International Forest Industries June July 2022

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS

JUNE / JULY 2022

This issue... SAWLINES • Wood Drying Technology • Forwarders • Trucks & Trailers

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MORBARK WOOD HOG HORIZONTAL GRINDERS DENIS CIMAF MULCHING ATTACHMENT

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You begin each day before dawn with a drive and determination to do more than the day before. When you move at this pace, you know to do more you need equipment that is made for more. That’s why our forestry, biomass, and recycling equipment is built from the ground up to meet your needs, delivering: More Power and Production Consistent, Quality End Product Lower Operating Costs Ease of Maintenance Greater Longevity and Resale Value Find your local Morbark, Denis Cimaf, and Rayco Dealer at www.morbark.com/b/international-dealer-network

Horizontal Grinders • Whole Tree Drum & Disc Chippers • Flails • Forestry Mulchers • Mulching Attachments

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS

30 FORWARDERS GIANTS OF THE FOREST - NEW Ponsse Mammoth 25T John Deere 1910G 19T • Rottne F20D 20T • Komatsu 895 20T

IBC

46

10 10 NEW PONSSE SCORPION GIANT

46 PONSSE NEW TECHNOLOGY

IBC TRUCKS & TRAILERS

Scorpion Giant was developed to have more tractive effort, which helps the harvester to be agile even in challenging conditions, including snow, steep slopes, and soft terrain.

Ponsse upgrades range with enhanced technology

High-strength steel creates more safety & competitiveness for the forestry segment

REGULAR FEATURES

JUNE / JULY 2022

6 Logging News 48 Advertising Index

LUMBER PROCESSING

CONTENTS

SAWMILLING

• LOGGING • BIOMASS This issue...

SAWLINES • Wood Dryin

COVER - MiCROTEC The worldwide one brand strategy of MiCROTEC as the worldleading wood scanning solutions is entering its final phase.

with Corvallis. MiCROTEC Corvallis is the MiCROTEC hub for the North American market as well as Australia and New Zealand.

As of May 2022, Lucidyne is MiCROTEC Corvallis.

SPRINGER-MiCROTEC in Vancouver becomes MiCROTEC Vancouver and is one team together

This integration means significant improvements for all MiCROTEC customers worldwide.

JUNE / JULY 2022

g Technology • Forw arde rs • Truc ks & Traile rs

www.microtec.eu microtec.us

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 1

LUMBER PROCESSING

SAWLINES

20

24

26

20 USNR - WEST FRASER, ANGELINA

24 SETRA GROUP

26 MOUNDVILLE, AL PLANERMILL

Investors saw a great opportunity when they decided to build a new mill complex at Lufkin, TX

Setra Group invests in TC kilns from Valutec

BID Partners with Westervelt to modernize Moundville, AL Planermill

27

28

28 URBANA FACILITY MODERNIZATION

27 SMARTMILL SmartMill in deal with Finna Sensors & Dynalyse

BID continue partnership with Canfor to deliver a sawmill modernization project for its Urbana, Arkansas operation.

29

29 NEW TURNKEY FACILITY FOR CLAW FORESTRY SERVICES To incorporate the full spectrum of BID’s wood processing technologies including equipment, software, automation systems, AI-enabled optimization, and its plant-wide Industry 4.0 solution, OPER8™

#teamfranzen2022

www.franzen-machines.com

We have the Solution. see you at

2 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

B6.138

Same Roots.

New Branches.

One Brand.

With our groundbreaking wood scanning technology, we’re ready to take the next leap forward — now with an expanded product portfolio, a stronger network of support, and a new name.

Lucidyne is our legacy. MiCROTEC is our future.

Let’s talk about your next evolution. info@microtec.us | (541) 753-5111

World leading wood scanning solutions microtec.us

MiCROTEC Corvallis

155 SW Madison Ave. Corvallis, OR 97333 USA

MiCROTEC Vancouver

1847 West Broadway Suite #201 Vancouver, BC, V6J1Y6, Canada

ISSUE 87 June / July 2022

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 583 emma@internationalforestindustries.com Annual Subscription UK and Europe £160, €230 Rest of the world US$270

EDITOR’S COMMENT

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

A

Editor Chris Cann chris@internationalforestindustries.com Editorial Board Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief 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.

The next phase s many people are saying right now: the only thing certain is uncertainty.

That is certainly true of forest industries at present.

That uncertainty has worked reasonably well for the forestry sector up until recently. Though you could never call it a linear progression, forestry markets have performed well since the nadir of all sectors in the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

As we commented at the time, primary sectors tend to be the first to bounce back following economic slumps, as consumers prioritise the essentials over the latest shiny new things. Raw materials, including timber, therefore performed increasingly well as we moved further into the previous decade, keeping forestry contractors busy and sawyers in need of new blades and better optimising technologies.

The strength of recovery in timber markets was also helped by forest industries’ sustainability credentials. The forest is an undisputed factory for renewable building products and fuels (if not emission free).

It is worth harking back to the early 1990s at this point and the introduction of the Forest Stewardship Council and certification, without which the forestry sector may today find itself on the wrong side of the sustainability fence.

But leading into the pandemic, demand for sustainable products like wood was adding another tier of demand on top of already strong growth based on basic rising GDP numbers in key economies. COVID, then, initially crushed all sectors but as the world got moving again, constraints in some parts of the world in delivering wood stocks combined with a surge in DIY projects from suddenly grounded travellers meant a hike in timber prices. Timber was trading as high as $1,725 in the US at one point.

One would have through recent events such as the war in the Ukraine and the resulting sanctions on Russia would have pushed prices even higher, or at least maintained

4 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

them as people resumed travel and the DIY demand eased off. But that’s not been the case.

At time of writing, timber was back at $573 – a drop of two thirds.

The reasons for this are fairly clear. China has continued to push for an unrealistic COVID-zero strategy that has meant its growth ambitions have taken a back seat.

And inflation elsewhere as post-COVID stimulus packages bite – and the cost of fuel and food soar as a result of the war – have depressed global GDP forecasts.

The price volatility combined with supplychain disruption has meant builders are reluctant to commit to new projects for which they are now uncertain they can deliver. This has further dampened demand.

Ultimately, China will not sacrifice its growth indefinitely and the world will manage inflationary pressures. As that happens and GDP forecasts recover, timber will again be on the menu as a material of choice for the world.

But before that happens, we are in for a tricky little period. There’s no point pretending otherwise. Prices are down and inflation is up, which means so are costs for foresters – you don’t have to be an economist to figure out what that means for profits.

At times like these, those companies that invested heavily over the extended period of strength (now at an end) in technologies that improve productivity and efficiency, will be far more comfortable than those who pocketed all their profits and find themselves without any nuts for the winter.

Enjoy Chris Cann

Intelligent Boom Control is an example of an important operator assistance feature that we will continue to evolve throughout full tree forestry Jim O’Halloran, John Deere

John Deere unveils 900 MH-Series Tracked Harvester with Intelligent Boom Control Industry leader John Deere continues to upgrade forestry equipment carriers with its Intelligent Boom Control system

T

he development team within John Deere has made another step forward with its market-leading operator assistance control feature, Intelligent Boom Control (IBC), this time integrating it with the 900 MH-Series Tracked Harvester.

The manufacturer described the development of this model as the result of global collaboration between the John Deere Wheeled Cut-to-Length and Full-Tree Forestry teams, aiming to implement IBC’s field-proven technology into MH-Series of

6 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

tracked harvesters.

With IBC, operators no longer need to control each independent boom function separately. One joystick moves the boom tip horizontally, while a second guides it vertically, for faster cycle times and more precise control.

IBC’s smooth and fluid motion actively dampens functional change of directions, protecting boom structures and increasing wear life. IBC also automatically controls swing speed based on the overall position of the attachment.

“The continuous product

development, new features, and the updating of systems and solutions are an integral part of John Deere’s way of operating,” said Jim O’Halloran, Product Marketing Manager, John Deere.

“Intelligent Boom Control is an example of an important operator assistance feature that we will continue to evolve throughout full tree forestry.

“Developing solutions for our customers’ needs are our number one priority and investing in innovation like IBC is an example that helps the overall productivity and profitability for the whole machine life cycle.”

Improved productivity, compared to the same machine without IBC, is another benefit for customers. IBC allows the operator to focus on controlling the attachment, helping improve efficiency.

The controls used for reaching and securing trees for harvest intuitively mirror how the equipment might function if it were the operator’s arm.

JohnDeere.co.uk

IBC 3.0

Harvester head over-rotation prevention protects against hose damage.

Feeding and sawing assistance guide the operator to the correct work methods.

Option available for 1270G harvester with H424, H425 or H425HD harvester head and a 1470G harvester with an H425 or H425HD harvester head.

Komatsu Forest AB acquires Bracke Forest AB

Komatsu announces agreement to acquire Swedish manufacturer of attachments for silviculture: To expand the sustainable forestry business to make carbon neutral contributions Through Komatsu Forest AB, a wholly owned subsidiary in Sweden, Komatsu Ltd. (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa) (hereafter “Komatsu”) is going to acquire Bracke Forest AB (CEO: Klas-Håkan Ljungberg) (hereafter “Bracke”), headquartered in Bräcke, Sweden, which develops, manufactures, and sells application-specific attachments for silviculture. Komatsu is planning to close the acquisition on July 1, 2022, on the condition

that all necessary procedures for closing are completed. The impact on Komatsu’s consolidated business results is estimated to be minimal.

Komatsu concerts efforts in the forestry business, as it upholds the sustainable forestry which not only engages in harvesting and forwarding but also includes silviculture and forest management. Komatsu also works to mechanize dangerous work, facilitate wide use of forest machines that contribute to safety, and promote smart forestry that analyzes drone and satellitebased data for the management of forests, including the number and height of trees.

Tree planting is expected to expand worldwide for lumber production and environmental concerns, such as the promotion of carbon neutrality. At the same time, the need for mechanization is growing, especially because tree planting is labor-intensive work, with an increase in planting in remote areas, and a decrease in the workforce. With extensive knowhow of silviculture over the years, Bracke develops, manufactures, and sells application-specific attachments for use in silviculture processes. Since 2014, Bracke and Komatsu have engaged in joint development by sharing respective technologies and experience accumulated over the years, respectively in forest and construction machines. In 2020, Komatsu launched the D61EM23M0, the world’s first bulldozerbased automatic* crawler planter, in Brazil.

Even after the acquisition, Komatsu will continue to incorporate Bracke’s technologies and expertise in the field of planting in order to accelerate its pace of mechanization of all processes other than harvesting and forwarding, which have already been mechanized. Komatsu will work to generate synergy for smart forestry and provide higher valueadded products in order to enhance

Hiroyuki Ogawa, President & CEO, Komatsu the safety and productivity of customers’ jobsite operations and make carbon-neutral contributions. *The D61EM-23M0 performs automatic traveling, stopping, and planting on the preset courses.

Outline of Bracke Name: Bracke Forest AB (unlisted) Established: 1922 Headquartered: Bräcke, Sweden Representative: Klas-Håkan Ljungberg Major line of business: Development, manufacturer, and sales of application-specific attachments for use in silviculture processes www.brackeforest.com

Malwa 560F Forwarder Stand-operative forwarder with high load capacity. Low net weight, small turning radius, minimal environmental impact. Weight from 5700 kg. Length 6.3 m. Width 1.94 m (500mm wheels).

Height 2.85 m. 2,8 liters CAT-engine that meets the demands according to Euro 5/Stage-V

S

tand-operative forwarder with load capacity of 5,500 kg or 9,000 kg when combined with trailer. The low weight of the machine makes it particularly suitable for use in sensitive ground or moorland, especially with caterpillar tracks on the bogie.

Top quality hydro-mechanical drive train combined with a small turning radius and excellent tracking provide unique handling in difficult terrain. May be simply and easily transported by means of hook-lift platform.

2,8 liters CAT-engine that meets the demands according to Euro 5/

8 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

Stage-V. Choose between the FC45 with 6.1 metre reach or the FC45DT with 8 metre reach, both from Cranab.

Trailer A special trailer for the Malwa 560F is available to increase load capacity up to 9 tonnes and to facilitate handling of different loads with increasing pressure on the ground. The trailer may be

placed on the load bunks during transport.

Introducing

Smart Crane for harvesters

For a harvester operator, an easily operated crane is important for ensuring a productive working day. Every movement that can be simplified contributes to increased production. Now we are taking simplified crane control to the next level with the introduction of Komatsu Smart Crane Harvesters, which automatically takes care of the telescopic function. The crane acts like a single unit.

The result is faster and easier crane operation as well as a more relaxed and effective operator.

See more at komatsuforest.com/smartcraneharvesters

New PONSSE Scorpion Giant – power in various conditions The PONSSE Scorpion Giant is only a giant in terms of productivity and power. The new harvester adds to the Scorpion product range, which was completely upgraded in 2021.

According to customer needs, the Scorpion Giant was developed to have more tractive effort, which helps the harvester to be agile even in challenging conditions, including snow, steep slopes and soft terrain.

It is in a league of its own when it comes to crane lifting power, also when handling larger stems.

“Even though the Giant is the strongest harvester in the Scorpion range, the Bear is still our most powerful harvester overall. What makes the Scorpion Giant stand out is its versatility, allowing it to be operated at various sites, as it can be fitted with the PONSSE H6, H7, H7HD Euca or H8 harvester head,” Marko Mattila says.

Unique ergonomics Cabin ergonomics and usability have been one of the leading themes in Ponsse’s research and development in recent years alongside the development of safety. The PONSSE Giant has a one-piece windscreen that extends to the roof of the cabin, offering even better visibility for the operator and ensuring safe working in all conditions. The cabin workspace is like a practical and quiet office with a view, developed to support the operator’s comfort and wellbeing.

The Scorpion Giant features many solutions familiar from the Scorpion product range that have been developed even further.

These include increased tractive force and a more powerful C50+ crane whose fork boom offers excellent visibility of the logging site. The Scorpion Giant also features the unique active levelling and stabilisation systems familiar from other Scorpion models. The

Scorpion Giant is available with the highly advanced and modern Opti 5G system and the Opti 8 touchscreen computer.

PONSSE Opti 5G – the most modern information system on the market PONSSE Opti 5G is the most modern information system on the market. Its smooth and fast operations raise user experiences in information systems to a whole new level. The powerful C50+ crane, combined with the Opti 5G information system, offers a whole new way to control the crane and improve operational efficiency using PONSSE Harvester Active Crane. With Harvester Active Crane, the operator can directly control the movements of the harvester head, instead of just controlling the individual operations of the crane.

This allows the operator to focus on wood processing, instead of

Trejon Multiforest trailers receive type-approval for EU Trejon has announced that Trejon Multiforest trailers are now type approved according to the EU norm 167/2013. This makes it much easier to register their trailers in all countries of EU and is also a

proof of security of their products.

This type approval process was a huge project for them and the final approval makes it possible to enter new markets in the future.

10 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

simply controlling the crane.

Harvester Active Crane, available as an option, requires the Opti 5G control system, which is currently available in the Scorpion product range’s harvesters in certain market areas.

The availability of Harvester Active Crane will be expanded to other machine models and market areas.

PONSSE H8 – the next generation’s harvester head The new PONSSE H8 harvester head features powerful feed, a strong grip and a sturdy but agile frame. The saw box area is even wider, making the harvester head an excellent choice for trees with a high butt diameter. The harvester head can be fitted in the PONSSE Ergo, Scorpion Giant and Bear, the strongest harvesters in our product range. The automatic features of the Opti control system, developed and built by Ponsse, control the

Marko Mattila Sales, Marketing and Service Director at Ponsse. feed speed and saw movement, according to the tree diameter, and ensure fast and precise sawing.

With Active Speed, the harvester head’s operating speed can be adjusted based on the tree species and stem diameter. Working with the H8 harvester head equipped with the new feature is productive and smooth, regardless of the stem size.

Tigercat Industries develops purpose-built forestry dozer and launches new brand Tigercat Industries has developed a forestry dozer. The new TCi 920 will be making the rounds at several US forestry industry tradeshows this spring.

The dozer will be branded under the new TCi badge, as Tigercat Industries continues to design machines for applications beyond forest harvesting systems.

All products falling under the TCi brand are, and will continue to be designed, manufactured, and supported by Tigercat Industries.

Seeking to overcome shortcomings that harvesting professionals have experienced when applying standard-build, mass production dozers to forestry operations, the new 920 is designed specifically for use in logging applications.

The 920 is powered by the Tigercat FPT N45 Tier 4f engine rated at 101 kw (135 hp). It is equipped with a 190 mm (7.5 in) pitch heavy duty undercarriage, a responsive and efficient closed loop track drive system, strong,

impact-resistant belly pans, and durable structural components throughout. The 920 provides the power, durability and versatility for deck clearing, road building and clean-up activities on logging sites.

The carefully designed forestry cab offers the operator clear sightlines augmented by the sloped front hood and rearmounted exhaust. The cab is quiet

and comfortable with a heated and cooled air ride seat, ergonomic armrest mounted joysticks, and a large touchscreen machine control system interface.

HEM 542 Z

New chipper standards for a drive power from 150 hp or more

jenz-shop.at ifi_Chippertruck hybrid_210x138_07_2022_ENG.indd 1

18.05.2022 11:46:15

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 11

Ponsse manufactures its 18,000th forest machine The 18,000th PONSSE forest machine was completed at Ponsse’s factory in Vieremä. After its handover, the PONSSE Elk will be operated by VMC Bois in France.

“The highly demanding harvesting industry calls for solid professional skills, determination and close cooperation. These are also the characteristics of our partnership with VMC Bois. It feels really good to deliver this machine to VMC Bois, and I would like to thank them for our excellent cooperation,” says Marko Mattila, Sales Marketing and Service Director.

“We started our cooperation with Ponsse after we purchased a used PONSSE Ergo a few years ago. We continued our partnership by buying a few new machines, and today we received the 18,000th PONSSE machine here in Vieremä. Our cooperation has been productive, and we are very satisfied with our partnership,” says Alexandre Collomb, one of the three owners of VMC Bois.

VMC Bois owns four PONSSE machines, and it mainly operates in eastern parts of Central France.

Established in 2009, the company currently has 27 employees. VMC Bois is also engaged in sawmill operations, generating energy from chips.

PONSSE Elk – a versatile and agile forwarder PONSSE Elk is a highly versatile and agile forwarder in the smaller midsize class. Elk offers an unprecedented load-carrying capacity in its size class, and its fuel-efficient engine and large fuel tank extend the refuelling interval. It is safe to say that Elk is an excellent machine for thinning sites where the machine needs to cover long distances. Elk’s responsive engine, impressive

torque and sturdy loader make working comfortable, especially when the operator can enjoy the most spacious cabin on the market, including ergonomic controls.

Entered in serial production in 2005, more than 1,000 PONSSE Elk forwarders have been completed, delivered to over 20 countries and tested in real-life conditions across the globe.

Starting as the dream of Einari Vidgrén, Ponsse is a family-owned business that now operates in

the harvesting markets of over 40 countries. Environmentally friendly harvesting and customer-driven R&D are strongly emphasised in Ponsse’s business. All PONSSE forest machines are still manufactured in the company’s birthplace in Vieremä in Northern Savonia, Finland.

Ponsse establishes a subsidiary in Chile In Chile, the news received a positive welcome. There are currently about 170 PONSSE machines in operation across Chile.

P

onsse’s subsidiary Ponsse Chile S.p.A will be responsible for sales, spare parts and maintenance services in Chile. “Our customers in Chile heard really good news when Ponsse announced its intention to establish a subsidiary in Chile.

Together, we want to develop Ponsse’s services, maintenance network, training opportunities and the availability of spare parts in Chile,” says Martin Toledo, managing director of Ponsse Uruguay, who is also in charge of operations in Chile. The subsidiary was established when Ponsse acquired the operations of its dealer F.C. Ventas. The transaction started in November 2021, with Ponsse’s subsidiary in Chile seeing the light of day on

12 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

16th March 2022. The transaction included the service centre and its operations, spare parts stocks, and maintenance vehicles.

“WE ARE DEDICATED TO HIGHQUALITY WORK AND OUR CUSTOMERS” Nearly 20 employees transferred from F.C. Ventas to Ponsse, and they were pleased after hearing news of the transfer. Service mechanic Miguel Gustavo Riquelme believes that he can develop his skills even more by working for Ponsse.

What he thinks is special about Ponsse is that it keeps its promises, as defined by its values. “We are dedicated to highquality work and our customers,” Riquelme says. He enjoys working

as a service mechanic and says that it is like a neverending adventure. “I can visit different places every day on my own or with my colleagues. It’s great to talk with customers and forest machine operators. At the end of the day, I’m happy that I’ve been able to help them and meet their expectations,” says a satisfied Riquelme.

GOOD NEWS ACCEPTED WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS Ponsse has a good reputation and high expectations in Chile. Its Chilean customers work especially for local sawmills, plywood, and wood processing plants. Jorge Arce y Cía Ltda is a family- owned business located in Coelemu, in the region of Nuble. It started by using

chainsaws and by transporting wood pulled by horses but, come the 2000s, it put forest machines to work. In 2013, the company bought its first PONSSE machine.

Jorge Arce, the company’s managing director, has high expectations now that Ponsse has gained a firmer foothold in Chile.

“Ponsse establishing a subsidiary in Chile is good news for the country’s forestry and especially for everyone who has selected a PONSSE machine. I hope that Ponsse’s dedication to its customers and the level of maintenance can be seen even better than before,” Jorge says.

Jorge believes that, as a major international forest machine company, Ponsse will develop and improve the quality of its services and machines even further.

Chile. The very first machines in the 90s were delivered straight to the customer, but all the way until 2022, Ponsse has operated in Chile via dealers. Currently, there are 170 PONSSE forest machines operating in Chile.

Ponsse’s facilities are in Chillán, a town some 400 kilometres to the south of Santiago de Chile, the capital city. Ponsse provides not only machine sales, spare parts, and maintenance services, but also training.

“We started to develop our training range even further and work with local educational institutions to train more forest machine operators for customer companies and mechanics for Ponsse,” Toledo says.

ROOTS IN THE 1990S

THE ROLE OF DATA ALSO INCREASING IN SILVICULTURE IN CHILE

The first Ponsse machines arrived in Chile in the early 90s to a company named Monte Aquila.

The first machines were HS15 Ergo and S15 Ergo. In addition to forest machines, Ponsse has shared its knowledge about the use age of cut-to-length forest machines in forestry operations. After the mid90s, HS16 Ergo and S16 Buffalo models were also exported to

Chile’s forestry is based on planted forests, with pine and eucalyptus trees mainly being harvested. The sustainable annual harvesting volume has grown steadily thanks to the trees’ quick lifecycle and well-managed forest plantations.

Currently, harvesting is mostly carried out using the full tree method. However, the role of the cut-to-length method has increased

CHILE & HARVESTING • Approximately 47.6 million cubic metres of wood is harvested annually in Chile • The CTL method accounts for almost 30 per cent of harvesting, and its role has increased during the past ten years • At present, Ponsse’s market share in CTL-based harvesting is roughly 40 per cent during the past ten years. In the future, the need for digital services will increase in harvesting. Data is needed to support operations, all the way from planting to thinning, harvesting, and transporting.

“The change will be a big one, and Ponsse definitely wants to be part of it and grow alongside our customers, supported by data,” Toledo says.

Martin Toledo, MD, Ponsse Uruguay

THE NEW FAE RCU-55 REMOTE-CONTROLLED PRODUCTIVITY

Expand your concept of productivity with the RCU-55. The newest range of remote-controlled, compact tracked vehicles from FAE for land management. Take full advantage of the efficiency of FAE vehicles and forestry mulchers, where access is difficult and slopes are steep.

Contact us to find the right FAE product for you: info@fae-group.com

fae-group.com

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 13

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

New Forests completes acquisition of over 100,000 acres of Northern California Forests New Forests, a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies, has announced the purchase on behalf of institutional investors of an approximately 108,000-acre forestry estate in Northern California from The Michigan-California Timber Company (MCTC).

The estate consists of productive mixed conifers, including fir and pine, in the Mount Shasta region, and presents significant opportunities for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber production, management for carbon stock protection and atmospheric carbon removal, along with continued wildlife habitat protection.

This estate is proximate to over 315,000 acres of existing forestry assets managed by New Forests in Northern California. New Forests has deployed around $500 million to date on behalf of its clients in US sustainable forestry assets and is now the second largest land manager in California.

“We are delighted to be investing in the future of California forestry where a focus on natural climate solutions can help drive positive economic, environmental

and community outcomes,” says Brian Shillinglaw, Managing Director, United States for New Forests.

“We’re proud of the scale our US business has achieved in managing California and Oregon forests for sustainable FSC timber production and climate impact. Our institutional clients see the value managing forests for financial returns from both sustainable timber and carbon pricing, while positively contributing to climate change mitigation, biodiversity, and local communities. New Forests plans to manage these forests for long-term carbon stock protection and significant atmospheric carbon removal over the coming decades.”

“MCTC has sustainably managed these timberlands since 1994 and we are proud of our stewardship,” says Chris Chase, General Manager for MCTC. “Our manufacturing affiliate, Timber Products Company, looks forward to working with New Forests as a key supplier of logs through a longterm timber supply agreement.”

In 2014, New Forests was the first company to register an offset project developed under the California Compliance Offset Protocol for the Yurok Tribe.

About New Forests New Forests is a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies, with AUD 7.8 billion (USD 5.8 billion) in assets under management across 1.1 million hectares (2.7 million acres) of investments. New Forests manages a diversified portfolio of sustainable timber plantations and conservation areas, carbon and conservation finance projects, agriculture, timber processing and infrastructure assets. We aim to generate shared prosperity for our clients and the communities in which we operate and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

to the Timber Products Company Veneer Division in Yreka, CA. MCTC benefits from strong relationships with regulatory agencies and the conservation community as it sustainably manages timberlands to produce a consistent stream of wood products and ecosystem services.

Vested Communications US Corey Goldman +1 416 846 7953 cgoldman@fullvested.com New Forests Lauren Stewart Head of Communications + 6 1437 800 340 lstewart@newforests.com.au

About Michigan-California Timber Company The Michigan-California Timber Company (MCTC) owns over 108,000 acres of timberland in Northern California. The timberlands are third party certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Standard and managed in strict compliance with the California Forest Practices Act. MCTC shares common ownership with Timber Products Company and is the largest supplier of logs

Brian Shillinglaw, Managing Director, United States for New Forests

Introducing the FAE mobile App for the Sonic System FAE customers who purchase a forestry mulcher for skid steers with Sonic System now have one more tool to optimize its performance and capacity: the official FAE app for iOS devices. It helps users check that calibration at the time of deployment is optimal for getting the most out of the Sonic System. The app’s integrated diagnostics system and real-time monitoring of the main parameters assist in resolving any problems.

The Sonic System is exclusive to FAE and offers customers a great advantage in terms of performance.

The Sonic regulates torque in real time based on the effort needed.

This enables the mulcher to always work at maximum capacity.

In addition, the Sonic System automatically calibrates the mulcher’s hydraulic parameters for instant and precise skid steer pairing.

For now, the FAE app is available only for skid steer mulcher Sonic heads but will soon be available for excavator Sonic heads as well as for Android devices.

It’s very easy to use: 1. D ownload the FAE app from the Apple App Store (in the future, it will also be available from Google Play)

14 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

2. Connect it to the head’s Wi-Fi 3. Launch the app 4. Add your head 5. Y ou can now see the mulcher’s main parameters and check that the Sonic calibration is correct in real time.

6. T he app will signal any malfunctions, helping the user identify the problem, with the option to send a status report.

7. T hat way, getting assistance will be quick and easy.

The future of FAE is digital, and the new FAE app is only the beginning.

SP 561 LF

A versatile all-round harvester head that ticks all the right boxes Ever since 2008, cousins Håkan and Fredrik Nilsson have been running the forestry company Skogsentreprenad Br. Nilsson AB, a company operating in southern Sweden and with a history that dates back 50 years. Today, they have ten forest machines, just as many employees, and a primary focus on thinning in the forests of southwestern Småland.

Their Komatsu 911 is equipped with an SP 561 LF and, according to Håkan and Fredrik, this is one of the best harvester heads on the market and is perfectly suited to the type of forest they harvest.

Håkan and Fredrik Nilsson

’’Finding a head that ticks all the right boxes is no easy task, but we’d dare say that the 561 does so.’’

Håkan Nilsson Watch the film and read the full story at: spmaskiner.com/en/sp-stories/

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

GreenFirst offered government support for relocating Kenora Mill GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSX: GFP) (“GreenFirst” or the “Company”) has announced that the Government of Ontario has declared that it is prepared to offer a loan of up to $17.2M (the “Loan Facility”) to support the Company’s plan to relocate and redevelop the Kenora sawmill over the next 3.5 years. Completion of the Loan Facility is subject to due diligence and negotiation of binding agreements.

If completed, the Company would be able to draw down on the Loan Facility to cover 20% of its eligible project expenditures provided that the Company meets certain performance parameters including but not limited to jobcreation targets and other project milestones.

This strategic relocation would

open the necessary expansion opportunities to ensure the mill is viable and sustainable. The Company has identified potential locations for a new mill site within the City of Kenora. In doing so, the company would keep jobs in Kenora and could encourage full-time residents to move back to Kenora. All production from the relocated Kenora sawmill is expected to supply the Canadian market as well as the export market in the United Kingdom.

The Company purchased the sawmill out of receivership on October 5, 2020. GreenFirst owns the facility and associated assets, which include 114 acres of land on the shores of the Lake of the Woods. The present site has limitations for sawmill development, and it is beneficial

for the Company to relocate.

“Kenora is one of the most picturesque towns in Northern Ontario. We thank Minister Rickford and the Ontario government for their offer of support to relocate the mill,” said Paul Rivett, Chairman of GreenFirst Forest Products. “The land value as a well-planned development far exceeds its value as a sawmill site. We believe the relocation of the mill will unlock the land for redevelopment that would become a source of pride for the community.”

“The future of the forest sector depends on building success through local projects with big impacts,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “By offering to invest in

GreenFirst Forest Products, we’re creating local jobs and investing in prosperity in Kenora – ensuring a strong and prosperous forest sector which can provide for communities across Northern Ontario.”

About GreenFirst GreenFirst Forest Products is a forest-first business, focused on sustainable forest management and lumber production. The Company owns 7 sawmills and 1 paper mill across Ontario and Quebec. GreenFirst is a significant lumber producer in Canada having an annual lumber production capacity of 905MMfbm, with a goal to increase. GreenFirst’s mills are located in rich wood baskets proudly operating over 9.2 million hectares of FSC® certified public and private Canadian forestlands (FSC®-C167905).

BID Group to Partner with Yaskawa America for New Robotic Systems BID Group recently announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Yaskawa America, Inc, Motoman Robotics Division.

The focus of the partnership is to implement robotic systems into BID’s operations and develop new wood processing innovations.

Yaskawa Motoman is a leading industrial robotics company in the Americas. As the industry leader in Operational Lifecycle Excellence,

this strategic partnership will support BID in its mission to deliver its customers top performance, innovation, remarkable service, and results through the continuous improvement of its operations, products, and services.

“We continue investing in the modernization of our installations to maintain them at the leadingedge of technologies. This partnership will help us carry on

16 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

our pursuit to deliver the highestquality products to our valued customers. The application of the Yaskawa systems will also have a positive impact on our production capacity. We are very excited to be implementing these precise and quick robotic systems into our operations, and product solutions.”, said Simon Potvin, President of Wood Processing.

“BID Group has demonstrated excellence, leadership and innovation in the wood processing industry and this sector is well poised to take advantage of optimized and efficient robotics system. Our strategic partnership with BID Group to provide innovative robotic solutions will enable customers to modernize and maximize the value of their assets,” stated Doug Burnside, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Yaskawa Motoman.

BID is also actively working on innovations for its customers using

Doug Burnside, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Yaskawa

these new robotic systems. With its vast experience in the wood processing industry, combined with its already proven automation and optimization capabilities, the company has several ideas for applications that will help its customers deal with their daily challenges and maintain high security standards in their plants.

BID is actively recruiting team members specializing in these new technologies.

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

West Fraser, Angelina mill complex going strong Investors saw a great opportunity when they decided to build a new mill complex at Lufkin, TX. The Texas A&M Forest Service assisted the company to validate this project that draws on logs from the region. The mill was started up in 2019, with USNR and Mid-South

Engineering as major vendors in this endeavor. Today targets have been met, and production is rolling along as anticipated.

“West Fraser, Angelina is pleased with current performance throughout the operation. USNR’s support in our journey of process

excellence is appreciated. The team is confident in the choice for our business relationship and has trust for our future.” Wiley Quarles, mill manager.

Wiley Quarles Angelina Mill Manager

Stora Enso divests its packaging operations in Russia Stora Enso has divested its three corrugated packaging plants in Russia. The Company’s Lukhovitsy, Arzamas and Balabanovo packaging plants have been divested to local management.

Stora Enso’s assessment is that due to the uncertainties in the Russian market, local ownership and operation will provide a more sustainable long-term solution for these businesses and their respective employees.

The transaction will have no material impact on Stora Enso’s

annual sales and Operational EBIT. Due to reduced business prospects for these businesses, an impairment loss of EUR 35 million was recorded in the first quarter result. The additional loss on the transaction under IFRS will be approximately EUR 55 million, consisting mainly of currency translation adjustments to be recorded at the closing date. The expenses are considered as items affecting comparability.

The divested sites are located in Lukhovitsy, Arzamas

and Balabanovo employing approximately 620 people and have a total annual capacity of 395 million m² of corrugated packaging. The sites primarily produce corrugated packaging for grocery, home improvement, confectionery and pet food segments in the domestic Russian market.

Stora Enso announced on 2 March 2022 that it would stop all production and sales in Russia until further notice. On 25 April, Stora Enso announced the divestment

of its two sawmills and forest operations in Russia to local management.

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Stora Enso divests its sawmills and forest operations in Russia Stora Enso has entered into an agreement to divest its two sawmills in Russia. The Company’s Nebolchi and Impilahti sawmills will be divested to local management. In addition, the divestment includes Stora Enso’s Russian forest operation which through its harvesting supplies wood to the sawmills.

Stora Enso’s assessment is that due to the uncertainties in the Russian market, local ownership and operation can provide a more sustainable long-term solution for these business operations and the employees working there.

The transaction is, pending necessary approvals, expected

to be concluded within Q2 2022 and will have no material impact on Stora Enso’s annual sales and Operational EBIT. Due to decreased business prospects on these businesses, an impairment loss of EUR 70 million has been recorded in the first quarter result.

The additional loss on the transaction under IFRS will be approximately EUR 60 million, consisting mainly of currency translation adjustments to be recorded at the closing date. The expenses are considered as items affecting comparability.

The sawmill sites are located in Novgorod and Karelia employing approximately 330 people and have

a total annual capacity of 350,000 m3 of sawn timber, including 55,000 m3 of processed timber and 65,000 tonnes of pellets.

Stora Enso’s Russian forest operations employs approximately 170 people and manages longterm harvesting rights for around 370,000 hectares.

Stora Enso announced on 2 March 2022 that it would stop all production and sales in Russia until further notice. The Group is in a process to find a sustainable solution for the future of its three packaging plants in Russia.

Hampton Lumber buys timberland Hampton Lumber & Family Forests has completed the purchase of approximately 18,000 acres of timberland from a fund managed

by Campbell Global, LLC in Southwest Washington. These high-quality, well-managed forestlands are located in Pacific and Wahkiakum counties in close proximity to lands currently owned

by Hampton. These timberlands will provide immediate and longterm fiber supply for Hampton’s sawmills in Warrenton, Oregon and Washington’s Cowlitz Valley.

“All of our forestlands

represent a strategic investment in the future of our mills,” says Hampton Lumber CEO, Steve Zika.

Founded in Willamina, Oregon in 1942, this year marks Hampton Lumber’s 80th year in business.

“We believe that purchases like this, combined with continued investment in our sawmill infrastructure and our people, will help keep us successful for the next 80 years.”

Hampton Lumber is a fourthgeneration, family-owned company headquartered in Portland, OR. Hampton operates ten sawmills in

Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia and markets wood products all over the world. All of Hampton’s forestlands are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), an independent, non-profit organization that promotes sustainable forest management. SFI certified forests play an important role in water conservation, wildlife habitat, and climate solutions.

Hampton Lumber CEO, Steve Zika

Koskisen Oy and Koskitukki Oy merger Koskitukki Oy’s and Koskisen Oy’s Boards have registered the merger plan between the companies with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office. According to the plan, Koskisen Oy will merge with Koskitukki Oy, and after the merger the name of the new company will be Koskisen Oy. The business ID of the new company will be the

current Koskitukki Oy’s business ID, 0148241-9.

The companies’ shareholders decided on the merger at the spring General Meetings on 26 April 2022. The technical preparations for the merger are underway, and the goal is to have the merger take effect on 31 May 2022, whereby the new merged company will start

18 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

operating on 1 June 2022.

The merger being prepared will support Koskisen’s new brand and will harmonise its operations. The merger will simplify the company structure and bring immediate operative benefits, such as doing away with invoicing between the companies and simplifying transfer pricing.

The merger will not have personnel impacts. The personnel of the current Koskisen Oy will transfer to the new Koskisen Oy under their previous employment terms.

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

BID investing $10.6 Million to expand South Carlolina operations BID Group, a North American specialist in sawmill equipment automation, manufacturing, installation, and life cycle service, has announced the expansion and automation of its St. George, SC operations. The $10.6 million strategic capital investment is targeted at increasing capacity through both productivity gains and facility expansion.

Productivity gains will be achieved through the installation of automated solutions including a large Correa CNC horizontal milling machine, robotic welding cells, and

additional CNC machining capacity.

The investment also includes the expansion of BID’s manufacturing footprint with the acquisition of the adjacent Dover Hydraulics South facility.

“We would like to thank Dorchester County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce for their contributions to and support of these investments.

We are humbled and honored by their continued trust in BID. We are excited to be increasing our presence in South Carolina to support the growing needs of our

highly valued customers,” said Adam Infanti, BID’s Chief Financial Officer. “The multiple projects within this investment will allow the company to increase capacity, advance efficiency, and improve lead time.”

The addition of the existing 10,500 square foot Dover building will allow for an accelerated timeline to full operational capability. The new space will be dedicated to the production of BLADE, the recently introduced cutting solutions products and services in BID’s catalogue.

Adam Infanti, Chief Financial Officer, BID group

Manufacturing of BLADE in St. George will allow high-quality products, service, and support to the company’s southern customer base. The expansion will create over twenty jobs requiring skilled machinists, welders, and drafters.

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International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 19

SAWLINES

West Fraser, Angelina NEW MILL COMPLEX COMES TO LIFE, TECHNOLOGIES SECOND-TO-NONE Investors saw a great opportunity when they decided to build a new mill complex at Lufkin, TX. The Texas A&M Forest Service assisted the company to validate this project that draws on logs from the region. The mill was started up in 2019, with USNR and MidSouth Engineering as major vendors in this endeavor. Today targets have been met, and production is rolling along as anticipated.

P

ride of ownership is evident when you scan the website of West Fraser, Angelina. This venture really took off in 2018 with the signing of contracts for major vendor partners in this project. And as the delivery of state-of-the-art equipment took place, the progress was documented and celebrated by management and employees alike. The projects culminated in the start-up and commissioning of the lines through mid-2019, with the final handoff to skilled mill personnel in Q4. The icing on the cake was the December 2019 announcement of the first load of dimensional lumber to McCoy’s Building Supply in nearby San Marcos, TX. West Fraser, Angelina is located in Lufkin, TX. The site was a shuttered mill that local East-Texas investors purchased in 2017 and set about building a new brownfield lumber mill complex.

The reasons for the investment were based on several key factors;

20 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

Texas and American flags ride high above the busy log crane at West Fraser, Angelina.

there was a surplus of pine timber available nearby, the market demand in the region was hot and growing, the community has a long-standing record of support for the industry, and the labor

market was conducive with ready access to skilled personnel in both mechanical disciplines and in the wood products industry.

USNR was selected as the major supplier for the processing equipment and technology, and Mid-South Engineering was contracted to handle the overall site engineering and project coordination. Wiley Quarles, West Fraser, Angelina mill manager, explained the selection, “USNR is a leader in sawmill equipment design and delivery of OEM components meeting the objectives of highly efficient, technologically advanced processing solutions.” He continued, “Mid-South Engineering has a long history of design for sawmill applications, plus the Angelina team was well acquainted with the firm from numerous previous projects.”

Bucking optimization The bucking line, while utilizing machinery from another vendor, relies on USNR’s optimization and controls to effect this first critical step in the breakdown and recovery process. USNR’s bucking technology is well renowned for

SAWLINES

LOG BREAKDOWN LINE Max./min. log dia. - 20”/4” Log length - max. 20’-6”/min. 8’ Center cant width - max. 12”/min. 4” Outer sideboard thickness - 1” or 2” Inner sideboard thickness - 2” System operation - 650 fpm

top and bottom board profilers, a double-arbor vertical shape sawbox, and outfeed landing deck.

Optimization features USNR’s feature-rich platform, and BioLuma 3900L scanning system. The Precision Geometric Log Rotation (PGLR) system offers real-time rotation verification and correction that ensures you get the best turn on every log, significantly improving cutting accuracy and increasing uplift and recovery.

The PGLR simultaneously verifies the accuracy of the autorotation system, and automatically makes any necessary correction turns.

TRANSVERSE EDGER LINE ax./min. board thickness - 2”/1” System operation - 40 ppm max.

and geometric defects using a combination of laser profile and visual defect scanning, combined with state-of-the-art optimization.

USNR’s BioVision technology is currently in use in over 170 systems globally.

Sawmill trim-sort line The sawmill trim-sort line comprises a radius back double unscrambler, ElectraTong lug loader, Multi-Track positioning fence, multi-saw Clamshell trimmer, a starwheel separator with pass through and drop out gate, and 55-bin pusher lug sorter.

The trimmer also features the BioVision system. This allows the mill to process cut-n-two boards in the green mill, and capture an additional short high-grade piece without trim loss. ‘Candidate’

Logs are fed through the scanner upstream from the log turner.

accuracy, recovery, and flexibility.

This system completely models downstream machine centers, with the capability to remove waste pieces from the middle of the stem, and offers fixed pattern breakdown

West Fraser, Angelina is pleased with current performance throughout the operation. USNR’s support in our journey of process excellence is appreciated. The team is confident in the choice for our business relationship and has trust for our future Wiley Quarles, Mill Manager

and configurable routing codes for log sorts.

The bucking line at Angelina features BioLuma 3900L lineal laser profile sensors. These sensors provide the ultra-high resolution necessary to recover the most from the raw material. This sensor is sawmill-ready, easy to install, simple to maintain, and is currently being used for bucking, log lines, and shape sawing gangs.

Log breakdown line The log breakdown line begins with the log loading conveyor, AR conveyor, reciprocating quad roll log turner featuring 56” long rolls, heavy duty slew/skew positioning infeed, side chip head assemblies, two sideboard profilers, quad arbor sawbox, sideboard separator, and a vertical roll scanning conveyor feeding the vertical shape saw (VSS).

The VSS includes top and bottom chip head assemblies,

The transverse edger line makes use of BioLuma 2900LVG sensors to bring the advantages of vision scanning and Deep Learning AI technology to this process.

Transverse edger line The edger line begins at the unscrambler, double lug loader, even ending rolls, scanner transfer with automatic board turner, Model 625 positioning infeed, Model 4TA36 3-saw top arbor edger with reman head, a close-coupled tailer and slow down belt.

The BioVision Edger system uses BioLuma 2900LVG sensors, combining color vision technology with high density geometric scanning. BioVision makes value decisions driven by the accurate detection of biological

trim stock meeting specified characteristics for wane and knots, can be targeted and sorted/routed differently for further unique action downstream. For example, by sorting for grade at the trimmer the mill can select more appropriate drying cycles for high or low grade products.

Both edger and trimmer optimization systems utilize Deep Learning AI technology, ensuring the ultimate in accuracy, recovery, and faster start-ups.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 21

UniFlow dry kilns

SAWMILL TRIM-SORT LINE

Equipment supply included two UniFlow lumber kilns. This patented kiln technology is USNR’s latest design, with the Angelina installations being the first. Wiley responded, “The Angelina dry kilns perform well, meeting our expectations on moisture content targets with acceptable standard deviations. Lumber quality of rough, dry product is excellent, and throughput capacity provides a consistent flow of product to the planer mill.” A recent addition to the lumber drying process includes a batch kiln. “The batch kiln was selected as an alternate fuel source (natural gas burner) based on byproduct projections as they relate to the two existing sloped grate sawdust gasifying burners.”

Board thickness - 2” Board widths - 4” to 12” Max. package size - 8’ x 23 tiers high System operation - 150 lpm

Wiley Quarles, Mill Manager

Planer mill Wiley Quarles was unrestrained in his praise for the planer mill technology. “The Angelina team is extremely satisfied with planermill performance. Its capability is unmatched, and delivers on the objectives of providing great customer service and quality products.”

A unique new product design introduced at the mill is the electric tilt hoist that accommodates packages up to 40,000 lbs. Wiley commented, “The machine center is a ‘quiet’ contributor to the overall process. Day to day it delivers on efficient breakdown and removal of sticks and cross-outs, as we transition from packages to single layers. The planer infeed does not experience idle time!”

The Angelina team chose the Quad Cam Lug Loader, Multi-Track Fence, and clamshell style multisaw trimmer.

Another new product introduced at Angelina is the VerifEye fence verification system.

The VerifEye system measures the ends of boards positioned by the trimmer fence, and compares their position accuracy with the optimizer’s solution. It verifies that the board end location is within the error tolerance set by the mill.

The automated grading system selected is USNR’s Transverse High Grader, providing a high degree of return on value and volume recovery. “The THG receives excellent marks from our own in-house quality checks as well as our outside grade standard inspections.”

Lumber quality of rough dry product is excellent, and throughput capacity (of the kilns) provides a consistent flow of product to the planer mill.

Two UniFlow kilns were the first lumber drying systems implemented on site. With this patented concept, lumber tracks move in the same direction, achieving increased throughput and more efficient loading and unloading.

A starwheel separator gate downstream from the trimmer separates cut-n-two board ends, directing clearline ends up an incline where they are even ended to clearline. Lumberline board ends and full length boards remain on the lower level where they are even ended to lumber line, before being transported up a second incline. The flow meets at top of the inclines, and the cut-n-two

Another new concept USNR brought to Angelina is the uniquely designed all-electric Continuous Tilt Hoist.

22 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

The THG receives excellent marks from our own inhouse quality checks as well as our outside grade standard inspections.

The Transverse High Grader (THG) received much praise from the Angelina team, for its automated grading accuracy. board ends are deposited back into the same lug spacing, with clearline board ends to clearline, and lumberline board ends to lumberline.

The sorting system is comprised of two sorters sharing a common pusher lug top. The 25 tandem bin sorter accommodates cut-n-two board ends, while the 30 standard bin sorter accommodates full length boards. Both sorters share the centerline discharge.

A radius back unscrambler feeds USNR’s all-electric low profile stacker featuring a tier forming table and catching lug chains with overhead tier control.

Tier retainers, end tampers, a secondary hoist, and a fixed magazine lath placer round out the stacking system. The package outfeed features dual strappers and a package doubler.

Start-up and commissioning Wiley Quarles described this important aspect of the projects.

“Line commissioning was a smooth process with active participation by OEM-specific experts and several key leaders within the Angelina team.”

“There were opportunities to overcome within most categories

Wiley Quarles, Mill Manager

The Low-Profile all-electric planer mill stacker offers fast, efficient performance.

of the operation (i.e. mechanical, electrical, and controls). Angelina appreciates the support and collaboration from engineering to OEM service in the delivery of continuous process improvement as we prioritized and overcame items with a vision of being the best.”

Wiley continued, “West Fraser, Angelina is pleased with current performance throughout the operation. USNR’s support in our journey of process excellence

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is appreciated. Where there has been opportunity for process improvement there has been a partnership in finding and implementing a resolution.

The Angelina team is confident in the choice for our business relationship and has trust for our future.”

Moving on While ownership of the Angelina operation has moved on to West Fraser, that alone is a testament

to the innovation in technology and equipment, the quality of design and workmanship in the complex and infrastructure, and the strength, spirit and dedication of the talented team that keeps it all moving forward.

USNR and Mid-South Engineering are both very appreciative of the trust that the Angelina team held with us for this major endeavor. We are proud to have been a part of bringing this vision to reality!

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Just under two years ago, Setra Hasselfors became the first sawmill within the Setra Group to invest in Valutec TC drying technology. Now they are investing in new TC wood drying kilns for both Hasselfors and the sawmill in Heby, both located in Sweden

We looked at different types of kilns and the TC kiln was best suited for the flow we have in Heby. It’s also good from a sustainability perspective, as with the same energy consumption, we will increase our drying capacity Jan-Erik Johansson Vik, Site Manager, Setra Heby

Setra Group invests in TC kilns from Valutec to two Swedish sawmills “

T

he properties of the TC continuous kiln fit well into the Setra Greenness philosophy. They offer the precision of the batch kiln in combination with high capacity and efficient heat recovery. Another bonus with it is that we don’t get tied to one batch size if we’d like to switch to larger ones in the future to reduce handling and further increase drying capacity,” says Jonas Fintling, Site Manager at Setra Hasselfors.

Setra Hasselfors in Sweden is a respected spruce sawmill established in 1908. In 2021, it produced approximately 345,000 m3 and the products are delivered to customers in Europe, the USA and Australia. The investment will increase the sawmill’s drying capacity by approximately 150,000 m3, which enables a planned production increase to approximately 500,000 m3. It will also be the first sawmill in Scandinavia with two TC kilns in one and the same sawmill.

The swedish sawmill Setra Heby was established in 1915 and 260,000 m3 was sawn in 2020. A large part of the production goes to Setra’s CLT and glulam factory in Långshyttan but the sawmill also exports dried-down goods mainly to France and Germany. The investment in a TC continuous kiln with a capacity of approximately 145,000 m3 is being made partly to replace older kilns and partly to increase drying capacity. With the new dryer in place, Setra Heby will have a drying capacity of approximately 320,000 m3.

24 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

“We looked at different types of kilns and the TC kiln was best suited for the flow we have in Heby.

It’s also good from a sustainability perspective, as with the same energy consumption, we will increase our drying capacity”, says Jan-Erik Johansson Vik, Site Manager at Setra Heby. He adds: “The price is important when making an investment but you mustn’t fixate on it. With Valutec, we are getting a secure and developing partner who offers good service and delivery security.”

The kiln in Heby will begin assembly during the summer and in Hasselfors, assembly will begin in February next year. Jon Lindberg, Sales Manager at Valutec is looking forward to delivery: “We already cooperate well with Setra and I look forward to us continuing to develop their drying capacity together.”

The TC kilns are delivered with Valutec Valmatics 4.0 control system, which enables the TC kiln functions to be utilised fully.

Valmatics 4.0 is the only control system that combines simulator technology with adaptive control and which enables optimisation of capacity, quality and energy consumption simultaneously.

With these investments, Setra Group is following a clear trend in the world of sawmills. The new generation of Valutec TC kilns has been sold worldwide in recent years, opening up new markets for the company.

“What lies behind this technological leap is thousands of hours of development where

The properties of the TC continuous kiln fit well into the Setra Greenness philosophy. They offer the precision of the batch kiln in combination with high capacity and efficient heat recovery.

Another bonus with it is that we don’t get tied to one batch size if we’d like to switch to larger ones in the future to reduce handling and further increase drying capacity Jonas Fintling, Site Manager, Setra we studied, evaluated, tested and invented new things in all parts of a sort of lumber kiln that, in its first form, was used as early as 1927”, says Robert Larsson, CEO of Valutec.

The big improvement is in the way to control temperature and airspeed individually in different zones using integrated simulator technology. Thanks to its development, the sawmill can choose with a high degree of freedom the dimensions of the lumber to be dried, something that has not previously been possible in a continuous kiln.

TC is the abbreviation of the Swedish for “cross circulation”. The principle is based on the lumber package being fed lengthways through zones in which the air circulates laterally across the drying channel. This enables the separate regulation of the climate in different zones according to a schedule that comes very close to the ideal schedule of a batch kiln.

SAWLINES

Bois Daaquam invests in new USNR end-dog carriage line This new line is scheduled to be installed in 2023.

B

ois Daaquam, located in Saint Just De Bretenieres, Que., is investing in a new USNR end-dog carriage line. The new system replaces a dated Forano carriage that has provided

good service over many years, and now makes way for new technology that will improve both recovery and throughput.

The end-dog carriage is an extremely versatile machine, capable of horizontal and vertical skewing, and 360-degree log rotation.

This fully automated system makes use of USNR’s proprietary Lasar2 sensors. The Lasar2 scanning system combines dense 3D scan data, and together with USNR’s powerful optimization

engine, it is proven to maximize grade recovery in carriage lines around the globe.

Parton Lumber upgrades to USNR Edger vision scanning

T Parton Lumber in Rutherfordton, NC is investing to update its edger optimization system to vision-based scanning with BioLuma 2900LV sensors. This new system will be installed later in 2022.

he mill’s edger optimization system was installed with BioLuma 2900L laser profile sensors in 2015. With BioVision and Deep Learning AI technologies coming mainstream with proven benefits, Parton Lumber decided it was ready to take advantage of these technologies. Along with an advanced scanning system, the optimization platform will be updated to the latest Windows release, offering stability and longevity.

Nix Forest Industries to install new planermill stacker at their Timpson, TX mill

N

ix Forest Industries is replacing their planermill stacker system on the heels of a new Transverse High

Grader (THG) installation and other upgrades at their Timpson, TX mill. Investing in the new lowprofile stacker will increase overall

throughput and uptime while reducing maintenance. This project is scheduled for start-up during the first part of 2023.

The Low-Profile Stacker features a compact, all-electric design and offers gentle handling of valuable product. Efficient and reliable in any environment, the energy-efficient design delivers precise actuation.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 25

SAWLINES

BID Partners with Westervelt to modernize Moundville, AL Planermill featuring the New Artificial Intelligence Enabled Robotic Trim Block System

BID Group announces it has received a new turnkey order from Westervelt Lumber to modernize their existing planer mill in Moundville, Alabama. Through its industry-leading wood processing technologies and integrated solutions offering, BID will manage, design, build, equip, install, and provide full start-up services for the project. The new operation will incorporate the full spectrum of BID’s best-in-class wood processing technologies.

“We are excited to partner with the BID team again to continue expanding our manufacturing capacity and modernizing our lumber facilities in the U.S. South,” said Joe Patton, Westervelt Lumber’s Vice President and General Manager, Wood Products.

“This project will employ the best complement of modern technologies to meet our growing consumer demand for the highest quality product, in a facility that has been recognized as a top performer. Working with an industry leader like BID provides the confidence that this major project to further enhance our capabilities will be done right and delivered on time.”

The modernization will incorporate the full spectrum of BID’s best-in-class wood processing technologies including equipment, software, and automation systems. It will feature the very first robotic trim block management system, BID’s latest innovation. Through its strategic partnership with Yaskawa Motoman, BID has become the first industry Original

Simon Potvin, President Wood Processing

Equipment Manufacturer to offer robotic solutions using Artificial Intelligence.

“We would like to thank the Westervelt team for their ongoing trust in BID. We are excited to partner with them to commission the first Artificial Intelligence enabled robotic system. The innovative combination of technologies behind this system will generate a new level of operational efficiency within the wood processing industry.”, said Simon Potvin, President Wood Processing.

Start-up will be in the first quarter of 2023.

BID to invest $5 Million in the modernization and expansion of its St-Ephrem, Quebec facility BID Group, a North American leader in sawmill equipment manufacturing, automation, installation, and life cycle service, is pleased to announce its plans for a $5 million strategic capital investment to expand its St.Ephrem, Quebec facility.

The facility will grow by 18,000 square feet, representing a 35% increase in manufacturing space.

The larger area will allow for the assembly of the more complex equipment to meet growing

demand. The expanded facility will contribute to increasing BID’s ability to deliver its comprehensive line-up of innovative technologies to its highly valued customers.

“We are humbled and honored by the enduring trust from our customers whose successes are driving the need for these types of investments. We are excited to be expanding our presence in the Beauce region of Quebec and to be adding more high-quality jobs to our existing 450-person

26 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

workforce.” said Adam Infanti, Chief Financial Officer at BID. Excavation will begin immediately, and construction will be complete in the Fall of 2022.

This expansion will create thirty new jobs, primarily for machinists, mechanics, and welders.

Adam Infanti, Chief Financial Officer at BID

SmartMill signs representation agreement with Finna Sensors & Dynalyse “We are very proud to have finalized this agreement with Dynalyse and Finna Sensors that allows them to promote our state-of-the-art equipments and at the same time will allow us to advertise and sale their innovative products” says Jean Bérubé, Eng., president SmartMill.

“With this agreement, we are able to represent their products in eastern Canada, North-eastern United States and South-eastern US as well”, adds M. Bérubé.

The products concerned by this agreement are a true complement to each other’s functionality and are the following: • Finna/Dynalyse: Transverse HD Hybrid moisture/density sorting system. An outstanding tool for sorting heavy and frozen lumber by moisture and density.

• Finna: Planer moisture systems for optimizing grade recovery and yield.

• D ynalyse: Dynagrade and Precigrader. Two grading tools allowing Timber Strength Grading and wood’s MOE. • S martMill: FLX-400, a test bench allowing to determine the MOE and the MOR of wood boards.

In this regard, “Finna Sensors is excited to collaborate with SmartMill and Dynalyse to create an ideal combination of systems and service, providing valuable solutions for customers in (Eastern) Canada,” said Jason Kovacik, Sales Manager at Finna Sensors SmartMill, Dynalyse and Finna Sensors aim to provide high-tech solutions in automation for the wood industry in order to help our clients get the maximum of value of each piece of lumber and maximise their profitability in the process.

About SmartMill SmartMill is a team of dedicated experts committed to the success

of the wood processing industry.

SmartMill designs, manufacture and install state-of-the-art automation equipment that is a customizable solution to improve the profitability of its clients located in North America.

Potlatchdeltic announces $131 million expansion of Waldo, Arkansas Sawmill PotlatchDeltic Corporation (Nasdaq: PCH) announced June 6 that it is investing $131 million to expand and modernize its Waldo sawmill located in Columbia County, Arkansas. The project will increase the mill’s annual capacity from 190 million board feet of dimensional lumber to approximately 275 million board feet. The investment will also reduce the mill’s operating costs significantly.

“The Waldo investment is an exciting strategic growth opportunity, and it will position the mill among the lowest cost producers in the U.S. South,” said Eric Cremers, President and Chief

SAWLINES

Executive Officer. “We expect to achieve additional EBITDDA of $25 to $30 million per year and an IRR of approximately 22% in our base case, which is based on a relatively conservative lumber price assumption. The project reflects our belief that housing fundamentals will remain strong,” stated Mr. Cremers.

PotlatchDeltic owns three sawmills and nearly 950,000 acres of timberlands in Arkansas. The expansion is expected to create 55 new indirect jobs. “The investment in the Waldo lumber mill will further strengthen PotlatchDeltic’s important role in the forest products industry in Arkansas,”

About PotlatchDeltic

Governor Asa Hutchinson said. “By modernizing and expanding the mill, the company will support the community and position the mill and its team members for success well into the future.”

The Waldo investment includes upgrades to the log yard and planer, a new saw line, and a new continuous dry kiln. The existing mill will continue to operate during the project and completion is expected by the end of 2024.

PotlatchDeltic has contracted with BID Group to design, build, and equip the expansion and modernization.

PotlatchDeltic (Nasdaq: PCH) is a leading Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that owns approximately 1.8 million acres of timberlands in Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Mississippi. Through its taxable REIT subsidiary, the company also operates six sawmills, an industrial-grade plywood mill, a residential and commercial real estate development business, and a and a rural timberland sales program. PotlatchDeltic, a leader in sustainable forest practices, is committed to environmental and social responsibility and to responsible governance. More information can be found at www. potlatchdeltic.com.

September 28-30, 2022 PORTLAND, OREGON

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 27

SAWLINES

BID Group announced May 2nd the continued partnership with Canfor to deliver a sawmill modernization project for its Urbana, Arkansas operation. Through its industry-leading wood processing technologies and integrated solutions offering, BID will manage, design, build, equip, install, and provide start-up services for the project.

BID to Partner with Canfor for its Urbana Facility Modernization “We are excited to partner with the BID team again to apply their industry-leading turnkey solutions to the Urbana modernization project,” said Stephen Mackie, Executive Vice President, North American Operations at Canfor.

“This project will deploy the best complement of BID’s state-of-theart technologies to modernize the work environment for our valued employees and significantly increase our ability to produce sustainable wood products that will meet the growing needs of our customers.”

The scope for the sawmill will incorporate the full spectrum of BID’s best-in-class wood processing technologies including, a 31’’ VTO Debarker with flare reducer, a high-speed canter line that will allow for increased efficiency processing a broad log profile, software, automation systems, and Artificial Intelligence

enabled optimization. BID’s Integrated Solutions Team will provide the design, engineering, planning, fabrication, and installation services for this Turnkey project. The sustainment of the plant’s operational life cycle excellence will be supported by BID’s Reliability Solutions which will provide comprehensive service, parts, consumables, and upgrades.

“We would like to thank Canfor for their continued trust in BID. This is the second large turnkey project announced with Canfor within the past year and we are humbled and honored that they have chosen to partner with us again for their next major growth investment and ongoing operational excellence,” said Alistair Cook, President and CEO of BID Group.

Work on site will begin in the third quarter of 2022.

Alistair Cook, President & CEO of BID Group

Stephen Mackie, Executive Vice President, North American Operations at Canfor

Astara Capital Partners expands sawmill platform with new investment in Arkansas Astara Capital Partners, LLC (“Astara”) announced May 24, 2022 that it has formed Camden Timbers, LLC (“Camden Timbers” or the “Company”) to acquire and restart the assets of Victory Lumber, LLC (“Victory”), a Southern Yellow Pine sawmill located in Camden, AR. Camden Timbers is Astara’s second sawmill investment in the ACP Lumber Holdings, LLC (“ACP Lumber”) platform following its acquisition of Cross City Lumber, LLC (“CCL”) in April 2021.

Astara began working on the opportunity in 2020 after it was contacted about the mill by a group of sawmill executives with whom Michael Ranson, Astara’s Managing Partner, had worked in the past. This team of executives, led by Brett Bray, was responsible for restarting Caddo River Forest

Products (“Caddo River”), another mill in Arkansas where Mr. Ranson and Bob McKagen, CEO of ACP Lumber, served as board members.

Astara’s lumber platform completes add-on acquisition Mr. Bray, who has decades of experience in the sawmill industry, commented, “I am excited to once again partner with Michael as well as the teams at Astara and ACP Lumber. We have a terrific opportunity to greatly improve the mill’s infrastructure and bring jobs back to Ouachita County and the surrounding area.

Our team learned a lot from the Caddo River restart and is proud of the economic contribution that restarting Caddo has made to its local community. We are eager to get to work and make Camden

28 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

Timbers a success.”

“The Camden Timbers team has developed a comprehensive plan to invest significant capital in the mill,” said Mr. McKagen, “and ACP Lumber is excited to support the project. Brett and his team’s plan will create a preeminent small-log timbers mill that is highly synergistic to CCL and complements our focus on specialty and dimensional lumber.”

Mr. Ranson added, “I’m thrilled to be working again with the same talented executives that made Caddo River a success. Astara is fortunate that both of our sawmill investments are led by teams with whom we have worked in the past.

In addition, we remain committed to investing in an industry that fosters sustainability. The pine forests in the southern U.S. are a

Michael Ranson, Astara’s Managing Partner

massive, renewable resource. The carbon-capture benefits of building with lumber are underappreciated and stand in contrast to the carbon emissions generated by alternative construction materials.”

Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, PA and IceMiller LLP served as legal advisors to ACP Lumber.

SAWLINES

BID to deliver a new stateof-the-art turnkey facility for Claw Forestry Services BID Group has announced it has received an order from Claw Forestry Services to deliver its first greenfield sawmill complex project in the southern United States. Through its industry-leading wood processing technologies and integrated solutions offering, BID will manage, design, build, equip, and provide full start-up services for the project, located in Gloster, MS.

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“We are excited to partner with the BID team to expand our manufacturing capacity with our first state-of-the-art turnkey lumber facility in the U.S. South,” Claw CEO Billy Van Devender said. “This project will employ the best complement of modern technologies to meet our growing consumer demand for the highest quality product, in a region where we own significant timberland acreage. Working with an industry leader like BID provides the confidence that this major project to further enhance our vertical integration will be done right and delivered on time.”

The new operation will incorporate the full spectrum of BID’s best-in-class wood processing technologies including equipment, software, automation systems, AI-enabled optimization, and its plant-wide Industry 4.0 solution, OPER8™.

BID’s Integrated Solutions Team will provide the design, engineering, planning, fabrication, and installation services for this Turnkey project. The sustainment of the plant’s operational life cycle excellence will be supported by BID’s Aftermarket team which will provide its Reliability Program,

Travis McDonald, Executive Vice President, Integrated Solutions at the BID Group.

parts, consumables, and services.

“We would like to thank the Claw team for their trust in BID, gained through a rigorous and extensive evaluation process, to deliver this project. We are humbled and honored that they have chosen to partner with us for their next major growth investment and ongoing operational excellence” said Travis McDonald, Executive Vice President, Integrated Solutions at the BID Group.

Work on site will begin late in 2022 and startup of the sawmill is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.

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Vancouver, Canada • Tel: 1 604 731 9311 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 29

Forwarders

GIANTS OF THE FOREST Large Forwarders with greater ground clearance for steep slopes and long extractions can lead to enhanced productivity.

Ponsse has raised the bar with its new 25T Forwarder.

NEW 30 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

AN UNPRECEDENTED LOAD-CARRYING CAPACITY

W

hen it comes to productivity, the powerful PONSSE Mammoth forwarder raises Ponsse’s forwarder product range to a new size category. Equipped with the stepless Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system and the K121 loader, the Mammoth’s sturdy frame structures make it the most powerful forwarder on the market.

MAMMOTH 25T International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 31

Ponsse Forwarder Range

MAMMOTH (cont’d)

Super strong power line ensure that large stems and heavy loads can be transported effortlessly, even in the most challenging terrain.

ERGONOMICS ON A WHOLE NEW LEVEL In the PONSSE Mammoth forwarder, operator ergonomics has been addressed every step of the way. One of the most prominent new features is the PONSSE Active Seat, available as an option, which is an excellent new product that has been developed with a focus on ergonomics and usability according to forest machine operators’ requests. The new Active Seat improves usability, as it turns and follows the work environment according to crane movements, increasing the forest machine operator’s productivity. The Active Seat, developed by Ponsse, is only available for PONSSE forest machines.

NEW FEATURES IN THE PONSSE MAMMOTH FOR INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY • T he PONSSE Active Cabin, an effective cabin suspension system with a simple structure, helps forest machine operators keep going, even during longer shifts, by suspending any stress on the cabin.

• T he long rear frame enables the transport of long stems at plantations, for example. The forwarder features the largest load space in the Ponsse product range: 6.8 or 8.0 m2 .

• W ith the PONSSE Active Crane control system, the operator controls grapple movements instead of individual functions, allowing the operator to concentrate effectively on working with the loader. Active Crane is easily controlled using two levers, one of which controls the grapple height from the ground, and the other the direction of movement.

• T he Mammoth’s transmission is based on the CVT technology, the stepless changing of gear ratios.

In a forest machine equipped with CVT, the conventional hydrostatic transmission is replaced by a separate CVT system. This enables higher fuel economy and tractive force. The advantages of a high tractive force are especially evident when working at demanding conditions • T he K121 loader combines high slewing and lifting power, longer reach, new loader geometry and good controllability. The K121 loader improves the effectiveness of working in conditions where load handling takes up a large part of working hours. It also makes working easier at worksites where large trees are processed. Mammoth can be equipped with loader tilt that facilitate works at slopes where the loader is required to produce power, and the crane pillar needs tilt angle for the smooth processing of loads.

The Wisent

The Elk

Buffalo

Buffalo King

32 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

Bison Active frame

NEW H8 HARVESTER HEAD WITH POWERFUL FEED

A

powerful feed, firm grip and solid yet agile frame are characteristics of the H8 harvester head. The saw box area is even wider, making the harvester head an excellent choice for trees with a high butt diameter.

Active Speed is available for the harvester head as a new feature, giving the harvester head superior performance.

ACTIVE SPEED – IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY REGARDLESS OF THE STEM SIZE With Active Speed, the harvester head’s speed rate can be adjusted based on the tree species and stem diameter. Equipped with this new function, working with the H8 harvester head is smooth and productive, no matter what the tree diameter is. “We have developed our product range of harvester heads actively with our customers.

Many of our customers work in challenging conditions, which is why their development ideas give us the best possible feedback for product development. With its completely new structure, the new H8 harvester head is ideal for processing large trees,” says Janne Loponen, Product Manager for harvester heads.

Elephant

Elephant King

Janne Loponen, Ponsse Product Manager for harvester heads

COMPLETELY UPGRADED STRUCTURE The new harvester head can be fitted in PONSSE Ergo, Scorpion Giant and Bear, the strongest harvesters in our product range.

The design of the saw box area has been further developed to make it easier for snow and sawdust to leave the saw box. The harvester head’s structure has been designed for easy maintenance, and the frame has been built to be even more durable. A powerful feed, combined with a geometry that firmly supports larger stems on feed rollers, guarantees high productivity and good fuel economy. The automatic features of the Opti control system, developed and built by Ponsse, control the feed speed and saw movement, according to the tree diameter, and ensure fast and precise sawing.

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more Cooling

more Power

more Productivity

less Downtime

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 33

19T

34 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

1910G The largest forwarder in the lineup, the 1910G machine’s elevated drive hydraulics and firm 4.5 percent tractive force make it perfect for demanding conditions. This forwarder has 7.5 percent more engine output and 21 percent more torque than its predecessors.

• Best for large loads in difficult terrain.

• Working is easy even on steep slopes.

• Levelling cabin keeps the operator upright.

• Fast loading and good visibility to the load space.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 35

and remote diagnostics and programming, enabling the quick identification and diagnosis of problems from miles away.

Delivering increased productivity, versatility, and stability in the woods, the John Deere G-Series Forwarder lineup features six powerful models - 910G, 1010G, 1110G, 1210G, 1510G, and 1910G – that are built for the demands of the job site.

One of the most notable features available on all G-Series machines is the Intelligent Boom Control system (IBC). IBC allows the operator to direct the reach and height of the boom tip parallel to the ground. One joystick moves the boom tip horizontally, while a second joystick guides it vertically, providing faster cycle times and more precise control. This technology increases loading speed and maximizes boom control, providing greater productivity and enhanced comfort for the operator.

The G-Series models are compatible with the TimberMatic™ Maps and TimberManager™ suite of solutions, offered in-base on new machines. Utilizing a mobile network to share real-time information, TimberMatic Maps enhances visibility and eliminates guesswork with job site mapping.

The map provides critical data such as precise location or volume.

Operators can update the map with areas of interest, soft ground, or hazards, which are shared in real-time with other crew members for increased job site awareness.

TimberManager, a web-based solution, offers managers full visibility to the progress of the worksite, from the land harvested to the machines at work. This enables better productivity tracking and overall job site management.

Each G-series model is available with two cab options: rotating and leveling, and fixed. The rotating and leveling cab option comes with a rotation of 290 degrees, providing a 360-degree view giving the operator a superior vision to the tires and the surrounding area close to the machine. The large windows, comfortable ergonomic armrests, a fully adjustable aircushioned seat, and automated climate-control system all ensure decreased operator fatigue and increased productivity on the job site.

All G-Series Forwarders are equipped in-base with Adaptive

910G and 1010G Models

910G

Driveline Control (ADC). ADC automatically adjusts rpm to keep driving speed steady, even in demanding conditions, and saves driving cycle fuel consumption up to 10 percent. Additionally, ADC reduces excess noise while keeping rpm low in conditions where the driveline does not require high torque.

The Variable Load Space (VLS) option, available for the 1210G, 1510G, and 1910G models, allows for the load space to be easily configured based on operator needs. VLS allows for the load-space width to be

1510G

36 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

adjusted, resulting in more flexible forwarding and sorting of short pulp and energy wood.

The long bogie 1010G, 1110G, 1210G, and 1510G model forwarders are ideal for soft terrain, delivering lower ground pressure when compared to standard machines.

The long-bogie models also improve the stability of the rear frame while driving.

All of the G-Series models are compatible with the in-base JDLink™ telematics solution.

Combined with John Deere Connected Support, the dealer can assist with machine monitoring

Available in either a six-wheeled and eight-wheeled configuration, the 910G and 1010G models provide the power operators need to tackle even the most demanding conditions. The compact machine design on the 910G and 1010G is customizable to meet various worksite and operational needs by choosing from different boom, load-space, axle, and cabin options. Each model is built with a shorter frame in front of the engine to minimize overhang, resulting in easy operation in challenging terrain. Ideal for thinning operations, the 910G features balanced bogie axles.

Customers can equip the versatile 1010G machine with heavy-duty bogie axles or a low-ground pressure rear-bogie axle option.

The design of the 1010G machine provides improved, terrain-friendly operation and performance in soft soil applications. Additionally, the 910G and 1010G machines both feature a rigid front axle on the six-wheeled configuration, and the 1010G is available with an unbalanced front bogie axle option.

Mid-Size 1110G, 1210G, and 1510G Models Stable and agile, the 1110G is built for thinning jobs, boasting 6.6 percent power and 4.1 percent torque than its predecessor.

Additionally, this machine is

available with a short wheelbase.

By moving the rear axle of the G-Series model forward, the load space on the 1110G is unchanged.

The 1210G and 1510G Forwarders are strong, nimble machines, ideal for both thinning and final cut operations. The 1210G features 7.6 percent more power and 7.8 percent more torque than the previous models, whereas the 1510G offers 5.1 percent more power and 8.7 percent more torque. With an increased slewing angle of 44 degrees, the 1510G is more agile than its predecessor.

1110G

Forwarder 594F – 20T

T

he Eco Log 594F belongs to the new range of F-forwarders developed for high comfort and easy servicing for an effecient forestry:

• T he urea tank has been placed together with the central lubrication unit, fuel and hydraulic tank to facilitate easy access and re-filling.

• Loading capacity of 20 tonnes

• T he gear box increases the tractive effort of the machine, giving it even better performance when working in difficult terrain.

• T he grill swings open for easy access and cleaning.

• T he hood is opened with electric actuators - to facilitate service.

• T he large-dimensioned fenders house easy-to-access batteries, as well as the tool box.

• T he machines are equipped with new radiators optimized for Stage V.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 37

20T

38 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

Rottne F20D Rottne F20D is a sturdy forwarder with very large load capacity of a full 20 tonnes, making it perfect for transport for long forwarding distances. The balanced bogies, with large wide wheels, provide excellent flotation capacity and smooth and gentle travel.

Powerful engine and variable transmission Rottne F20D has a well-balanced power train with a diesel engine that can be run at a low working engine speed, as it achieves maximum torque between 1,000 and 1,500 rpm. The variable

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 39

F20D Continued

hydrostatic transmission with a tractive force of a full 27 tonnes (270 kN) means that Rottne F20D can manoeuvre without problem in all types of terrain and can maintain a high driving speed even with maximum load.

Fast crane with long reach The crane with designation RK 160 has top-class performance.

RK160 has a large oil flow and the valve package is mounted on the crane close to the cylinders, instead of on the machine chassis, which means the crane remains fast. The torsionally strong base, powerful lift capacity and a reach of up to 10 metres, means loading and unloading can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

Rottne F20D – the forest’s largest forwarder for efficient transport!

ROTTNE F10D

ROTTNE F10D ROTTNE F10D is the sequel to the popular Rottne F10B and has all the features demanded of a genuine thinning forwarder. Stability, flexibility and good tracking together with low ground pressure and good bearing capacity are typical characteristics for this machine.

Rottne F10D is now also available in a new version that is only 2400 mm wide. Making manoeuvrability when thinning even easier.

The cab’s large windows and low bottom edges provide fantastic visibility over the entire work area and the Rottne D5 control system gives the possibility of personal settings for perfect work results.

A cab with a good combination of comfort and function creating an optimal work environment.

With the forwarder computer and GPS/GeoInfo you get detailed information about daily production with coordinates for the position of roadside timber stacks and accurate follow-up of times for loading, unloading, transport, servicing and repairs, etc.

Rottne F11D Rottne F11D is the new 8-wheel forwarder with a 12-tonne load capacity – a strong workhorse which with its high tractive force provides a soft and flexible

ROTTNE F11D

operation in tough terrain. The low centre of gravity provides the forwarder with great stability.

The frame has the same design as the larger Rottne forwarders and the central joint, which has a 45° steering angle, is located only 40 cm in front of the machine’s centre point. This means that the wagon has very good tracking. As Rottne F11D is a small forwarder with large wheels it has low ground pressure and good bearing capacity.

Rottne F13D

Rottne F15D

The forwarder is equipped with 8 wheels and a load capacity of a full 14 tonnes. Hydraulically operated headboard and front bunk makes Rottne F13D very versatile when handling different timber lengths.

The forwarder can alternatively be equipped with width adjustable load bunks (Wide Load) and hydraulic stakes, which increases its flexibility and load capacity from 4,7 m2 to 5,5 m2.

Crane with different reach options

Powerful chassis and steering wagon give a flexible machine

The cab is the same on all Rottne forwarders with high comfort and a modern design. Of course, it can be equipped with the cab suspension system Comfort Line which gives the operator smooth and impact free terrain driving. The crane is a Rottne RK85 with several extension options and a reach of 7.5 to 9.3 metres.

Rottne F13D has a powerful chassis that can manage final felling, at the same time as the steering wagon with an extremely large steering angle of 54°, extremely small turning circle and accurate tracking makes it ideal for dense thinning.

Rottne F15D has a robust frame design with a powerful articulated joint and integrated articulated frame lock. The power train boasts a powerful diesel engine and conventional hydrostatic transmission providing high tractive force, which ensures that the forwarder travels over rocky and steep terrain.

Portal bogies and a wagon frame that is slightly tapered from the bogie forward provide good ground clearance. The bogie lift, which is extra equipment, makes the forwarder more flexible in some situations, see further information in separate text.

40 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

Wide Load gives increased flexibility The front headboard and first bunk are hydraulically adjustable, while the other load bunks, which

are screwed to the frame, can be moved into different positions along the frame. The forwarder can alternatively be equipped with width adjustable load bunks (Wide Load) and hydraulic stakes, which increases its flexibility.

Crane with long reach and protected hose routing The forwarder crane, RK 125, works rapidly and has good motion geometry and high lifting power.

It has a range of 7.2 or 8.4 metres with a single extension unit or 10 metres with a double telescopic arm. All crane options have protected hose routing between the crane tip and grapple – which applies to all Rottne forwarders.

ROTTNE F13D

Rottne F18D Rottne F18D is a large forwarder with a load capacity of 18 tonnes, providing more efficient transport for long forwarding distances.

The portal bogies, with large wide wheels, provide excellent bearing capacity and smooth and gentle travel. The wagon is available in two frame lengths and the load area has a very low centre of gravity. The forwarder can alternatively be equipped with width adjustable load bunks (Wide Load), which increases its flexibility and load area from 4,8 m2 to 5,9 m2.

ROTTNE F15D

Variable transmission with a whole 260 kN tractive force Rottne F18D has a well-balanced power train with a diesel engine that can be run at a low working engine speed, as it achieves maximum torque between 1,000 and 1,500 rpm. The transmission is hydrostatic with two hydraulic motors in a 3-speed automatic gearbox that allows gear changing when fully loaded. With a tractive force of 26 tonnes a high speed can be maintained even at maximum load.

ROTTNE F18D

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 41

T

he Komatsu 895 is designed to forward productively. Every component has been developed for a load capacity of 20 tonnes.

Outstanding performance.

895-2 Komatsu Forwarder (North America spec)

Power to deliver For your big log-hauling challenges, the 895 is designed to be a trusted partner.

Each component was developed to confidently handle a load up to 20 metric tons.

Hydraulic retarder overspeed protection ensures the driveline won’t run too fast.

Gross load capacity 44,092 lbs.

Width With 780/50x28,5 tires: 10 ft. 4 in

Length, total 35 ft. 5 in (with shortest rear frame)

Weight Approx weight

Reach 24 ft. 7 in / 27 ft. 11 in

6WD: 44,974 lbs.

8WD: 52,029 lbs.

Gross lifting torque

Engine

Gross slewing torque

Type, Europe and North America AGCO Power, 6-cylinder diesel engine with turbo and intercooler. Tier 4 F.

32,010 lbs.-ft

Stroke volume

Grapple

1.95 gal

Komatsu G36

Power

(The specifications describe possible equipment, not which equipment is standard or optional.

Standard and optional equipment varies between countries.)

214 kW DIN at 1,850 rpm

Torque 1,280 Nm at 1,500 rpm

Fuel tank 58.1 gal

Loader and grapple Loader Komatsu 165F

Length, front axle to middle joint 6 ft. 7 in

Length, middle joint to rear axle 12 ft. 10 in (with shortest rear frame)

Transport height 13 ft. 3 in (hoses included and with tire compression)

Ground clearance, at steering coupling 8WD: 2 ft. 7 in Note: Stated dimensions are nominal and may vary slightly depending on production tolerances and choice of equipment.

42 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

121,698 lbs.-ft.

Rotator G121/G141/G171 ProTec 2

20T International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 43

Right on track with revised Komatsu models Upgraded 845, revised 835TX & NEW 825TX At the launch of its revised models, Komatsu Forest presented a number of forwarder announcements, including an upgraded Komatsu 845 and a brand-new thinning concept:

Thinning Experts (TX) Which includes the 835TX & the new 825TX This will mean that Komatsu’s entire forwarder range now boasts a fully upgraded design, a new 4-cylinder engine and a new control system.

The Bogie Lift Advanced option will be available for all small forwarders and, moreover, MaxiFleet will gain several new features to simplify day-to-day forwarding work.

The Komatsu 825TX, an agile 9-tonne forwarder for the market segment for the smallest machines, is a brand-new and eagerly awaited forwarder model.

The former smallest model, the 11-tonne Komatsu 835, has been upgraded and relaunched with a new designation, the Komatsu 835TX. Also presented is an upgraded mid-class 12-tonne stalwart, the Komatsu 845, which performs well not only in thinning, but also in lighter final logging.

“With the launch of the revised models, all our machines have now been upgraded and we’re pleased to be able to offer our customers comprehensive forwarder and harvester ranges.

The new thinning experts have several qualities which make them extremely well-suited to thinning, and which have been requested for some time. They also feature some of the advantages of the larger forwarders,” says Daniel Grabbe, Product Manager at Komatsu Forest.

many practical storage spaces.

Another improvement is that the Orbitrol steering wheel has been replaced by an electric mini steering wheel, found on the right joystick. This new steering wheel enables a higher transport speed of 22–25 km/h depending on the model. “The removal of the old steering wheel means less hydraulics in the cab, providing an even more spacious and quieter work environment,” says Grabbe.

Greater reliability with the latest engine installation The Komatsu 825TX, 835TX and 845 models all boast a new engine installation, one which meets the latest emission legislation for diesel engines (Stage V). This provides a number of benefits: an all-new AdBlue system, a new exhaust system and hydraulic tappets.

The AdBlue system has been completely overhauled, with a focus on improvements to increase reliability. The tank has been moved to the front-left storage space and has a new and improved filling solution incorporating both a spill guard and filtration.

A specially designed funnel with venting channels enables faster filling.

“All these modifications simplify daily machine maintenance while also reducing the risk of dirt entering the tank,” Grabbe explains.

Komatsu 825TX is the thinning specialist that is powerful yet compact.

Low weight, accessibility and power are examples of features that all contributes to long-term productivity

The Komatsu 835TX is optimal for thinning with its accessibility and strength. It is a lightweight forwarder, with high ground clearance and a fuel efficient engine, which all contributes to reducing the environmental impact. for machine and head control, bucking, crane settings and administration, with user friendly functions and tools that provide full control of the timber from order to roadside delivery.

Bogie Lift Advanced for an easier working day

Comfortable cab with excellent visibility in all directions

Daniel Grabbe, Product Manager, Komatsu Forest

All new forwarders have been upgraded with the same cab as the current Komatsu 855, 875 and 895 models. Komatsu’s ergonomic cabs are based on a tried and tested concept that offers a comfortable and spacious work environment with good visibility in all directions.

The interior is well considered with

Modern control system for the best starting conditions Another feature shared by our new forwarders is that they have been equipped with the MaxiXT control system, which was unveiled for Komatsu’s other forest machines in 2019. MaxiXT is a complete system

44 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

Bogie Lift Advanced, which enables individual control of the left and right bogies, will now be available as an option on the Komatsu 825TX, 835TX and 845 models.

This function provides the forwarder with great mobility when passing over obstacles, which is especially important in dense forest stands with narrow strip roads that require agile machines with good offroad handling.

Improved information transfer and increased cooperation The launch of revised models incorporates two major new features added to MaxiFleet,

Komatsu Forest’s operations management system. Location data will now enable you to view your position on the map, which can aid the sharing of information between colleagues.

Also released is a new function that helps in the preparation of forwarder instructions. Preparing the instructions in advance means less need for administration in the cab and more time for the operator to actually forward.

Riding high in North America

Komatsu’s new 845-1 forwarder offers high crane capacity, and maneuverability in rough terrain. This 12-metric-ton forwarder offers long reach with excellent lifting power and slewing torque

D

oes your forestry operation need a dependable log forwarder that can operate in tough terrain conditions?

Komatsu’s 845-1 forwarder offers an excellent combination of high crane capacity, maneuverability and rough terrain capability to help you maximize your productivity.

With high productivity for thinning and light clear-cutting, the 12-metric-ton class forwarder offers several frame-length options.

Designed for smooth and precise operation, the 845-1 has a long reach with excellent lifting power and slewing torque.

the highest ground clearance in the industry.

Designed to maximize performance with high power and torque with a Tier IV Final fuelefficient engine, the sophisticated control system on the 845-1 automatically adapts to changes in engine load. Computerized HST system considers machine load, terrain conditions, power and torque output to give you exceptional tractive force.

Hydraulic retarder overspeed protection ensures the driveline won’t run too fast.

Komatsu 845-1 quick specs

Operator benefits

• G ross load: 26,455 lbs. (12,000 kg)

Operator comfort is key to productivity and the spacious and open cab on the 845-1 provides excellent visibility, ergonomic controls and a seat that delivers all-day comfort. Optional Comfort Ride suspension provides added comfort and the ride height control keeps the cab parallel to the frame.

Provides operators the benefit of machine controls they can fine-tune for sensitivity and speed or smoothness and accuracy –whatever the job demands. The state-of-the-art MaxiXT system monitors and controls everything

• P ower: 188 HP @ 1,900 rpm (140 kW @ 1,900 rpm) • T ractive force: 38,218 lbf. (170 kN) Even when fully loaded, operators can maneuver with confidence in the most rugged forests. The chassis and suspensions on Komatsu forwarders are designed for performance under demanding conditions. Komatsu Comfort Bogie axles with a high portal offset and V-shaped frames provide some of

from engine and crane to the transmission and service ladders.

Options to enhance productivity Multiple options are available to enhance productivity and comfort, including bunk wideners, rearand front-view video cameras, computer touchscreen and electric fuel fill pump. For ground or stump leveling on tough terrain, an optional heavy-duty stacking blade is available. Mounted with a high angle of departure for climbing obstacles, there’s no interference between blade, battery boxes or hood guard.

Keep your forwarder up and running When the temperatures drop, no need to lose valuable time. A standard diesel heater system heats the engine coolant, hydraulic oil and the batteries to facilitate cold-weather starting on the 845-1.

Maintenance is quickly and easily completed with a servicefriendly design that features an electronically powered tilting hood.

All filters are located together for easy access under the hood.

Great news for all forwarder operators – the next generation of Komatsu Comfort Ride A forwarder operator spends many hours a day in the cab, making a pleasant and comfortable work environment extremely important.

Forest terrain is often rough, and the operator is subjected to both jolts and vibrations. These can be tiring and make maintaining a steady and high production rate a challenge – and in the long run they can even affect your body physically Komatsu Forest is now

introducing the next generation of Komatsu Comfort Ride, with several comfort-enhancing innovations.

Komatsu Forest first launched the Komatsu Comfort Ride forwarder option back in 2013, a hydraulic cab suspension system with a four-point design that efficiently dampens jolts and vibrations. “Comfort Ride quickly became one of the most popular options for Komatsu forwarders

and now it’s time to introduce the next generation of Comfort Ride, with several eagerly awaited features,” says Daniel Grabbe

Product Manager Forwarders at Komatsu Forest.

Continued on p48

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 45

Ponsse upgrades range with enhanced technology Some key carriers and accessories have been examined by the R&D team and now enjoy cutting edge technology upgrades

L

eading global harvesting equipment manufacturer Ponsse has released a series of products to improve productivity in sustainable harvesting. The solutions have been developed together with customers, integrating their feedback.

The Ponsse Scorpion Giant harvester and the Mammoth forwarder respond to the most rigorous requirements of modern forestry both in terms of ergonomics and productivity.

“These new products strengthen our position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of responsible harvesting solutions,” says Marko Mattila, Sales, Marketing and Service Director at Ponsse.

“The development of both new forest machines started from improved ergonomics, safety and usability, as well as better visibility from the cabin. We believe that we succeeded very well in this, and we are delighted to demonstrate these new products to our customers

today here in Surahammar in Sweden.”

Scorpion Giant The Scorpion Giant is a giant in terms of productivity and power.

It adds to the Scorpion product range, which was completely upgraded in 2021. In line with customer feedback, the Scorpion Giant was developed to have more tractive effort, which helps the harvester to be agile even in challenging conditions, including snow, steep slopes and soft terrain.

It is in a “league of its own” when it comes to crane lifting power, also when handling larger stems, according to Mattila.

“Even though the Giant is the strongest harvester in the Scorpion range, the Bear is still our most powerful harvester overall,” he said.

“What makes the Scorpion Giant stand out is its versatility, allowing it to be operated at various sites, as it can be fitted with the Ponsse H6, H7, H7HD Euca or H8 harvester head.”

Unique ergonomics

New Scorpion Giant with new H8 Head in Finland

46 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022

Cabin ergonomics and usability have been leading themes in Ponsse’s research and development in recent years, alongside the development of safety.

The Giant has a one-piece windscreen that extends to the roof of the cabin, offering even better visibility for the operator and ensuring safe working in all conditions. The cabin workspace is described as a “practical and quiet office with a view”, developed to support the operator’s comfort and wellbeing.

The Giant features many solutions familiar from the Scorpion product range that have been developed even further. These include increased tractive force and a more powerful C50+ crane, with a fork boom that offers excellent visibility of the logging site.

It also features the unique active levelling and stabilisation

systems familiar from other Scorpion models. The Scorpion Giant is available with the highly advanced and modern Opti 5G system and the Opti 8 touchscreen computer.

Opti 5G: the most modern information system on the market The Ponsse Opti 5G is arguably the most modern information system on the market. Its smooth and fast operations raise user experiences in information systems to a “whole new level”.

The powerful C50+ crane, combined with the Opti 5G information system, offers a whole new way to control the crane and improve operational efficiency using Ponsse’s Harvester Active Crane. With Harvester Active Crane, the operator can directly control the movements of the harvester head, instead of just controlling the individual operations of the crane.

This allows the operator to focus on wood processing, instead of simply controlling the crane.

Harvester Active Crane, available as an option, requires the Opti 5G control system, which is currently available in the Scorpion product range’s harvesters in certain market areas.

The availability of Harvester Active Crane will be expanded to other machine models and market areas.

New Mammoth 25 T forwarder

Ponsse’s new solutions for improving productivity in responsible forestry were demonstrated to audiences for the first time in Surahammar in Sweden in May. The new solutions have been developed together with customers, listening to their needs.

H8: the next generation’s harvester head The new Ponsse H8 harvester head features powerful feed, a strong grip and a sturdy but agile frame.

The saw box area is even wider, making the harvester head an excellent choice for trees with a high butt diameter. The harvester head can be fitted in with the Ergo, Scorpion Giant and Bear carriers, the strongest harvesters in the Ponsse product range.

The automatic features of the Opti control system, developed and built by Ponsse, control the feed speed and saw movement,

according to the tree diameter, and ensure fast and precise sawing.

With Active Speed, the harvester head’s operating speed can be adjusted based on the tree species and stem diameter.

Working with the H8 harvester head equipped with the new feature is productive and smooth, regardless of the stem size.

Mammoth forwarder: unprecedented load-carrying capacity The Mammoth forwarder, powerful in terms of productivity, expands Ponsse’s forwarder range to the

new category of 25 t load-carrying capacity.

Equipped with the stepless Continuously Variable Transmission system and the K121 loader, the Mammoth’s sturdy frame structures and super-strong hydraulics ensure that large stems and heavy loads can be transported effortlessly, even in the most challenging terrain.

In the Mammoth forwarder, operator ergonomics has been addressed every step of the way.

The new forwarder offers the highest productivity when driving distances are long. Less driving is required because more stems can be transported each time.

One of the most prominent new features is the Active Seat, developed according to forest machine operators’ requests. The Active Seat improves usability, as it turns and follows the work environment according to crane movements, increasing the forest machine operator’s productivity.

The Mammoth can be equipped with Ponsse Active Cabin, an effective cabin suspension system with a simple structure.

It helps forest machine operators keep going, even during longer shifts, by suspending any stress on the cabin. In addition to the Mammoth, the Active Cabin is available for the Buffalo, Elephant and Elephant King forwarders.

The Mammoth can be equipped with a long rear frame, which enables the transport of oversized stems at plantations in South America, for example.

The Mammoth features the largest load space in the Ponsse

These new products strengthen our position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of responsible harvesting solutions Marko Mattila, Sales, Marketing & Service Director, Ponsse product range – 6.8 m2 or 8 m2 – depending on customer preference.

Active Crane is a loader-control system for forwarders, with which the operator controls grapple movements instead of individual functions, allowing the operator to concentrate effectively on working with the loader.

The technology is easily controlled using two levers, one of which controls the grapple height from the ground, and the other the direction of movement.

Ponsse Active Manual service offers video guidance The Active Manual is an instruction and maintenance manual service with videos to support the daily work of forest machine operators.

The visual Active Manual is an owner’s manual service that runs on mobile devices and supplements the current Owner’s Manual by offering videos alongside the manual. The feature is available on Apple and Android app stores.

The automatic features of the Opti control system, developed and built by Ponsse, control the New H8 feed speed and saw movement, according to the tree diameter, and ensure fast and precise sawing.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 47

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

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

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Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada

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One new feature is the ability to adjust the cab suspension’s lateral firmness, which further improves operator comfort. This function is geared to the machine’s speed to make driving as comfortable as possible regardless of whether the operator is inching over an off-road obstacle or driving unladen from the landing to the next wood pile. In practical terms, the suspension’s firmness is progressive, increasing with machine speed to ensure maximum comfort. “Since operator preferences regarding optimal cab suspension in various situations differ, individual adjustments can be made for each operator and settings are automatically saved in MaxiXT,” Grabbe explains. The operator can also easily adjust the firmness while driving if necessary, to adapt the machine to varying ground conditions. The suspension’s firmness is adjusted using a button on the hand controller.

Another new feature is that the new Comfort Ride can level the cab laterally on gradients of up to 6 degrees, provided the machine is stationary or moving slowly.

This offers the operator a more comfortable working posture during crane operation, which usually is a fair share of their working day. When the machine is moving at higher

www.usnr.com

speeds, the longitudinal suspension is given priority to better handle rough terrain.

When unloading, a clear view of the load area is advantageous. Comfort Ride has long had an unloading mode that raises the cab the full stroke of the cylinders. This affords the operator a good overview of the load area and the landing. One of the updates in the new Comfort Ride is that this function now also works when the machine is moved at low speed. This allows the operator to reposition the machine at the landing while still retaining the elevated position. If, however, the speed increases, the cab is automatically lowered back down to its standard position.

In addition to these new features, Komatsu Comfort Ride retains the same popular characteristics as before. The hydraulic cab suspension dampens vibrations from the tracks to ensure a smooth, comfortable ride for the operator, just as it dampens any jolts during crane operation. “Komatsu Comfort Ride quite simply offers forwarder operators a work environment that is physically more forgiving while the reduction in jolts and vibrations enables them to retain their focus and energy levels for longer,” Grabbe concludes.

steel in timber bunks, since the previous lines also counted on the innovative material. This vast market experience has provided a steady improvement in products and the company currently produces the lightest models in the market.

Reduced production cost In addition to the increased safety, the use of high-strength steel in timber bunks results in a lower production cost. With lighter bunks, the trailer will suffer less weight impact, which will result in savings with fuel, tires and brakes. The weight reduction can still be used to carry more timber, which increases the efficiency of the operation. By reducing wear and tear on items, the life of the transport equipment will also increase.

Good for the environment

High-strength steel creates more safety & competitiveness for the forestry segment Choosing the best materials available in the market is a suitable indication for any segment, but in some areas this choice is more than important:

I

t’s essential. In the forestry sector, for example, thanks to a severe and heavy routine, the quality of the products used is what guarantees the protection of the professionals involved and the efficiency of operations.

Considered up to four times safer than conventional ones, high-strength steel (HSS) is a must for companies specializing in wood transport that wish to be more competitive. This material has a more careful and complex manufacturing, which generates a more elaborate and reliable

product.

One of the main differentials in the use of high-strength steel is the reduction of product weight. It can be lighter than conventional steels while being sturdier, and it is twice as strong as aluminum. The timber bunks made of this material therefore have a higher load capacity and are safer.

The new generation of the RAPTOR® line is manufactured entirely from HSS. The models are produced at Unylaser, Brazil. The brand is a pioneer in the South America in the use of high strength

Another important benefit of high strength steel is within the environmental area. Lighter products require less energy to manufacture, generate less carbon dioxide emissions and reduce water contamination. Also, the use of HSS reduces the thickness of the materials applied, requiring less weld beads. For these reasons, the new generation of RAPTOR® is also called “green timber bunks”, since it was designed considering environmental guidelines.

HSS is still an ally of the severe conditions encountered in the industry segment. With the help of this material, the new RAPTOR® models respond more effectively to adverse situations and are more suitable for yard, road, river or sea transport.

Timber bunks made of high-strength steel have a higher load capacity & are safer International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2022 IBC