information contact: Gary Shaw, Be-Ge Seating whether to locate the controls in front or to the right or left side.

Regarding our C & F range (Construction & Forestry), the seat has UK Ltd, Unit 3, The Fulcrum, Lows Lane, Stanton, Derbyshire, DE7 4QU. Tel: +44 115 989 8751. Mobile: 07834 977 975. been further adapted to handle demanding applications. For example, extra side support has been greatly increased to give the Fax +44 115 932 8204, email: garys@be-ge.co.uk Website www.be-ge.co.uk occupant more stable seating in rough terrain environments, also available If your vehicle does not have an air connection, a built in compressor is available as an option.

When driving a complicated Forestry or Industrial machine where precision operations are vital, you need a steady hand to make accurate movements.

We are pleased to offer In co-operation with our partners Sittab, all your controls at your fingertips.

Our Be-Ge Seats are also fully compatible with the Sittab range of 2 & 4 way isolator units keeping the driver in the same position no matter what the terrain.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS MARSHALL AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING www.marshalllogging.co.uk arshall Agricultural Engineering will be displaying and demonstrating a wide range of the products they distribute at the 2012 APF Exhibition at Ragley Hall. Firewood production machinery being demonstrated will include both Dalen and Binderberger machines including the 450 and 520 processors. Also on show will be a full line–up of Binderberger log splitters ranging from 6-40 tonnes splitting force,

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circular saw benches, and log handling grabs for both 3pt linkage and tractor loaders.

Binderberger now have a full line up of timber trailers with models from 5–16 tonnes capacity and a cranes from 4m reach to 9m reach.Alternative interchangeable bodies are available making them more versatile.

A hook loader version is now also being produced. Serra sawmills from Germany offer

ALBA TREES

quality, speed and accuracy as well as superior log handling systems.The new Serra SE135 sawmill will be on the stand.Visitors to the stand will also have the opportunity to see the excavator mounted Westtech tree shear in action. Other Westtech products being displayed will include both formats of Wood Cracker. Marshalls have been selling KRPan winches for the last three years and offer 3pt linkage winches from 3–9 tonne pull. Options include electro hydraulic controls and full radio remote control.

Krpan log splitters and saw benches are also available.Vahva Jussi trailers and cranes suitable for use with ATVs and compact tractors are becoming increasingly popular in situations where low environmental impact is important.

These are now available with a range of options and will be on the Marshall stand.

Other products include Eschlbock chippers, Dinasaw chain and bandsaw sharpeners, grabs and rorators and forestry tools.They will also be launching some new products at the APF, and look forward to welcoming customers old and new to their stand.

For further information contact: Marshall Agricultural Engineering.

Tel. 00 44(0)2820732700 or 0044 (0)1892770788

customers to secure an assured supply of quality trees. Native trees of local provenance and genetically improved trees are both available as forest owners become more interested in planting fast–growing trees for www.albatrees.co.uk lba Trees is expanding nursery production to meet a rapidly wood energy on shortened rotations of 10–20 years.Alba Trees consistently increasing demand from the energy sector. By concentrating secures seed from the highest quality stands including from the Future on growing cell–grown trees, Alba Trees is well–placed to Trees Trust, the UK’s premier hardwood tree breeding programme.

Being the sunniest place in Scotland, Alba Trees’East Lothian site ensures grasp the opportunity; cell grown trees establish better than bare root trees and can be planted all year, making them ideally suited to fantastic growth during the summer, whilst still being far enough north to fully harden the trees off over the winter.That is why Alba Trees the unpredictable British climate.

Many forest owners are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the reliably produces 8 million trees per year to a consistent quality.

For further information visit the website www.albatrees.co.uk correct provenance or genetic quality trees for their planting scheme. or email: sales@albatrees.co.uk Tel: 01 620 825058 That is why Alba Trees is taking orders for long term supply, allowing

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

MOBILE FIREWOOD PROCESSOR www.soermatp.com

he CFM400 mobile firewood processor is adaptable to most types of Wheeled loader (or other suitable item of mobile equipment i.e. skid steer). This versatile tool attaches via a quick coupler and allows the cutting and splitting of various sizes of round wood.

It offers excellent performance and can process a 5 metre length of round wood in less than 2 minutes (depending upon timber type).

Processing technique: 2 arms load the round wood into the machine.

Chain and studded roller advance the timber on the bed.The sections are sawn to the desired length. A hydraulic cylinder pushes the sawn section into a splitter to produce the logs. For increased throughput, it is possible to load multiple lengths at a time.

Specification: Length: 305 cm, Width: 109 cm, Height: 109 cm Weight 917 kg. Flow required: 75 lpm. Pressure: 193 bar. Power supply: 12 V. Round wood lengths: 1.80–5.00 metres. Round wood diameter: up to 46 cm. Log lengths: 20 cm–70 cm. Splitter: 4 or 6 way.

Videos of the machines in action can be viewed on the Soerma website www.soermatp.com At present, they are seeking dealers to promote their range of Forestry attachments within the UK and Republic of Ireland.

If interested, please contact Dave Freeman at Hydrokit UK Ltd. For further information contact: Hydrokit UK Ltd, 12 & 13 Yew Tree Courtyard, Earl Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 7SG Tel: +44 (0)1728 684800 Fax : +44 (0)1728 684808 Email: uksales@hydrokit.com, Website: www.soermatp.com Hydrokit, Soerma TP and A.S.E are companies of the Vensys Post–Equipment Group.

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NEWS

THE GBT 9 X 9 DFR

TOWED CHIPPER IS BACK! www.universalbingham.com he GBT Chippers which some of you will recognise, now has the backing of Bingham Enterprises a well–respected company with a global reputation as an OEM manufacturer in material cutting systems.

Now with the support of a respected UK manufacturer, the GBT chipper to be branded under the BEL badge has been updated to give improved performance, durability and ease of use. Using CAD design quality steels and components from suppliers like Yanmar engines, Rotatech blades, Knott Avonride chassis components, this machine is built to perform at the highest level. Available with 3 cylinders 36 Hp or 4 cylinders 48 HP normally aspirated engines, a true 9” x 9” feed and reversible Rotatech blades you can expect the kind of performance that the professional arborist demands.

Available from BEL and Universal Bingham Ltd are Hydraulic PTO chippers, a range of stump grinder for back hoe loaders, mini diggers, multi tool carriers,and an extensive range of products used in the construction industry.

See them at APF 2012 Stand 400-440 on the Demonstration circuit.

For further information contact: Tel: 01977 62017 Fax: 01977 620863, Email:grev@binghameng.co.uk or visit the following website www.universalbingham.com

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

NEW INVESTORS ESTABLISH CHRISTIE-ELITE Nurseries Ltd –trees.co.uk SOUTH EAST WOOD FUELS www.buy outh East Wood Fuels (SEWF) hristie–Elite

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announces that three of the largest suppliers of premium grade biomass wood chip fuel in the south of England have made a considerable investment in the company, enabling SEWF to take advantage of the expansion in the wood fuel market as a result of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

George Meyrick of Energy and Environment Business Services (EEBS), John Leigh–Pemberton of Torry Hill Chestnut Fencing (THCF), and Alastair Beddall of Practicality Brown (PB) have signed an investment deal in which each investor acquired a substantial shareholding in South East Wood Fuels. In addition to their financial backing, the new investors will also take an active role in the management of the company and have been appointed to the Board with immediate effect. The new arrangement pools the collective resources of each company and establishes the group as arguably the single biggest provider of wood chip to the premium grade wood fuel market in the south of England.

The backing of EEBS,Torry Hill Chestnut Fencing and Practicality Brown provides additional capital for development and consolidates South East Wood Fuels’ position in the market.The investment enables the company to enhance its supply of locally-sourced wood chip, offering customers cost savings, and improved quality and consistency of supply.The group will be able to deliver between 15–20,000 tonnes within 12 months and increase this amount significantly to meet demand.

For further information contact: Julian Morgan Jones (MD), Shawfield, Laughton Lodge, Laughton, E.Sussex BN8 6BY. Tel. 08458693775. Email:julian@sewf.co.uk, Web:www.sewf.co.uk

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Nurseries Ltd is a specialist producer of genetically superior trees based in the Highlands.It has supplied high quality planting stock to the UK forest industry for more than 15 years. The nursery produces around 8 million trees a year for both wholesale and retail customers.The trees are supplied as bare root transplants,seedling undercuts or cell–grown plants up to 60cms – the only forestry nursery to offer this range in the UK. There’s a comprehensive selection of native species such as Caledonian pine available, grown from seed from the widest possible range of UK provenances. The nursery conducts annual birch,willow,rowan,alder and oak seed collections across the north.

The trees are easy to handle, vigorous and establish readily even in difficult conditions. In addition to seedling stock, the nursery offers a range of transplants and cell–grown products from most provenance zones. Hedging species can be supplied to a standard mix, by the metre, or as individual species to suit customers’ requirements. A wide variety of specialist christmas tree species are grown under a regime designed to produce favourable characterisitcs and the nursery also specialises in contract grows for clients; a contract grow allows precise selection of size, form and species, for which substantial discounts can be offered on the usual wholesale prices.

Whatever your tree requirements, speak to them at the nursery on Tel: 01309 672 633, or at email: orders@christie–elite.co.uk and they will be happy to discuss your individual needs.

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NEWS

NEW ALSTOR 820 IN CUMBRIA MICHAEL FAHEY TREE www.homeforestry.co.uk

CARE SERVICES

ichael Fahey of tree care services is a forestry business with 25 years experience.They have done everything in forestry ome Forestry LLP, the UK & Ireland agent for the Swedish made from sky lining, winching of dangerous trees on roadside, in Alstor 8x8 mini-forwarder, have just supplied a new 820 to a and around buildings, removal of trees from river bank’s, site clearance well–established forestry contracting company in Cumbria.Grant Rowley, of scrub, to harvesting and forwarding with all our own machinery. pictured operating the new Alstor 820, is based near Little Salkeld, Their main work is in the private sector, working mainly for Penrith, Cumbria. Grant’s company Skogs Logs, intend to use the farmers, estates and government bodies.They do all aspects of Alstor to manage their own woodlands and also for contracting out forestry which includes the buying and selling of hardwoods and to local woodland owners with difficult or sensitive sites.The Alstor softwoods and harvesting of same from both thinning to mature stands 820 pictured is the diesel model, with 2 lever control, reverse-drive of timber. They also carry out tree surgery for both private and commercial and the boom mounted radio-remote control winch. business, which includes the chipping of waste and stump grinding Home Forestry LLP, will be at the APF show at Ragley Estate, of roots. All tree surveys, are tree tested for rot.They sometimes Warwickshire from September 13th–15th on the demo circuit stand sell quality hardwoods out of the country to maximise their value.

840–880.There will be live demonstrations of the Alstor and many Also they harvest and sell pulp for fuel, and for firewood.They use options to view. There will also be a wide range of Rabaud and Farma the latest equipment for harvesting of timber. All their employees machinery on the stand, with some new products. are trained to EU standard.

For more information on Alstor mini–forwarders and the For further information contact: Michael Fahey Timber wide range of forestry equipment contact, Home Forestry LLP, Contractor, Rahinch, Littleton, Thurles, County Tipperary Willodene Farm, Chorley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England, Tel. 0504 44541 / Mobile 087 2712967, Fax. 0504 33842 Tel: 01746718456, 07966365157 or visit www.homeforestry.co.uk Email: michaeljoefahey@eircom.net

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DYMAX LAUNCH

NEW TREE SHEAR MODELS

www.treeshears.co.uk

esponding to the worldwide growing demand for biomass harvesting, Dymax have updated their renowned range of Tree Shears to meet modern demands and remain ahead of the competition.

Changes included uprated hydraulics to the lighter 14” tree shears up to a complete redesign of the optional tilt design on 14”-20” models.The new tilt option increases effective tilt from 30 to 60 degrees and features a very robust slew ring.

Practicality Brown Ltd, European Distributor, will be exhibiting the new models at the APF Show. Dymax Tree Shears allow you to safely and cheaply fell trees from 4” to 20” diameter and fit excavators from 5t to 30t, with the most common combination being a 14” Tree Shear on a 14t excavator.

For further information visit the website www.treeshears.co.uk or Tel:01295 690011.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

NEW SAMI AUTOCHOPPER www.fuelwood.co.uk

ew from Fuelwood is the Sami Autochopper firewood machine.This machine offers a cutting capacity of 44cm and splitting force of 18.5 tons.The unique features of the machine enable it to work automatically, this enables the operator to continue to prepare & load timber, move the conveyor and do all the other jobs around the machine, other firewood machines would need to stop while the operator carries out these jobs.The Sami Autochopper just continues to cut, so greatly improving output per man hour. The machine also boasts compensated cutting to eliminate the last slither/very short log left by fixed length stop machines, also the diameter of the log is measured when cutting so the splitting knife is automatically positioned in the centre of the log and if the diameter is under a certain size the same blade will simply adjust and split it in to 2 pieces.These automatic functions ensure a consistent quality log is always produced without relying on the operator to make adjustments as the machine is running.

Many firewood producers are looking at ways to increase their firewood production, often looking at faster or larger capacity are done the traditional firewood machine stops or other people machines.These factors have a smaller impact on production, if are needed to carry them out.The Sami machines offer owners a operators stand back and analyse how much time is actually spent operating a machine and how much time is spent on loading decks/ solution to automatically increasing output efficiency without changing the type of timber they process. conveyors, using a chainsaw (to tidy up twisted or untrimmed Fuelwood will be demonstrating the machine at the timber), moving/positioning splitting knives, moving split logs, Claywood Woodland site, please contact Fuelwood for replacing logs bags etc, then greater efficiency gains can be more details at Tel. 01926 484673 or www.fuelwood.co.uk achieved moving to a Sami machine. When these essential jobs

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

AHWI UK LTD www.ahwiuk.co.uk GREENMECH QUAD TRAK 160 MULCHERS & HEAVY DUTY www.greenmech.co.uk reenMech’s Quad Trak 160,is based on the successful Quad Chip FORESTRY EQUIPMENT 160 and is a combination of ideas from the customers and the

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HWI UK Ltd will be exhibiting at the APF for the sixth time.

AHWI have updated their range of machines and technical innovations now include new rotor systems allowing the use of the new HDT tool range that lets the operator tailor the tool to its specific application.

Also new are the latest crawler carriers with direct mechanical drive offering unrivalled power to the implement, but with the benefit of the turbo clutch drive line for stall–free operation.

Of particular interest will be the new RT800 Raptor with 600+ HP CAT engine and the new RT200, a lighter weight purpose built mulcher ideal for utility line clearing and contract work.AHWI UK will be exhibiting a range of equipment including excavator mounted units.

For further information contact: AHWI UK Ltd, Forest Keep, Watersplash Lane, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7QP. Tel Office: 01344 873499 or Paul Vidgen MD. Mob: 07768 772227.

Email: info@ahwiuk.co.uk or visit the website www.ahwiuk.co.uk

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latest technology in the business.The end result being a tracked chipper that fulfils all the requirements of today’s tree surgeons maintaining quality,performance and reliability.

The QuadTrak 160 is a tracked 6–inch (160mm x 230mm) capacity wood chipper with an optional turntable and tilt system.This new machine follows the design of the successful QuadChip 160 road tow machine.With the new design,the QuadTrak 160 is good from any angle.

The track system allows the machine to be tilted for stability when working on slopes for up to 30 degrees and assures the correct flow of oil to the engine.The track system also gives good ground clearance of up to 11–inches (280mm) with a belly pan to enable the QuadTrak 160 to slide easily over hidden stumps etc.

Powered by a 34hp Kubota turbo–charged diesel engine.The high throughput of each machine is provided by dual vertical feed rollers and a 6–inch x9-inch (160mm x 230mm) letterbox opening, offering an exceptional crushing capacity on difficult branches and fast processing of leafy brash.The wide operating platform positioned to give good access to controls and offers great visibility,allowing for safe and efficient tracking.

The QuadTrak 160 features a new square blade system.An evolution of the successful and popular disc–blade that Greenmech pioneered, the QuadTrak 160 blades offer an increased time period between rotations and a simple removal and sharpening process.GreenMech have blended cutting edge design with proven technology and utilised modern materials and traditional engineering to produce a chipper that will stand up to years of use in arbori– culture,one of the most demanding land based industries.

For further information please contact Martin Lucas at GreenMech Ltd on: Tel: 01 789400044 Fax: 01 789400167 Email: sales@greenmech.co.uk Website: www.greenmech.co.uk

INNOVATIVE ECO-KINDLING BUSINESS FOR SALE

dare Green Energy are selling a new Eco–Kindling business.

Strawbriq Kindling is 100% Eco kindling used to aid the starting of open fires/stoves etc and is ready for its 2nd phase of business.

They are complementary to the briquettes like Strogs, Greenflame, coal, timber etc. Strawbriq is made from straw which is a by–product and there is no bonding agent added. Strawbriq Kindling is the only by– product in the market.They have carried out a consumer survey on the product and the feed back has been positive.

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FROM THIS SURVEY THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT: • No sparks from Strawbriq Kindling, unlike timber.

• Easy to use and quick to start the fire.

• Happy that it is 100% Eco Friendly By-product.

(Not taken up land for food production.)

• Value for money The STRAWBRIQ kindling briquette. It is 100% eco friendly and loved by consumers. What people say: “I know when I use the STRAWBRIQ I will have a fire in minutes” “The STRAWBRIQ is great, it lets me get on with other things at a busy time instead of spending time trying to get my fire going.”

It GUARANTEES consumers a fast fire with no sparks and it does not contain any additives. It is ideal for consumers who demand a fast and convenient fire that is value for money.

For more information on the purchase of the business and the potential growth of Eco-Kindling contact Sean Dillon on: Mobile+353862419802 or Email:sean@adaregreenenergy.ie

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NEWS

NEW FUELWOOD SPLITTA 400TM AUTOMATIC LOGSPLITTER Good News for your Splitting Head Ache!. www.fuelwood.co.uk

uelwood’s new automatic Splitta 400TM, designed and manufactured at their Warwickshire factory, revolutionises splitting 15cm (6”) to 33cm (13”) long rings, with diameters (height) of up to 40cm (16”).

Splitta’s unique feature is the ability to produce consistently split log-section sizes so that oversized logs are eliminated.The Fuelwood X-Blade design is key to ensuring this consistency and allows section sizes of between 1cm (1/4”) and 12.5cm (5”) thus producing high quality logs and kindling wood.

When Splitta 400TM is supplied with an infeed conveyor the and provides just one piece of equipment. Larger timber makes machine can process half rounds and ‘chunks’ of timber typically manual handing impossible, so timber cranes and decks become produced by Tree Surgeons.The splitting process keeps the split essential and so the costs soar! Undoubtedly large processors logs in-line resulting in simple output that can be quickly and easily have powerful splitters but as the UK firewood market demands processed into nets, or conveyed away using the elevator for bulk smaller logs than our European neighbours, often splitting large loads. Splitta 400TM is a highly efficient and highly productive diameter timber on these large processors proves a splitting headache machine, eliminating the need to double-handle the product. For for UK producers with so much time spent re–splitting oversized Tree Surgeons who typically need to process unwieldy timber rings, logs or removing large quantities of shattered or slithered pieces. sawn on site to enable removal, it is an ideal solution. Demonstrations So why not consider a cost–effective machine that cures all those repeatedly show the Splitta 400TM filling 1m3 bags with 8” logs headaches? Fuelwood will be demonstrating Splitta 400TM and many of the other machines that they manufacture and supply at the APF in under 5mins.

Splitta 400TM is also ideal for those firewood producers with exhibition and also at their woodland site. Open Days on September smaller firewood machines who wish to increase their processing 28th & 29th,2012.

For further information contact Fuelwood on capacity. Larger capacity firewood machines have their benefits but upgrading from a small to medium sized processor is expensive Tel: 01926 484673 or visit www.fuelwood.co.uk

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Come and see us at the APF - demo area 1840 - 1880 inside!

EXAC–ONE www.exac one.co.uk

– xac–One has been involved with excavators and also attachments in the forestry industry for many years, originally as contractors and for the last 10 years or so as a specialist supplier of excavator attachments.The company combines an extensive portfolio of products with a practical knowledge of work applications, extensive technical knowledge and full parts and service back up capability.

In addition to a wide range of Excavator mounted forestry and timber grabs of all types,Exac–One also offers tree shears, timber splitters, stump grinders, mower/mulchers, Powertilts,Tiltrotators for use in woodland and forestry management operations as well as timber processing applications.

“With energy costs going through the roof, there is clearly a growing demand for processing all types of timber including tree stumps, roots, brash, thinnings etc which were previously considered to be a waste product, into a useable fuel source.These digger attachments certainly open up some interesting opportunities”comments Andrew Harker, Sales Manager of Exac–One. For further information contact: Andrew Harker, Exac–One Ltd. Worcester WR8 0QL. Email: info@exac–one.co.uk or visit the website www.exac–one.co.uk

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

BIOEQUIPMENT LTD Bioequipment Ltd supplies the forestry and bioenergy industries with complete equipment and machinery resources and has a team of professionals with over 50 years experience of supplying and supporting all forms of harvesting and processing machinery to a wide range of clients and challenging applications.

It is the dedication and ability of the team within Bioequipment Underneath the bonnet you will find a powerful Cummins Engine with Common Rail system. The forwarder is equipped with that has attracted and secured the exclusive distribution rights for premium suppliers such as Gremo, Fecon and Badger Shredders. GreControl which allows the operator to modify a lot of functions The quality and performance of the products produced by these depending on style of handling, type of crane and task. Hence you have the possibility to reduce fuel consumption and further manufacturers’ compliments the ethos of the company that is striving to provide products and services that achieve new standards increase the profit.

The Gremo forwarder 1350VT is equipped with a continuously within the focus industries and markets. working and variable speed hydrostatic transmission.The unique transmission cuts the working cycles and therefore increases GREMO Gremo’s history dates back to the early sixties, they have been performance and profitability.The unique feature with this system producing forestry forwarders and harvesters that have continually is the fact that the Gremo 1350VT is able to run at 0–25 km/h surpassed owners expectations. In the last 12 – 13 years forwarders without being interrupted by gear shift and with maximum pulling have been sold in unmatched numbers in the home Swedish market. force.The boom pump is electronically controlled via GreControl.

The main reasons for these excellent sales are a profitable product and a customer–oriented organisation and products.

Gremo has in many respects always been an innovative forerunner.

As an example Gremo was, in the early nineties, the first company to as standard introduce catalytic purifiers, thus considerably improving the working conditions of the operator in above all thinning stands. Other examples of first introduction were the standard provision of environment–friendly oil and the Power shift–gearbox.

The Gremo 1050H is a reliable harvester ideal for thinning and final cutting. The new engine, together with high performance hydraulic system produces sufficient hydraulic power for any imaginable situation.The automatically actuated bogie locks are one of the secrets behind the outstanding lateral and longitudinal stability of the 1050H. Other assets are the low centre of gravity and the ideal load distribution in longitudinal direction.

Gremo 1050F is a further development of the successful forwarder 950F which has been market–leading in Sweden for over a decade.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE This means that you can choose different flow rates at pre–determined speed to suit different working tasks, boom types and ways of driving.This offers possibilities for lower fuel consumption.The Gremo 1350VT, 1050F and 1050H are furnished with the same type of drivers cab. Most operators say that the close range visibility and the easy–view working area are unmatched. Good visibility less eye strains, which means a lot for the driver´s capacity during his working day.

The Besten new driverless final felling system.This new method of operation implies that two forwarders alternately operate the “Besten” harvester. The couriers are provided with a revolving, tilting and progressive widening cargo compartment. During the processing the timber is loaded directly on the forwarders cargo compartment. When the loading operation is finished, forwarder no.2 takes over while forwarder no.1 moves off for unloading and classification.The fuel consumption is low as crane operation for loading has become redundant.The system is flexible, different numbers of forwarders can be utilized depending on the felling situation. Productivity is high as the felling is continuing without interruption.

FECON Fecon, Inc. was established in 1992 to meet the growing needs of the Organic Resource Recovery Industry in North America. Fecon serves thousands in R.O.W., land clearing, firebreaks, pasture restoration, invasive species and wildlife restoration markets. Fecon’s product line includes Bull Hog Mulchers, FTX Track Carriers, Bio–Harvesting Equipment,Tree Shears, Grapples and Stump Grinders.The first Bull Hog was sold 20 years ago and is still running today with merchantable timber and brush.The Bio–Harvester can be mounted just over 20,000 hours on it. Over the last 20 years Fecon has to the Fecon FTX440, a 440 horsepower, forestry guarded, crawler grown into one of the leading international suppliers of vegetation tractor; or to a large, high horsepower PTO tractor.The FTX440 is management equipment and boasts the number 1 selling mulcher also capable of towing and powering an agricultural dump wagon in the United States with the Bull Hog. to collect material.

Fecon FTX600 is their flagship tractor.This tractor brings the best Mobile Bio–Mass Chipper System.The RTC–22 Bio–Mass Chipper combination of cutting performance, track power, ground pressure is designed to chip and collect bio–mass. Equipped on a forwarder and serviceability in the 600hp class of mulching machines. Fitted chassis, the one step in woods process offers a high production with either the Fecon BH300 or BH350 Bull Hog ®, the FTX600 rate of 20 to 30 tons per hour.The RTC–22 features a 22” capacity can achieve 98” cutting height and 32” below ground.The FTX600 Chipper powered by a 365hp diesel engine making it ideal for is ideal for a wide range of applications including pipeline and bio–mass collection. power line right of way clearing, large scale vegetation management and site preparation.

BADGER SHREDDERS New for 2012 is the FTX100 LGP mulching tractor. Equipped with Badger Shredding Manufactures a wide range of Shredding machines. a 99hp Kubota V3800 engine this, tractor provides impressive These machines are designed to process various materials from cutting power and traction capabilities for all job conditions.The biomass material to concrete with rebar, and everything in between. owner can specify the machine for rough terrain or soft ground The Badger Slow Speed High Torque Shredding machines are conditions where a light footprint or reduced ground disturbance available in sizes from 200 HP up to 600HP in electric or diesel is important.The 20” wide track option on the FTX100 LGP provides powered and in stationary or mobile units.The processing chamber is 4.4 psi ground pressure. Added value features on this purpose what sets the Badger apart from other slow speed machines with built tractor are ground clearance, tractive effort and durability. its replaceable blade system that allows the blades to be changed With the standard quick attach mounting system the FTX100 individually rather than having to change the whole assembly or LGP can be equipped to utilize several forestry and construction having to weld on broken off blades as you would have to do attachments. with other slow speed units.

Fecon Bio–Harvester The unique sizing screen system for the production produced is a machine that allows effective particle control to be achieved in one pass through simultaneously Fells, the grinder without disruption to performance of product flow.

Chips, and Collects The product range offered by Bioequipment Ltd facilitates Small Diameter Woody the harvesting and processing of the complete range of biomass Biomass.The Bio– products from virgin or residual sources in the most cost Harvester is ideal for effective and efficient way. pre–commercial and For Further Information contact: Bioequipment Ltd, commercial thinning Unit 15, Milland Rd Industrial Estate, Neath, South Wales, applications, non– Tel: 01685 810148. Email: info@bioequip.co.uk

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APF EXHIBITION 2012

APF 2012– THE UK’S LARGEST FORESTRY AND WOODLAND EXHIBITION Ragley Estate, Alcester,Warwickshire, September 13th–15th, 2012

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n the 13/14/15th September the UK’s largest forestry, woodland, arboricultural, trees and timber exhibition takes place at Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire. The largest event of its kind in Britain will see over 250 exhibitors and 20000 visitors descend on Ragley over the three days to see the latest equipment in action, buy new machines and watch or compete in several world and European competitions.

This will be the 19th staging of the Exhibition which started in 1976 at Longleat Estate in Wiltshire. Over £30 million of machinery will be on show, much of it actually working under realistic conditions. One of the main features of the show is a 2040m demonstration circuit through both open ground and mixed woodland. On the circuit visitors can see and compare rival machines operating and judge for themselves whether the machine can do the job they require under hard contracting conditions. A huge array of machines will be on show with nearly every major manufacturer represented. Harvesters, forwarders, woodchippers, mulching machines, firewood processors, timber lorries, stump grinders, tractors, winches, charcoal kilns, post drivers as well as a vast array of smaller equipment such as chainsaws, brushcutters, climbing equipment, trees and tree guards, mapping equipment.

In fact anything tree, timber or woodland related.There is over 2.5 miles of working machinery frontage to look at!

Once you have bought your machines you can sit down, relax and watch a fabulous line up of top class events and competitions.

The Husqvarna 25m World pole climbing championships will featuring 50 of Europes top pole climbers, the best doing the climb in around 10 seconds! 25 of Europes top chainsaw carvers

“APF 2012 is really not to be missed.Advance ticket sales are going very well and you can order yours direct from the website now. Tickets will also be available on the gate each day” will compete in the A W Jenkinson and UPM Tihill European chainsaw carving championships, creating some superb sculptures from a 2m x 1m piece of redwood timber over the three day competition. These sculptures will be auctioned on Saturday afternoon.

For the first time ever the European horse logging championships come to the UK and will featuring 25 teams and 35 heavy horses from as far afield as Japan in a three day competition testing speed, strength and agility. The Komatsu UK forwarding driving championships, this year in a main arena, will see new and exciting challenges for the competitors and spectators alike. Alternating with the pole climbing will displays of all the five disciplines of the world logging championships. Try changing a bar and chain on your saw in around 11 seconds! The world log to leg pole lathe championships will see the top 16 pole lathe turners race head to head to make two identical chair legs from two logs in the shortest possible time.

If all the above was not enough then there will be demonstrations of greenwood craft skills including charcoal making, hurdle making, willow weaving, clog making, oak swill baskets, sussex trugs, windsor chairs, green oak construction, besom brooms, cane and rush seating and elf whittling (Don’t ask!) In the vintage machinery area there will steam driven sawmills and displays of pole trailer loading.The list goes on and on.

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APF EXHIBITION 2012 The Forestry Commission will be holding a series of seminars on plant health and bio security issues as well as careers and apprenticeship opportunities for school and college leavers.

All the major training and safety organisations are on site and will be able to answer all your queries about the new chainsaw units and refresher training.

The Forest Education Network will have a major launch at the show.APF 2012 is really not to be missed.Advance ticket sales are going very well and you can order yours direct from the website now.Tickets will also be available on the gate each day.The website has full up to date lists of exhibitors, maps, details of accommodation and directions to site, competition entry forms and much more.

All the Demonstration committee and everyone at Confor look forward to welcoming you to APF 2012 and know you will have a great time.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The following events will take place at APF 2012: ● The Husqvarna World 25m Pole Climbing Championships ● The UPM Tilhill and A W Jenkinson European Chainsaw Carving Competition ● UK Forwarder Driving Competition sponsored by Komatsu ● The European Horse Logging Championships ● Bio energy seminars and Tree health seminars ● The World ‘Log to leg’ pole lathe turning championship ● Extensive woodland crafts area ● Steam driven sawmills ● Technical updates & seminars.

APF 2012 is a biannual event. This is the 19th Exhibition. The first Exhibition was held at Longleat Estate in 1976. It is returning to Ragley Estate after being staged there in 2004 and 2006.

The Exhibition is the largest such event in the UK and the 3rd largest in Europe.It is the leading exhibition for the forestry,woodland,arboriculture, wood fuel and utility sectors in the UK.250 Exhibitors and 20 000 visitors are expected over the three days of the show.

Over 2000 exhibitor staff and thousands of visitors will bring more than £1million pounds into the local economy during the course of the Exhibition in terms of hotel bookings and meals.

An estimated £30 million pounds of machinery will be on show.

It features a 2040m demonstration circuit where machines are APF Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Confor, the shown working in a realistic setting. With exhibitors on both independent voice of the UK forest sector.

1 sides of the circuit that is over 2 /2 miles of working machinery.

For more information on any of the above please contact the Exhibition Secretary, Ian Millward, 10 Warren Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0BN. Tel: 01737 245081, Fax: 01737 225619, email: info@apfexhibition.co.uk Website: www.apfexhibition.co.uk

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FOREST HEALTH

CURRENT THREATS TO FOREST HEALTH UK forests, trees and woodlands currently face an unprecedented level of risk from a range of non–native pests and diseases, writes Dr Freia Bladon PhD MSc BSc (Hons), Sparsholt College, Hampshire.

Corsican pine infested with Red band needle blight

Withering of young ash leaves caused by Chalara fraxinea fungus

ver the past decade, several damaging organisms have arrived and become established within UK tree populations, resulting in serious economic and environmental impacts. With sustainability at the heart of the UK’s Forest Policy, the health of the UK’s forest estate must be addressed and ensured by government policy and translated to the ground by forest owners and managers.

In the meantime, the threat to forest and tree health from exotic pests and diseases remains worryingly high.

In recent years, foresters in the UK have faced the impact of serious new pests and diseases including Phytophthora ramorum and Red band needle blight, whilst simultaneously dealing with the on–going threat from established forest pests such as Great spruce bark beetle and Large pine weevil. At the same time, tree care professionals across the country have been battling with a whole host of exotic pathogens. Earlier this year, the first breeding population of Asian longhorn beetle was found in Kent, which led to the removal and incineration of more than 1000 trees in a bid to eradicate the pest. Larvae of the large (20–40mm long) beetle cause significant structural damage to infested trees which can lead to serious secondary health problems. In other parts of the world where the beetle is endemic, significant economic and environmental damage has been caused – millions of poplar trees in China have been killed to date, and in the USA $0.7 billion has been spent on eradiation attempts. Meanwhile, in London, a new and

completely separate outbreak of Oak processionary moth has been detected away from the original outbreak zone.The larvae of this moth are major defoliators of oak species in Europe, and pose a risk to human health thanks to the toxic hairs which are shed by the caterpillars.This is a disappointing development as it suggests a new pathway of entry into the country. Horse chestnut leaf miner, a tiny moth who’s larvae destroy leaf tissue and cause early leaf drop continues to spread rapidly since its discovery in 2002, and can now be found throughout southern and central England.

And then there are the threats which loom on the horizon, but which thankfully have not yet arrived in the UK; Emerald ash borer, a beetle which causes mortality and loss of timber value in ash trees; Eight–toothed European spruce bark beetle, a serious threat to spruce trees; and Pinewood nematode, a microscopic worm which causes timber degradation and mortality in Pinus and Picea species.

In the following article, the increasingly dire situation facing industry professionals is reviewed with regard to a handful of current and future tree health threats. Reasons behind this apparent trend are discussed, along with measures aimed at addressing the issue.

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CHALARA DIEBACK OF ASH Chalara disease of ash is a potentially fatal disease which was first intercepted in the UK by FERA (the Food and Environment Research Agency) in February 2012 in a shipment of nursery stock imported

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FOREST HEALTH from the Netherlands. Four months on, in June 2012, the disease was found affecting young ash trees for the first time in Leicestershire.

Chalara disease of ash is caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea, which causes leaf loss, crown dieback and eventual death, most frequently in common ash Fraxinus excelsior. In continental Europe, Chalara is already a serious problem – in Denmark alone, 60 to 90 percent of the countries ash trees have been lost to this disease.We now know that Chalara is present within the nursery trade in the UK, and in an attempt to control spread, nursery material is being inspected and destroyed where necessary. If Chalara was to spread into the natural environment, the potential for damage is great – the disease is aggressive and destructive, and threatens one of our most abundant and economically and environmentally important native species.

SWEET CHESTNUT BLIGHT Sweet chestnut blight is a fatal disease which is also new to the UK, affecting European sweet chestnut Castanea sativa.To date two outbreaks have been confirmed, in southern and central England, both in young nut orchards where hundreds of trees have subsequently been destroyed.

The disease is caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, which infects the inner bark of host trees and causes girdling cankers, branch dieback and tree death. C. parasitica devastated American sweet chestnut (C. dentata) forests in the USA in the early 20th century, killing more than 3.5 million trees. In the eastern USA, American sweet chestnut has been almost completely destroyed by this organism.

The disease has been present in continental Europe since the 1930’s and is recognised as being a significant threat to European sweet chestnut, having caused economically important loses. FERA and the Forestry Commission are currently working to eradicate the disease from the two outbreak sites through a program of survey and inspection, and burning of all infected tree stock.As with many of

Sweet chestnut tree showing symptoms of infection

by Cryphonectria parasitica fungus

Phytophthora ramorum affecting larch trees in South West England

the new tree pathogens arriving in this country, we do not yet have effective control and protection strategies, other than to simply try to isolate and destroy the organism.

PHYTOPTHORA RAMORUM Since the discovery of Phytophthora ramorum in the UK in 2002, the highly aggressive “fungal–like” pathogen has spread at alarming rates through a range of plant species. In 2009 P. ramorum was found infecting and killing Japanese larch Larix kaempferi in south–west England, where it has since caused economically significant damage to commercial Larch plantations. In the following 3 years, significant P. ramorum outbreaks have been found in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. P. ramorum is able to spread rapidly via several methods, and can affect a wide range of tree species (including European larch, hybrid larch, Douglas fir, beech).

These attributes make this organism a formidable pathogen, and devising effective protective measures is hampered by our still limited understanding if its biology and pathology. Research continues, and earlier this year, UK scientists announced a breakthrough – they had successfully identified four genetically distinct lineages of P. ramorum, each a distant relative of the other.These four lineages largely exist in separate geographic regions – two North American types (NA1 and NA2) found mainly in Californian forests and two European types (EU1 and EU2), the EU1 type being responsible for the recent epidemic in Larch. It is thought that the most recent introductions of P. ramorum into south–west Scotland and Northern Ireland are the EU2 type, a lineage not previously present in the UK.This is bad news, firstly because it shows that the UK’s phytosanitary measures are still not keeping such harmful pathogens out, and secondly because there is a real concern that if two separate genetic types of P. ramorum reproduce sexually, this creates the opportunity for mutations to occur, and potentially more virulent strains of the pathogen to arise.

Although this recent discovery may initially appear more worrying than promising, the development of effective controls for any pathogen relies on understanding the biology of the organism.

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FOREST HEALTH A particularly concerning tribute of P. ramorum, is its ability to infect a wide range of tree and shrub species, and so predicting the future impact of the pathogen on UK forest crops is very difficult.

This said, just last year there was scientific confirmation that P. ramorum was found affecting Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis in Ireland – the first record of P. ramorum affecting Sitka spruce worldwide.

Although this single affected tree was in very close proximity to an infected Rhododendron bush, which may have been the source of the disease spores, it is worthwhile bearing in mind that in laboratory trials, Sitka spruce has been found to be susceptible to the pathogen.

Sitka spruce is the most important commercial forestry species in the UK, having been invested in heavily due to its tolerance to poor sites and the high yields achievable – this species now makes up more than twenty eight percent of the UK forest area, Needless to Horse Chestnut Bleeding canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv aesculi say, the potential impact of a P. ramorum epidemic on such an key timber species would be devastating.

GREEN SPRUCE APHID Green spruce aphid is a serious defoliating pest of Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis. Although this pest does not cause mortality of affected trees, growth rates may be reduced by up to 50%.This insect pest is predicted to cause greater levels of damage in future years thanks to the warmer UK climate, which promotes survival, growth and development.Although the threat from this pest is likely to rise in years to come,recent research indicates that forest management techniques can have an important impact on the degree of damage caused,with uniform shelterwood systems suffering heaviest infestations.

Adopting the group selection silvicultural approach may offer the Leaf damage caused by Horse chestnut leaf miner best solution to reducing the risk from green spruce aphid.

“Current season needle necrosis caused huge losses to Christmas tree growers during the winter of 2011, with individual growers reporting losses of around £60,000 as up to 50% of their crops were rendered unsaleable” CURRENT SEASON NEEDLE NECROSIS Current season needle necrosis caused huge losses to Christmas tree growers during the winter of 2011, with individual growers reporting losses of around £60,000 as up to 50% of their crops were rendered unsaleable.Attacking Norman Fir Abies nordmanniana along with several other species, the disease is caused by the fungus Sydowia polyspora, and results in red necrosis on the current years needles which makes trees unmarketable.

The fungus has only recently caused significant damage in the UK, and little is currently known as to mode of spread and attack.There is currently no control available to growers. It is thought that the route of entry into the UK is imported nursery plants originating from France and Holland, where the fungus has caused a problem for several years. Although damage so far this year seems to be limited, growers remain concerned – any further spread could have a significant impact on production.

WHAT ARE THE DRIVERS OF THIS TREND?

Damage by green spruce aphid Elatobium abietinum

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The threat posed to UK trees, woods and forests at this time is unprecedented, but what are the drivers behind this increasing risk?

One huge contributory factor is the globalisation of trade, and the vast increase in plants and plant products entering the UK. Ports such as Tilbury and Felixstowe deal with some of the heaviest import traffic, but FERA’s health inspection resources are simply not sufficient to allow effective biosecurity controls to be implemented.

Trees cannot enter the landscape without numerous and rigorous checks, or else we will see a repeat of the Ash dieback case, when infected trees imported to a UK nursery from Germany went straight out by mail order to 90 buyers.

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FOREST HEALTH An undeniable factor in the current tree health risk is climate change. Many of the new pests introduced to the UK in the past 10 years are invertebrate pests e.g.Asian longhorn beetle, Horse chestnut leaf miner, Oak processionary moth.The life cycles of all invertebrates is heavily affected by temperature, with larger populations surviving mild winters, and warmer springs and summers giving rise to enhanced reproduction rates.

The changing climate may also be making life easier for tree pathogens indirectly, by stressing host plants.As parts of the country become warmer and drier, particularly the south east, so tree species which once thrived in these areas come under increasing environmental stress from drought.These stressed trees suffer reduced vigour and as their more meagre resources are diverted away from plant protection, become easier targets for pathogens.

Many of the non–native pests and diseases which are arriving in the UK do not pose a significant threat in their natural environment.

In a natural ecosystem,trees and their associated flora and fauna will have evolved over time to exist in a finely–tuned balance. Natural predators will act to keep pest populations from expanding rapidly, while environmental conditions will often limit the impact of plant pathogens in their native range. However, problems arise when non–native organisms arrive in the UK to find an environment free of their natural predators and often climatically highly suitable for their development.

Current and future threats to uk trees, woodlands and forests

WHAT CAN BE DONE? As with any pathogen, prevention is always composition will help prevent devastating better than control. Prevention will crucially epidemics.Although such measures give require more stringent controls on tree imports foresters the power to protect their own to stop new pests and diseases from entering crops to some extent, issues at the heart of the country. Research into tree pests and the problem, namely increasing global trade diseases is vitally required. In the past year, and climate change, present a more difficult the government has announced that increased challenge to address. funding will be channelled into tree health In response to the growing concern research, although obtaining meaningful and surrounding forest health, an integrated Tree reliable results will take many years and many Health and Plant Biosecurity Action Plan has more millions of pounds to be successful. If recently been formulated and published by we are to ensure the health and protection the Forestry Commission and DEFRA.This of the UKs trees in years to come, the outlines the UKs plan to protect the health investment into research must be made now.

As awareness grows across the industry, protection and mitigation measures are slowly being imposed. Biosecurity measures including sanitisation of equipment and timber movement restrictions are crucial in preventing the spread of pathogens, along with effective monitoring and surveillance.

Species selection offers a key tool to ensure the health of stands – reviewing the suitability of tree species in response to climate change Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis and increasing the diversity of forest

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of our trees, which covers four key areas: import controls, practical actions to be taken, public and stakeholder engagement and research opportunities. Outside the UK, the European Union is currently reviewing its policies and procedures relating to tree health in light of the recent plant health threats. It remains to be seen how effective such responses will be, but immediate action is what is needed to ensure success.

Further Information can be found at: Forestry Commission, Forest Research, FERA.

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INVESTING IN FORESTRY

WHERE DOES THE VALUE LIE IN FORESTRY? The last decade has seen interesting changes in the freehold valuation of commercial forestry, running through cycles of both bull and bear markets. James Adamson MRICS, Investment Manager with Scottish Woodlands Ltd looks at the current state of play.

uring the last 12 to 18 months we have seen the highest price per hectare (probably) paid for a UK commercial forest, the largest single open market forestry transaction by value and also the largest amount of money offered at it single closing date for forestry property at over £63 million. Certainly we have seen unrivalled interest that can only be good for our industry, but this has lead several people I have spoken with to suggest on the back of this that forest property may be experiencing a 'bubble'. Are we really in for our own little sub-prime crisis; in this article we explore some of the rationale behind the market in an attempt to answer this question.

First of all it is important to understand the drivers behind forestry investment. Whilst a relatively unusual investment product, forestry still appeals to a broad spectrum ranging from ethical investors pursuing corporate social responsibility to high–net-worth individuals interested in the tax efficient nature of the investment. Perhaps the one common attraction to any forestry investor is the longer term nature of the product which

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offers a suitable hedge against inflationary pressures and above all, forestry provides realistic alternative to the flat performance of cash on deposit when measured over an appropriate period of time. What I hear you ask is an ‘appropriate period of time’. Well, really there isn’t a definitive answer suffice to say forest investors are unwise to look shorter than 10 years.

MARKET PRICE Forest property is a land based investment primarily owned for the purpose of producing a raw material as a commodity, or otherwise for some non-commercial reason, such as ecological enhancement or conservation. The mainstream transactional market focuses on the former being land managed for the production of timber, and it is really this element we consider here. Market price is reported in £/hectare and is generally based on ‘freehold’ ownership. In traditional forest economics it is arrived at by the marriage of the land and crop value, discounted over the appropriate time period until realisation (felling and marketing

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INVESTING IN FORESTRY of timber). Influencing factors include location, physical conditions, species composition, access, distance to markets, etc, meaning there is really no such thing as an ‘average value’ as all forest property is a relatively individual thing.

In terms of the market for commercial forest property we can essentially attribute most properties into one of three subsets; firstly, there are small scale commercial woodlands typically dominated by mixed species and ranging in size from 30 up to 100 hectares. The second category is the prime commercial Sitka spruce dominated plantations which are the mainstream forest investment product. The primary areas are south Scotland, Northern England, parts of Wales or other niche areas located close to a major timber market, such as around Fort William or along the Moray coast in north Scotland. These are primarily timber producing assets often with little scope for diversification or alternative use.The final category is the more mixed use plantation typical in more remote parts of Scotland where multiple land use objectives come into play including commercial timber production, sporting use or perhaps some leisure related development.

All these sectors have experienced freehold market growth over the last few years however the most significant performance has been in the prime Sitka spruce plantations, where we have probably

“Influencing factors include location, physical conditions, species composition, access, distance to markets, etc, meaning there is really no such thing as an ‘average value’ as all forest property is a relatively individual thing” seen the doubling of freehold values over the last two to three year period. Current values for spruce plantations over 25 years of age are averaging around £8–£10,000 per gross hectare. For secondary commercial property or less accessible forests, values lie some 50 per cent lower at a range of £4–6,000 per hectare.

The difference is essentially a function of the productive capacity of sites. Prime south Scotland forests enjoy very even growth rates and benefit from excellent access to timber markets ensuring premium timber prices; a good borders forest may produce 450 tonnes per hectare at an average market return of £30 per tonne, therefore yielding £13,500 per hectare whereas similar aged spruce in the Highlands may produce 300 tonnes per hectare at £18 per tonne yielding £5,400 per hectare and the difference in this productive capacity has to be reflected in freehold value.

One question I am often asked is why values appear to have risen so much recently? Probably the primary reason is that lack of credible alternatives, for instance in unsettled equity markets or the flat performance of cash in an extended period of low

interest rates and higher inflation.There is also worry and concern for the future, for instance with the continued recession, the Eurozone crisis and associated currency fears. This has led investors to look hard at the yield they are prepared to accept and this change of perception is key. During my university days we were always told that yield was the fundamental concept in understanding property valuation.Yield is the rate of return an investor is prepared to accept as reward for placing money in a particular product. Pre-2008, investment management strategies generally sought high yields, often double-digit and certainly medium term performance over 5%. However, the other side of the yield concept is ‘risk’, with the greater the perceived risk, the higher the anticipated reward, and the downside of risk is often overlooked.Traditionally, the risk free rate of return was taken as the rate of return offered for a three month treasury bond (for which there is considered no prospect of default) which pre2008 was around 3% and represented the absolute floor in acceptable returns.

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In the strive to optimise performance many investors used complicated financial instruments to leverage returns and as a consequence forestry with its long-term low risk investment profile was seen as a rather unsexy investment product. Bring on sub-prime debt, CFDs, hedging, currency speculation, short selling, LIBOR fixing and host of other financial dealings and the market perception of yield has changed beyond recognition. Investors will now except nil or ultra low returns as opposed to the alternative of outright loss as borne out recently in a German government bond issue where a zero per cent yield bond was 1.7 times oversubscribed prompting a further issue – try that in 2006.

What we have therefore seen in the forestry market is that slow steady dependable tree growth is maybe still not sexy, but certainly desirable, with investors taking a longer term view and accepting a lower yield on the investment in order to secure their money.

SO CAN VALUES HOLD UP? This takes us back to the 'bubble' question. Could it? Will it?

When? Well…..maybe not. I don’t hold to the bubble theory - if you look back at previous collapses the common factor was the

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use of gearing to upscale purchasing power, making an investment return more attractive, but also magnifying the exposure if something goes wrong. Forestry is almost exclusively a cash purchase.The bubble affect notably arises where leverage pushes investors beyond their means and the debt : equity ratio ultimately speeds capitulation to market stress. Of course, I'm not saying that a forest cannot reduce in value over the next five year period, but the cash nature of the investment gives far greater resilience when it comes to weathering a market downturn and most investors will simply sit out any bear market until the trading conditions improve.

What we will continue to see is an increasing polarisation of market values with prime Sitka spruce dominated plantations in the core areas holding fast and remaining sought after, indeed, for these forests I think we are actually now seeing a more appropriate pricing structure and the effect of historic undervaluing rather than current over valuing. This sentiment is reflected when you look at the purchase of land for new woodland creation. Buying run down hill pasture was a common entry method for many new investors during the 1980’s and 1990’s and although one of

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INVESTING IN FORESTRY Thirdly, the freehold market in the UK is too small to satisfy current demand and we would need to see a real jump in the availability of good commercial softwood plantations to extinguish current UK demand, not accounting for the constant influx of new money seeking to invest in the sector.

And finally, financial mis-management and perceived profiteering have dented the integrity of many sectors – forestry has a relatively clean, green, old school perception and this sentiment helps to generate and maintain interest.

In conclusion, the appeal of forestry investment in the UK is probably at record levels driven by the perceived safety of the product, the reassurance of a land based investment and the positive outlook for timber as a commodity and whilst these factors continue to dominate there is probably little chance of a fundamental fall in prime values. As with any purchase however the words caveat emptor must remain in the purchasers mind because in the excitement of a strong market it is easy to purchase a flawed product. Forestry is a relatively complex investment and requires specialist appraisal and management techniques.As recently

the principal reasons behind the historic attractiveness of new planting was the taxation treatment, the land was essentially cheap at around £150–£250 per acre (£370–£600/hectare). Current bare land values range from £700 per acre for marginal hill ground through to £1,500 per acre for improved pasture suitable for afforestation (£1,700–£3,700/hectare).As the land element represents one of the two primary valuation components of freehold forest property such up scaling in underlying land value must affect the overall price and it is interesting to note that replanted Sitka spruce in North England with a weighted average age of four years old recently traded for over £4,000 per hectare which would have been considered unthinkable five years ago.

To consider if values can continue in positive fashion, it is important to take a more holistic view of how people invest their money. Of course there will always be risk takers and these investors’ by and large will probably never buy forests. But for the more conservative, interested in long term performance, there are some very positive signs; Firstly, if you subscribe to the view that we are a consumer society structurally short of timber, then simple supply–demand economics tell you that a commodity producing investment is sound. If we look at the next 10 years the forecast for wood fibre demand suggests a very positive outlook indeed.The key component of described to me by one fund manager, if you are purchasing a AAA this will be the development of biomass markets and although rated bond you are prepared to pay a higher price and accept the pace of this development has proved a little disappointing the low yield however if you are purchasing a CCC rated bond over the last five years, a significant number of projects are now you must be more price sensitive and the same is true with the operational, consented or in the planning pipeline with the forest investment. It really comes down to the simple fundamental – ability to make the real difference to wood prices over a number pay what you can afford to pay for the right product and you are of years. unlikely to go far wrong.

Secondly, there is the old chestnut that ‘they don’t make land For further information contact: any more’, therefore the ability to grow and produce more is James Adamson MRICS essentially finite. This is of course an important consideration, as Investment & Business Development Manager competing land use interests’ coupled with a forecast rising global population for at least the next 50 years will put real pressure on Scottish Woodlands Ltd Email: james.adamson@scottishwoodlands.co.uk biologically useful land.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

TIMBERWOLF LAUNCHES BRANDNEW MACHINE TO MARKET SX200 Timberwolf, the UK’s leading chip and shred manufacturer, is delighted to announce the arrival of their brand new product, the SX200 Shredder.

imberwolf have undertaken extensive research into the ● Feed roller optimally positioned to take material as it reaches letter box style feed mouth shredder market with people who are using the machines ● Feed roller controls on both sides of feed funnel for additional and what they want from the product. safety and easier operation With a thorough assessment of the market, independent analysis and customer feedback all investigated, the findings have identified ● Easy access to rotor from the top of the machine a clear gap and resulted in the creation of the fully homologated ● Discharge chute rotates through 270 degrees ● A simple and reliable direct belt drive SX200 Shredder.

The SX200 is under 750 kg's and manoeuvrable. The existing S426 ● Waste material from conveyor operation diverted to rotor or rear of machine, rather than dropping onto the floor underneath model has been well received in its target marketplace, however ● Optional hammer layout (to allow for different processing and it was felt that a smaller shredder that could be operated by a single end product requirements) user would be beneficial to certain industries – such as local ● Superior air flow that throws material further authorities, contractors, estates, tree surgeons and landscapers ● No stress system complete with auto-back-off and the hire market. ● Honda engine with built in hour clock Unlike its competitors, the SX200 has a dedicated integral chassis ● Open feed funnel design aids feeding of bulky material and design – as opposed to a ‘bought in’ trailer chassis. It has a 20 HP mechanical loading' Honda petrol engine, widely recognised as the most reliable and Timberwolf now have a complete range of machines to suit all economic on the market. budgets. Operating in a competitive environment,Timberwolf It is specifically aimed at processing green waste with reduced realise that purchasers need to see a short–term return on their noise, aided by the forged, sharp profile hammers with Teflon cost, and the SX200 will be able to fulfil this need. bushes.There is also an option for a conveyor (feed and grab Jeff Haines, who has been instrumental in developing the design), which draws material to the feed roller. machine for Timberwolf, in conjunction with the Research and Landscapers will be particularly interested in the capabilities of Development team and Sales and Marketing, said:“The SX200 is the SX200 – this robust machine with letter box style feed mouth easy to use and more tolerant of dirt/foreign material than a chipper, can shred green materials, hedge trimmings, conifer, shrubs, brash which means it can be utilised, for more jobs with varying levels and also nursery waste (such as packaging, plastic plant pots/seed of operator skills. It has an impressive throughput performance trays, etc.) with ease, which means you don’t have to rely on to power ratio, and is excellent at handling green waste. material being clean.

“It also has a much quieter than some of the bigger machines, In such environments where having a lesser wood content and which means it is suitable to use in urban areas where noise the inclusion of dirt and foreign objects is commonplace, (plus pollution is often a pressing concern for businesses.” the fact that the end product is normally required for compost), The SX200 will be demonstrated at both SALTEX (Lister Wilder the SX200 is the perfect solution as compost forms better and stand and demonstration village) and APF, Forestry, Woodland and more quickly if the material is shredded rather than chipped.

Arboricultural exhibition (13th–15th September, 2012) .

Video clip of this machine can been seen on the Timberwolf website www.timberwolf-uk.com or contact your local dealer for OTHER KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE: a demonstration. ● Sub 750kg in weight For further Information Contact Timberwolf ● Optional feed conveyor at Tel: 0845 686 0137 or visit www.timberwolf-uk.com ● Fully homologated

T

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SILVATEC

SILVATEC – A HIGHLY SUITABLE RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR THE UK MARKET

ilvatec has experienced some turbulent years due to several maneuverable in UK and Irish forests, while still retaining its class causes, which are all now history.We are now looking forward. leading ground clearance.

The Sleipner is equipped with the latest and most advanced In order to create the necessary and positive development there are certain things that need to be accomplished e.g., knowledge engine technology from Mercedes and crane technology from of the trade, customer service, controlled technological development and Mesera Loglift. Engine performance is monitored and controlled last but not least a good deal of common sense. Over the last months we through IQAN and the dedicated and highly user friendly TM have started projects to ensure that Silvatec will continue to be in a position system controls the harvesting head.The spacious cabin of the to deliver products of a very high quality and to market competitive Sleipner harvester has large rounded windows, which gives the driver a perfect view through 360º.The machine is extremely prices.

S

“In order to create the necessary and positive development there are certain things that need to be accomplished e.g., knowledge of the trade, customer service, controlled technological development and last but not least a good deal of common sense” versatile and is capable of a variety of different tasks, such as thinning, THE SILVATEC PRODUCTS HARVESTER Sleipner is the strongest horse among both gods and humans in Nordic mythology and is easily recognized by its 8 legs. Even the master of all gods, Odin, chose Sleipner as his horse to face the most difficult challenges.

In that spirit, the Silvatec Sleipner harvester has been designed and developed by an industrial designer in close cooperation with several long established contractors, that way all possible refinements have been taken into consideration to make the working day in the forest as pleasant and efficient as possible.

The Sleipner is an 8–wheeled machine with a very low center of gravity, that combined with the fact that it is a very narrow machine, down to 2,65 m in width, makes it exceptionally

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clear felling, feller bunching as well as operation on steep slopes – right up to 45º–with the advanced BOSS all–terrain system.

FORWARDER Silvatec’s newly developed forwarder Sleipner 814TF is the latest addition to the Sleipner series of machines. It’s developed with special focus on driver comfort and features a specially designed cabin with 270º rotation for optimum view.

The cabin can be tilted in all directions allowing the driver to select the ergonomically best and most comfortable position in all situations.The forwarder is also designed to be the logistical workhorse in forest operations. As a member of the Sleipner family it is of course built from the same high quality components and high tensile steel as the harvester.

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CHIPPING CONCEPT The Silvatec Grane chipper is the spearhead of a unique industrial chipping concept comprising the self–propelled chipper and a chip forwarder, both designed to deliver large quantities of chips for use as bio–fuel.The concept was initially developed in cooperation with the largest supplier of wood chips in Denmark – Danish forest managing and contracting company, Hededanmark – and offers the most efficient and economical logistic setup available in the Market to retrieve bio mass in the forest and deliver finished chips at roadside either in stacks or containers ready for road transport.

The Silvatec chipping concept has proved itself over more than 15 years as an efficient, low cost platform for industrial production of high quality bio–fuel chips for heating plants in Northern Europe.

The unique benefits are obtained through chipping directly in the forest where the trees have been felled without being delimbed, thus eliminating unnecessary transportation of “empty volume” or suffering a loss of potentially profitable bio mass’ that would otherwise follow from delimbing and forwarding of logs to roadside chipping locations. Bio mass in tree crowns and branches may add up to as much as 25% in extra chip volume with no extra effort.

The Silvatec Grane 8325CH chipper features significant novelties in its most recent version.The chipper now comes with a larger

“The Silvatec chipping concept has proved itself over more than 15 years as an efficient, low cost platform for industrial production of high quality bio-fuel chips for heating plants in Northern Europe”

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engine (240 kW) offering increased transmission torque and tractive power. IQAN control system to control engine, crane and chipper feeding mechanism. A larger chip container (20m3), larger NAF bogies for increased terrain handling capabilities and 700 tyres to keep ground pressure down.

HARVESTING HEADS The Silvatec harvesting head family comprises heads for all purposes and in all sizes.They are commonly designed for: long

“The Silvatec harvesting head family comprises heads for all purposes and in all sizes.They are commonly designed for: long life – Maximum efficiency and performance – Flexibility in application” life–Maximum efficiency and performance–Flexibility in application.

Our 235MD35 is an ideal head for first and second thinnings with a delimbing diameter up to 350 mm and a felling diameter up to 450 mm. It combines fast speed with a knife control system that securely holds the trees whilst being processed providing maximum productivity.

The 335MD40 is designed for thinning and has a special top delimbing knife.The combination of five efficient, movable delimbing knives, one fixed knife, extremely good feeding power (19,5 kN) and speed up to 5 m/s makes this a fast and efficient head, which easily handles rough branches. Max delimbing/felling diameters are 400 mm and 500 mm respectively.

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The 450 model is a relatively light weight, all–round head with a high 29 kN feeding power and a strong chassis making it ideal for both fast work in thinning, clear felling, work on steep slopes and excavator mounting. It delivers quality delimbing up to a maximum of 550 mm along with a 64 or 75 cm saw bar.

Designed for clear felling, the 560 is a heavy duty head with a high feeding power of 37 kN, an excellent start up torque and a feeding speed of 0–5 m/s along with a 75 to 90 cm saw bar.The knives and feed roller pressures are fully proportional according

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to the trunk diameter and the pressures can be adjusted directly from the cab.Although the 560 is designed for use with the Silvatec Sleipner harvester, it is also a popular add–on to excavators from 17 to 25 tonnes, due to its exceptional strength and robustness.

Both the Silvatec 450 and 560 are now available with Hultdins Super Cut in conjunction with Parkers F11–IP saw motor providing

the ultimate cutting speed and overall productivity in use with the Silvatec Sleipner harvester.

The 665MD70 is a large harvesting head for heavy duty timber – delimbing diameter up to 700 mm, felling diameter up to 800 mm – The rollers are slightly inclined providing an extremely good grip on the logs.The head has a 100 cm saw bar and 19 ccm saw

“Silvatec also produces multiple stem handling feller–buncher heads for use in bio–energy applications,site clearance work and amenity work such as clearing railway lines” motor, with an additional top saw if required.The 665 head is typically fitted to tracked carriers from 25 to 35 tonnes.

The Silvatec harvesting head family joins forces with the TM2200 control and measuring system.The TM2200 system is a multi– optional system incorporating a “state of the art” touch screen display, yet it is exceptionally operator friendly.

Price, distribution, logging limits and colour marking matrixes are used to ensure full optimization and added value to the harvesting operation. Optional equipment includes GPS mapping and electronic calipers for accurate calibration. Data transfer via e–mail and remote service and fault finding via internet connection to the Silvatec factory.

Silvatec also produces multiple stem handling feller–buncher heads for use in bio–energy applications, site clearance work and amenity work such as clearing railway lines. In addition a tiltable grapple saw is available for fitting on forwarders or self– propelled chippers. The tilting action allows single stems to be felled and loaded directly to a forwarder in one action.

For further information contact: Ronnie Curran, Tel: 07825894768, Email: rcu@silvatec.com www.silvatec.com 34

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