International Forest Industries Magazine Feb March 2013 by International Forest Industries Ltd

IFI Cover Feb_Mar 2013_HR 20/02/2013 11:01 Page 1

Peterson ad 10.2012_Layout 1 30/10/2012 16:30 Page 1

IFI_PG01_Contents_HR 20/02/2013 15:41 Page 1

CONTENTS

HARVESTERS Limiting the impact on the forest floor has become the chief concern of many contract harvesters

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

22 54

30 18 Operation Focus – Canada:

22 Saw Technology:

Physical limitations required inventive thinking by USNR engineers who managed to not only deliver to their own high standards but exceed their client’s expectations with a layout built for speed and efficiency

REGUL AR

A Romanian group building up its reputation for quality bandsaw blades heads this year’s Saw Technology review

FEATURES

4 Sawpoints

30 Access to the Timberstand: Getting to the stand and then maintaining access can have a significant influence on the efficiency of any forestry operation. International Forest Industries looks at three key suppliers of road making and clearing equipment to find out what fresh developments are available to this forestry support application

12 World Markets

69 Cutting Edge

54 Lifting & Loading: Getting access to timber within a stand can become simpler and faster if the right lifting arm is used. International Forest Industries asks suppliers of cranes and associated technologies about how their products have improved

72 Advertising Index

COVER: EWD Bandsaw The EWD Bandsaw headrig technology is suitable for all sizes of large log sawmills. The 17° slanted headrig offers faster loading and rotating of logs and smoother transfer of sawn lumber. A skilled operator achieves 1015% higher production/shift. The combination of 17° slanted headrig with the double cut bandsaw eliminates unproductive return passes. The bandmill of choice for higher saw speed and higher production is

the double cut EBB 1800 VR/17° with 1.8 m wheel diameter. All EBB headrigs can be fitted with the FBS Flying BandSaw technology to improve sawing speed and accuracy with the intelligent magnetic saw guides. (See full article page 64). www.ewd.de

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 1

IFI_PG02_Ed Comment_HR 20/02/2013 11:08 Page 2

OPERATION FOCUS ISSUE 32 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 583 emma@internationalforestindustries.com

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Annual Subscription UK and Europe £160, €230 Rest of the world US$270

Money for old rope

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 Editorial Director John Chadwick john@internationalforestindustries.com Editor Chris Cann chris@internationalforestindustries.com

obody knows what the future will

faster, and more

hold but one thing is for certain –

powerful

this is going to be a big year for

advances were the priority. Other

the forestry sector. This year, the moons are aligning with

modifications concentrated on operator comfort in the cab and there have been

some of the industry’s largest forestry

continued improvements with engine

shows across sectors and across

technology to keep fuel costs down and

continents. I am of course referring to

Editorial Board Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit (Canada)

meet evermore demanding emissions

Ligna (Germany), Elmia (Sweden) and the

requirements.

Darren Oldham – Managing Director Söderhamn Eriksson (UK)

be wheeling out new technologies galore,

other main features: the sawmilling

Allan Hansard – Chief Executive of the National Association of Forest Industries (Australia)

many of which would have been timed for

feature looks a little closer at durability

release at such events.

and efficiency in bandsaw blades; the

Professor Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz – Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland) Andre de Freitas Forest Stewardship Council Head of Operations Eduardo Morales South American Forestry Consultant

SFPA Expo (US), where manufacturers will

It is in the context of this wave of new

It has been a similar story across the

lifting and loading special includes better

products bearing down on us that I think

protection for hydraulics rather than mind-

that this issue of International Forest

blowing increases in capacity; and various

Industries is particularly interesting.

manufacturers of mulching and earth

Unlike most issues that feature at least

moving equipment show how their

some form of breakthrough technology,

machines can be used to build and

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS Lansdowne Media Services Ltd

this edition is all about smart applications

maintain forest roads – for most, not their

Advertising Manager Phil Playle phil@internationalforestindustries.com

of existing technology. It should come as

primary purpose. Even our sawmilling

no surprise, really – we are in an extended

Operation Focus feature stars a

period of budgetary constraints for both

manufacturer that has won praise from its

manufacturers and foresters/sawmillers.

client for a clever redesign of a sawline,

So between the big shows that force new

rather than for space-age technology

technologies to the surface, many

usually associated with that sector.

Group Advertising Manager David Lansdowne david@internationalforestindustries.com +44 (0)1442 87 77 77 Design & Production CSDA – csims@nildram.co.uk 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 monthly by International forest Industries Ltd GBR and distributed in the USA by SPP, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe NJ 08831. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick, NJ. Postmaster: send address changes to International Forest Industries, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe NJ 08831. © International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2012 IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout. All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

2 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

manufactures are finding ways to offer

It’s a refreshing and encouraging

their clients solutions without anyone

snapshot of our industry: to see

breaking the bank.

companies thinking crisply and using their

The prime example in this magazine is

time and money efficiently, much like their

the annual harvester technology feature.

clients, to ensure they’re delivering

Normally home to at least one truly

solutions at each point in the cycle – not

ground-breaking innovation, this year the

only when they’re able to cash in on high

headlining innovation has been the

footfall at major industry shows.

modification of existing models to take an extra set of wheels and thus decrease

Enjoy

ground pressure considerably. This sounds

Chris Cann

like a simple adaption but it’s one that has

E D I TO R

not been a priority in times when bigger,

Tigercat ad 02.2013_HR 20/02/2013 11:09 Page 1

IFI_PG4_11_Sawpoints_HR 20/02/2013 15:28 Page 4

SAWPOINTS

Onetrak to represent Tigercat across Australia Tigercat signed on Onetrak to be its Australian dealer starting this month

arly in 2012, Onetrak was appointed as Tigercat distributor in the Australian states of Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria. The organisation has proven to be highly customerfocused and Tigercat is confident that Onetrak will continue to be an asset to Tigercat’s worldwide distribution network. Lex McLean, Owner and Managing Director of Forest Centre, Tigercat dealer for Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, has decided on a well-deserved retirement. As such, Forest Centre will cease to be the authorised dealer for Tigercat in those states. Onetrak intends to lease Forest Centre’s full service facility in Tumut, New South Wales and will also open an additional facility in Bunbury in order to support customers in Western Australia.

Tigercat and Onetrak are striving to make this transition as smooth as possible for all Tigercat customers in Australia. Onetrak managing director David Hazell: “All of us at Onetrak are very excited about building on our relationship with Tigercat as it is an exceptional product that receives factory support here in Australia that is second to none. Our role as the national dealer for Tigercat in Australia is to pick up from the good work that Lex and his crew at Forest Centre have done with the product and take it to the next level. We look forward to building strong relationships

with our existing forestry clients and new ones right across Australia and feel very positive about the future.” The Tigercat team extended its appreciation to Lex and the entire Forest Centre staff for 12 years of dedication and commitment to Tigercat and the Australian forestry industry. Incorporated in 2006, Onetrak has rapidly grown into a major player within the Australian construction and forestry equipment industries. Employing over 40 people across Victoria and Tasmania, Onetrak prides itself on the quality of its people, carefully

chosen from a diverse range of backgrounds within the industry and with one common trait – a desire to provide exceptional customer service. In addition to new Onetrak facilities to be opened at Tumut, NSW and Bunbury, WA, Onetrak has branches currently located in South Dandenong in Victoria, Brighton in Tasmania and a service centre at Mt Gambier, South Australia. All of these locations boast state of the art service facilities and are supported by several field service vehicles to cover work in any region – no matter how remote.

Organisational changes at Deere to benefit forestry clients John Deere’s Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division has implemented organisational changes to enhance its focus on forestry customers. The changes improve alignment and management of the overall global forestry product portfolio and stewardship of the forestry product lines. The changes include the appointment of Martin Wilkinson to the position of Vice President, Worldwide Forestry and Business Development in the Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division. In his expanded role, Wilkinson assumes responsibility for the division’s forestry business worldwide, while 4 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

retaining his responsibilities for business development, strategic planning and communications. “These strategic organisational changes help John Deere better align our resources to customers’ needs and will better position Deere to grow our forestry business,” Michael Mack Jr, President, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division, said. “The changes reflect a dedicated focus to our forestry customers.” Mack said best practices and economies of scale will continue to be leveraged across the overall construction and forestry division and rest of the John Deere enterprise when applicable.

Wilkinson has held a variety of executive positions with Deere including work in the disciplines of business development, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing, strategic planning, finance and accounting.

IFI_PG4_11_Sawpoints_HR 20/02/2013 15:28 Page 5

IFI_PG4_11_Sawpoints_HR 20/02/2013 15:28 Page 6

SAWPOINTS

LC Energy’s acquisition of Harvest Wood meets glowing endorsements

C Energy, one of the region’s leading specialists in sustainable wood fuel supply, has announced its acquisition of Harvest Wood Fuels bulk pellet business, a top supplier of high grade wood pellets based in Tilford, Surrey (UK). LC Energy operates across the south and east of England with an established base of public, private and commercial sectors from primary schools and care homes to global hotel groups, leisure parks, hospitals and international airports. As well as developing a leading reputation for the supply of biomass wood fuel solutions – including design and feasibility, service and maintenance, LC Energy has been recognised for its policy of supplying wood chip fuel which is sustainably harvested and sourced locally. Mark Lebus, Managing Director of LC Energy: “Harvest Wood Fuels has built a reputation for supplying sustainably sourced pellets to customers across the region, and this responsible approach chimes perfectly with ours. Additionally, their expertise in the bulk pellet market complements our experience and, in bringing the two companies together, we feel we will be able to grow the market for wood fuel energy across the board. “There is no doubt that this is a market with excellent potential. We’re already seeing a significant increase in the numbers of organisations and householders recognising the value of wood fuel energy, both for reducing their carbon footprint and lessening their reliance on fossil fuels.” Harvest Wood Fuels source their premium

pellets from local producers who use local woodland management arisings as a raw material. Wood chip is used to fire boilers in industrial, commercial and some large residential applications but the carbon-neutral1 pellets are used in a variety of other heaters, including wood pellet boilers, existing hearths or solid fuel burners in private homes. Being more compact and requiring less storage space than wood chip fuel, the pellets are ideal for domestic use and in smaller buildings. Richard Dunne, Head Teacher at Ashley Primary School in Walton on Thames, one of Harvest Wood Fuels’ longest standing customers: “We place sustainability at the centre of all that we do and this is why we chose a wood pellet boiler to heat our school. We have been very pleased with the service provided by Harvest Wood Fuels and the merging of their pellet business with LC Energy, together with the opportunities this will provide is really exciting.” James Little, former Managing Director of Harvest Wood Fuels and newly appointed Head of Business Development at LC energy: “Our raw materials do not have to be transported far, reducing the carbon footprint and the cost of producing the fuel. It also provides much needed support to the local woodland industry of the Surrey Hills - one of the most beautiful and wooded parts of the UK. “I am thrilled to be moving to LC Energy. We will have a tremendous opportunity to build and invest in the future of the pellet supply business. This is especially important in view of the expected introduction of the Domestic

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for householders in summer 2013. Industrial and commercial customers already benefit from grants available through RHI. “Our vision is to establish a sustainable local supply of wood pellets throughout the UK by setting up a network of small scale production plants at sawmills and other sources of raw material.” Business entrepreneur, Lance Trevellyan who founded and sold Harvest Wood Fuels bulk pellet business to LC Energy, said: “The sale of Harvest Wood Fuels to LC Energy makes a lot of sense, and I look forward to seeing the two sides of the business flourish in this fledgling, but rapidly growing industry.” Trevellyan has recently received planning permission at his Group’s Tilford site to develop a sawmill, a wood chip fired Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant and wood pellet production. The plant will generate both electricity and heat from wood chips to be used in the production of dry wood chip (a proportion of which will be used to fuel the CHP plant) and Grade A1 wood pellets for wholesale to LC Energy. “This development fits perfectly with our ethos of supplying locally made wood pellets to local end users - we are very excited about the prospect of being able to purchase quality wood pellets, produced so close to our main customer base,” Little said.

Sustainability proves a priority for UPM At the New Generation Plantation Project (NGPP) conference organised recently in the capital of Uruguay in Montevideo, UPM showcased how it manages sustainable forestry plantations. The international conference was attended by forestry, plantation and sustainability experts from all over the world as well as global companies and representatives of the Uruguayan government. Opening the conference, Tabare Aguerre, the Uruguayan Minister for Agriculture, highlighted the fact that Uruguay is the only country in South America that had actually increased its area of native forest in the last 20 years. “Plantation forestry has helped

develop and diversify the Uruguayan economy and continues to attract investments,” Aguerre said. Luis Neves Silva of WWF, Manager of the NGPP: “Well-managed plantations can have a positive role to play in economic, social and environmental development when they are managed in accordance with the concepts of the New Generation Plantation Project.” Javier Solari, Vice President of UPM’s Plantation Operations: “Our approach to plantation management is aligned with the New Generation Plantation Principles. Wherever we operate,

6 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

we respect the rights of local communities and protect ecosystems and natural forests. All of our eucalyptus plantations in Uruguay are FSC and PEFC certified.” The Montevideo conference concluded with a four day study tour of Uruguay sharing best practices in sustainable plantation management. The Plantation Life website tells more about UPM’s sustainable plantation forestry. UPM’s eucalyptus plantation forestry company in Uruguay, Forestal Oriental, is the centre of expertise for UPM plantation operations worldwide.

Approximately 60% of the land owned by the company is planted for eucalyptus. The rest of the land is used for cattle grazing and forestry-related infrastructure or is protected and not used for plantation operations. The long term annual harvest of pulp wood in these areas covers currently 70% of the demand for wood raw material for UPM’s Fray Bentos pulp mill. The remaining 30% is purchased from independent suppliers. In co-operation with local private landowners, the company’s FOMENTO programme works to encourage the suppliers to diversify the use of their farmland using sustainable plantation forestry.

IFI_PG4_11_Sawpoints_HR 20/02/2013 15:28 Page 7

IFI_PG4_11_Sawpoints_HR 20/02/2013 15:28 Page 8

SAWPOINTS

UK Pellet Council promotes fuel quality

ith the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive set to be introduced in 2013, the biomass industry is gearing up to ensure a high quality supply of wood pellets is available to meet demand. The UK Pellet Council (UKPC) was established 12 months ago with the aim of providing a single body to represent all parties directly involved in the UK wood pellet trade, and to implement the European ENplus wood pellet fuel quality scheme. ENplus was introduced to help secure the supply of wood pellets with clearly defined and consistent quality for heating purposes. The

scheme has been operated successfully in Europe for a number of years by the European Pellet Council and various national bodies representing individual countries. Now with the launch of the UKPC the UK has its own organisation hosted by the Renewable Energy Association. As well as administering the ENplus scheme, the UKPC will promote biomass heating to end users, monitor and liaise with government on policy, and provide a forum for dispute resolution. To support the UKPC, HETAS has been appointed as the UK certification body for ENplus. The scheme is open to pellet producers

based in the UK or pellet traders who wish to market to customers in the UK. HETAS will also accept applications from producers or traders in European countries that don’t have their own national pellet council as long as that country is recognised by the European Pellet Council as participating in the ENplus scheme.

Morbark signs on with Cobb Cobb County Tractor Company has recently signed a contract with Morbark a leading manufacturer of tree care, forestry, sawmill and wood recycling equipment, to become an official dealer for the Morbark Tree Care Products line for customers in the metro Atlanta area. Cobb County Tractor Company, which has been in business since 1955 and has locations in Marietta and Buford, Georgia, will handle sales of Morbark’s hand-fed brush chippers and stump grinders, as well as parts and service for Morbark customers in the Georgia counties of Cobb, Paulding, Bartow, Cherokee, Fulton, DeKalb, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Rockdale, Douglas, Clayton, Fayette, Walton, Barrow and Oconee. “We are excited to add Cobb

County Tractor to our dealer network,” Casey Gross, Morbark Tree Care Products Sales Manager said. “Their experience, high level of customer service and local knowledge will greatly benefit our customers in the area.” John Davis, Cobb County Tractor Company President: “Cobb County Tractor is excited to announce that we are now a Morbark dealer. Since 1955 we have taken great pride in providing the best possible customer service, and treating our customers with the utmost respect and professionalism. “We look forward to working with Morbark, and showing them that we are serious about growing this line of equipment and supporting customers in our area.”

8 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

ANDRITZ takes on major Turkish MDF/HDF installation International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order to supply a pressurised refining system with a design capacity of some 1,200 t/d for a new MDF/HDF production plant being built by AGT in Turkey. The new MDF/HDF line will be erected next to an existing door production facility owned by AGT, a leading profile supplier and producer of doors and WPC elements. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2013. This order confirms ANDRITZ’s position as one of the leading suppliers worldwide for tailormade, complete front-end systems for the MDF industry. In 2012, ANDRITZ secured four important orders and conducted six successful start-ups in China, where a total of more than 125 ANDRITZ systems have already been sold. In

Europe, the MDF industry ordered ANDRITZ machines for Russia, France, and Germany. ANDRITZ front-end systems include the woodyard (debarking, chipping, screening, and chip storage), as well as the chip washing and pressurized refining systems. Depending on the raw materials used, ANDRITZ delivers tailor-made solutions for processing chips, sawdust, and annual plants. To ensure continuous production with fast refiner plate changing and short downtimes, the ANDRITZ refiner has a “swing-door” design. Keeping a keen eye on energy costs, ANDRITZ systems have extremely low energy consumption. In total, ANDRITZ has already installed 250 pressurised refining systems worldwide.

IFI_PG4_11_Sawpoints_HR 20/02/2013 15:28 Page 9

IFI_PG4_11_Sawpoints_HR 20/02/2013 15:28 Page 10

SAWPOINTS

Building activity linked to strong interest in WoodEXPO 2013

s anticipated by leading financial and economic commentators, the pace of building activity has finally started to pick up momentum in New Zealand, Australia and in the US. Lumber exports from New Zealand in 2012 rose a healthy 10%. Domestic demand for structural and framing lumber is lifting through Auckland’s house building activity and the Christchurch rebuild. In 2012 there was a 73% increase for total building consents compared to the previous year for the Christchurch area. Over this same period there was also an increase for the country of 28% in floor area for building consents. In Australia, the Housing Industry Association is projecting dwelling starts increasing by 4.5% in 2013 and then again by a further 7.0% in the following year. Housing units authorised in the US were 28% higher in 2012

compared with the same time in 201. All projections at the moment are pointing to continued strong growth in this area. In fact, it’s forecasted that as a consequence of rapidly increasing housing starts in the US that lumber and panel prices will move to new highs this year and record highs for lumber in 2014. With building activity picking up pace wood processing activity in Australasia is also starting to ramp up. “The guarded optimism now been seen in this part of the world by wood products companies is being reflected in the interest in this region’s first wood products expo, WoodEXPO 2013,” Forest Industry Engineering Association’s (FIEA) Director, Brent Apthorp, said. Already in late January, around half of the available stands at the New Zealand and Australian venues for WoodEXPO 2013 have been taken up. At this stage there

is a particularly strong interest coming from major technology and equipment providers from offshore. Companies from the US, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland as well as local companies have committed to being involved in this major event. WoodEXPO 2013 runs in in Albury, NSW, Australia, on September 3-5 and again in Rotorua, New Zealand on September 11-13, 2013. A comprehensive technology workshop program (up to 40 presenters in both countries) will be announced shortly. Sessions will include; sawmilling, wood scanning, mill optimisation, saw design, selection, maintenance and operation, finger-jointing, timber gluing and laminating, wood-based panels and engineered wood products, wood machining and wood finishing technologies. “Because of the distance for local wood producers from many

Elmia’s forests getting crowded Despite considerable uncertainty about the future of the forestry market, there is clearly great interest in participating in the Elmia Wood forestry fair from June 5-8 this year. Organisers are now working to build extra stands for all the companies wanting to exhibit their products and services. “The fair site is almost fully booked but we’re receiving enquiries every day from more people wanting to exhibit,” Jörgen Andersson said, who is in charge of stand sales at Elmia Wood. He and his colleague Johan Löfgren, who manages the planning and construction of the fair site, are now hunting for every possible place to build a stand. “Last Elmia Wood we sold 69,460 m2 of stand space for the whole fair but we’re already up at 72,000m2 now, so this year’s fair will be crammed full,” Andersson says.

Destination Jönköping, which is helping to arrange accommodation for long-distance visitors, is also extremely busy. Coordinator Helena Lindgren said her team had already booked far more guest nights now than at the same time prior to Elmia Wood 2009. “We’re still getting many large bookings – maybe two or three big groups every day,” she said. Lindgren and her colleagues are arranging rooms in everything from hotels and hostels to residential study centres, camping cottages and private homes.

Many Finnish and German exhibitors About 30% of the exhibiting companies are from outside Sweden, with the majority from Finland, Germany and Austria. Visitors who have booked accommodation are coming from a wide range of countries,

10 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

Lindgren said. “We’ve had large group bookings from countries like Brazil, Japan, Switzerland, the US and Russia,” she said, adding that she is now expecting more bookings from countries closer to home.

Focus on innovations Elmia Wood has always been closely associated with new machine concepts and exciting technological innovations. This year will be no exception, promises Johnsen, who is responsible for overall coordination for Elmia’s forestry fairs. “We’ve made a special effort this year and have even published advertisements calling for innovators to participate in the fair,” he explained. He added that the campaign has had clear results and a number of interesting concepts will be unveiled at Elmia Wood in June.

of the major technology design, innovation and manufacturing companies, these programs in the past have been an integral part of the success of FIEA’s technology events,” Apthorp said. “Two-hour workshops will be running alongside the exhibitions on day two and three of both the New Zealand and Australian events. A series of practical troubleshooting sessions are also being set up as part of the workshop series.” Day one of each EXPO will incorporate a Wood Processing Summit for both senior managers and production staff from local companies. These will run in Albury on September 3 and again in Rotorua on September 11, 2013. Rather than address general issues around the global competitiveness of the local industry, a number of key technologies that really have the potential to provide a “stepchange” to wood processing will be covered. Rather than tweaking current processing and manufacturing operations (increasing the resolution of vision systems, the speed of scanning or feeding lumber into a machine, saws that can provide a smoother cut, etc) the objective of the Wood Processing Summits is to identify what technologies out there that can make a major difference to how we’re currently cutting up and processing our wood. An example of “thinking outside the square” is opportunities that may be available through 3D printing or additive manufacturing – the process of making three dimensional solid objects from digital models. In US President Barack Obama’s recent State of the Union address he referred to 3D-printing as “having the potential to revolutionise the way we make almost everything”. Congress is being urged to help create a network of fifteen manufacturing innovation hubs to ensure that the “next revolution in manufacturing is Made in America”. Contd on page 72

IFI_PG4_11_Sawpoints_HR 20/02/2013 15:28 Page 11

SAWPOINTS

Miner makes forestry a priority

btala Resources, the natural resource investment and development company, has increased its forest land holdings in Mozambique with the successful application for two additional concessions in northern Mozambique. The total forest land area has increased by 43,000 ha with concessions located adjacent to existing operational infrastructure. Management and forest inventory studies indicate a combined permissible annual cut volume of 9,432m3 timber. Obtala through its agriculture and timber subsidiary Montara Continental has acquired two additional forest concessions in northern Mozambique adjacent to the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing active operations. Recently completed management and inventory plans on the concessions indicate the presence of numerous species of exotic hardwoods, including African Blackwood, Kiaat and Panga-

Panga. The plans further indicate that the annual allowable cut which corresponds to the annual volume of timber that can be exploited to ensure the sustainability of the resource is 9,432m3/y based on a 20-year cycle. No species considered as rare in the forest inventory documents are included as exploitable. The concessions lie within 300 km of the deep-water port facilities at Nacala, which has a regular container shipping service to Europe and the Far East. The company has initiated the process to secure Forest Stewardship Council certification which will allow the end user markets in Europe to open up to Montara. Obtala has already put into place certain criteria, such as fire breaks, signage and the establishment of a sapling nursery for replanting purposes, which are prerequisite to the initial FSC site inspection, planned for midJanuary 2013. The first shipment of cut

hardwood has left the port of Nacala for buyers in South Africa. Additional timber is on the water to a third party timber manufacturing facility in Europe to process highend engineered flooring and decking. Negotiations are well advanced to conclude an agreement to supply additional wooden railway sleepers in 2013, starting post the rainy season in April. Francesco Scolaro, Chairman of Obtala: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very pleased to announce this increase to our existing forest land holding which will provide guaranteed supply to our planned increase in production of timber products in 2013. These high quality concessions are ideally located close to our existing operational infrastructure, which we have built up over the past year. The export of our maiden container of timber to buyers in South Africa marks the passing of another significant milestone in the development of the company. We remain optimistic with development plans

to re-position the company as a self-sustainable, profitable, African focused agribusiness and timber trading company with the land holdings providing the platform for the establishment of a vertically integrated company. The business is expected to grow significantly over the next 12-18 months and deliver value for our shareholders going forward.â&#x20AC;?

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 11

IFI_PG12_17_World Markets_HR 20/02/2013 14:13 Page 12

WORLD MARKETS

Spanish mills lead EU slump in eucalyptus imports European pulpmills imported much less eucalyptus chips from Latin America during 2012, mainly because Spanish pulp mills reduced their reliance on relatively costly wood fibre from Uruguay dramatically, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Pulp mills in Spain have also paid less for domestic pulplogs the past year, resulting in substantially lower wood fibre costs in 2012 than the previous year

he pulp industry in Spain has turned its focus to increasingly rely on domestic wood fiber sources rather than imported wood fibre the past year. Importation of wood chips importation was down as much as 58% the first 10 months of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, and there has not been a single chip vessel that has entered a Spanish port since May of 2012, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly (www.woodprices.com). This is a remarkable turn-around in wood fibre sourcing. As late as

2011, Spain imported 675,000 t of eucalyptus chips, 87% from Uruguay and the rest from Congo and Chile. Over the past eight years, Uruguay has exported between 300,000 oven-dry metric tons (odmt) and 600,000 odmt annually to Spain, so losing all that volume is a major setbackfor landowners and chip exporters in the country. Total chips exports to Spain for 2012 will be an estimated 200,000 odmt, which represents less than half of the shipments in 2011, and is the

lowest levels seen since 2004. Even the other two major buyers of eucalyptus chips, Portugal and Norway, have cut back purchases substantially the past 12 months with the result that total volumes of chips exported from Uruguay in 2012 may reach a total of only 700,000 odmt, down from almost 1.6 million odmt in 2011. Eucalyptus log prices in Spain have been declining steadily for more than a year, and the major fibre consumers have lowered the price they pay to land owners

practically every quarter since early 2011. The average eucalyptus log price in the third quarter was 11% below the price in corresponding period of 2011, according to the WRQ. In US dollar terms, the average cost for eucalyptus has declined by 26% since its all-time-high in the second term of 2011. Spanish pulp mills currently have some of the lowest hardwood fibre costs in Europe, but are still paying more for hardwood fibre than competitors in Latin America and North America.

Sawlog prices softer in 2012 Weaker lumber markets in Europe have reduced demand and prices for sawlogs on the continent this fall. Lower sawlog prices in both Europe and Latin America have resulted in an almost 10% reduction in the Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) over the past 12 months, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

With global demand for lumber declining in many regions during the summer and fall, log prices continued to trend downward throughout 2012. The Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) fell for the fifth consecutive quarter to $81.94/m3. The Index was down only 1.1% from the second quarter of last year, which was the smallest quarter-over-quarter decline since world prices started to fall in early 2011. In just 12 months, the GSPI Index has fallen 9.9% with the biggest price reductions in Europe and Latin America. In North America prices have been fairly flat for almost two years. The biggest log price declines in local currencies occurred in Sweden, Germany and Poland because sawmills in those countries were running at lower operating rates. Lumber

12 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

production in the Nordic countries has been lower this year than it was in both 2010 and 2011. During the first nine months of 2012, production was down 2% as compared to the same period in 2011. The biggest decline occurred in Sweden during the second and third quarter. In September, production was as much as 15% below the production level the same month in 2011. Sawlog prices in Western US have been surprisingly flat for more than a year but there are indications that the log market is changing. In early November, there was increased upward pressure on sawlogs prices from Chinese log buyers that were more active in this market than earlier in the year. Some log buyers were offering $10-15/m3 more for export logs than they did last spring. This new development has not been

popular with sawmills producing lumber for the US domestic market; some industry leaders have commented that they would not be able to pay the new higher prices for logs unless lumber prices increased. Softwood sawlog prices across the US South were practically unchanged in the third quarter of last year, and, for the most part, average prices have hovered around $60-62/m3 for almost two years. Since log costs can account for up to 70% of the production costs for a sawmill, the continuing stability of log prices combined with the increases in lumber prices has improved profitability for many sawmills. This is good news indeed for sawmills that have gone through some economically though times these past few years.

IFI_PG12_17_World Markets_HR 20/02/2013 14:13 Page 13

IFI_PG12_17_World Markets_HR 20/02/2013 14:13 Page 14

WORLD MARKETS

New Forest takes on Gunns sawmilling arm

ew Forests has completed an agreement to purchase Gunns’ sawmilling, sales, and distribution business from the ‘receiver’, KordaMentha. New Forests will acquire all the assets of Gunns Timber Products (GTP), including the Bell Bay and Tarpeena sawmills. The transaction was anticipated to complete late last month. Mark Korda and Bryan Webster, receivers of Gunns and its wholly owned subsidiaries, confirm they have signed a sale and purchase deed with New Forests to sell the timber business as a going

concern. The sale price is confidential. GTP is a leading national timber products business consisting of two high quality saw mills at Bell Bay in Tasmania and Tarpeena in South Australia and a national sales and distribution network with warehouses in Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne. New Forests confirms the contract provides for continued employment and entitlements for about 380 staff and has stated that the business will be managed locally. “Over the coming weeks, we

will be working closely with KordaMentha and Gunns Timber Products staff to ensure a smooth ownership transition,” David Brand, Managing Director of New Forests, said. “The Bell Bay and Tarpeena sawmills are key elements of Australia’s regional forest industries. Over the past year we have acquired softwood plantations in Tasmania and in the Green Triangle which provide the core wood supply to each mill. We can now aim to create value by integrating management of the forests with the mills and with the

Pulp mills feel the squeeze on declining prices The declining prices for softwood pulp during much of 2012 have forced many pulp mills to try to cut wood fibre costs to remain profitable. As a consequence, the wood fibre price index (SFPI) has continuously declined the past year and, during the third quarter of last year was at its lowest level since 2010, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly Prices for softwood market pulp (NBSK) prices have trended downward for more than a year from their record highs of over $1000/t in the summer of 2011. In the third quarter of last year, prices had fallen to between $750800/t in Europe and were about $50 higher in the US. This relatively long-lasting price decline seems to have come to an end this fall, as there are now pulp producers negotiating higher prices again. List prices for December are in the range of $820-870/t depending on if the deliveries are to Europe or North America. The lower pulp prices have resulted in downward price pressure on wood fibre prices in many high wood cost regions around the world as pulp companies have seen product prices approach production costs.

When profit margins for pulp mills are being squeezed, one of the first step taken to improve profitability is often to try to reduce the wood costs, since those costs typically account for 60-70% of the production costs when manufacturing pulp. Prices for pulplogs and wood chips fell in the local currencies in most of the key regions worldwide in the September quarter, according to the WRQ (www.woodprices.com). However, because the US dollar weakened against most currencies, wood prices in US dollar terms did not decline as much in the third quarter. The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI), which is based on US dollars, was down another 0.5% from the second quarter to $100.05/odmt. This was the fifth consecutive quarterly decline, and

14 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

the index has now fallen 8.7% since early 2010. The biggest price declines were seen in the northwestern US, Germany, Spain and Russia. Hardwood fibre prices started to increase in some regions around the world in the third quarter, which resulted in the first increase of the Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) in over a year, as reported in the WRQ. The Index increased by $1.56/odmt from the second quarter to $106.44/odmt in the third quarter. Hardwood fibre prices increased the most in Russia, Eastern Canada and Brazil. The price outlook for wood prices in the fourth quarter is mixed, with a stabilizing of prices in most softwood pulp-producing countries but also continued price declines in a few regions.

sales and distribution functions. This should allow us to be a competitive and high-quality timber supplier even in the current difficult market conditions.” Mark Korda: “This is an outstanding outcome for the employees and the local communities of Bell Bay and Tarpeena. The business will be in the hands of experienced forestry managers with a long-term interest in the Australian timber industry.” New Forests now manages over 375,000 ha of forestland and timber plantations across Australia on behalf of institutional investors, primarily superannuation funds, pension funds, and insurance companies. “We are long-term investors in Australia’s plantation forestry sector and seek to be part of the growth and development of the industry. We aim to continue to invest and grow our business in Australia, which despite the high Australian dollar and reduced housing starts, remains among the most attractive forestry investment opportunities in the world,” Brand said. Korda said he was delighted with the sale process, which attracted dozens of expressions of interest from Australia and overseas. There were seven bidders when the initial deadline expired in early November. Bidders were then required to submit binding offers for the assets by the end of November, and New Forests entered a short term period of exclusivity in order to finalise the terms of the transaction. Korda said this asset sale is a significant step in successfully carrying out the three-point plan set out at the beginning of the Receivership. New Forests anticipates operations at both mill sites will continue without any disruption through the ownership transition.

IFI_PG12_17_World Markets_HR 20/02/2013 14:13 Page 15

WORLD MARKETS

Finnish forestry figures fall on EU gloom

he gloomy economic conditions prevailing in the euro area will be reflected in the 2012 and 2013 figures for the Finnish forest industry’s production and exports. In 2013, the economy and construction activity are improving in the key export markets, but the recovery is expected to be only modest. In the wood products industry, production and exports of sawnwood and plywood will drop in 2012 due to the impact of sluggish construction activity in Europe and on the domestic markets. The economic outlook in Africa and Asia is rather better

than in Europe, however, and Finnish exports to these regions have been growing. The fall in demand on Europe’s paper markets means that production and exports of Finnish paper as a whole will reduce as well in 2012, although the unit prices of paper exports will slightly increase. The rise in paper prices has been attributable to Europe’s production capacity cuts of recent years and production restrictions in Europe during 2012. Towards the end of 2013, the economic performance in key export markets for the Finnish forest industry is expected to

recover, as well as on the domestic markets. Production and export volumes of Finnish sawnwood and plywood are forecast to grow about 2%, and the unit prices of exports are anticipated to be up slightly in annual terms. The fall in demand on the paper markets is expected to see a turnaround during 2014, so hardly any changes are foreseen in paper export volumes and prices in 2013. The weak state of Finnish forest industry exports is also affecting the roundwood markets, where the commercial fellings will be down in 2012, to 51 million m³.

The decrease in commercial fellings will continue in 2013, assuming that the roundwood imports will rise to a little over 11 million m³ as a result of Russia’s WTO membership. In annual terms, the sawlog and pulpwood stumpage prices for 2012 will reduce from the 2011 figures, and only minor price changes are foreseen in 2013. The forecasts assume that a dramatically deepening economic crisis in euro area will be averted. A deeper recession would entail a downward revision of all the forecasts in this economic outlook.

Wood pellet exports up 70% in 2012 Wood pellet exports from North America to Europe were up over 70% in the third quarter of 2012 year-overyear, according to the North American Wood Fibre Review. Rapid expansion of wood pellet production in both the US South and British Columbia has dramatically increased pellet exports from North America to Europe the past year, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review (NAWFR). In the third quarter of last year, total shipments were up 70% year-overyear to 860,000 t. The growth is expected to continue with numerous plans for adding capacity, particularly in the US South. Pellet exports from the two primary pellet-producing regions on the North American continent,

the US South and British Columbia, continued to increase in the third term and reached a new record of 860,000 t. Shipments in the period were over 70% higher than the same quarter in 2011, according to the NAWFR (www.woodprices.com), which compiles and publishes pellet trade based on customs data and surveys of pellet exporters each quarter. Pellet exports from the US South have skyrocketed the past two years with a quadrupling to 485,000 t from the third quarter of 2010 to the same period in 2012 to the 485,000 t. Canadian exports have also gone up the past few years, but at a slower pace. Beyond the trade statistics tracking the rise of pellet export volumes, another spate of export pellet plant announcements – detailed in the NAWFR –

emphasised the quickly growing trade relations that are being established between European power utilities and US pellet producers. The most striking announcement came in midDecember when Drax, a UK power company, stated its intention to build two 450,000 t pellet plants, one in the state of Louisiana and one in Mississippi. Most other export oriented pellet plants, while invested in by European utilities, are separate US-based entities, with supply agreements and MOUs defining the business relationship. The three major European pellet import countries remain the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium, while Italy, Denmark and Sweden are notably involved in pellet imports from North America, but on a much smaller

scale. Denmark’s Dong Energy utility, however, announced its intentions to switch to woody biomass at three of its coal plants, an action likely to add demand from the US Southeast. Announced US South pellet export plants increased sharply in the second half of 2012. Export pellet facilities, which are under construction, conversion or redesigned will add an additional 1.7 Mt of capacity during 2013, as reported in the NAWFR. In addition to these plants that are already under construction, five additional plants have been announced, and if they are actually built on the disclosed sites, they would bring another 2.3 Mt of capacity into play by the end of 2014.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 15

IFI_PG12_17_World Markets_HR 20/02/2013 14:13 Page 16

WORLD MARKETS

Swedish forwarder market defies manufacturer predictions

lmia’s summary of 2012 forwarder statistics for the Swedish market show 335 machines were registered. This is fewer than in the record year of 2011 but in no way a poor result. Machinery manufacturers had believed the forwarder market to be strong leading into the summer but then weaker. In fact, the registration data reveal the opposite was true. What is most interesting, Business Unit Manager at Elmia Torbjörn Johnsen said, is that there was no visible sales decline at the end of the year. Instead, the market strengthened further. “There’s great variation between the performance of the individual manufacturers but taking the market as a whole, the second half of the year saw more machines registered in Sweden than the first half,” he said.

“Seventy percent of the forwarders were registered in the southern half of the country.” Compared with the record year of 2011 with its 398 forwarders, most manufacturers registered fewer forwarders in Sweden in 2012. However, EcoLog and Ponsse strongly increased their respective market share and both companies sold a record number of forwarders. Ponsse registered 56 forwarders (compared with 32 in 2011), giving a market share of 17%, and EcoLog registered 29 forwarders (compared with 20 in 2011). John Deere, which had a very strong 2011 with 45% of the Swedish forwarder market, is still the market leader but its market share fell to 38% in 2012. Komatsu had a difficult year but thanks to a strong last-minute spurt of 17 forwarders registered

in December, the company maintained its second placing with 19% of the market, seven machines ahead of number three, Ponsse. Rottne began the year very strongly with more

forwarders registered compared to the same period in 2011. However, for some reason a total stop in sales occurred in August and the company had to give up the forwarder market’s third place. The big problem child of the 2012 Swedish forwarder market, though, was Gremo. With 11 forwarders sold, the company lost almost two-thirds of its market share compared with its peak in 2009, when 29 Gremo forwarders were registered. In 2012 Gremo sold only three machines more than Tigercat. No Logset forwarders were registered in 2012.

Elmia Wood influences forwarder market

By permission of www.skotarkartan.se/ 16 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

One interesting question is what the 2013 forwarder market will look like. “The situation changes very quickly in this market,” Johnsen said. “If you listen to individual manufacturers who haven’t been doing so well, you can get an excessively pessimistic picture of the Swedish market. There was a widespread feeling among manufacturers in 2012 that the forwarder market was strong until the summer but then fell off sharply after the long summer holiday. The registration data show the reverse is true, with more machines being registered in the second half of the year and

IFI_PG12_17_World Markets_HR 20/02/2013 14:13 Page 17

WORLD MARKETS

then a surge in December. “Of course there is a difference between the orders on the books and forwarder registrations, so it remains to be seen what 2013 will be like. The manufacturers could be sitting with very thin order

books – a situation that would show up in coming months’ registrations. “We also know from experience that some degree of a sales vacuum can occur in the months leading up to Elmia Wood. Many

contractors wait to invest until they’ve seen what innovations the manufacturers come up with. But in return, Elmia Wood always tends to inspire purchases, so the sales year can still end strongly. As long as industry needs timber

and the machines are working, then new machines will be needed,” Johnsen, who is expecting a positive forwarder year in 2013, said.

North American lumber prices to soar in 2013 A five-year outlook recently published shows that supply and demand conditions in wood products for the long-awaited ‘super-cycle’ are now taking hold, with the full impact still some three years or more away With the return of a demanddriven wood products market in 2012 – due to rapidly increasing housing starts in the US – it is now forecast that lumber and panel prices will move to new highs in 2013 and record highs for lumber in 2014. A North American ‘super-cycle’ has been predicted by research group Wood Markets since 2008 as a result of emerging supplyside constraints (mainly on forests and logs) as well as changing demand dynamics, but the global financial crisis that started in late 2008 and an unusually slow US housing market recovery have delayed this event until 2012. With the expectation of strong growth in US housing starts over the next five years, combined with a better balance in the housing inventory and a recovering economy, the US supply chain is expected to become overwhelmed at times during the next five years, allowing wood products prices to soar. While there are a number of

assumptions that are required to maintain steady economic growth, a strong wood products recovery amidst a tightening timber and mill supply base is still expected. These and other findings on US and Canadian lumber markets as well as forecasts for all engineered panels have just been released by Wood Markets in its 8th edition report – WOOD Markets 2013: The Solid Wood Products Outlook • 2013 to 2017. The report examines an overall tightening of the global timber supply base, but forecasts that it is mainly in North America where scarcities will be felt. With China now importing more and more logs and lumber from North America and with US demand now rebounding, some key structural constraints are expected to keep log and lumber supplies tight relative to demand growth, including: • A collapse of the Russian logging sector in 2009 from the global financial crisis where log

exports are now less than 40% of their 2007 level as they continue to decline in 2012 • Changes to the Russian log export tax that continues to leave Russian log exports less available and expensive • After a ‘cooling-off’ period in 2012, China’s requirement to feed its growing wood deficit will see a return to steady demand growth for imported logs and lumber from North America and other sources • The mountain pine beetle epidemic in the BC Interior will, by the end of the decade, kill about 60% of all the pine trees in the BC Interior. This will permanently reduce Western SPF lumber production starting in about 2014 or 2015 • The Quebec Government, which controls 90% of the forests in the province, will have reduced the timber harvest by at least 30% between 2004 and 2013, permanently reducing lumber production

• Consequently, Canada’s lumber production will plateau by about 2015, allowing for essentially no increases in exports to the US and will, therefore, see its’ US lumber import market share plummet to two-thirds of its historical level. By the end of the decade, BC and Quebec lumber shipments will collectively be lower by some 10 billion bf as compared to peak shipments in 2004 • The role of Timber Investment Management Organisations (TIMOs) will play out as log markets strengthen. As many large US corporate forest companies with sawmills have sold their private timberlands to TIMOs, timber prices are eventually forecast to rise and be sold more on the margin, tightening the economics of sawmilling in the US and potentially limiting incremental lumber production. Source: Wood Markets

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 17

IFI_PG18_21_OP FOCUS_USNR_HR 20/02/2013 12:10 Page 18

SAWMILLING – OPERATION FOCUS

Built for speed

ngenious is the word that comes to mind when considering the unique layout design installed on Vancouver Island, which incorporated alignment for a new positioning transfer, Multi-Track Fence, multisaw Lineshaft Trimmer and an extended ending roll transfer, on a 13.5 degree incline. The results of the line designed with high speed capability are, as the proud supplier puts it, “pure gravy”. During the boom years of 2005-2006, Western Forest Products (WFP) at Cowichan Bay, BC, invested in major upgrades to its sawmill with equipment from USNR’s Salmon Arm (Newnes) division. Then came the inevitable end to the up cycle and further investment was put on hold. After a strategic company restructuring followed by a record of positive returns, funding became available in mid- 2011. The mill turned its sights to the planer mill to begin to bring it up to date, reduce unit costs and make the mill more competitive and resilient through the next cycle. The Cowichan Bay mill is located in the South-eastern region of Vancouver Island, off the west coast of BC. It manufactures dimensional lumber from primarily hemlock that is processed, graded and sold green, and marketed worldwide. The mill’s capacity is around 200 mmbf and it employs 120 workers over two shifts.

Phased modernisation Roger Perry is Mill Manager and he explained the reasoning behind this project. “We did a

This is the first phase of more extensive modernisation that we’ve planned for the planer mill – Roger Perry, Western Forest Products

very extensive sawmill upgrade a few years ago. With the market downturn we had to wait to upgrade the planer. This is the first phase of more extensive modernisation that we’ve planned for the planer mill. We were looking to replace the obsolete trimmer set-up that we had, and build in enough capacity for future upgrades.” The overriding goal for the project was to allow the mill to increase its speed and throughput. With this phased approach to updating its planer line the mill had to ensure the equipment selected in this phase would work for it in the longer term once the whole line was brought up to contemporary standards. WFP looked at several trimmer and fence designs before choosing to work with USNR, selecting a ‘Newnes-style’ multi-saw Lineshaft Trimmer and Multi-Track Fence. Perry: “I think the Multi-Track Fence is probably the best one out there, and we were quite intrigued. We have a Newnes trimmer in our sawmill. We looked at a number of other

18 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

trimmers and we are happy with the one in our sawmill, and compatibility with parts is also good.” Coming up with the layout was one of the biggest hurdles the project team had to resolve. Space was an overriding issue. “It is difficult to retrofit a mill. We had some space issues and some physical hurdles to overcome,” Perry said. Because of the distance from where boards come out of the planer to the sorter infeed, there is not enough room to do everything on a level transition and have a stable incline to get up to the sorter infeed elevation. The idea to put the new equipment on an incline was developed over time. The team reviewed a number of layout options and the incline made the most of the available real estate, plus afforded some noteworthy benefits.

Configuration’s “hidden gems” “By putting it on that type of an incline we were able to extend the ending rolls 6ft (2 m) longer than planned, and that really allowed us to increase the throughput speed, which is fantastic,” Perry explained. “We anticipated putting in a trimmer that would allow us to run 120 lpm, and at a future point in time having to put it into a different layout configuration to get to 160 lpm. With where we are at now we think we can probably hit 160 anyway because that extended incline gave us a longer ending roll.” And with solid steel support for the equipment it can readily be reconfigured to a flat arrangement in the future when the rest of the line is updated. “We were really happy with

IFI_PG18_21_OP FOCUS_USNR_HR 20/02/2013 12:10 Page 19

IFI_PG18_21_OP FOCUS_USNR_HR 20/02/2013 12:11 Page 20

SAWMILLING – OPERATION FOCUS

The idea to put the new equipment on an incline was developed over time. The team reviewed a number of layout options and the incline made the most of the available real estate, plus afforded some noteworthy benefits – USNR This unique layout design called for the new trim line equipment to be aligned along an incline at a steep angle of 13.5° the layout we came out with. We got more out of the design than we expected,” Perry said. Extending the ending roll (now 4.4 m) allows running at faster speeds because it extends the available time for the trimmed boards to travel to lumber line ahead of the grade stamp and sorter infeed. The original ending roll transfer accommodated ending rolls that were a mere 2.44 m (8 ft) long, resulting in significantly slower lug speeds than the mill now desired. Perry was impressed with the new MultiTrack Fence: “We haven’t really used it to its potential because of constraints on either end (of the line),” he said. “It’s an amazing thing to watch. We think the technology is unique. It opens up a lot of possibilities for us in our trimming. Our trimming accuracy is much improved, and the precision end trim saw (PET) in the trimmer also contributes to that.” The Multi-Track Fence is fitted with 13 lumber position paddles and allows for 600 mm (24 in) of infinite positioning. Perry was also happy with the trimmer that was selected. “It’s great, the same as in our sawmill. We’ve had that one for six years and it just runs. We’ve had no issues at all.” The new trimmer accommodates 17 saws including a PET saw, and is fitted with extended as well as

standard holddown shoes for processing the maximum size of 100 mm x 300 mm x 7.9 m. Quick couplings with one spare belt and hanger per coupled lineshaft section allow speedy belt changes. Saw ladders and mounts are easily relocated for saw spacing changes, and are designed for 450 mm (18 in) diameter saws. Cushioned air cylinders actuate to lift and lower the saws. The trimmer is completely preplumbed for automatic lubrication. Perry said the installation and start-up proceeded very well and appreciated the ongoing support he received for this and previous projects. The mill has enjoyed a good relationship with USNR’s Salmon Arm division in the past, having completed the major upgrade to the mill’s sawmill several years ago. During the current project the mill was closed for one week in mid-November 2011 for installation and start-up.

Running strong Perry said the incline configuration for this design presented the greatest challenge, but also returned better than expected results. “We’ve got a bit more flexibility in terms of our length outturn. We put more saws into this

We don’t have the starts and stops we had before. We’re also seeing much, much better trim quality than we had previously – Perry

(trimmer saw) box than we had in our other box. The biggest improvement we’ve seen, outside of speed constraints on either side of the saw box, which we’ll address in the future, is very much improved continuous operation. “We don’t have the starts and stops we had before. We’re also seeing much, much better trim quality than we had previously.” He also said the mill reached a budget shift on the second shift after start-up, and its fourth shift was a record. Mill personnel involved with the project included Randy Brown, maintenance

The Multi-Track Fence is fitted with 13 lumber position paddles and allows for 600 mm of infinite positioning 20 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

IFI_PG18_21_OP FOCUS_USNR_HR 20/02/2013 12:11 Page 21

SAWMILLING – OPERATION FOCUS

The incline allowed for extending the ending transfer and ending rolls, in turn accommodating higher speeds and throughput

The new trimmer accommodates 17 saws including a precision end trim saw, and is fitted with extended as well as standard hold-down shoes for processing the maximum piece size of 60 mm x 300 mm x 8 m

Our trimming accuracy is much improved, and the precision end trim saw (PET) in the trimmer also contributes to that – Perry

superintendent who managed the project, and Tim Burnham who recently joined WFP as a maintenance superintendent. Also very much involved were Steve Smith, the mill’s head electrician, who was responsible for the controls portion, Randy McCullogh, the planer chargehand, helped configure the final design, and the rest of the planer personnel had a hand in bringing the project to life. Now that the trimmer area has been updated, WFP will turn its attention to the rest of the planer line. The company’s ownership has announced aggressive capital investment plans for the near future. WFP’s facilities are under review for the most suitable allocation of future capital investment. “The number one opportunity on our site is to increase the throughput and performance in our planer mill,” Perry said. “We’re looking at increasing the range of products we can run in our planer mill, and scanning upgrades and throughput improvements in the sawmill as well. We’ve got lots on the go.” IFI

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 | International Forest Industries 21

IFI_PG22_29_Saw Tech_HR 20/02/2013 11:00 Page 22

SAW TECHNOLOGY

Get your teeth into this A Romanian group building up its reputation for quality bandsaw blades heads this year’s Saw Technology Review

hey say Transylvanians have a close relationship to sharp teeth. In the case of Metamob, this may actually be so. The company claims to be on a mission to “conquer Europe’s sawmills” with its bandsaw blades, which it stated were already recognised in the industry as delivering a “good priceperformance ratio”. Some companies even took the trouble to travel to Romania and join Metamob for its anniversary celebration. “That is something you would

not do if you were not satisfied,” chief executive István Hutton said. With a history spanning over 15 years, Metamob is already regarded as a well established business in Romania. Metamob was founded in 1997 in Satu Mare/RO and “since then, the company has seen a great development and now 60 people are working for us,” Hutton said. At the end of October, the family-owned and run company celebrated the 15th anniversary with friends of the company, customers and employees. “It

There is nothing sacred to us – if the machine we need is not available on the market, we will design and build it ourselves – István Hutton, Metamob

goes without saying that the ‘who's who’ of the Romanian sawmill industry was present at the event,” Hutton boasted. Even

Metamob customers from Germany took it upon themselves to make the exhausting journey.

What makes the Romanians different? So much satisfaction is not commonplace among sawyers. “We do get the feeling that Metamob is really going out of their ways to support us,” Carl Leiße, a Sauerland-sawyer, said regarding his buying motives. The experienced sawyer has recently handed over his mill in Warstein/DE to his daughter. On a Quattro bandsaw line, battens, boards and planks are mainly produced from spruce and fir – under difficult circumstances logs being regularly processed in bark and sometimes even frozen. 22 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

IFI_PG22_29_Saw Tech_HR 20/02/2013 11:00 Page 23

SAW TECHNOLOGY “Given this you are usually happy if the bandsaw blades hang on for an entire shift without interference,” Leiße admitted. He had met Hutton at the Ligna trade fair and, the day after the fair, Hutton was standing beside him in the mill taking a close look at everything. “He then suggested we should try bandsaws with irregular spacing.” Leiße’s initial skepticism quickly turned into enthusiasm. Even with the very first set of blades, the running life doubled from eight to 16 hours. “But Metamob was still not satisfied with that and kept on improving further,” he said. “Now the saws run up to 24 hours a day.” With this, Leiße’s confidence grew: "Metamob is serviceoriented. I've also seen suppliers acting different, believe me. But without much questioning, the Romanians produced and supplied a new blade [so] should there be any reason to complain?”

Optimised manufacturing methods All this is not only the result many years of experience in the business or the fact that the

company ‘stellite’ its blades. Metamob also constantly optimises the production processes. “There is nothing sacred to us,” Hutton said. “If the machine we need is not available on the market, we will design and build it ourselves. Just like our own CNCcontrolled teeth-setting machine.” In order to do that Hutton has employed two software developers and a mechanical engineer. Also more than 20 Iseli and Vollmer-production machines have been technically adjusted to suit the company specific requirements. Even though these units are known for their precision they have been modified in various ways: Metamob added fully automated, optical teeth measurement and computers that are seamlessly integrated into the in-house ERP-system. The ERPsoftware documents every step from raw material to the finished saw in compliance with ISO 9001 – and was also programmed inhouse. All this serves only one purpose: “We want to make bandsaws operate well as best we can and offer our customers a

helping hand when they need it,” Hutton said.

ISO certified quality The complete documentation facilitated the certification process by ISO-standards – Metamob now holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificates. Bandsaw blades are manufactured in widths from 8420 mm. The selection of the blade steel may vary depending on the customer's application. Most dimensions in stock are Sandvik, but also BohlerUddeholm, Forrestil, Martin Miller and various German brands are available. Metamob does not only sell new devices but also repairs saws. “We have very experienced staff who have often wangled seemingly hopeless cases – at reasonable costs,” Hutton promised. As of last summer, Metamob has been offering to collect saws once a month from customers in Austria and deliver back the repaired product. With up to 50 blades in use at some businesses, this machine overhaul could actually save money, said Hutton. “If the saw was not completely broken, the operating characteristics are then comparable with those of a new unit.”

Baker Products manufactures quality, durable and highly productive woodworking machinery. The company’s product list consists of resaws, scraggmills, sawmills, cut-off saws, notchers, edgers, and much more. Baker Products equipment is designed and produced at their US facility and has been proven easy to use, high quality, and long lasting, yet economically satisfying. Within the last year, Baker continued to innovate and evolve several of its woodworking machines. Featured below are the details of each highly productive machine, including the Baker Double Notcher X2, the Baker BP Dominator Band Sawmill, and the Baker Groover I and II.

Baker Double Notcher X2 The Baker Double Notcher has always been a successful machine, however, demands for higher production rates were something that Baker Products analysed and wanted to take to the next level. In conclusion, a new design has been made – the Baker Double Notcher X2, which increases production rates by 30% and is now producing 5,600 stringers/h. This machine is powered by two 30 hp electric

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 23

IFI_PG22_29_Saw Tech_HR 20/02/2013 11:00 Page 24

SAW TECHNOLOGY Baker Products’ Banding Notch Groover 2

The Baker BP Dominator allows an operation to be as productive as possible without sacrificing any accuracy – Baker Products

motors and will greatly assist the right operation. Baker Double Notcher X2 requires no operator due to the integrated Baker Unscrambler. The only assistance this machine needs is someone to stack the finished stringers. The Baker Double Notcher X2 is a machine that took the demands of the consumers and developed a notcher that focuses on maximising production rates. “The Baker Double Notcher X2 is the ultimate way to notch your wooden pallet stringers,” the manufacturer said.

Baker BP Dominator Stationery Band Sawmill The Baker BP Dominator Stationery Band Sawmill was designed for industrial-strength, high production sawmilling and is the largest, heaviest, and highest production mill Baker Products manufactures. This machine possesses several ergonomic and

functional elements, such as high durability for easy log breakdown. This band sawmill is run by a 50 hp electric motor and can power through softwood and hardwood logs measuring up to 900 mm (36 in) in diameter. This machine is composed of two, 900 mm (36 in) diameter, all steel band wheels that help extend blade life and improve cutting speed. This mill uses Think Kerf Technologies by running either 1 ½” or 2” band blade widths. The standard cutting capacity for log length is offered in 4.9 m (16 ft) or 6 m (20 ft). However, longer length up to 9.75 m (32 ft) is available upon request. “The Baker BP Dominator allows an operation to be as productive as possible without sacrificing any accuracy,” the company said. “This sawmill is not only extremely accurate, but the mill also has an impressive saw head return speed to increase

The Banding Notcher front view

24 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

The Banding Notch Groover

The BP Dominator

your production rate even more.” Hydraulic controls are remotely located on a separate raised platform with a comfortable operating chair so that the machine can be easily operated. An optional enclosed sawyer cab is available so that the operator can sit in a quiet,

safe, and heated/cooled environment. “The Baker BP Dominator Stationery Band Sawmill is an ultimate investment that would greatly benefit your sawmilling operation.”

Baker Banding Notch Groover I & II The Baker Banding Notch Groover is manufactured for pallet and

IFI_PG22_29_Saw Tech_HR 20/02/2013 11:00 Page 25

SAW TECHNOLOGY

product protection during packaging and shipping. Strapping products to a pallet can often cause damage to the pallet and/or the product. The Baker Banding Notch Groover is designed to make wooden banding strips that will give the structure needed to ship products damage free. Baker Products offer two separate versions of the Banding Notch Groover. Version I of the Notch Groover saws material up to 250 mm (10 in) wide into two banding strips and makes a 7/8” wide x 3/8” deep notch in both strips. Two banding strips can be created at the same time providing quick and easy production. The Banding Notch Groover Version II differs because of its adjustable material capacity and adjustable notch depth. The material capacity consists of at least a 600 mm (24 in) long board, up to 200 mm (8 in) wide and up to 3 ½” thick. The notch is cut 1” wide and can be up to a 1/2” deep. This allows operators to accommodate different board thicknesses. The Version II creates one notch/board.

“Both versions of the Banding Notch Groover are extremely productive, but there are two separate models to accommodate your operation’s banding strip needs,” Baker stated. Bongioanni is an historical brand in the production of quality machines and systems in the woodworking and sawmill sector, with more than 100 year experience. Today, Bongioanni is present in the highly professional world of the industrial sawmill with a consolidated tradition of quality and maximum attention to technological innovation. Bongioanni machines and systems are able to satisfy the various production targets, from 5,000-100,000 m3 logs/year. All machines and systems are produced in Bongioanni/Pezzolato plants in Envie, Italy, with an area of 25,000 m2 and in the plant in Pianfei, Italy, with an area of 10,000 m2. A staff of specialised technicians analyses, elaborates and proposes detailed projects according to the different customer necessities. Qualified technicians and experts

This machine joins robustness and precision, thanks to big dimensions not found in the panorama of horizontal machines – Bongioanni

accomplish machine and system assembling and start-up worldwide; training and instructions to customer staff guarantee the best product usage

and management. The capillary after sale service and an excellent spare part service guarantee the good performance in the passing years.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 25

IFI_PG22_29_Saw Tech_HR 20/02/2013 11:00 Page 26

SAW TECHNOLOGY Bongioanni: has built a reputation for innovation

The patent-pending Vision Tilt system controls saw blades by actively tilting the band wheels and can easily be installed in new and already existing bandsaw lines – Söderhamn Eriksson

“The main goal of the whole Bongioanni team is to achieve the customer satisfaction by giving a quality product and a quality service,” the company stated. Bongioanni production includes a wide range of industrial sawmill machines and systems for the sawing of logs of all dimensions and types: • Softwood: Pine – Firs • Hardwood: Beech - Oak etc • Exotic wood: African, SouthAmerican, Asian. The production range of Bongioanni spans different sawing technologies: • Automatic vertical log band saws with flywheels diameter 1,3001,400-1,600-1,800-2,000 mm. (Bicoupe log band saws, log band saws with 17° inclination, tandem log band saws) • Horizontal log bandsaw • Automatic carriages with hydraulic clamps • Re-sawing machines • Modulo 6 Edgers • Chipper and canter with shaping and cutting by means of circular blades • Automatic log profiling installations • Complete sawmill plants. “Of course the technical development is continuously running at Bongioanni, and, thanks to the latest application developed together with qualified customers, we are able to present the following new machinery,” Bongioanni said.

SRO 1100 – Horizontal band resaw for precision cuts This machine joins robustness and precision, thanks to big dimensions (wheels 1,100 mm) not found in the panorama of horizontal machines. This allows productivity (up to 40 m/minute) and reliability in the long term. The cut precision is ensured among others by means of the electronic speed control according to blade deviation (Blade width: 110-120 mm).

Compact logic This profiling line has been developed together with the end user, in order to optimise the machine concept for coping with the targets of a high production flexible sawmill for medium-small dimension logs (up to 320 mm at

Our ability to deliver a complete package was given as a reason we were used along with our very robust equipment – Resch&3

60 m/minute). This line can be differently configured according to the end user requirements, for maximum efficiency, with optimisation of the initial investment, whose quick return is ensured by the quality and the reliability of Bongioanni products. Vision Tilt from Söderhamn Eriksson improves lumber sizes as well as saw blade service life, according to the manufacturer.

Söderhamn Eriksson’s Vision Tilt system actively tilts the band wheels

Summary • Vision Tilt improves lumber size accuracy • Vision Tilt minimises wear on saw bands, band wheels and saw guides • Vision Tilt reduces saw band rupture • Vision Tilt lowers energy consumption • Vision Tilt has accuracy of measurement corresponding to ± 0.5 mm.

26 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

The patent-pending Vision Tilt system controls saw blades by actively tilting the band wheels and can easily be installed in new and already existing band saw lines. The equipment includes a Vision camera sitting protected on the return side of the saw blade. Level with the upper band wheel’s centre, the camera monitors the saw teeth position in relation to the band wheel’s front edge. Incorrectly aligned saw blades over time generate cracks in the tooth base as well as wear on band wheels and saw guides. Vision Tilt actively corrects the saw band’s position on the band wheel, which not only minimises wear but also improves sawing accuracy. Besides the camera, Vision Tilt also includes a PLC with software for monitoring and adjustment. The surveillance images from all saws are displayed on one and the same screen for the operator’s visual information. The intelligent saw band control system alerts the operator to faults such as saw bands showing signs of imminent rupture. The Dominikus-Ringeisen-Werk sawmill in Bavaria works with a Resch&3 bandsaw produce slats for oak planks.

IFI_PG22_29_Saw Tech_HR 21/02/2013 13:52 Page 27

SAW TECHNOLOGY Resch&3 Bandsaw rig

37 kW power to cut up to 1.1 m-thick trunks The South Tyrolean manufacturer has equipped the stationary bandsaw ES 1050 PROFI with an automatic mode. A maximum diameter of 1.1m and 10m long trunks can be processed using a three-phase synchronous motor with an output of 37 kW. By drive is the optimum blade speed set, though it obviously depends on species and season. A sawblade monitoring system is used to constantly control cutting accuracy and regulate the feed. A 4 t forklift places the big trees on the loading station. From there, they are automatically promoted to the saw table and turned in ‘by eye’. With an automatic log measuring system, the trunk is measured during the first cut. The data generated from the measurements allow the roundwood to filter by customer's name or date. A printer has been installed in the heated cabin so that information is available to as a hard copy.

Lamellae as if by magic Once the log is fixed, the operator can leave the cab. The ES 1050 PROFI works layer-by-layer through the oak. Depending on the log diameter, half-an- hour to an hour is needed for cutting. The finished lumber can be placed on the side or on additional hydraulic extraction rollers to the front. It is then removed with a forklift.

Integrated dust collection is used to clean up.

Single source of supply Within just three days, the bandsaw was delivered, installed and put into operation. The stellited blades and the sharpener are also from South Tyrol. That Resch&3 could deliver a complete package was given as a reason to use that manufacturer. Another was the “very robust” equipment. This spring, Norwood Sawmills will launch a new, “even bigger, even more capable” portable sawmill to meet the needs of its global customers. Modelled on Norwood’s successful LumberMate Pro MX34-series sawmill, the company has increased log capacity and added features to build the new LumberPro HD36. One of the most successful

global portable sawmill companies, Norwood was founded over 20 years ago when it was the first to offer individuals and family-owned companies a portable bandmill that was affordable, reliable and userfriendly. Since then, Norwood has shipped more than 25,000 sawmills to personal and

commercial sawyers in over 100 countries. The capabilities of the LumberPro HD36 will “easily meet the rigorous demands of commercial-sawing”, Norwood said. Even so, it is so easy to use that it is a perfect platform for first-time sawyers. The HD36’s appetite for massive logs up to 90

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 27

IFI_PG22_29_Saw Tech_HR 20/02/2013 11:00 Page 28

SAW TECHNOLOGY

Weekend-sawyer, Cory McKay, milling lumber and beams with his Norwood LumberMate Pro MX34 cm (36 in) in diameter combined with its best-in-class throatopening of 70 cm (28 in) will enable sawyers to mill virtually any hardwood or softwood tree into valuable lumber. Norwood offers the concept of customisability – empowering owners to customise their mills with added capacity or functions. The LumberPro HD36 can be configured manually, or hydraulically, or a combination of both. In that sense, the HD36 will epitomise the company’s philosophy of maximising versatility so that sawyers can keep all their options open. “Often first-time sawmill owners have never milled lumber before,” Norwood President

The Norwood LumberPro HD36 slicing a board in the foreground while the Norwood LumberMate LM29 in the background waits its turn. Ashlynne Dale said. “They start with a limited budget and don’t really know where their sawmilling

28 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

operation will take them. “But with a manual Norwood sawmill, they can start for very little money. Then, later on, as their profits multiply and as their sawing business develops, they add hydraulic and power attachments. Pretty soon, their sawmill grows into a fullyhydraulic, high-production machine.” Norwood’s ‘grow-as-you-go’ approach ensures that a sawyer will never outgrow the LumberPro HD36, but rather, can build it up to keep pace with his evolving sawmilling needs. Norwood invests heavily in research and development,

focusing on developing technology that cuts the time it takes to mill each log into lumber. By eliminating operator functions to reduce cycle times and increasing capacity, Norwood sawmills achieve great productivity, and therefore profitability. Norwood’s commitment to advancing the frontiers of portable sawmill innovation is evidenced by its nearly 50 patents – more than the combined total of all the sawmill companies around the world put together, Norwood claimed. Many of Norwood’s patented innovations are incorporated into the LumberPro HD36, including

IFI_PG22_29_Saw Tech_HR 20/02/2013 11:00 Page 29

SAW TECHNOLOGY

With a manual Norwood sawmill, first-time sawyers can start for very little money then, later on, as their profits multiply and as their sawing business develops, they add hydraulic and power attachments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ashlynne Dale, Norwood

auto-locking sawhead, auto bladelube, laminated sawhead construction, quick-set log rests and auto-locking adjustable guide. These, and other patented inventions integrated into the HD36â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design, give it greater strength, larger capacity and faster cycle times while making it easier to use for the operator. Norwood engineers can design components with the closestpossible tolerances because of the commitment Norwood has made

to invest in the latest state-of-theart fabrication technologies such as 3-dimension (5-axis) lasers, robotic welders, CNC machines, etc. Each part is then individually protected with industrial-grade rust-resistant powder-coating, an electrostatically-applied and cured thermoset polymer that is much tougher than conventional paint. Like every Norwood sawmill, the LumberPro HD36 is packaged and shipped in compact kit-form on a single pallet, which saves the

There is no limit to the length of log you can mill with a Norwood bandmill. This LumberMate Pro MX34, operated by German log-home craftsmen, is configured to mill logs 60-feet (18m) long. customer hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in freight costs. The fast and economical shipping also makes it easy for sawmill owners around the world to work directly with Norwood factory-direct. Though, in some markets, Norwood works in

partnership with skilled distributors to better serve the unique needs of mill owners in particular regions. Norwood will begin shipping the LumberPro HD36 in April. IFI

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 29

IFI_PG30_33_Access timber stand_HR 21/02/2013 16:23 Page 30

ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

Munching machines Getting to the stand and then maintain access can have a significant influence on the efficiency of any forestry operation. International Forest Industries looks at three key suppliers of road making and clearing equipment to find out what fresh developments are available to this forestry support application

talian equipment supplier, Seppi M, has been working on several updates to existing machines that it is looking forward to showcasing at several industry events in 2013. At the top of the list is the upgrade of the company’s BMS forestry mulcher, which has long been the flag ship in the excavator mulcher range. There is now a new version that is ideal for the maintenance of river banks, road and railway sides, or for clearing slash after felling operations and for many other tasks. The BMS mulches wood and brush up to 25 cm (10 in) diameter. It is for excavators from 13-30 t.

Newly updated, the Seppi M excavator-mounted BMS forestry mulcher is more efficient, more productive, and has an attractive new design, according to the manufacturer. The main advantages: • More efficient due to an improved rotor with additional exposure to facilitate tree felling operations • Greater wear-resistance due to new skids built with the ‘sandwich’ system • More power due to motors with up to 40% more torque • New series of optional hydraulic motors to increase power momentum

Seppi M’s Midiforst mulcher model 30 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

The Seppi M flagship BMS mulcher has received a facelift

With this new optional feature you can evenly distribute large amounts of material after working the ground with the machine – Seppi M

• Improved protection of the drive • Higher efficiency due to the new Mini Blade Carbide hammer system (conceived as a carbide razor system) • Safer due to improved protection system • Light weight construction made of Hardox • Available working widths are 100 cm, 125 cm and 150 cm (39 in, 49 in and 59 in). The brush shredder Midiforst dt is another classic in the Seppi forestry range – a universal forestry mulcher suitable for a variety of uses: in forestry industries for right-of-way management, creation of fire breaks, vegetation management, and road side maintenance. It mulches wood and brush up to 30 cm (12 in) diameter and is

designed for tractors up to 170 PTO hp. It is also available for hydraulic drive prime movers. This tree shredder comes with drive to both ends of the rotor. The components of the transmission are protected under a door that may be opened for servicing and the mulcher is well protected from dirt, dust, water and collisions. The updated version comes with: • New chassis with Hardox lining • Reinforced rear hood • New belt protection • ADAM PTO alignment system (also available for machines already being used) • Exchangeable rotor hub • ‘Alberta’ guard frame, skids and protections specially designed for extreme working conditions.

IFI_PG30_33_Access timber stand_HR 21/02/2013 13:55 Page 31

ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

Seppi M’s heavyweight Maxiforst mulcher mounted on a Cat tracked carrier

The versatile Multiforst mulcher from Seppi M The Multiforst is a multifunctional soil tiller/mulcher/stone crusher. Seppi’s believes its “pioneer spirit and efforts” in developing this machine have been paid back by its great success – the first of its sort on the market. In the meantime Seppi M has developed variants for higher powered tractors. “It tills soil and roads, mills stumps and mulches wood,” the manufacturer said. “It is ideal for maintaining dirt roads, for land reclamation, for the preparation of ski slopes, to clean up slash after felling operations. It is also a great machine when the soil must be loosened, stumps and stones removed for the planting of new trees and for seeding. It achieves great results both in agriculture and in greenspace maintenance, e.g. parks.” Technical requirements for operating the Multiforst are a creep speed gearbox on the tractor and a hydraulic three-point tractor linkage. The Multiforst is now available with a new optional grader blade made of Hardox. “With this new optional feature you can evenly distribute large amounts of material after working the ground with the machine.” The grader blade may be inclined to direct the material flow to the left or to the right of the machine. The hydro-pneumatic suspension with a nitrogen accumulator allows a perfect even

result. This new grader blade is available as an option also for the forestry mulcher Midiforst dt. And finally, the top of the range, heavy duty Maxiforst, which Seppi said was “unequalled”. “In fact it now comes as an even more powerful version,” they said. The improved transmission makes this mulcher suitable for 500 hp tractors, while it is a perfect fit for tree felling operations and ground clearing after clear felling, or after catastrophes such as hurricanes etc. It mulches wood up to 60 cm (24 in) in diameter and even larger stumps. The rotor comes with Mini-Duo fixed knives with aggressive tungsten tips. Other standard features are: • 1,000 rpm gearbox with freewheel • ADAM PTO alignment system • Double drive with 12 belts • A hydraulic rear hood • Skids adjustable in height • Heavy chains to protect against material throw-out.

“The market and demands for biomass and energy production have been rising and the expectations are still looking good

today,” the company said. The idea of harvesting standing or lying biomass was born about five years ago, according to AHWI-

Available working widths are 225 cm, 250 cm, 275 cm and 300 cm (89 in, 98 in, 108 in and 118 in) diameter. For more than 20 years, German group AHWI-Prinoth has been working with equipment for mulching and grinding biomass for different purposes, making it “an expert in vegetation management” or, more popular now days, “EcoSystems”.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 31

IFI_PG30_33_Access timber stand_HR 20/02/2013 16:14 Page 32

ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

We are convinced of the sustainable worldwide growth of the biomass harvesting as the way forward to ecological and economical solutions – AHWI-Prinoth

The RT400 with H600 head

The H600 on the BMH480 Prinoth. The founder of AHWI, Artur Willibald, was convinced that grinding and collecting of wooden biomass in one step would be possible and could be done economically. “Turning the direction of rotation of the mulching rotor in a pick up modus and mounting a discharge blower to the modified mulcher head was the basic design for the first trials,” AHWIPrinoth recalled. “Going forward, developing this unit on the basis of the practical experiences lead us to a tool mix on the rotor. About 50% of the teeth are mulching tools and the other 50% of tools are special chipper tools. With this mix of tools on the rotor the harvested material is very

homogeneous and meets the demands of the customer.” An important development was the two in feed rollers in front of the rotor supporting and controlling the constant flow of material into the harvester head. It took less than two years to develop the dedicated harvester head and testing it in various applications in different countries. The result of these tests and the development period can be seen in the successfully performing AHWI-Prinoth biomass harvester head H600 with a working width of 2,300 mm. AHWI-Prinoth has designed the H600 to fit the company’s crawler tractor RT400 (400 hp). With an interface it could be mounded on

32 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

agriculture tractors with a power range of 240-400 hp and a mechanical PTO drive with 1,000 rpm. To run the H600 on agriculture tractors, a reversible seat or cabin is required as well as creeper gear or hydrostatic drive. Today, units are successfully running in different countries in Europe, in Russia, in South Africa and in North America in different applications like scrubland and different vegetation up to a maximum tree diameter of 25 cm (10 in). The productivity depends strongly on the kind of biomass and quantity available per hectare. Depending on the local conditions, the H600 can harvest a quantity of 5-20 t/h. A very

important impact on the productivity is the logistic system around the harvester unit. Well organised transport capacity beside the harvester unit is required to avoid waiting time. Already in operation for two years, the AHWI-Prinoth biomass harvester system is running successfully in Namibia, harvesting encroacher bush to replace coal at a cement plant. First investigations have been done with RT400 and H600 to find out if the system would basically meet the economic and ecological demands of the project. “We successfully proved our harvesting concept,” the company stated. “Also, the kind and size of the harvested material have been fulfilling the customer requirements. Besides the target of the carbon neutral energy for the plant, also the target of regenerating grassland for the cattle after the bush clearing by harvesting is a big advantage for the farmers. It’s a real win–winwin situation for all participants, (Cement-plant, creating local jobs, operators, farmers and investors), including the environment.” To increase the productivity and simplifying the logistics of the harvesting system a self-propelled harvester unit has been developed – the biomass harvester BMH480 with H600 harvester head called Kangaroo. The Kangaroo is a harvester unit with a 25 m³ bin and a 480 hp Caterpillar engine. With this harvester BMH480, the

IFI_PG30_33_Access timber stand_HR 21/02/2013 14:00 Page 33

ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

logistics were simplified and productivity could be improved substantially. Currently, there are eight Kangaroos running around the cement plant in Namibia on an area of a of 70 km diameter. The units are running with a harvest capacity of 80,000 t/y. Beside the environmentally friendly effects, the economical results have to be highlighted. The costs of biomass compared with coal delivered to the plant, calculated on KW/h, is substantially more economical. Depending on the onsite-costs of coal, the cost saving effect of using biomass is about 30-40%. “AHWI-Prinoth has a focus on such harvesting solution and we have various biomass projects under discussion around the globe. We are convinced of the sustainable worldwide growth of the biomass harvesting as the way forward to ecological and economical solutions.”

lock, float on/off, float override, gate, push bar, plus 1 extra button can be arranged to suit the end user • Pilot operated double foot pedal for travel • Foot operated hydraulic service, emergency brake • Electronic hydraulic pressure diagnostics on the cab instrument panel

The Barko 930 Industrial Tractor is powered by a Cummins QSC 8.3 L engine delivering 2305 hp (227 Kw) at 2200 rpm. This is a 6 cylinder unit fed by a 126 gal (477 L) fuel tank

Service Features: • Grouped single point remote grease fittings for steering cylinders and axles

• Side panels are lockable and removable • Brake and transmission side, front and bottom covers are removable for ease of service • Weight without attachment 30,000lbs IFI

According to Barko Hydraulics their 930 Industrial Tractor delivers far more power (hydraulic HP) to the mulcher head than any other product on the market. From day one, its claimed this BEAST was built to “tear-it-up”, ripping its’ way through the most demanding right-of-way land clearing and site prep. With a highly manoeuvrable carrier built to withstand extreme stress and tough terrain, the 930 is the top mulcher for large commercial and municipal applications. It also provides excellent fuel efficiency, increased work productivity, and one of the lowest total cost of operations than other products on the market. Barko claim it is equipped with more standard features and higher quality components than its competitors, lasts longer, performs harder, and delivers the results you’d expect, all while using less fuel and providing more comfort. Demo one and check out the difference.

Operators Cab • Excellent visibility, ergonomically designed layout for operator comfort and ease of control, sound insulation, defroster, air conditioning, deluxe adjustable bucket seat with 4 point harness, tinted lexan windows, three front mounted cab lights, two front side mounted cab lights, two rear mounted cab lights, two rear side mounted cab lights, AM/FM radio, cd player, and fire extinguisher. Air Knife on front windshield for dust and debris removal. Sealed and pressurised with cyclonic filter • Left hand joystick for steering with 5 push buttons • Right hand joystick for lift and tilt with 5 pushbuttons • Buttons for horn, front differential lock, low

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 33

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 21/02/2013 14:01 Page 34

The more wheels the merrier

The massive Ponsse Bear as an eight-wheel model 34 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:07 Page 35

HARVESTERS

Limiting the impact on the forest floor has become the chief concern of many contract harvesters

rotecting the forest floor for future harvesting operations has long been a matter for discussion but never has it been the focus for such sweeping change. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harvester Technology Review has seen the need to decrease ground pressure move hurriedly forward as reflected by company innovations. In particular, Ponsse has increased the number of eight-wheeled machines it offers by simply adding wheels to additional popular models. This basic solution has resulted in some of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most widely sold machines enjoying industry-low ground pressure. Rottne is another company that is looking hard at how it can help the forestry sector protect forest floors and work in sensitive terrains. It says its decision to provide eightwheeled machines is a direct result of listening to its client base. As has become the norm in recent times of austerity, fuel consumption was again a major issue with all manufacturers making a push to provide harvesters that consume less fuel and comply with tightening emissions standards. Meanwhile, the growing trend toward greater operator comfort has was again apparent as Rottne, Cat and Komatsu in particular made a big push to provide the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most luxurious cab.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 35

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:07 Page 36

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 37

HARVESTERS Ponsse’s harvester product line development has always focused on productivity and continuous product development based on the customer feedback – this has been the case since 1985 when the first Ponsse harvester was made. The product range includes both six and eight-wheel harvesters in all size categories from thinning to heavy duty regeneration felling. However, all Ponsse machine models are designed for a general size category in terms of their size and performance, whereby the work is not narrowly restricted to certain types of work sites due to the equipment. Versatile product solutions allow harvesting of both energy wood and industrial wood productively. New eight-wheel harvesters were launched in 2009. Today, about 70% of forest machines manufactured by Ponsse will have eight wheels. Eight-wheel harvesters are available in all size categories: Ponsse Fox, Ergo 8w and Bear 8w. The eight-wheel harvesters have been well suited to the customers’ needs when harvesting is transferred to increasingly challenging conditions – soft soils and steep slopes. At the same time, harvesting entrepreneurs have sought more productivity from their work using new, easy-to-use crane technology. The stability and manoeuvrability are considerably improved in eight-wheel harvesters compared to six-wheel and their surface pressure is significantly lower. Eight-wheel harvesters can be used for harvesting wood also in difficult terrain and soft conditions. The forest machine’s applications are expanded, and harvesting is profitable and efficient, particularly at special sites. The entrepreneur’s harvesting stock costs are lower without the need for expensive special equipment. The harvesting equipment can also be used during frost heave; the downtime of the forest machine is shorter. Machine stability is important also outside sloping sites. The driver’s ergonomic working environment is essential for the driver’s well-being and productivity. The comfort of the cabin, ergonomic control handles

and the stability of the machine have a clear impact on the efficiency of the work. Having eight wheels makes the forest machine even more environmentally friendly, thanks to the low surface pressure, enabling productive harvesting also on soft terrain. The surface pressure of an eight-wheel Ergo 8w harvester is 280 g/cm2. The surface pressure of a six-wheel Ergo harvester is 850 g/cm2 (compared with a human footprint’s surface pressure of some 260 g/cm2). “The Ponsse harvester product family has been thoroughly renewed in the past few years with the new eight-wheel harvester models, the new harvester head model selection and the completely new crane model selection,” the manufacturer said. All Ponsse harvester heads have multi-stemming as a standard feature. Beaver and the eight-wheel Fox represent the lower medium-size harvesters for

The eight-wheel harvesters have been well suited to customers’ needs when harvesting is transferred to increasingly challenging conditions – soft soils and steep slopes – Ponsse

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 37

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 38

HARVESTERS The Ponsse Fox eight-wheel model

Ponsse’s Ergo eight-wheel harvester is seen as a solution for both thinning and regeneration harvesting 38 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

thinning-oriented work. As the harvester head, the new H6 or H5 models can be selected for both. The latest arrival in the product family, the H5, has responded particularly to the increased needs of thinning and multi-stemming sites. It has quickly gained wide popularity thanks to its compact size but excellent efficiency. A new, very easy to use and extendable Ponsse C22 parallel crane is available for both the Beaver and the Fox harvesters. The higher medium-size Ergo harvester with both six and eightwheel models has proven a very successful concept in all Ponsse market areas. The operating principles of C44 parallel crane are based on the smaller C22 model, but it is has been reinforced according to the requirements of the larger base machine and harvester head. As the customers have started to wish for not only compact size but also more performance from a generalpurpose harvester, Ergo has emerged as a frontrunner in the harvesting market. Equipped with the new C44 crane and H6 or H7 harvester head, many customers have found it to be the best

solution both in thinning and in regeneration-oriented felling. Ponsse’s largest harvester model, the Bear, is now also available with eight wheels. The “mighty and powerful” C6 sliding boom crane offers “unbelievable stability” on sloped sites and amongst particularly large trees. The H8 head is specially developed for superior harvesting performance in larger timber. The Rottne H8 is the ideal harvester for stand operated thinning, according to the manufacturer. And with various working route system options, it can handle strip road distances of up to 35 m without manual intermediate zone felling. With an articulated joint in the centre, the H8 has precise tracking and when combined with its levelling capability becomes extremely flexible and easy to drive when on secondary roads out in the stand. “Several evaluation studies have shown that stand-operating harvesters produce the most consistent result during mechanical thinning. Rottne H8 has all the qualities required,” the

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 39

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 40

Rottne H14B at Demo International 2012 Canada

The Rottne H20B – pure power Some of the 43 improvements on H20B • Rottne D5 bucking system • Internet based troubleshooting with ‘Team Viewer’ • Mobil broadband • MCC climate control • New drivers set BE-GE 3100 DPS as standard • Cab damping system ‘Comfort Line’ • Foot pedal for changing travel direction • Balanced bogie • Improved and service friendlier break system • Articulated joint with bushings. Stronger and faster head EGS 705 • Traction winch for steep terrain • Alpine winch for operations in extreme sloops, up to 45° ➢ The main advantage is that logging in steep terrain is no longer depending on the weather ➢ The winch minimises soil damages on the strip road from top to bottom of the sloop since the machine basically never slips.

40 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 41

manufacturer said. The pendulum arm system means that the machine width is always maintained, even when the ground is uneven. The operator sits in a cab offering superb all-round visibility and with the operator never more than 6-7 m from the trees to be felled it is easier to select the right tree and the risk of damage to standing forest is reduced considerably compared to strip road thinning from 10-12 m. “Rottne H11C is still the popular choice as an intermediate-class harvester suitable both for strip road thinning as well as final felling,” the company explained. “Based on customer’s

needs for harvesting on soft grounds or steep slopes the H11C, can now also be offered in eight-wheel-drive. This improves both the stability as well as driveability of the machine and the ground pressures reach an unbeatable low.” If the H11C is equipped with the loader RC 185, 30° deflectable knuckle boom (left and right), as well as SP 451 LF with multi tree handling, then it becomes the “ultimate strip road thinning harvester”. Contractors can change to the bigger SP 561 LF head to prepare the H11C for final felling. With its robust chassis and low centre of

gravity, the Rottne H14C is a powerful harvester designed for thinning and final felling. The RK140 is located directly above the portal bogie and features a tilt function with ample forward and backward deflection. The reach in its standard design is 10 m, but an extension unit is available, which increases the reach to 12 m depending on the size of harvester head being used. The Power Tech Plus engine is equipped with modern four-valve technology, a ‘common rail’ injection system and a variable turbocharger, which provides excellent responsiveness with rapid power output. The harvester can be

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 41

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 42

HARVESTERS

Downtime can prove expensive for machine owners and good service access can significantly reduce the time needed for servicing, repairs and cleaning – Rottne

The H8 equipped with EGS405 head

The H11 manages a steep slope with ease

The H14B operated at a lower working engine speed, resulting in a lower noise level and lower fuel consumption. The powerful six-cylinder engine is now cleaner than ever. The IT4 engine uses the proven cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) platform for Nox control with the addition of an exhaust filter for reducing particulate matter (PM). On IT4 engines, the cooling system is more efficient and the fan is able to reverse both manually and automatically. This cleans the cooling package and enables longer time between maintenance. The modern harvester cab offers “superb” operator comfort. Air sprung seat, wide armrests and individually adjustable lever panels are some of the features in all new Rottne harvester cabs. The operator has fantastic visibility if the swivelling and levelling cab is chosen, which is controlled automatically via the D5 computer or manually with joysticks. The cabs can also be supplemented

with Rottne cab damping system, Comfort Line, which means that vibrations are reduced further. The Rottne D5 machine control system is based on CAN bus technology and controls and monitors the engine, transmission and loader. A number of control units are located on the machine close to the functions to be controlled and communicate with the main computer. Settings, monitoring and trouble-shooting are performed via the touch screen that is mounted on the armrest. Alarms are indicated by visual and audible signals and are displayed in clear text on the display. The cab features a large, clear touch screen and a keyboard in front of the operator, as well as a printer that is integrated into the ceiling panel. The screen displays length and diameter as well as other information on the tree currently being processed by the harvester head. “Downtime can prove expensive for machine owners and good

42 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

service access can significantly reduce the time needed for servicing, repairs and cleaning,” Rottne stated. “The entire engine compartment can be accessed easily by tilting the engine hood back while an electric motor tilts the oil tanks and filter pack to one side, which releases the entire hydraulic and transmission system.”

Operational comfort is enhanced by a large, clear touch screen

Caterpillar Forest Products designs and builds several models of track harvesters with short, full and limited tail swing, all supported through the worldwide Cat dealer network. The Cat 501HD short tail swing track harvesters are easy to manoeuvre in select cut operations and well balanced for stability in final felling applications. They can be

Serviceability is a priority on all Rottne machines equipped with either fixed or dangle heads. The fixed linkage boom provides 7.1 m (23.3 ft) reach to the tree with a PF-48 fixed head. Lift capacity is 3,800 kg (8,378 lb). For dangle heads, the telescopic boom provides 8.2 m (27 ft) reach to the tree and lift

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 43

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 21/02/2013 15:43 Page 44

HARVESTERS

The Cat 541 tracked harvester capacity of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb). “The reach of the telescoping boom reduces cycle times because the operator does not have to move the carrier as much to get into position for a cut,” Cat stated. “The boom’s V-shaped bottom extends the life of the wear pads

and minimises side-to-side movement as the boom moves in and out.” The track harvesters are equipped with the 117 kW Cat C6.6 Tier 3 Stage IIIA engine with ACERT Technology. The engine generates more torque in the

lower rpm ranges for more power. This also maintains higher hydraulic flow under load for faster processing. Caterpillar ACERT Technology integrates the electronic controls that monitor engine conditions, the air management system and

The Cat 501 tracked harvester at DEMO International Canada with Satco processing head

44 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

the fuel injection system, resulting in the complete combustion of fuel and better fuel economy. Based on ongoing testing, the fuel economy of Cat engines with ACERT Technology is 3-5% better than current competing technologies. The engine also includes cold mode start strategy, automatic altitude compensation and electronic diagnostics and fault monitoring. A side-by-side antifreeze, hydraulic and charge air cooling package efficiently prevents heat build-up. The cooling package is away from the front of the carrier to minimise exposure to debris and dust so less cleaning is needed. Designed for efficient and reliable operation, the harvester’s axial piston hydraulic pump meets stringent requirements for noise reduction, efficiency, controllability and durability. The valve system has proven reliability in forestry applications

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 45

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 21/02/2013 15:42 Page 46

HARVESTERS with its fuel-efficient, load sensing and pressure compensated technology. Each section is designed for the flow and pressure of a specific function. Ramped and proportional carrier functions save mechanical wear on structures. “For example, booming up and down is not instant on and off,” Cat said. “It eases on and off, so you don’t get the wear and tear on structures that can occur with jerking on and crashing to a stop.” The full length of the track frames are tied to the car body for strength and durability when manoeuvring amongst stumps and rocks. The high walker design provides excellent ground clearance. The forward mounted cab and rear engine placement provide excellent visibility over the entire harvest area and increased stability on slopes. The operator doesn’t have to swing the carrier around to get a look to the left or right. The rear-mounted engine also acts as an effective counter balance for better lift capabilities at full reach. The Cat 541 Series 2 and the Cat 552 Series 2 are full tail swing track machines designed for high production harvesting and processing applications in rough or severe terrain. The 552 is a levelling machine for more

comfort on steep terrain. The Series 2 machines are powered by the 226 kW (303 hp) C9 engine with ACERT Technology. These Cat track harvesters have the best-inclass combination of lift capacity, swing torque and tractive effortto-weight ratios. With a full 889 mm (35 in) ground clearance between the tracks from front to back, the Series 2 machines are less likely to get hung up on stumps or rocks. Configured as harvesters, the standard reach is 10.7 m (35 ft) and the short reach is 8.8 m (29 ft). The new Cat B Series limited tail swing track machines feature a new, upsized undercarriage, more horsepower and a new hydraulic design for improved multifunctioning performance. The Cat 522B is a levelling machine for harvesting in rough, steep terrain. The Cat 521B is a non-levelling model best for plantation thinning, swamp logging, medium production processing, and high production biomass applications. The B Series machines are equipped with the Cat C9 ACERT engine delivering 303 hp (226 kW) of gross power, 20 hp more than the previous models. Swing capacity of 82.7 kNm (61,000 lb/ft) gives the operator the ability to swing big loads up slopes. Boom reach for both models configured as harvesters is 9.9 m

Made for harvesting Epsilon has spent more than two years on the development of a specialist crane for harvesters that has a lifting capacity of 160 kNm and a 10 m operating range. For the full product outline see IFI’s Lifting & Loading feature on p54.

46 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

This is good for both the environment and our customers bank balance – Roland Lundqvist, Komatsu

(32 ft 6 in). Performance and productivity are important key design criteria at Komatsu when designing harvesters. “Our harvester designs are focused around high productivity, low operating costs, innovative technology and superb operator environment,” Roland Lundqvist, General Manager Marketing and Information, said. “Our machines operate in difficult conditions; therefore, customer feedback is an important input during our development process. We interview our customers and constantly evaluate their needs.” The wheel harvester Komatsu 911.5, with a Komatsu 360.2 harvesting head, is one example. Customers have told Komatsu they want lower fuel costs and a simple vehicle design to meet the new emissions regulations. The 911.5 with an E3-Power engine design uses simple and proven Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions reduction technology. Advanced combustion design is an important

aspect of the E3-Power engine design that helps lower fuel consumption – as much as 16% lower when compared to today’s Stage 3/Tier 3 engines. Actual fuel consumption in the field will vary depending on load factors and field conditions. However, when production was combined with fuel use, i.e. fuel efficiency; some type of gain is almost always made. “It is generally agreed that today’s SCR technology will be able to meet the final emission requirements for 2014-2015 without significant vehicle and engine design changes,” Ola Boström Technology Manager explained. “SCR technology easily treats and reduces NOx levels, which are the focus of the 2014/15 regulations. This has, for example, resulted in many truck engine manufacturers to change plans and switch to SCR.” The Komatsu 911.5 also has a sturdy and strong rear axle with integrated mounts for the stabilisation cylinders and integrated brake lines. Soft-

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 47

HARVESTERS sealing O-Ring Face Seals (ORFS) are used throughout the machine and are good for both the environment (leaks are minimised) and productivity (reliability is improved). A distinctive feature for all Komatsu harvesters is how the crane is located in relation to the cab and operator, the crane is located to the right of the cab. Both cab and crane are mounted on the same frame, they rotate and level together providing a clear and unhindered forward view for the operator. “For us it is an obvious solution that offers many advantages,” Lundqvist said. “The ergonomic benefits of this design mean that the operator does not have to constantly move his head to see around the crane. Levelling sensors provide automatic crane and cab levelling to reduce operator fatigue when working on slopes. The cab always seeks a level position.” The Komatsu 931.1 with Komatsu 365 harvesting head is a machine for really demanding harvesting assignments. “I would say that the Komatsu 931.1 provides an ideal combination of strength and flexibility in many different conditions around the world,” Lundqvist said. The Komatsu 931.1 and 911.5 share many common components, for example, similar engines, with

The Komatsu 901TX more efficient combustion and improved fuel economy. “Engine developments have made enormous steps forward in terms of effective combustion, which minimises particulates (soot), reduces fuel consumption and lowers NOx. Today I’m very pleased with our choice of SCR technology,” Boström said. Both the Komatsu 911.5 and 931.1 offer an extremely high-

performance work environment. The spacious, full-rotation and levelling cab, and SCR catalytic converters help keep interior cab sound levels extremely low. The smallest in the range is Komatsu’s true thinning expert. The Komatsu 901TX.1, with Komatsu 350.1 harvesting head is a “very green machine”, according to Lundqvist. The new E3 SCR engine is as good for the

environment as it is for productivity and fuel efficiency. “Komatsu 901TX.1 has proven to be the ultimate thinning harvester,” he said. “Our customers have been very satisfied with its performance.” However, this is not all the Komatsu 901TX.1 has to offer. Komatsu’s unique ‘comfort’ bogie concept helps minimise wheel slip and large 612.5 mm (24.5 in) tyres

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 47

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 48

HARVESTERS The Komatsu 430

provide low ground pressure, which helps preserve the forest floor and the remaining trees when thinning. O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) couplings used throughout the machine ensure great reliability and minimise oil leaks. “This is good for both the environment and our customers bank balance,” Lundqvist said. Manoeuvrability, reach, and lifting power are important factors for effective thinning. The Komatsu 901TX.1 is equipped with a 10 m (32 ft 10 in) or 11 m (36 ft) crane with high lifting power of 170 kNm (62.7 t/ft). Together with Komatsu’s integrated cab and boom concept, this means a lot, especially when working in steep terrain. The Komatsu 901TX.1 is also

available as a more compact fourwheel model, making this thinning machine even nimbler and more effective. The Komatsu 941.1 is the largest of the Komatsu harvester family. When equipped with a Komatsu 370.2 harvesting head, it is a well matched system for demanding work in larger timber. “Much of the 941’s muscle comes from its large 210 kW (285 hp) engine and efficient hydraulics. Maximum torque is reached at a low engine speed, guaranteeing high-level performance from start to finish,” Lundqvist said. All this engine power is combined with remarkably low fuel consumption. Strength and flexibility also characterise the 941.1’s crane, which, despite its large size, is surprisingly quick

48 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

and easy to manoeuvre. The overall sturdy design makes the Komatsu 941.1 impressively reliable and easy to service. The cab includes the same full rotation swing, crane location and levelling as the other harvesters. Komatsu extends crawler based harvesting application zones to steeper, more difficult terrain and larger timber with a complementary line of crawler based harvesters. Komatsu XT series track harvesters include the XT430-2, and the levelling models XT430L-2, XT445L-2 and XT450L2. The Komatsu XT series replaces the previously well-known Valmet brand FX/FXL series. The XT series undercarriage features roller guards extended to the front and back with improved track shoe support plate clearance

reduces track chain side loading on uneven ground. Track frame cut-outs that’s reduces debris packing and improve roller maintenance. Track drive sprockets with mud/snow relief to reduce packing. Long track sliders with greater larger surface area for extended slider life. XT430L has two additional bottom track rollers for better weight distribution and improved roller and track link life. The XT family swing system drives run in a sealed grease bath for improved pinion lubrication with hardened gears for longer life. Dowels and a pilot hole align swing gears and provide easy service adjustment if needed. Easy to access grease fittings provide easy maintenance for extend bearing life. Engine oil changes are easy with an easy-to-access

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 49

HARVESTERS

engine oil filter location. Komatsu’s XT series deliver superior manoeuvrability, multifunction capability and highproduction in demanding environments. Four purpose-built XT series machines with base weights from 27-37 t have 246 kW (300 peak hp) Cummins Tier 3 engines. With up to nine hydraulic configurations, two boom, and four arm options, these versatile machines are easily fine-tuned to meet the demands of any processing, harvesting, or felling application. Designed for severe applications in big timber and steeper slopes, the XT450L has a larger levelling system with bigger components. Booms and arm designs are reinforced for use with today’s heavier saw heads with full lateral tilt. Each model features a high capacity cooling package with thermostatically controlled auto-reversing fans to improve engine and hydraulic cooling performance, reduced maintenance and improve fuel economy.

Tigercat’s zero tail-swing harvester offering includes the H822C and LH830C. These 224 kW (300 hp) harvesters are extremely capable in row thinning and final fell applications. The LH830C is equipped with a super-duty R7150L levelling undercarriage with FH400 components for steep terrain applications. The H845C and LH845C models are powered by the Tier III Cummins QSB6.7 delivering 194 kW (260 hp). With limited tailswing, these machines strike a good balance between manoeuvrability, machine stability and component access. The H855C/LH855C series is purpose-built and well suited to infield clear felling and processing applications. Based on Tigercat’s flagship 860C series carriers, the H855C uses the same forest duty upper frame structure, cab and cooling system as the feller bunchers, which are field proven at both temperature extremes in demanding applications throughout the world. These full tail-swing models are best suited

to larger timber, poor terrain and around-the-clock operations. Field reports indicate that H855C fuel usage can be as low as 18 litres/h and recent independent studies have shown that Tigercat purpose-built track harvesters are 20-25% more productive than similarly sized excavator conversions equipped with the same attachment. The Tigercat 880 logger can be configured as a loader, shovel logger or processor. It can be

matched to the largest sized harvesting heads.

The H845C in-depth Both H845C and H855C series harvesters are available with twopiece or telescopic ER boom systems. The patented ER boom system allows the machine operator to extend and retract the boom on a horizontal plane smoothly and quickly using a single joystick. The stick boom or ‘reach’ joystick controls both the

The Tigercat H845C is available with two-piece or telescopic ER boom systems

The ER system transfers energy back and forth between the main and the stick boom functions, reducing the total energy needed to move the boom system, translating to reduced demands for power, pump flow and system cooling – Tigercat

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 49

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 50

HARVESTERS

The Tigercat 1135 is part of a specialised class of harvesters main and stick booms simultaneously, resulting in the attachment moving either away from or toward the operator. The main boom and tilt functions operate in the traditional manner to adjust the height and angle of the attachment. Key to this technology is reduced energy consumption. The ER system transfers energy back and forth between the main and the stick boom functions, reducing the total energy needed to move the boom system. This translates to reduced demands for power, pump flow and system cooling. ER technology is unique to Tigercat. The engine and hydraulic system are specifically designed to achieve maximum performance and minimum fuel consumption in harvesting and processing applications. High horsepower allows the H845C to maintain hydraulic flow as the pressure increases, maintaining quick feed speeds and significantly boosting productivity. A dedicated attachment pump supplies oil to the primary head functions, delivering flow and pressure to match the demands of the head without interference from other machine functions. With a high

performance valving and control system, the machine is optimised for harvester performance and fuel efficiency. Under high flow conditions like feed or saw operation, additional oil is supplied from the main load sensing system.

50 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

The 1135 harvester in-depth The 1135 falls into a specialised harvester class. According to CTL product manager Jon Cooper, the eight-wheel drive machine “is specifically designed to manoeuvre between forwarding

rows in tightly spaced first thinning stands, dramatically increasing forwarder row spacing and residual stand quality”. The machine’s unique characteristics result in high production rates and the lightest possible impact in managed forests.

The John Deere 1270E

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 20/02/2013 14:08 Page 51

HARVESTERS

The 1270E and 1470E models are now equipped with new features and enhancements that give loggers more power, greater productivity and higher uptime, and allow them to maintain lower daily operating costs – John Deere

In order to achieve this, the machine is narrow and highly manoeuvrable with powerful steer cylinders, a tight turn radius, perfect wheel tracking, bogie lifts and ample ground clearance. The Tigercat designed and built parallel linkage crane has a 9.3 m reach achieved with a 2 m telescoping stick. The crane base is equipped with fore/aft levelling to maintain powerful slewing capability in uneven terrain and also has a side tilt function that allows the operator to reach around standing trees. The operator’s cabin has been carefully designed with emphasis on comfort, ergonomics and visibility. The curved windshield provides unimpeded upward visibility and extended side and rear windows create a clear sightline to the wheels and the ground, all-important when operating in-stand. The cab is well appointed with high quality, customisable controls that are ergonomically positioned to minimise operator fatigue. Constant temperature climate control and isolation mounting further contribute to the quiet, comfortable working environment. The 270° rotating seat provides ease of entry and exit. The 1135 is powered by the high performance 170 kW (228 hp) Mercedes 906 with dedicated pumps for the drive,

harvesting head and crane functions. The cooling system uses a hydraulically driven automatic variable speed fan for optimal fuel efficiency in cold operating environments. As with all Tigercat machines, the 1135 is designed and built for high uptime and long service life with strong frames, cylinders and pins throughout. The articulation joint is equipped with tapered roller bearings. John Deere continues to be a leader in innovative technologies and powerful machinery for the forestry sector through the introduction of two new E-series wheeled harvesters that meet EPA Tier III emission standards. The 1270E and 1470E models are now equipped with new features and enhancements that give loggers “more power, greater productivity and higher uptime, and allow them to maintain lower daily operating costs”, the manufacturer stated. The new 1270E and 1470E harvesters feature an advanced twin-pump hydraulic system that utilises two openloop pumps, one for harvester head and transmission control and one for head and boom control. These features give operators highly efficient, simultaneous steering and increased boom and woodprocessing control. This hydraulic power solution also

includes a new power management feature that anticipates the engine load and responds with an appropriate power surge for improved fuel economy and total productivity, which ultimately helps to reduce daily operating costs. The new standard, userfriendly TimberMatic H-12 Control System delivers finetuned hydraulics to provide smooth boom control, and features a configurable user interface. The user interface can be modified to meet each operators needs by selecting the functions and adjustments needed for each specific application or operator. This simplifies navigating through the system and will help to focus for the job at hand. TimberMatic H-12 also includes shortcut keys, operator specific adjustments, interactive selections that help synchronising operating parameters and multimedia help for easy access to operating and maintenance instructions. The recently launched Sequence Control for feeding and cutting makes tree processing fast, easy and more productive. As part of John Deere’s commitment to providing customers the right solution at the right time to meet their needs, the 1270E and 1470E harvesters are now equipped with a fuel-efficient and powerful John Deere 6090

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 51

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 21/02/2013 14:27 Page 52

HARVESTERS The John Deere 1270E goes to work PowerTech Plus turbo-charged 6cylinder 9 litre engines, delivering high torque at low rpm. Additionally, the exclusive John Deere TimberLink monitoring system – an integrated suite of information services for optimizing equipment and total productivity – now features an operator report with even more detailed differences with built-in information to other harvester operators working under similar conditions. The system also provides the operator with individual guidance for working method development. The JDLink machine and fleet management system is designed to remotely connect machine owners and service personnel to their equipment by providing realtime alerts and machine information needed, such as location, utilisation, fuel consumption and maintenance data. JDLink also enables automatic engine software updating and improved service support. With JDLink, the TimberMatic control system and forest machine control modules transmit machine information through a wireless MTG (Modular Telematics Gateway) and a cellular connection to the JDLink server. An optional satellite connection is available for machines working at sites where a cellular signal is not consistently available. New Harvester features that take peak performance to the next level: • New John Deere 6090 PowerTech Plus turbo-charged 9 litre engines meet Tier III emission standards • Exclusive high-tech cab with 160° turning radius and state-ofthe-art levelling system delivers unsurpassed visibility and productivity • New, standard, user-friendly TimberMatic H-12 control system delivers fine-tuned hydraulics to provide smooth boom control • 1270E’s industry-leading CH7 parallel harvester boom is available with 8.6 m, 10 m, or 11.7 m (28.2 ft, 32.8 ft or 38.4 ft) reach options – 1470E comes standard with rugged CH8 boom with exceptional life and slew capacities to handle timber up to 11 m (36.1 ft) reach

52 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

• New twin-pump hydraulic system employs two loops: one for harvester head and transmission control; one for head and boom control. Standard reversing fan keeps engine cooler clean while lowering fuel consumption. First Displayed at Finn Metko and KWF 2012 Logset harvesters can from now on be equipped with a 90 degree rotating cabin and with an automatic levelling in all directions. The automatic levelling is 10 degrees forward and 11 degrees backward. Manually it can be tilted backward up to 17 degrees for really steep hills and for road transports on trailer. Sideways it is tilting +/- 17 degrees as on the previous Logset harvesters. The wheel base of the 8H GT has increased with 320 mm. This increases the stability when working in slopes. The engine is a new Agco Power 74 AWI engine with 205 kW (279 hp) and uses SCR technology. The SCR technology decreases the fuel

IFI_PG34_Harvesters_HR 21/02/2013 15:40 Page 53

HARVESTERS movement and ideal load distribution on both rough and soft ground. (It is even possible to put tracks on all bogies). The automatically actuated bogie locks are one of the secrets behind the outstanding lateral and longitudinal stability of the 1050H. Other assets are the low centre of gravity and the ideal load distribution in longitudinal direction. And owing to the bogielift a considerably smaller turning radius is achieved. IFI consumption by 5-10% thanks to optimised combustion and after treatment of the emissions. The work hydraulic has also been updated and is also available with double work pump. The bonnet has a new, improved design with stronger side panels. The crane is the new Mesera Loglift M240H crane. The design is of the crane is similar to the L280 crane. Compared to the L220V crane it has an increased lifting capacity of 27% and the slewing capacity has increased by 25 %. The crane is strong enough to handle the

biggest Logset head, the TH75.

The Gremo 1050H

The Gremo 1050H is a reliable harvester ideal for thinning and final cutting. Has a new powerful engine, together with the big working pump which produces sufficient hydraulic power for any task. This means shorter working cycles and better performance. The Gremo is designed to be flexible and safe to meet the requirements of forestry work. To do this it is equipped with a proven eight wheel design, This ensures excellent forward

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 53

IFI_PG54_57_Lifting & Loading_02 20/02/2013 14:25 Page 54

LIFTING & LOADING

Raising wood lifting standards Getting access to timber within a stand can become simpler and faster if the right lifting arm is used. International Forest Industries asks suppliers of cranes and associated technologies about how their products have improved

psilon brought its latest innovation, the innovative harvester crane M160H100, to the industry mid-last year at KWF in Germany. The first model had already been sold to HSM, headquartered in Neu-Kupfer, Germany.

In addition to the standard model – with external guided hoses, standard link, swing break and H132 rotator from Indexator – the new ‘E+P’ system (patent pending) encompasses a major highlight of the ‘EPSolution’ series. It is a telescopic solution –

Flexibility and efficiency in application, the new harvester model with a net lifting moment of 160 kNm and 10 m operating range is the product of creative and methodical development over two years in cooperation with end customers and specialists of the industry – Hans Friedrich, Epsilon

Epsilon’s M160 54 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

a completely new development within the harvester sector and available as an option to the existing model. ‘E+P’ stands for “endless and protected”. With a link-rotator-system, which unique to Epsilon cranes,

the boom’s tip is linked with the felling aggregate as several hydraulic and electric lines are guided internally and protected. Thus a breakdown of the device caused by defect hoses and cables is prevented. The extended model

IFI_PG54_57_Lifting & Loading_02 20/02/2013 14:25 Page 55

LIFTING & LOADING

endless rotator could only be realised with internally guided electric and hydraulic lines. Epsilon had success in defining a solution to find a remedy for this problem: protected hydraulic lines in the area of the aggregate with a power density of 320 litres/minute; internal electric guidance via CANBUS with endless rotating function; compact architecture of the swing break; as well as an endless-rotatorfunction. These together demonstrate completely new developments from Epsilon. “Lower down times, a lower amount of maintenance and lower consequential charges are only some advantages the customer has,” Epsilon General Manager Hans Friedrich said. “We are sure to have developed a customised solution for many customers of the segment.” The the new M-class model package is completed by the established and easily serviceable slewing gear with double piston system and end cushioning, four LED-spotlights á 3000 lumen mounted on main boom gear system for ideal illumination, central greasing system and bronze bushes with greasing channels, as well as easily serviceable hose and cable finish. “Flexibility and efficiency in

application, the new harvester model with a net lifting moment of 160 kNm and 10 m operating range is the product of creative and methodical development over two years in cooperation with end customers and specialists of the industry,” Friedrich said. Swedish manufacturer Intermercato has come up with a new innovative solution for weighing of a hanging load in motion. Normally, the XW scale is mounted between the crane boom and the rotator. Recently, however, development of the XW 50 PS, mounted between the rotator and the grapple, has changed this accepted norm. The XW 50 PS has a hollow central shaft allowing the hydraulic connections to the grapple to pass through the scale. The XW 50 PS is primarily designed for forwarders, where the advantages of the XW 50 PS are obvious: • The hoses between rotator and grapple are well protected • The scale will not interfere with the use of original swing damper solutions provided by the crane/rotator manufacturer.

Weighing The scale is based on traditional strain gauge technology. However,

the strain gauge has a unique construction that allows mechanical overload protection and makes it completely immune to pushing. The load cell is also temperature compensated, which means that weighing is not affected by the surrounding temperature. Cold nights and hot days don’t make a difference.

Processing The signal from the strain gauge is interpreted, processed and transformed into digital form by the extremely sensitive amplifier mounted on the weighing body. A key function here is played by the special algorithm calculating the weight and the integrated motion control.

Transmission Data are transferred by radio to a monitor in the cabin or at the top seat of the crane. The wireless technology makes installation very easy and eliminates the risk of lost operating time due to cable rupture.

Presentation Weighing data are presented in a Windows Mobile handheld computer or in a Windows PC. The BlueScale software handles route orders and data storage.

The Intermercato crane scale analyses a load

description is M160H100EP. The term E+P system reflects, not only approved solutions like EPScope and EPSLink or EPSolution but innovative solutions provided by Epsilon in general. Numerous criteria need to be met depending on the area of application, making harvester crane solutions highly technical. Concerning the use of felling aggregates, harvester cranes demand hydraulic systems with high power density. Moreover, an adequate guide for the electric system mostly in the form of a CANBUS signal is required. To get unrestricted access to the log, swing breaks must be installed compactly. If the crane was equipped with externally guided hoses, the slewing range of the aggregate would be limited – an FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 55

IFI_PG54_57_Lifting & Loading_02 20/02/2013 14:25 Page 56

LIFTING & LOADING The XW 50 PS has a hollow central shaft allowing the hydraulic connections to the grapple to pass through the scale

The secret of automatic weighing The weighing is performed automatically, which means the driver has limited or no influence over the weighing process. It does not matter if the operator pushes a button or a pedal to activate the scale or if they run it in full automatic mode, as soon as the load is on, the scale takes over the weighing leaving the driver with only one task – to listen for the buzzer that says the scale has done its job and that unloading can begin. The automatics are entirely software based – no external sensors are involved.

Indexator Rotator Systems’ patent pending Y-link enables protected hose routing and is considered a new standard for the whole industry, the OEM stated. The benefits of the new links are many. It is now possible to have external hose routing on the crane. It is also a cost-effective solution, where the links are offered in different price ranges and with different technical solutions. Indexator has already found that the new Y-link, together with its market leading swingdamper system MPB, is the solution in high demand amongst crane manufacturers. Sales and Marketing Manager

Erik Svensson said that the new Ylinks had so far been a great success: “Some of our customers are planning to have them on their machines at this year´s major shows. It is a totally new solution and compatible with our standard rotators, which makes our customers very happy.” Indexator Rotator Systems can also offer a scale with the new link solution. “We already have customers ordering the new Y-link with scales, which we will start selling at the end of the year,” Svensson said. Vice president Gunnar Bålfors: “The reality facing the industry today shows what’s needed and brings new ideas. We make those ideas happen.” Indexator is one of the world´s leading manufactures of rotators for forestry handling. It produces large, powerful rotators designed for the most demanding work tasks. The company also produces small rotators for lighter work. Indexator runs a quality factory with every process in the factory permeated through “quality thinking”. “Indexator’s rotators shall always, at the very least, meet the costumers requirements and expectations,” Bålfors said. To be first with what is new demands a solid knowledge, which the employees at Indexator possess. Innovation and unique

Y-link Indexator rotator systems are driven by quality employees

At Indexator, we are well aware of the often tough reality in which products have to work and function, but we’re also responsive to changing needs – Gunnar Bålfors, Indexator

Calibration solutions make the company a leader in technical development, according to Bålfors. “At Indexator we are well aware of the often tough reality in which products have to work and function, but we’re also responsive to changing needs,” he said. Indexator has a unique research and testing facility, which is used to systematically verify product designs and production techniques, as well as to test new technical concepts. Indexator’s research is applied in a way which ensures that the end result can be put into practice immediately. Material experts, designers and production technicians work side by side. “Production technology is important, but it is the employees who have the lead role in quality work,” Bålfors said. IFI

Before delivery, all scales are calibrated in a special calibration stand. An maximum error of +/- 5 kg is allowed before delivery, however, the error is usually less than +/- 3 kg. As the scales are supplied pre calibrated, no on-site calibration is required. Mounting and commissioning is so simple that it is often done by the end user.

Powering The load cell and the measuring unit are powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. The power consumption is minimised to save batteries. A safe radio reach is 60 m. The scale is delivered with two rechargeable batteries and a battery charger. Normally, change of batteries takes place once a week. The XW 50 PS is equipped with 6500 mAh batteries, for even longer intervals.

The Y-link short protected hose routing

56 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

IFI_PG54_57_Lifting & Loading_02 20/02/2013 14:25 Page 57

IFI_PG58_59_Harvesters - innovation_01 21/02/2013 14:12 Page 58

HARVESTERS – INNOVATION

Operation calibrated to profit Calibrating a harvester has never been more efficient, according to calibration specialist Haglöf Sweden

he Skalman system is a market leader for quick and accurate calibration of harvester merchandise computers. With the Digitech Professional, the Digitech Tape and Skalman v6, the system is better than ever, the technology company claims. According to Haglöf, Skalman v6 and the Digitech Professional is the perfect combination for quick and efficient harvester calibration. With the field data secured, the value chain from tree-to-board becomes a smooth and profitable process. “The Skalman system saves resources for the operator, the company and for the environment and is well proven with rugged, durable instruments. There is less waste and improved raw material usage and and improved raw material usage and better economy are direct results.” The instructions for the programs are easy to follow and make learning quick. 1. Download the harvester

2. 3. 4.

measured values to the Digitech Professional Control measure with the caliper and the Digitech Tape Register log lengths automatically Compare caliper values with the values registered by the merchandise computer Divergences indicate that the harvester head needs to be calibrated Skalman offers a calibration suggestion.

Flex Scaling Skalman v6 includes a flexible measuring method called ‘Flex Scaling’. The method enables the operator to avoid measuring at certain areas on the stem, (knot clusters, areas without bark). Assemble the Digitech Tape and measure at suitable place.

Non-circular diameter Skalman v6 includes an adjustable quote limit. The operator is alerted when the first measured

The Skalman system saves resources for the operator, the company and for the environment and is well proven with rugged, durable instruments – there is less waste and improved raw material usage and better economy. diameter differs from the second diameter in cross scaling. The quote limit is set in percentages (%: Dmax/Dmin). A common cause for deviations are loose branches between caliper and stem.

narrowing of the diameter has been registered by the harvester). Cause for error can be a poor grip around the stem. Plane section areas should not be included in the caliper scaling control. The plane section length is set from 5 dm-10 dm.

Decreasing diameters Skalman v6 alerts the operator when the merchandise computer has detected a decreasing diameter. The size of the decrease and the determined section length can be set in the caliper (0-99 mm/0-10 dm).

Plane section The easy-to-use, bucking computer/merchandise computer screen inside the harvester cockpit. 58 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

Skalman v6 alerts with a warning signal when in a plane section (section of the stem where no

Potential calibration Skalman v6 offers an alternative suggestion to calibrate the harvester computer. The potential calibration calculates possible improvement for diameters and lengths in percentages. Another 20% of the diameters could potentially be within ± 4 mm. Quote limits are adjustable and set in millimetres for diameters and decimetres for lengths.

IFI_PG58_59_Harvesters - innovation_01 21/02/2013 14:12 Page 59

Digitech Professional and Digitech Tape measuring in stack

HARVESTERS – INNOVATION

All program solutions from Haglöf are easy to use, smart and made for and with foresters

A harvester head operates to calibrated specification

Results based on selected stems The operator can choose to see results for a selected stem or results from optional intervals, for example Stem 5-Stem 12.

Decrease warning Skalman v6 alerts if a measured stem has a large number of diameters that decrease in an unusual way. Such stems are not recommended for calibration. The maximal allowed diameter decrease can be set on a section of 3 dm.

Specification The Digitech Professional has built-in batteries with intelligent

charging, offering secure data handling and storage, and allowing long-term operation without interruption. The charging device is simply placed in the harvester cockpit, where the Digitech Professional is placed without being in the way. The terminal backlit display enables measuring also in dark surroundings. When the work shift is over, the valuable computer terminal is simply disassembled and can be protected outside the cockpit from thefts and loss. When in the charger, the Digitech Professional goes to server mode and allows automatic file transfer to the merchandise computer. The Skalman system

Technical Specification Skalman Operating system: Languages:

Digitech Professional Version 1.x or later Swedish, English, German, Finnish, Russian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Estonian, Czech

simply offers many small things, which improve functionality and make the operator’s life easier. The electronic measuring tape the Digitech Tape uses the caliper battery and display for result feature of lengths up to 7.5 m. Automatic length registration with Digitech Tape improves accuracy and speed. The work is made quicker, safer and more accurate than with regular measuring tapes. Operators can combine

several program applications in their Digitech Professional, thinning follow-up or cruising and stand evaluation, and increase the value of their investments, according to Haglöf. “All program solutions from Haglöf are easy to use, smart and made for and with foresters,” the company claims. IFI

John Deere’s Digitech Professional configuration FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 59

IFI_PG58_61_ForestMngt_Innovation ESRI_02 20/02/2013 16:08 Page 60

FOREST MANAGEMENT – INNOVATION

Resource managers fight with lasers Forestry management specialists and technology suppliers have enabled 3D modelling of a forest’s canopy structure

An example of ArcMap (10.1) displaying the point cloud and profile view

ood management decisions require the availability of quality information. For forest resource managers, the combination of airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) remote sensing data together with Esri’s ArcGIS and the Forest Service, the US Department of Agriculture’s own FUSION software have created a powerful 3D environment capable of modelling a forest’s canopy structure. Although still a relatively new approach, this combination of data and software provides the necessary environment to store, organise, extract, share and analyse forest land cover information in ways that were impossible just a few years ago. In addition, creating regression models between forest inventory parameters measured on field

plots and correlating lidar canopy metrics provides a new and robust ability to better understand the information contained within the lidar point cloud across the entire forest landscape. The FUSION software was introduced around 2005 and is currently managed by Robert McGaughey of the USDA Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Research station to help the forestry community understand, explore and analyse lidar data. Initially, FUSION was capable of selecting subsets from the lidar point cloud and interactively viewing them in 3D as depicted in Figure 2. As research and interest in using lidar technology to quantify vegetation has evolved, FUSION’s capabilities have been enhanced to include the extraction of lidar point clouds to correlate with

60 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

forest inventory plots and the ability to calculate a collection of canopy metrics such as height statistics or cover/density ratios (Table 1), which can be summarised to a plot level or grid cell format. In addition, FUSION possesses a quality assessment routine catered to assessing the appropriateness of lidar point data for forestry applications.

ArcGIS with FUSION The combination of ArcGIS and FUSION software creates a complete work environment enabling efficient management and processing of lidar data sets for forestry applications. Where ArcGIS excels in the organising, storing and sharing of lidar point clouds, FUSION provides a robust ability to perform extensive point cloud analytics of forest inventory variables across large landscapes.

The information FUSION can extract to describe the forest canopy can easily be exported as an ASCII grid and imported into ArcGIS alongside other GIS datasets and used for decision making and further analysis as illustrated in Figure 3. To get more value out of our FUSION outputs, the ArcGIS spatial analyst conditional tool can be used to identify areas of interest that meet certain criteria. For example, if interest exists in areas that contain large trees (tall) with a relatively low canopy cover, pixels can be identified that meet both conditions by applying the conditional logic to the appropriate FUSION generated canopy structure grid layers. Fortunately there is no cost to acquire the FUSION software, so no additional software beyond the standard ArcGIS licenses needs to

IFI_PG58_61_ForestMngt_Innovation ESRI_02 20/02/2013 16:08 Page 61

FOREST MANAGEMENT – INNOVATION

Figure 2:FUSION’s Lidar Data Viewer (LDV) allows users to visualise and explore point clouds in a 3D environment with a variety of display options

lidar canopy metrics generated by FUSION Category Descriptive

Output variable Total number of returns Count of returns by return number Minimum Maximum Mean Median (output as 50th percentile) Mode Standard deviation Variance Coefficient of variation Interquartile distance Skewness Kurtosis AAD (Average Absolute Deviation) L‐moments (L1, L2, L3, L4) L‐moment skewness L‐moment kurtosis Height percentile values (1st, 5th, 10th , 20th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 75th, 80th, 90th, 95th, 99th percentiles) Canopy related metrics Percentage of first returns above a specified (calculated when the height (canopy cover estimate) “/above:#” switch is used Percentage of first returns above the mean height/elevation Percentage of first returns above the mode height/elevation Percentage of all returns above a specified height Percentage of all returns above the mean height/elevation Percentage of all returns above the mode height/elevation Number of returns above a specified height / total first returns * 100 Number of returns above the mean height / total first returns * 100 Number of returns above the mode height / total first returns * 100

be purchased to obtain the benefits of adding FUSION to the workflow. The USDA Forest Service Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC) provides training and helpdesk support for Forest Service personnel interested in using FUSION software for forest management and provides an online tutorial for public reference (http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/rsac/f usion/).

Case study Due in part to high severity fires and insect infestations, a workflow incorporating ArcGIS and FUSION, as highlighted above, was implemented for a forest restoration effort in the Pinaleño Mountains on the Coronado National Forest in southeastern Arizona. In order to identify habitat and catalogue forest inventory variables at a landscape level, forest inventory parameters were modelled by creating regression models between forest inventory parameters measured on field plots and the correlating lidar canopy metrics, which were subset for each plot and summarised using FUSION (Figure 4). Before applying the resulting statistical models to the landscape, a series of GIS

procedures were conducted to ensure the models were applied appropriately and successfully across the landscape. First, a forest-non forest mask was created to ensure the models were only applied in forested areas. This was accomplished using the spatial analyst conditional tool in ArcGIS and the canopy height and canopy cover structure grid layers output from FUSION. Each pixel had to meet a minimum vegetation height of 3 m and 2% canopy cover. All pixels that did not meet the criteria were masked out when models were applied across the study area. The final step was to apply the regression models created in the initial modelling steps to the appropriate ASCII grid layers, which created continuous inventory parameter GIS layers covering the entire study area. Each calculation produced a new grid in which each 25 m cell spatially represents the estimated forest inventory parameter of interest such as biomass, basal area, Lorey’s mean height, timber volume, etc (Figure 5). The resulting GIS inventory layers were qualitatively validated with local experts and conformed well to trends known to occur on the landscape. The forest canopy

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 61

IFI_PG58_61_ForestMngt_Innovation ESRI_02 20/02/2013 16:08 Page 62

FOREST MANAGEMENT – INNOVATION

Figure 3: The figure represents the first return % Canopy Cover Grid Metric produced at a 25 m cell size across about 85,000 acres in south east Arizona. All the metrics listed in Table 1 can be exported to a grid format and integrated into ArcGIS as illustrated in this figure

LiDAR – what is it, really?

ou are probably familiar with RADAR (ra[dio] d[etecting] a[nd] r[anging]) – the method of detecting distant objects and determining their position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysis of very high frequency radio waves reflected from their surfaces. And some would have heard of SONAR (so[und] na[vigation and] r[anging]), a system using transmitted and reflected underwater sound waves to detect and locate submerged objects. Although one system uses radio waves and the other sound waves, both RADAR & SONAR send out an active signal and record when it bounces back to the sensor. Now substitute a light pulse emitted from a laser in place of radio or sound waves, and you have mastered the fundamental concept of LiDAR (li[ght] d[etcting] a[nd] r[anging]). LiDAR sensor systems can be deployed in a couple of different configurations, including a stationary environment mounted on a tripod or mobile by affixing to the top of a vehicle or attached to an aircraft. Regardless, all LiDAR

62 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

systems have as the fundamental component a pulsating laser that sends out a pulse of light and then records when it returns to the sensor. Since the light pulse is traveling at the speed of light, if the exact time from departure to return and the angle the light pulse was traveling when it left the laser are accurately recorded, it is straight forward to convert the elapsed time to distance travelled, and then calculate the final (X, Y, and Z) position where the pulse met something that reflected it back to the sensor. With literally millions of outgoing and returning pulses, the data points are often referred to as a ‘point cloud’. Once processed, this data provides a three-dimensional representation of the Earth’s surface and objects on it, such as trees, buildings, transmission line towers, and so on. Applied to wide area forestry applications, LiDAR data is most often collected from fixed wing aircraft. This allows fairly large tracts of land to be mapped in a reasonably efficient manner. Depending on the numerous variables

Figure 1: Laser pulse sent out and returned

Figure 2: Point cloud forest profile that go into this type of collection (shape of area, distance from operations base, weather, etc), it is possible to collect LiDAR over 10,00040,000 ha in a single day. Although not a requirement, it is quite common with today’s systems to also collect either true colour or colour infrared digital imagery simultaneously with the LiDAR and does not usually significantly increase the overall project costs.

IFI_PG58_61_ForestMngt_Innovation ESRI_02 20/02/2013 16:08 Page 63

FOREST MANAGEMENT – INNOVATION Figure 4: FUSION was used to create a subset from the lidar point cloud that correlated with each field plot location and size across the study area. Four input data sources were necessary to complete the processing: plot coordinates (sub meter accuracy), plot radius, the lidar-generated bare earth surface covering the project area, and the raw lidar data tiles (.las files). Statistics (Table 1) for each virtual lidar plot were then calculated as input for the inventory parameter regression modelling

Figure 5: The GIS grid layer (25 m cell size) represents the Basal Area inventory parameter model applied at the landscape level. This GIS layer is one of the end user products that will be used for future decision making, analysis and monitoring for the Pinaleño Sky Island study area

descriptive layers (Table 1) and the modelled forest inventory GIS layers (Figure 5) are currently being incorporated into habitat characterisation studies for the endangered Mt Graham red squirrel, the Pinaleño Demography study, and the general management and conservation of the Pinaleño Sky Island ecosystem. Numerous benefits were realised by using lidar over a traditional ground-based approach to obtain forest structure data. First, it provided continuous coverage of all forested areas, rather than stand or plot-level estimates of various parameters created from stratified sampling methods. Second, it sampled areas that field crews could not safely measure due to extreme terrain. Finally, The Coronado National Forest estimates that obtaining data sufficient to implement the Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project would have cost nearly twice as much using traditional methods as the cost of the Pinaleño Lidar Mapping Project.

The end result Using Esri’s ArcGIS and the USDA Forest Service’s FUSION software,

forest resource managers now have a set of tools and a reliable workflow for extracting landscape level forest structure information from raw lidar data and incorporating it into their GIS. The workflow has been streamlined with the recent release of ArcGIS 10.1, which includes enhanced functionality for storing, organising, and sharing lidar .las files. Combining this with the

powerful forestry point cloud analytical capabilities of FUSION, it has become easier to manage and extract value from lidar data. The FUSION software, which complements the capabilities of ArcGIS, can be downloaded free of charge (http://forsys.cfr.washington.edu/ fusion/fusionlatest.html) and the Forest Service Remote Sensing Applications Center

(http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/rsac/) provides tutorials and sample lidar data sets making it easy to get started. With lidar data becoming more affordable and available, software tools such as ArcGIS and FUSION provide foresters with dramatically improved capabilities to understand the forests they are managing and make informed decisions. IFI

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 63

IFI_PG64_67_EWD_HR 21/02/2013 14:42 Page 64

OPERATION FOCUS

EBB1800 slanted headrig operator cabin with large PC-screen and Microtec optimisation

EWD facilitates 15% production increase

EWD’s 17° slanted EBB_1800R-17° bandsaw headrig with 3D scanning, forward/backward sawing and new Combimes BNK Edging and resawing system, has paved the way into the future

ast year witnessed a rebuilding and expansion program for German sawmiller, Holz Resch, using cutting edge technology. A 3D true-shape scanner for the bandsaw headrig EBB provides optimised sawing with maximum recovery and value and the Combimes BNK system processes and optimises the sideboards as well as flitches and cants into the respective products. Holz Resch is located next to the Dreisesselberg mountain in the midst of the Bavarian forest. It is a family company, headed by the fifth generation miller, Baptist Resch. With its 20 employees, the company processes the

64 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

local high quality spruce into specialist products. These local logs from the high altitudes of Lusen and Dreisesselberg mountains grow slowly to large diameters with narrow growth rings that give them great strength. The mill has an intake of 25,000m3/year and produces live-sawn flitches; fingerjointed lumber; scaffold boards; core-free or core-split sections; timber sections; construction timber DIN 4074; customer specific products; panelling floor; and wall boards. Holz Resch is a long-term EWD customer with a log grading yard and sawmill,

complemented by a Springer lumber tray sorter with stacking. Dry kilns and a planer mill give added value to the basic products. A CHP plant has recently been built and is fuelled by chips and sawdust to provide heat for the sawmill and adjacent factories, as well as for the local community. In 2007, the Resch family started to consider the rebuilding of its existing frame sawmill, exploring layouts and concepts. Then, in 2011, the work on the new mill concept became more concrete and by year’s end the layout and concept had been finalised. Following a couple of mill visits with EWD,

IFI_PG64_67_EWD_HR 21/02/2013 14:42 Page 65

OPERATION FOCUS

The sawn lumber slides off smoothly onto the belt with the narrow face upside due to the 17째 slant and is then transferred via two decks for side boards and for flitches/cants to the Combimes

the family was assured that the 17째 slanted headrig was the way to go to complement the frame saw. In early 2012, the civil works for the new saw house marked the start of the project, which was done in three steps. First, a new roundlog infeed with an S+S metal detector unit was built to maintain continued feeding of logs to the frame saw and keep the mill operating. The new saw house was built in parallel with the 17째 slanted EBB headrig. The mill was only stopped for a short period, once the headrig and saw house were ready, to disassemble the two existing DKV edgers and install the new Combimes BNK

edger/resaw system and a new waste handling system from Rudnick & Enners. Following a short stop time, the new equipment was commissioned and, since October 2012, the sawmill has been successfully sawing with the new technology. Within six months, the old frame sawmill was updated and brought in line with state-of the art-technology. A very flexible sawmill was built with a small foot print to fit the available space, which is able to react to time-sensitive and customised orders. The young team of operators took to the new technology very quickly and is improving its skills on a daily base.

EW2_1000 with-17째 Carriage and DiSCAN scanner FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 65

IFI_PG64_67_EWD_HR 21/02/2013 14:42 Page 66

OPERATION FOCUS

The EBB_1800R-17° bandsaw headrig with double cut mode, facilitates smooth slide down of the lumber

EBB_1800R-17° slanted bandsaw headrig … for higher productivity The log bandsaw headrig processes logs of 3 to 10 m length, with diameters from 0.15 to 1 m and more. The 17° slanted EBB 1800R headrig with 1.8 m (6 ft) wheel diameter and carriage EW2 1000 is receiving logs via a log loader. The driven loader conveyor achieves smooth and fast loading of the logs onto the carriage EW2. The 17° slanted headrig works more efficiently, especially for the loading and rotating of the logs. A skilled operator achieves 10 to 15% higher production per shift, compared with a conventional bandsaw headrig. The carriage is automatically ‘parked’ in the loading area according to log length before the operator releases the log for loading. The operator rotates and dogs the log based on quality and sweep, then the automatic mode takes over. The carriage moves forward and the Microtec DiSCAN scanner reads the true-shape log contour with a combination of Laser triangulation and cameras. The optimisation system uses the lumber product data to calculate the optimum saw pattern and the right alignment for the log and automatically feeds it to the bandsaw. The operator sees the selected pattern on his 550 mm (22 in) computer screen and can still override if needed with a different pattern to

ensure log quality. The visualisation of the saw pattern is done by the OPTiLINE system in real time with two cameras. The operator sees the saw pattern on the log shown on small and large end diameter. The bandsaw headrig works in double cut mode, forward and backward sawing, and is therefore quicker, even without slabber because there are no unproductive return passes. The sawn lumber slides off smoothly onto the belt with the narrow face upside due to the 17° slant and is then transferred via two decks for side boards and for flitches/cants to the Combimes. An automated transfer of flitches to the frame saw allows that machine to be used for special products. For live sawing of boards and flitches, two manual stacking places or two trays of the Springer sorting system can be used. This lumber outfeed is also used by the HDN 600 Esterer frame saw. Waney sideboards are sent to the sideboard deck of the Combimes, while lumber and scaffold boards are sent to the sorting system.

The Combimes BNK Combination edger/gang circular saw The Combimes system is installed in this mill as a combination edger/gang machine. Waney sideboards can be sent back for edging. The BNK circular edger/gang is fitted with six

66 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

The bandsaw headrig works in double cut mode, forward and backward sawing, and is therefore quicker, even without slabber because there are no unproductive return passes

moveable saw heads with servo-hydraulic setworks and can process boards as well as flitches up to 225 mm thickness. Boards are brought to the infeed table via the S-shaped unscrambler QFEZ_S. The operator then decides if they want to trim back a fish-tail end and also on the quality and grade of the board. The Combimes then moves the board through the laser scanning system, which scans the open board face from top and bottom. Because of the top and bottom scanning system, the boards do not have to be turned waney face up. With scan data and grade assignment, the PC optimises the edging/resawing solution, which is then executed by the ARS infeed table to feed the lumber to the BNK. The operator stands next to the infeed table, however, this

IFI_PG64_67_EWD_HR 21/02/2013 14:42 Page 67

OPERATION FOCUS Combimes BNK view of the two deck transfer system on the right side with ARS infeed on the left

workplace has been designed to make it as ergonomic and safe as possible. All the main commands are given by a joystick, which can be easily adapted to fit the operators size and preference. The optimisation solutions are displayed on a PC screen on the grading/operating panel. Product data and values or other parameters like number of special pieces on order can be fed to the system via an office PC. Data transfer to the Combimes machine is then done by USB stick or Ethernet. Thus, work preparation does not interfere with the sawmillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production. Operator safety is achieved by a safety PLC and special rubber mat with sensors. With the operator stepping on the mat, the machine is automatically released and locked again when the operator steps off. This enables the operator to safely climb onto the infeed table, for instance to clean a laser sensor without need to lock out his machine. The unscrambler danger area is blocked by safety photo eyes and the O-crosscut saw is automatically lowered if somebody steps in front of it. All these features make for a very safe work place. The ASV tailing system behind the BNK separates edgings from the board/s and sends them to the waste handling system. Lumber is sent to the sorting and stacking system via transfer system. All cants and flitches to the

The 17Â° slanted headrig

product and sent back for edging via the sideboard transfer deck. The Combimes system provides a high yield and recovery for the Resch sawmill.

works more efficiently,

The one-stop, saw shop

especially for the loading and rotating of the logs

Saw sharpening is done in house with a new Vollmer grinding machine. A new saw shop was built above to enable easy changing and servicing of the bandsaw blades. A saw shop and equipment for the circular saws already existed on site. IFI

Combimes are automatically aligned to an even end and then fed piece-by-piece to the Combimes, following the same process as the boards. Waney sideboards from thicker cants are automatically separated from the main

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 67

IFI_PG68_71_Cutting Edge_01 20/02/2013 15:13 Page 68

IFI_PG68_71_Cutting Edge_01 20/02/2013 15:13 Page 69

CUTTING EDGE

Tigercat steps into the breach

bserving a void in the marketplace, as equipment manufacturers have for the most part stopped producing and supporting steering axle equipped self-propelled loaders for mill yard applications, Tigercat has stepped up with the newly designed AC16 articulating carrier. The AC16 can be mated to a Tigercat 234 or 250 series

knuckleboom loader. The AC16 is four-wheel drive with powerful tractive effort for towing applications and tough terrain log yard conditions. The durable carrier is completely fabricated by Tigercat and uses robust, forest-duty components that are standard equipment on many Tigercat machines. The axles, brakes and transmission are common to Tigercat drive-to-tree

feller bunchers. Optional circle saw slasher hydraulics are available and Tigercat will also be offering an optional log bunk. The loader can be separated from the carrier if required.

The prototype unit was purchased by Verso Paper Corp and has been operating successfully in a wood yard in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine since mid2012. www.tigercat.com

Bandit and New River work together to distribute the Revolution cutter wheel Bandit has partnered with New River Equipment to produce and distribute the Bandit Revolution cutter wheel and associated parts, including the SaberTooth cutting teeth, for most stump grinder makes and models. The Bandit Revolution is now available from Bandit or through any Bandit dealer as well as from New River Equipment. Bandit-specific wheels and parts are available only through Bandit. The Bandit Revolution cutter wheel is also now standard equipment for all new Bandit stump grinders. Owners of older Bandit stump grinders can purchase the Bandit Revolution as an upgrade. “The Bandit Revolution is an evolution in stump grinding,” Mark DiSalvo, Knife and Wear Parts Manager for Bandit Industries, said. “This wheel builds on the success of New River’s previous designs to create a system that cuts better with less component wear. Users will immediately notice how much smoother the Bandit Revolution is to use, and they’ll also find it does a far better job of containing chips than anything

else on the market.” The key to the Bandit Revolution’s performance is the spiral configuration of the teeth, combined with low-profile pockets that receive minimal wear while also minimising chip spread. The lead teeth on the wheel are set at 57° and 20° to complete the spiral of the side teeth up and over the wheel’s edge, allowing for a more aggressive cut that also helps move material away from the stump. A variety of carbide teeth are available to best suit grinding conditions and machine horsepower, and their countersunk mounting in the pockets make them virtually unbreakable. A Long-Short lead tooth allows the cutting to take place further from the wheel, reducing wear. For high horsepower machines, a ShortShort carbide is used to reduce leverage and keep the cutting action closer to the pocket. The SaberTooth maximises the cutting efficiency on lower horsepower machines and is designed to always have two sharp cutting edges as it wears – no sharpening required. The pockets run all the way to

the edge of the wheel and are reversible, allowing for double the normal pocket life while protecting the wheel from premature wear. The teeth serve as the mounting bolts for the pockets, eliminating the expense of additional hardware. And because all teeth are the same size, field service is very easy. This combines to create a stump grinding wheel and tooth system that delivers superior cutting power with impressive chip containment, all while reducing wear and maintenance needs. “We’re very excited to be working with New River Equipment to bring this wheel to the forefront of the stump grinding market, and companies are already talking about just how good it works,” DiSalvo said. “The Bandit Revolution is a perfect match for Bandit’s new stump grinders, but we’re also very pleased to have this system available for professionals using other equipment as well. Whatever you’re using to go after stumps, Bandit can help you see more profit at the end of the day.”

Meanwhile, Bandit has partnered with Southwest Bobcat to provide Bandit parts and service support at all five Southwest Bobcat locations throughout Southern California and Nevada. In addition, Southwest Bobcat will also stock and sell Zenith knives and Bandit Revolution stump grinding wheels/teeth. Bandit Tree Care Products of Southern California will continue to handle new Bandit equipment sales. Both companies will work together to ensure the needs of Bandit customers and tree service professionals are met throughout the Southwest. Southwest Bobcat has locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and Las Vegas. Bandit Tree Care Products of Southern California is located in Anaheim. www.banditchippers.com

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 69

IFI_PG68_71_Cutting Edge_01 20/02/2013 15:13 Page 70

CUTTING EDGE

Deere skidders benefit from weight package

ohn Deere claims to have gained a significant increase in its skidders performance with a new optional wheel weight package that will add 1,900 lb to the front of the machines. Available now, the kit is compatible with the 640H cable skidder and 648H, 748H and 848H grapple skidders. “This is a simple solution that increases machine capabilities to help our customers become more

productive on the job,” Brandon O’Neal, Product Marketing Manager at John Deere Construction & Forestry, said. “Loggers will see a substantial difference in the load weight they are able to pull with the heavier set of wheels.” The weight package, made for the front two wheels only, requires the use of dual ring wheels and SWEDA axles. New wheels with a dual ring that allow the use of

35.5 tyres are also available with the optional weight package. This new wheel is available both as a factory option and field kit. It does not allow for dual wheels and 35.5 tyres.

BRON mulchers get comfortable RWF BRON is a worldwide supplier of Forestry Mulchers, manufactures 275 HP to 700 HP forestry mulchers and recently introduced its new style cab for their 2013 475 model. BRON’s new cab design comes with an up-front ergonomically designed pressurised cab. To increase safety, cab now comes with 1 ¼ in Lexan-LEXGARD on the front window. The cab seating is designed for operator comfort with height, headrest and seat tilt

adjustments with air ride suspension to eliminate operator fatigue. The new designed cab utilizes space more efficiently to give the operator more space inside and comfort operating his machine. The cab is ROPS, FOPS and OPS approved. The BRON 475 comes with C13 CAT Engine, built on a D4 Undercarriage with heavy duty planetary drives. www.bronrwf.com

Tigercat 5702 gets a facelift

igercat has recently made a number of design enhancements to the 5702 felling saw aimed at increasing versatility and performance in a wider variety of felling conditions. Although the 5702 is well known and widely used throughout the world for big timber felling applications, the next generation 5702 features an all-new accumulating arm design. The arms are longer with a revised profile to improve accumulation of small trees, increased accumulating capacity and a reduced incidence of crossed trees in the accumulation pocket (for contractors wanting to upgrade older model heads, a

complete set of arms will fit earlier heads using the same link). Also, in a move to increase accumulating capacity and performance, the front saw motor cover which formerly protruded into the accumulating area is now a flat cover. This increases the accumulating area and allows trees to move into the pocket more easily. The left ski and saw housing exit have been modified to improve chip exhaust and to reduce plugging when felling large trees or when operating in deep snow or heavy undergrowth. Service access and hose routings have also been improved. www.tigercat.com

70 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

Weights and all mounting hardware for one set of wheels are included in the kit. The wheel is not included. www.deere.com

IFI_PG68_71_Cutting Edge_01 20/02/2013 15:13 Page 71

Precision Husky teams up with Brazilian dealer

racbel, one of the largest distributors of heavy equipment, forestry and agricultural machinery in Brazil, has signed a partnership with the US company Precision Husky, world leader in equipment for extracting and recycling waste wood, as exclusive distributor of its products in Brazil. The objective is to meet the growing demands of the Brazilian timber market, offering a comprehensive portfolio of productive solutions at more competitive prices for the timber harvesting sector throughout the country. With the partnership signed, Tracbel expands its portfolio of one-stop productive solutions for the forestry sector, according to Precision Husky Chairman and Chief Executive, Bob Smith. As official distributor for Precision Husky equipment, Tracbel will be even better equipped to serve strategic markets, such as pulp, paper, and to compensate the furniture market and sawmills, as well as service providers. “Tracbel has also become a benchmark in the forestry sector, offering clients and manufacturers a promising future in business and in after-sales service,” Luiz Gustavo Rocha de Magalhães Pereira, Vice President of the Tracbel Group, said. After 45 years of doing business in this market, Tracbel is structured to meet all the needs of the reforestation timber market. The company provides its clients with solutions for timber harvesting systems, with the sturdy forestry machinery, made by Precision Husky. The full portfolio of Precision Husky products will be marketed, including world-wide best-selling equipment in the sawmill, timber harvesting, and recycling lines; but the major focus initially will be on chippers and de-barking equipment. For more than 49 years, Precision Husky’s goal has been to produce the best, toughest and most complete forestry equipment in the world. Today the company’s catalogue includes more than 70 models of equipment for sawmills, timber extraction and waste wood recycling. It is recognized as a leader in the industry. Its 165,000 m2 plant in Leeds, Alabama, has one of the biggest stocks of parts in the industry, so that it can provide a rapid response to the needs of its customers and authorised distributors. Tracbel meanwhile was founded 45 years ago and operates in the southeastern region and in the states of Amazonas, Amapá, Roraima, Pará, Goiás, the Federal District and Tocantins, with 26 locations in all. At present the company has about 850 staff. www.precisionhusky.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | IFI 71

IFI_PG72_ADV INDEX_01 21/02/2013 14:15 Page 64

ADVERTISERS INDEX SALES OFFICES

ADVERTISERS INDEX

UK, Europe, South Africa, US East Coast

AHWI Prinoth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 www.ahwi.com

Lucidyne Technologies Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 www.lucidyne.com

CONTACT: Phil Playle or David Lansdowne

Bandit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.banditchippers.com

Log Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 www.logmax.com

Barko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 www.barko.com

Multisaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 www.multisaw-sawmilling.com

Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: phil@internationalforestindustries.com

Bracke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 www.brackeforest.com

or david@internationalforestindustries.com

Cleanfix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 www.cleanfix.org

Japan CONTACT: Yuko Ishihara

Clark Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 www.clarktracks.com

Japan Advertising Communications, Inc. Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho

Elmia Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 www.elmia.se/sv/wood

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051 Tel: 81-3-3261-4591

Epsilon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 www.palfingerepsilon.com

Fax: 81-3-3261-6126 Email: ishihara@media-jac.co.jp

ESRI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC www.esri.com/forestry

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT) Australia, & New Zealand

EWD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/C www.ewd.de

CONTACT: George Roman

Haglof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 www.haglofsweden.com

Roy McDonald Associates, Inc 4779 Luna Ridge Court,

Halco Software Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 www.halcosoftware.com

Las Vegas NV 89129, USA Tel: +1 (702) 515 7247

HSM Forstmaschinen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 www.hsm-forest.net

Fax: +1 (702) 515 7248 Email: george@roymcdonald.com

Indexator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 www.indexator.se

Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada CONTACT: Bob Warren

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: bob@internationalforestindustries.com

Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC www.petersoncorp.com Ponsse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 www.ponsse.fi Rottne Industri AB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 www.rottne.com Select Sawmill Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.selectsawmill.com SFPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 www.SFPAexpo.com Seppi m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 www.seppi.com Springer Maschinenfabrik AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.springer.eu Tamtron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 www.tamtron.fi Tigercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.tigercat.com

Joescan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 www.joescan.com

USNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 www.usnr.com

John Deere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.deere.com/forestry

WoodEXPO 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17/IBC www.woodexpo2013.com

Komatsu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.komatsuforest.com

Willems Baling Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 www.willemsonline.com

Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777

Norwood Sawmills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 www.norwoodsawmills.com

Contd from page 10

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

Building activity linked to strong interest in WoodEXPO 2013 Other examples of up-and-coming new technologies include Nanocrystalline Cellulose (the US National Science Foundation has predicted that this organic super-material will become a $600 billion industry within the next eight years), plant automation through industrial robots (allied industries have already implemented x-ray technologies, automation and robotics to optimise their processing

operations and increasingly robotics are being used in wood panel operations) and CT scanning to look inside logs and lumber to optimise initial breakdown and down-stream processing operations. All these technologies are being talked about as “true game-changers” for our industry in the coming years.

South America CONTACT: Ricardo Cortés

IFI SHOW DIRECTORY 2013

Editec S.A. Avda del Cóndor 844 Of. 205, Cuidad Empresarial -

JUNE 5 – 8, 2013

Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile

ElmiaWood

Tel: +56 2 757 4200 Fax: +56 2 757 4201

Elmiavägen 11, SE-554 54 JÖNKÖPING Meet forestry professionals from all the World

Email: rcortes@editec.cl

CONTACT: Veronika Albert Tel: +46 36 15 22 34 veronika.albert@elmia.se

72 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

IFI_IBC_ Ferb mRach 2013_Layout 1 20/02/2013 15:47 Page 1

esri ad 04.2012:Layout 1

25/4/12

08:47

Page 1