International Forest Industries April May 2020 issue

LOGGING • SAWMILLING • BIOMASS

APRIL / MAY 2020

SAWLINES FELLER BUNCHERS CHIPPERS JOHN DEERE Roots run deep TIGERCAT Women in logging JOHN DEERE On target in Germany PONSSE A winning combination WARATAH New FL100 felling head KOMATSU New 901XC 8WD

WHAT WILL YOU GRIND? New from Peterson, the 1700D Horizontal Grinder.

Small, and mobile, but packed with the features that make Peterson grinders the most productive machines on the market—producing materials at the lowest cost per ton.

1700D Specifications Operating Length Operating Width Operating Height Machine Weight Engine

1344 cm 296 cm 427 cm 18 597 kg Caterpillar C9.3B Tier IV, 339 kW Caterpillar C9.3B Tier III, 309 kW Rotor pinned or drum rotor available Feed Opening (width x height) 137 x 69 cm Wheeled, Tracked, & Stationary Electric Options

Blower Trucks

•

Chippers

•

Grinders

•

Screens

•

Stacking Conveyors

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS

38 FELLING HEADS:

Providing a strong base from which to harvest logs is the starting point for a great feller buncher

30

49

50 30 CHIPPERS

49 WARATAH

50 JOHN DEERE - ROOTS RUN DEEP

ig brands continue fight for market share B in chipper sector

aratah Forestry Equipment has released W a new large felling head model, the FL100

F athers and sons share a deeprooted but often complicated relationship

APRIL / MAY 2020

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News 66 Advertising Index

LUMBER PROCESSING

COVER: USNR USNR is proud to be a major partner with Angelina Forest Products on their new sawmill in Lufkin, Texas. The mill is capable of producing more than 220 mmbf annually of Southern Yellow Pine lumber.

The log breakdown line features a reciprocating quad roll log turner, PGLR log rotation correction system, canter, profilers, Quad Arbor Saw Box, and Vertical Shape

CONTENTS

LOGGING • SAW

MILLING • BIOMASS

Saw. Boards feed into a new transverse edger and trim line featuring an edger with reman head, BioVision defect scanning, ElectraTong lug loader, MultiTrack Fence, clamshell-style Trimmer, and pusher lug sorter. Lumber is then dried in two Counter-Flow dry kilns.

APRIL / MAY

2020

SAWLINES FELLER BUNCHERS CHIPPERS JOHN DEERE Roots run deep TIGERCAT Women in logging JOHN DEERE On target in Germany PON SSE A winning combination WARATAH New FL100 felling head KOMATSU New 901XC 8WD

www.usnr.com

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 1

LOGGING & BIOMASS

LUMBER PROCESSING

54

62

58 54 TIGERCAT - Shedding light on field safety

58 JOHN DEERE - TimberMaticTM maps & TimberManagerTM

F ield safety operations supervisor, Lisa Schneider, showcases her passion for field safety and forestry equipment through Instagram

62 PONSSE - Winning Combination

ince fall 2018 both solutions have been S available and are standard on all new John Deere machines

20

21

o Noaksson has over 55 years of B experience working in forests, yet he still enjoys his work

22

20 KOSKISEN

21 STENNER

22 USNR

oskisen mills are running despite the K coronavirus pandemic

Stenner upgrades horizontal resaw

ry mill grading for Shop products D Improved recovery, increased production

26 26 JĂ–RG ELEKTRONIK

onstant innovation results in large order C for scanners across Scotland and Ireland

28

28 COMACT

2 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

dvances in artificial intelligence will A propel Comact and the wood industry to still greater heights

Perceptive SightÂŽ Intelligent Grading GradeScan's lumber grading platform is so good it had to be patented

US Patent 10,571,454 B2 "Method of Board Lumber Grading Using Deep Learning Techniques" Only from Lucidyne

Lucidyne Technologies Inc. lucidyne.com | 541 - 753 - 5111 | Corvallis, Oregon USA

ISSUE 74 APRIL / MAY 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 We will go on Well, what can I say?

I

t speaks volumes of the pace at which the COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed our lives that, when I last penned this column, the virus was barely a consideration. Today, depending on where you are in the world, it sees you anywhere from mildly inconvenienced by travel constraints to suppressed by militarylevel lockdown and fearing for vulnerable friends and relatives.

For some, the impact has been, or will be, as confronting a challenge as one could imagine at a personal level, with a loved one – or ones – dying without a consoling hand to hold. For hopefully only a tragic few, there will be readers that face death themselves.

For all, the economic impact will be felt as the world plunges into what will be, at best, a deep V-shaped recession then recovery or, in the very worst-case scenario, a public health failure that could potentially see a spiral of death and economic despair feeding off each other for an indefinite period.

Thankfully, if we can take any guide from capital markets and governments, the (smart?) money is backing the former.

Equity markets and debt markets alike are recovering in anticipation of a difficult period followed by sharp acceleration.

China has returned to work. Governments in Europe where COVID-19 grabbed a greater toe-hold are openly strategizing about lifting lockdown measures.

It will be painful, but it looks likely to be relatively brief. If we can convince ourselves this will be the case, the question then turns to what the world will look like once it is in recovery mode.

At a macro level, it feels certain loose monetary policy will be maintained as long as politicians remain fearful of recession becoming depression; interest rates will remain low or, in places, turn negative.

That will allow inflation to run largely

4 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

unchecked as the stimulus injected into economies – unlike in the 2008 crisis that saw the lifelines offered extended almost exclusively to financial institutions – reaches real businesses and individuals in the real economy. This is unlikely to concern politicians a great deal, at least in the short-to-medium term, given the only real chance to tackle what will be previously unimaginable sovereign debt levels is to at least partly inflate them away.

In the longer term, taxes will have to rise and pensions in some rich countries with aging populations may come under threat. But, right now, that feels like a problem for another day. The fight right now must be won, first.

Overall, a deep hit now tackled by government growth incentives that start showing through in economies later this quarter – just when the world starts to go back to work – would mean a strong recovery.

Though forestry industries are as likely as most others to face the wall in the current predicament, they are better placed to benefit from stimulus during.

The standard sector to place capital as an economic catalyst is construction – it is how China has maintained eye-watering GDP numbers and employed millions of urbanising Chinese.

At the heart of construction is, of course, forestry. Forestry businesses will be among the first back to work and they will be given significant incentives – some direct and some indirect – to grow and show productivity.

For this, I suppose we should be thankful, as difficult as it may be to feel any gratitude right now.

Chris Cann

In these troubled times, togetherness is more important than ever.

Together we will get through this.

Also, we encourage you to share glimpses of your everyday life with #komatsutogether on social media.

Your posts and our reposts will make this imposed social distancing at bit more social‌ Your friends at Komatsu Forest

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Eco-friendly material reduction with the 6050 carbonator The 6050 carbonator is the first product offering from Tigercat’s new material processing equipment line-up.

Unique cost-effective and eco-friendly, the 6050 carbonator reduces wood debris volume onsite through an environmentally friendly carbon sequestration process with no material preprocessing required.

Logs, limbs, brush, stumps, yard waste, pallets, clean lumber and other clean wood-based debris can be reduced by 90-95%. The remaining carbon-based output – often referred to as biochar – sequesters the captured carbon.

Because there is no resulting organic decay, along with the associated release of greenhouse gasses, Tigercat believes that this carbonization process represents the lowest carbon footprint of any competing material reduction method.

The 6050 efficiently processes wood debris at high throughput rates. Under air and over-air fans create optimal conditions to maximize carbon content in the

It is a single step sequestration process done onsite,” states Vice President, material processing products Anders Ragnarsson

output.

The 6050 is equipped with replaceable thermo-ceramic panels rated to 1 650°C (3,000°F).

A quenching system cools the end product to near ambient temperatures for handling, while further improving the quality of the carbon-based output. An optional

conveyor system is available for output collection.

“It is a single step sequestration process done onsite,” states vice president, material processing products, Anders Ragnarsson. “A cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution that reduces debris transportation and disposal costs.”

The 6050 carbonator is extremely operator friendly with full remote control for all functions including machine travel. A live stream video monitoring system provides full visibility for easy

feeding.

The Tigercat 6050 carbonator can be used for a variety of different applications including forestry and land clearing, construction and demolition, agriculture, and primary and secondary mill residue.

NEW Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E tyres now available The tyres improve winter grip, comfort and safety to a new level.

With close to a million units sold, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E tyres and compatible Noktop Hakkapeliitta E retreading materials have been a benchmark for extreme winter traction tyre for over a decade.

The new demands set by changing work, trucks and legislation call for an improved version. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E2 is a drive axle tyre for extreme winter conditions, combining grip and safety with a low rolling resistance and quiet, comfortable ride.

Working in extreme winter conditions calls for extreme tyres.

Jobs such as timber transport often take place on deep or packed snow and ice, and on rough roads.

Featuring a suitable tyre for

all axle positions, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck product series represents the peak of Nokian Tyres’ winter know-how for trucks and buses.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E drive axle tyre was designed for the most extreme demands, minimizing the need for chains on winding forest roads – hence the letter E. Now the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E2 tyre builds on the tradition of excellence, improving on many fields.

A lot of engineering and innovation goes into each new Nokian Tyres product. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E2 engineering highlights include peg siping that enables deeper reach, better worn grip and less tearing damage.

Connected-block system brings consistent rigidity and even wear pattern, while the open center

6 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

tread design and extra deepreaching center sipes improve the tire service life.

The E2 tyre carcass has been designed with one or even two retreads in mind. The compatible Noktop Hakkapeliitta Truck E2 retreading material with quality Noktop retreading process make sure the tyre properties are as good as the original in the second round as well.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E2 tyre will be available in Q3/2020 in sizes 295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5. The compatible retreading material, Nokian Noktop Hakkapeliitta E2, will be available in Q2/2020 with tread widths covering the most common tyre sizes.

PRECISE

INFORMATION 86m3 of spruce pulp on the selected route.

Exact location of each log.

Stop guessing.

TimberMaticTM Maps

Deere.co.uk

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Record year as Rottne Industri AB celebrates 65-year jubilee It was a record year in 2019, as Rottne Industri prepared to celebrate its 65-year jubilee in 2020 and set the stage for continued growth.

Rottne Industri is entering its 65th year as one of the world’s leading forestry machinery manufacturers. And never before in the history of the company have so many forestry machines been delivered as in 2019. Now, in 2020, the stage is set for continued growth.

The signs are positive for the Swedish-based manufacturer. The blue forwarders and harvesters are growing in popularity and the company’s position as one of the four major players in the industry’s global market has been strengthened.

“We’ve succeeded with our

We will continue to strengthen our position as a global forestry machinery manufacturer and naturally without compromising on quality or losing focus on our customers.

Tobias Johansson, Rottne CEO

strategy of focusing on what we do best,” CEO Tobias Johansson said.

“Quality, innovations, serviceability and operator comfort have become synonymous with Rottne.

“Instead of just playing it safe, we’ve chosen an aggressive approach, and this has produced results – over three years, we’ve grown by 50%.”

After record sales in 2019, Rottne is now setting its sights on new technological advances.

“We’re well-prepared to

continue development and have targeted growth of another 50% over the next five years,” Johansson said.

Continued on page 64

Ponsse launches a new powerful harvester head for processing eucalyptus tree - H8HD A powerful new harvester head for processing eucalyptus trees is in the market Finnish powerhouse Ponsse has released a new debarking head, the H8HD Euca harvester head, for eucalyptus sites. The new powerful harvester head has been designed as a response to customer needs, and it further strengthens Ponsse’s strategy to be the leading global manufacturer of harvester heads.

The new harvester head has been designed for the Ponsse Bear harvester, but it is the “ideal” solution for track-based machines.

The H8HD Euca is an effective tool in forests where the diameter of eucalyptus stems can be up to 50 cm. The geometry of the new harvester head’s debarking knives and feed rollers improves the efficiency of H8HD Euca in debarking and processing both smaller and larger stems.

Ponsse’s heavy-duty frame structure means that the new harvester head can withstand

the extreme loads of track-based machines, according to Janne Loponen, Harvester Heads Product Manager.

The H8HD has been optimised to debark trees. Its feed rollers and debarking knives guarantee first-rate debarking results from start to finish. The solid and robust tilt frame give the harvester head the durability needed in debarking.

Automated functions control saw movements according to the tree diameter and saw-bar position and allow trees to be cut quickly.

All Ponsse harvester heads have been designed to withstand the toughest conditions. They are characterised by a simple and solid structure, which enables them to be used in various harvesting applications, ranging from harvesters to track-based solutions.

All Ponsse harvester heads are manufactured and designed at the Ponsse factory in Vieremä. The design process is comprehensive

8 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

and covers, in addition to mechanical parts, the electronic control system, controls and software.

The manufacturing process is highly automated to ensure high quality and measuring accuracy.

Durable hoses and delimbing knives form an important part of the unit’s reliability.

Janne Loponen, product manager, harvester heads, janne.loponen@ponsse.com, tel. +358 40 502 8018.

Display for showing and adjusting feeding and cutting settings.

Flexibility CAN network interfaces for both engine and harvester head communication.

Proportional outputs for precise control.

Configurable analogue inputs for joysticks and sensors.

Robust housing to withstand high hydraulic pressures. Designed to be mounted directly on to the harvester head.

COMPLETE HARVESTER CONTROL SOLUTIONS.

DSEM240 CAN Slave Module (44 I/O)

DSEM640 Programmable Controller (68 I/O)

DSEM643 Programmable Controller (34 I/O)

DSEM840 4.3” Programmable Display

DSEM870 7” Programmable Display

DSEControl® M-Series DSE has been delivering world-class control solutions to its customers for over 45 years.

During this time the company has developed a reputation across the globe for its UK engineering and manufacturing excellence.

The DSE M-Series builds on this reputation. The innovative collection of programmable controllers & displays and CAN slave modules provide customers with complete harvester control solutions.

To learn more about DSE M-Series products, visit www.deepseaelectronics.com DEEP SEA ELECTRONICS LTD Highfield House, Hunmanby Industrial Estate, Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, YO14 0PH, UK TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1723 890099 / EMAIL: sales@deepseaelectronics.com

DSEM835 3.5” Programmable Display

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Tigercat releases 602 grapple skidder Quick, compact and fuel efficient, the 602 grapple skidder is ideal for high value selective logging in tight or challenging terrain. The size and agility of the 602 grapple skidder makes it ideal for selective felling applications.

The machine can access high value timber in steep terrain, while minimizing damage to the residual stand. A fixed front axle with an oscillating centre section allows the 602 to achieve a narrow overall width of 2,7 metres (106 in).

The Tigercat FPT N45 Tier 4f

engine delivers 125 kW (168 hp) at 2,200 rpm while conforming to emissions standards for North America and Europe.

Performance in tough terrain is excellent with no gear shifting required. Full tractive effort is available at any engine speed, minimizing wheel spin and improving breakout performance.

Maximum fuel efficiency is achieved by the use of Tigercat’s load sensing hydraulic system.

Electronic control technology combined with Tigercat’s unique

hydrostatic drive system allows the skidder to operate at variable engine rpm, automatically increasing engine speed when additional horsepower is required.

Tigercat’s Tier 4 solution is packaged into a physically smaller engine compartment than competing machines, leading to

clear operator sightlines. Excellent cab ergonomics, Turnaround® and the benefits that come with hydrostatic drive, along with painless maintenance routines, make the Tigercat 602 grapple skidder a top choice among operators.

Rhenus Forest Logistics acquires the wood logistics specialist Kruger in Germany Rhenus Forest Logistics, the specialist for transporting and trading in sawmill residue, waste wood and biomass, took over the regional wood logistics services provider, Kruger. Kruger has its headquarters in Ellwangen in the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany.

The purchase agreement involves the takeover of all the employees and the vehicle fleet.

They will be deployed in future at the new operating site called Rhenus Forest Ellwangen.

Kruger has been operating as

a company since the 1930’s and particularly transports different kinds of waste wood like wood chips and sawdust.

The regional logistics specialist also works for the paper and steel sectors. Its most important customers include sawmills, paper factories and companies operating in the timber industry.

The previous sole owner, Achim Kruger, will continue to be available and will take over the position of manager at the Rhenus Forest Ellwangen business site in future.

Alongside Bielefeld and Plaidt, Ellwangen will operate as the third business site for Rhenus Forest Logistics. The Rhenus subsidiary, which was founded in 2017, is certified, among other things,

PLANTING MACHINES 10 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

in line with PEFC and FSC. It is a specialist waste disposal company and it has an AEO certificate for customs clearance.

Learn more

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Waratah releases new app The new app provides more accessibility to information for owners to set up and service their Waratah 600 Series machines.

Waratah Forestry Equipment has released the new WaratahPlus mobile app, available as a free download on the App Store for Android and iOS platforms. It is intended to help with daily maintenance and other in-field procedures. The WaratahPlus app helps increase uptime by providing operators with the information they need to quickly service the machine.

The App has been designed to be accessible and easy-touse that not only helps with the set-up process, but also provides customers with readily available information - taking any questions out of the day-to-day or not-soroutine tasks. The new reference tool provides a quick overview of

key adjustments and helps answer basic service questions.

The menu includes selections for service, setup, calibration, diagnostics and safety related information. Step-by-step processes help outline procedures so the operator can quickly perform

the required action. Caution notes help ensure safety measures are followed when any work is performed on the head.

The Waratah 600 Series 3- and 4-roller line includes the HTH616C, HTH618C, HTH622B, HTH622C 4x4, HTH623C, HTH624C 4x4, HTH624C,

HTH625C and HTH626 Series-II. The 600 Series is available to customers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

TRUST

THE

PROCESS.

Fendt upgrades their forage harvester The new Fendt Katana 650 is optionally equipped with a Cleanfix reversible fan.

The variable Cleanfix fan draws in no more air than is needed. This releases or saves reserve capacity according to the work and power requirements, which significantly increases the Fendt Katana’s overall efficiency. According to Fendt, this can mean up to 20 kW or 27 hp more power.

Thanks to Cleanfix’s reverse function, dirt is pushed away from the radiator at adjustable intervals by changing the air flow. The radiator therefore always performs at its full cooling capacity and the cleaning intervals become longer.

.ORG

Reversible engine cooling fan

VERMEER TG7000 TUB GRINDERS BRING EFFICIENCY TO HIGH-VOLUME WOOD RECYCLING AND MULCH OPERATIONS. Vermeer TG7000 tub grinders are your tool for high-volume grinding or processing difficult wood waste and biomass material into a usable end product. A duplex drum cutting system and multiple screen sizes allow for optimized cutting performance. Plus, the patented thrown object restraint system (TORS) helps reduce the quantity and distance of thrown material.

GET BACK TO THE GRIND AT

VERMEER.COM/TG7000

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2020 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

19-01946_VMRF_TG7000AdCreative_4.9375x7.375_02-04-20.indd 1

2/4/20 9:31 AM

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 11

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

New H9 strengthens Ponsse’s position in the harvester head market PONSSE launched its new H9 harvester head at the Oregon Logging Conference in USA. The new harvester head strengthens Ponsse’s strategy to be the leading manufacturer also for harvester heads. The new PONSSE H9 challenges other products in the same size class with its power and precision.

L

istening to the needs of their customers, Ponsse has developed a robust cutting head for tracked machines. The new PONSSE H9 harvester head is capable of processing, felling and multi-stemming even large trunks.

Thanks to the felling feature, the new harvester head has a decent tilt function and the top saw option allows for more efficient tree handling, says Janne Loponen, Product Manager at harvester heads.

PONSSE H9 harvester heads solid structure, firm grip and powerful feed guarantee a high efficiency ratio and reliability from one logging site to the next.

All PONSSE harvester heads have been designed to withstand even the toughest conditions. They are characterised by a simple and

Seppi M updates forestry mulcher Italian manufacturer releases MiniForst CL with revolutionary ‘Cut Control’ rotor for ROW and utility work

T

he MiniForst CL with new Cut Control rotor has been engineered to meet the demands of mulching contractors, where a sharpenable blade is desired. The goal was to manufacture a rotor using the existing Mini Blade and proven tool holder, but with the addition of a gauge to reduce the depth of cut being made by the aggressive Mini Blades. The result is a rotor that maintains Seppi’s unprecedented recovery rate, improves efficiency and allows the operator to reach the ground if desired to mulch all material to ground level with ease.

The MiniForst CL is rated to mulch material up to 8 in diameters on carriers with up to 63 GPM. With its exposed rotor and fixed tools

12 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

solid structure which enables them to be used in various harvesting applications from harvesters to track-based solutions.

All PONSSE harvester heads are manufactured and designed at the Ponsse factory in Vieremä, Finland. The design process is comprehensive and covers, in addition to mechanical parts, the electronic control systems, controls and software.

The manufacturing process is highly automated to ensure high quality and measuring accuracy.

The frames of harvester heads are machined from a single piece after the welding assembly. This guarantees the highest quality with excellent precision. Durable hoses and delimbing knives form an important part of reliability.

with tungsten-carbide inserts or Mini Blades, the MiniForst CL can mulch everything from standing timber to brush and slash on the ground. An optional hydraulic hood is available on machines equipped with tungsten-carbide inserts and allows the operator to control the direction of flying material, making this MiniForst CL one of the safest compact loader mulchers available.

The powerful and reliable unit was engineered using wearresistant, high-tensile steel to be lighter and stronger. All units are standard with multiple rows of counter cutters to provide a consistent, quality mulch. When paired with variable displacement motors with M-BOOST technology, performance in compact loader mulchers is taken to a new level.

The new Ponsse H9 was introduced the first time on 20 February 2020 at the Oregon Logging Conference in Eugene, USA

Ease of service is key The MiniForst CL is designed so no tools are needed for daily service.

All grease points are well protected and accessible without needing to remove any panels. And with US-sourced components, there is minimal downtime in the event of a ruptured hose or belt.

“The unit is the perfect combination of performance, durability and affordability,” the manufacturer said.

Founded in 1939 and specializing in mulching mowers since 1971, Seppi M is one of the foremost manufacturers in the industry and around the world. Seppi M engineers and manufactures mulchers for standard flow skid steer loaders up to mulchers designed for dedicated carriers with 190 GPM or more.

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Enviva & The Longleaf Alliance announce partnership to protect and restore Longleaf Pine Forests biomass removals are a critical step in the longleaf restoration process.

Together, Enviva and The Longleaf Alliance will work with stakeholders, landowners, land

Enviva and The Longleaf Alliance announced the signing of a fiveyear partnership to protect and restore longleaf pine forests, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. Enviva and The Longleaf Alliance will collaboratively implement Enviva’s longleaf forest restoration plan.

Longleaf pine forests are a critical forest ecosystem in the southeastern U.S. They are considered high conservation value forests because of their rarity and biodiversity value. Longleaf forests support some of the highest levels of small-scale species diversity of any forest ecosystem in North America.

Once spreading over 90 million acres, longleaf forests today only cover about 4.7 million acres. The partnership between Enviva and The Longleaf Alliance will support the goals of America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative, an extensive collaboration to increase acreage of longleaf pine forests to 8 million acres across the southeastern U.S. The Longleaf Alliance will provide technical expertise to ensure that Enviva’s biomass sourcing in mapped longleaf forests improves forest ecosystem conditions. Because many existing longleaf forests need thinning, and because millions of acres of former longleaf forests were converted to other forest types, appropriate

managers, and others to support longleaf restoration on public and private lands, as well as to monitor, track, and report on progress.

Enviva Holdings, LP is

the world’s largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source.

RUGGED.

Precision Whole Tree Chippers are built stronger than the competition, with more standard features, and have a reputation for trouble-free service. They are the choice of experienced operators and owners all over the world. They have rugged frame construction, over-sized stabilizers, air compressors, trash separators and more powerful fans that pack more chips per van.

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.

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

FD-2600-4 Flail Debarker

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Built for Endurance.

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2/25/20 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY11:20 2020AM 13

The new Komatsu 901XC is a Thinning Powerhouse featuring a unique double Komatsu Comfort Bogie 8WD system designed to tackle steep, rough and soft terrain

Serviceability

North America - Komatsu’s new 901XC 8WD harvester is a thinning powerhouse for challenging steep, rough or soft terrain Komatsu’s new 901XC (eXtreme Conditions) 8WD harvester excels in challenging steep, rough or soft harvesting environments. The 901XC has all of the market-leading features found in Komatsu’s proven 901-6WD harvester platform, including the innovative, 3PS threepump hydraulic system, best-inclass ergonomic cab, 4-way cab/ crane leveling, and ±180° cab/crane rotation.

Unique Komatsu 8WD System Komatsu’s 901XC differs from other 8WD harvesters because of its unique drive system. Its exclusive “double Comfort Bogie” drive system provides excellent handling and follows the terrain more closely than competitors’ 8WD machines that have a fixed rear-axle design. The 8WD system generates 12% more tractive effort and significantly reduces rear ground pressure: 53% lower psi with tracks and 19% lower psi with tires, compared to the 901-6WD model

Performance & Productivity The 901XC shares all the same market-leading features as the

Komatsu 901, 911, 931, 931XC and 951 harvesters, including Komatsu’s innovative, 3PS threepump hydraulic system, for higher hydraulic working flow at low engine speeds, while lowering fuel consumption. The system allows the operator to simultaneously slew, feed and maneuver. These hydraulic system interactions are all automatically controlled by Komatsu’s new MaxiXT control and information system The range of available Komatsu harvesting heads includes the S92, C93 and C124 designed to meet specific application needs.

The 901XC is ideally suited for the rugged Komatsu C124 “carry-style” head, which has four powerful motors and four heavy-duty driven feed rollers.

suspension, air-vented seat, fully adjustable ergonomic armrests and hand controls, and an automatic, 4-season climate control system, keep the operator comfortable in all working conditions.

All daily maintenance checks and fills can be performed at ground level or from inside the cab. The highly-functional machine design includes a one-piece hood that opens rearward to fully expose the entire engine compartment for easy service access. An automatic central lubrication system and well-placed front, rear, cab and hydraulic tank service platforms further facilitate machine serviceability. All filters are vertically mounted to ease replacement and minimize the potential for spills.

Operator Comfort & Convenience The premium, modern cab provides the operator with excellent upward and downward front line of-sight visibility. Sixteen powerful LED working lights provide excellent illumination, for improved visibility in low light conditions. An air

14 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

The modern, comfortable 901XC cab features excellent upward/downward front line-ofsight visibility, 4-way cab/crane leveling and ±180° cab/crane rotation

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Tigercat launches LogOn

Users can easily access the system through the Tigercat mobile app when they are within a few

Tigercat recently announced the launch of LogOn, a powerful onboard information system to optimize machine performance and reduce downtime.

Users can now easily access detailed machine data and diagnostics tools at the worksite, including mechanical parameters, fuel economy, performance metrics, service codes, service manuals

and more. Users can access detailed fault codes and important troubleshooting information onsite to help ensure the correct fix the first time.

“LogOn is a valuable new tool that allows you to access vital machine data onsite,” says telematics project manager, Irfan Zardadkhan. “Users can easily access the system through the Tigercat mobile app when they are within a few meters of the machine.”

Users open the Tigercat Mobile App on their smartphone, select the LogOn™ icon, and connect to

the secure Wi-Fi hotspot to enter the system. From there, users have access to detailed activity charts, stem count and production volume, important failure cause and repair information, along with operator and service manuals. No electronic tools or cables are required.

The LogOn system collects data automatically and provides extensive built-in reporting and analytics. No operator training is required.

Data is displayed with an easyto-use mobile interface. No cellular coverage is needed. An optional satellite modem allows access in

meters of the machine Irfan Zardadkhan, Project Manager Telematics the world’s most remote locations.

LogOn comes standard on all 2020 Tigercat machines.

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International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 15

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Stenner extend Resaw range UK based Stenner Ltd have a strong tradition in manufacturing heavy duty 36 inch Radial Arm Resaws.

The original model was the VHM36 and more than 7000 have been sold worldwide with many of them still in operation today.

The ST range is the latest generation and includes 3 different models. The entry level ST100RB maintains the tradition of a heavy duty machine with Cast Iron pulleys driven by a 15kw main motor. The machine controls are relatively simple to use. Cast Iron Feed Rollers and a robust Multi Roller Fence ensure the accurate , high quality cutting performance that is to be expected from a resaw in the Stenner Stable

The ST100R is the main seller in the range with all of the features of the RB plus pneumatically operated in and out movement of the Radial Arm, PLC control of the main functions and a wide range of options to choose from.

Finally the ST100RS is the “top of the range “ Resaw with Touch Screen Control of the main functions including the setting of the fence via electric motor actioned by the pressing of a single pre- programmed button.

An 18.5kw main motor is controlled via a frequency inverter giving the operator the option of controlling the pulley rotational speed such to provide optimal performance on a wide range of

timber species and a surface finish to match customer requirements.

Stenner Resaws are being marketed in North America by Akhurst Machinery . Akhurst have been working with Stenner for a number of years. Director Graham Akhurst comments “ We have sold a number of the ST Resaws all with excellent results . They are robust

and are well equipped to satisfy the demands of the North American lumber producer. We hold them in stock for a rapid response to a client requirement”.

For more details contact Stenner Ltd, syd@stenner.co.uk, Tel ( 0044 ) 1884255700 or visit www.stenner.co.uk

EBRD supports new Kaamos Timber sawmill project in Belarus The Belarussian wood processing industry will become more competitive following the

construction of a new sawmill in south Belarus being supported by the European Bank for

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Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). A new privately-owned sawmill will be constructed by Kaamos Timber on a brownfield site near one of the country’s oldest towns Mozyr.

A 7-year EBRD loan of up to EUR 15 million will finance a production facility, which will annually produce around 250 000 m3 of sawn softwood. It will be exported to existing and new markets.

The Mozyr sawmill, owned by Kaamos Timber, a subsidiary of Estonia-headed Kaamos Group a capital-based company that operates in the area of property development, construction, and sawmill industry, will create around 100 new jobs in Mozyr and help Kaamos Timber to almost double its current annual production capacity in Belarus – 450 000 m3 of sawn softwood.

The EBRD has worked with Kaamos Timber for more than two decades and successfully implemented a similar project in the town of Vitebsk, in northern Belarus.

Since the start of its operations in Belarus in 1992, the EBRD has invested almost EUR 2.7 billion in 119 projects in various sectors of the country’s economy.

10. - 14. May 2021 Trade fair for the forestry and wood industries

16 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Microtec acquires Lucidyne In a move that creates the largest wood products scanning company in the world, Microtec has acquired Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. Microtec has been delivering technologically advanced scanning and optimization systems for 40 years, and is the premier scanning company across Europe. Lucidyne has been the industry leader in scanning and optimization throughout North America since 1985. This acquisition expands both companies’ product lines, geographical reach, and, perhaps most importantly, brings the two most advanced technologies and technology teams together.

The opportunities provided by this acquisition to the wood products industry are significant.

Lucidyne’s products will now be enhanced by the availability of the entire Microtec product line.

Together there will be a mill-wide integrated scanning opportunity.

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products that bring the best of the companies’ technologies together, including Lucidyne’s patented Perceptive Sight® Intelligent Grading platform.

Microtec’s headquarters will remain in Bressanone, Italy, while Lucidyne’s operations will remain in Corvallis, Oregon. There are no anticipated changes to staffing,

support, plant operations or customer interaction. Customer support will remain an important top priority.

Microtec and Lucidyne are eager to work together as the world’s largest wood products scanning company, delivering unparalleled results to our industry worldwide.

STENNER HORIZONTAL RESAWS MHS10 machines in-line producing finished components at speeds up to 200 feet per minute

Contact: Stenner Ltd, 0044 1884255700 or sales@stenner.co.uk for details.

Stenner Ltd

Hartnoll Business Centre, Post Hill, Tiverton EX16 4NG, United Kingdom Tel: + 44 (0) 1884 255700 Fax: + 44 (0) 1884 257794 Email: sales@stenner.co.uk Website: www.stenner.co.uk International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 17

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Renholmen receives large orders from Nordic countries Renholmen AB has signed three major business agreements for a total order value of around SEK135 million ($13.1 million) recently, which will lead to timber handling equipment being delivered to sawmills in Finland, Sweden and Norway.

“It’s great that we’ve gained this trust from both new and old customers,” Per Jonsson, CEO of Renholmen, said. “The deals are a good acknowledgment that we have products and a wellfunctioning organization that meet the markets high demands.”

New customer in Finland Renholmen has been given the confidence to deliver a comprehensive upgrade to a green sorting plant for a new customer in Finland. The company will deliver the new fully-electric, high-capacity machines Electro Positioner, Trimmer ElectroSinus and Flexicut.

A new large bin section is also included in the upgrade.

The delivery involves a rebuilding of the intake so that timber can be received in the new

green sorting line, as an alternative to one of the two existing lines.

The upgrade includes camera systems along with Renholmen’s new control system with built-in security solution.

Green sorting line to Norway Bergene Holm Nidarå in southern Norway has ordered a modern and powerful green sorting line with a Sticker Stacker that match the saw line.

Bergene Holm has five sawmills and three planing mills in Norway, and the plant at Nidarå is the largest with a modern saw line from 2013. When it was built, the existing green sorting and sticker stacker, which is now to be replaced, was retained.

In order to get the full effect of the saw line, a large investment is now being made in the green sorting line, which will contain a powerful intake including Trimmer Triax and 45 bins with push chains.

The sticker stacker is also added with an automatic forklift sticker placer.

Previously, Renholmen has

Bernt-Ove Andersson & Per Jonsson delivered equipment to Bergene Holm’s sawmill in Kirkenaer.

Upgrade of dry sorting in Sweden Höglandssågen AB has production in three places and now an upgrade of the capacity in Domsjö’s dry sorting is being implemented. Two years ago, a new saw line was built in their main plant, Anundsjö.

At the same time, Renholmen upgraded their green sorting and sticker stacker.

The sticker stacked wood packages are driven by truck from Anundsjö to Domsjö for grading. For the dry sorting plant to keep pace with the new saw, the capacity in Domsjö must be

upgraded.

Therefore, Renholmen will rebuild the dry sorting with, for example, a new camera sorting and improved intake. In order to pack the timber efficiently and quickly, Renholmen delivers a new Triple Stacker.

“In these deliveries we find our well tested solutions together with further developed market-unique products, which has given us a tremendous response from the market,” Bernt-Ove Andersson, Marketing Manager at Renholmen said.

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18 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Downie Timber to add Edger BioVision with Deep Learning technology Downie Timber of Revelstoke, BC is investing to upgrade its edger line with BioVision technology At its two-line sawmill the company processes primarily Western Red Cedar, and also Douglas Fir, Spruce, and Hemlock.

Its high-value products demand exacting technology solutions to ensure the utmost in recovery.

The company’s goal with the edger line investment is to improve grade recovery, edging accuracy, and production throughput. The new equipment starts downstream

from the existing unscrambler, with new backlog table, flitch loader, scanner transfer, tipple drop out, and Model 625 edger positioning infeed.

A new scan frame will be fitted with 22 BioLuma 2900LVG vision sensors. The new optimization platform will use Deep Learning technology to improve recovery and increase uptime. The edger line will utilize the MillTrak lumber flow management system to maximize material flow to the edger. The new equipment is scheduled for

commissioning in September.

Downie Timber’s edger line will add to the over 110 systems installed globally that are applying

USNR’s vision-based grade optimization, with many now benefiting with the Deep Learning technology platform.

StoraEnso orders Cambio debarking line StoraEnso Bad St. Leonhard and USNR have signed a contract for a debarking line for the customer’s sawmill in Austria The order comprises a CIM 750 infeed, a Cambio 800 debarker and a

CamTrail outfeed.

The mill has an annual capacity of 350 000 m3 of sawn timber, 280 000 m3 of value added timber products, and 77 000 m3 of CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber)

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 19

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Koskisen mills are running despite the coronavirus pandemic Despite the emergency situation caused by the coronavirus, everyday life at Koskisen production plants is still close to normal. Logs are being bought to be sawn at the sawmill and peeled at the plywood mill. The chips from the process are used to manufacture chipboard, which is currently in high demand – people now have time for home improvement.

Customers worldwide are still ordering sawn timber, plywood and chipboard, although the prolonged uncertainty in the markets is starting to make its mark on the development of the order book.

They hope that, in addition to the easing announced in the past few days, restrictions could be relaxed further in Europe, Asia and Koskisen’s other key market areas alike.

Eighty per cent of Koskisen’s personnel work at the mills, and the products cannot be manufactured remotely. Production has largely been running as usual, with the only difference being that careful attention is paid to preventing infection and increasing the safety distance. Close contact with colleagues is avoided. While people still greet one another with a smile, they talk less often faceto-face.

“At Koskisen we started preparing for the coronavirus well in advance at the end of February, immediately after the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK recommended it. That gave us a good head start,” says Minna Luomalahti, Koskisen’s HR and Communications Director.

The entire personnel have been very active and innovative in finding means to reduce the risk of infection during the workday.

Enhancing cleaning, dividing shared control rooms into separate spaces, staggering shift changes and breaks, communicating electronically during shift changes – these are just a few examples of the creative and successful solutions that have been adopted.

“All this guarantees a safe work environment for personnel and deliveries to customers to keep the wheels of society turning. And

by common agreement nobody comes to work sick,” Luomalahti says, adding that, thanks to a good hygiene level, the number of absences from work has been lower than normal since the beginning of April.

High demand for wood products worldwide Softwood sawing, plywood and chipboard manufacture at the Järvelä mills and the production of thin plywood at the Hirvensalmi mill have been running very well, sometimes to a point of nearing all-time production records.

For the time being, operations will continue as planned, and there has been no need to plan for temporary lay-offs yet

Koskisen CEO Jukka Pahta.

“After the February strike, it was important that we managed to turn the company’s result upward, thus securing future investments and the development of the company,” says CEO Jukka Pahta.

“We still have work, but the order intake has declined. We are, of course, keeping a very close eye on the order book both daily and weekly. For the time being, operations will continue as planned, and there has been no need to plan for temporary lay-offs yet. If the situation changes, we will react accordingly,” Pahta says.

In an ever-evolving situation, Koskisen’s sales personnel are in daily contact with customers to hear their latest news and to know whether their production is running and how they are coping.

“Once the markets show the first positive signs, customers will want to have their products as soon as possible, which can lead to long delivery times. Close co-operation with customers is important especially now when it is quieter, so that our salespersons can make sure that our customers’ stocks are in order when the situation starts to normalise.”

20 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

The shared control room in the chipboard mill has been temporarily divided into separate spaces

Seventy summer workers to be hired This year again, Koskisen will hire a high number of summer workers: 70 people will be needed for fire watch duties during the repair work carried out in summer and for shutdown work. The interviews with summer workers have already been started, also requiring some special arrangements.

“The interviews are easy to conduct in a large conference room, respecting the required safety distance. And one interview also took place via Teams,” says Panel Industry’s Process Manager Saija Korpela, who interviewed the future summer workers.

“This year, due to the restrictions concerning visits to our mills, we could not organise the mill tour normally included in the interview, but luckily, good presentations of Koskisen’s production plants can be found

on YouTube and the young people had already watched them beforehand,” Korpela says.

Summer workers’ mill orientation will also be conducted through special arrangements, with a special focus on reviewing the coronavirus instructions and on keeping a sufficient safety distance. Hearing protection with radio will be worn during the orientation sessions, enabling the participants to keep a safe distance.

At Koskisen mills, summer workers have a great opportunity to get to know the many sides of the wood industry. The renewable and strong raw material that grows in Finnish forests and the products manufactured from it are in high demand worldwide.

SAWLINES - Stenner Stenner MHS10 – 4 head

Stenner upgrades horizontal resaw

S

ales of Stenner’s MHS range of horizontal resaws continue to grow, with the latest three-head machine installed in Scotland at the end of February. Most MHS Resaws are sold in multiples and are commonly incorporated into lines with automated and infeed and outfeed.

Improvements to health and safety features include remote saw tracking; automatic spray lubrication systems, with the ability to be filled remotely; and electrically interlocked gates preventing access between the saw units whilst the machine is “live”.

This latter feature reduces reliance on extensive perimeter fencing around the machine. All features keep the operator a safe distance from the sawblade.

Further developments have been made to the MHS10 machines (42” pulleys). The well proven setting system has been upgraded to include servo, motor-based positioning of the saws and the angle of the saw unit. “The speed and accuracy of the modern servo motor really has contributed to the performance of the MHS10 in

terms of set up speed and excellent sawing accuracy,” Stenner Managing Director Syd Mather said.

The speed and accuracy of the modern servo motor really has contributed to the performance of the MHS10 in terms of set up speed and excellent sawing accuracy

The volume selling MHS9 (36” pulley) range has been redesigned electrically to incorporate Distributed I/O. “In our case, we use multiple slave PLC’s that communicate to a master PLC through a return switch. With the

aid of an industrial VPN modem, we are now able to offer technical support and diagnostics remotely,” Stenner Electrical Design Engineer Billy Thorne said. “It is also an extremely user-friendly simple system.”

Distributed I/O

Fred Harding, Stenner, Sales Director

Interlocked Gates International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 21

Devils Tower Forest Products

Dry mill grading for Shop products IMPROVED RECOVERY, INCREASED PRODUCTION The desire to automate the grading process to improve recovery for its Shop products, and the scarcity of qualified graders led Neiman Enterprises to invest in USNR’s Transverse High Grader (THG) for its operation at Devils Tower Forest Products, Hulett, Wyoming. With USNR’s experience grading for Shop and Moulding in the green mill, the company was confident the THG could do the same for its dry mill Shop products

D

evils Tower, founded in 1958, is one of 4 wood processing operations now owned by Neiman Enterprises. Its sister mills include Rushmore Forest Products in Hill City, SD (added in 1998); Spearfish Forest Products and Spearfish Pellet in Spearfish, SD (2008); and Montrose Forest Products in Montrose, CO (2012).

Neiman Enterprises is a fourthgeneration family business that began with its first mill in 1936.

Today the company is a leading inland producer of Black Hills pine boards and pattern stock.

Devils Tower Forest Products operates a sawmill and planer mill,

22 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

producing high quality 5/4 and 6/4 products, 1x4, 1x6, 1x8, 1x10, and 1x12 lumber, and shavings that are mostly marketed domestically.

Annual production is in the range of 40 mmbf, and the operation employs 85 people.

Tom Shaffer is general manager for Neiman Enterprises. He explained the reasoning behind the move to an automated grading system at Devils Tower. “We couldn’t get people interested in wanting to learn how to grade. With all the heavy Shop material it was taking a toll on our aging graders.

We felt we would get better grading accuracy and trim decisions with an automated system, and we could redeploy our team.” The mill was

It’s doing a great job on the Shop. Our grade recoveries are up, and on some widths it is significant Tom Shaffer, General Manager, Neiman Enterprises

running 3 graders on the line and continually needed to train more graders for back up, so automating the grading process made good sense.

Shop products are a significant part of the mill’s output, with about

SAWLINES - USNR

40% designated Shop products and the balance is 1” Board products.

Grading for Shop was a major requirement for any system the mill chose. Tom said that he had confidence in the THG technology, especially with USNR’s experience using the same technology on Shop and Moulding products in the sawmill. “You’re doing that in the green end – ripping and splitting for grade. We were comfortable USNR would make it work for us in our planer mill.” He also noted that the company employs USNR equipment throughout its 4 mills, and is familiar with the level of service and support they could expect.

Unique application, new developments The system at Devils Tower is required to grade differently than typical because of the product mix, which demanded additional development work to meet all the criteria. With USNR’s Deep Learning technology employed, the system readily recognizes defects including knots, rot, pitch,

LUMBER PROCESSING

With all the heavy Shop material it was taking a toll on our aging graders. We felt we would get better grading accuracy and trim decisions with an automated system Tom Shaffer

pitch streaks, pitch pockets, bark pockets, bird’s eye, pith, and blue stain.

Another significant aspect of this application is the use of a second set of belts to transport the boards through the scan frame, for occlusionless scanning. Combined with off-set sensors mounted below the flow, all 4 surfaces of the board are completely scanned with

For Shop products, the clear cuttings are projected as solid rectangles.

Projected symbols are customizable so customers can create symbols their facility is used to using

The Grade Projector is mounted on a frame above the outfeed of the THG. It projects information onto the surface of the boards, and tracks that projection with the board as it passes by a check grader International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 23

Offset pairs of belts transport boards through the scan frame, and with staggered pairs of sensors mounted below the flow the system scans all four surfaces of each board. This new “occlusionless” transport and scanning configuration leaves no data gaps, ensuring that no defects get missed

We are processing more lumber through the system in less time, and with greater recovery Ron Bears, Dry End Supervisor

no obstructions. Shop grading is focused on finding sections of clear wood, so it was critical to obtain complete data from all surfaces.

This new belt and scanning configuration allows the entire bottom surfaces to be exposed for scanning and data collection.

Just downstream from the scanner, the Grade Projector displays all grade decisions onto the boards for Shop as well as Board products.

Recovery is up!

Now that the system has been running for several months, mill management is satisfied with its performance. Ron Bears, Dry

End Supervisor, said, “It’s doing a great job on the Shop. The raw material for the 1” Board products changes week to week, so as the appearance of our boards changes we see things we didn’t see before.

That requires some adjustment.

The Shop products have a more consistent look, so we don’t have to single out varying characteristics on those products.”

Ron described how they’ve redeployed the graders. “We’ve moved our head grader into quality control. As a certified grader he operates and maintains the grading system, and adjusts grade parameters as needed. He also does pack checks to ensure the system is performing to meet grade criteria to agency requirements.

Then we have two newer grading staff who handle pre-grading ahead of the machine to spot a couple of machine defects like roller check.”

When asked about results, Tom said, “I don’t know our exact numbers but I do know our grade recoveries are up, and on some widths it is significant.” Ron added that he thought grade recovery was up in the range of more than 10%, depending on the product.

In addition to improvement in recovery, Ron said that it has allowed the mill to run faster. “We were wearing down the graders at production speeds. Now we are able to run faster. We are processing more lumber through

24 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

the system in less time, and with greater recovery.”

Ron was involved with the project on a daily basis, and remarked that it went smoothly.

“The installation and start-up took about 3 weeks. The biggest challenge was training for Mike Bears (Ron’s brother) who is the head grader. He had to learn to operate and maintain the grading machine and its bank of computers, and learn to set it up to grade both Shop and Board products.”

Training for Mike Bears and other mill personnel took place at USNR’s Salmon Arm, BC training facility with a hands-on 3-day course. Then onsite training was done once the system was installed, for in-depth knowledge on system setup, adjusting parameters for the variety of

We’ve moved our head grader into quality control. As a certified grader he operates and maintains the grading system, and adjusts grade parameters as needed Ron Bears products, day to day operation and maintenance, troubleshooting, etc.

Shifting mindset Going from a manual to an automated grading process requires a shift in mindset from

Deep Learning • increases the speed and accuracy of defect detection • significantly reduces the time required for startup and commissioning of auto-grading systems • enables the accurate identification of defects unique to a species, region, or grade, that would otherwise be difficult and time-consuming to identify using conventional methods • delivers more value and recovery through advanced optimization

Above: 6/4 3-Shop solution showing 2 - No. 1 Sash cuttings, and a Jamb (top and bottom scans of the same board). The number in brackets shows the scale size of the lumber.

Below: 6/4 Moulding solution showing, and a 1’ Scale off due to excessive wane (wane is shaded on the surfaces). The number in brackets shows the scale size of the lumber.

performing a familiar, though arduous task with well-known criteria, to letting a machine perform the same function at a high rate of speed. It requires trust HALCO AD:Layout 3

3/8/10

that the system is recognizing every minute detail about each board’s characteristics, and then classifying it accurately. Results are offsetting any prior misgivings.

17:22

With this new investment paying off in more ways than one, Tom says, “We’re not bottlenecked, we’re balanced almost perfectly.”

And with 4 mills under the Neiman

umbrella, there are always new challenges to tackle somewhere else.

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International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 25

New JORO-3D-SCANplus at BSW working after start-up

Push your yield with JE log scanners Constant innovation results in large order for scanners across Scotland and Ireland

I

n the past two years, Joerg Elektronik (JE) has installed five new log scanners in Ireland and Scotland. The latest ones were set up at WoodFab (Aughrim), Forest Sawmills (Lockerbie), and BSW (Dalbeattie). All of them received the JORO-3D-SCANplus scanner with automated bark detection for their sorting lines.

The outcome has been a remarkable increase of the yield in the sawmill.

JE is a scanner producer the sawmill market trusts. More than 500 scanners have been installed on logyards all over Europe over the past 30 years. For all of them, JE is a direct contact partner, providing on site and remote

service.

Over that period, JE has set its focus on scanning and optimizing logs. To fulfil the needs of modern log yards, all knowledge and resources are put into the development of measuring systems and software. There are 15 sawmills in England, Scotland and Ireland already working with JE solutions.

JORO-3D-SCANplus The JORO-3D-SCANplus uses the latest camera evolution and self-learning algorithms to detect the bark on the logs. In the first stage, the system decides whether the log is in bark, without bark or partly debarked. Logs without bark means need no reduction at all.

The ones with bark all over are reduced by known bark-tables. On partly debarked logs, image processing and true-shape scanning are combined to evaluate the real amount of bark and its thickness. That leads to a more precise sorting result than working only with barkreduction tables.

Getting the right diameters to the sawline gives sawyers higher yield and bigger profits.

Principle of the JORO-3D-SCANplus log sorter

26 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

SAWLINES - JÖRG ELEKTRONIK

LUMBER PROCESSING

Installation at WoodFab on minimum space

The JE scanner sorting is working with highest precision,” a spokesperson from BSW Group said. “We are getting over 70% of the logs into the target grade, and over 93% into the extended grade Comparisons of log yard and sawmill data have shown that JE is more precise in diameter sorting than any other system, according to the manufacturer.

“The JE scanner sorting is working with highest precision,” a spokesperson from BSW Group said. “We are getting over 70% of the logs into the target grade, and over 93% into the extended grade.”

changes. Once more, JE showed its flexibility to install the scanner into a custom-built housing.

BSW (Dalbeattie, Scotland) WoodFab (Aughrim, Ireland) In 2018, Sean Brady, Joint Managing Director, ordered his 3D scanner for log sorting. The strategy was very clear: to improve the throughput on the sorting line, WoodFab needed a state-of-the-art system. That’s why the decision was made to invest into the JORO3D-SCANplus.

After production and testing, JE came on-site for commissioning and start-up. After only four days, the production was back to normal operation.

In the case of the WoodFab installation, JE had to work with minimum space, so that the scanner needed to be installed without substantial mechanical

Forest Sawmills (Lockerbie, Scotland) After acquiring a new butt-reducer from Holtec, the measuring system was Forest Sawmills’ next big project on the log sorter. Because of the good experience with Holtec, they also chose a German specialist for the scanner.

Finding the logs that have to be reduced was the big task at this line – not very easy with short logs and high conveyor speed. JE had to use all its experience from former projects to set the right sorting rules for the UK logs.

Also in 2019, BSW changed its scanner to a JE system. As an add-on, BSW bought the JEWoodarchiv. This system combines pictures of the log faces with the actual scanned data. Transparency and traceability for supplier and sawmiller are the big benefits of this tool.

Since the old system is still running as a fallback layer, it was possible to get a direct comparison between old and new. Because of the automated bark reduction, the outcome on sorting accuracy is remarkable.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 27

Comact: The reference point for optimization Advances in artificial intelligence will propel Comact and the wood industry to still greater heights

W

ith Comact in its brand portfolio, BID Group is a North American leader in optimization products with vision.

With 125 employees dedicated to optimization and 20 years of experience in optimization with vision, BID Group states it has the expertise to “manage new technologies and transform ideas into a marketable product”.

Over the years, Comact products actively contributed to the technological advancement of the timber industry. It is therefore not surprising that the Comact GradExpert is a preferred grading optimizer in North America and that the brand has installed over 225 optimizers with vision.

“Over the last years, several members of our team specialized in Artificial Intelligence (AI) after a research and development phase that allowed us to conclude that this was the future of wood grading,” BID Group stated.

28 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

What is Artificial Intelligence?

AI is a computer science branch that enables the simulation of human intelligence based on specific instructions. To make this work, the system must be educated using deep learning techniques that are controlled by humans. A database must be used to allow the system to learn concepts “such as the recognition of certain features in images.

Afterwards, the system may distinguish different components in an image, interpret them and make a decision in relation to what it understands. Facial recognition and autonomous cars are examples of AI applications.

This technology is now possible due to the increased power of modern computers. AI and deep learning offer a wide range of possibilities and allow us to automate tasks, such as wood grading.

Artificial Intelligence is the game changer Why will AI revolutionize wood grading? Because it enables the detection and interpretation of wood defects almost like the human eye.

Why couldn’t we perform such detections and interpretations in the past? Because computer system capacities were limited. The availability of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) cards now allows us to use AI at a very high rate.

However, this almost human detection has no value if it is not combined with a high-performance optimization software. In fact, all defects identified by the AI must be processed by the optimization software that merges geometrical and visual data, applies defect analysis algorithms, and considers grading criteria as well as the client’s product priorities, to finally issue the best decision for grading and trimming.

SCANNING & OPTIMISATION - COMACT

The AI models used by Comact products were created in-house to ensure extremely high efficiency.

“Our AI internal experts with a team of wood processing specialists educated the basic model and each system installed,” the technology group stated. “In other words, the Comact defect detection with AI models combined with the ultrapowerful optimization software is the equivalent of 25 Comact wood specialists in your machine 24/7.”

developments in applications that go beyond optimization,” the group stated. As a result, Comact will meet the client’s current and future needs in an outstanding manner

LUMBER PROCESSING

and offer a return on investment unparalleled by competition.

“All of this will be supported

by BID Group’s renowned 24/7 service.”

Example: Blond Knots Detection

Case studies AI allows defect identification with pixel precision. Since the AI system is well educated, it can recognize the different shades of visual defects like rot and knots that may vary considerably according to the origin of the wood, the species and the severity of the defect.

Historically, the different shades were difficult to distinguish.

Today, AI excels at identifying and dimensioning various shades (examples of detection pictured).

Other applications Thanks to the sophistication of the Comact software structure, the new software platform based on AI was easily deployed on the full range of Comact optimization products with vision. Therefore, the EdgExpert, edger optimizer with vision, as well as the TrimExpert, trimming optimizer with vision, also benefited from the developments on the GradExpert.

The AI team was very satisfied with the AI performance on these high-speed applications where the environmental conditions are more challenging.

Since AI has an accuracy of 98% or more in species identification, this provided new possibilities for board grading before drying, namely to improve the drying efficiency and reduce quality issues caused by this process.

Example: Light Decay Detection

More to come These few examples demonstrate how Comact’s AI platform plans to revolutionize the industry and establish new standards.

“In the short and medium term, our complete range of machines will benefit from the latest

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 29

Chippers

Flexibility & versatility top priorities Big brands continue fight for market share in chipper sector

P

eterson, Jenz, Komptech, and Heizomat – these are four of the biggest and most respected names in the chipper supplier game, and they span the globe in terms of origin and reach.

This year once again sees these key suppliers drift further from their roots as purveyors of raw power and more toward suppliers of multiple business opportunity

for the contractors buying these units. These opportunities take the form of a greater range of options in terms of chipping quality, mobility and efficiencies/ serviceability.

That is not to say power isn’t the first consideration for buyers of chipping technology and therefore for the brands supplying that market; it remains the chief

requirement for those in the chipping trade. But the race to the top of the raw-power tree is now so tightly fought and the rates

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

Peterson 4310B biomass drum chipper in action 30 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

6310B-Drum Chipper

of processing so impressive that the greatest opportunity to take market share from a rival is around the margins – namely flexibility of a range or of a specific machine.

More Power, More Applications 4300-Series The 4310B Drum Chipper comes equipped with a wireless remote transmitter

Peterson 4310B Drum Chipper Cutaway

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

THE POWER YOU NEED

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.

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 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

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.

Chipper is designed for operations requiring high production and frequent moves between jobs. The 4300B, which comes on wheels, 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

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 | APRIL / MAY 2020 31

6300-Series

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

shell. Optional material sizing grates further reduce oversize twigs and branches in the chips, 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.

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 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 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

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

32 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

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.

The Axtor 6210

The high performance 577 hp Axtor 6210 - like its smaller stablemate the Axtor 6210 – like its smaller stablemate the Axtor 4510 – is a versatile universal shredder for wood and green cuttings. Its thoughtful design also allows easy conversion to a chipper configuration, making it ideal for producing quality biomass fuel.

Chipping and shredding – flexible and fast conversion Conversion from shredder to chipper is fast and simple. In about half a day, the free-swinging

blades can be replaced with fixed mountings and precision chipping blades or tough shredder blades.

Conversion with fixed teeth is even faster – it only takes three hours or less to switch from shredder to chipper blades. If two people do the work, it naturally goes twice as fast.

The Axtor 6210 can be very precisely configured for the intended use. Whether waste wood, trunks, forestry residue, bark or green cuttings, with different blades and the right screen basket it can deliver astonishingly high throughput with very good fuel efficiency. For

example, when processing woody green cuttings for composting structuring material, throughput of up to 200 m³ per hour is possible.

Well thought out, well executed As always, Komptech put customer needs first in this addition to the Axtor series, which is set up as a 3-axle trailer for easy mobility.

Outstanding maintenance access is provided by the hydraulically raised engine cover and roomy service platform with integrated folded ladder.

The machine has a massive sectional steel belt intake system,

continuous discharge conveyor with a cone height of four and a half meters, and hydraulically tilting hopper. No-leakage conveyors, tough individual components and clever details that make work go smoothly on-site - it all adds up to more productivity.

New chipping drum option A special chipping drum makes the Axtor a full-blooded chipper.

Massive chipping blades, wide advance adjustment range, and a full selection of screen baskets leave nothing to be desired in terms of the grain size and quality of the chips.

AXTOR 4510

High-speed universal shredder for green waste and wood

VISIT US IN MUNICH September 7th - 11th 2020 Booth B6 405/504

www.komptech.com

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 33

Jenz Chippertrucks hybrid were specially developed for customers who are looking for extremely powerful, but also very mobile machines Hans Heinrich Hermeier, Head of Product Management

Maintenance work made easy, even in the dark: The new tool system with an integrated swivel tool box supports the machine operator in daily work

JENZ Chippertruck hybrid with a system power of more than 1100 hp

The Jenz Chippertruck hybrid is now available also with a professional tool system Jenz’ flagship mobile chipper, the Chippertruck hybrid, has more than 1,100 hp of power owing to dual-

motor technology, which ensures “enormous” throughput and the best wood chip results. This makes the largest Jenz Chippertruck a powerful package for the highestperformance operations. The new professional tool system now also makes maintenance work easier and thus meets increased operator requirements.

Mobile and flexible: thanks to the central hydraulic discharge, overloading is possible in almost all directions At the same time, the Chippertruck is extremely economical on the road at 80 km / h and fuel consumption from 35 l to 100 km.

34 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

Thanks to the used dual motor technology, the Chippertruck hybrid is particularly suitable for large industrial orders Hans Heinrich Hermeier, Head of Product Management, describes the target group as follows: “Jenz Chippertrucks hybrid were specially developed for customers who are looking for extremely powerful, but also very mobile machines.”

The machines with dual-motor technology are used, for example, in heavy-duty industry. In the same way, they can also be used at different locations in parallel, as they are fully suitable for motorways at 80 km/h and score points with a consumption of 35 litres/100 km while the machine is relocating.

Caterpillar C18 for maximum performance The Caterpillar C18 with 776 hp was first used in the HEM 1000 at Jenz.

Since this time, the engine has proven itself to be exceptionally powerful and aggressive. The Chippertruck hybrid also uses the power of the carrier vehicle in addition to the add-on motor: in this case, an up-to-date MAN carrier vehicle with 500 hp drives the power.

“Further optimisation of the drivetrain enables us to achieve a system power of over 1,000 hp. The

C18’s 776 hp are reserved purely for driving the chipper drum” explained Hermeier.

The truck engine is used to drive the chipper hydraulics.

“We have revised the entire hydraulic concept and are therefore working even more efficiently. The add-on engine transfers almost all its torque of nearly 3,500 Nm to the rotor shaft, while the HGV engine now takes over all hydraulics tasks.”

The hybrid machines are available with draw-in widths of 1,200 mm and 1,400 mm and can be ideally used for processing logs up to 80 cm in diameter. The throughput capacity extends to over 500 srm/h.

Chippertrucks hybrid with the larger draw-in width of 1400 mm are particularly suitable for processing bulky material. Thanks to the 20 cm more feed area and larger screen surface, the material can be distributed even more widely and flatter on the table. This ensures better cutting geometry and easier drum running. The drum also gets rid of the wood chips faster over the wider screen area.

New tool system for even more user-friendliness After the far-reaching modifications to the drive concept had proven successful in practice, it was the next logical step in development to focus on user-friendliness. The new professional tool system makes it easier for the operator to take tools with them and also greatly shortens the blade-change time. The main component is an innovative pivoted tool box at the level of the screen hood.

“All the tools that are necessary and suitable for the machine are stored handy in the tool box,” Hermeier said. “For the operator, this means that maintenance work is extremely easy.”

He said the new concept had integrated LED lighting to ensure that blades can be changed or knives can be sharpened even in the dark. A separate transport box, attached to the rear of the vehicle, also allows operators to carry more than 50 spare knives and parts safely so that the machine can survive a week in the wild.

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 woodchips price, but are also suffering from a skills shortage,” Hermeier said. “This makes it even more important for our machines to be fitted with intelligent solutions. Smart maintenance concepts are just one component and our control system also make a significant contribution to using our machines as efficiently as possible.

“The chipper can produce the first woodchips 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.

“In combination with our standard hydraulic discharge, which enables overloading to almost all sides, the Chippertruck hybrid combines the performance of a trailer machine with all the advantages of a selfpropelled chipper without being uneconomical.”

Further optimisation of the drivetrain enables us to achieve a system power of over 1,000 hp. The C18’s 776 hp are reserved purely for driving the chipper drum Hans Heinrich Hermeier

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 35

The perfect machine for infeeding and chipping of branches, twigs or treetops

Very comfortable work place allowing an excellent view of the infeed table and simple operation of the machine

Heizomat, the wood chipper and wood boiler specialists from central Bavaria is proud of its global dealer network representing Heizomat sales and service worldwide.

As a family business sales are important for Heizomat, but more important is to supply the customer with our own impeccable standard of after sale service.

A short reaction time on enquiries and a fast personal service distinguish Heizomat dealers across the globe.

The first Heizohack wood chippers were manufactured in

the year 1989. The current wood chippers are all developed from the practical experience of Heizomat and focused around customer requirements and desires.

Simple to maintain and easy to repair, with as few as possible hydraulic and electrical parts, the chippers are ideally manufactured for hard work in the forests, as well as any other places they are required to chip.

Heizomat knows what is important for the customer. Whilst low maintenance and ownership costs are significant benefits of HEIZOHACK wood chippers, the most important features are very good productivity and a high

It is possible to chip logs of up to 800mm in diameter

36 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

quality wood chip product.

Until 2005 it was common to drive the wood chipper by the PTO of a tractor. But 15 years ago, Heizomat decided to install the first Heizohack wood HM 14-800K on a Mercedes-Benz Actros 1832. The lorry chipper was born.

On a chassis with two axles and a drive power of only 320 hp, Heizomat had taken the pioneering role in this technology. Now, 15 years later the HEIZOHACK premium wood chipper HM 14-860 KL is mounted on a Mercedes-Benz AROCS 3353 AK 6x6 with 530hp.

With this wood chipper you have all the advantages of a normal truck and at the same time a very flexible

machine.

Low fuel consumption, easy operation of the machine, fast set up times from arriving on-site and easy maintenance are the significant benefits of this wood chipper. With the 6x6 all-wheel drive no terrain is too inaccessible and with the very spacious cab and the rotating operator’s seat, this machine has a very comfortable working place.

The very large viewing window gives an extensive overview of the infeed table and the entire working area. With the operator’s seat driving system, the truck can also be driven from the operator’s seat.

Without changing to the driver’s seat and with road approval!

Thanks to the special power take-off (NMV) from MercedesBenz, the truck can be moved even when the rotor is turning.

This saves time, especially if the truck has to be moved frequently.

The cooling system of the truck has been adapted to correspond with the working parameters and environment of a wood chipper.

An additional roof air conditioning system provides cooling for the operator’s cab.

The standard crane used is a Palfinger Epsilon S110F101 selected for its excellent combined reach and lifting capacity. Four extendable support legs stabilise the truck whilst the crane is in use.

The very aggressive and heavyduty infeed of this chipper includes

Energy in Balance with Nature Development and production of Heizohack-wood chippers since 1989 Quality made in Bavaria

Also sawmills appreciate the use of the Heizohack wood chippers

Heizomat GmbH Maicha 21 91710 Gunzenhausen / Germany Fon +49 (0) 98 36 / 97 97 - 0 Mail: info@heizomat.de HM 6-300 VM

HM 8-400 KF

HM 14-860 KTL on tandem chassis with loading crane driven by a Heizotruck Mercedes Benz Arcos 2051 two strong infeed conveyor belts, one top pressure roller and one front end roller at the infeed table.

The 3 pieces of the multi-piece counter knife with hard metal plates are especially made for a very long life cycle, and if necessary, easy to change form the infeed side.

The open drum itself has 14 blades as standard, or if specified by the customer, 14 strong knives. This results in an infeed width of 1200mm on this wood chipper. The infeed height is max. 800mm. This enables the chipping of big logs without the use of a cone splitter.

To split even bigger logs before chipping there is the option to install a strong triple motor cone splitter. With this combination, there is never any need to leave any timber behind at a chipping site.

Another great advantage is the simple operation of the machine. Heizomat work with these machines themselves, therefore understand that the machine needs to be equipped with as few electrical and hydraulic elements as possible. The underlying design-brief is to use as few as possible and only as many as necessary.

This is why you will not find a complex

control system or overly fanatical electrification in any of the Heizohack wood chippers. In the long run, this reduces operating costs and increases the operator’s working comfort.

Simply put, this chipper is very effective, easy to operate and easy to maintain.

This completely thought-out machine reflects the many years of experience of Heizomat.

Heizomat has a very hi-tec manufacturing facility that enables inhouse production of its entire range of products. This means that Heizomat is very independent of external suppliers and maintains a high level of selfsufficiency ensuring continued support for all of its customers at all times.

This is probably the most decisive advantage in favour of Heizomat, especially in these times, where we are all experiencing the negative effects of the Corona virus.

The entire Heizomat network, offer best wishes to all and please stay healthy.

HM 14-860 KTL

HM 14-860 KL

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 37

Feller Bunchers

John Deere 859M

Standing still fells good Providing a strong base from which to harvest logs is the starting point for a great feller buncher

T

he modern range of feller bunchers have so many bells and whistles they’d make loggers from a generation ago blush. Though you’d be brave to suggest the contemporary forestry contractor is anything but a hardy soul, the operating environment within the latest units barely resembles machines from only 20 years ago.

Today, the visibility is exceptional, the rotation of the cabin itself removes the strain on operator necks as well as limiting mistakes, the controls are designed for easy use and mould

38 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

to operators hands – and that’s before we get to climate control, modern communication systems and ergonomic seat design.

Meanwhile, the technology of the heads and scope of the crane arms are also improved by stateof-the-art innovations that offer greater precision that has improved in step with power enhancements.

But at the base of all these shiny advances and innovations – this evolution that has turned one of the world’s primary industries into a fine art – are base units that have been redesigned to allow the sort of stable cutting base

the grandfathers of loggers today could have hardly dreamt of.

Whether tracked or wheeled, the modern carrying rig has to be as durable as ever but must also provide unrivalled stability in order for operators to run their tools effectively. And they must do this on steeper slopes and softer ground, as the climate changes operating environments to the point where some of the more desirable locations are inaccessible.

The industry’s better suppliers of feller bunchers, featured here, are more than aware of this

bunchers and L-Series II wheeled feller bunchers, have evolved based on ongoing valuable customer input. Loggers continue to trust and rely on the John Deere feller bunchers in the woods.

959ML Shovel Logger The 959ML Shovel Logger was designed to assist a logger with felling in steep terrain. This industry-leading machine comes with standard walkways that allow access to all areas of the enclosure without climbing down.

Its exceptional stability with its tether-ready field kit, slope monitoring and four-point seat

harness makes it comfortable for an operator. One of its key features is its boom geometry.

The 9.12 m (30 ft) and 10.34 m (34 ft) directional feller booms are designed for high performance when approaching steep slope applications.

These boom options give the logger superb downhill reach capability. The 959ML machine guarantees increased durability and reliability. When combined with the FL100 head, this machine is a powerful felling machine. The robust, durable design of the new FL100 makes it ideal for steep slope and traditional felling applications.

M-Series

importance and have worked overtime to make sure operators using their machines can take stability for granted when on the job.

Outrunning loggers’ expectations, the John Deere feller buncher machines “redefine uptime, power and reliability�, according to the manufacturer. All machines, including the new 959ML Shovel Logger, M-Series tracked feller

959ML Shovel Logger

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 39

John Deere 903m The increased durability of the FL100 reduces potential downtime in tough conditions, while allowing excellent access to maintenance and service points.

M-Series Tracked Fellerbunchers The 800M and 900M-Series tracked fellerbunchers include a tremendous variety of customerfriendly features. Providing solid balance, its long and wide undercarriage improves machine stability no matter the terrain it encounters. An optional auto-tilt and leveling cab features maximize

operator comfort, even in the steepest applications. Another key feature on the M-Series machines is the ergonomically-designed operator station.

Featuring fully adjustable armrests with mounted keypads, a sealed touchpad allowing longer switch life, floor-to-ceiling front and large-side windows providing expansive visibility, these machines improve operator comfort and performance.

Equipped with cutting-edge solutions, the M-Series machines feature a Final Tier 4 engine, delivering a powerful combination

John Deere Wheeled FB L-II 40 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

of performance, fluid-efficiency and reliability. Its natural heat cleans the exhaust filter and breaks down the trapped particulate matter.

Total fluid consumption is minimized and peak engine performance is maintained. The DEF-use rate is up to four times lower than other FT4 systems.

Additionally, the 900M-Series have standard and long-reach boom options giving the operator choices of multiple attachments to match the applications.

The Rapid Cycle System (RCS) is optional and easy-to-use allowing the operator to control all boom

functions. RCS reduces operator fatigue and increases efficiency and productivity. With 330 HP, the 900M-Series bunchers boast a high peak power.

“We’re really impressed with the 853M [tracked fellerbuncher],” Thomas Johnson, Thomas Johnson Logging, said. “The high accumulation FR50 felling head on it has made a big difference.”

L-Series II Wheeled Fellerbunchers The new L-Series II lineup was made to be simpler to run, easier to maintain and more reliable for loggers.

“Deere is on the right path with the L-Series II machines,” Zane Winfield, Foreman, Southern Logging & Timber Co said. “I’ve been running Deere machines 25 years, plus growing up around them, and I’ve never seen anything like this. We’re really excited about them.”

Simplified electrical and hydraulic systems have been simplified to improve its dependability. The durable electrical-harness components have been added to extend its wear life. The enhancements to the new L-Series II consist of over 1,600 parts changes, component placements and reduced electrical and hydraulic system complexity.

Specifically, the 748L-II, 848L-II and 948L-II bunchers are equipped with heavy-duty axles, helping these machines power through rugged wood conditions and carry larger loads.

“These machines take a beating on a daily basis. The L-II is more beefed up, and the tires make a big difference. They are well suited for the woods,” Winfield said.

Operators are comfortable and productive with the new steering sensors that enable controllable articulation speed for frame-toframe contact and cushioning impact during full articulation.

The Quick Dump feature on the

wheeled feller bunchers minimizes fatigue by prompting the operator to press a button to release trees in a fluid, easy motion. The heat-tilt and arm functions are combined to improve machine output. The large windows, effective HVAC system, ergonomic controls and excellent storage space creates the ultimate dynamic experience for the operator.

Both the M-Series tracked

feller bunchers and the L-Series II wheeled feller bunchers can be equipped with the TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager mapbased production-planning and tracking-system. This technology is what makes it highly favoured by hardworking loggers.

TimberMatic Maps shares live production and location data in a cloud-based system and accommodates all map formats.

TimberManager allows a logger to monitor any live progress from anywhere and track progress safely.

“This technology really makes planning a lot easier. We can map out streamline management zones, points of interest, skid roads, hazards, and slopes,” Johnson said.

Time to Hit the Slopes New FL100 Felling Head tackles tough terrain

T

he continued growth of the steep-slope market is opening new opportunities for loggers. Factory-installed on the John Deere 959ML Shovel Logger, the new FL100 Directional Felling Head meets loggers’ demand for a larger, more durable solution.

Ideal for felling and maneuvering timber on challenging terrain, the FL100 delivers outstanding grapple strength, arm durability, and rotate/tilt power.

Unique long-arm geometry and a large-capacity bar saw allow the FL100 to cut and handle everything from small to extra-large timber,

Factory installed on the new John Deere 959ML Shovel Logger / Directional Feller, the FL100 offers the ideal solution for felling and manoeuvring timber in steep slope applications ranging from 100 mm (4.3 in.) to 1 m (39.3 in.). Exceptional durability combined with simplified routine and periodic maintenance helps increase uptime.

With the continued growth of the steep slope market and the movement from manual felling in mind, John Deere announces its new large-class directional felling head, the FL100. The FL100 model provides customers with a larger, more durable directional felling head solution.

“Our customers are continuing to tackle more challenging terrain, and we want to provide reliable, durable equipment that is designed to meet their unique needs. As they seek purpose-built equipment for their operations, the FL100 will allow them to efficiently and safely fell in both unique steep

slopes and traditional felling applications,” said Jim O’Halloran, product marketing manager for John Deere Tracked Harvesters and Feller Bunchers.

The robust, durable design of the new FL100 makes it ideal for steep slope, shoveling, and traditional felling applications.

Featuring increased grip strength,

grapple capacity and shoveling performance, the FL100’s grapple arm effectively handles both small and extra-large timber. The increased durability of the FL100 reduces potential downtime in tough conditions, while allowing excellent access to maintenance and service points.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 41

A Tigercat 845E feller buncher equipped with the 5400 felling saw operating in mixed hardwood in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Tigercat offers the broadest range of both track and drive-to-tree feller bunchers in the industry.

Along with innovative features like the ER technology® and WideRange®, Tigercat’s feller bunchers offer high efficiency and productivity, long service life, high machine availability rates, excellent service access and the clear operator sightlines.

855E and L855E feller buncher For plantation eucalyptus applications, Tigercat offers the 855E carrier equipped with the 2000 series bunching shear. This combination is a low cost per tonne solution for harvesting eucalyptus pulpwood on account of the fast shear cycles and extremely efficient carrier hydraulics. The 2000 shear accumulates large parallel bunches, improving skidder productivity. In addition, the shear is a lower cost, lower maintenance alternative to a disc saw felling head. In rocky

42 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

or abrasive soil types, the maintenance and wear benefits are even more pronounced. The shearequipped feller buncher also burns less fuel compared with a disc saw. The 855E can also be mated to the Tigercat 5185 directional felling saw for an extremely fuel efficient machine to fell and shovel large, high value timber. A full range of Tigercat felling heads are available, including bunching saws for smaller diameter timber or the single post 5702 felling saw for larger trees and mixed diameter stands.

The L855E features Tigercat’s patented forest-duty leveling undercarriage, providing exceptional stability on steep slopes. It uses two massive hydraulic cylinders and heavy steel sections for a solution that is simple, robust and reliable.

ER Technology An important advantage common to Tigercat track feller bunchers is ER boom technology. ER technology provides increased production compared with conventional boom

systems –especially in high cycle applications.

The patented ER boom system allows the machine operator to extend and retract the boom on a horizontal plane smoothly and quickly using a single joystick. The 3-mode ER boom control allows the operator to choose between ER, semi-ER and conventional. 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.

The stick boom or ‘reach’ joystick controls both the main and stick booms simultaneously, resulting in the attachment moving either away from or toward the operator.

The main boom and tilt functions operate in the traditional manner to adjust the height and angle of the attachment.

Key to this technology is reduced energy consumption. The ER system transfers energy back and forth between the main and the stick boom functions, reducing the total energy needed to move the boom system. This translates to reduced demands for power, pump flow and system cooling.

Competing solutions do not offer the simplicity and fuel savings of Tigercat’s design.

845E and L845E feller buncher The 845E and L845E track feller buncher takes the popular 845 platform and adds all of the latest features found on Tigercat track carrier models. This new model incorporates the updated cab, more boom options, a larger main hydraulic pump and more – all to increase productivity and improve operator comfort.

A Tigercat LX830D leveling feller buncher operating in the Pacific northwest.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 43

The 718G completes the upgrade to the G-series drive-to-tree feller buncher line. Compact, quick and agile, 718G is ideal for tight thinning applications.

The 845E and L845E share the same cab as the 855E which is designed to optimize ergonomics and improve sound reduction.

Redesigned hinge geometry allows the front door to be closed with less effort. The new IQAN MD4 electronic control system interface includes an easy to use large colour touch screen for machine monitoring and function adjustment. The new skyVIEW and rearVIEW camera systems eliminate the need for a skylight while improving operator visibility.

The Tigercat 845E offers more boom options including a longer reach boom and a tight tuck boom to better match your machine to your attachment and application requirements.

The 845E model can be equipped with a range of Tigercat felling heads including a bunching saw or shear for smaller diameter timber, or the single post 5702 felling saw for larger trees and mixed diameter stands. In addition, the 845E can be equipped with the 5185 fixed felling saw for felling, bucking and shovel logging high value and oversize timber. A larger hydraulic pump on the E-series model provides more power and

faster function to the clamp and accumulator arms to maximize productivity.

With a fuel-efficient engine and Tigercat’s unique ER boom technology, the 845E feller buncher achieves maximum tree felling productivity with minimal fuel burn.

Drive-to-tree feller bunchers Tigercat builds three models of drive-to-tree feller buncher models for the full range of thinning and final felling duties. The 720G and 724G are designed for thinning and clear fell applications and the large capacity 726G fells large diameter timber in tough terrain. Tigercat recently completed the G-series drive-to-tree feller buncher line-up with the release of the 718G. Tigercat designers met the challenge of packaging the additional aftertreatment componentry required for Tier 4 compliance, while still retaining the nimble size of the industry’s finest thinning machine.

The 718G gets its power from the Tigercat FPT N45 Tier 4f engine which provides 125 kW (170 hp) @ 2,200 rpm. The completely redesigned engine compartment allows for a high capacity cross-

44 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

flow cooling set-up with a hydraulic driven, automatic variable speed fan and an automatic reversing cycle. The new compartmentalized layout keeps the cooling system, hydraulic components and engine in three separate areas.

The new accumulation mode allows the operator to choose between normal and autoaccumulate for bunching head arm operation. Simultaneous open and close of the clamp and accumulator arms can also be programmed on a joystick button.

The G-series machines cabs are designed for productivity and operator comfort. Visibility is enhanced with a larger front window and larger rear quarter windows. The view over the back tires is the best in the industry – an asset in thinning applications.

Only Tigercat offers WideRange®, the infinitely variable transmission for drive-to-tree feller bunchers. Drive-to-tree feller bunchers spend a great percentage of the total duty cycle driving – to the next tree or to and from the bunch pile. WideRange allows the operator to travel more quickly than conventional two-speed transmission equipped

feller bunchers. Quicker travel boosts productivity and reduces cost per tonne in high production thinning and final fell applications.

Tigercat’s unique WideRange drive system is standard on all G-series feller bunchers. A two speed transmission is optional on the 720G and 724G Tigercat drive-to-tree feller bunchers are often equipped with bunching saws and shears for plantation applications with smaller diameter timber. In high cycle, multi-stem bunching applications, Tigercat bunching saws and shears contribute to significant productivity gains by increasing the number of stems per cycle.

DSE controls enable improved performance for forestry equipment & machinery DSEM-Series encompass displays, controllers and slave products that can be used together or independently to provide a range of flexible control solutions, allowing OEMs to meet the varying demands of Forestry equipment.

T

he DSEM8xx Displays provide programmable display solutions for controlling off highway vehicles and equipment, through a robust, optically bonded, colour screen and button fascia.

A full range of displays with screen size options 3.5” ,4.3”, 7” are available with a 12” version available later this year. Many of the standard switches and controls that are normally found within the cab or control panel can be incorporated into the on-screen functions, to enable full control through one device if required, leading to a simplified system design.

The newest display is an extremely powerful CAN display, compatible with latest Tier 4F and Stage V engine applications.

Programmable using CODESYS, the DSEM835 provides clear information for forest equipment

where space is a premium as the high resolution, 3.5” optically bonded, full colour TFT display provides excellent readability, even in the most extreme environmental conditions.

Within the displays multiple

independent CAN interfaces are each configurable for different CAN protocols including CANOpen, J1939 and Raw CAN; each CAN protocol offering its own unique property making them favourable for different uses. This approach to product design optimises the versatility of the controller and enables the design engineer to produce a very efficient system by minimising the amount of data on each bus.

The displays are highly robust

and reliable throughout the harshest environmental conditions including humidity and extreme temperatures and are IP67/NEMA 6 rated. Offering camera input options for improved operator viewing and a choice of fixing solutions for in-cab or panel mounting to suit multiple operator locations.

The M870 can be used in landscape and portrait views ideal for a variety of different cab layouts.

The fully programmable screen presents clear information in a combination of text, graphical, numerical and icon formats providing the user with quick and easy access to operational functions. Features include multiple configurable I/Os, which are programmed using industry standard CODESYS. PWM and PWMi digital signal logic maximises efficiency, response and signal integrity even under the pressures of the harshest environmental conditions, continuing to operate at full load in widely varying climatic conditions from -40oC to + 85oC.

The DSEM870 Display has an on board 2GB memory used for logging key operational data, allowing detailed analysis for timely maintenance and improved performance. Featuring both Ethernet and multiple CAN networks allows data to be shared with other equipment and assets, leading to a fully integrated application.

Designed for instantaneous operator response times the controller incorporates a powerful Cortex M4 + M processor with 200MHz clock speed, 32 MB of SDRAM and 16 MB of flash storage.

The DSEM-6xx programmable controllers offer sophisticated independent control or can be used in conjunction with the DSEM8xx displays. The controllers are designed for the harshness of being mounted direct to the chassis and engineered to withstand extreme environmental conditions using a ruggedised aluminium die-cast housing and high quality electronics. They pass rigorous EN, ECE and ISO testing for shocks & bumps, vibration, salt spray, EMC and electrical safety etc.

The design incorporates a specialised breather to equalise pressure and reduce condensation offering superior protection against the ingress of dust, water and other contaminants. The controllers have E11-R10 type approval and IP67 rating.

The DSEM640 utilises an extremely powerful 32 bit microprocessor with 220 MHz speed clock for the fastest operation response times, the controller is capable of meeting the most demanding industry requirements.

• 4 totally independent CAN interfaces supporting J1939, CAN open and raw CAN • 32 Configurable inputs offering digital and analogue capability • 36 configurable outputs offering digital, analogue and PWMi • Flexible user programming via CODESYS 3.5 • Ethernet interface For full product information and a list of all products available, please refer to the DSE website: www. deepseaelectronics.com/control

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 45

TRACK FELLER BUNCHER

W

eiler Forestry manufactures an expanding line of forestry equipment through their facility in LaGrange, GA, USA including two new Track Feller Buncher models along with their Wheel Feller Buncher product line. Weiler works diligently and efficiently, focusing on forestry customers to

components, and excellent serviceability.

The Weiler B457 and B458 track feller buncher models have the latest CatÂŽ C9.3 engine that produces 298 hp (222 kw) and meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. A Tier 3 engine option is also available.

The B457 is a non-leveling model best suited for plantation thinning, biomass harvesting, and mediumproduction select or clear-cut applications; the B458 is a leveling

through dedicated pumps and optimized circuit configurations.

The B458 has an extended track roller frame option that includes two additional bottom rollers for a total of eleven, enhancing overall machine stability in steep terrain.

In addition, a standard or heavy counterweight option is available for a diversity of harvesting conditions. Unobstructed ground clearance enables unimpeded travel over stumps, rocks, and other debris.

Weiler B458 working in the Hardwood hills of central Pennsylvania, USA address product needs and provide rapid solutions to make their jobs easier and more profitable.

These productive new machine platforms feature excellent multifunction capability with dedicated pumps, a new cab that maximizes operator experience, field proven

machine for steeper terrain and excels in select or clear-cut logging.

Maximum Operator Experience

Powerful Performance

The spacious cab maximizes operator visibility by providing an open field of view to the work area and upwards through a large skylight. An optional 14 LED light package is available for

The B457 and B458 provide a leading combination of lift capacity, swing torque, and drawbar. Multifunction performance is achieved

improved productivity in night shift operations and an optional heated and cooled seat keeps operators comfortable all day long. The cab also features a front window emergency escape, a 7� (178 mm) intuitive color touchscreen monitor, multiple storage compartments, and numerous charging ports.

Innovative machine functionality helps to reduce the frequency of foot pedal motions in certain applications, reducing operator fatigue at the end of the day.

Proven Durability and Reliability Weiler B670 working near the Weiler forestry headquarters and factory in Lagrange, Georgia USA 46 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

The Weiler B457 and B458 are designed and built for the severest

of harvesting applications. The forestry-duty cooling package is designed to provide reliable operation by keeping components cool in even the toughest environments. High torque rated final drives and Caterpillar fieldproven engine, undercarriage, and swing drive components ensure overall machine reliability.

Easy to Access & Maintain Excellent service access is provided by a gull-wing engine enclosure that provides maximum access to components, while the integrated counterweight walkway allows operators machine level access from the cab. Upper frame access ports allow for efficient debris

clean out and component access.

WHEEL FELLER BUNCHER Weiler wheel feller bunchers are the most innovative in the market and deliver more productivity and greater fuel efficiency. Patented technologies including the PowerDirect Plus System and Transverse Mounted Engine combined with advanced multifunctioning hydraulics allow the machine to cut and carry more wood than ever.

The balance of a short wheelbase, power, stability and agility provides superior application versatility allowing seamless transitions from 1st thinnings to final fell applications.

A quiet and spacious cab, premium seat, powerful HVAC system and rear view camera keep operators comfortable and productive.

The field proven cooling system keeps the engine and hydraulics cool, extending component life.

Robust frames with integrated steering cylinder mounts and field proven hitch for nearly 20 years are built for the harshest applications.

Weiler B458 with extended track roller frame with 11 total rollers working in the steep slopes of the Pacific Northwest, USA

Worldwide Dealer Support Weiler Forestry customers are supported by the industry’s largest network of Caterpillar dealers who will keep their machines running with parts availability, field services, state-of-the art diagnostic programs, and more.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 47

High performance & productivity from the New Komatsu XT465L-5 Feller buncher

Komatsu’s new XT465L-5 sets high industry standards for Track Feller Bunchers with the following features: • Gull-wing engine hood service access • Increased lift capacity • Cab relocated to the left side

Improved service access, reliability and durability means increased productivity for the Komatsu XT465L-5 feller buncher.

Attendees at CONEXPOCON/AGG got a first-hand look at its new design features in Komatsu booth N-10825.

Built for ease of serviceability, a gull-wing style engine hood folds down, providing an elevated service work platform. Four additional service doors provide easy access. The innovative hydraulic tank design features two tanks, requiring 55% less total hydraulic oil.

Operator comfort and convenience are premium with a state-of-the-art cab, which has been relocated to the left of the boom. The design changes provide superior lines of sight to each

track. The intuitive IQAN-MD4 digital control system puts machine control at the operator’s fingertips.

The rugged undercarriage significantly increases service life, including rugged, stronger track chain links that resist twist and longer-wear track roller and idler bushings. The new triple labyrinth floating seal housings protect the final drive seals against mud packing.

Fuel consumption is up to 5% lower due to advanced engine and hydraulic system control designs with the 331 peak hp (247 kW) Cummins QSL9 9-liter engine.

Lift capacity at full reach has been significantly increased and the XT465L-5 now readily operates the Quadco 24-inch (610 mm) cutting capacity disc saw heads.

48 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

• Rugged new undercarriage • KOMTRAX® telematics system • Powerful fuel-efficient engine and so much more

Built for ease of serviceability, a gull-wing style engine hood folds down, providing an elevated service work platform

Waratah Forestry Equipment announces new FL100 felling head Waratah Forestry Equipment has released a new large felling head model, the FL100. The large directional felling head, designed for 30+ metric ton carriers, improves productivity, increases durability and extends uptime for steep slope, shoveling and traditional felling applications.

“T

he high-capacity Waratah FL100 gives our customers the benefit of added productivity in a very capable head,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. “It has high-capacity grapple arms engineered for improving operational picking and holding force of logs – this provides exceptional operational capabilities in traditional felling and steep slope shoveling applications. It also includes a valve-in-head design and our new TimberRiteTM X-20 control system, simplifying installation.”

Maximized productivity New features on the FL100 that contribute toward maximum productivity include continuous rotation and dual rotate motors that enable high rotation power requirements.

As a large class of directional felling head with a 1m (39.3”) cut capacity, the FL100 also features extra-long, continuously curved opposing arms for enhanced grapple capacity and picking capability and a 1470mm (57.8”) opening and 0.78 m2 (8.4 ft.2) payload capacity.

The FL100’s forward placed saw unit allows for easier cutting of larger timber. For power in small

or large capacity loads, the FL100 has one cylinder per arm plus a synchronizing link for maximum grapple holding force and control.

This new head also leverages Waratah’s TimberRiteTM measuring and control system. The TimberRiteTM X-20 stand-alone controller provides configurable settings for improved head performance, productivity and measuring accuracy.

Features include a stem counter, sawcut/home indication, production reports and individual operator settings. Together, the new features allow enhanced flexibility in operation that improve overall productivity by allowing operators more capabilities to properly position timber.

Increased durability In addition to maximized productivity, the FL100 has a robust and sturdy design for increased durability. Its one-piece, welded, high-strength steel frame is coupled with large pin diameters and a grapple geometry with an arm profile designed to handle various sizes of timber.

As an added bonus, the FL100’s grapple force remains high even with its arms at capacity. For simplified integration, the FL100 has a valve in-head design. Its fixed

saw box design also contributes toward increased durability in a variety of applications.

Extended uptime The FL100 utilizes proven Waratah saw system components, some rotate components and electrical and oiler systems while providing extended uptime with a variety of new features. For improved serviceability, the chain oil capacity is 35L (9.2 US liquid gallons), and a large chain oil reservoir minimizes frequent top ups.

The new machine also can adapt to any carrier and provides efficient pump control, hydraulic system protection and required safety/service lock-outs for added uptime and efficient serviceability.

“We are always looking for opportunities that improve our customers’ productivity,” Fisher said. “The FL100 does exactly that.

We’re excited for our customers to enjoy the benefits of this new machine.”

The Waratah FL100 is available to customers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Latin America and New Zealand.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 49

We do double the production with just two guys over the old days when we had 25 PAUL BURTON Owner, PAUL BURTON FORESTRY

STORY: KEVIN ORFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID LEE MJOLSNESS

Paul Burton with his father Tuffy Burton

F

athers and sons share a deeprooted but often complicated relationship. Fathers are their sons’ heroes, but sons test limits and learn boundaries as fathers teach them to become men. “When Paul was young, we kept him busy working, hunting, and fishing to keep him out of trouble,” says logger Tuffy Burton, father of Paul Burton. “I never had to worry about him showing up for work on time, but you know young guys. They think their work is good enough, but it’s not good enough. Even his pickup was a mess (laughs). But not anymore. He does what he needs to do and works so hard. He makes me proud every day.”

“My father kept me in line,” acknowledges Paul, owner of

Paul Burton Forestry, Newberry, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula.

“Kids in small towns can have too much time on their hands, but I was either working or doing outdoor activities. My father taught me how to work. He told me, ‘Yes, you can run my machines, but you can’t just mess around in them.

You need to run them right.’ He was hard on me but in a good way. He pushed me hard and made me the operator I am today, which I am grateful for.”

Paul gives his father a sidelong glance. “He can outdo me in the truck, but he doesn’t even know how to start my harvester (laughs).

But to be honest, he’s run trucks for 45 years and never had any interest in running the woods machinery.

50 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

And I’ve never had any interest in driving trucks, so we make good partners.”

Small town, big aspirations Tuffy grew up in Germfask, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula.

“The population was maybe 200 at most. Just one little gas station, two bars, and a restaurant.

Everybody knew everyone else.

Good old-fashioned living.”

At an early age, Tuffy made money mowing lawns and working at a resort. “I’d ride that mower five miles to mow grass.”

After high school, he drove a logging truck for Louisiana Pacific Corporation, transferring to a sawmill in Newberry. When the sawmill shut down, he bought an

old John Deere 450 Dozer with an arch and winch, and started cableskidding saw logs. “Things were tough and I needed a job,” Tuffy remembers. “My wife and I were broke. We literally started from nothing, but God has been good to us.”

Tuffy started his logging business in the early 1980s, with a small John Deere 70 Feller Buncher with a shear head on it and four or five guys running chain saws, adding another 10 hand fellers over the first few years. “We were a treelength operation, but it causes too much damage to the residual, so we switched to cut-to-length, and we’ve been that way ever since.”

Logging has always been in the son’s blood, but like many young men, Paul had to find his own way.

“I think he got tired of being Tuffy Burton’s son,” says Tuffy. “He wanted to try something different.”

After high school and a short stint working for his father’s logging business, Paul attended college, taking courses in business management and criminal justice.

He worked for a short time at a local mill before returning to logging full-time in 1995.

“When I got out of high school, one of my father’s operators quit, so I jumped at the chance,”

remembers Paul. “Equipment has been a passion ever since. After a year I decided to go to college. I went long enough to know I could never work in an office.”

“I had him write me a letter of the pros and cons of why he wanted to go into logging,” recalls Tuffy. “He wanted to be outside.

He wanted to be his own boss. So I had him sign a contract, and it grew from there. We have a very good relationship — I’ve never even looked at that contract.”

It really helped Tuffy when Paul decided that logging was what he wanted to do and he came back to work full-time. “He’s very selfmotivated,” says Tuffy. “He gets up in the morning and goes to work. I knew I had someone I could count on, and for the last 20 years, he’s

been in charge of production and I manage the trucks. For a long, long time, he’s been the key. We’re more partners than we are father and son.”

Over the years, Paul became an excellent operator. While still in high school, he ran the 70 Feller Buncher with the shear on it. By the time he graduated from high school, he ran a John Deere 290 Harvester. The company also ran a few small Deere forwarders. The march toward mechanization had begun.

“In the late ’80s, early ’90s, we had grown to about 25 hand fellers when we started running a John Deere 294 Harvester,” says Paul.

Intelligent boom control is far and away the best feature on the forwarder. the machine is always running at full capacity PAUL BURTON

“Then around 2000, we made the jump to a Deere 1270D, which was a great leap forward.”

A father’s dream fulfilled Five years ago, Paul bought his father out. Tuffy still drives a truck and loads logs for Paul’s company.

“That was my goal, and it was great for me,” says Tuffy. “I just want to haul wood. I have two trucks now and a really good driver who works for me — it’s just me and him.

We haul all of Paul’s wood and do some contracting. Most of the time it’s 100 to 150 miles one way, so it’s a long day. I’ve been a ‘two o’clock in the morning guy’ for as long as I can remember.” Today Paul Burton Forestry runs an eightwheeled John Deere 1270G Harvester and a 1210G Forwarder. “Technology has come

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 51

so far,” says Paul. “We do double the production with just two guys over the old days when we had 25.

We hardly ever start up a chain saw anymore.”

Paul is impressed with the power and speed of the 1270G Harvester, which is equipped with a H415 head. “It can easily handle 30-inch pine now, where 10 or 15 years ago, that was a handful. It’s considerably faster than anything I’ve ever owned. Plus the cab on the harvester is pressurized, so it’s quiet and keeps dust out. You used to get covered in sawdust, but now you can practically wear your dress clothes in the woods. And with the rotating, leveling cab, you have a lot less stress from looking over your shoulder. The work zone is right in front of you.”

Intelligent Boom Control (IBC) on the 1210G Forwarder helps improve productivity by providing simple, precise control. “IBC is far and away the best feature on the forwarder,” says Paul. “You just steer the grapple, and IBC takes over. It handles all the functions for

you, which means the machine is always running at full capacity. On older machines, if you started to run two functions, the boom would bog down. Now you never run out of hydraulic power.”

Today the company typically harvests 100 to 125 cords in a day.

Ninety percent of the pine is used to make studs, with the rest used for pulp. Most of the land is state managed. Tracts of land are large and hauling distances are long. “To keep fuel and other costs down, we have to be very efficient,”

52 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

Paul Burton Forestry, 3819 County Road 447, Newberry, MI 49868 says Paul. “That’s why I run the harvester. I have a lot of experience, so there is very little waste. I have 40,000 hours of seat time, and it takes six months to really train someone.

The hard part is finding young operators, because we can’t compete with what the local prison and mill will pay. It’s hard to find the time and money to train them.”

The reliability of John

Deere machines also helps improve efficiency and uptime. “John Deere machines rarely break down,” says Paul. “Just fuel it, grease it, and do scheduled maintenance, and it just runs.”

If the machines do have any issues, the company’s local John Deere dealer, McCoy Construction & Forestry, provides support.

“They’ve been great. They’re right here in Newberry, so that’s pretty convenient. Their technicians are

Tuffy Burton still drives a truck and loads logs for Paul’s company

very knowledgeable and quick to answer. They can sometimes help us resolve a problem over the phone. Or with JDLink™ telematics, they can diagnose the problem remotely and bring out the right part the first time. McCoy has done a great job keeping me up and running, even when we are in remote locations.”

Partners into the future Loggers often get a bad rap for harming the landscape, but

residents of the Upper Peninsula understand that loggers are stewards of the forest. “Logging is a big part of our community — people up here are great and really supportive. Loggers don’t want to run out of wood, so we’re mindful of how we care for and leave the land. I love the way the land looks, and I’m very proud of the quality of work I do.”

Paul is optimistic about the future. “Everybody needs two-byfours, whether they are remodeling

or building homes, a business, or a treehouse in the backyard. State and federal foresters do a great job of managing the forests. We actually have more cords per acre than when my dad started.”

Tuffy isn’t ready to leave his partner any time soon. “I’ve got another new truck on order,” he says. “I’ll wear that out before I decide to retire. Paul will have to put up with me for a long time.”

Paul doesn’t seem to mind.

“My father and I have been a very

good team for a lot of years and hopefully many more to come.”

Paul Burton Forestry is serviced

by McCoy Construction & Forestry, Escanaba, Michigan.

1818 North Lincoln Road Escanaba, MI 49829

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 53

THEY KNOW I’M THERE TO DO A JOB AND KEEP THEM SAFE Lisa Schneider, Field Safety Operations Supervisor

different companies in the Peace River, Alberta area. “We manage the health and safety programs for companies so they don’t have to employ a full-time person to do so,” explains Lisa.

Day in the life

Shedding Light on Field Safety Field safety operations supervisor, Lisa Schneider, showcases her passion for field safety and forestry equipment through Instagram. Her love for Tigercat equipment, radiant personality and her awesome photography have been gaining attention online. In the process, Lisa is helping shed light on an important part of the forest industry that is sometimes overlooked – field safety.

L – SAMANTHA PAUL

isa Schneider started her career in health and safety eight years ago with Avenge Energy Services, an oil and gas company. In 2015 she opened her own businesses and started sub-contracting to Strategic HSE Systems Inc. Strategic HSE Systems Inc. supplies environmental health and safety services to over twenty

54 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

As field safety operations supervisor, Lisa’s main objective is to ensure OHS (occupational health and safety) legislated responsibilities are met and to ensure company and client-specific policies and procedures are followed. Every day brings something new and different for Lisa – one day she could be marking a logging road or conducting an equipment inspection and the next day, facilitating a safety meeting at the pulp mill.

Peace River Logging is Strategic HSE Systems’ biggest client and Lisa is the company’s primary consultant. Peace River Logging operates ten skidders, six feller bunchers, six crawlers, a track hoe and three road graders. The company harvests and chips hardwood for Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd., formerly DMI, and also markets saw logs to Boucher Bros. sawmill in Nampa as well as West Fraser in High Prairie. Last year, Peace River harvested 500 000 cubic metres for the pulp mill alone.

Each month Lisa conducts safety inspections on each piece of equipment. She checks for mandatory items such as the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, spill kit and Mercer Woodlands Field Guide. She also ensures operators

Lisa reviewing an equipment inspection with 870C operator, Jeff Laramore.

WOMEN IN LOGGING are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including high visibility vest or coveralls, an orange hard hat, safety glasses, steel toe boots and hearing protection. “If items are missing it is documented and then replaced in a timely fashion. Once replaced, it is signed off. If workers are breaking company policies, they are coached to correct the behaviour,” tells Lisa.

On an annual basis, Peace River Logging maintains 160 km (100 mi) of road. Lisa installs the markers and signage on the haul roads and in the cut-blocks. “I put up kilometer markers for the trucks to follow. I mark corners and create signs for the radio frequency.” Peace River Logging

Background: Peace River Logging harvests and chips hardwood for Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd. in Peace River, Alberta.

The company also provides tree-length saw logs to Boucher Bros. sawmill in Nampa, Alberta, as well as some cut-to-length trees to West Fraser in High Prairie, Alberta.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 55

Last year, Peace River Logging harvested 500,000 cubic metres for the pulp mill. The company started hauling tree length into a satellite yard last season to facilitate year-round operations that would not be impacted by spring break-up. They currently operate six 870C feller bunchers.

contracts its trucking operation to Excel Transportation so Lisa handles all the truck audits. “I do NSC [National Safety Code] truck audits on all of their trucks, making sure they are equipped with all of the required safety equipment.”

She also ensures the daily trip inspections have been done and that the proper orientation cards are current and in the possession of the drivers. In addition to equipment inspections, truck

IT IS A HABIT AND A COMPANY CULTURE THAT NEEDS TO STICK. EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE REMINDED AND KEEP EACH OTHER IN CHECK. Lisa Schneider

56 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

audits, road markers and signage, Lisa conducts new employee and contractor orientations and facilitates safety meetings.

“When I’m not working with Peace River Logging or Excel Transportation, I’m working for Northpoint Enterprise in Manning or Tri-Logging in Whitecourt,” says Lisa. Whitecourt is Lisa’s furthest customer location, approximately three hours southeast of Peace River. “I will leave the house at

Lisa’s Lens Tigercat equipment caught Lisa’s eye the moment she started working for Peace River Logging, as the company owns six 870C feller bunchers. “I just love Tigercat – the bunchers are my favourite,” says Lisa. “Especially in the winter when the snow dust flies off the trees.

It is beautiful. I love capturing that on camera.” Lisa says taking photos for her is calming. “I enter my own little world, my happy place so to speak, when I am watching equipment, anticipating that perfect shot.”

Peace River Logging’s general manager Bernard Fortin knew Lisa enjoyed taking pictures of the equipment. He asked her to make a calendar that they could hand out to customers and employees.

“Start taking more pictures and we’ll see what we got at the end of the year,” said Bernard. Lisa happily took on this new passion project, “It encouraged me even more.”

Lisa Schneider with boss and close friend Sam Elkins, owner of Strategic HSE Systems.

Lisa preparing a sign for one of the haul roads.

Follow Lisa on Instagram @lisaschnedier_hse

3:30 in the morning and come home around 8:00 at night. It’s a long day but I have to be there to catch the trucks before they head out,” explains Lisa. “I could stay overnight but I choose not to because I have my kids at home.”

Lisa has two children. Her son Justin is fifteen and her daughter Carmen is twelve.

Justin loves hunting, golfing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

Lisa’s daughter dances on a

competitive team in town and takes lessons four times per week, with multiple competitions each spring. Lisa takes time off in the spring to attend all her daughter’s competitions. She really appreciates the flexibility she has in her schedule to accommodate her kids’ activities.

The right attitude In the early days Lisa did find it challenging being the ‘bad cop’,

2019 has been an extreme wildfire season for the province of Alberta. Making sure you have a functioning fire extinguisher is critical to forest fire prevention especially in a male dominated industry. However, that didn’t stop her. She continued to develop relationships with clients and their crewmembers and over time has earned their respect. “I get along great with pretty much everybody,” she says. “Everyone respects me.

They know I’m there to do a job and keep them safe.”

Lisa understands people forget things sometimes, but overall feels that field safety needs to be

taken more seriously. “It is a habit and a company culture that needs to stick. Everyone needs to be reminded and keep each other in check.”

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

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 57

Real-time planning with TimberMaticTM maps & TimberManagerTM Since fall 2018 both solutions have been available and are standard on all new John Deere machines

TEXT AND PHOTOS: JULIAN DELBRÜGGE

O

ne of the users is Hartmut Zell, owner of Hartmut Zell – Forstmaschinenservice.

The forest machine contractor from the Spessart area in Germany owns four John Deere machines and drives the 1470G harvester himself. “I have been driving harvesters for 30 years,” 51 years old Helmut explains. The contractor is very enthusiastic about the new digital possibilities. “We have been working with TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager for 2 months,” Zell reports. The company’s new eight-wheel 1270G harvester was already factory-equipped with TimberMatic Maps.

And to make full use of the system, the contractor also decided to equip his other machines with this software.

TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager have different functions. Maps is a program which runs on John Deere harvesters and

58 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

The precision is incredible. If I am in my cabin directly at the stack site, my machine on the map is exactly in the same spot Jens Weitzel The forwarder operator sees the same picture as the harvester operator.

In the middle of the map, we can see the 1210E, on the right side on top, Hartmut Zell’s 1470G is shown

forwarders, it connects machines within the same logging site and simplifies the logging logistics.

TimberManager provides the contractor a real-time view on the logging sites progress, anywhere through web or mobile application.

At the moment Zell and his employee Jens Weitzel are monitoring a regeneration cutting site in the Reinhards Forest near Kassel. Windthrow and bark beetles have destroyed the spruce forest. Zell is cutting down the trees with the 1470G, while Weitzel is forwarding it with a 1210E. Both machines are equipped with the TimberMatic Maps.

The screen in the machine shows a map of the logging site.

On the map, the harvester, but also the forwarder which is busy forwarding, are shown from a bird’s eye perspective. “I see him, and he sees me,” Zell describes the situation. In this windthrow area, this is no great challenge, but even here and much more so on a more classical logging site, there are many advantages to this: “There are no more phone calls. I don’t have to call my operator and ask him, where are you, how much have you gotten done? TimberMatic Maps shows me everything,” Zell

describes the core idea of the system.

Every stem gets a coordinate The application supports both online and offline basemaps and various map formats, e.g. including Esri. Before a machine starts working, boss Hartmut Zell determines the logging area.

This he does directly in the machine’s PC in the TimberMatic Maps or via TimberManager on a computer or any mobile device.

At the beginning of the logging chain is the harvester, in this case the 1470G which Zell drives himself. The harvester operator does not need to do much, though, Zell admits. The system runs in the background and does many things independently. With every cut of the harvester head, the harvester’s TimberMatic Maps software enters a GPS coordinate.

Automatically. Each assortment, whether saw logs or pulp, can now be located on the site. Each log is marked as a small dot on the map. Depending on the zoom level of the map, one can see circles in different sizes, with the amount of solid cubic meters written in the middle of it. The system is very clear. Locations and amounts of

solid cubic meters per assortment at the site are visible.

While many things happen automatically in the harvester, the forwarder operator needs to do few clicks. Forwarder operator Jens Weitzel sees the same real-time information of the logging site on his screen.

The forwarder operator knows exactly how many cubic meters of which assortment lie on which skidding road and individual spots indicate which side of the road the timber is located. He is now able to load the timber precisely according to assortments.

For example: to start with, Weitzel only loads two-meter timber into the load space, because he knows there is enough wood of this assortment in the skidding road, at least one full load or more.

Once he has unloaded them at the landing area, he marks the logs transported to storage area.

The new amount of cubic meters at the storage area is now visible to everyone. Once logs are marked to storage the dots indicating the forwarded logs at the site disappear from the map.

This information can be seen

by Hartmut Zell in his harvester.

Now Zell knows, which amounts of

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 59

Alexander Erbe (middle) works for John Deere and is, among other things, responsible for the flow of information between customer, dealer and factory. He visited forest machine contractor Hartmut Zell (left) and his operator Jens Weitzel (right).

the road, the harvester symbol on the map moves to the left or to the right as well.

If he moves away from the ideal line, Zell can correct the steering of the real machine. On top of that, a machine alarm radius can be drawn around the harvester. If this radius is for instance 20 meters, Zell can constantly control if the correct distance to the road is still maintained.

solid cubic meters are still lying on the site, how closely behind him the forwarder is, and how much timber has already been forwarded.

“I can immediately see, how many cubic meters I am ahead of the forwarder,” says Zell and is happy about this motivation.

You don’t have to describe what everybody can see For Hartmut Zell, connecting machines with real-time view of the logging site is a huge relief. “I did not believe it in the beginning, but TimberMatic Maps makes the whole process so much smoother.”

Now for the first time, the harvester operator can see the current position of the forwarder at all times with the digital map – and the other way around.

On top of that, both harvester and forwarder operators keep track of the progress of their partner, stem for stem. But the most important thing is: The forwarder operator sees from the map where every single piece of timber lies.

Best estimate, guessing and long phone calls concerning the amount of wood still lying on the site are now unnecessary. No more conflicting explanations and confusion between contractor and employee about where on the site there might still be some wood lying around! You don’t have to describe since everybody can see a clear picture. Also: The risk of forgetting or not seeing some logs in the forest is much smaller, because each log is marked on the map. And the operators on the next shift can see exactly from where to

continue with the job and where the logs are.

All collected data is saved in a cloud and provided to everyone working at the same site.

Communication of the machines with the data cloud and with each other happens via the mobile phone network.

John Deere equips the machines with a very sensitive antenna to get as good a reception in the forest as possible. The antenna is connected to a MTG modem. The modem corresponds to the 4G standard and connects the machine to the internet.

All harvesters and forwarders manufactured in 2015 or later can easily be upgraded with this modem and are thus fit for TimberMatic Maps.

When the machine is moved, the machine symbol on the map also moves in real time. Weitzel has been impressed by the quality of the position tracking: “The precision is incredible. If I am in my cab directly at the stack site, my machine on the map is exactly in the same spot.”

TimberMatic Maps opens up possibilities also for the internal exchange: Hartmut Zell sees on the 1470G’s screen where the skidding road is. A blue line on the map shows him the way. That is very helpful. Not many trees are standing on the logging site, where Zell is working. Because of all the fallen trees, it is difficult to see where the skidding road has once been.

With TimberMatic Maps, Zell can also enter dots on the map,

60 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

e.g. the beginning and the end of the original road, and he can then connect the dots with a line. When Zell steers his 1470G away from

For Hartmut Zell, connecting machines with real-time view of the logging site is a huge relief

Hartmut Zell – Forstmaschinenservice Fasanenstraße 15, 36391 Sinntal, Germany

Updates improve comfort on the John Deere Knuckleboom Loaders New for 2020, John Deere updates its E-Series knuckleboom loaders with new features designed to boost operator comfort

D

riven by customer feedback, the 337E and 437E models incorporate a redesigned operator station that is built to reduce noise and heat within the cab, while also including several options that increase comfort throughout the day.

The new features, which build upon the fuel efficiency improvements introduced in 2019, provide customers with efficient, comfortable solutions for the loaders’ operation.

“Since the introduction of the E-Series machines, we continued to speak with customers and collect their feedback so we can ensure our machines meet their needs,” said Brandon O’Neal, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry.

“Customers are concerned with comfort and fuel costs, especially as they manage labor challenges and tightening budgets. With the improvements we have made over the last two years, we are able to provide our customers with immediate solutions for their business.”

One of the most notable changes on the updated E-Series machines is the removal of the rear and left back windows, reducing the heat load inside the cab and improving operator comfort.

Additionally, the removal of the rear window helps to lower noise levels in the cab. Each cab can be equipped with several comfort-boosting options, such

as a heated, ventilated seat; a premium radio package, including Bluetooth; a cell phone holder with power supply; or an in-cab storage

cooler. Three lighting packages are available to help provide visibility in low-light conditions.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 61

BO NOAKSSON CHOSE A WINNING COMBINATION

“As a Dual operator I make all the decisions” Bo Noaksson has over 55 years of experience working in forests, yet he still enjoys his work.

He likes both harvesting and transportation and is more than happy with the Dual concept as it allows him to do both jobs with the same machine. “Forests and people have a lot in common: you have to bring out the best qualities in each one,” says Bo who has also worked with young people as an athletics coach

I

t is a beautiful May day in the coastal area of Roslagen in Sweden. The entrepreneur’s working environment seems almost idyllic in the middle of the birdsong and little white flowers known as wood anemones. The owner of two PONSSE Buffalo Duals, forest machine entrepreneur Bo Noaksson climbs down from his machine and sits down next to a stack of aspen.

“There is a bit of everything here – conifers and deciduous trees, logs and pulpwood. There is also some old pasture land which needs work, so there is a lot of thinning to do. This is a versatile work site and it feels great to see the results of my work,” Bo says and smiles.

Sites like these have become the trademark of Sonö Jord & Skog AB, the forestry company owned by Bo and his grandson Fredrik Gustafsson. The two men appreciate these varied jobs that often involve both forest and landscape management tasks.

This view is shared by Sonny Pettersson who started working for the company in 2007 and was also a partner in the company for nine years.

The versatile dual concept It is characteristic of Sonö Jord & Skog that work is done using a Buffalo Dual which is both a harvester and a forwarder. Bo bought the first machine in 2003.

Back then it was the third Dual machine imported into Sweden.

“During the past four years we have only used Buffalo Duals,” Bo says.

One of them was bought in 2013 and it’s the world’s first and so far the only ten-wheel Buffalo Dual.

“Hargs Bruk, one of our customers, asked us to find a suitable solution for sites with very soft soil. First we thought about buying a machine that is designed for soft soil areas, but we were not sure about its performance.

We were already familiar with the Buffalo Dual and realised that a ten-wheel model would be a perfect solution for the problem,” Bo says.

“Ponsse took the idea and designed a tailored model for us.”

The retrofitted 10w solution, where a third pair of wheels is attached to the back of the rear bogie, is normally available with a fixed additional axle for PONSSE Wisent forwarders and with a hydraulic additional axle for the Elk and Buffalo machines.

“The ten-wheel configuration has been a major asset for us.

Next September we will get a new Buffalo Dual and it will also be a ten-wheeler.”

62 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

We were already familiar with the Buffalo Dual and realised that a ten-wheel model would be the perfect solution for sites with very soft soil Bo says.

Straight from the Finnmetko exhibition The new Buffalo Dual was delivered to Sweden directly from the FinnMETKO exhibition where it was shown to the public for the first time.

PONSSE MACHINES SINCE 1995 The new Dual will be the thirteenth PONSSE machine in the company’s history. The black and yellow tradition began in 1995 when the company bought an S15 forwarder.

“It all began when one of our employees showed me pictures of PONSSE forwarders. They looked exactly like agile and high-performance forwarders should. I also heard that Nyströms Mekaniska in Edsbro offers services for the machines. It is a professional workshop in

the middle of our company’s operating area, so I became even more interested. A few years later we bought a PONSSE Cobra harvester.”

“The eight-wheel Cobra was a fantastic machine that could almost travel on water.”

Over the years, the company has also owned Ergo and Beaver harvesters as well as Bison and Caribou forwarders.

Bo believes that Ponsse has represented its colours well.

“The machines are reliable and we have always received understanding and enthusiastic service from both the sales and service departments. It is very important to us.”

Sonö Jord & Skog has kept its fleet new. Most of the machines have been bought new and replaced after about 11,000-12,000 operating hours.

“New machines are nice to work with, which is important to us and our employees. We have also been able to reduce downtime. And, of course, it’s always fun to try new technology.”

A new boost for business At the beginning of the 2000s, Bo owned two machines and the company had 4 or 5 employees. As the financial situation within the industry deteriorated even further, Bo got fed up with working as a forest machine entrepreneur.

“Savings had to be made in everything. It was not a very encouraging atmosphere.”

Nevertheless, Bo decided to continue and after finding the new Buffalo Dual his business got a new boost.

“I had never seen a Buffalo Dual in action, but I had a feeling that it’s a really good machine. So I bought it without seeing it, which is what I also did with the S15 eight years earlier. The Dual was really pleasant to operate. Suddenly I was able to do harvesting, loading and cutting without other equipment.”

“Others should also open their eyes to the benefits of the Dual concept. The features are in a class of their own and downtime is minimal. Switching from one machine to another takes only ten minutes or less. With just one switch we can utilise double or actually triple functions. In addition to the varied jobs, the biggest benefit is the fact that now there is always work to do. Thanks to the Duals we are able to plan our work days in the best possible way. Our work days are full and therefore also productive.”

“Switching between tasks is also beneficial for the machine.

The powerful crane is also a major asset in loading use.”

Productive work days Bo has clearly noticed that the high utilisation rate of the Dual machines and efficient work days also show in the positive

profitability figures. It is therefore fair to ask why Dual machines are not used more.

“I believe that this is largely to do with the fact that harvesters and forwarders are clearly divided into separate product groups. However, I think many operators would appreciate it if harvesting and loading could be done with a single machine.”

“I wouldn’t want to choose one or the other. Switching between tasks gives variety and a boost to my work days. It feels so natural with the Dual.”

Important dialogue According to Bo, an ideal job is one where first thinning is combined with pasture land work and roadside clearing. These types of jobs also increase dialogue with the customer and landowner, which is something that Bo and his colleagues value.

“If the weather is too rainy and the soil is too soft for driving in the forest, we just switch to a cutting head.”

Customers are billed almost always on an hourly basis.

“When there are many special tasks, this form of billing makes the most sense and our customers also feel the same.”

It is obvious that Bo enjoys his work and has a lot of professional pride.

“It is nice to see the fruit of

my labour while doing something good,” says Bo who likes to return to his work sites even after his work is done.

Bo says that the advantage of the Dual concept is the fact that he can always make the decisions regarding his work – totally independently.

“In the wintertime, all timber needs to be transported by Friday evening of each week to make sure that snow doesn’t cover it or block routes during the weekend. Only after it has been transported can I rest without worries.”

Following in his father’s footsteps Bo spent his childhood in the countryside. His father was a logger and immediately after 7th grade Bo also started working for the local forest owners’ association.

“It was easy to get work and I paid my first taxes at the age of

15,” Bo says.

Bo also tried carpentry but quickly returned to forestry work.

“I missed the smell of spruce and pine. There is something about working in a forest.”

In 1970, Bo started doing forest machine work for the local forest owners’ association. The machine picked up the felled trees and then delimbed, cut and stacked them.

“We did not have measuring wheels back then and timber was measured using decimetres, so the measurements were not as accurate as they are today. Cutting was done without computers.

Although, even now you have to use your head too in spite of the computers. They are, after all, only an aid.”

After spending four years in a forest machine cabin, Bo started to work as a logger again in addition to his job as a farmer.

In the 1980s, the company invested in a two-grip harvester that was later converted into a single-grip harvester.

“At first I was sceptical about the single grip technology, but soon they were the only machines we had.”

At first Bo ran his business as a sole trader, but in 1990 the business became a limited company. His big brother, Ove Noaksson, handled timber transportation for several years.

Athletics coaching The local forests have benefited a great deal from the fact that Bo Noaksson chose to work in the forest industry. At the same time, the local athletes have also benefited from the fact that he has had time for other activities besides work. As a youth athletics coach, Bo has supported many Continued on IBC

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 63

LIFTING & LOADING: INNOVATION

Smart solutions for forestry and recycling Cutting-edge technologies transform Palfinger Epsilon product range

D

igitization is an integral part of the Palfinger strategy. As an innovation driver, one of the leading manufacturer of lifting solutions has always been involved in shaping change and developing solutions that lead to greater safety and work efficiency.

Palfinger Epsilon sees digitalisation as an opportunity to be seized. Intelligent systems

64 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

featuring smart functions are also becoming increasingly important in the areas of forestry and recycling.

This is why the comapny, specialist for forestry and recycling cranes, always strives to be one step ahead with its innovative, smart and digital solutions.

New technologies are not only giving rise to new development areas such as robotics and

software development, but also opening up a range of exciting possibilities and opportunities for the future.

Enhancing innovative ideas Smart control The Smart Control feature from Palfinger Epsilon turns digitalisation into something

tangible that operators can experience. The prototype Smart Control has convinced professionals at numerous trade fairs over the past few years.

This boom tip controller makes operating a crane easier, more intuitive and far quicker – child’s play, really. In response to the positive feedback from customers, preparations for series production of the Smart Control are now in full swing.

Virtual drive As a concept study, the new Virtual Drive – the virtual reality control system – offers a tantalising glimpse into the control technology of tomorrow. With the aid of VR glasses, operators can control the crane directly from the vehicle cabin. The VR control system offers not only enhanced driver comfort and safety, but also a range of additional benefits such as a better view of the surroundings, bigger loads and reduced fuel consumption.

Palfinger Epsilon is ready for the future. As soon as the technology for VR glasses offers the kind of resolution expected, the company expects to increase its investment in this field and push ahead as a leader.

Expanded base New technologies are giving rise to not only innovative products, but also whole new departments such as robotics, mechatronics and software development. In recent years, Palfinger Epsilon has

grown significantly in these areas in particular and currently employs more than 180 people.

Over the past two years, the company also increased at an above-average rate the number of cranes it produced. Altogether, workstations have been created for around 100 employees over an area covering roughly 830 m².

As a result, Palfinger Epsilon is well prepared for the future in terms of both work equipment and products.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 65

A whole new forwarder series from Eco Log Reliability, efficiency and convenient servicing on a whole new level with the F-series

E

co Log is launching the F-series, which presents a suite of forwarders equipped with Stage V engines from Volvo Penta. Like their predecessors, the engines are characterized by high reliability, efficient performance, quick response and environment friendliness – characteristics that have now been strengthened even more through the Stage V upgrade.

The Forwarder cabin provides the same great operator comfort as before, while the rest of the machine has been developed for even better service conditions and higher quality.

F-series forwarder features: • T he grill swings open for easier access and cleaning. The hood is opened with electric actuators to facilitate service

66 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

• T he new larger-dimensioned fenders house easier-to-access batteries, as well as the tool box • T he urea tank has been placed together with the central lubrication unit, fuel and hydraulic tank to facilitate easy access and re-filling

• T he new gear box in the 594 model increases the tractive effort of the machine, giving it even better performance when working in difficult terrain • T he machines are equipped with new radiators optimized for Stage V.

Anders Gustafson, CEO Eco Log

To Anders Gustafson, Eco Log CEO, the launch of the F-series is an important step in the Company’s journey ahead.

“We wish to offer our customers an advantageous and long-term ownership and therefore we are now proud to present the F-series,” he said. “Favorable servicing has been one of our strengths for a

long time.

“The fact that we have now lifted it yet another level in combination with a reliable, strong and efficient engine gives the owner of an Eco Log F-series the optimal conditions for maximum

up-time and superior overall economics.”

The design has also seen improvements, mostly in the engine hood but also in the color scheme of the machines. The position lights have a new look that

creates a striking lighting effect in combination with the luminous Eco Log ‘E-logo and pine tree’ in the forwarder grill.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020 67

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66 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2020

“We will continue to strengthen our position as a global forestry machinery manufacturer and naturally without compromising on quality or losing focus on our customers.”

With its 65 years in the business, Rottne is one of the industry’s oldest companies. When founder Börje Karlsson built the first crane from a couple of plough components, a piece of

timber, an electric winch, a length of cable and a pair of timber tongs, he laid the foundation for something big.

“One of the main reasons for our successes over the years, is that everything we’ve done has been marked by solid quality,” Johansson said.

“It’s what characterises Rottne.

“Experience in combination with outstanding personnel and extensive knowledge of all aspects of the industry is what has brought us to where we are today and we’re extremely proud of this.”

Bo Noaksson values dialogue with customers and timber buyers. In the picture, Bo Noaksson with Brogarn Förvaltning’s representative Magnus Berkefelt and timber buyer Henrik Larsson from BillerudKorsnäs

Continued from page 63

young talents, mainly middledistance runners. Bo worked as a coach from 1978 until 2013. The athletes usually trained three times a week and everything was done on a voluntary basis.

“Those 35 years were good years with a lot of joy and wonderful experiences. The kids competed at different levels and won about twenty national championships.”

Bo was also an athlete as a young man and competed at local level. His favourite events were the 100-metre sprint and 80-metre hurdles.

“I didn’t want to torture myself for too long, so I stuck to the short distances.”

Enough time to develop What business and athletics have in common is that, according to Bo, it takes time to develop.

“Results are important, but you have to find the right ways to get there, be determined and give yourself enough time to develop.

Otherwise difficulties can be expected.”

“For an entrepreneur this means that you have to take care of your finances, do your work well and find good customers who are willing and able to pay decent compensation. If your business is not profitable, you should make the required decisions immediately and not wear yourself out with the wrong customers and see your debt grow. My aim has always been to develop my business without running into debt.”

Travelling in a camper van Although coaching young athletes was very rewarding, these days Bo prefers spending time with his family. Together with his wife

Monika, they often pack their camper van and head to natural and cultural destinations, both near and far away. The camper van is also convenient when they visit their children and grandchildren.

“We used to have a boat, but we sold it a year ago and bought the camper van.

Boating is great, but the camper van offers a different kind of freedom.”

Bo and Monika have found many wonderful sites in different parts of Sweden. Their favourite locations are the Jämtland fell area as well as Älvkarleby which is closer to their home.

“This summer we are going to visit the Österlen area in Skåne.

We’ve been meaning to go there for a long time and now it’s time to carry out the plan.”

Monika used to work as a hairdresser and masseuse. The active retiree loves spending time outdoors and going for walks with her friends. Her circle of friends also includes immigrants and she likes to help them deal with the authorities and learn Swedish.

“It’s wonderful to be able to help others,” says Monika who is also involved in a local housing cooperative.

much as possible,” Bo says. He loves his work but also understands the importance of free time.

“I retired years ago, but I still work every now and then because I like working and I can support Fredrik during the early stages of his entrepreneurship.”

SONÖ JORD & SKOG AB Owners: Bo Noaksson and his grandson Fredrik Gustafsson Operations: Thinning, pastureland work Geographical operating area: Mainly the Uppland area Number of employees: Three, including the owners Machinery: Two PONSSE Buffalo Duals with H53 harvester heads. PONSSE EH25 energy wood harvester head.

One of the Duals is a 10-wheel machine

Monika and Bo Noaksson love the freedom offered by their camper van

Free time is for relaxation Bo knows how to put work matters aside and rest during weekends and Monika confirms this.

“It’s true. He doesn’t talk about work in his free time,” Monika says.

Bo also thinks that there are many other topics that are more fun to discuss with friends and family.

“I think my work as a youth coach taught me to push work things aside when Friday night comes. If work things come up during the weekend, I try to postpone them until Monday as

SONÖ JORD & SKOG AB Esplanaden 18 A lgh 1203 76145 Norrtälje Sweden

International Forest Industries | APRIL 2020 / MAY 2020 IBC

After the Storm

HG6800TX

Hurricane Michael devastated areas in the Southeastern United States in 2018. Ceres Environmental Services Inc. share their process of what it’s like to help clean up communities and remove green waste after a natural disaster.

Built for land-clearing and pipeline right-of-way operations, the HG6800TX horizontal grinder offers a high-horsepower engine on a tracked machine with a compact design. Featuring 950 hp (708 kW) in a 92,000 lb (41,730.5 kg) class, and an infeed design designed specifically for feeding larger materials, the new grinder is built to power through tough materials with less operator interaction.

WC2300XL

Vermeer and the people who make mulch

As the push toward alternative fuels accelerates, governments and industries are recognizing the advantages of using wood chips as a source for power generation. Now with a CAT C-13 Tier 4 Final engine with 440 hp (328 kW) of power, the WC2300XL whole tree chipper offers a powerful solution for producing wood chips.

We know you need industry-leading solutions to get the job done. Whether you are working on right-of-way preparation, commercial land clearing or storm clean-up, Vermeer horizontal grinders, tub grinders and trommel screens are designed to help you conquer your next job. www.vermeer.com

FORWARDING TRANSFORMED. Tigercat offers a range of forwarders from 14 to 25 tonne capacity, designed for high production, reliability and long life in demanding forestry applications throughout the world.

Talk to your Tigercat dealer about innovations like low-wideÂŽ, Tigercat-designed cranes and grapples, and WideRangeÂŽ to understand what sets Tigercat forwarders apart.

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