International Forest Industries December 2019 / January 2020

LOGGING • SAWMILLING • BIOMASS BIOMASS OPERATION FOCUS JOHN DEERE & PONSSE STEEP SLOPE LOGGING FELLING HEADS WOOD DRYING TECHNOLOGY SAWLINES

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

CT Log 360° X-Ray Computed Tomography Full 3D reconstruction & optimization of cutting solution

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Blower Trucks

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Chippers

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Grinders

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Screens

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Stacking Conveyors

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS

FELLING HEADS

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Heavyweights John Deere, Tigercat, Quadco & Gilbert are pushing forward with innovations across their broad range of heads

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53 STEEP SLOPE LOGGING

The need for technology capable of turning former waste materials into valuable renewable fuels continues to warrant investment

Leading players continue to work on solutions for challenging terrains

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News 72 Advertising Index

LUMBER PROCESSING

COVER: CT Log - The future here and now CT Log scanner gives forestry industry the inside story on maximizing value. CT Log enables a full digital reconstruction of a scanned log.

Based on the scan, the log can be virtually broken down into different value-optimized cutting ‘masks’ until the one that gives the highest value and best suits the

LOGGING • SAW

MILLING • BIO MAS

BIOMASS

customer’s needs in terms of appearance and quality is identified. CT scanning allows the industry to move from cutting optimization by volume or log grade to optimization of the actual board grade, thus maximizing value and minimizing waste.

OPERATION FOCUS JOHN DEERE & PONSSE STEEP SLOPE LOGGING

FELLING HEA DS WOOD DRYING TECHNOLOGY

CONTENTS

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DECEMBER 2019

/ JANUARY 2020

CT Log

360° X-Ray Comp

uted Tomograph

Full 3D recons truction & optimization of cutting solution

y

SAWLINE S

microtec.eu/CTLog

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 1

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62 OPERATION FOCUS - PONSSE

66 OPERATION FOCUS - TIGERCAT

Forest machine operator Synne Henriksen and Ponsse in a challenging environment

BTB travelled to Coleman Falls, Virginia, east of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, to chat with Mr. Donny Reaves and learn more about his logging business, and why he operates all three of his treelength machines himself.

60 ENGINES - PONSSE

LUMBER PROCESSING

61 INNOVATION - FAE IBC CONTROL SYSTEMS - JOHN DEERE

WOOD DRYING

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24 22 HILDEBRAND BRUNNER

24 WESTMILL

Wireless weighing technology - the latest innovation from respected US outfit

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection for Lumber Kilns

SAWLINES

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26 26 USNR

31 LINCK

The application of optimization technology helped CMTP Branxholm Sawmill realize the benefits that automation could bring to its end-dog carriage line.

The VPM 350 is a more compact version of the popular VPM 450 profiler

2 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

GradeScan®

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mill Seneca Saw ed a second has purchas tive Sight. p e c r e P h it w 9 GradeScan cember 201 e D n o ti a ll Insta regon mill O , ti o N ir e in th

Perceptive Sight uses deep learning artificial intelligence, revolutionizing how lumber is graded.

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ISSUE 72 DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 583 emma@internationalforestindustries.com Annual Subscription UK and Europe £160, €230 Rest of the world US$270 EDITORIAL T: +44 (0)1442 877 583 F: +44 (0)1442 870 617 www.internationalforestindustries.com 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK Editor Chris Cann chris@internationalforestindustries.com Editorial Board Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit (Canada) Darren Oldham – Managing Director Söderhamn Eriksson (UK) Professor Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz – Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland) Mr Kim Carstensen Director General Forest Stewardship Council Eduardo Morales South American Forestry Consultant ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS International Forest Industries Ltd Advertising Manager Phil Playle phil@internationalforestindustries.com +44 (0)1442 87 77 77 Associate Editor Robin Peach robin@internationalforestindustries.com Advertising Production Enquiries Emma Smith emma@internationalforestindustries.com

International Forest Industries is published

by International Forest Industries Ltd, 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK International Forest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is published bi-monthly by International Forest Industries Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 and additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 © International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2019 IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout.

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

EDITOR’S COMMENT Merry Christmas everyone!

A

s Andy Williams would first sing back in 1963, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Unlike many of the other iconic Christmas songs that invade radio stations over December (or from perhaps earlier, depending on where you are and how Christmas-y that particular station is), ‘The most wonderful time of the year’ doesn’t focus on snow, or mistletoe, religion, or romance, or presents – or famine in Africa.

Yes, sure, mistletoe got a mention when songwriters Edward Pola and George Wyle were scratching around for lyrics, but overwhelmingly the song is about people and relationships. It is about good will to all and appreciating those who mean the most to us.

And it has got me thinking.

So, at the risk of raising the ire of our publisher, who I’m sure would prefer I used these column inches for market commentary, I’m going to instead issue my own sermon on people, relationships and appreciation as they pertain to International Forest Industries.

It is almost 11 years to the day since the team that runs respected mining business title International Mining decided to branch out – pardon the pun – into the forestry world, in which they already knew many established providers of services and technology. The concept was to replicate the group’s presence in the mining world with a truly international view of technology, equipment and services for forestry.

Today, the people put in place to deliver on that objective remain steadfastly dedicated to the cause.

For my sins, having taking on the role of IFI’s inaugural editor in late 2007, I remain glued to that seat in late 2019. In fact, with the exception of a retirement, the core team that delivered that very first edition remains intact. Most notably, our one-time associate publisher has become an integrated part of the sales, production and editorial teams, while our two key sales remain consistent

4 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

servants to the brand and their clients more than a decade on.

That brings me nicely on to the main reason for this editorial.

The forestry sector had for the longest time been a diverse collection of domestic industries serviced by fine, long-running regional titles. When we considered entry into the market it was with the theory that globalisation had shifted the forestry space and opportunities to sell into new regions was not on the next, but a necessary frontier – this made the need for a truly global publication that shared solutions and technology applicable to multiple geographies crystal clear.

Some industry players – largely those with international business models already – bought into the concept immediately. Others were open-minded but it took some time with the publication to appreciate its place and its worth before they were convinced. But all of the companies that have supported us and used our platform to market themselves to the world have ensured the concept for an international forestry title has not only survived, but thrived.

And, so, at this most wonderful time of the year, “when friends come to call”, it feels appropriate to acknowledge our supporters and offer our heartfelt thanks for making IFI what it is today and for keeping the team dedicated to keeping it rolling off the presses committed to doing so.

From all of here, a very merry Christmas and we look forward to reconnecting with you in a happy New Year.

Enjoy Chris Cann

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PONSSE SYNCHROWINCH enables harvesting on extreme steep slopes. The winch is synchronized with the machine’s driving speed, and does not require any special actions while operating. Tethered PONSSE harvesters and forwarders provide unbeatable productivity with minimal ground disturbance even in the most demanding conditions.

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

New H415HD Harvester Head durability, power & measuring accuracy

The new L-size-class harvester head H415HD for demanding logging was designed on the basis of customer feedback. The H415HD harvester head is available for John Deere 1270G and 1470G harvesters.

John Deere harvester heads are known for their productivity, reliability and measuring accuracy.

The H415HD extends the line of

four roller series and offers tireless power to process large and crooked stems.

Excellently suited for processing large and crooked stems The new H415HD harvester head has a reinforced tilt frame, metal protectors for the lower feed

motor and feed motor hose guards as well as Expander pins for the feed motor arms, lower delimbing knives’ axles and for the upper pins of the tilt cylinders. These are also available as spare parts for used harvester heads.

Thanks to the harvester head’s new, 30 mm lower saw box and the new shape of the fixed lower delimbing knife that enable felling cuts closer to the ground, processing of curved and big stems is more efficient. Several reinforcements to the harvester head frame were made based on customer feedback.

The harvester head’s efficient four-roller feed, excellent processing power, firm grip, and efficient delimbing ensure high productivity. The efficient saw and the highly advanced saw automation reduce sawing mistakes and increase productivity.

Maximum cut diameter 750mm Feed force 25 – 42 kN Maximum feed speed 2.9 – 7.0 m/s Weight with rotator and link 1,530 kg John Deere harvester heads are high performance tools that meet the industry’s stringent quality requirements in all working conditions. Harvester head testing is part of John Deere’s product testing process. Each harvester head model has been field-tested for thousands of hours before the start of serial production.

John Deere harvester heads are designed and manufactured in Finland.

The latest H415HD adds to the L-size-class harvester heads.

The H415HD is unbeatable in serviceability, productivity and utilization rate.

Treemetrics launch innovative forestry App HarvestSync – latest feature in Treemetrics Forest Telemetry Platform Treemetrics, the pioneering forestry software company, has announced the official opening of its new Global HQ on the South Mall in Cork city.

An Tánaiste, Mr Simon Coveney, TD, Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade, marked the occasion, as guest of honour, by unveiling a commemorative plaque and also by launching Treemetrics latest mobile product innovation designed to make the Forest industry more efficient and sustainable. The HarvestSync App enables automated collection and transmission of key production data from machines working in forests around the world.

Enterprise Ireland client company Treemetrics now sets into 2020 ready to leverage its excellent reputation and brand recognition in the forest industry and to grow the business in both traditional and also new markets.

An Tánaiste and Minister for

Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney, said: “Forests are the lungs of the earth and we know from many recent scientific sources that forestry has a huge and varied role to play in the mitigation of Climate Change. This is one of the great challenges facing mankind and the use of technology, such as that pioneered by Treemetrics, is essential in optimising the use of forests as a source of sustainable building products, carbon sequestration and water course protection, to name but a few of the well documented benefits of forestry. I have learned from speaking with the founders that Treemetrics is pursuing many more industry-leading technology developments and the mounting of lidar sensors on harvesting machines will be of particular benefit to the Global Forest Industry.”

Enda Keane, Managing Director, Treemetrics, said: “2019 has been a year of product refinement.

Working with our key clients around the world, such as, Ireland’s

6 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

state forestry company Coillte. We have taken years of software code developments and built it into a pioneering mobile App to enable us to scale rapidly and globally.”

“Building on the success of our market leading, cloud-based dataplatform, ForestHQ, which has led to the digital transformation of the traditional forest industry, we have now perfected a cutting edge App – HarvestSync, which is designed to support Forest owners and managers through enabling easier collection of data and streaming this onto our ForestHQ platform.”

Enda Keane, Treemetrics CoFounder, continued his comments: “Moving to this larger office premises, as well as opening satellite offices in Naas, Co Kildare and London, will facilitate the expansion we are planning in the coming year and beyond, which will allow us to better support our growing list of International clients. 2020 will be about rapid client acquisition and scaling our platform.

Increasing amounts of relevant data from multiple sources, such as earth observation, drone, ground based lidar, traditional inventory and harvesting machines can now be processed and analysed in real-time for clients. This means they make informed decisions to reduce costs,increase efficiency and product recovery and therefore maintain and increase profitability.”

Mr Keane also alluded to the inevitability of Treemetrics opening in-market offices in key target regions, such as, North and South America, as well as, pending announcements regarding partnership agreements in Oceania.

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Port of Pascagoula & Enviva break ground on wood Pellet Export terminal State and local leaders and Governor Phil Bryant gathered 7th November at a ground breaking ceremony for Enviva’s new marine export terminal in the Port of Pascagoula’s Bayou Casotte Harbor. The ceremony marks the beginning of construction of the $90 million terminal.

Upon completion of construction, wood pellets produced in George County, Mississippi and other Enviva plants in its strategic asset cluster in the Gulf region will be exported through the Pascagoula Terminal to markets in Asia and Europe.

Site preparation is underway and actual construction will commence in the next few weeks.

Construction time for the terminal is expected to take15 months and it will be built simultaneously with Enviva’s new woodpellet production plant in Lucedale, in George County.

The new Pascagoula terminal is expected to directly employ approximately 30 full-time workers and support about 150 direct and indirect jobs during construction.

When completed, the export terminal will be capable of receiving product by rail, barge, and truck. Two on-site domes will provide storage capacity for up to 90,000 metric tons of wood pellets. All handling equipment and

storage facilities will be state-ofthe-art. Enviva expects that the number of vessels calling the port will increase as it further develops production capacity in the region.“I am thrilled to have Enviva Biomass as a Mississippi business partner.

Their work in renewable energy is vital to the global economy,” said Governor Phil Bryant. “This terminal at the Port of Pascagoula will help export wood pellets from the largest wood pellet plant in the world to markets in Asia and Europe. This project proves that Mississippi’s diversified network of infrastructure allows opportunity for companies to export products throughout the world.” “The terminal and the associated rail relocation project have received tremendous support over the years from organizations and individuals too numerous to list but entities that contributed funding deserve special mention: in addition to Enviva,the Port, in conjunction with the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Mississippi legislature, the Governor’s office, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation all contributed funds towards the terminal project.

The total investment is approximately $90million, of which Enviva will fund about $60million and the Jackson Port Authority

will fund about $30million.We have also received overwhelming support from our Mississippi delegation in Washington, D.C.,” said Mark McAndrews, Port Director. Enviva’s Executive Vice President, Human Capital Nic Lane said, “Today we take a major step in helping to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable biomass fuel, and to ensure greater security of supply to our customers, particularly for the rapidly growing demand from our Asian customers. We are thrilled to be partnering with one of the topranking ports in the U.S., the Port of Pascagoula, a major commercial engine and key driving force in local, regional, and international economies.”The Pascagoula terminal and the Lucedale plant are an additional boost to Mississippi’s posture in the international trade arena.

Enviva joins other major industry players that have operations in the Port of Pascagoula including Chevron Pascagoula Refinery, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Chemours, Gulf LNG Energy, VT Halter Marine, and ST Engineering Halter Marine Offshore.

A major link in North America’s transportation system and Mississippi’s gateway to global markets, the Port of Pascagoula

Joseph “Nic” Lane Executive Vice President of Human Capital for Enviva

continually ranks as one of our nation’s top 25 ports in foreign trade. A mix of public and private terminals, all berths in the Port are located within 15 miles of the Gulf Shipping Lanes via 42 ft. deep channels.

Pezzolato delivers two new wood chippers to France & Switzerland Pezzolato’s PTH ALL ROAD 1400/1000 wood chippers being tested before delivery in Switzerland and France in the coming days. Both are powered by a VOLVO 700 Hp engine, a drum with a 1 m diameter, a rotating cab

to allow the operator maximum visibility in all working conditions.

ALL ROAD is a self-propelled wood chipper with particular functions and devices, which were unavailable on the market till now. It is especially characterized by a compact frame with an ease usage also in presence of reduced manœuvre spaces.

The mobility is optimized by the four-wheel drive with three possible steering ways: each axle singly, both axles combined, or only front axle.

8 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

The feeding hopper is placed in low position in order to speed up the operation cycle, with material

collected either in little or in great piles.

IF THE CHIPS ARE DOWN,

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They are the choice of experienced operators and owners all over the world.

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Since 1964, Precision Husky Corporation has been leading the industry by producing the highest quality and most rugged equipment available for the forest products industry. That is one of the many reasons you can invest in our equipment with confidence, and know it will perform the job tomorrow, next year and for many years to come. Call us today to discuss your needs as well as the newest options available for our line of sawmill, logging and wood waste recycling equipment.

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NZ - City Forests’ big little contribution to Dunedin Forestry may be getting a bad rap lately particularly from the farming community, but there is no arguing with its returns -The ODT’s Brent Melville logged some time with City Forests recently, discovering a truly biodiverse, sustainable industry at on Dunedin’s back door.

City Forests is now well into logging its third generation of forests. The company, which has held forestry investments since 1906, will celebrate its 30th anniversary of being a subsidiary of Dunedin City Holdings next year. Since coming under DCHL ownership, the forestry estate has contributed more than $225million to the council — a nice round 1000% on the initial investment of $25.7 million in 1990.

On an annual basis, its rate of return has ratcheted up in recent history, on the back of high export log prices and trading of carbon credits. The latter has contributed an estimated $30 million over the past 10 years, and been used to reinvest in expanding its land interests and also to pay its shareholders more.

This past year it expanded its forestry estate by 1000ha, buying up several local farms, and paid

total dividends of $8million to the city. Its rate of return over the past three years has been above 14%. Not bad for a company that employs about 12 staff directly and another 80 contractors; most ratepayers would not be aware of the scope of City Forests’ operations, says chief executive Grant Dodson.

The ‘‘big three’’ forestry companies in Otago — City Forests, Rayonier and Wenita Forest Products — control about a quarter of the estimated 206,000ha of plantation forests in the region.

Most of City Forests’ land, about 23,000ha, is located within a bike ride of the city of Dunedin. Its seven commercial forests — some of which are publicly accessible — span more than 16,000ha, with another 2000ha or so either undergoing replanting or under development.

Total tree numbers are at about 8million, of which 80% are radiata, the remainder being douglas fir and other species, such as macrocarpa. It’s biggest forest is the 9,500ha Tokoiti forest, located just south east of Milton.

Its smallest is the 650ha Millers estate, near Glenore.

A logging ‘‘factory’’ in full swing at Ferny Hill. Photos: Brent Melville Across the estate, last year the company harvested 336,000cu m of trees at a rate of around 5ha a day, generating $59million in revenues and a total surplus of $25.2million. Its joint ownership opportunities also generated income for other land holders; for example, the company had a joint venture over a 250ha parcel with the Scout Association.

“They harvested at a good time, resulting in a payment last year of almost $1million,” Mr Dodson said. The majority of City Forest logs were exported to the South Korea and Chinese markets, with just under a third of log production supplied to domestic mills through Otago and Southland last year.

Gamble Forests’ Tony Gamble (left) with City Forests’ chief executive Grant Dodson at Ferny Hill outside Dunedin.

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12/10/19 11:40 AM

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Pinnacle Renewable Energy to supply 100,000t of industrial wood pellets to Japan’s Mitsui compelling opportunity to continue growing in this market.

About Pinnacle Pinnacle is a rapidly growing industrial wood pellet

manufacturer and distributor and the third largest producer in the world. The Company produces sustainable fuel for renewable electricity generation in the form of

industrial wood pellets. This fuel is used by large-scale thermal power generators as a greener alternative to coal that allows them to produce reliable baseload renewable power.

Because professionals pay attention to detail Pinnacle Renewable Energy (“Pinnacle” or the “Company”) (TSX: PL) has announced that it has entered into a new long-term, take-or-pay off-take contract with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. (“Mitsui”), a large, diversified trading company in Japan. Under the terms of the contract, Pinnacle will supply 100,000 metric tons per annum of industrial wood pellets to Mitsui beginning in Q3 2023. The industrial wood pellets will be used by a biomass power generation plant in Japan.

“We are pleased to enter into this new relationship with Mitsui and our fourth contract with Asian customers this year,” said Robert McCurdy, Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle. “Our growing order book in Japan underscores both Japan’s strong commitment to decarbonization and the strength of our competitive position in this market. We are also pleased to support the B.C. economy through our growing exports of industrial wood pellets to Asia.”

“I am excited about this new partnership between Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Mitsui & Co, which uses B.C. wood waste to generate good jobs in B.C. and power clean, renewable electricity in Japan,” said John Horgan, Premier of B.C. Japan is a supportive market for renewable energy, targeting 3.7% to 4.6% from biomass or 20 million MTPA in pellet equivalent terms, providing Pinnacle with a

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International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 11

From countries adopting policies to help reduce greenhouse gases to people looking for more natural, sustainable solutions for heating their homes and feeding their plants, quality processed wood material is in high demand.

Capitalizing on the growing number of revenue streams for wood chips requires more than just a connection with customers — forestry and logging companies

equipment that delivers more sizing options.

According to Vermeer applications specialist for Recycling and Forestry Ryan Hugen, the design of Vermeer whole tree chippers gives contractors the ability to produce a broader range of chip sizes. “We offer two different drum options on Vermeer whole tree chippers — a microchip drum to produce a range of smaller sized chips, and a macrochip drum that can also be easily adjusted to produce different, larger sizes of chips,” he explained.

regrinding that has to be done to fill an order with different material size requirements.”

Selecting the right drum The Vermeer microchip drum produces chip sizes between 1/8” (3.2 mm) to 5/8” (15.9 mm), which is suited for producing wood pellets for residential and wood fuel plants, as well as chips for landscaping, gardening, animal bedding, composting and playground applications. The macrochip drum can produce chip sizes between 5/8” (15.9 mm) and 11/4” (31.8 mm). Applications

We offer two different drum options on Vermeer whole tree chippers — a microchip drum to produce a range of smaller sized chips, and a macrochip drum that can also be easily adjusted to produce different, larger sizes of chips Ryan Hugen, Applications specialist for Recycling and Forestry, Vermeer

Microchip and Macrochip drum options provide greater range of wood chip sizes

also have to be able to produce a variety of material sizes to meet the needs of the end user.

A common issue forestry companies face is not having the ability to produce the appropriate size of material to meet the needs of their wide variety of customers.

For example, the biomass industry usually prefers smaller or microsized wood chips to accommodate pellet stoves, wood burning plants and so on, but the chippers that crews use in the field are not able to produce the appropriate size, resulting in the need to regrind material.

Regrinding material multiple times can significantly impact a business and requires additional equipment.

Manufacturers like Vermeer have recognized the market demand for wood chips of varying sizes and have developed

Two drum options The main difference between the Vermeer microchip and macrochip drum options is the number of pockets. “The microchip drum has two full width pockets, while the macrochip drum only has two,” Hugen said. “Producing smaller chips requires more cuts per revolution, so by doubling the pockets and knives on the microchip drum, we are able to produce smaller chips in one pass.”

Operators can add spacers under the knives for each drum size to make additional sizing adjustments.

“Whether a company selects the microchip drum or a macrochip drum, the ability to make quick adjustments between jobs or in the field is important,” Hugen added.

“Making a few small adjustments can help reduce the amount of

12 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

for wood chips in that size range include silt socks, erosion control, capping landfills, mulch, wood fuel plants and land clearing.

To determine which chipper drum is right for a company, Hugen recommends contractors evaluate how the processed material is being used and which markets are they being sold to. “If the chips are simply going back to the forest floor as part of a land clearing project, it may be more efficient to use a macrochip drum and a large depth of cut,” he said. “Larger chips will not decompose as rapidly as smaller ones. However, if a company is selling the chips to an end user, the drum type will depend on the needs of customers.

The goal should be to create a size that most closely matches the needs of the customer.”

Making adjustments While having different drum types provides companies with a lot of flexibility, the ability to easily make size adjustments to the drum is equally important. On many chippers, making adjustments or performing routine maintenance

can be time-consuming and laborintensive because the process of babbitting requires working with molten lead. Vermeer developed a new approach with its patented pusher bolt knife design.

“Knives on Vermeer whole tree chippers can be positioned quickly with just a wrench,” Hugen said.

“We use threaded holes in the end of the knives where pusher bolts take the place of babbit. This design makes it much easier to make adjustments and sharpen knives. Our unique pusher bolt system helps prevent knives from sliding outward toward the shear bar.

“Another unique feature of the Vermeer microchip and macrochip drums is that they are completely threadless,” Hugen added.

“Instead, we use a replicable hex nut for knife retention, which makes it much easier to replace a knife if it gets damaged.”

The design of Vermeer chipper drums makes it easier to efficiently make adjustments, which is beneficial for forestry and logging operations that cater to a wide range of customers. It also helps reduce the need for regrinding.

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Dynamic new 50 MW Ence plant in Puertollano Ence’s new 50 MW biomass generation plant in Puertollano has already joined the Red Eléctrica and generated its first megawatts of renewable energy with biomass.

The Puertollano biomass plant is an example of a contribution to a fair energy transition by converting the site of the ELCOGAS coal power plant into a center for the production of renewable energy with biomass, primarily agricultural in its environment.

The new installation of Puertollano will continue in the testing phase until the end of January 2020, when it is expected that it will complete this previous test period and make its entry into official operation. The plant has been built following the best available techniques and will produce an estimated 325,000 MWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the energy needs of more than 60,000 people.

The activity of the Puertollano plant will allow a sharp reduction in the uncontrolled burning of agricultural stubble – which has a high environmental impact – while contributing to the maintenance of more than 1,300 direct, indirect and induced jobs, the Most of them in rural areas. These jobs will be added to the 500 direct jobs generated by the plant during its construction.

In addition to the strong creation of rural employment, biomass generation has undeniable advantages for the electricity system, providing a firm and manageable renewable energy production source. This contribution could be enhanced with the elimination of the current regulatory limitation of 6,500 hours / year to the generation of these facilities, which would imply a more efficient use of the productive resources of the National Electric System.

GILBERT 3018 FELLING HEAD

TURN YOUR EXCAVATOR INTO A FELLER BUNCHER The Gilbert 3018 is a plug and play solution designed to perform full-tree cutting operations in various applications with your excavator. With a cutting capacity of 45 cm, its 350° rotation and unparalleled accumulation capacity, the Gilbert 3018 saw head is supplied with a control system that allows a simple installation on excavators of 20 tons and more by using the carrier’s hydraulics. www.gilbert-tech.com P + 1.418.275.5041 info@gilbert-tech.com

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 13

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

VicForests seeks community input VicForests has started public consultation on draft Timber Release Plan and Timber Utilisation Plan amendments.Stakeholder feedback on proposed harvest areas is an important part of VicForests’ planning process.

VicForests chief executive Monique Dawson said that the draft amendments would remove 7,835 haof state forests and add 15,832ha for future operations.

The change has arisen due to new harvesting practices,

implemented in 2019, which retain up to 80 per cent of each coupe to protect biodiversity.

The total area of timber harvested is expected to be in line with recent years –between 2,500 ha and about 3,000 ha per year –and less than historical levels of more than 4000ha per year.Ms Dawson said that the proposed amendments aim to provide flexibility to support longterm planning and certainty for timber processors and harvest and

haulage operators. “VicForests’ harvest planning process aligns with the Victorian Government’s recently announced Forestry Plan and includes detailed field assessments to identify forest biodiversity and social, historical and cultural values, and to determine soil and water protection measures,” Ms Dawson said. “Community feedback is an important part of the planning process and we welcome all input.”

Monique Dawson, VicForests Chief Executive

Deere announces net income of $3.253 Billion for year • Net sales increase 4% for fourth quarter and 5% for full year.

• Construction & Forestry reports higher sales and profit for year.

• Full-year 2020 forecast calls for net income of $2.7 to $3.1 billion, reflecting uncertainties in our equipment operations.

MOLINE, Illinois (November 27, 2019) — Deere & Company reported net income of $722 million for the fourth quarter ended November 3, 2019, or $2.27 per share, compared with net income of $785 million, or $2.42 per share, for the quarter ended October 28, 2018. For fiscal 2019, net income attributable to Deere & Company was $3.253 billion, or $10.15 per share, compared with $2.368 billion, or $7.24 per share, in 2018.

Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 5 percent in both the fourth quarter and full

year of 2019 to $9.896 billion and $39.258 billion, for the respective periods. Net sales of the equipment operations were $8.703 billion for the quarter and $34.886 billion for the year, compared with respective totals of $8.343 billion and $33.351 billion in 2018.

“John Deere’s performance reflected continued uncertainties in the agricultural sector,” said John C. May, chief executive officer.

“Lingering trade tensions coupled with a year of difficult growing and harvesting conditions have caused many farmers to become cautious about making major investments in new equipment.

Additionally, financial services results have come under pressure due to operating-lease losses.

At the same time, general economic conditions have remained favorable. This has supported demand for smaller

equipment and led to solid results for Deere’s construction and forestry business, which had a record year for sales and operating profit.”

Company Outlook & Summary Net income attributable to Deere & Company for fiscal 2020 is forecast to be in a range of $2.7 billion to $3.1 billion.

“Despite present challenges, the longer-term outlook for our businesses remains healthy and points to a promising future for Deere,” May said. “We are particularly encouraged by the adoption of precision technologies and believe we are well-positioned to be a leader in the delivery of smarter, more efficient and sustainable solutions to our customers.

At the same time, we are committed to the successful

John C. May, CEO

execution of our strategic plan and have initiated a series of measures to create a leaner organizational structure that can operate with more speed and agility. We’re confident these steps will lead to improved efficiencies and help the company focus its resources and investments on areas that have the greatest impact on performance.”

Japan: Lift in young people in forestry As forestry work gets easier in graying Japan, young hires opt for paths less taken - Young Japanese are increasingly joining the forestry industry thanks to a government program and labor-saving improvements made possible by the expanding use of machines.

Many also see the sector as an opportunity to escape urban life.

“It’s tough to deal with nature, but I enjoy my work because the scenery changes every day,” said

Wataru Aizawa, 32, of logging company Horie Forest in Hitachiota, Ibaraki Prefecture. He joined four years ago.

The company has a staff of 12, seven of whom are in their 30s.

Work is done by a team of five using high-performance heavy machinery for everything from felling the trees to gathering and transporting them.

Keisuke Horie, a senior managing director, said he was

14 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

surprised by the recent surge in interest.

“In the past, starting workers were told to focus on weeding around young trees for one year,” Horie, 33, said. “But now, even inexperienced people can have a go.”

According to the Forestry Agency , the ratio of people 65 and over in the industry peaked at 30 percent in 2000 but fell to 25 percent in 2015. Those under 35,

however, hit 17 percent in 2015, up from 6 percent in 1990.

The surge is a boon for the industry. Forests occupy roughly 70 percent of Japan’s land, with over half of the planted ones that were felled en masse during the economic growth spurt from the mid-1950s to the early ’70s ready to be cut again.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 15

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Delta lands in the UK Motion control manufacturer Delta Computer Systems has established a sales office in the United Kingdom under the direction of Delta’s European Sales Manager, Dr Tim Gessner. Dr Gessner was appointed to the European Sales Manager position in July of 2017.

The sales office, Delta Motion, will operate as a wholly-owned

subsidiary of Delta Computer Systems and is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. This office will provide support and training as well as sales and marketing services for Delta in Europe.

“Delta continues to expand internationally in all major regions,” stated Steve Nylund, Delta’s CEO. “Establishing this

sales office is a continuation of Delta’s commitment to our customers in Europe,” Nylund added.

European customers can reach out to either of these locations for support: Delta’s headquarters and manufacturing centre in the USA and the new sales office in the UK.

Dr Tim Gessner

Peab builds an extension to SCA’s saw mill in Bollstabruk

Bollsta Saw Mill currently Peab, in partnership with SCA, is going to build an extension the Bollsta saw mill in Bollstabruk, Kramfors Municipality. The contract is worth SEK 276 million.

The project comprises building a new, modern sorting line that in the future can double production in the saw mill. The sorting line is the part of the sawing process where

timber is sorted for quality before delivery. The project also includes groundwork and building a new workshop and a storehouse.

“We work in close cooperation with our customer. We have experience from previous projects with SCA and together we have developed a work method that functions very well in this kind of extensive, complex project,” says Jörgen Eriksson, Region Manager Peab.

“This investment means we can increase production by 50,000 m3 sawn product, says Johan Olofsson, manager of SCA’s sawmill in Bollstabruk. We will also lower our costs since we won’t have to sort our products in two older lines anymore. Instead production in the saw mill will be rational from start to finish.”

Stora Enso appoints Jari Suominen as Head of Forest division Stora Enso has appointed Jari Suominen as EVP, Head of Forest division as of 1 January 2020. He will continue as a member of the Group Leadership Team.

Jari Suominen has led Stora Enso’s Wood Products division since 2014. He has held several leadership positions in Stora Enso’s paper and wood products

businesses since 1995.

The search for a new divisional head for Wood Products will be initiated. Seppo Toikka, currently Head of Strategy and Business Controlling in Wood Products, is taking on the role as acting Head of the division as of 1 January 2020.

Stora Enso announced in September 2019 that it would

16 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

create a new Forest division and start reporting it separately at the beginning of 2020. The new division is formed to drive value creation through our sustainable and efficient forest management and increase the transparency of the Group’s forest assets.

Johan Olofsson, Sawmill Manager, Bollsta sawmill The project is a traditional contract in partnering. Construction will began in November 2019 and is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2022.

Sawmill 4.0 The sawmill of the future Gapless traceability from log to board Microtec presents “the sawmill of the future”.

Through its integrated and innovative solutions and the implementation of AI, every log can be traced to its boards through a “digital fingerprint”.

CT Log 360° X-ray Computed Tomography Full digital log reconstruction and virtual grading

Logeye Fingerprint X-ray Log Scanner Log Identification and rotation angle evaluation

Goldeneye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for Boards Board identification and quality grading

microtec.eu

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Pilot CLT production facility for Södra in Väröbacka Södra Wood has invested into a pilot plant for CLT production. The idea behind the pilot plant is to explore the different possibilities of the product and create a marketing and production strategy. As Södra operates their own saw mills the utilisation of different timber sizes and grades is also crucial.

The line has been placed in an available building on Södras industrial area (Saw mill & Pulp mill), which was completely renewed and upgraded. The size of the CLT panels is limited to 12 m x 3,0 m x 0,36 m. In the same building is installed also a CNC router to machine the ready pressed CLT elements. This is the first complete Turnkey CLT

management, production flow control and visualization, statistics, instant information’s and production analysis tools.

Location: Väröbacka / Sweden Project Leader: Mattias Wallman Production Manager: Krister Norberg Employees: 600 Species: Spruce Operators: 3+2 Production capacity: 10,000 m³ / y

Line delivered to Sweden. After commissioning is completed the plant goes into test production.

The complete line is integrated under the X-Lam manager developed by Ledinek Engineering.

A PC based master computer system for production

Australia - Timber Queensland Board elected Responding to regional opportunities and technical innovations ahead for the State’s $3.2 billion forest and timber industry, a broad representation of Directors was elected at Timber Queensland’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, which was hosted at the ARC Future Timber Hub at the University of Queensland.

A unanimous decision by members present, elected Mr Paul Bidwell Deputy Chief Executive, Master Builders Queensland as the Chair and Mr James Hyne, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Hyne Timber, as Deputy Chair.

Timber Queensland Chair Mr Paul Bidwell said the incoming Board visited the Future Timber Hub’s structural engineering and fire laboratories where experts from industry, government, and academia are collaborating to develop the skills, knowledge and resources to foster future growth of tall timber buildings.

“Many of these projects focus on developing engineered wood products (EWPs) in future building structures. Increased use of products such as glue laminated timber, laminated veneer lumber and cross laminated timber,

offer new opportunities for the construction industry to reduce environmental impact and adopt timber solutions in the building market,” said Mr Bidwell.

“We were able to see firsthand the applied research and integrated approaches to tall timber design and engineering, with many exciting applications for future housing and commercial projects.” The Future Timber Hub is an interdisciplinary partnership between the University of Queensland, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Arup, Hyne Timber, Lendlease, Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, Scion NZ, Griffith University, University of British Columbia and the University of Canterbury.

Mr Bidwell said a key strength of the incoming Board was its diversity of Directors who represent the full industry supply chain from growers and processors through to traders and fabricators. “Timber Queensland provides a united, powerful voice, and this board has insight into the policy and regulatory environment, as well as the environmental, technical and market development aspects of meeting the growing demand for

18 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Photo: Directors present at the incoming meeting from L to R: Bob Engwirda, Adan Taylor, Craig Neale, David Simms (back row). James Hyne, Paul Bidwell (front row).

timber products,” he said.

• Bob Ryder, DTM Frame and Truss

The Directors elected at the 2019 AGM included:

Timber Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Mick Stephens said the Board had identified some key priorities going forward in 2020, including resource security and expansion, waste management and improving regional timber supply chains.

Source: Timber Queensland

• Paul Bidwell, Master Builders Queensland • James Hyne, Hyne Timber • Robert Tapiolas, Parkside Group • Craig Neale, AKD Softwoods • Curly Tatnell, DTM Timber • Islay Robertson, HQPlantations • Bob Engwirda, Hurfords Wholesale • Adan Taylor, GMT Logging • David Simms, Simms Group

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

NZ - Expansion plans for NZFFP NZ Future Forest Products Ltd (NZFFP) has announced it will fast-track a new sawmill and manufacturing capacity at Ruakaka following the completion of its strategic transaction with North Sawn Lumber Ltd (NSL).

The Managing Director of NZFFP, David Henry, said the expansion will create 30 new full-time equivalent jobs in Ruakaka, providing new highquality and long-term employment opportunities in the Northland region.

The expansion will allow for

additional premium wood products to be containerised and shipped from Northport. It will generate an additional $40 million in annual export receipts for New Zealand, mainly from NSL’s existing markets in South East Asia and also to new customers in Europe. This export growth strategy is in addition to continuing to service all of NSL’s existing domestic customers to the same high levels.

The expansion, previously scheduled not to start until late 2020, will now commence in Q1 2020 with commissioning due to

occur in Q4 2020.

As previously indicated, NSL’s Garth Mortensen and Grant Syminton have now joined the NZFFP board as Director of Operations and Non-Executive Director respectively.

The acquisition of the Claymark group, which employs 600 people across six manufacturing sites in the Upper North Island, remains on track.

Mr Henry said NZFFP was strongly in growth mode. A further announcement on changes to NZFFP’s capital structure, including

David Henry, Managing Director NZFFP

a widening of its shareholder base, will be made in due course.

Millar Western installs PulpEye The Canadian BCTMP and lumber producer Millar Western has installed a PulpEye system to its Whitecourt pulp mill in Alberta.

The delivery consists of analyser modules for CSF, fibre dimensions, shives, brightness and crill.

Millar Western’s Whitecourt pulp mill began production in 1988. Originally designed to produce 210,000 air-dried metric

tonnes (ADMT) of BCTMP per year, the mill’s capacity today stands at 320,000 ADMT. The pulp mill produces BCTMP pulps using hardwood as well as softwood as raw material.

The Whitecourt mill is a flexible and efficient BCTMP mill producing more than twenty different pulp grades for use in products such as fine printing and writing papers,

paperboard, specialty papers, tissue and toweling. It is therefore important to efficiently know and control the pulp quality at any time during production to make sure that the pulp customers get the right pulp for their applications.

PulpEye is a Swedish innovative measurement technology company.

ED 3000 WRAPPER* ...... packs faster than Santa Claus

*patent pending

LEARN MORE!

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International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 19

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Georgia-Pacific makes significant investments in Southeast Arkansas community Georgia-Pacific recently announced two major investments that will contribute significantly to its facility community in Gurdon, Arkansas, and the region.

Georgia-Pacific is investing $70 million for upgrades to its plywood and lumber operations in the community. The company is also making its largest contribution ever to Gurdon and Clark County schools, committing $100,000 over five years to help install a multi-use playing field that will be used by the three schools and the city for community events. The pair of investments are a great example of GP’s belief that strong communities are good for business and strong businesses reinvest into the community.

What impact will $70 million make?

In addition to extending the ability to meet the growing needs of customers for lumber and plywood, this investment will increase the mill’s efficiency and capacity, sustaining the more than 700 jobs at the two facilities.

“We are making state of the art improvements that will transform our Gurdon facilities, greatly improving the utilization of raw materials and overall operating efficiencies, making jobs more meaningful, and turning us into an even stronger competitor,” said Mike White, Western Regional Operations Manager.

“This investment is validation

of the work, commitment, and loyalty of our employees and the support Gurdon and Clark County have demonstrated for years,” said White, who started as an electrician at the plant when it was built in 1979. “And as any facilities manager will tell you, the quality of the workforce is the critical factor for success.

All the latest technology isn’t nearly as important as having the calibre of competent, responsible, conscientious employees we have.”

GP’s investment will have a ripple economic effect in the southern Arkansas region, generating $169 million in overall impact, according to Dr. Gauri Guha, Associate Professor of Economics at Arkansas State University.

“Any large investment in an economic sector is amplified by regional economic multipliers due to direct, indirect and induced effects of the expenditures,” Dr. Guha said. “This means a direct investment of $70 million ends up generating an economic value of $169 million within the year.”

Some of the improvements include the install of an advanced merchandiser that determines best end-product use, new panel assembly stations with stateof-the-art scanning systems, an

20 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Georgia-Pacific is investing $70 million into its Gurdon lumber and plywood operations that will greatly improving utilization of raw materials and overall operating efficiencies

In addition to meeting the growing needs of lumber and plywood customers, the investment will increase efficiency and capacity, sustaining the more than 700 jobs across the two Gurdon plants upgraded power plant and software and security enhancements. Work on the projects began earlier this summer and will be completed by 2020.

The work doesn’t stop at the mills Georgia-Pacific’s contribution for a $100,000 multi-use playing field provides a setting for students to participate in extra-curricular activities, helping them to expand their social skills– a benefit for finding career opportunities after graduation.

This contribution along with the investment into the mill provides a foundation for a solid community that will be ready for the generations to come.

“The Gurdon schools have been such a cooperative, helpful and successful partner in ensuring we have the talented people we need,” said Carrie Wilkins, Regional Human Resources for GP’s Plywood and Lumber divisions. “We want and need them to continue to be successful, so our aim is to contribute meaningfully to our schools every year.”

Hildebrand HCK goes up a gear Wireless weighing technology - the latest innovation from respected US outfit

B

runner Hildebrand has been serving the international wood industry with drying kilns for more than 60 years. It’s dry kiln solutions are based on decades of experience in the highly demanding lumber drying market of the sawmill industry.

That knowledge and expertise ensure customers receive individual dry kiln solutions tailored to the needs of each sawmill.

The product range includes conventional kilns (forklift and track loaded for softwood and

hardwood), continuous kilns, steamers, heat-treating, pre-dryers, vacuum dryers and various types of kiln controls with on-line service.

Recently, the company introduced the Hildebrand Weight Precision Technology (HWPT), which is capable of weighing entire lumber stacks in wireless mode.

In contrast to the former Brunner Hildebrand in-kilnprobe-system, it is a massive improvement because it produces more accurate results and it may easily be integrated into the daily work routine by using

weighing devices looking “just like regular 4x4’s”, according to the manufacturer.

In combination with the new Vector EW control system, sawmills benefit from a superb level of accuracy and practical implementation. This kiln control provides the highest degree of flexibility to users.

Each kiln is shown in an adapted 2D and 3D design. Loading can be simulated, wide options of MC measurements can be chosen and past drying results help in optimizing the process.

Brunner Hildebrand recently introduced the Hildebrand Weight Precision Technology 22 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Wood Drying Technology

GreenKilns® technology allows large savings of thermal energy - also available for Batch Kilns Additionally, sawmills can add special features like Brunner Hildebrand’s Alternating Climate, which is a smart way to save large amounts of energy in the kiln drying process.

With this special feature, lumber is variably exposed to harsh (but still uncritical) drying conditions followed by mild climate and reduced or even switched off air flow. This puts lumber through carefully calculated “stress and relief ” intervals with the benefit of improved grade and lower cost of electrical energy.

HCK-Alexander The all-rounder among continuous kilns This type of continuous kiln is designed for mills that produce large volumes of lumber products, for example dimension softwood.

Its structure is entirely made of aluminium which is considered the material with the best combination of stability, longevity and costefficiency (stainless steel also available).

While designing the Hildebrand Continuous Kiln, the company´s engineers put great emphasis on creating exactly the right drying conditions (temperature, climate, air speed) for the respective lumber moisture content. Lumber is placed length-wise on carts and rails and dries during transport through a number of zones with separate climate conditions.

Ultimately, lumber will be dried in the continuous kiln HCK-A just as it would be in a conventional kiln. The technical features of each

individual drying zone are perfectly customized to the drying state and moisture of the lumber packages passing through.

All of the HCK-type kilns feature the company’s highly efficient Hildebrand GreenKilns® technology which allows large savings of thermal energy by connecting the individual drying zones to one big thermal compound where excess heat from certain drying zones is guided to drying zones in need of additional heat. This way, thermal waste is greatly reduced.

Another energy-saving HCK feature is the Hildebrand Turbo Technology (HTT®). The turbobaffle system which is based on height-adjustable aluminium baffles. These baffles are constantly repositioned vertically as computed by the Control System, thus shutting off the air flow from parts of the lumber stack for a predetermined time span. While drying in the screened

section continues through vapour pressure differential between the core and the surface of the lumber boards, air velocity in the exposed sections is almost doubled. This allows shorter drying times with lower power drain while still

achieving highest lumber quality.

Typically, all Hildebrand HCK continuous kilns come with an integrated control room on the upper floor of the kiln, directly beneath the roof section. This design ensures cost-effective installation of electrical supply cables and heating pipes as well as maximum protection against weather conditions.

High-grade wall and roof insulation minimizes thermal loss while the outside aluminium sheets blend in harmoniously with the rest of the kiln building.

As an option, Hildebrand continuous kilns may be equipped with pneumatic aluminium pressure frames in each individual drying zone. Pressure frames are lowered onto the top package of the lumber stacks, thus providing excellent stability while eliminating any warp of the top layer of boards.

Hildebrand HCK continuous kilns essential benefits • C ontinuous volume feed to bring the lumber product quicker to the market

• Integrated with the logistics of the mill • Multitrack, flexible, and able to dry different species within the same kiln • Volume drying at the lowest possible cost • Maximize grade yield • Optimized energy efficiency in-line with green initiatives and applicable to funding programmes • Scalable • Adapted to any heat source and heating medium

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 23

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection for Lumber Kilns

I

n order to help its customers, protect their investment in major capital equipment installations such as Lumber Kilns or Veneer Dryers, Westmill Industries Ltd. has developed, tested and implemented an innovative new approach to eliminate the destructive effects of corrosion.

This new Patented system is called Impressed Current Cathodic Protection, or ICCP.

Problem Lumber Kilns and Veneer Dryers are prone to galvanic corrosion especially in environments of high temperature, humidity and salinity etc.

With an unprotected kiln, galvanic corrosion occurs when different metals have physical or electrical contact with each other and are immersed in a common electrolyte, or when the same metal is exposed to electrolyte with different concentrations. In a galvanic couple, the more active metal (the anode) corrodes at an accelerated rate and the more noble metal (the cathode) corrodes at a slower rate.

24 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Solution ICCP is a very economic method of maintenance free corrosion protection over equipment. This technology will ensure longterm structural performance, reduced downtime and consistent equipment quality & operation.

ICCP forces the protected structure (the Kiln) to become the cathode by connection to a Precious Metal (Niobium) coated

anode, and through the application of a direct current to the anode using a Variable DC power supply.

In short, the protected structure becomes Cathodic, thus suppressing the electronic migration of metal and virtually eliminating corrosion altogether from occurring.

WESTMILL® Coastal Plywood, Chapman AL – ICCP Results After 24 months of continuous operation, Westmill’s ICCP System installed at Coastal Forest Products’, Chapman Alabama plywood plant has been found to have virtually eliminated any corrosion of the protected dryer

Wood Drying Technology

Under 10 grams of steel loss in 24 months is truly amazing, especially when it is not uncommon to see dryer housings & frames needing replacement in under 20 years Mike Crondahl Westmill’s owner & President

structure. With Westmill’s ICCP system connected, the dryer has an electrical potential of 0.827 volts making the steel unable to donate electrons back to ground.

During our inspection, measurements taken from the reference electrode verify that the dryer has not lost any electrons over the past 24 months and is still registering under the 10 grams ‘margin of error’ limit of the instrument. A visual inspection confirms that the whole dryer remains in brand-new condition.

“Under 10 grams of steel loss in 24 months is truly amazing, especially when it is not uncommon to see dryer housings & frames needing replacement in under 20 years” says Westmill’s owner and President Mike Crondahl, after hearing this report; “It’s like having a never ending insurance policy on your dryer silently protecting your asset 24-7” The ICCP System starts protecting the dryer the moment the system is activated. Even if your equipment has existing rust and corrosion, it’s not too late to protect the steel from further corrosion. It will not reverse the

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) System

damage, but it will absolutely stop further damage.

Westmill Industries has been serving the Lumber industry for 45 years. A leader in drying technologies, Westmill supplies new dryer systems, dryer rebuilds, consulting and engineering services.

WESTMILL also has the world’s

largest inventory of replacement dryer parts to service and supply every make and model of dryer.

Parts inventory locations in Oregon & Georgia USA, and in British Columbia, Canada.

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International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 25

Realizing potential Big gains in recovery, productivity The main driver for the investment in optimization technology was recovery. CMTP Branxholm Sawmill realized a 20-25% productivity improvement with about an 8% increase in recovery

T

he application of optimization technology helped CMTP Branxholm Sawmill realize the benefits that automation could bring to its end-dog carriage line.

Since the implementation of the new system both productivity and recovery have jumped, prompting the owners to further invest in

26 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

this mill.

Having worked in other mills where optimization was utilized, General Manager Dale Jessup knew it was sure to be a big win for his mill. With commissioning several months past, he’s well satisfied with the decision.

Branxholm Sawmill is a

division of CMTP which is based in Colac, Victoria, Australia. CMTP has several operations located throughout Australia. The company is a packaging specialist that markets pallets and crates for storing a wide variety of goods from produce to electronics to livestock, and more. CMTP

SAWLINES - USNR

LUMBER PROCESSING

A log has completed its A-axis first pass through the saws, and is returned to the home position for rotation to the B-axis for the next pass through the saws. The laser line shown is left over from the manual system where the operator used it as a visual clue for positioning of the dogs. The laser line is no longer necessary with the optimized process.

Branxholm Sawmill is located in Branxholm, Tasmania.

The CMTP Branxholm site has a green mill, kiln, and heat-treating facilities, and it manufactures pallets and crates for produce. This site is the largest pallet producer

in Tasmania, and also produces some timber products for export.

Export products are dried and then heat treated to meet requirements before shipping off-shore. The operation employs 30 people, and has an annual output of 20,000 m3.

Realizing potential The sawmill recently invested in optimization and equipment upgrades for its end-dog carriage.

The carriage operation was originally a manual process.

General Manager Dale Jessup,

who has been with CMTP Branxholm for 9 years, had previously worked at mills where similar optimization had been implemented. With recovery currently running at 44% with a manual carriage process, he

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 27

recognized that there could be big gains in recovery and productivity if the mill invested in optimization.

Dale Jessup commented, “The main driver for the investment was recovery. Our recovery preinstallation was about 44%. I knew the potential of what an optimizer could do for us.” He contacted USNR Account Manager, Jason Clay, and Darren Ousey from Skookum Technologies, to come and assess the situation and help develop the most effective solution. “We did a visual assessment of what was occurring on the saw line, and we unanimously agreed that we would get some pretty significant increases with optimization; we thought we could safely estimate about 6% increase in recovery.”

The solution Optimization has improved recovery significantly, up 8%. The pink boards indicate low value, high wane recovery boards that would otherwise have been chipped away.

28 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

The solution included USNR’s EndDog Carriage optimization utilizing both front- and back-side Lasar2 sensors. Both front- and back-side scanning allows full modeling of the entire surface of the Radiata Pine logs, which have a lot of shape and character. The optimization configuration added software algorithms to model the scribing saws that edge the sideboards prior to sawing them off the log. As well, Skookum designed a new log charging system to load and rotate the logs and cants for scanning, position them for optimal recovery, and then transport them through the carriage saws.

The mill processes Radiata Pine logs from 120 to 380 mm (4-3/4” to 15”) diameter and 3.1 to 3.7 m (10’ to 12’) in length. It is designed to operate at 100 m/min (330 ft/min).

The scanner system consists of proprietary USNR Lasar2 3D sensors. These sensors have a broad range of capabilities and are ideal for stationary snap-shot scanning, providing full coverage, high resolution 3D images. The sensors are fast: one-scan, oneset. The unique scanning method allows accurate scanning on light, dark, rough, fuzzy, shiny, and barky logs. Among the benefits of the data collected by this sensor

OPERATION FOCUS

is the ability to automatically detect sweep, taper, diameter, length, ovality, flare, fluting, nodal swelling, broken ends, and kink.

3D log images can be automatically saved to files for later off-line reoptimization. Off-line and on-line results are identical, allowing for fine-tuning of settings without risking any real wood.

This system performs 2 scans on each log before it is dogged for sawing. The first scan provides data for optimizing the log rotation, and the second scan determines the log breakdown solution. The A-axis orientation is the log’s position ready for sawing to expose right and left faces. The B-axis orientation is achieved once the log returns to the home position and is rotated 90° for sawing to expose the final 2 faces.

Productivity improvement The existing mill had been acquired by CMTP, and Dale Jessup didn’t have much in the way of technical specifications on the equipment. Because

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of this lack of specifications, during commissioning the team discovered that the hydraulics for the setworks weren’t capable of expending enough oil to set the logs at the rate of speed that was desired. Dale related, “We were experiencing some delays – a few seconds for each log, but over a shift it really impacted production.” The mill replaced the hydraulic pack after the optimizer was installed, to realize the full productivity improvement. “As soon as we got the hydraulic pack changed over we noticed an immediate improvement. We haven’t looked back.”

He explained the change in process. “With the manual process, the operator had to load the logs onto the chargers, shift the log up to the desired position, rotate the log, set the saw pattern manually, and then cut the log. Every time it took an extra 3-4 seconds. Now the system runs so the log is dropped in for scanning while the previous log is being cut. As soon as the carriage comes back the

17:22

operator dogs the log up and the saw pattern is set automatically, and then the system proceeds to saw the log.” He continued, “There is almost no delay between each log. Now we cut close to 1,000 logs each day, so that’s 3,0004,000 seconds we’re saving. The productivity improvement out of the mill is 20-25%. In actual recovery we increased about 8%.”

Dale says he’s well satisfied with the level of service he’s received. “During ordering, delivery, installation, and postcommissioning we’ve been very satisfied with everything USNR and Skookum have done for us. When we placed the order USNR was very busy, so we hired TUI Technology to do the controls. We weren’t sure if that would create problems with coordinating the project, but the level of cooperation was excellent between the teams.”

Giving credit

in proceeding with this project.

“They’ve got about 8 sites around Australia. We really appreciate their commitment to this operation, and it’s given the employees a lot of confidence for the future.”

He said that because the owners had seen the gains achieved with this project, they will be amenable to investing further in this operation. The mill is installing a 28-bay sling sorter and a stacker. Another project underway is a concrete bunker to contain the sawdust and bark. This will improve the environment and air quality on site.

The end-dog project was completed in January 2019, and to date the new system is operating very well. With its rejuvenated carriage line, CMTP Branxholm is positioned to continue supporting the market with top quality products, and a carriage line it knows it can depend on for years to come.

Dale recognizes the investment by the owners Chris and Travis Meade, and the confidence they displayed

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Vancouver, Canada • Tel: 1 604 731 9311 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 29

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Hasslacher Group put into operation new log sorting line in Preding, Austria Hasslacher Group put into operation a new log sorting line in Preding, Austria. The enlargement of the log yard of Hasslacher Prending Holzindustrie GmbH was part of Euro 40 million investment, and the company trusted in the

Holtec log yard for the first time of its history.

By using the Holtec V-roller way, maximum acceleration of the logs is achieved and by the Gap-Control TM the debarker type Valon Kone is fed with a maximum speed of 130 m/min.

Logs between 3.0 m and 5.3m in length are sorted into one of the 72 boxes. With the investment they

want to achieve an annual capacity of 600,000 solid m3.

Enviva to build a new wood pellet plant in Alabama Governor Kay Ivey joined executives with Enviva and local leaders recently to announce that the company expects to invest approximately $175 million to construct a wood pellet production plant in Sumter County that would provide an economic boost to West Alabama.

The proposed facility, to be located at the Port of Epes Industrial Park, is expected to create a minimum of 85 full-time jobs and generate an estimated 180 additional jobs in logging, transportation and local services in the region.

This milestone was officially announced at a ceremony held on the square of the Sumter County Courthouse in Livingston.

“We are very excited about the prospect of Enviva joining Alabama’s business community with a very important manufacturing project in Sumter County,” Governor Ivey said.

“Enviva is the world’s largest producer of wood pellets for energy, and Alabama is proud to support the company’s efforts to provide a renewable fuel solution for worldwide power generation.”

“This project will create quality jobs for West Alabama’s citizens, improved timber markets for local landowners, and enhanced economic activity for the entire region,” she added.

Enviva, whose industrial wood pellets are used for low-carbon, renewable power generation, expects construction to be ready to begin on the Sumter County

facility in early 2020, subject to receiving the necessary permits.

Enviva expects construction to take between 15 and 18 months.

“We are privileged to have been invited by the people of Alabama to invest in a remarkable community like Epes,” said John Keppler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Enviva.

“With its thriving forest resources, great local workforce and favorable transportation logistics, we look forward to the opportunity to grow sustainably in West Alabama for decades to come.”

Bethesda, Maryland-based Enviva expects the wood pellet production plant in Epes to become the next facility in its strategic asset cluster in the Gulf region, which envisions other pellet plants in the states of Mississippi and Alabama, and a future deep-water marine terminal at the Port of Pascagoula.

Enviva said the proposed production facility would principally utilize a mix of softwood and scrap from mills sourced from within a 75-mile radius.

The sustainably sourced pellets produced at the plant would be transported by barge via the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to the terminal at Pascagoula, then exported to Europe and Asia.

“Enviva’s announcement that it expects to build a new wood pellet plant at the Port of Epes represents a major win for West Alabama,” said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, whose district includes the area. “The

30 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

jobs and economic development this project would create would serve to uplift not only individuals and families but the entire Sumter County community.”

Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the Enviva project aligns perfectly with the Ivey Administration’s strategic goal of sparking job creation in rural communities across the state.

“We’re committed to helping create jobs through economic development in Alabama’s rural areas, and the opportunity for Enviva to locate this wood pellet plant at Epes is a significant development for Sumter County,” Secretary Canfield said. “Enviva is expected to make a major investment in this facility, which would drive economic growth in the area through the creation of direct and indirect jobs.”

Sumter County Commission Chair Marcus Campbell said local officials are looking forward to working with Enviva to create jobs and improve the region’s quality of life.

“The benefits this company and project would have on our county and region cannot be overestimated,” Campbell said.

“Great things happen when we work together with shared goals for the betterment of our county and region.”

Enviva owns and operates eight plants in the Southeast that produce over 3.5 million metric tons of wood pellets annually. The expected Sumter County facility

John Keppler, President & CEO of Enviva

would be constructed to initially produce 700,000 metric tons of pellets annually, though production could eventually be increased to 1.15 million tons per year.

Enviva does not own forestland but works with suppliers that meet its strict sustainability criteria. The company’s sourcing practices ensures it takes only wood from responsibly managed working forests and it does not take wood from forests that are being converted out of forest use.

It has several procedures in place to ensure it does not source wood from high conservation value bottomland forests and has created a proprietary monitoring system that works with its supply chain partners to verify and document the origin of all of their wood.

SAWLINES - LINCK

LUMBER PROCESSING The VPM 350 profiler

Linck adds to profiler line The VPM 350 is a more compact version of the popular VPM 450 profiler

T

he Linck family of VPM profiler units has been extended by an additional machine model. In addition to the high-end VPM 450, the smaller VPM 350 was developed to be used for cant heights of up to 350 mm and cutting depths of up to 75 mm.

The smaller adjustment paths and chip removal volumes made it possible to simplify drive and cutting tool design. There is only one drive motor per side, whose power is distributed to the two profiler heads of one side, according to requirement.

The reduced adjustment paths allowed a shortening of the profiler head drive shaft, which had a positive effect on the machine width and thus keeps to the dimensions of the VPF profiler unit. As a result, the VPM 350 corresponds to the VPF machine in size and processing possibilities and is perfectly suited to be installed in existing saw lines.

Downsizing the machine dimensions allowed for a further reduction of the mass to be moved, resulting in smaller gaps between cants for operating modes with sawing optimization.

And with the new VPM 350, operators also benefit from the special features of the VPM profiler unit series, namely sawn lumber

surfaces without tear-outs; the possibility of diagonal profiling by using tilting tool axes; and the possibility of curve profiling by pivoting cutting tools.

Linck has also launched a new generation of cutter heads for its chipper canters. The number of knives on this three-step cutter head can vary between three and six depending on the requested

in front of and behind the chipper canter can thus move closer to allow a better guiding of short logs.

The reduction in diameter also reduces the overall length of the machine affecting the necessary log gap for optimization processes that require an adjustment of the chipper canter.

Of course, this new generation includes all well-known,

The cutter head for the VPM 350 profiler chip length. For producing fine chips, the number of knives in the first step can be doubled.

In contrast to the previous knife disc that has a truncated cone shape, the new generation cutter head is designed with a cylindrical outer disc. This flattening leads to a reduced disc diameter. The rollers

contemporary advantages of the available for cutter heads today, such as guide disc, the possibility to change from saw rings to dressing knives, and the use of regrindable knives and the production of high-quality chips.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 31

Heavyweights John Deere, Tigercat & Quadco are pushing forward with innovations across their broad range of heads

32 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Felling Heads

The John Deere FR22B

The John Deere felling head line-up offers reliable solutions to help loggers maintain productivity and maximize efficiency, from small stems to big timber, softwood to hardwood, level or sloped ground.

When the correct felling head is paired with a John Deere L-Series II Wheeled Feller Buncher or M-Series Tracked Feller Buncher,

loggers “achieve outstanding outcomes no matter their working conditions”, according to the manufacturer.

Drive-to-tree John Deere offers a selection of felling heads ideal for drive-totree operations, including the FD45 felling head, the FD55 felling head, and the FD22B. These three felling head options are compatible with the L-Series II Wheeled

Feller Bunchers, giving loggers a powerful solution for maximizing productivity. The Quick Dump feature on the L-Series II machines allow loggers to release trees in a single, swift motion, with the push of a button.

The FD45 felling head is designed for high performance in thinning applications. The FD45 increases productivity when thinning small trees because it has the deepest accumulation capacity

of the three John Deere driveto-tree felling heads. The head’s twin-post design increases the operator’s visibility to the tree that is being cut.

The FD55 felling head is a versatile solution for a variety of harvesting jobs including thinning to clearcutting. Built with a large accumulation area, this felling head can handle a wide range of tree diameters, from small-diameter thinning to large single stems up to

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 33

The John Deere FD55

584 mm (23 inches). Like the FD45 head, the FD55 incorporates a similar twin-post design to achieve superior visibility of the tree being cut. The head’s fast saw recovery helps to jump-start the wood flow going to the landing and deliver superior accumulation.

Designed to tackle final harvests or large trees, the FD22B boasts larger accumulation capacity, strong clamping force for better tree control, and “workhorse” gathering arms. The FD22B is best paired with the 843LII when tacking hilly and muddy ground, or the 643L-II for flatter areas.

Swing-to-tree

FR22B and FR24B

FR50 and FS50

For Swing-to-Tree applications, John Deere offers a selection of felling heads compatible with the John Deere M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers.

Additionally, John Deere offers two different attachment rotation options that are meant for specific felling applications. The standard wrist FS models are ideal when there are no specific alignment of the tree to the ground.

The high rotation wrist FR models allow the operator to cut along boundaries with limited travel to fallen timber.

John Deere has come out with upgrades to the FR22B and FR24B Felling Heads to provide a reliable felling solution designed with the operator’s needs in mind.

Compatible with select M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, the updated FR22B and FR24B models have been redesigned to increase durability and extend the life of the wrist and head.

The upgraded FR22B and FR24B feature improved flow capability, increased hydraulic hose size and routing, and updated ring gear and frame welds, all resulting in increased durability.

Recently added to John Deere’s felling head line-up, the new FS50/FR50 Felling Heads build upon the successful qualities of previous models for increased productivity, range and visibility and are compatible with the 800Mand 900M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers.

The FS50/FR50 features superior alignment of bunched timber to allow for optimal logging and harvesting. These new felling heads provide a taller horn that works together with the pocket and arms to collect larger and tighter bunches. Both models also include arm cylinders mounted high for impressive wear protection of the saw housing, and can easily hold up to 15 six-inch trees.

The FR50 configuration maximizes versatility when positioning bunches in both plantation and thinning conditions due to the increased rotation.

Additionally, the FS50/FR50 models provide excellent visibility to the cutting area and superior wear protection of saw housing.

A full coverage option is available for both models. Sealed bushings in all clamp arm pivot joints are available for the FR50 model.

The John Deere FR50 34 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

A Tigercat 2000 shear bunching eucalyptus in Australia

Tigercat builds a full line of innovative felling attachments designed to match the high performance and productivity of Tigercat carriers. The product range includes disc saw and shear felling heads, fixed wrist and directional bar saw felling heads, and a growing line of harvesting heads.

Tigercat felling attachments are used around the world and can be matched to virtually any type of mechanized felling application from small diameter pulpwood and biomass clear fell applications to selective felling of oversized, highvalue hardwood.

2000 bunching shear The original Tigercat bunching shears were designed in the mid

1990s for North American pine thinning operations. Over the years, the evolution of the 2000 series shear has made into what is considered the premium plantation eucalyptus felling head for the blue gum applications in highly abrasive soil conditions and rocky terrain.

With fast shear cycles, the 2000 has proven to be highly productive, and extremely reliable. Compared with a disc saw, maintenance

requirements are less and bushfire risk is minimized.

The shear arm pivot bearing design is extremely strong and reliable. The chassis is constructed with hardened steel, with bronze alloy bushings installed in the grab and accumulator arms. The shear blades are the toughest on the market and replaceable hardened steel wear strips are available for very sandy soil conditions.

Superior product - to fit every application!

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250-563-8899

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 35

The Tigercat 5702-26 felling head is best matched to the X870D and LX870D feller bunchers The massive 0.62 m2 accumulation pocket allows for larger bunches, subsequently boosting skidder production and reducing fuel consumption as the skidder can more quickly accumulate a load. The shear improves the flow of the entire harvesting system.

5300 Bunching saw The Tigercat 5300 bunching saw boosts feller buncher productivity

in smaller diameter plantation wood under 405 mm (16 in). It has greater accumulating capacity than the 5000 bunching saw but the added weight of the additional trees and extra steel in the structure means that the 5300 is only suited to the full-sized Tigercat 870 series track carriers.

Feller buncher productivity and efficiency improves because more trees are cut per cycle, reducing unnecessary machine travel.

36 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Skidder productivity and efficiency improves because the bunches are large, well aligned and easy to pick up.

5702-26 felling saw Tigercat’s 5702 felling saw has been a highly successful workhorse on Tigercat tracked and wheeled feller bunchers for almost two decades and now Tigercat has introduced an important evolution – the 5702-26 for tracked bunchers.

The 5702-26 shares the same arms, horn, wrist and asymmetric geometry of the 5702 with a larger saw housing and blade to increase single-cut capacity, throat width and accumulation area.

The 5702-26 features a 1625mm (64 in) diameter blade with 20 teeth spun at up to 1,050 rpm (max rated speed) delivering up to 30% more blade energy than the regular 5702. The single-cut capacity is 660 mm (26 in) for the 5702-26 compared to 580 mm (23 in) for the 5702.

As with all Tigercat felling heads, the 5702-26 is designed for durability, long life and easy maintenance. It features durable, well-guarded, cushioned cylinders and strength-to-weight optimized frames. Hardened wear plates and replaceable liners are installed in critical areas. Heavy duty spindle

The Tigercat 5195 for performance when cutting and shovelling

and bearings in saw drive system can take the punishment from harsh forestry conditions.

The 5702-26 is best matched to Tigercat 870 series feller bunchers.

5185 fixed felling saw and 5195 directional felling saw Tigercat’s 5185 and 5195 felling saws are steadily increasing in popularity globally in large timber

and steep slope operations.

Contractors in native hardwood and other oversize timber applications are seeing benefits from the 5195 coupled with the LS855E shovel logger due to the excellent shoveling performance on steep slopes. This significantly decreases the amount of side cut skidder trails required to access the timber which is a big advantage in forests with strict regulations and stringent oversight.

The 5195 can efficiently top the trees within the cut block. With continuous rotation, the head is quickly and easily repositioned and double cuts on steep slopes are performed quickly without moving the carrier. This makes the head

versatile for oversized timber over one metre in diameter.

The 5195 has full 360° rotate with through-the-link central hosing for enhanced hose protection and extended hose life.

Oversized twin grapple cylinders deliver high performance and control when felling cutting and shovelling. The fully fabricated chassis and grapple arms design provide strength and added longevity.

The 5185 shares the saw performance and strength and longevity characteristics of the 5195. Where the 5185 excels is in its ability to control fell and place high value trees, avoiding breakage. In timber

stands with average diameters that are approaching or beyond the limitations of a disc saw, contractors are seeing excellent productivity with the 5185.

An added benefit is the ability to top and cross-cut as well as shovel the timber uphill within reach of the skidders and prebunch for skidders or yarders.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 37

In order to offer a felling head that meets the needs of the European market, Canadian manufacturer Gilbert recently added the 3018 saw head to its range of forestry equipment.

This excavator-mounted model, manufactured according to the same quality standards for which the company is renowned, has been specifically designed to allow easy installation on hydraulic excavators without doing any modifications.

Designed to increase the productivity of harvesting

We are pleased to offer a solution that meets the needs of our European customers.

With its great versatility, compact size compatible with medium excavators, and ease of installation, the 3018 saw head is the ideal equipment for forestry and new contractors who want to optimize the use of their excavator

operations thanks to its cutting speed, 350 ° rotation and unparalleled accumulation capacity, the Gilbert 3018 saw head allows a high level of productivity without having to invest in a purpose-built feller buncher. Its cutting capacity of 45 cm gives it a wide range of possibilities. The head is supplied with a control system that allows a simple installation on excavators of 18 ton and more, and the head uses the hydraulic power of the excavator.

“We are pleased to offer a solution that meets the needs of our European customers.

With its great versatility, compact size compatible with medium excavators, and ease of installation, the 3018 saw head is the ideal equipment for forestry and new contractors who want to optimize the use of their excavator,” said Alex Gravel, Commercial Director at Gilbert.

Lots of units are at work in several regions of France and Spain in a multitude of applications such as thinning, clear-cutting and brush cutting. Customer feedback on the equipment is extremely positive as it is highly cost-effective. For the next few years, Gilbert expects demand for this equipment to grow and want to continue to develop

Alex Gravel, Commercial Director at Gilbert

38 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

equipment adapted to this type of forestry work.

For the past 33 years, Gilbert has been a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of forestry, sawmill, construction and snow

grooming equipment. The company is located in Roberval and employs 125 people devoted to offering the best equipment on the market

Quadco Shear Head, model 7320D on rubber tyred carrier

Quadco Shear head model 7320 felling Eucalyptus in Australia

mm cutting capacity which can be mounted on 20 t-plus excavators, to the largest 27B capable of cutting up to 710 mm requiring the largest feller buncher carriers.

Available models: 18C, 20B, 20SC, 22B, 22C, 22SC, 22CP, 24B, 24C,

24CP, 27B, 27SC. The B-Series is designed for

Cont’d on page 70

Quadco focuses on reliability, low maintenance costs, and maximum productivity when it comes to engineering innovative products for loggers. Nowadays the needs of the forest industry are much diversified. Felling equipment and technology have to cover a wide range of applications like biomass harvesting, thinning, scheduled cutting of short cycle tree plantations, final felling of mature stands, exfoliated insects ridden or burnt forests, etc.

Quadco is proud to present the latest developments focused on its specialty, developed over the past 28 years the felling heads sector; high speed disk saw heads, shear heads, intermittent disk saw heads and bar saw heads.

Traditional logging in North and South America, Europe, Russia and Australia will make good use of the extended line of Quadco disk saw heads starting with the 18C at 450

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 39

Biomass

W

hen we launched this publication in 2007, the world was booming economically. All industries were flying with new industries centred on the next generation of energy production adding to the mix.

Biomass was seen as a sustainable source of small and increasingly large-scale energy production that forestry contractors and owners could leverage to monetise their waste.

But today the landscape has changed. The world is an unsettled

40 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

place at the moment and that can mean difficulties and accessing reliable markets for a variety of products. Biomass is equally important but rather than as a bonus revenue stream, many view it as an insurance policy against market uncertainty.

Regardless of the current outlook, or indeed that of the future, biomass as a fixture of the forestry space looks unlikely to pare back in relevance and, therefore, contractors continue to look for the ideal products that

will help make the most from developing biomass end-user marketplaces.

Mechanical engineering specialist Jenz presented the Chippertruck 2.0, which featured far-reaching modifications to the drive concept and a new machine controller, at the AGRITECHNICA 2017. Two years later, the family company launched a new Chippertruck generation with the Chippertruck 2.1 – Professional

Biomass more relevant than ever

Because professionals pay attention to detail JENZ Chippertruck 2.1 - Professional Line builds on absolute user-friendliness

The need for technology capable of turning former waste materials into valuable renewable fuels continues to warrant investment

Jenz focused on innovative detail to improve the operator experience in the latest evolution of the product

Line, that focused on detailed innovation to aid the machine operator.

“Now that the far-reaching modifications to the drive concept have proved a success in practice, it is the logical next development step for us to implement a lot of details for improving userfriendliness,” explained Hans Heinrich Hermeier, Head of Product Management.

With the designation ‘Professional Line’, the Jenz team has also implemented the concept

in the machine name.

“Professional Line stands for an additional package,” Hermeier said. “This package contains a wide range of different options which make machine operation altogether considerably easier.”

These include, for example, the easyLight premium lighting package for perfect illumination of the entire machine; the new professional tool system; additional camera units; or the new CFA and CFA2 draw-in regulating systems. On top of these features,

the combination of hydraulic, centrically-built fan and splitter is possible.

“This enables us to offer the customer the highest-possible flexibility: loading over the top is possible in almost all directions and time-consuming loading of trunks which are too big no longer takes place.”

In addition to the userfriendliness, the intention was also to use the machine as efficiently as possible.

“The chipper can produce the first woodchippings less than 50 seconds after reaching the deployment site. That’s not just good for the driver, but also improves the machine efficiency thanks to shorter setup times,” said Hermeier.

Jenz is reacting to changed customer requirements with these new developments.

“Chipper contractors are currently subject to enormous price pressure – partly due to the currently low woodchippings price – and are also suffering from a skills shortage. This makes it even more important for our machines to be fitted with intelligent solutions,” Hermeier said.

“For example, draw-in regulating systems triggered by the controller ensure that the

engine workload is increased, and clever maintenance concepts ensure a significant reduction in maintenance work.”

The product manager would also like to see the efficiency of the HGV carrier vehicle considered.

The Chippertruck 2.1 is fitted onto a heavy-duty off-road MAN 6x6 chassis and scores points with a consumption of 35l/100 km while the machine is relocating.

“This means that the Chippertruck, travelling at 80 km/h, is not just extremely mobile but is also fuel-saving on the road and can even tow a trailer if required. This is all important to chipping contractors because transport is hardly ever paid.”

Meanwhile, the HEM 593 R Cobra Professional Line, with its draw-in width of 1,400 mm and 500 hp drive power via the Euro 6C engine, is a mobile chipper that can achieve throughput rates of up to 270 lcm/h and, thanks to its wide draw-in, is particularly suitable for bush cuttings and standing timber. It was also presented at this year’s AGRITECHNICA and is still equipped with an engine of emission level Euro 6C. For the future, Jenz is planning further measures for targeted further development of its products, and during this process

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 41

With the special Nemus 620 and Maxx 518 models, Komptech offers drum screens for users looking for cost-effective, dependable replacements for original SM 620 and SM 518 drum screens.

The Nemus and Maxx are tough, powerful drum screens that have more than proven their worth in all sorts of operating conditions. While the Nemus is ideal for screening heavier materials like stones, earth, soil and C&D recyclables, the Maxx’ simple handling makes it the perfect choice for medium-size and larger composting operations.

Komptech now offers both machines in special versions. The names Nemus 620 and Maxx 518 say it all – they take screen drums from Doppstadt machines with the same model numbers.

A better option

JENZ Professional Line signifies an additional package. JENZ takes a look at a driver’s everyday problems and developed specific solutions for these.

Chipper contractors are currently subject to enormous price pressure Hans Heinrich Hermeier, Jenz

JENZ has carried out more than 30 major and minor modifications to the machine controller. Among other things it contains the CFA2, which is the new draw-in regulator for our mobile chippers.

42 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

is taking a look at an engine changeover during the introduction of the new Euro 6d emission standard for HGV chippers.

“We can deliver engines in the Euro 6C emission category up to 2021. This means that the customer can still count on sophisticated, reliable and well-tested technology.

This is important to us, because there is nothing worse than an unplanned breakdown,” said Uwe Hempen-Hermeier, Jenz Managing Director.

“At the same time this strategy has given us more breathing space so that we can work intensively on the introduction of the new engine generations.”

These special versions are designed for screener operators who have been wanting to enjoy the benefits of a Komptech drum screen, but were hesitant up until now because they are already invested in Doppstadt machines.

The Nemus 620 uses drums from the SM 620, while the Maxx 518 takes drums from the SM 518.

Note that due to the drum drive design changes necessary to accommodate the Doppstadt drums, these two machines cannot use original Komptech drums.

Nemus 620: All drum screens are not created equal With its 74 kW engine and 4/ T4F stage exhaust system, the Nemus 620 is a state-of-the-art mobile machine that meets a wide range of requirements. Its tough chassis with non-warping frame and massive hydraulic support feet keep it steady on uneven ground, without detracting from its performance.

Another important feature is the generous 3.55 m discharge height for the oversize and fine fractions.

PU scrapers on the intake and side conveyors keep production conditions clean.

The optional folding hopper belt keeps massive contraries out, and the hopper belt control prevents belt tilting. Screw-in studs in the oversize conveyor and the controllable belt speed prevent

stones from rolling back.

The side wall can be folded up separately or together with the drum, for quick drum changes and cleaning. A further benefit is that no tools are needed for drum changing.

Maxx 518: Capable by design Proven, long-lasting, tough, rigorously practical – an apt description of the Maxx 518, according to Komptech. Its 55 kW, 3b/T4F stage power plant has plenty of reserves for tough jobs, and the Cleanfix fan keeps it cool even when the surroundings or screen material are hot and dusty.

The conveyor extensions supplied as standard equipment for the oversize and fine fractions have discharge heights of 3.2 m for practicality and utility.

A tough PU scraper on the fine particle collection conveyor and a scraper on the round brushes keep things clean, for high output quality.

Tandem carrying wheels for longer uptime, the shoe connector and battery cut-off switch as a safety device are additional features that make the Maxx 518 “a great all-around machine”, according to the manufacturer.

The Nemus 620 is designed specifically for SM620 drums. The folding side wall makes drum change easy and convenient

The Maxx 518 is idea for medium to large-scale compost plants

NEMUS

MOBILE DRUM SCREEN

» Diesel engine with 74 kW » 30 m² Screening area » Throughput up to 170 m³/h

www.komptech.com International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 43

Even after half a century, industry leader Precision Husky never stops innovating its line-up of whole tree chippers, flail debarkers and knuckleboom loaders.

“Most of us came up in the logging industry and we know what it takes to win at this game.

Customers all over the world recognize this commitment in the equipment we sell,” Smith said.

The latest achievements in Precision’s quest for forest industry perfection are accomplished with the remarkable design experience

Plus, through messagebased CAN bus platform with its easy to use three wire system, a remote operator can monitor infeed through the HD colour control panel. The operator can see production from the top or at insertion in real time and adjust

The new 2366 chipper brings 25% more anvil control

sub frames.

“With its 3-axle spring suspension, our Precison chippers are tough to beat,” Smith said.

“Choose the engine strength that suits your operation – up to 1,200 hp. We also offer a popular new radio remote controlled trackdriven chipper that goes where the big rigs can’t and are favoured by many of our international recycling operations.

generate over 100 t/h of clean chips.

The 2600-4 is also highly flexible. Because it allows for multiple individual solutions, it

Precision is more than our name. It’s our number one goal Scott Smith, Precision Husky

and application of ever-changing technology in the digital age.

From the top down, the Precision line is better engineered, built heavier, smarter and stronger for more fruitful logging and less costly downtime than previously.

“Precision is more than our name. It’s our number one goal.”

Precision Husky did not invent the whole tree chipper but it does make one of the best chippers available today as the more than 5,000 crews that use Precision products every day and have access to an unbeatable parts inventory and service technicians would likely attest.

The latest generation of Precision-built chipper pushes the envelope of technology to include a 66 in, five-knife option, which allows the chipper disc to operate at a slower rate. This not only saves wear and tear, it produces the most valuable chip quality available.

Year after year, Precision chippers, operating with the 2600-4 flail debarker gives operators the highest production, lowest bark content and cost per tonne in the industry.

accordingly. That’s like having an extra man in the crew. Complete system diagnostics come at the touch of a button, making trouble shooting simple when it used to take hours of downtime.

The new 2366 chipper brings 25% more anvil control to the table to prevent slapping and turning.

This results in smoother slicing and more uniform chips, with less horsepower.

The unit comes with a fully adjustable hydraulic system, which provides limitless control of feed rate. The patented PT Tech HPTO Hydraulic Power Take-Off is a totally enclosed wet hydraulic clutch that requires no adjustment through its wear life. During a torque spike, the clutch will act as a torque limiter by slipping to absorb the shock load. A microprocessor controller provides remote operation.

The industry-leading XL-175 knuckleboom loader comes standard in the 2366 Precision chipper. They are professionally engineered to be highly responsive and balanced with a smooth, powerful swing. These workhorse loaders have central hydraulic pressure checks and are the largest available with super heavy-duty

44 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

The new FD 2600-4 debarker can easily process logs from 3-26 in (76-660 mm) in diameter with a feed speed of up to 200-plus linear ft (61 m)/minute. An operator can

The Precision Husky chipper line

consistently receives the highest efficiency rates in the world. It can operate along with our mobile chipper or as a stand-alone debarker.

Bark and limbs are removed in enclosed housing, protecting the system from damage. The 2600-4 flail removes waste with an oversized hydraulic pusher, keeping the chamber clean.

The Bracke C16.c is an accumulating felling head for biomass. The head has a high accumulating capacity and a unique, patented cutting solution that produces extremely quick cutting. This has prompted the manufacturer to claim the title of “probably the fastest felling head for biomass on the market”.

The Bracke C16.c combines highly efficient clearing with the ability to make use of valuable assortments such as biomass.

As a result, the head is suited to all types of mechanised felling, such as corridor clearing, precommercial and first thinning’s, thinning and clearing along roadsides, field edges and power lines.

The Bracke C16.c can be installed on harvesters, forwarders and other machines equipped with a crane. The Bracke C16.c is versatile with smooth exterior and rounded corners, which makes it easy to manoeuvre without damaging the remaining trees.

The cutting solution comprises a circular saw disc on which a ¾” saw chain is installed. The design of the disc means that the chain is always taut when working. The head has an open saw box that allows easy maintenance.

Felling diameter is up to 26 cm (10 in) in one cut. When cutting from two directions stems of 40 cm can easily cut with the Bracke C16.c.

Hydraulic motor – controls The Bracke C16 is fitted with a hydraulic piston motor that delivers higher production, a longer service life and lower fuel consumption than the earlier generations. The software in the control system is continually being improved, and updates are always available.

Service and performance tracking program Bracke Forest includes a service and performance tracking programme for the Bracke C16.c.

The program simplifies servicing and measures the number of accumulations and bundles, for example. It also provides the operator with information about the head’s functions.

Adjustment of parameters and troubleshooting can be performed remotely by service personnel connecting directly to the software in the Bracke C16.c. The program assumes access to a PC running Windows XP or later, as well as an Internet connection. The service and performance tracking system saves the contractor both time and money.

The Bracke C16.c is ideal for biomass production

The C16.e sawdisk

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 45

At West Salem Machinery’s size reduction and screening test facility in Salem, Oregon, customers and prospective customers, can have feedstock tested. The testing and refining of processes (and sometimes equipment) often result in improving the customer’s operations or help them to make informed, confident machine purchases.

“Whether your business involves green or dry wood fibre preparation; biomass fuel preparation; fibre prep for pellets, briquettes, or co-firing; converting ag-residuals for bio-fuels; mulch processing; animal bedding; or other fine-grind materials – WSM’s lab can simulate various size production settings and volumes, as well as provide detailed screen analysis,” the supplier stated.

Depending on the amount of detail required, WSM can supply complete reporting, including sieve analysis and energy usage.

The test facility is equipped with a horizontal grinder, primary shredder, high-speed hammermill, full air discharge capabilities, disc screen, oscillating screen, and screening equipment for sieve analysis. One of its key features is a Variable Frequency Drive

system, allowing machines to be run at different speeds to simulate different operating conditions.

“We invite those interested to come see the testing in person and tour our plant, or we can film the test. Either way, you’ll get WSM’s expert analysis and recommendations on the type and size of equipment will get the results you need.”

With over 40 years of experience in the forest and sawmill related industries, Rawlings has a proven track record in some of the toughest wood grinding applications that exist.

“We assist our customers with every aspect of designing, manufacturing and supporting a complete materials processing system,” the supplier stated. “We offer a complete line of stationary, portable, diesel or electric powered vertical and horizontal grinders in a full range of sizes and models.

“Each customers operation is unique with its own challenges with this in mind our design team treats each system specific to the customers operation and specifications. Add a wide variety of available options such as work platform decks, choice of belt, chain, vibrating in-feed and outfeed conveyors, metal, or magnet protection, product screening and separation, and you’ve got the flexibility to customize the perfect wood grinding system.

“Our HZX Horizontal model is

The 460 stationary electric system

46 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Our PXZ Vertical model is the back bone of our company

ideal for processing logs, railroad ties, construction and demolition debris, urban wood waste,” the firm continued.

The Rawlings HZX Horizontal grinders features dual electric drive motors and a fully proportional feed system for efficient processing of diverse feed stocks. Sizing screens insure a consistent sized finished fuel product. Machine capacity ranges from 40-100 t/h, depending on feed stock and finished product size.

The powered feed mechanism insures a metered and controlled feed to the grinder producing a consistent finished product, while the slow speed, high torque cutting action means lower hp and lower noise. The horizontal models are available in stationary, portable, diesel or electric-powered units.

“Our PXZ Vertical model is the back bone of our company and is recognized as the as the toughest and most productive wood hogs available,” the supplier stated.

This machine can handle really tough-to-grind materials like cedar, black spruce, lily pads and log ends. The Rawlings machine has a massive solid steel rotor that supplies more than enough kinetic energy to power through the largest feeding surges.

The hog upper case is clam shell opened hydraulically for quick and easy service access. Simple design reduces parts inventory and is easy to maintain, while it operates one third lower RPMs than other types of hogs, reducing both mechanical wear and fines generation.

And, to complete the machine line up, the firm has introduced the VRM Vertical Wood Hog. “No cookie cutter machine can meet everyone’s space constraints or challenges,” the supplier stated.

“We have had several customers over the years that did not have the overhead clearance in their existing

Rawlings vertical Wood Hogs

footprint to allow for a clam shell opening type of machine.”

The VRM hog opens hydraulically from the rear of the machine allowing full access to the hog’s internal wear components and rotor for ease of maintenance.

All models in the Rawlings equipment are equipped with the patented Super Hi-Inertia solid steel rotor that powers through feed surges with ease.

“Our machine is tolerant of contaminants, rocks, and metal without catastrophic maintenance costs if metal enters the grinding chamber. Simple design reduces parts inventory and is easy to maintain. Rawlings Super Hi Inertia

R

Rawlings Portable Wood Grinders are heavy duty portable grinders that are capable of producing valuable wood fiber products in a single pass

hogs are the most productive and efficient hogs available with

proven track records in some of the toughest applications that exist.”

SALES PARTS SERVICE

COMPLETE LINE-UP OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE AND COST EFFICIENT WOOD GRINDERS VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL MODELS AVAILABLE

WASTEWOODHOGS.COM

1-866-ROCWEAR (762-9327)

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 47

Peterson 4310B biomass drum chipper in action

More Power, More Applications 4300-Series For applications needing more production, Peterson’s popular 4300-series machines pack a

Caterpillar 755hp (563 kW) engine to get the job done. Popular with both biomass and land clearing applications, the Peterson 4300B-series machines are being used in a variety of terrain and feed stock jobsites. “Peterson has had

LOAD SPOUTS All models come standard with an end-load spout, the 4310B, and 4310B Highwalker are available with an optional topload spout.

The 4310B Drum Chipper comes equipped with a wireless remote transmitter 48 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

6310B-Drum Chipper

a tremendous amount of success with the 4300B-series for pipe-line right of way contractors who need the extra mobility in tough terrain” said Michael Spreadbury, Director of Marketing for Peterson.

The 4300B-series machine is suited for high volume biomass producers who have a wide variety of feed material from brush and small feed stock to logs up to 24 inches (61 cm) in diameter.

At 58,500 pounds (26 535 kg), the track mounted 4310B Drum Chipper is designed for operations requiring high production and frequent moves between jobs. The 4300B, which comes on wheels,

THE POWER YOU NEED

Peterson 4310B Drum Chipper Cutaway

Powered by a Caterpillar engine, Peterson drum chippers boast high torque for high volume production.

CHIP ACCELERATOR

Increases output density and decreases chip truck load times.

weighs in at 52,000 lbs. (23,586 kg.)

The chipper utilizes a 36 inch diameter by 44¾ inch (91 by 114 cm) wide drum with either 6 or 12 knife pockets. Traditional Babbitt type knife systems are standard equipment. Chip length can be set from 1⁄8 to 1¼ inch (3 to 32 mm) depending on rotor and knife configuration.

Other key features include a hydraulic clutch, sloped feed deck for ease of feeding the chipper, and wear resistant AR 450 wear surfaces on the drum pockets and shell. Optional material sizing grates further reduce oversize twigs and branches in the chips,

SAFE, EASY ACCESS

Knives are easy to access on all drum chipper models with our patented safety latch system and prevents the drum from moving during knife changes.

FEED ROLL

Large, aggressive feed roll smoothly feeds material into the chipper.

and an optional chip accelerator helps with loading.

The 4310B Drum Chipper comes equipped with a wireless remote transmitter, putting control in the palm of your hand.

The end load spout is standard, and an optional top loading spout is available.

6300-Series For those needing even higher production, or have large diameter feedstock, the C27-powered 6300-series drum chippers are an industry-leading solution.

Available in both wheeled and tracked options, the 6300-series

FEED CHAIN

SLOPED FEED DECK

Three strands of WHD 120 feed chain, paired with an aggressive feed roll makes loading easy for all types of material.

The sloped feed deck minimizes double handling of feed material by the loader.

BELLY BAND

Peter's anvils are made from AR400, for long life and accurate chip sizing.

ANVIL

GRATE SYSTEM

Provides ultraconsistent chip sizing; twigs and small stems are easily fractured.

Helps eject chips, and can include breaker bars to further assist with sizing for microchips.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 49

drum chippers can get the job done. “The 6300-series machines performance is really inspiring—we have seen these machines utilized on land clearing jobs in orchards, or just making biomass microchips, and their throughput is amazing We always advise our customers to have plenty of trucking lined up with these machines, as they fill up a traditional chip van fast!” said Spreadbury.

The 6300-series drum chippers are suited for high volume biomass producers who have a wide variety of feed material, from logs up to 36″ (91 cm) in diameter, to brush

and small feed stock.

The 6300-series machines are powered by a 1050 HP (772 kW) C27 Caterpillar engine. At 85,000 pounds (38,555 kg), the 6300B was designed for operations requiring high production and frequent moves between jobs. The tracked 6310B weighs in at 86,000 lbs.

(39,010 kg).

The 6300-series drum chippers have two drum configurations, an 8-pocket drum to make standard biomass chips, or a 16-pocket drum to make microchips. An optional grate system has been redesigned to allow for adjustment from a microchip to a 1¼” chip

50 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

with the same grates. Traditional Babbitt type knife systems are standard equipment, or an optional Key Knife system is available.

Peterson’s chip accelerator system, adds load density, or throws chips well away from the machine for land clearing operations.

The chipper utilizes a 50″ (127 cm) diameter by 60″ (152 cm) wide drum. Other key features include a sloped feed deck for the ease of feeding and wear resistant AR450 wear surfaces on the drum pockets and shell. The feed chain has been upgraded to WDH120 for improved strength and long life.

In an age where machine owners want real-time data about their machines, Peterson has developed Peterson+ to enhance the customer experience with Peterson products.

Peterson+ was designed from the ground up to enable an integrated team to work together by sharing machine data; helping provide customers the information they need to ensure successful grinding and chipping operations.

“Peterson+ is a unique communication network and

information system connecting Peterson machines, customers and dealers with Peterson’s cloud-based machine monitoring, diagnostics and information systems,” said Michael Spreadbury, Peterson’s Director of Marketing.

“The system will help improve customer profitability through higher machine utilization, productivity and increased uptime.”

Peterson+ equipped machines, such as Peterson’s 4710D horizontal grinder, provide streaming machine data, including a GPS locator. Customers can

have live access to the machine’s on-board display and operating information on their office computer, laptop or mobile phone.

Statistical historical data can also be used to track important information such as fuel consumption; engine rpm’s and oil temperatures giving owners and operators better efficiency, increasing profits through productivity.

The wireless display feature uses a local area network to allow machine operators to use their smart phone as a wireless display mounted in an excavator, loader, or control booth.

Peterson+ also makes a great troubleshooting tool. The operator, dealer, and Peterson technicians can all see what is going on with the machine’s control system – similar to having a technician on-site working through a potential problem.

Machine documentation, parts information, and support services are also made easily accessible through the Peterson+ portal via Peterson’s website.

Peterson+ is a unique communication network and information system connecting Peterson machines, customers and dealers with Peterson’s cloud-based machine monitoring, diagnostics and information systems Michael Spreadbury, Director of Marketing, Peterson

A Peterson 6310B drum chipper on a land clearing job in an almond orchard cleanout in California

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 51

D

espite the severe conditions of steep slope logging, loggers are continuing to move into steeper terrain, requiring special equipment for these unique applications.

Understanding the demands and challenges of steep slope logging, 52 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

John Deere continues to produce equipment that successfully helps loggers meet their operational needs, while also ensuring safety.

M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers and MH-Series Tracked Harvesters John Deere’s M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers and MH-Series Tracked Harvesters are also suitable solutions for enduring

steep slope applications.

Designed with the same industry leading, best-in-class levelling system, the 859M/MH and 959M/MH machines offer excellent stability and reach that maximize forward off-level efficiency. This allows the system to have 26° of forward tilt while electronically controlling the levelling envelope boundaries, resulting in a smooth transition

Steep Slope Logging

The John Deere 909MH has a more powerful dual swing drive

Tall orders, steep demands Leading players continue to work on solutions for challenging terrains

when approaching the levelling limits. The 859M/MH offers a lowtail swing option, while 959M/MH is a larger tail swing option optimal for big timber.

The M/MH-Series machine’s large and wide undercarriages maximize stability in a variety of terrain conditions. Strong tractive effort increases the machine’s capability for navigating steep, challenging terrain. Equipped

with robust booms that feature thick plates and large pins and bushings, John Deere’s tracked feller bunchers and harvesters deliver the reach and durability required for steep slope logging.

Multiple long-reach boom options and a variety of attachments can be combined to suit a wide range of applications.

Rugged and reliable, the 800M and 800MH-Series machines

feature extreme-duty track chain to tackle challenging jobsite conditions, while prolonging component wear life. Made to handle the most demanding of tasks, the 900M and 900MH-Series feature more powerful dual swing drives for more productivityboosting power.

The cab on the M-Series and MH-Series machines offer a comfortable workspace ideal for International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 53

There is increasing demand for better efficiency and safety in steep terrain

long days on the job. Ergonomically designed controls and significantly improved visibility help maximize operator productivity. The M/ MH-Series machines can also be utilized with third-party winchcontrolled traction-assist systems.

When combined with the increased off-level capability of the machine, these tethering systems enable improved traction and functionality in steep slope harvesting conditions.

The John Deere 859 MH - The levelling characteristics are key to the John Deere steep slope solution

The new 959ML Shovel Logger leverages the top features from our M- and MH-Series models, including the best-in-class leveling control system, to produce a new machine specifically designed for steep slope operations

New John Deere 959ML offers steep slope felling & log handling capabilities

54 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Jim O’Halloran, global product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry

NEW John Deere’s new 959ML is available in one of two configurations - shovel logger or directional feller.

New – 959ML Shovel Logger Using invaluable customer feedback, John Deere built its new 959ML Shove Logger specifically for steep slope applications.

Designed to help loggers be more effective when felling and log handling in steep terrain, the new John Deere 959ML machine boosts productivity and delivers excellent stability in even the toughest environments.

A notable feature of the 959ML machine is its boom, which is available in three reaches including 9.21 m (30 ft), 10.34 m (34 ft) and 11 m (36 ft). All three boom reaches are equipped with downhill reach ability, allowing for high performance in steep slope applications. The boom, arm, and heel configuration can effectively

reach the downhill side of the ground at full tilt. Additionally, the 11 m boom includes a strong live heel, helping to provide better machine flexibility.

The new 959ML is available in two configurations – shovel logger or directional feller. The machine has built upon key features from the John Deere M and MH-Series models, including the best-in-class levelling control system.

The machine’s patented levelling control system incorporates sensor technology to maximize the forward title angle (26° forward), while electronically preventing any possible mechanical interference when tilting to the side.

The levelling envelope boundaries are set automatically

and the patented system provides a smooth transition when approaching the levelling limits.

The 959ML allows for a directional felling head or a grapple and live-heel boom for shovellogging applications.

The cab on the 959ML was deliberately designed to improve operator experience in steep slope applications. The cab is extremely spacious and features an overhead skylight and downward viewing window for significantly improved visibility, optimizing awareness in challenging terrain.

Equipped with a powerful and fuel-efficient John Deere 9 liter diesel engine, the 959ML maintains peak performance while minimizing total fluid consumption.

The reliable John Deere engine

combined with the industryleading, patented leveling system expands the 959ML’s overall working capability for tackling a wide range of jobsite challenges.

The 959ML offers convenient access to service components, allowing for quick and frequent maintenance checks. Additionally, the machine comes with a variety of optional features including a weld-on, tether-ready hitch field kit, slope monitoring system, and four-point seat harness.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 55

The Tigercat LS855E handles steep slopes with ease

Tigercat continues to be a leader in steep slope technology in both track and rubber tyre machines.

With continued focus on safety when logging on steep terrain, Tigercat machines are proving to be stable, productive, efficient and comfortable.

Levelling track machines Tigercat’s levelling track machines use innovative technologies optimized for a wide range of steep slope applications including shovel logging, felling and harvesting.

Tigercat’s super-duty levelling undercarriage is longer and wider, providing exceptional stability on steep slopes. The patented levelling design uses two massive hydraulic cylinders and heavy steel sections for a solution that is simple, robust and reliable. Unlike competing systems, the Tigercat levelling system leans into the hill when levelling to the side which further improves machine stability and operator comfort.

Redesigned and enhanced cabs on Tigercat track machines offer improved ergonomics and operator 56 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

comfort, while maintaining the rugged, forestry grade strength which is critical for operator safety. Non-ratcheting, five-point seat belts keep operators in their seats. Top, side and front exit points provide workers with three escape routes. Tigercat forestry cabs are certified to internationally recognized standards (TOPS, OPS, ROPS, FOPS).

To further enhance the ability of Tigercat’s track machines to work on slopes, an optional cable assist mount has been developed.

The tether anchor bolts firmly to the main carbody structure of the undercarriage and allows either single or double cable tethers to be attached to the track machine.

The tether can then be connected to a variety of different third-party winch system that can assist the track machine up or down slopes.

LS855E shovel logger The LS855E shovel logger is an important evolution of the wellproven 855 series track carrier platform and a powerful solution for steep slope logging. Often equipped with a live heel and grapple or the 5195 directional

felling saw, the LS855E is suited to felling, pre-bunching and shovel logging in challenging terrain.

Equipped with the Tigercat 5185 fixed felling saw and high torque 340° wrist, the machine can effectively fell, limb, top and shovel large, high value timber on steep slopes. The 5185 maintains positive control of the tree during felling, reducing breakage on steep slopes. The switchable, 3-way ER boom control allows the operator to choose between ER, semi-ER and conventional operation. The new semi-ER function allows the operator to extend the boom on a horizontal plane using a single joystick, but retracts the boom with the increased power of both cylinders, doubling the pull force.

Rubber-tyre machines Tigercat also produces skidders, harvesters, and forwarders with unique innovations to enhance productivity on steep terrain. The drivetrain components including the pump drive, transmission, and straight and bogie axles are engineered and built by Tigercat for extreme forest duty, long life and high uptime.

LS855E shovel logger The LS855E shovel logger is an important evolution of the well-proven 855 series track carrier platform, making it a powerful solution for steep slope logging. It is a versatile levelling carrier suited to felling, pre-bunching and shovel logging in challenging terrain.

The Tigercat 5185 maintains control of the tree

625E skidder Tigercat builds the most advanced, efficient and refined skidders, as well as the only six-wheel drive skidders on the market. The 625E is a medium sized high capacity six-wheel drive skidder. The combination of pulling power and agility make the 625E best suited to steep slopes and tough terrain.

With hydrostatic drive, full tractive effort is available at any engine speed, minimizing wheel spin and improving breakout performance. The EHS transmission is capable of providing the tractive effort of the deepest gear ratio offered in Tigercat’s standard transfer case, as well as the top speed of the shallowest gear ratio offered in the standard transfer case.

Tigercat’s patent pending cable routing and mounting system for skidders is offered as a factoryready cable assist package. The clever concept routes the cables through the blade and attaches to the frame structure behind the front axle, closer to the payload.

With other systems that route the cable underneath the blade, there

The Tigercat 625E 6-wheel skidder for extreme duty applications

is always the danger of damaging the cable with the blade.

Not only is this possibility eliminated, but the operator can raise the cable if required, say to clear an obstacle, merely by raising the blade.

Tigercat recently sent the prototype 635G swing boom skidder to Chile for testing in steep slope conditions. With a 210° rotation, the swing boom increases the working envelope of the

skidder which means the operator spends less time manoeuvring the machine. Tethering device set-ups are reduced due to the wider working range. Dual rotate motors and a large swing bearing make gathering and moving bunches effortless on steep slopes.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 57

One of main benefits with PONSSE Synchrowinch is that the cable is not running on the the ground. This prevents cable damages and sparks.

Harvesting on slopes is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and PONSSE forest machines have opened up a completely new range of possibilities. By making it possible to work on steep slopes and in similarly demanding conditions, PONSSE forest machines make it possible to harvest timber on previously inaccessible land. For steep slope operations, the cut-to-length method have proven to be very efficient way to do logging in slopes as it enables all harvesting types from selective thinning to final cutting with low ground impact. Ponsse has developed solutions, which are enabling usage of the machines in very steep slopes yet doing it in an environmentally sustainable way.

It all starts from an eightwheel machine. An eight-wheel machine is productive in steep slopes because of its stability, lower ground pressure, and better tractive effort compared to

traditional six-wheel machine.

The structure of the eight-wheel PONSSE machines are optimal for the steep slopes as the crane is located on a separate frame from the operator´s cabin.

This improves ergonomics as

the forces from the crane are not transferred to the cabin, but what is even more important is that the operator’s inclination angle remains stable even if the crane is turned – without lateral swaying.

Today, over 90% of the total

Ponsse production consists of eight-wheel forest machines that feature excellent usability on steep slopes and soft soils. As the eightwheel machines have gained more stability and traction to access more and more difficult harvesting

The cut-to-length method has proven to be a very efficient way to do logging in slopes as it enables all harvesting types from selective thinning to final cutting with low ground impact.

58 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

terrains, the requirements for other components of the machines have also grown higher.

One of the biggest differences in the productivity of different machine makes comes from the crane’s properties and the stability of the machine. Also the machine’s centre of gravity must be kept low when working in slopes.

PONSSE cranes are offering low center of gravity, sufficient tilting angle and strong slewing.

Designed especially for regeneration and sloping sites with large trees, PONSSE telescopic harvester cranes C5 and C6 are offering low center of gravity combined with strong slewing and long reach making them an optimal solution for steep slope harvesting.

The new K121 forwarder crane further improves the forwarding performance on steep slopes, by providing high lifting but especially high slewing power that is essential for steep conditions.

Such conditions also demand a large tilt angle for the crane and loader in order to ensure smooth load handling. The tilt stand for the PONSSE K121 crane has a large tilt angle from -12° to +24°,

for harvester cranes C5 and C6 tilt angle is one the most extensive on the markets, ±20°. This guarantees that the crane works at the right angle even in steep environments.

An eight-wheel machine complemented with Ponsse’s reliable traction winch, called Synchrowinch enables harvesting in most challenging slopes yet causing low ground impact.

In the most challenging logging sites PONSSE harvesters and forwarders can be equipped with traction winch to support the wheel drive and to protect soil.

The traction winch mounted on the machine’s frame assists the machine while logging in the steep slopes. PONSSE Synchrowinch helps achieve high productivity in steep ground operations. It allows operating the same machines in flat and steep work sites with no need for additional machinery or methods.

PONSSE Synchrowinch preserves soil from rutting and erosion, saves fuel and reduces stress in drive transmission components.

There are also many other features supporting the steep slope operations. For example PONSSE Seat, the first seat designed purely for forest machines can be added with tiltable seat base and fivepoint seat belts.

This means that the operator can keep a relaxed sitting position while working on steep slopes. This makes the work ergonomic and causes less strain for the operator.

These solutions reduce need of traditional sky-line working on slopes, reduce harvesting costs and minimizing the risks. PONSSE Syncrowinch winch is available for PONSSE harvesters (Ergo and Bear) and forwarders (Elephant King, Elephant and Buffalo).

Synchrowinch equipped PONSSE machines are today used in various countries around the world.

Synchrowinch equipped PONSSE machines are today used in various countries around the world.

With PONSSE Synchrowinch solution forwarding is possible to both directions without need for separate routes with full loads.

BENEFITS 1. P ONSSE Synchrowinch helps to maintain high productivity also in steeper terrain because: - Forwarding is possible to both directions (no need for separate route with full loads).

- Due to the tiltable PONSSE Seat the driver can keep a relaxed sitting position while working on steep slopes. This makes the work ergonomical and less tiring.

2. P ONSSE Synchrowinch helps to widen the area of operation - same machines can handle even terrains and steep slopes. No need to employ additional machinery or other harvesting methods (like cable skidders, manual felling) in the same logging site.

3. W ith PONSSE Synchrowinch, the wheel spin in steep slopes is significantly reduced. No spinning means mitigated impact to soil and lower erosion risk by reducing track formation. Lower fuel consumption and decreased transmission part wearing are pros of traction assistance compared to operating without winch in slopes.

4. I nvestment cost compared to fully mechanized cable yarding systems is remarkably lower. Traction assistance logging has lower transporting costs (two machines vs. four machines) and system involves only two operators at the same time.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 59

Engines

T

he new Mercedes-Benz / MTU Stage V emission engines feature the latest engine technology, and are an excellent solution for forest machines that require productivity, reliability and fuel economy while at the same time being environmentally friendly. The New engines are available in three different power classes for PONSSE forest machine models.

Ponsse launched its new Stage V emission engines on EU markets

At the forefront of sustainable development Ponsse focuses its production on products that use the cut-to-length method. The cut-to-length method is a sustainable harvesting method that results in lower emissions and less soil damage than other methods. The new Stage V emission engines further increase the environmental friendliness of the method. The new engines are modern, low-emission engines with particulate mass (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission levels that are considerably lower than those of Stage III and Stage IV emission

the engine versions have higher torque, and maximum power is achievable at lower revolutions per minute (RPM) than ever before. The new engines have been extensively tested in different market areas. Both the forwarders and harvesters have been subjected to comprehensive testing in both cold and hot climates, and have been

Strong structure for a high usage rate A major benefit of the new engines in terms of use is the exceptionally strong engine design. Stage V engines are largely based on the basic structure of the previous generation, i.e. the Stage IV engines. The most significant difference is in the new exhaust after-treatment system: in addition to the SCR after-treatment and EGR

exhaust recirculation, there is now also a DPF particulate filter. As with the previous generation, the after-treatment system is housed in a single catalytic converter unit, which in PONSSE forest machines is also well heat insulated.

Stage V is a European Union emission standard that entered into force in 2019. Ponsse’s forest machines for EU markets switched to the Stage V engines during the first quarter of 2019.

Technical specifications: Engine type and power:

PONSSE Wisent, Elk, Beaver and Fox: Mercedes-Benz/MTU OM934 LA Stage V

4 cylinders, cylinder capacity 5.13 L Power 150 kW / 204 hp (1,800 rpm) Torque 850 Nm (1,200-1,600 rpm)

PONSSE Bear: Mercedes-Benz / MTU OM936 LA Stage V

6 cylinders, cylinder capacity 7.7 L ratings. In addition to control of the particulate mass (PM), Stage V emission engines also control the number of particles (PN) by means of a particulate filter (DPF).

Tested technology and high power The new Mercedes-Benz / MTU Stage V emission engines are powerful and fuel-efficient. All

rigorously operated under actual working conditions.

The results of these field trials are encouraging, and have proven that the engines have very high levels of power and torque. And because high power is attainable with fast response even at low RPM, the machine productivity and fuel economy are markedly improved.

60 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Power 260 kW/354 hp (1,800 rpm). Torque 1,450 Nm (1,200-1,600 rpm)

PONSSE Buffalo, Buffalo King, Buffalo Dual, Bison, Elephant, Elephant King, Ergo, Cobra, Scorpion, Scorpion King: Mercedes-Benz / MTU OM936 LA Stage V

6 cylinders, cylinder capacity 7.7 L Power 210 kW/286 hp (1,800 rpm) Torque 1,200 Nm (1,200-1,600 rpm)

INNOVATION

FAE BL1/EX The compact mulcher that packs a punch

F

AE GROUP introduces a new line of professional mulchers for excavators, equipped with Bite Limiter technology. Special steel profiles limit the depth of blade action, reducing the demand for power and guaranteeing exceptional performance.

The line’s first model, the BLl / EX (Bite Limiter 1/Excavator), is suitable for excavators from 4 to 7.5 tonnes and has an operating width of 800 mm .

The BL1/EX is compact and maneuverable, with an ultra light reinforced steel frame, and can mulch logs up to 12 cm in diameter.

Its revolutionary rotor comes with a heat-treated forged steel tooth holder and is equipped with special fixed reversible blade teeth.

The head also has a belt transmission for managing operating loads efficiently, ensuring that machine components last longer.

Versatility and innovative technical solutions The BL1/EX guarantees maximum versatility and operating mode customization. The hydraulic piston motor with manually controlled variable displacement and the flow control valve make it possible to easily use the mulcher with different types of excavators with different oil flow rates . The motor, completely incorporated into the frame, also has a relief valve and a anticavitation valve.

Maximum operating safety The BL1/EX comes standard with a mechanically adjustable front hood (hydraulic control optional), which optimizes mulching and reduces the ejection of mulched material.

Additional options can improve

the mulcher’s operating safety and quality.

Upon request, it is available with an adjustable rear deflector, to control the output of processed material, and an attachable excavator bracket, useful in moving the material to be processed.

The BL1/EX is especially suitable for clearing and

maintenance of forests and unworked areas, for creating fire breaks, and for any other type of forestry work.

In the coming months, the line will expand with other models able to work with more powerful excavators and on larger logs.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 61

Forest machine operator Synne Henriksen and Ponsse in a challenging environment

“You have to trust the machine as well as yourself�

62 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

It’s a steep climb as Synne Henriksen drives timber up the mountain. She’s calm and determined in her work with the new PONSSE Elephant King, which was purchased by her company last summer.

“I

like the variety and continuous challenges of this work,” says Synne, who also operates the PONSSE Scorpion King harvester. Synne Henriksen lives in Hallingby north of Oslo, Norway.

Working in forestry wasn’t an obvious choice for her. However, in her teens, she already had an idea of the field she would specialise in.

“I wasn’t interested in the popular local hobbies of football and handball. Instead, I went to talk to a local farmer and asked him if I could help on the farm. I got work, and it was also the place where I got to do forestry work for the first time.”

Synne got to try operating a forest machine when she was 14, and the desire to do more of it has remained ever since.

A future as a forest machine operator was interesting, so studies in the field were a given.

After completing two-year forest-centred training at Kongsberg Vocational Upper Secondary School, Synne began

working for a rural business with a diverse focus that included forestry, firewood trade and hunting.

When the company ceased its forest machine service, Synne moved to Ringerike Skogsdrift.

That’s where she still is. “This suits me very well. I can work locally, usually within a few dozen kilometres of Hallingby.”

FROM GREY TO YELLOW Ponsse has remained a common yellow thread in Synne’s forest career. The first forest machine Synne operated was a Ponsse, but it was so old it was grey instead of yellow.

Her connection with Ponsse continued through her upper secondary school years, although the school had machines of other colours as well. After she started to work at Ringerike Skogsdrift, Ponsse’s dominance was clear.

“I liked Ponsse from the very first meeting, and it’s great that the acquaintance has continued,” she says.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 63

VALUABLE EDUCATION Synne is glad she chose forestry.

Because Synne didn’t grow up in a forestryrelated environment, she has had to invest in building a network.

“I really enjoyed school, and in addition to forestry and machinery, I received an education in hunting, fishing, tourism and more. Those of us who were interested in machines got a lot of time to practise, both in the forest and on simulators. I had to ask around

machine operator interesting if they just tried it and gave it a chance. It’s an amazing job in terms of both the work environment and the challenges it presents.”

Synne is happy to take responsibility in her work. “I grew up as the third of six children in my family, which taught me interaction. We weren’t always able to agree on things. Likewise, there are times when the machine and I don’t agree, but we generally understand each other. Sometimes I also negotiate with myself in the

Ponsse was her first contact with forest machines. Today, she operates both harvesters and forwarders – mostly the Scorpion King and the Elephant King.

quite a lot for work, but I didn’t consider it an obstacle. There are lots of employment possibilities in this field.” At her vocational upper secondary school, Synne was the only girl who chose to specialise in forest machines.

“It’s a shame so few women are interested in forest machines, because this work is very well suited for us, too. It feels like it’s difficult for women to break the norms. They often keep together and follow each other in the same direction. I believe many more would find the work of a forest

cabin,” says Synne with a laugh.

SWEET FREEDOM Synne appreciates the independence of her work, and the responsible freedom it offers suits her well. She seems competitive, though for her, the arena is the forest and her team mate is the forest machine.

“I want to feel I’m doing a good job. I like challenges, and there are plenty of them in the forests.

The terrain here is undulating, so you need to know the terrain, the machine and yourself well.”

64 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

USEFUL CHANGES Last summer, Synne was faced with change as she climbed into the cabin of the new Elephant King with Active Frame and Active Crane.

“Because of the balancing of the cabin, the tilt of the machine must be carefully monitored.

On the other hand, technology improves the working environment, and on the hillsides, it can really come into its own. The Active Crane technology makes work easier and more relaxed, while increasing productivity”, Synne says.

The symbiosis between human and machine is important for Synne. It is part of the whole needed to achieve a good result in the work. When work is going smoothly, you get the feeling this will be a very good day.

“Regardless of whether I’m operating a harvester or a forwarder, I want to see the results of my work. It’s a great feeling to see the work progress as the felling site is cleared when the timber is loaded onto the forwarder.”

Synne is glad she gets to operate both the harvester and the forwarder.

“Operating the harvester is more fun, but I appreciate the fact that I get to do both. It brings more variety and I can also develop myself in different areas. In this kind of terrain, you really get to know the machines, and it brings new dimensions to the work,” she says.

THINNING AND FINAL FELLING Ringerike Skogsdrift has a total of five machines, all of which are from Ponsse. The company has two Buffalo forwarders, one Elephant King forwarder and two Scorpion King harvesters, one of which has the H6 harvester head, and the other the H7 harvester head. The

The company has two Buffalo forwarders, one Elephant King forwarder and two Scorpion King harvesters, one of which has the H6 harvester head, and the other the H7 harvester head machine equipped with the H7 harvester head is used for final felling, and the one with the H6 harvester head is also used for thinning. Of the forwarders, the Elephant King is only used for final felling.

Synne thinks it’s a great advantage that both harvesters are Scorpions.

“They work very well in undulating terrain. They’re extremely stable, which is sorely needed in these conditions. It’s also very good that the crane is located in the centre, on top of the rotating cabin. Thanks to this, my own position is always optimal, and I can work on a bigger area, without having to change the machine. This makes the work go smoothly,” she notes.

“The Elephant King forwarder also handles really well on difficult terrain. It’s sure to reach the destination, and you don’t feel insecure at all while driving, even when carrying a full load on demanding terrain.”

NEW CHALLENGES Early in her career, Synne often asked her co-workers for tips. With time, however, she has become more independent. Thanks to the experience and knowledge she has gained, she has been given more demanding tasks. Synne feels that the company management has strong trust in her. She has been given more challenging tasks and at the same time, opportunities for further development.

“I’ve also received a lot of support from Ponsse employees.

They always do their best if I have something to ask or if I need help.”

Forests and machines are important subjects of interest for Synne. That’s fortunate, because there’s not much time to do anything else at the moment.

“I like my work, and I try to get to do as much of it as I can. Maybe I work too much sometimes, but I really enjoy being in the forest and around machines. ” What would Synne have done if it weren’t for the forest machines? Synne has to think for a while before answering. “Do you

Ringerike Skogsdrift O.A. Hvals vei 12 3525 Hallingby Antall ansatte: 7 Bedriftshelsetjeneste: SAGA BHT

Employees of Ringerike Skogsdrift AS on a Ponsse factory tour. From left: Knut Erik Johansen, Ole Andreas Bang, Fredrik Støa, Svein Pladsen, Synne Henriksen, Johan Skagnes, Ole Vidar Øverland

mean what I would do without the forests? In that case, I’d have gone to the construction industry to operate wheel loaders, but of course this is much better,” she says.

A clear cutting operation for Viken Skog - a typical site in Norway for regeneration felling in hilly conditions

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 65

I

A ONE-MAN

SHOW

BTB travelled to Coleman Falls, Virginia, east of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, to chat with Mr. Donny Reaves and learn more about his logging business, and why he operates all three of his tree-length machines himself.

– SAMANTHA PAUL

66 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

f you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Donny Reaves, you surely won’t forget him. His eccentric personality, original sayings and kind heart is contagious to everyone around him. Don’t be fooled by Donny’s wild white curly hair or worn wear; he makes a very good living with his one-man show.

“My Momma comes from Montana and my Daddy came down here from Glady’s, Virginia. They met in Washington DC after World War Two,” tells Donny. “When they met, my Daddy was a manager of a hot shop.”

His father’s career as a restaurant manager didn’t last long. “When my oldest sister was born, I remember my Daddy telling me this story a million times. Some hot shots of a company came in to the hot shop. The waitresses had set the fork, knife, and spoon on the wrong side of the plate, and the customer had a fit. My Daddy had to go down there and take care of it. He came back and told my Momma, “I’m going to find me a place so damn far back in the mountains won’t nobody never get behind me.” They left for the

mountains soon after.

Donny’s mother Loraine, more commonly known as Granny, is 96-years-old. She lives in a quiet area on the top of a mountain with beautiful scenic views. “My Momma raised four of us. She’s worked hard her whole life,” proclaims Donny. Granny still drives to the market and to church each week. She has help stay with her during the day and Donny stays with her every night. The love between Donny and his mother is genuine. “My Daddy passed of Alzheimer’s and at the end he asked me to take care of her. You’ll never convince me no different. I assured him I would.” And he has ever since.

Donny has approximately 2,500 acres [1 000 hectares] of forested land surrounding the family homes in the Virginia mountains. Donny’s father Edwin bought the land back in 1948 with $5,000 down and it took him ten years to pay it off. Edwin left valuable timber for Donny and he is doing the same for his own son Roy. In turn, Roy plans

I WOULDN’T TAKE A MILLION DOLLARS PER SQUARE INCH. IT’S NOT FOR SALE Donny Reaves, sole owner and operator of Donald E. Reaves LLC

to one day pass the land along to his two-year-old son, Ridge Timber Dean. “Hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of beautiful timber was left for me. My Daddy was smart and he liked to watch it grow,” Donny explains.

That was, and still is the family tradition. “What makes my Dad happy makes me happy, and having land rolling back makes my Dad mighty happy,” Roy affirms. “When it’s all said and done, I hope it’s just as much turn of volume. That would be a good thing.”

His one-man show Donny is the sole owner of Donald E. Reaves LLC and co-owns Reaves Timber of Virginia Inc. with his son Roy. Roy cuts for private landowners and Donny select harvests the family land by himself, producing one load per day. He has no employees to pay and minimal equipment payments. Donny generally harvests over 200 loads Donny owns and operates Donald E. Reaves LLC and is the only company employee, running all his equipment himself. Donny likes to stay involved with the logging community. He is on the board of the American Loggers Association and the Virginia Loggers Association and enjoys attending the annual meetings.

Four generations (L-R): Donny (Curly), Loraine (Granny), Roy (Fidgety), two-year-old Ridge Timber Dean, and the beagle hounds Uncle Jake and Cousin Pooter

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 67

WHEN I’M DEAD AND GONE, I WANT EVERYBODY TO JUST SAY I TREATED THEM RIGHT

True to Donny’s fun-loving personality, he names his pieces of equipment. Floppy and Monkey are two of his log trucks. Other equipment names include Big Boy, Big Job and Ole Root Snatcher.

per year, earning anywhere from $80 to $100 per ton for hardwood logs.

At 64 years of age, he has no plans on stopping any time soon.

He fells with a Tigercat LS855D feller director-equipped shovel logger, hops out, jumps in his 620E skidder, and drags to his 250D loader. Then he hops in his truck and delivers the wood to the mill himself.

His equipment is purchased from Virginia Tigercat dealer, Forest Pro Inc., with locations in Scottsville, Ashland and Keysville.

Donny speaks very highly of the service he receives from Forest Pro commenting, “Uncle Binky’s sure not going to leave you astray.”

Forest Pro owner, Binky Tapscott has known Donny for over twenty years and they have a great relationship.

There is concern in the community for Donny as he is up in the mountains logging by himself.

However, Donny and his family are not worried about it. “Twenty years ago, I probably would’ve done something stupid but today I try to be as careful as I can,” claims Donny.

“If you work by yourself there’s less chance of getting hurt,” explains Roy. “You know what’s running, what ain’t running, and you know exactly what’s around

MY DAD IS VERY PARTICULAR IN HOW HE WANTS HIS LAND CUT… AND ONLY HE CAN DO IT Roy Reaves, co-owner of Reaves Timber of Virginia Inc.

L-R: Tigercat product support, Aaron Piper; Tigercat dealer Forest Pro owner, Binky Tapscott; co-owner of Reaves Timber of Virginia Inc., Roy Reaves; co-owner of Reaves Timber of Virginia Inc. and owner of Donald E. Reaves LLC, Donny Reaves.

68 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Tigercat 620E Skidder you. You’re not rushing or feeling the pressure. That is when accidents happen.”

Donny adds, “The only bad part is if something does happen, I’m alone. I always tend to believe you’re going to die when your time comes. If something does happen, that means I died loving what I was doing.”

Safety aside, the truth was revealed as to why Donny does everything on his own. “My Dad is very particular in how he wants his land cut,” Roy admits. “He wants things done in a particular way and only he can do it and it works. My Daddy took care of this place.” The love amongst the Reaves family is undeniable. Not only is it refreshing to see the land being respected and appreciated, it is also great to see individuals planning for the next generation.

No doubt, the Reaves look after their land and their own. Donny is

very proud of his work and loves to share it on Facebook. Although he likes to challenge his readers with some interesting verbage, he has a large following and is very well respected in the logging community across the United States.

Donny’s Tigercat Dealer

Forest Pro, Inc. Scottsville 8473 West River Road Scottsville, Virginia 24590 Phone: 434-286-4157

This article originally appeared in Between the Branches, April 2019, the official publication of Tigercat Industries Inc.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 69

are equipped with the patented multijunction accumulator arm to allow the optimal use of the tree accumulation area.

For larger diameter timber, Quadco intermittent disk saw heads (2400 and 2900) and bar saw heads (3200) offer selective cutting versatility, extra safety in confined places, some slashing alternatives and shovel logging operations.

For lighter carriers (12-15 t excavator), Quadco offers the 212 shear head, best suited for pulp and biomass harvesting. This head has a max cutting capacity of 305 mm and can accumulate up to four smaller trees. The 235° side rotation is a standard feature in the head.

All boom-mounted heads feature either a 40° or 360° lateral tilt allowing bigger tree piles to be made without compromising productivity.

Quadco 24B high speed disk saw head

Cont’d from page 39

bigger stem diameters. Four arms are each activated by a cushioned cylinder for better handling of heavy and tall timber.

The C-Series is designed for ease of accumulation. Four arms located higher in the head frame are activated with only two cylinders and heavy-duty timing bars for faster accumulation and shorter cycles. CP models come with front-end mounts for rubbertyred carriers.

The 7000 series heads are designed for the operations where high accumulating capacity is the name of the game. From Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil and Blue

70 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Gum stands of Australia and Asia, to energy-wood short-cycle plantations in Europe, the fast cutting and bunching felling heads allow high productivity and lower operating cost per cubic meter.

The 7000 series comes in four main models: 7224 and 7224D (D denotes front-end mount on articulated rubber-tyred carrier) are cutting with a disk saw whereas the 7320 and 7320D shears are destined for areas where the use of saws is limited because of fire hazards (dry lands) or difficult ground conditions (rocky terrain) or very abrasive sandy soils. All these 7000 series heads

Quadco Shear model Q212

INNOVATION

John Deere maximizes productivity with the new payload weighing system for L-Series Wheel Loaders

T

he powerful John Deere four-wheel-drive L-Series wheel loaders can now be equipped with a factory-installed John Deere Payload Weighing System integrated with Topcon. The Payload Weighing System, which is designed to increase productivity by maximizing the operator workflow, is available on the 744L, 824L and 844L models.

“We know our customers are managing busy work schedules,

load-out process while allowing operators to focus on getting the job done.”

With the dynamic System, operators can weigh as they work, reducing interruptions during the job and increasing the number of jobs they complete in a day.

The System is equipped with an auto-accumulation feature,

744LWheel Loader

and looking for opportunities to streamline jobs and boost productivity. With that in mind, the new Payload Weighing System delivers just that,” said Andrew Kahler, product marketing manager WorkSight™ solutions, John Deere.

“With this new system, operators can quickly weigh and calculate loads, ensuring they accurately and consistently achieve target payloads. This streamlines the

which enables the machine to automatically add each bucket load to an accumulating total.

The System enables operators to quickly achieve accurate payload targets, reducing the need to correct payloads by unloading material, while also limiting the risk of overload fines. The System’s overload alarm alerts the operator when the wheel loader’s payload has exceeded the user defined

limit, helping to reduce excessive tire wear.

Inside the cab, a touchscreen display shows the current payload information, eliminating guesswork, while the live tip-off function provides customers the ability to adjust the final load. The System offers the operator the ability to manage multiple active jobs, and can pause active jobs when needed. This feature provides the flexibility to work between tasks, so the operator can return to unfinished jobs without starting over.

The new System helps to simplify complex jobs, with a tare function allowing the operator to automatically remove the hopper or pallet weight to determine the actual weight of the material without any off-board calculations.

A product mix mode enables the System to create special product blends when mixing different materials during unique jobs.

Another benefit of the System

is the production data collection, which helps operators make informed decisions. The System is integrated with JDLink™ telematics, allowing users to track and visualize payload data within the JDLink Portal and JDLink Mobile. Onboard features include an advanced memory job search and report functions to help view and manage productivity from within the cab. The on-board database provides virtually unlimited inputs of products, customers, trucks, haulers and more, ensuring records are accurate. Finally, the user can export data via USB or a printed receipt.

The factory-installed System features protected components, including boom and chassis harnesses and sensors mounted in secure locations, reducing the risk of damage.

• C heck reports at the beginning or end of shift to check on daily productivity.

• C onfirm that daily productivity is on target.

• Calculate tonnage per hour.

• I dentify areas of improvement for operators.

• M anage inventory by product type and match with customer demand.

• E valuate performance to contract.

• S elect attachments such as buckets to align with changes in bucket-fill factor

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 71

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International Forest Industries Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: phil@internationalforestindustries.com

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Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT) Australia, & New Zealand CONTACT: Bob Warren International Forest Industries Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: bob@internationalforestindustries.com

Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada CONTACT: Bob Warren International Forest Industries Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: bob@internationalforestindustries.com

US Mid-West, Central & Mountain CONTACT: Kevin Lapham J.P.Media Inc 1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville IL 60563, USA Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752 Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763 Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

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72 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Control systems

Real-time efficiencies makes sense John Deere’s TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager technology are building connectivity and efficiency of operations

I

n the woods, productivity is key to ensuring profitability.

Understanding this, it is critical for loggers to implement systems that help boost efficiency while out on the job. As a result of this key need, John Deere has unveiled numerous offerings that increase productivity, from the Intelligent Boom Control to Rapid Cycle System.

Most recently, John Deere announced its TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager technology solutions, available in skidders, wheeled and tracked feller bunchers, wheeled and tracked harvesters, forwarders, and swing machines. This technology, which is designed to enhance machine connectivity and communication, allows loggers to optimize their machines by providing real-time data and providing visibility to machines, jobsites and their businesses.

With this technology offering, John Deere is providing a streamlined, integrated solution: TimberMatic Maps for operations on-board the machines and

TimberManager as an off-board management solution.

“I’ve seen a big increase in production from basically out of the gate with TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager,” said Thomas Johnson, owner of Thomas Johnson Logging. “It lets me map out, in the machine, the area that I’m working, my job sites, and it counts the stems that the tracked buncher is cutting.

“It also lets the skidder know where the wood is at on the ground; I don’t have to guess anymore or ask an operator how much wood’s left on the ground — being able to see everything in real time is a big help.”

The TimberMatic Maps system uses a mobile network to share real-time production information between machines, as well back to managers in the office. The map provides the precise location, estimated volume or mass, and up to two species of timber.

As timber is moved, operators can update the map for improved team visibility. Loggers can also add items of interest to the digital maps such as points, areas, and lines. These features are shared in real time with all crew members for a better understanding and opportunity to optimize jobsite awareness and production as a system of machines.

TimberMatic Maps system can accommodate all map formats, ranging from a simple map drawn

in by hand to an elaborate shape file or PDF file. The design of TimberMatic Maps also allows for standard satellite imagery or topography to be loaded directly through the JDLink cellular connection. In addition to a simplified map creation tool, TimberMatic Maps now provides tools for estimated production awareness.

Data is collected by the sensors on the equipment, while the location of the production is gathered through the GPS technology. Information is then transmitted to the TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager systems. “[With TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager], the skidder and the feller buncher are working together instead of guessing where each other are at. In a way it adds a safety aspect to it. You can see a lot more [of the job site] without having to walk ahead,” Johnson said.

Being able to see everything in real time is a big help Thomas Johnson, Thomas Johnson Logging

TimberManager on my [cell phone], and see my skidders are here, my buncher is here, and there’s been this much wood dropped off in the landing already today – I

Real-time data for management improves productivity

With TimberManager, the online, cloud-based solution optimized for mobile devices, owners can create or alter map features and share updates to all machines in real time without the need to visit each machine and operator. Managers can also view jobsite summary data and production efficiencies through TimberManager.

This solution offers ultimate insight into the operation from land harvested to the machines at work, streamlining communication and increasing efficiency when shift planning.

“I can be in a meeting or off-site somewhere and pull up

know what I have by looking at TimberManager on my phone.

“It makes my life a lot easier,” said Johnson.

Combined, the software provides complete visibility to the operation from land harvested to the machines at work, streamlining communication and increasing efficiency when shift planning.

With the ever-changing landscape of the logging industry, it is more important than ever for loggers to identify areas of growth and adopt new solutions to give them an advantage over the competition.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 IBC

EXTENDED COVERAGE Increase your drivetrain component coverage to 3-year/6000 hours, with no deductible.

Contact your Tigercat dealer for details.

www.tigercat.com/coverage