International Forest Industries Feb March 2019

LOGGING • SAWMILLING • EWPS • BIOMASS

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

HARVESTERS REPORT LIFTING & LOADING ACCESS TO TIMBER STAND TWO’S COMPANY NORTHERNMOST BEAR SAW TECHNOLOGY TRUCK MOUNTED CHIPPERS

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LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS HARVESTERS:

48

It’s worth taking a step back to appreciate just how refined the harvester has become under the watch of the contemporary group of harvester suppliers

48 TWO’S COMPANY

Ex-oil field worker partners with lifetime logger to take on tough conditions in Michigan’s upper peninsula

26

64 57

64 THE NORTHERNMOST BEAR IN SWEDEN Örnsköldsvik in the Swedish province In of Ångermanland, one can run into an exceptionally big bear

68

50 50 LIFTING & LOADING

57 ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

concerted effort to improve the A mechanics of lifting logs should improve productivity and energy consumption and improve the bottom line for contractors

The land-clearing specialists ensure a smooth ride for forestry contractors but that doesn’t mean ensuring access to the timber stand needs to be an uncomfortable job

68 J ENZ

The JENZ product range varies from classic Chippertruck as a three-axle model with drive via the truck engine, to the hybrid version as a four-axle with dual engine technology

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News 74 Advertising Index

LUMBER PROCESSING

CONTENTS

COVER: PONSSE - NEW COBRA LOGGING • SAW

The new PONSSE Cobra harvester is a versatile and efficient tool for varying conditions.

Thanks to its adaptability, it is right at home for both thinning and clear cutting. An eightwheel all-round machine, PONSSE Cobra is a good addition to a group of several machines thanks to its versatility and functional properties, but it is also an excellent choice for an entrepreneur who needs one machine for all logging sites.

Thanks to its reliable basic solutions, the Cobra is a durable and economic package whose accurate and easy-to-use crane, good balance, efficient working pump and powerful six-cylinder engine make it a dependable tool for years. A large variety of options from parallel and telescopic cranes to several head types from thinning to debarking are making Cobra a true multi-talent for all logging sites.

HARVESTERS REPORT LIFTING & LOAD ING ACCE SS TO TIMBER STAN D TWO’S COMP ANY NORTHERNMOST BEAR SAW TECHNOLO GY TRUCK MOU NTED CHIPPERS

MILLING • EWP S

• BIOMASS

FEBRUARY / MARCH

THE NEW COB

RA

www.ponsse.com International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 1

2019

LUMBER PROCESSING

CONTENTS

F EB RU A RY / MA RCH 20 1 9

SAWLINES

20

24

Ligna 2019 27 - 31 May Hannover

20 STENNER

24 TP & EE

Stenner produce the most extensive range of wide band resaws in the world

Mills turn out in force Portland, ORE.

23

22

Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition Expo 2019

22 SYSTEM TM

23 PILOUS

Experiencing the full range of System TM and MiCROTEC machinery in action will be taking center stage at this year’s LIGNA exhibition

The X-Cut saw band was developed based on customer requirements for woodworking and sawing on band saws

It starts with a

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June 26 – 28 Atlanta, GA Since 1950, the Southern Forest Products Association has sponsored the Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition - the premier venue for equipment manufacturers to display their products and services to the wood processing industry.

Every two years, an international audience gathers to experience the latest technological advances serving the forest products industries.

WASTE Now’s the time to choose the right machinery for the job!

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2 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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ISSUE 67 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 583 emma@internationalforestindustries.com Annual Subscription UK and Europe £160, €230 Rest of the world US$270 EDITORIAL T: +44 (0)1442 877 583 F: +44 (0)1442 870 617 www.internationalforestindustries.com 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

EDITOR’S COMMENT Mixed outlook for forest products in 2019

I

Editorial Director John Chadwick john@internationalforestindustries.com Editor Chris Cann chris@internationalforestindustries.com Editorial Board Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit (Canada) Darren Oldham – Managing Director Söderhamn Eriksson (UK) Professor Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz – Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland) Mr Kim Carstensen Director General Forest Stewardship Council Eduardo Morales South American Forestry Consultant ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Advertising Manager Phil Playle phil@internationalforestindustries.com Group Advertising Manager David Lansdowne david@internationalforestindustries.com +44 (0)1442 87 77 77 Associate Editor Robin Peach robin@internationalforestindustries.com Advertising Production Enquiries Emma Smith emma@internationalforestindustries.com International Forest Industries is published

by International Forest Industries Ltd, 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK International Forest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is published bi-monthly by International Forest Industries Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 and additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 © International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2014 IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout.

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

4 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

was asked recently for my view on global markets for this year and, while it’s always flattering to be asked for opinion, providing a meaningful response felt close to a mission impossible.

In one sense, the outlook appears good, underpinned by an encouraging global GDP forecast of 3.6%, which in theory should see demand for wood products in general push forward materially.

Indeed, this is the expectation of wood industry research group, Wood Markets, which is expecting consumption of softwood lumber to grow by an impressive 2.8% – 350 million m3 – in 2019 having recorded growth of 2.1% last year and 1.9% in 2017.

The overall strengthening demand trend reflects the likelihood for gains in all major regions, led by the US and China, which are both poised for demand growth of 7%, according to Wood Markets. Canada and “some European nations” were expected to record “moderate growth”. Japan was among a handful of poorly performing jurisdictions.

Pricing is also likely to move higher if the firm’s forecasts for global supply are accurate and the fundamentals of supply-demand economics hold up.

Wood Markets has a 2018 supply forecast that attempts to keep track with demand but, at 2.4% (342 million m3), is almost half a percentage point adrift, implying a deficit is on the cards.

The research group suggested US production would continue to rebound and have a “sustaining influence” on production elsewhere in the world.

“Our forecast calls for an impressive gain of up to 4.5% in the US and little advancement in Canada, with the latter potentially diminished by the outcome of US import duties”, the firm stated.

Wood Markets was forecasting the continuation of a difficult period for Canada, with the increased tariffs imposed by its formerly friendly neighbour set to coincide with a fall in value for British Columbia timber, effected by mountain pine beetle. Japan, again, was the only country likely to post a negative number.

That supply summary from Wood Markets provides the first hint of the potential disruptors for this rosy outlook – the Donald Trump-led protectionist trade policy. Though most countries were disappointed by the US policy, from a global perspective it was not the worst thing in the short-term, as the US led a resurgent macro economy and, over the first half of last year, growth reached 4%.

By the second half of the year, though, Trump’s short-term measures were fading and this year economists at Morgan Stanley, among others, are expecting a continued decline in the face of “tighter labour markets, fading fiscal stimulus and the absence of monetary accommodation”.

This wouldn’t be such a concern if Trump were a logical policy maker and could be relied upon to see the writing on the wall and change course. But he’s not, and he can’t.

The trade war with China then becomes a critical determinant of global and wood industry fortunes. China – already slowing considerably from its halcyon days a decade ago – will be further curtailed if the US persists along its current course.

Meanwhile, Europe remains under pressure due to not only Brexit but tensions in Italy and in France that undermine confidence and investment in the Eurozone.

And, on top of this, the world is on the cusp of a debt crisis, with federal banks unable to further leverage their favourite monetary policy tool – interest rates – should that crisis eventuate.

Whether heavy rains will fall from any or all of these dark clouds cannot be modelled into forecasts. And, so, while the numbers may look good right now, I’d prefer to reserve judgement.

Enjoy Chris Cann

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

New Morbark acquisition Morbark, LLC, has recently announced that it has completed the acquisition of DENIS CIMAF, Inc., based in Roxton Falls, Québec.

This transaction represents the company’s second acquisition since private equity firm Stellex Capital Management LP acquired Morbark in 2016. The acquisition of Rayco Manufacturing in October 2017, brought a lineup of innovative equipment into the Morbark family across multiple product categories.

In particular, Rayco stump cutters, aerial trimmers, forestry mulchers and crawler trucks.

The purchase of DENIS CIMAF is another step in the Company’s strategic focus on broadening the range of tree care and industrial equipment, aftermarket parts, and service offered to their Customers.

Founded by Laurent Denis and his wife, Monique Vaillancourt, in 1998, DENIS CIMAF specializes in the development of highperformance brushcutter-mulcher attachments for excavators, skid steers, forestry tractors,

graders and other types of heavy equipment.

The company manufactures four main lines of products: the DAH series, industrial mulcher attachments for excavators; the DAF series, attachments for skid steers and other dedicated carriers; the DTN series, industrial brushcutters-mowers for roadside maintenance; and the EWF series, dedicated hydraulic power packs.

The Company celebrated its 20th anniversary in business this past summer.

“The DENIS CIMAF team and I are extremely excited to be joining the Morbark family,” said Benjamin Denis, the newly appointed General Manager of DENIS CIMAF. “DENIS CIMAF is a fantastic business with committed and passionate associates, a great track record and enormous global potential. Being part of the Morbark family will enable us to continue to grow the business farther and faster.”

Dave Herr, Chief Executive Officer of Morbark, commented, “DENIS CIMAF’s line of attachments

are complementary to our current tree care and industrial product lines. In fact, DENIS CIMAF mulcher heads have been an available option on our Rayco carriers for many years. The company’s patented mulcher head design has enabled them to become the mulcher head attachment of choice among intensive vegetation control, land clearing, roadside transmission lines, pipeline maintenance, and forest fire prevention contractors.”

Transaction Highlights: • T he transaction is a positive, strategic fit for both companies.

DENIS CIMAF brings a lineup of patented, innovative equipment into the Morbark family across multiple product categories and will enhance the Morbark carrier product line.

• B enjamin-Pierre and Simon Denis, sons of DENIS CIMAF founders, Laurent Denis and Monique Vaillancourt, will continue to lead the DENIS CIMAF team to develop new

Dave Herr, Chief Executive Officer of Morbark products and help improve the company’s existing product lines.

• M orbark will operate DENIS CIMAF as a new division maintaining its brand identity.

DENIS CIMAF’s experienced management team will continue to manage its operations. Teams from each company will work together to determine how to be more efficient and leverage each other’s strengths.

Herr continued, “The companies have a common entrepreneurial heritage and culture, and this is a great fit with immense potential for growth. We are anxious to get started.”

Södra invests in pellet factory Södra has invested in a new pellet factory at the sawmill in Långasjö.

The investment totals SEK 20 million and will increase total pellet production by 10,000 tonnes.

The very first delivery was made in the week beginning 11 February.

“Pellets are a product of the future and an obvious alternative in the transition to sustainable energy solutions. Swedish small and mid-sized industrial enterprises are investing in pellets,” said Fredrik Tärneberg, Head of Sales, Energy Products, Södra.

To satisfy the demand for pellets, Södra commenced construction of a pellet factory last spring, which was completed at year-end. Following a period of adjustment and calibration, the very first pellets delivery will take place in the week beginning 11 February.

Demand is primarily from Swedish industry, which is replacing oil with pellets. Pellets produce heat like oil and are a direct substitute for oil. Another new application, and the new

Ligna 2019 27 - 31 May Hannover

6 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

“trend” among horse owners, is to use pellets as bedding for horse boxes.

“Our pellets are made from 100-percent spruce without additives, which makes them ideal to use as bedding. We have also noted an increase in pellets stoves,” said Fredrik Tärneberg.

On 6-7 February, Södra participated in the annual Nordic Pellets Conference in Varberg, which was attended by 100 national and international representatives of pellet producers and users.

Södra was founded in 1938 and is the largest forest-owner association in Sweden, with a membership of close to 52,000 forest owners. They engage in modern and responsible forestry, and operate state-of-the-art mills in which they process their raw material. Net sales in 2017 were 20.5 SEK billion and there were

Fredrik Tärneberg, Head of Sales, Energy Products, Södra

3,400 employees. Through valuegenerating relationships and a long-term approach, Södra is a leader in sustainable forestry.

548/548 LL FOREST MACHINE

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WITH OPTIMIZED ENGINE AND HYDRAULICS It is simply the most efficient machine in your logging operation. For all applications, such as road building, delimbing, processing, and loading, the 548/548 LL delivers productivity and low owning and operating costs. Key features include: • Cat® C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 Final engine features maximum power while maintaining strong fuel efficiency

• Cooling capacity increased 44 percent for trouble free operation

• Larger hydraulic pumps allow the engine to operate at a lower rpm increasing efficiency and improving your bottom line

• Larger pitch, 336 HEX HD size track links provide greater life in variable forestry working conditions

Look to your Cat dealer for financing and all the machines you need for sustainable harvesting and land management, forestry road construction, hauling and millyard. Total support from one source. www.cat.com/forestry

© 2019 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com / www.caterpillar.com

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

The 14,000th Ponsse machine built in Vieremä The 14,000th forest machine manufactured in Vieremä was handed over to the customer at Ponsse Jan 30 2019. The completion of the machine that will be delivered to Uruguay also offered the opportunity to celebrate Ponsse’s successful factory extension.

The PONSSE Elephant King machine at the centre of the celebration was manufactured on Ponsse’s new production line, which was introduced last autumn. The last stage of the factory extension was completed

machine was completed at the factory, and a topping-out ceremony for the factory extension was celebrated at the same time.

This large investment increased the factory’s area to four hectares and completely renewed the factory’s assembly and warehouse operations. The change involved a major effort in terms of scope and impact from all production workers.

The change has now been brought to a conclusion, and Ponsse’s factory is in excellent shape with respect to safety, productivity and flexibility.

(L/R) • J uho Nummela, CEO & President Ponsse Plc • Juha Vidgrén, Chairman of the Board, Ponsse Plc • Jussi T. Penttilä, UPM • Sauli Brander, UPM • Amelia Vidgrén • J armo Vidgrén, Sales & Marketing Director, Ponsse Plc • M artin Toledo, Managing director, Ponsse Uruguay local staff in customer relations, commitment and company development is outstanding. In a field requiring perseverance, Ponsse Uruguay has succeeded in establishing operations in a relatively short time which our customers can trust,” says Jarmo Vidgrén, Sales and Marketing Director of Ponsse Plc.

at the beginning of this year when a new assembly line for cranes was commissioned at the Vieremä factory.

The completion of the machine also offered the opportunity to celebrate Ponsse’s successful factory extension.

At the beginning of last year, the 13,000th PONSSE forest

Ponsse’s operations in Uruguay

The 14,000th PONSSE machine is the largest model in Ponsse’s forwarder range. PONSSE Elephant King equipped with the new PONSSE K121 crane, designed

SkogsElmia is held every fourth year and attracts about 30,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors. The new fair manager for SkogsElmia is Mattias Pontén, a certified forester with great expertise and solid experience of the forest industry.

8 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

for the most demanding conditions.

In early February, the machine started its journey from the freezing weather of Northern Savonia to the summer heat of Uruguay. The machine will harvest timber at UPM Uruguay’s plantations for local pulp production needs. UPM Uruguay has been Ponsse’s full service customer since 2014.

Ponsse has been operating in Uruguay since 2007 and opened new service centre in 2017. Local customer support is handled

by Ponsse’s subsidiary Ponsse Uruguay. The subsidiary employs 96 people, and its managing director is Martin Toledo. In Uruguay, timber is harvested almost entirely with modern and environmentally friendly cut-tolength harvesting equipment.

“In Uruguay, the work of our

In a field requiring perseverance, Ponsse Uruguay has succeeded in establishing operations in a relatively short time which our customers can trust Jarmo Vidgrén, Sales & Marketing Director of Ponsse Plc.

A MULTITALENTED MACHINE

HARVESTER HEAD OPTIONS H5 For efficient thinning H6 Fast multipurpose head

THE NEW PONSSE COBRA is a versatile and efficient harvester for varying conditions. The Cobra is an adaptable all-round harvester with eight wheels and strong six-cylinder engine. Thanks to the extensive range of equipment, it is suitable for various cutting and working methods.

H7 For regeneration or later thinning H7 EUCA For fast processing and debarking of Eucalyptus H77 EUCA For fast processing and debarking of smaller Eucalyptus

John Deere Launches Updated G-Series Swing Machines

A

s a direct result of customer feedback, John Deere has updated its G-Series Swing Machines to improve operator experience. From changes to machine design to new features to improve serviceability, the updated Swing Machines, including eight powerful models, 2154G, 2156G, 2654G, 2656G, 3154G, 3156G, 3754G and 3756G, offer increased productivity and uptime, providing a reliable solution for the toughest of jobs.

features, which will be available on the 2019 models and on, will streamline serviceability and improve the machine design, while still retaining the power and productivity of the original models.”

The 2019 machines feature several improvements to the machine design. A larger travel device improves tractive effort on the 2654G and 2656G machines, as well as select 2154G and 2156G models. The new LH side

charging and relocating the auxiliary and USB ports to behind the seat. The side-entry cab features a larger gas strut for the door and new handrail, improving entry and exit. Additionally, satellite radio is no longer required with the Convenience Deluxe package on the side-entry and rearentry cabs.

Serviceability has also been improved on the G-Series Swing Machines. A pre-cleaner for engine air intake of the Final Tier

“After successfully launching the G-Series Swing Machines in 2016, we wanted to continue to perfect the machines based on customer experience in the field,” said Jarvis De Groot, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “The new

door features an easy-to-remove screen, allowing for the removal of collected debris. A shovel and axe mounting provision on all machines provides a secure and easily accessible storage location.

The cabs have been changed, adding a USB port for device

4 engines improves air filter life, while fuel shut-off valves eliminate fuel leakage and spillage during fuel filter changes. A new hinged AC condenser improves access, making it easier to clean out debris trapped between the radiator and AC condenser. The G-Series

10 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

machines also feature remote grease lines for the boom cylinder base pins, improving ground-level serviceability. An optional hydraulic oil level alarm provides an audible and visible alarm that the hydraulic oil level is extremely low and requires immediate machine shut down.

In addition to the new changes, the G-Series machines still incorporate the most popular features from the original models, including improved cabs, better machine performance and a more durable design. The John Deere swing machines come standard with JDLink™ telematics five years in base, offering owners and operators remote diagnostics and streamlined connectivity.

To learn more about the updates to the G-Series Swing Machines, visit www.johndeere.com

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Holzindustrie Schweighofer to build a new biomass cogeneration plant Holzindustrie Schweighofer is investing Euro 24 million in the construction of a biomass cogeneration plant (heat and power) at its site in Kodersdorf, Germany. The plant, which will have a maximum capacity of over 5 MWel (electric output) and 15 MWtherm (thermal output) will be amongst the most modern green energy plants in Germany.

Die electricity production corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of about 12,500 two-person households.

The biomass cogeneration plant is scheduled to go into operation in 2020.

With its own biomass cogeneration plant, the mill will both improve its energy efficiency, since electricity and heat will be produced simultaneously, as well as its security of supply.

Whereas other forms of green energy production are dependent on weather conditions (e.g. wind and solar power), electricity generation from biomass delivers reliable CO2-neutral electricity around the clock.

While the electricity will be used to power production processes, the surplus heat generated during electricity generation will be used to dry Holzindustrie Schweighofer’s

high-quality wood products. Only natural bark and forest biomass will be used as fuel for the combined heat and power plant.

Logset’s MD leaves the company Jussi Malmi, the Managing Director of Logset Oy, will start working for another employer from February 1st, 2019. Logset has already started looking for a new Managing Director.

JENZ GmbH Maschinen- und Fahrzeugbau Wegholmer Str. 14 ∙ 32469 Petershagen ∙ Germany +49 5704 / 94090 ∙ info@jenz.de ∙ www.jenz.de

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 11

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Intelligent boom control now available for the John Deere 1470G harvester working capacity. It’s a feature of the modern era,” says Marketing Manager Tommi Ekman.

Work is precise and smooth with intelligent boom control

Intelligent boom control (IBC) is the unique boom control system developed by John Deere. It’s an intelligent control system with sensors that detect the positioning of the harvester head and algorithms that adjust the boom’s trajectory in one continuous motion.

IBC also functions as a platform for the eventual and easy introduction of new features that facilitate the customer’s work.

“IBC brings significant advantages also in final fellings.

Thanks to IBC, controlling the big and robust CH9 boom is just as easy and precise as in the smaller harvesters, and the boom can be operated at the same speed as the booms in the smaller harvester models. IBC facilitates the operator’s work and makes working more pleasant. There are fewer movements to make – and that helps with the operator’s

In harvester work, the IBC’s operation has been designed to suit the machine’s work cycle. The boom’s trajectories and operation automatically adjust as the boom is taken to a tree and the load is in the harvester head. The operator doesn’t have to move the different sections of the boom individually.

The boom is easy to use and precise at all boom reaches. Thanks to the electronic end damping, the boom operates softly. The blow-like loads at maximum reaches are eliminated, making the operator’s work more pleasant and decreasing the stress on the boom’s structures and hydraulic cylinders.

IBC improves work ergonomics and guides the operator in the correct use of the boom, which is directly reflected in the increased productivity.

Tommi Ekman, Marketing Manager, John Deere

Intelligent Boom Control was introduced for John Deere forwarders in 2013. In 2017, John Deere introduced IBC first for the 1270G harvester and later the same year also for 1170G harvester. Now IBC will be available also for the 1470G harvester’s 11- and 10-meter CH9 booms used in final fellings.

The operator maneuvers the harvester head to a desired position and the system automatically adjusts the trajectories of the 1) lift, 2) slew, 3) extension and boom rotation for the optimal solution.

HarvestTECH 2019 details now on line Following on from the early announcement at the end of last year, full details of the twoyearly wood harvesting event, HarvestTECH 2019 have now been set in place and full details can now be found on the event website, www.harvesttech.events.

The 2015 harvesting event, HarvestTECH was a sell out.

The 2017 event likewise sold out. Both at the time were the largest gathering of harvesting contractors, forestry managers, forest owners, harvest planners and all of the major equipment suppliers to the logging industry seen in New Zealand. Around 450 met up in Rotorua, New Zealand.

In addition to having most logging contractors from throughout the country attending, the events drew in a large contingent of contractors and forest managers from throughout Australia, as well as attracting

key equipment suppliers, researchers, forestry companies and international contractors from Europe, the US, Canada, Papua New Guinea and Asia.

2019 is shaping up to be another standout. Already, as well as key local equipment and technology suppliers, most major international equipment providers will be bringing in international expertise for the event.

Leading contractors have already committed to present, as part of the two-day event, on new and innovative technologies along with some pretty clever operating practices that they’ve employed.

This includes processes which are making a significant difference to their both their operations productivity and safety.

harvesting • Getting the best out of existing hauler & ground-based operations • H arvest planning - new systems really making a difference • Effective use of collected data from your harvesting operation • O ptions for eliminating log sorts and reducing landing sizes • T ools & Systems for harvesting smaller woodlots • R emote sensing technologies for harvest planning and operations • S olutions for improving in-forest communications • I ncreased automation and mechanisation - new R&D

So, what’s being covered?

• R emote control, robotics, virtual reality and automation in the bush

• R ecent innovations in steep slope and winch assist

• F illing the skills gap in harvesting

12 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

The full programmes can now be viewed on line. You can check out what’s being planned on the event website, harvesttech.events.

As anticipated, at this stage, many of the exhibition stands have been taken. If a supplier to wood harvesting operations in this region and you haven’t as yet booked a space, best get onto it (contact gordon.thomson@fiea.org.nz or Tel: +64 7 921 1384) to avoid missing out.

Further information relating to this major event will follow.

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Best year ever for Logset In 2018, Logset Oy’s turnover grew to a record level of 40.128 million euros (2017: 30.922 million euros) and the operating profit to 1,671 million euros (2017: 0,935 million euros).

During the past year, the demand for Logset products remained high in Europe. The strongest growth, however, came from the Russian and South American markets.

The demand for harvester heads exceeded all expectations, and the interest towards the hybrid harvester continued to grow.

Forwarders remained the foundation of the sales. In 2018, Logset launched the first service products that increased the service turnover. At the end of 2018, the value of the order book reached a record 19,8 million euros (2017: 7,3 million euros).

In 2018, Logset not only focused on growth, but also on developing its operational activity. Purchasing was streamlined, which lowered

the share of material costs of total turnover compared to the previous financial year.

The stock turnover rate of materials, spare parts and secondhand machines was improved significantly, and the stock value in euro decreased from the previous year, despite the strong growth of financial turnover. A write-down was made in the material stock, and the stock value of secondhand machines was adjusted to correspond to a fair market price with a new valuation method.

Warranty costs and campaign overall costs were reduced due to better quality control in the production, and improved quality of the products.

The share of direct labour costs of the total turnover developed in an unfavourable way, even though the number of sick leaves and occupational accidents was diminished. The whole forest machine industry suffered from poor availability of components,

and it also affected Logset.

Despite the strong growth and problems with parts availability, the company managed to deliver the machines within a reasonable timetable.

In 2018, Logset product development focused on the new Stage 5 products that meet the tightened emission regulations, the Smooth Ride cabin suspension, on improving the quality, and on developing new products to be launched in 2019.

At the end of 2018, Logset established a subsidiary named Logset Inc. in Canada. The new office will offer sales and technical support to Logset dealers and customers based in North and South America.

In 2018, Logset’s credit rating was raised to class A. “Logset had a fantastic year.

We advanced as planned in nearly all areas, and the results are plain to see. Thanks to the enhanced operational activity, a record order

intake, and the continued high demand at the beginning of this year, the company is in a great shape for 2019” says Managing Director Jussi Malmi.

Actions to improve financial and operational performance will continue in 2019. In addition, the capacity of the factory will be increased. The new products and service solutions to be launched in 2019 are expected to further strengthen Logset’s market position.

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 13

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

John Deere and Hitachi to end arrangement From May John Deere Construction & Forestry and Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd. (HCA) have agreed to end a successful 29 year distribution arrangement of Deere branded and manufactured construction, forestry, and compact machinery in Australia. As the joint businesses expanded over the years, so have each company’s priorities in various markets around the globe.

“John Deere Construction & Forestry Company (Deere) and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (Hitachi) have a long and successful global partnership spanning multiple continents and product lines,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, global director of construction & forestry sales outside of the Americas.

“This partnership served both companies well and supported each company’s global growth over the multi-decade relationship. Over the course of the next five months Deere and HCA will work together to execute a seamless transition of business to John Deere Limited’s newly appointed construction and forestry dealers in Australia.”

As of May 1, 2019, RDO Equipment Pty Ltd (RDO Equipment) will be appointed the authorized John Deere Construction & Forestry Dealer for John Deere Limited in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. AFGRI Equipment Pty Ltd. (AFGRI) will be appointed the authorized John Deere Construction & Forestry

dealer for John Deere Limited in Western Australia.

“John Deere Limited, HCA, RDO Equipment and AFGRI are committed to working together to ensure this transition has minimal impact on customers’ access to machines, parts, and/or service,” said Fitzpatrick.

“Similarly, John Deere Limited, HCA, RDO Equipment and AFGRI are committed to smoothly transitioning customers who have existing agreements and service contracts with HCA. We believe this change in distribution will allow both companies to increase focus on their respective brands and provide a world class experience to customers across Australia.”

The changes announced in this press release have no impact on

Daniel Fitzpatrick Global Director, Construction Sales - Outside Americas & Hitachi Americas

Deere and Hitachi’s partnerships or distribution arrangements outside of Australia.

Ufkes Greentec b.v. Drachten strengthens position in Germany with acquisition of Schültke GmbH Ufkes Greentec b.v. the developer and producer of forestry machinery, such as wood chippers, stump grinders and forestcutters, has been active in the German market for a long time now.

Schültke GmbH is a family business and market leader in selling Rayco stump grinders throughout the whole of Germany.

By joining forces Schültke can facilitate the German market even better and provide optimum service.

From North Rhine-Westphalia (Sundern) they are strategically positioned to easily facilitate sales,

service and parts. As an extension of Ufkes Greentec b.v. our employees can always be informed about the newest developments and trained to provide the best customer support.

Schültke GmbH is enjoying the opportunity to continue expanding the company and its team. The acquisition matches their ambitions for further growth in Germany.

Ufkes Greentec b.v. has been the market leader for PTO driven and built on stump grinder for years. Together with the wide range of Rayco self propelled

Jippe Ufkes, Director of Ufkes Greentec b.v. stump grinders the target is now to provide the right machine for all customers.

With a professional range of Greentec wood chippers, Greentec Forestcutters and Greentec stump grinders, together with Rayco stump grinders, Schültke Ufkes Greentec GmbH now offers the complete range for forestry, authorities and landscapers.

Greentec machines are widely deployed in Germany and are recognized for their robust build, high-tec control, easy maintenance

14 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Reinhard Schültke , Schültke Technik Deutschland

and customized solutions. From the compact, 30 cm infeed, crane fed, car towed chipper up to machines with 600 HP.

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

New Tigercat dealer in Russian Federation Tigercat has announced that EkoNivaTechnika-Holding is now a Tigercat dealer for areas of Western Russia and Siberia With headquarters in Detchino, approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Moscow, EkoNivaTechnika-Holding has a

SMOLENSK KALUGA TUL A

T VER YAROSLAVL IVANOVO KOSTROMA VLADIMIR RYAZAN NIZHNIY NOVGOROD MARI EL

VORONEZH

With 24 years in the Russian agricultural equipment business, the company is a leader in mobile farm equipment and servicing.

KOMI

KIROV

UDMURTIA

SIBERIA

TOMSK OMSK NOVOSIBIRSK KEMEROVO ALTAJ

regional presence through three operational branches: EkoNivaTeсhnika in the Central region, EkoNiva-Chernozemye in the Central Black Earth region and EkoNivaSibir in the Siberian area.

Covering fourteen regions, EkoNiva has twelve service centres each with its own spare parts warehouses, state-of-the-art overhaul depots and field service trucks. The company has over

PrimeTech a full range of purpose-built carriers: PT-175, PT-300, PT-475, PT-600

550 employees with a great deal of attention paid to training and development, both in Russia and abroad.

Matt Roberts, Tigercat sales manager for Europe and Russia comments, “We are very happy to welcome EkoNiva to the Tigercat dealer network. The company’s vast experience and proven record in customer support, combined with their operational excellence as a leading heavy equipment dealer in the Russian Federation, is an outstanding match for our products. We are confident that forestry customers in EkoNiva’s area will see great benefit to adding Tigercat products to their fleet with the support of EkoNiva’s strong network of branches and technicians.”

“We are excited to introduce Tigercat to our customers in Northern Russia and Siberia.

Our choice for Tigercat is based on the premium quality of the forestry equipment and high level

Matt Roberts, Tigercat sales manager for Europe and Russia reputation as a customer driven company with strong engineering capabilities,” comments Bjoerne Drechsler, First Deputy Managing Director, EkoNivaTechnika-Holding.

Ekoniva strives to establish a long-term, honest and mutually beneficial cooperation with its customers, stating, “Every customer is unique for us.

Each order is completed with consideration of the customer’s requirements and specific possibilities.”

Tigercat looks forward to expanding its customer base in Russia and along with EkoNiva, will deliver a high-class customer.

- High productivity - Lowest true ground pressure - High reliability - Comfort and safety

PT-175 | 160 HP

PT-300 | 302 HP

PT-475 | 475 HP

PT-600 | 600 HP

Call us for more information.

FAE Group S.p.A. - PrimeTech Division Via Marconi, 20 // 38011 Sarnonico (TN) // Italy

en_IFI_210x131.indd 1

Tel. +39 0463 840 080 // Fax +39 0463 840 099 www.prime-tech.com // info@prime-tech.com

a brand of FAE Group 29/01/19 08:57

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 15

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Roseburg Forest Products - new appointments Roseburg Forest Products recently announced that Mike Reardon has been named Director of Industrial Products Manufacturing, effective Jan. 1, 2019. In his new role, Reardon will oversee the entirety of Roseburg’s Industrial Products manufacturing structure. This is the third promotion for Reardon since he rejoined Roseburg in January 2017 as Plant Manager for the company’s composite panel plant in Simsboro, La. Reardon served as plant manager for another Roseburg facility from 2006-2009.

“In the past two years, Mike has

made a significant impact through process improvements at Simsboro and our other industrial products plants,” Industrial Products Business Director Jim Buffington said. “After more than 30 years in wood products, he brings a depth and scope of experience to improve and enhance oversight of our operations.”

Mike Henry will replace Reardon as Plant Manager at Simsboro Composites, effective Jan. 14, 2019. Henry brings 25 years of experience successfully managing particleboard, MDF and TFL

Mike Henry will replace Reardon as Plant Manager at Simsboro Composites

Mike Reardon has been named RFP Director of Industrial Products Manufacturing

operations for companies including Jeld-Wen, Del-Tin Fiber and Arauco. He most recently served

as vice president of operations for Essential Cabinetry Group in Greenville, S.C

Finland: Promise in new process for waste to energy New technique based on gasification “ VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd has developed a new technique based on gasification, which offers a sustainable way to turn forest industry byproducts, such as bark, sawdust and forestry waste, into transport fuels and chemicals. The new technique reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 90% compared to fossil fuels.

The new approach uses gasification to turn biomass into intermediate products - liquid

hydrocarbons, methanol or methane - in production units integrated with communal district heating plants or forest industry power plants. The intermediate products are processed further in oil refineries to make renewable fuels or chemicals.

VTT developed and piloted the new gasification process and evaluated the competitiveness of plants based on the technique in the course of a recently concluded project called BTL2030. The distributed generation process developed by the project team

makes efficient use of the energy content of biomass. Approximately 55% of the energy content is turned into transport fuels and a further 20-25% can be used to provide district heating or to produce steam for industrial processes. The new technique reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 90% compared to fossil fuels.

The process is based on VTT’s low-pressure, low-temperature steam gasification technology, simplified gas purification and small-scale industrial syntheses.

Thanks to the small-scale approach, the heat generated by the process can be used throughout the year, and the process can be fuelled with local waste. Finland’s previous plans have involved considerably larger gasification-based diesel plants, the raw material demands of which could not have been satisfied with locally sourced waste.

Focus on forest ownership at SkogsElmia The new-generation forest owners are increasingly managing their own forests. At least as important as the yield is to manage the forests in a long-term and environmentally sound way.

This approach will be in focus at SkogsElmia, which will be held this summer on 6–8 June 2019 in the forest south of Jönköping.

If Elmia Wood is the whole world’s forestry fair with a focus on technology and innovations, then SkogsElmia can be described as the whole Nordic region’s forestry fair. The overall theme of the fair will be forest ownership, a topic that affects everyone in the forest in different ways – from forest

owners to machinery contractors to forestry officials.

The fair’s theme will encompass everything from ownership transfer and forest management to technology and logistics that minimise ground damage. As forest owners are making new demands, forestry fairs are becoming increasingly important meeting places for the forest industry’s various actors as well as platforms for the development of new products and services.

Smart digital technology is being used more and more in forestry too, and so visitors to the fair can look forward to many innovations and much new thinking among the

16 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

exhibitors.

SkogsElmia is held every fourth year and attracts about 30,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors. The new fair manager for SkogsElmia is Mattias Pontén, a certified forester with great expertise and solid experience of the forest industry.

He takes up his post now in June.

“It will be a terrific experience to be part of the forest industry’s development,” he says. “Forest ownership is a broad topic with many different issues, which I care greatly about as a forest owner myself. One key focus right now is sustainable forest management with an eye to the future – a future that will be strongly characterised

Mattias Pontén, Fair manager for SkogsElmia, by digitalisation and the links between services and products.

We will fill SkogsElmia with many relevant activities to complement the exhibitors’ many new products and services, and we anticipate a fair that will benefit everyone involved.”

LaSalle Lumber Company joins Southern Forest Products Association Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) welcomes LaSalle Lumber Company, LLC, a joint venture of Hunt Forest Products and Tolko Industries, as its newest lumber manufacturer member.

Tolko Industries, headquartered in Vernon, BC, has partnered with Louisiana-based Hunt Forest Products to build a state-of-the-art sawmill near Urania, Louisiana. Earlier this year, Tolko announced plans to build the new facility. The mill is designed to produce 200 million board feet annually, with three

Brad Thorlakson, Tolko President & CEO continuous dry kilns and a planer facility.

“This is our first venture into the United States,” said Brad Thorlakson, Tolko president and CEO. “And we are thrilled to be in Louisiana with Hunt Forest Products, a family-owned company like ours, and one that has played a vital, reliable role in Louisiana’s forestry industry for more than a century.”

Pino Pucci is the company’s manager and will represent LaSalle Lumber on the SFPA Board of Directors.

Progressive kiln order ULK Velsk Sawmill in Arkangelsk district has recently ordered two 2-zone Progressive Kilns type HFB from Heinola Sawmill Machinery Inc. with annual capacity of ca. 120.000 m3 when drying spruce and pine timber to 18 % final moisture content.

Progressive kilns are equipped with pressure frames and HEINOLA New Drying Kiln Control System. The new Progressive Kilns will be taken into production this year.

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 17

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

New wood panels prefab operation for Australia Quintessential Equity has hailed the opening late last year of a new Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) processing and offsite manufacturing factory at Avalon Airport’s new industrial precinct, as a major win for both the City of Geelong and the building industry’s march toward more sustainable methods of construction.

Executive Chairman of Quintessential Equity, Shane Quinn, said the launch of Cross Laminated Offsite Solutions’ (CLOS) factory will create local jobs, support sustainable development and bring significant potential to grow an advanced manufacturing industry in Geelong.

“Green design is no longer an option, it’s an expectation.

We believe every new building in Australia from today onwards has to be designed with sustainability top of mind. The CLOS factory in Geelong will be a game-changer for the construction industry in Victoria and beyond. Local, accessible mass engineered timber will help put Australia in contention to meet and exceed global standards like WELL Ratings and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

“We’re excited about CLOS because Quintessential Equity wants to use CLT technology – we’d love to construct our first CLT building in Geelong. Building with CLT is sustainable and efficient.

Eight times the amount of carbon is emitted to produce a tonne of concrete compared to a tonne of timber, and building costs can be reduced by up to 20 per cent during construction,” said Mr Quinn.

Quintessential Equity has a strong track record of green design and supporting local economies.

“One of our earlier projects in Parramatta set the benchmark for exemplar sustainability winning the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) Best Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Project.

We’ve also halved the carbon footprint of the NAB’s headquarters building in Adelaide and recently achieved global best practice at 1 Malop Street right here in Geelong, which also created hundreds of local jobs,” he said.

The CLOS factory, set to open mid-2019, will “pre-fabricate” engineered timber products into walls, floors, roofs and other building components, adding the

necessary cladding, insulation and plasterboards. The materials will then be sent to building sites where they are assembled and used in construction, using a similar principle as IKEA flat pack furniture.

While CLOS will initially import the cross laminated timber (CLT) used, the company aims to become Australia’s second CLT producer within five years, which would create around 100 direct local jobs as well as secondary employment in areas such as transportation.

Along with CLT processing and offsite manufacturing, CLOS will process laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glued laminated timber (glulam).

CLOS Founder and Managing Director, John Fitzgibbon, was previously part of the building team for the new WorkSafe building in Geelong, where he saw an opportunity for Geelong to lead the way in mass engineered timber manufacturing.

“Mass engineered timber like CLT has so much potential. When you look at places like Europe and parts of the US, it’s clear Australia isn’t doing enough of it,”

Executive Chairman of Quintessential Equity, Shane Quinn said Mr Fitzgibbon. The current prefabricated housing market in Australia is a AU$4.5 billion sector, or 3 per cent of the AU$150 billion construction industry, whereas Germany and Sweden’s prefabricated modular housing accounts for about 20 per cent and 70 per cent of their respective industries.

“There’s real opportunity for a major advanced manufacturing industry in Geelong – we have the space, the local workforce and the lifestyle that makes workers want to stay and live in the area. With the demise of hard manufacturing and the resurgence of white-collar jobs, I see advanced manufacturing as the next stage of Geelong’s economic growth.”

Renholmen gets new owner Together with the companies ALMAB and Arivislanda, Renholmen AB is part of the ARAT Group. Now ARAT Group has been acquired by Storskogen AB from Provator AB. “Storskogen invests in companies that are stable and profitable. It gives us great

opportunities to continue our journey with development and expansion of the company,” says Renholmen’s CEO Per Jonsson.

“We look forward to continuing to develop our three leading companies in a positive spirit together with Storskogen, which also enables further acquisitions to

the group,” says Johan Andersson, CEO of ARAT Group.

ARAT Group delivers high-tech equipment to sawmills and further processing industry. The three companies operate freely and have together a turnover of SEK 300 million and have 100 employees.

Bergs Timber appoints Jan Liljegren as CEO for Bergs Timber Production Jan Liljegren will January 1, 2019 take the position as CEO for Bergs TimberProduction AB, and will be responsible for the Swedish operations.

In the autumn, Jan held the

position as Production Director and now stands up as CEO. Bergs Timber produces and sells sawn and further processed wood products. It operates its production facilities in Sweden,

18 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Estonia and Latvia. The Group also includes its own port and logistics operations in England.

Per Jonsson, Renholmen’s CEO

SAWLINES

SAW TECHNOLOGY – STENNER

LUMBER PROCESSING

Stenner produce the most extensive range of wide band resaws in the world

U

K based Stenner Ltd produced their first 36” wide band resaw in the 1950’s.

The original machine was known as the VHM36. Over a period of about 45 years more than 7000 VHM36 machines were despatched from their Devon factory to destinations all around the world. Many are still functioning today.

The 36” resaw is still very much in demand and is available in 3 new models launched in 2018. The ST100RB is the entry level machine with the classic 36” diameter cast iron pulleys.

Modern features such as pneumatic saw straining and pressure sawguides are standard and a heavy duty fence complements these features ensuring fast accurate resawing of hardwoods and softwoods.

The ST100 range are “pitless” machines requiring no underground foundation.

The ST100R has all the features of the entry level machine plus HMI control of the key machine functions, and, as an option is

20 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

available with an 18.5kW motor instead of the standard 15kW for the more demanding applications.

The highest specification machine in the range is the ST100RS which has an 18.5kW main motor, electronically positioned fence and Variable Pulley Speed

as standard. This specification will fulfil the most demanding resawing of both Softwood and Hardwoods.

Horizontal Resaws have been a core product for Stenner over the last twenty five years.

Available in pulley sizes from 36” to 54” they are manufactured as single machines or multihead machines for the processing of block into multiple finished components in a single pass.

Single horizontal machines have been installed behind

Bandmills to increase production by taking cuts away from the primary saw and also in chipper canter lines to reduce the number of passes though the line and produce finished product that has no further resawing requirements.

In recent years Multihead lines complete with Handling Systems have been installed by the Sawmiller to provide efficient high speed production of finished components with a relatively low saw kerf. Components such as Fencing Materials, Pallet Boards, Box Lamellas and Flooring Components are all produced on these Stenner “MHS� lines.

For the high speed resawing of the dried boards Stenner offer their extensive range of Centre Cutting Resaws. Available as Single or Twin machines there are a total of 14 models within the range. The

VHF36 and ST10F single machines have tilting saw units which can angle cut up to 45 degrees. All are equipped with 6 independently driven hydraulic feed rollers (3 each side of the blade) for excellent control of boards.

The heavy duty system controlling the feed boxes is capable of centre cutting, off centre equalising and dimension cutting.

The smaller machines in the range are often hand fed whilst the larger machines are typically placed with automated lines with feed speeds up to 450 feet per minute.

Stenner resaws are available with the latest PLC control systems that can set the feed boxes, saw positions and cutting angles at the touch of a button.

Stenner have recently supplied

a number of lines that combine horizontal and vertical saws giving the sawmiller excellent flexibility with the range cutting patterns that are made possible.

These combinations allow more standard sizes to be produced on the main saw line relieving the pressure on sawn timber storage systems, and increasing line speed.

STENNER HORIZONTAL RESAWS 10 Machines in-line producing up to 11 finished components at speeds up to 200 feet per minute

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

Stenner Ltd

Hartnoll Business Centre, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4NG United Kingdom Tel: + 44 (0) 1884 255700 Fax: + 44 (0) 1884 257794 Email: sales@stenner.co.uk Website: www.stenner.co.uk International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 21

System TM to showcase all-inclusive solution at LIGNA 2019 of System TM and MiCROTEC machinery when they see the following equipment in action:

The System TM stand at LIGNA 2019 Hall 27, stand D28

Experiencing the full range of System TM and MiCROTEC machinery in action will be taking center stage at this year’s LIGNA exhibition

A

t this year’s LIGNA, System TM’s booth will be brimming with cutting edge technologies and machine-tomachine integration. An OptiSolution manu-facturing line will be showcased in full operation with an array of machines and options from both System TM and its scanner partner, MiCROTEC. Showcasing this Opti-Solution will demonstrate System TM’s ever-grow-ing expertise in optimizing staff and wood resources, as well as the customer benefits that emerge from a close System TM-MiCROTEC partnership – a partnership that continues to reach new heights.

“Our attendance at LIGNA 2019 underscores our dedication to helping companies optimize their production by maximizing lum-ber utilization and production capacity, and minimizing labor costs,” says Per Jørgensen, CSO of System TM. A leading expert in designing and developing customized solutions, System TM will not only be show-casing the Opti-Solution to demonstrate its expertise in optimizing staff and wood resources, but also to demonstrate its expertise in integrating hardware and software between all functions of a manufactur-ing line.‘‘We want to show our guests how integrating our machinery with MiCROTEC’s machinery adds sig-nificant value to production processes and increases productivity and efficiency’’, says Per Jørgensen.

Industry 4.0: bringing the human–machine relationship to the next level At LIGNA 2019, System TM will be presenting leading, powerful machinery marked by high artificial intelli-gence (Industry 4.0), in which decisions and tasks are carried out with the least amount of human involve-ment possible. Thanks to the intelligence of System TM’s software and hardware, error prevention is automat-ically performed in the event of operator error, workpiece condition errors, or machine errors.

This way, errors are automatically resolved before they occur or cause machine downtime.

Industry 4.0 will continue to define the future for System TM, as machines are designed with less need for human intervention to minimize hu-man error, and with more self-regulation to uphold the highest levels of manufacturing efficiency and uptime.

Showcasing a full range of machinery At LIGNA 2019, guests will be experiencing the full spectrum

22 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

One scanner, one saw solution – a standard solution: • M iCROTEC Goldeneye 302 scanner • S ystem TM Opti-Kap 5103 optimizing cross-cut saw

Opti-Solution – a fully automatic solution:

Top reasons to see this solution:

• S ystem TM Opti-Feed 6000 Vack automated infeed system

• E xamine the scanner’s ability to detect defects by visually inspecting its detection and optimization results after workpieces have been scanned.

• M iCROTEC Viscan for strength measurement of workpieces • M iCROTEC Curvescan for twist, bow, cup, spring and crook measurement of workpieces • M iCROTEC Opti-Side for annual ring orientation and pith detection • M iCROTEC M3 Scan moister meter • M iCROTEC Goldeneye 502 scanner including X-ray • S ystem TM Opti-Kap 5103 optimizing cross-cut saws (2) • S ystem TM Opti-Stack 3000 automated stacking system • S ystem TM automatic batch creating system for vertical finger jointing

Top reasons to see this solution: • W atch how staff and wood resources are optimized: high production capacity, maximum lumber utilization, maximum uptime and no need for manpower.

• S ee how hardware and software is fully integrated between all functions of this line.

• S ee the process of workpiece optimization through the cooperative interaction between the scanning measuring devices and the mechanical machines in this line, such that the output of one becomes the input of the other.

• G et a detailed look at the System TM – MiCROTEC optimizing software.

• S ee the exceptional production capacity of the optimizing OptiKap 5103 cross cut saw.

Opti-View system – a data collection system: • C ollects and analyzes performance data from each machine unit, allowing users to analyze crucial data from their line in order to adjust their line and achieve best overall equipment performance.

Top reason to see the Opti-View: • W atch a simulation of an actual cross-cut line’s production uptime, production stops and lumber utilization which will be displayed on a scoreboard.

About LIGNA LIGNA is the world’s leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing plant, machinery and tools. LIGNA 2019 will be held on Monday, May 27 to Friday, May 31, 2019 at Hannover Exhibition Center in Hannover, Germany.

Visit The System TM sales team on stand D28 in exhibit hall 27 to learn more about System TM’s products.

SAWLINES

SAW TECHNOLOGY – PILOUS

LUMBER PROCESSING

Pilous - X-Cut Innovative saw band for woodworking band saws X-Cut saw band: customers’ opinions

Partner from Slovakia: “We are very satisfied with the X-Cut saw bands because of, in particular, a smoother cutting surface, which is a real improvement in quality. This unique blade service life justifies the higher price of X-Cut saw band and has, in any case, an economic benefit to our production.”

The X-Cut saw band was developed based on customer requirements for woodworking and sawing on band saws

The X-Cut saw band quality can be found between Maxwood Bimetal and Maxwood Stelit saw bands.

An innovative combination of hardened spread-set teeth and stellite eliminates practically the complicated act of spread-setting the saw teeth (tooth setting).

The regeneration of the saw band is very effective, the teeth are only re-sharpened. Other unquestionable advantages of this new type of saw band include higher cutting times, exceeding the usual two hours, cutting surface quality and, last but not at least, excellent performance-price ratio.

This is the optimal saw band for both soft and hardwood, available in a width of 35 to 60 mm.

Partner from Germany: “My impression of the X-Cut saw band is that this type of saw band is one of the most powerful saw bands I have ever had the opportunity to work with. Especially, the high dimensional precision of hardwoods such as hard, dry spruce wood amazed me. The service life is excellent, up to four hours without losing quality.”

Partner from Austria: “The saw band has a much longer service life. On average, it is by 1/3 higher than the saw bands with hardened tooth used so far. The stellite tooth takes over the main cutting power.

The excellent quality of the cut surface.”

Partner from Poland: “Thanks to the X-Cut saw band, we achieve faster saw band feed into the cut with less effort. A big advantage consists in saving time. On average, we have a double service life as compared with previous band saws. The spread-setting of teeth is not required, when sharpening (grinding).”

Partners from the Czech Republic: “We are very satisfied with the X-Cut saw bands because of, in particular, a smoother cutting surface, which is a real improvement in quality. The good quality of the cut surface in connection with a very good service life justifies the higher price of the X-Cut saw band and has an economic benefit to our production as compared with conventional saw bands.“ “Positive results became evident just during the first cuts of frozen wood. Tests have shown us that the properties of the saw band are the same even after 8-10 installations on the machine. The X-cut saw bands are characterized by their high service life and excellent cutting quality.”

“The initial mistrust in using this type of band convinced me soon of the contrary. I am cutting dry spruce, acacia and oak and everything has a straight cut. I have a saw band on the machine for up to three hours. A significant plus is that there is no need to spread-set the teeth. “

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 23

Duane Vaagen, President of Vaagen Bros Lumber

Mills turn out in force Portland, ORE.

M

ore than 1,600 wood products producer personnel and 1,300 equipment exhibitor personnel registered for the fourth Timber Processing & Energy Expo that was held October 17-19 at the Portland Exposition Center in Portland, Ore. That number included personnel from more than 110 wood products producer companies representing hundreds of individual mill site operations.

The event caters to producers of lumber, plywood, veneer, and engineered wood products including mass timber Attendees came from 38 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces and 17 countries.

Nearly 200 exhibitor companies showcased their technologies on 60,000 square feet of booth space as well as several exhibitor setups outside. The event is produced by Hatton-Brown Expositions LLC, and

100 sawmills in less than two days.”

The Portland show has always been heavy to the lumber industry, but organizers have continued to push for more involvement from the panel and engineered wood products sector. Twenty-six such producer companies were in attendance. “Our goal going in was to reach 20% of the companies coming from the panel/EWP sector.

We actually topped 28%, and we expect that number to increase in future shows,” Donnell says.

hosted by Timber Processing and Panel World magazines.

Bill Wilkins, CEO at WKO/Mt. Forest Products

Luke Drapeau, GM, Capital & Maintenance Systems, Canfor

“The show is a great opportunity to engage and network with vendors,” comments Luke Drapeau, GM, Capital & Maintenance Systems, Canfor.

“We appreciate being able to have face-to-face conversations with vendors while looking at equipment. This year our team met with over 40 vendors regarding specific equipment and discussion items. In addition, we met many new vendors and vendor representatives.”

Show Director Rich Donnell says the event experienced a slight increase in attendance from the mill companies compared to 2016.

“We were very enthused about that, because going into the show we were getting a lot of feedback that they were extremely busy and hadn’t really had time to think about the show yet,” Donnell says.

24 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Bill Wilkins, chief operating officer at WKO/Mt. Hood Forest Products in Washington and Oregon, says he always looks forward to attending the Portland show as do many others from his companies.

“The show offers the opportunity to meet in person suppliers and vendors whom we deal with all year long,” Wilkins says.

“The show is also where I have the pleasure of meeting and talking with the wonderful people who make up our industry. The ability to see new technology and innovations in person versus animated video or email flyers is without question a benefit.”

Duane Vaagen, president of Vaagen Bros. Lumber based in Colville, Wash., shares similar feelings: “The show in Portland is the greatest way to get new ideas and clarify your visions for the future. What I benefited most was seeing the latest and greatest technology. It’s like visiting over

Doug Pauzé, Senior Vice President, Coastland Wood “A major reason we attend this particular show is the constant search for innovation,” comments Doug Pauzé, senior vice president, operations, for British Columbia-based veneer and plywood producer Coastland Wood Industries. “I think it is extremely important to stay on top of any of the latest and greatest tools for our industry. Typically, each time we attend, we find something that we can bring back to our facilities to help improve how we operate.”

Scott Weatherford, CEO, ATCO Wood Products BC-based ATCO Wood Products CEO Scott Weatherford adds, “TP&EE is a great opportunity to

TIMBER PROCESSING & ENERGY EXPO

network with colleagues from all over the industry in a setting where we can see and discuss the latest technology, and listen to some insightful presentations about new and developing topics such as the emerging mass timber sector. It’s well worth our time to attend each time.”

Timber Processing magazine also used the event to present its 2019 Person of the Year to Red Emmerson, Chairman Emeritus of Sierra Pacific Industries.

The ceremony was held at the Hatton-Brown Publishers Media Presentation Center on the show floor. Emmerson is the 31st annual recipient of the award.

A post-show survey of exhibitors indicate that 83% of the exhibitors felt their discussions with customers at the show could lead to an order or indeed already has resulted in a confirmed order.

“This year’s TP&EE was very successful for us,” says Jesse Vigil, president and CEO of Metal Detector Inc. (MDI). “We were very HALCO AD:Layout 3

3/8/10

LUMBER PROCESSING

pleased to make new contacts and touch base with existing customers. We received excellent feedback. The insight from the show gave us good information on the positive direction the wood industry is heading.”

In addition to the action on the expo floor, TP&EE hosted two day-long workshops, one on Mass Timber and the other on Lumber Manufacturing.

Russ Vaagen, CEO of Vaagen Timbers Russ Vaagen, CEO of Vaagen Timbers in Colville, Wash., spoke about the in-progress construction of his cross-laminated timber plant scheduled to start up in 2019.

Vaagen detailed the changes his family’s lumber operation has gone through in the past 30 years— adapting to small logs, less federal timber, and ongoing retooling and 17:22

reinvesting to stay competitive.

Looking to the future and higher-value demand in the market is a big reason he started Vaagen Timbers. “I believe this is a time that’s particularly exciting,” Vaagen said. “Designers want new, greener products and builders want to work with new, environmentally friendly products.”

In the case of CLT, Vaagen believes, “The environmental community is literally asking us to produce more lumber products.”

Vaagen said he’s not sure the industry as a whole realizes the potential impact of CTL on overall lumber demand. “CLT buildings consume so much more lumber than traditional construction,” he added.

During the lumber

manufacturing workshop, several BID Group representatives spoke on the company’s turnkey capabilities, which have enabled BID to gain most of the new southern yellow pine sawmill turnkey business in the past couple of years. They cited key benefits such as reduced timeline for construction, controlled startup and controlled costs.

The next TP&EE will be held September 30-October 2, 2020, again at the Portland Expo Center.

(Much of this material originally appeared in Timber Processing and Panel World magazines and appears here with permission.)

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Mind-blowing harvesting progress

PONSSE COBRA • Tyres: 26.5” • Tractive force: 195 kN • Power: 210 kW; Torque: 1,200 Nm (Stage V) • Working pump: 210 cm3 • Crane: C44+ parallel crane or C5 sliding boom crane with two slewing motors • Maximum reach: 10-11 metres (C5: 10 m; C44+: 11 m) • Maximum lifting moment: 250 kNm

It’s worth taking a step back to appreciate just how refined the harvester has become under the watch of the contemporary group of harvester suppliers

A

t the heart of the forestry sector is the need to harvest. It is, in theory, a basic function and, at one point many moons ago, it really was.

Man took a saw, walked into the forest, chose the right tree and, laboriously, cut it down.

Today, few of those elements remain the same. Both men and women are equally equipped to harvest; the process is no longer laborious and, in fact, has been

26 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

made increasingly comfortable by improvements to ergonomics; and the operator may choose the tree or trees to cut but it is a control system in the head that is linked to the client that determines how the stem is cut.

This year’s harvester technology review is a testament to this progress. It is the biggest for years and therefore promotes a large array of new developments from a significant number of suppliers

from across the world.

It is tempting to be impressed by major new breakthroughs but, when the evolution of the technology is so advanced, one must accept that progress now is largely tinkering around the margins. Instead, if one draws breath and stops for just a moment, they should be blown away by the sophistication of every single unit in the following pages.

Harvesters

New Cobra 8 wheeled Harvester

Mercedes-Benz/MTU Stage V engine with more power and torque (210 kW/1,200 Nm). The low-emission Stage V engine reduces the environmental load but provides better performance!.

Frames Simple and strong frame structure.

Alongside reliability, the structures account for the functional positioning and serviceability of components.

Cranes The Cobra harvester is available with a C5 sliding boom or C44+ parallel crane.

Harvester heads The Cobra’s frame structure and crane enable a reach of up to 11 meters, even with the larger H6 harvester head. Also debarking heads are available for processing of Eucalyptus.

Serviceability

Introduced at FinnMetko 2018 Cobra & Fox Harvesters are the latest in a long line up of impressive CTL machines from Ponsse.

PONSSE Cobra is an important new part of their BOOST/SAVE thinking. Lower consumption and higher output make for better results. With the Cobra, this means

more affordable operating costs, higher and cleaner engine power as well as lower surface pressure thanks to the eight wheels and the modern structurewith 26,5� wheels and 1500mm bogie length.

visibility which PONSSE forest machines are known for. Not to be forgotten are the ample, welldesigned storage spaces which are not only part of operating comfort but also a safety feature

Ergonomics

Engine

Ergonomics and ease of operation have a massive impact on work productivity. The cabin provides the most ergonomic controls on the market as well as the excellent

PONSSE Cobra is always equipped with a strong six-cylinder engine that will not run out of power. In the European area, the machines come with a next generation

Effortless service is achieved with better positioning of service points, service lighting and safe service platforms. In addition to this, the high-quality components and modern engine enable an exceptionally long up to 1,800 hour maintenance interval.

The PONSSE Cobra cabin is your vantage point to the latest in forest machine technology. It is a work environment for professionals who value comfort, safety and ergonomics.

The control devices are the best you will find in forest machines in terms of their ergonomics. The large cabin, expansive windows and thin window pillars ensure excellent visibility in all directions.

On request, the cabin can also be equipped with possibly the best forest machine seat in the world, PONSSE Seat.

Mercedes-Benz engines cleaner and more efficient Explosive power and increased torque. Lower emission level and fuel consumption.

The new Mercedes-Benz/ MTU STAGE V emission engines are efficient and economical. The torque has been increased, and maximum torque can be reached

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 27

HARVESTERS New Fox Harvester at lower engine speeds. The Mercedes-Benz/MTU STAGE V emission engines are modern, lowemission engines with significantly lower particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions compared to engines of the previous emission levels (STAGE III and IV). In addition to particulate matter, the STAGE V engines also now control particulate volume with a particulate filter (DPF).

(In North America PONSSE machines use the powerful and responsive Tier 4f level Mercedes Benz/ MTU engines. In other countries, a Stage III level engines are used.)

PONSSE Manager real-time management PONSSE Manager connects forest machines to an information network As a modern digitalization platform for forest machines, it enables comprehensive services now and in the future. The easyto-use tool offers assistance in harvesting equipment maintenance and work planning, along with

providing access to functional and extensive reporting. It provides real-time information on equipment performance and work site status.

The solution can be easily used via a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The NEW Ponsse Fox for agile and efficient thinning

The Fox Harvester is a fuel-efficient and productive combination of state-of-the-art technology and reliable basic solutions. The driving forces of the Fox are the accurate and powerful crane, good visibility, machine stability and low surface pressure for demanding conditions and soft grounds.

Unbeatable agility and power The eight-wheeled Fox is tailormade for thinning and soft grounds. The crane is powerful and easy to use, and is positioned close to the cabin to ensure excellent visibility of the working area.

A powerful and efficient engine ensures maximum efficiency for your work. Fox’s unrivalled power comes from its high torque engine, the large 210cc work pump, and efficient hydraulic system.

Together these offer smooth power for harvesting with low fuel consumption.

The Fox’s frame is designed with special attention to durability

28 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

and ease of service. The reliable frame lock equipped with hydraulic cylinders is made robust and acts as a shock absorber during driving.

The slim structure of the frame makes it possible to use the right track equipment for all conditions The most distinctive strength of the Fox is the robust, reliable and easy-to-use PONSSE C44+ crane, which is located in the center of the machine. The C44+ is a parallel crane, with construction that uses hydraulics instead of mechanical leverage. This makes the crane more fuel-efficient, powerful and it needs less maintenance.

The new Fox harvester combines Ponsse’s latest software technology with the best working environment for thinning that is on the market.

The Fox cabin is the ideal work environment for professionals who appreciate comfort, safety and

New factory expansion

ergonomics. Thanks to the large cabin, wide window surfaces and thin window columns, the visibility is excellent in all directions.

The PONSSE Seat has been specially designed for forest machines from the beginning, and Ponsse has exclusive rights to it from the seat manufacturer.

The Seat has better adjustments, firmer cushions, more comfortable upholstery and a sturdier base than other seat models. It is available for all new PONSSE forest machines. The end result is the driver being comfortable and productive throughout the entire work shift.

Factory Expansion At the end of August Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä formally opened Ponsse’s new

The new factory uses new smart storage technology that enables a smooth flow of components to production lines factory expansion in Vieremä.

The factory expansion means a significant step for it’s production development and competitiveness.

The factory investment is the largest in Ponsse’s history, expanding the production facilities from 2,700 m2 to 4,000 m2. Above all, the investment means a leap forward in terms of production technology.

“The new factory facilitates the strong development of quality, flexibility, occupational safety and productivity. We are able to react more flexibly to changes in the market situation and ensure

effective customer variation of PONSSE forest machines in serial production conditions,” says Juho Nummela, President and CEO of Ponsse Plc. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who opened the factory, stated in his speech that the expansion is an example of the belief in the future that has characterised Ponsse throughout its history. “This raises the company’s competitiveness to yet another level. The continuous development of processes, the world’s best forest machines and the best quality offered to

customers sound like excellent objectives. However, I am certain that Ponsse’s true success is based on strong values and fair play.

That will always get you far,” said Minister Lintilä.

Smart technology transforms storage logistics The new factory uses new smart storage technology that enables a smooth flow of components to production lines.

This has significantly increased productivity of storage logistics and reduced manual handling

of components. The storage automation includes 15,500 storage places for small goods and 3,900 pallet places.

The construction of the new factory started in early 2016.

All PONSSE forest machines are manufactured in Vieremä at the world’s most modern forest machine factory.

World leading solutions from crane tip to attachment

Innovation and product development form natural parts of Indexator’s operations, and we seek to provide clear added value from crane tip to attachment.

Every part of this chain is optimised to provide the best control, safety and productivity while also helping the customer minimise wear, costs and environmental impact.

•

Indexator’s patented Y-link for protected hose routing.

•

MPB - superior damping.

•

BC - hydraulic brake control.

•

Indexator’s weighing link.

•

The world’s widest range of rotators.

indexator.com

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 29

The John Deere 859MH tracked harvester

Standard on the M-Series, Rapid Cycle System combines an automated felling-head arm cycle with simple boom control John Deere offers a diverse family of harvesters that have powerful and intuitive features designed to handle difficult harvesting jobs.

Backed by guaranteed dealer support and equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, the G-Series wheeled harvesters and M-Series tracked harvesters enhance customer experience and save both time and money.

G-Series Harvesters Featuring standard Processing Power Control (PPC) system and powerful Final Tier 4 engines, the G-Series family of harvesters exceed customer expectations.

PPC optimizes fuel efficiency by automatically adjusting to the accurate processing level with the current work conditions and tree size.

Optional Energy Saving, Normal or Boost Mode options enable the system to estimate the engine load and adjust as needed. The Twin Pump Hydraulic System allows operators to have a strong and precise control of the boom and harvester head, decreasing operator fatigue and increasing productivity.

Designed using customer feedback, the spacious cabs are a prime example of how John Deere

30 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

designs machines for optimal operator comfort. G-Series cabins automatically adjust to the boom movements, while the levelling functions adjust absorb any terrain changes. This feature decreases machine vibration by as much as 50% during operation, making operators more comfortable.

New to the industry, the TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager technology offerings are available on G-Series Harvesters. TimberMatic Maps utilizes a mobile network to share real-time production information between G-Series Harvesters and Forwarders on a jobsite, and managers back in the office. Fleet managers access the data using the TimberManager platform, a web-based solution for a PC, tablet or mobile phone, allowing them to check on progress in real-time.

Together, the software provides total visibility to the operation, simplifying communication. The mapping program provides precise locations, volume totals and species of timber with logging route information. This system helps the manager track the volume of timber at the storage area, allowing them to better plan for trailer transports throughout the day. Operators can also add markings to the map, pointing out

challenging terrain factors.

Additionally, 1270G and 1170G models are equipped with Intelligent Boom Control (IBC).

Designed for the work cycle of the harvester, IBC boosts operator precision and productivity and allows the driver to control the harvester head directly, while the system directs the movements of the boom.

The boom movement and operation immediately adapt as it moves closer to the tree and when the tree is inside the grapple.

G-Series Harvesters also come with Adaptive Driveline Control, a system that improves the machine drivability and productivity by automatically adjusting engine RPMs to correspond with the engine load.

1070G Harvester Optimal for thinning in fragile terrain, the 1070G features a compact and balanced frame with wide tires. The 180S boom on the 1070G model is available with an 8.6 m, 10 m or 10.8 m reach, and can be equipped with a H412, H413 or H414 harvester head.

1170G Harvester Available in a six-wheeled or eightwheeled configuration, the 1170G comes with a CH6 boom with a

THE RIGHT LIGHT IN THE DARK

NEW WORK LIGHT PRODUCES A BRILLIANT OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT

Dimmable work lighting on the forwarder cab directed towards the headboard, eliminates any glare from the light being reflected on the headboard.

We have taken a holistic approach to work lighting to further improve the operator environment in our machines. The new LED lamps used are not just significantly better – they are also dimmable when necessary and positioned so that they substantially facilitate work and driving in the dark. With the right type of lighting you can maintain your concentration longer, you do not get as tired, and thus enjoy a significantly better work environment.

Read more on rottne.com/ledlight Our service-friendly forwarders and harvesters with fantastic operator comfort satisfy all needs from light thinning to tough final felling. We offer Swedish made products of the highest quality with the latest technology, an extensive service network and a competent and friendly atmosphere.

ROTTNE.COM / LEDLIGHT

10 m or 11.3 m reach, and can be equipped with an H412, H413 or H414 harvester head. A large work pump on the 1170G increases the hydraulic power on the machine.

The six-wheeled model features a front frame available with 24.5 in or 26.5 in tires. The eight-wheeled model is designed for thinnings and regeneration fellings and is exceptional for working on soft terrain and steep slopes. The 1170G offers loggers outstanding stability, low surface pressure,

32 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

limber forward movement, climbing ability on slopes and excellent productivity.

1270G Harvester Offered as a six-wheeled or eightwheeled machine, the 1270G model serves as a powerful midsized solution. The six-wheeled model boasts 268 hp (200kW) and improved torque by up to 17 percent.

The eight-wheeled model possesses five percent more torque

and is designed for tricky slopes and soft terrain. This harvest is a proven solution for loggers in challenging, steep areas.

1470G Harvester The largest in the lineup, the 1470G has many of customer-approved features found in the 1270G models and is ideal for loggers working on steep slopes. Comparatively, the 1470G is equipped with a bigger CH9 boom, a different front frame, bogie axles, tires and higher

Optimal for thinning in fragile terrain, the 1070G features a compact and balanced frame with wide tires

ground clearance. This harvester has been recognized for its power and torque, as well as its notably steady RPMs performance.

The CH9 boom is available in three reach options, providing balance, accuracy and manoeuvrability. The CH9 boom is optimized alongside the Twin Pump Hydraulic System, enabling simultaneous boom movements, head operations and machine activity.

M-Series Harvesters M-Series Harvesters provide operators with a spacious and comfortable work station. Loaded with ergonomical features, such as adjustable armrests, fingertip control of machine functions, and an air-conditioned seat ensure operator comfort during long shifts, the M-Series was built based off of customer insight.

Floor-to-ceiling and side windows along with the overhead skylight allow a 44% more visibility than

previous models, for enhanced view of the task at hand.

Standard on the M-Series, Rapid Cycle System combines an automated felling-head arm cycle with simple boom control.

Tailored settings can be saved according to operator preferences and based on skill levels. This system reduces operator fatigue while simultaneously increasing efficiency and productivity.

34 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Tigercat builds a full range of cut-to-length harvesting solutions including track harvesters, wheel harvesters, harvesting heads and control software. There is a Tigercat solution for most of the world’s atthe-stump harvesting and roadside processing applications.

Extreme-duty 1185 harvester The latest harvester addition to the Tigercat product line-up is the powerful 1185 eight-wheel drive harvester. Equipped with Tigercat built bogie axles and a powerful Tigercat ER crane, the premium quality 34-tonne 1185 “sets a new standard for durability and productivity in tough terrain”, according to the manufacturer.

Tigercat’s unique WideRange drive system increases working travel speed while delivering extremely powerful tractive effort for high performance in steep terrain and quick in-stand travel on good ground.

The 1185 blends high performance with fuel efficiency through the use of advanced hydraulic circuits. Dedicated pumps power the drive, harvesting head, crane, fan and cooling circuit

functions. In addition, a closed loop drive system provides excellent performance and response on steep slopes. A pressure and flowcontrolled piston pump drives the cooling fan, maintaining optimal operating temperatures at the lowest possible fan speed.

The crane features Tigercat’s efficient and operator-friendly ER technology. The hooked profile of the main boom promotes excellent right-side visibility. Not only is the crane efficient but also simple in design, without external parallel linkages.

With an extreme duty slew system and 360° continuous rotation, the cabin rotates with the crane. The cabin is spacious with excellent visibility and clear line-of-sight to the wheels. The curved windshield affords excellent upward visibility along with patent pending protective technology.

Operators will find all the creature comforts including a comfortable and highly adjustable climate controlled seat with a four-point harness and full BluetoothÒ connectivity.

The 1185 is powered by the Tigercat FPT N67 engine with Tier 2 or Tier 4 configurations, rated at 230 kW (308 hp) at 2,000 rpm.

The Tigercat 1185 is powerful and stable in all conditions

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 35

H855E and LH855E track harvesters The H855E and LH855E track harvesters are highly efficient, durable and reliable carriers suited to a wide range of harvesting and processing applications.

The H855E is designed for high performance harvesting, at-thestump processing and roadside processing duties in medium to large tree size operations. Both are powered by the Tigercat FPT N67 engine and are available for Tier 2 and Tier 4 regions. The Tier 2 version is rated at 205 kW (275 hp) at 2,100 rpm and the Tier 4f is rated for 210 kW (282 hp) at 2,200 rpm.

Both models are available with two-piece 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 introduction of the new 3-mode ER boom control allows the operator to choose between ER, semi-ER and conventional.

The new semi-ER function allows the operator to extend the boom on a horizontal plane using a single joystick, but retracts the boom with the increased power of both cylinders, doubling the pull force. The stick boom or “reach” joystick controls both the main and stick booms simultaneously, resulting in the attachment moving either away from or toward the operator. The main boom and tilt functions operate in the traditional manner to adjust the height and angle of the attachment.

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

pump flow and system cooling.

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

The engine and hydraulic systems are specifically designed to achieve maximum performance and minimum fuel consumption in harvesting and processing applications. High horsepower allows the carriers 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, while delivering maximum fuel efficiency. With a high-performance valve and control system, the machine is optimized for harvester performance and fuel efficiency.

The LH855E features Tigercat’s patented levelling system, providing exceptional stability in steep slope applications and optimum weight transfer. It uses two massive hydraulic cylinders and heavy steel sections for a solution that is both simple and robust. Due to the unique geometry of the levelling system, the machine is well balanced on slopes.

Regardless of the angle of the undercarriage in relation to the upper, the track pressure is even all the way along the bottom of the tracks as long as the upper is close to horizontal. This makes the machine feel very stable and predictable.

In addition, the ramped undercarriage (both the front idler and the rear gearbox are set higher than the centreline of the undercarriage) allows the machines to easily drive up over rocks and stumps.

Tigercat 570 harvesting head working in Nova Scotia, Canada 36 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Tigercat H855E harvester working in Northern Ontario, Canada

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 37

Komatsu’s harvester product line has a focus on operator ergonomics, machine stability, low energy consumption and good visibility in all directions. All to achieve maximum productivity.

All harvesters are based on the same pioneering technology as was invented already in 1984 when the Komatsu Harvester concept was originally launched.

This concept has proven to be very effective for several decades.

When the centrally mounted crane is working far from the machine, two stabilizing cylinders on the swing axle act as a counterforce, locking the harvester in a horizontal position. Together with the automatic cab levelling, this ensures harvesters with outstanding stability.

For each machine in the Komatsu Harvester line-up the technology has been adapted to provide its unique characteristics – whether that entails creating an agile thinning machine or a powerful final felling machine.

Fuel efficiency In recent years several development projects aiming to reduce machine fuel consumption have resulted in smart solutions that not only save contractors money, but also spare the environments in which the machines operate. Proof of this is found in a recent innovation for harvester; the three-pump hydraulics 3PS, as well as in many minor improvements to diesel engines and machine systems which help reduce fuel consumption.

Daily inspections are performed easily and effectively without the need to open any hoods All harvesters are equipped with 3PS, a reliable system, with generous hydraulic capacity split between three different hydraulic circuits.

“The system’s power is coordinated with that of the diesel engine and enables the operator to perform even more tasks at the same time without losing hydraulic power,” says Tobias Ettemo, Product Manager Harvesters at Komatsu Forest.

“Thanks to the separate circuits, energy losses in crane operation are reduced, resulting in lower fuel consumption. What’s more, the hydraulic design is one of the most important factors for increased productivity. Since 3PS increases hydraulic power availability, you can quite simply harvest more timber for every drop of diesel.”

The Komatsu Harvester Heads also uses Komatsu Forest’s unique variable back pressure valve in the hydraulic system. Since this valve is adjustable, MaxiXplorer (Komatsu Forests Control and Information System) can control the back pressure, which lowers energy consumption and increases the service life of hydraulic components.

Fundamental to reducing fuel consumption is that the engine

KOMATSU HARVESTER LINE-UP Komatsu 901

Agile but powerful for thinning

Komatsu 901XC

Agile and strong in extreme conditions; Thinning and all-round harvester

Komatsu 911

Flexible all-round harvester

Komatsu 931

Strong and agile all-round harvester

931XC

Extreme conditions; All-round harvester; Final fellings

951

Prowerful with high productivity; Final felling

38 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

cooling system is optimized to the machine’s needs.

“The design of the cooling system, with parallel cooling elements and the excellent cooling fan speed control, contributes to the low energy demands of the machines’ cooling systems,” Ettemo reveals.

The greased chain (Eco-GLS) reduces lubricant consumption.

With a good work environment, you can perform better and be more productive throughout the day Tobias Ettemo, Product Manager Harvesters, Komatsu Forest

The adaptive chain lubrication function also adjusts the amount of grease used based on among others stem diameter and tree species, which in turn reduces both consumption and spills.

Ergonomics and servicing On all Komatsu Harvesters the cab is spacious and with good visibility in all directions. The noise level in the cab is very low which leads to a comfortable work environment for the operator.

“With a good work environment, you can perform better and be more productive throughout the day, Ettemo says. “That’s why we

The Komatsu 901XC

put a lot of focus on continuously improving the operator comfort.”

Komatsu Forest has also worked diligently to make sure that service is as quick and easy as possible. Everything to simplify the operator’s working day. All service points on the harvesters are located with easy access to minimize the time and cost to service the machine.

Daily inspections are performed easily and effectively without the need to open any hoods. Daily checks are grouped together, such as checking the engine oil and water separator in succession because they are found next to each other. The engine oil filter is fitted upright, which reduces The Komatsu 901XC

The Komatsu 951

40 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

oil spillage when changing the filter, while the hydrostat filter is easily accessed on the left side of the machine. The engine’s aftertreatment equipment is fitted in a cassette system, simplifying access to the engine’s valve casings. The result is easier and faster engine valve lifter adjustments. The diesel and hydraulic oil tanks are also easily filled from ground level.

Ground impact Komatsu Forest strives to ensure that the forest machines have as little impact as possible both to the ground and on standing trees. Ettemo explains that the machine concept for harvesters (and forwarders) is based in stable machines with even weight distribution.

“A balanced bogie ensures that the machines generate more evenly distributed pressure between the front and rear wheels, distributing the machine’s weight over a larger area reduces ground pressure, enabling the machine to manoeuvre more easily and causing less damage to soft ground.”

On the harvesters, the underside of the frame is smooth, which reduces the risk of it catching on stumps and rocks and provides good manoeuvrability.

The six-wheeled harvesters are light and agile. The eight-wheeled harvesters have even more surface over which to distribute their weight. This results in low ground pressure under all wheels and a significantly reduced risk of ground damage, even on wet ground and in steep terrain.

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The Rottne H21D has seen five years of refinement

Model specifications ROTTNE H21D: FINAL FELLING IN DENSE FOREST Optimum trunk diameter:

30-65 cm

Number of wheels:

6 or 8

Service weight:

from 24,200 kg

Engine:

FT4 227 kW/305 hp (at 1,800 rpm)

Tractive force:

Tractive force:

Crane reach:

11 m

Harvester heads:

Rottne EGS706, SP661, SP761 LF, LogMax 6000D, Log Max 7000D

ROTTNE H11D – AN EFFECTIVE ALL-ROUND HARVESTER; STRIP ROAD OPERATING THINNING, BUT ALSO FINAL FELLING Optimum trunk diameter:

20-40 cm

Service weight:

from 17,400 kg

Engine:

FT4 164 kW/220 hp (at 1,800 rpm)

Tractive force:

167 kN

Crane reach:

10.3 m or 11.3 m

Harvester heads:

Rottne EGS596, SP461 LF, SP561 LF, LogMax 4000T, Log Max 5000D

ROTTNE H8D – IDEAL FOR STAND-OPERATING THINNING; STAND-OPERATING THINNING Optimum trunk diameter:

5-20 cm

Number of wheels:

4

Service weight:

from 10,180 kg

Engine:

FT4, 125 kW/170 hp (at 2,000 rpm)

Tractive force:

120 kN

Crane reach:

7m

Harvester heads:

Rottne EGS 406, LogMax 3000T

42 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY 2019 / MARCH 2019

Rottne offers a complete harvester range, consisting of the standoperating thinning harvester, Rottne H8D; the all-rounder Rottne H11D (as comfortable doing thinning work as it is doing light final felling); and the Rottne H21D for heavy final felling.

The Rottne H21D has been refined on some 80 distinct technical specifications since inception half-a-decade ago to enhance power, efficiency and comfort.

The Rottne H21D is a strong and efficient harvester for final felling that this year celebrates its fifth anniversary. The first mass production Rottne H21 left the factory in 2014. Since production started, the company has continued to work on improvements to produce an even more efficient harvester.

Included among the most important points are an enhanced crane and improved hydraulic system. The Rottne H21D has been a sales success and Rottne has therefore gradually increased the production rate in order to meet demand.

H21D key features • R ottne H21D has real reserves of power, a tractive force of a full 230 kN and three-pump hydraulic system ensure production in the forest is highly effective, especially seeing as the machine can operate at full power in all positions

head EGS706, which has been upgraded, the Rottne H21 can be equipped with a harvester head from both SP and LogMax, which is integrated in the machine’s software.

At the forefront of working comfort All Rottne harvesters are equipped with the same spacious cab, offering full standing height and which, thanks to large windows, ensures a fantastic view over the entire work area. It is also very quiet in the harvester cab – even quieter than in a new road car, in fact.

With Comfort Line – the first cab suspension system for forestry machines, which Rottne launched in 2007 – the working environment is improved even further.

New LED lighting The latest improvement to the operator environment is a “revolutionary coherent approach” to the lighting on all harvesters and forwarders. With the operator in focus, completely new LED lighting has been introduced providing a balanced and comfortable light that illuminates over a long distance, but which is also good close up and does not dazzle the operator.

• W ith an extremely strong crane featuring the highest lifting power and torque, effectiveness and productivity are all but guaranteed, especially on steep and challenging terrain • B uilt specifically to overcome difficult and steep terrain. With eight wheels and broad tracks it can even manoeuvre extremely well on wet ground • T he swivel cab follows the movement of the crane (as on Rottne H11D) • F ive different harvester heads to choose from. In addition to Rottne’s own harvester

Efficiency is so high that two forwarders are needed to keep pace. The H21 is a large, reliable and stable machine that can handle dense forests Conny Johansson, Skogab CEO & Rottne client

EXTREME THINNING POWER Agile 8-wheeler for demanding terrain

Komatsu 901XC is a harvester for thinning in hilly terrain and on soft ground. The eight wheels, combined with the well-proven Komatsu concept and the double pendling bogie, ensure a machine with fantastic stability, excellent manoeuvrability and low ground pressure. One of the features that make the Komatsu 901XC a true thinning

www.komatsuforest.com

specialist is the generous crane capacity, which simplifies precision work and choosing the right trees – especially at long reaches. Just like all our machines, it also has advantages that include effective 3-pump hydraulics, a fuel-efficient engine and an outstanding operator environment.

The H21D works rigorously in Spain

Lighting on the Rottne harvester range is effective without dazzling the operator

Efficiency on the H21D has been fine-tuned

44 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

The Rottne H21D has seen five years of refinement

“Everyone speaks about more lamps, but placement has not always been so accurate,” says Samuel Östling who works with technical support at Rottne. “The wrong lamps in the wrong place result in glare, which dazzles instead of giving an illuminated

TXL ATE ULTIM

work area.

“The difference with the new lamps is extreme. We use four to five different types of LED lamps and all of the highest quality. As an operator you notice the effect immediately,” he says.

ATF ALL-TER

TION FLOTA

E T A M I T UL N O I T A T O FL

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ION

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Flotatio n assured and traction o and ma n snow, ice, m rshy co nditions ud .

west tion & lo ure c a r t t s Be press ground y track of an

CONTACT US FOR CUSTOMISATION OPTIONS

www.clarktracks.com

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 45

The Konrad Highlander

Konrad Forsttechnik produces two versions of the Highlander, which was originally designed as a four-wheel machine but now is also manufactured as a six-wheel unit.

The Highlander is a steepterrain Harvester with enormous flexibility due to a synchronised step-and-drive movement. Step movement means that two telescopes extend that machine, to go over difficult terrain. Once the wheels start to spin, the machine is extended and the front part is pushed over the edge. When pulling in the telescopes the chassis is lifted up, in order not to bog down the machine (going over road banks).

Due to steerable front and rear wheels, which are all driven, the machine has a very small turning radius and is therefore very flexible in the steep terrain.

This also allows a crab movement in steep terrain, meaning that the machine can move sideways while remaining uphill facing. For that reason, the cabin tilt function is only needed to the front and to the back.

The crane cabin unit slews endlessly, so work with the harvester head is possible in all

The Highlander is exceptionally manoeuvrable

46 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

The Highlander is great on steep slopes

directions. The operator has an excellent visibility of the harvesting head, as the crane is fitted behind the cabin. The crane has a maximum reach with the extended telescope of about 10 m, with a lifting capacity of 24 t. All hydraulic hoses are fitted inside the crane to avoid damage from falling trees.

A 285 hp tier 4i Iveco sixcylinder engine, which will be upgraded to a tier 5 engine this year, powers the Highlander. This engine drives three pumps; two for the drive system of the machine, and the third one for the crane and Woody harvester head. The complete hydraulic system is from Bosch Rexroth.

The machine is equipped with a strong shield in front to stabilize her during the work with the harvester head.

The harvester head used on the HIGHLANDER is the Konrad Woody 61 with endless rotation system, four feed rollers, main and top saw as standard equipment.

The folded up advance unit allows a free grapple, which can be used as sorting and loading grapple.

The control system KTC,1.0 also manufactured by Konrad is used as Woody control. Jobs, length of the logs and tree types are easy to

put in, and the daily production can be printed out in form of a pdf and send directly from the computer to the office.

Options on that machine Clambunk: the Clambunk is fitted on the front shield with a quick coupler. The clambunk is used the bring trees out from the forest to a processing site or forest road, where they are delimbed and cut to length, and piled up. The loading capacity of the clambunk is between 8 to 10mÂł, depending on the size of the trees.

Integrated winch: the Highlander has as option a winch integrated and fitted on top of the front boogies in a winch box. This winch can be used as a synchronic winch to support the machine in steep terrain. Winch and driving systems are synchronised. A slag pulling system, and a winding guide assures, that the cable is always tight and correctly put on the cable drum. Second function is to pull trees to the machine.

The operator can pull the cable by remote control to the tree and winch the tree to the machine.

One Step Further

WOODY H61

HIGHLANDER

MOUNTY 5000 (U)

www.forsttechnik.at

Konrad Forsttechnik GmbH, 9451 Preitenegg, Oberpreitenegg 52, Austria Phone: +43 4354 2432-0 Fax: +43 4354 2432-35 E-Mail: office@forsttechnik.at

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 47

EX-OIL FIELD WORKER PARTNERS WITH LIFETIME LOGGER TO TAKE ON TOUGH CONDITIONS IN MICHIGAN’S UPPER PENINSULA

TWO’S COMPANY COPYWRITING: KEVIN ORFIELD PHOTOGRAPHER: TODD DACQUISTO

The nicest part of the machine is the IBC. … it’s as simple as reaching for a cup of coffee

D

ameon Harris’ path to becoming a logger was the road less traveled. Unlike many loggers who come from logging families, Harris grew up on K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Marquette, Michigan. “My dad was an Air Force mechanic who worked on B-52s,” recalls Harris, coowner, R&H Logging, Inc., Watson, Michigan. “It was a lot different than your normal community.

Everything was so neat and tidy — I remember the clean, perfectly trimmed yards. It was a safe, comfortable upbringing.”

Like his father, Harris worked as a mechanic, taking a job at a Ford dealership in Marquette after graduating high school. “I’ve always been really mechanical, taking things apart to see how they

work,” he says. “Growing up in the Upper Peninsula, I was always fascinated by logging machines and the hydraulic and electrical systems on them.”

“Let’s go!”

In 2005, Harris and his wife, Cassie, relocated to Texas to find fortune in the oil business. He worked there for three-and-a-half years and made decent money. “But if anything is worse than the logging industry as far as ups and downs, it’s the oil industry,” says Tom Reynolds, who is Harris’ father-inlaw and current business partner (the “R” in R&H). “So in 2009, he called me one morning and told me he wanted to come back north and get into logging. I told him, ‘Well, you’ve got the ambition. And you’ve

certainly got the beard (laughs). So let’s go!’”

Harris recalls meeting his future wife as a freshman in high school.

“I said hello to her on the first day of school. She didn’t have much to say to me then, but we got to know each other well after high school.”

“So that’s how our partnership began — Dameon started dating my daughter,” laughs Reynolds, who has been logging since 1972.

“But it’s been great. He’s a hard worker and not afraid to put in the time to learn what he needs to learn.”

Oil field workers have a reputation for working in tough conditions, so Harris felt right at home in the woods of Northern Michigan. To meet the demands of the mills, R&H Logging has been working in tougher and tougher terrain.

Harris enjoys the challenge of operating in rocky, steep conditions. “I like the problemsolving aspect of working on hard or difficult ground. That’s where it

Tom Reynolds, Co-owner, R&H Logging, Inc.

Tom Reynolds operating his new eight-wheeled 1210G Forwarder with a rotating cab and IBC (Intelligent Boom Control) 48 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

gets really interesting. And it’s not the same task over and over, like changing oil in a car engine. Every tree and every species is different.”

The “office” isn’t bad either.

“I’ve got photos of some of the most beautiful sunsets coming through the trees. Yesterday I saw the first fawn of the year. I’ve seen wolves and bears, and a couple of years ago I saw my first wolverine.

That was incredible.”

Levelheaded Harris ran heavy equipment when he worked in the oil fields, so it wasn’t as much of a stretch for him to log as one might think. “The first machine Tom and I bought was a used Fabtek 133,” he recalls. “I had no experience running one — I just had an idea in my head of how it should work, and Tom said it would be a good starter machine. Tom had a single-bunk forwarder — he could skid a lot of wood with that machine — and that’s how we got started.”

In the early days, three loads was considered a pretty good week. “It was pretty intense,” remembers Harris. “Now we do 15 loads a week, and we’re not killing ourselves. It’s not bad at all.”

Reynolds has skidded wood since he began logging for his uncle during the 1970s, when forestry was just becoming mechanized. Today he still runs a forwarder, but in a much more technologically advanced, powerful machine: an eight-wheeled John Deere 1210G Forwarder with a rotating cab.

Reynolds loves the cab and everything else about the 1210G Forwarder, especially the Intelligent Boom Control (IBC).

“The nicest part of the machine is the IBC,” he says. “It’s like the grapple is wired to your brain. It becomes part of your body — it’s as simple as reaching for a cup of coffee. You don’t have to think about it. It’s smooth, effortless, quick, and productive.”

Harris runs a new eight-wheeled John Deere 1270G Harvester. He finds the machine easy to run.

“It’s just a very, very nice machine.

Controls are intuitive. Visibility is great, and flotation is better with eight wheels compared to sixwheel machines.”

Harris also appreciates the long reach of the Waratah 415 Harvesting Head. “With greater cutting swath, you can make fewer

passes through the woods. And the dangling head is phenomenal.

Using a fixed head is like working with one hand tied behind your back. A dangling head gives you the finesse and movement you need to do what you want. It’s the only way to go — I’ll use one as long as I’m logging.”

Other technology on the machines helps R&H Logging further maximize productivity. The TimberMatic™ F-16 control system provides efficient control of all harvesting functions for precise, quick boom movements.

The user-friendly software

Dameon Harris runs a new eight-wheeled John Deere 1270G Harvester

technician to the logging site for an initial diagnostic visit. “Our dealer really keeps an eye on everything, and if there’s a problem, they’re right there to help with it. With our old machine from another manufacturer, the dealer would send a guy out and five hours and $900 later, you had a diagnosis.

And oh, the part will not arrive for four days. But with John Deere we’re up and running right away.”

Good stewards

offers easy-to-learn patterns and operator-specific settings, along with detailed diagnostics.

“TimberMatic has a long list of features I like,” says Harris.

“It’s really user friendly.”

Using JDLink™, Harris can receive alerts on his computer or mobile device to inform him of immediate machine issues.

If downtime does occur, remote diagnostics help his John Deere dealer minimize the time and cost associated with sending a

R&H Logging’s cut-to-length operation does primarily hardwood thinning, including oak, maple, birch, hemlock, and aspen. Leaving the logging site better than it was before they started is important to Harris and Reynolds, who are proud to be good stewards of the forest. “A well-managed forest is a renewable resource,” says Harris.

“If you do it right, when you return later it will be a luscious, beautiful forest.”

“I can show you plots that I thinned 20 years ago and they look great,” adds Reynolds. “In

With John Deere We’re up and running right away Dameon Harris, Co-owner, R&H Logging, Inc. 1975, I had people telling me there would be no trees left in the Upper Peninsula by the year 2000. Today the forests up here look better than ever. It’s in everyone’s best interest to manage the forest so it is sustainable. And when you thin out the old trees, you create a much healthier forest.”

At 65, Reynolds says he’s considering retirement, but he can’t quite see himself leaving the woods. “And anyway, Dameon says I’m not allowed to retire for another 20 years (laughs). But really, it’s just hard to imagine doing anything else. You pull your hair out sometimes, but everyone needs a challenge and sense of purpose.

I look forward to getting up and going to work every morning.”

“It’s a way of life,” adds Harris.

“It’s in your blood — you just enjoy doing it. My son is four and he wants to cut wood with Daddy — he’s talking about it already. My wife has been so supportive, and her mom and dad are wonderful people. Tom and Cherryl have accepted me as their own, and I’m so blessed to have been given this opportunity to do what I love.”

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 49

Intelweigh Compact MH 15 in a UPM saw mill in Finland, mounted on a Fuchs MHL 350 material handler featuring Indexator rotator XR 400 and Intermercato Heavy duty log grapple TG 100 SM

Efficiency rules lifting options

Swedish crane scale manufacturer Intermercato believes it has set a new grapple-scale standard with the Intelweigh Compact MH (MH: for material handler).

Eight perfectly balanced strain gauges provide optimal properties as to linearity and accuracy.

Intelweigh Compact MH has no moving parts, thus being maintenance free. Chemical nickel coating of the load cell and it support plates makes the Intelweigh scales suitable also in environmentally difficult conditions. The mechanical interfaces to boom end and grab are produced from high tensile Hardox 400 steel.

Intelweigh Compact MH is available up to 50 t load capacity.

Rugged design and high resolution

Wireless and integrated motion control

The Intelweigh Compact is a completely unique product based on one gigantic load cell (patented) designed like a space ship. The MH scales are heavily over dimensioned (minimum 3x measuring range before plastic deformation), while still maintaining a high resolution.

The load cell properties combined with the Intelweigh motion control algorithm ensure high accuracy also during weighing in motion.

The wireless motion control unit is powered by a 48,000 mAh Tadiran battery, giving no less than 1,000 uninterrupted loading hours

Lifting & Loading

A concerted effort to improve the mechanics of lifting logs should improve productivity and energy consumption and improve the bottom line for contractors

I

t’s not one of the high-profile areas of forestry but the basic function of lifting logs into position is being made easier and more efficient every day – and the benefit that can have on a business is surprisingly significant.

This is done through ingeniously simple adaptions to the core mechanics and through adapting smart technologies to coordinate various parts of the lifting chain.

In this review we cover the links on crane arms through to the fullscale lifting machines that operate on the forest floor.

50 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Intelweigh Compact MH 15 close up

ACTIVE ORDER By tapping the start button you enter weighing mode. This start page gives you a number of options. Here are some of them: Ordernumber and DriverID are given, you can edit the order or close it, meaning it ends up in “History”.

You can print the order, if you have a BT printer connected. You can mail it if you have a SIM card or if you are connected to a wireless network. At the bottom you have the memory banks. If you tap one of them, you will see all single loads stored in this bank. And finale the Σ sign which shows the total weight accumulated in this order

WEIGHING On top there is a status field showing operation mode, battery power etc.

Under it you see the weight of the load currently in the grab (live weight). Σ is the total weight stored in the active memory bank. Then going down you have the memory banks - the number of banks is unlimited. The green one is the active one. Next Σ is the total weight of the whole working order (sum of all banks). With EXIT you close weighing mode and the system goes into sleeping mode which saves battery power

Android Smartphones have for many years been part of everyone’s daily life.

It was therefore an easy decision when Intermercato five years ago chose the Android platform

to develop the Intelweigh user interface. Apart from being easy to understand and work with, the Android-based software provides endless possibilities for customized solutions.

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 51

PALFINGER EPSILON Smart Control

Added value with digital products of Palinger Epsilon We are in a time of digital transformation, experts from Palfinger Epsilon told International Forest Industries recently.

“Digitalization is not only a reality in all areas of life, but also in business processes. Industry 4.0 is no longer a vision of the future, but a living present.”

A

s the market-leading manufacturer of cranes for wood handling and recycling, PALFINGER EPSILON is particularly concerned with developing value-adding solutions with and for its customers to make

every day work easier - since the job as a crane driver holds challenges and safety hazards.

Based on this, PALFINGER EPSILON developed the new Smart Control and Virtual Drive innovations to make work more efficient, to

Worldpremiere: PALFINGER EPSILON introduces Smart Control at Interforst 52 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

increase working safety and to reduce the risk of accidents.

Due to the EPSILON team’s intensive focus on digitalization, the first prototypes of the new boom tip control - Smart Control and the new Virtual Reality control system - Virtual Drive - were presented for the first time at Interforst in Munich in July 2018.

Smart Control: Intuitive handling Thanks to Smart Control, the new boom tip controller prototype, crane operation is easier, more intuitive and faster than ever. Crane operators no longer have to control each cylinder individually because

now, thanks to the electronic assistance system, the operator can concentrate exclusively on the boom tip.

Thanks to Smart Control, the new boom tip controller prototype, crane operation is easier, more intuitive and faster than ever. Crane operators no longer have to control each cylinder individually because now, thanks to the electronic assistance system, the operator can concentrate exclusively on the boom tip.

Smart Control also allows the crane’s physical capability to be utilised to the full in every situation by ensuring that the most important movement parameters are perfectly optimised with each other in every position.

This helps to enhance the efficiency of work performed using the crane and ensures that crane operators are not quite as exhausted as they used to be at the end of the day. This places less of a physical load overall on operators, which, in turn, helps to prevent accidents and significantly reduce crane training times.

Smart Control is also the only system on the market to feature an adaptive gripper tip controller. This means that when objects are lifted from the ground, the gripper is also raised automatically so that it does not come into contact with the ground when it closes. This reduces not only ground disturbance but also damage to the truck loading surface. In addition, the integrated electronic limit position damper helps to significantly reduce wear on the main components.

With this latest product, too, PALFINGER EPSILON has once again given a lot of attention to service-friendliness. The sensors, for example, can be maintained and replaced without the hydraulic cylinders also having to be removed.

- the crane driver is now sitting in the truck cab and is therefore no longer exposed to external weather conditions or safety risks.

The VR control system offers not only enhanced driver comfort and safety but also a range of additional benefits such as a better overview of the situation, additional loads and reduced fuel consumption.

With the Interforst concept prototypes, PALFINGER EPSILON showcased a fully functional, state-

of-the-art system that offers a range of new features not available with current systems.

However, technological progress – especially in the field of VR glasses – is currently not quite as advanced as EPSILON would like.

For example, the resolution and field of vision of the VR glasses that are currently available are still limited compared with crane operation without VR assistance.

Despite our global quest for the very best VR technology and the fact that we are using the most state-of-the-art VR glasses

PALFINGER EPSILON Virtual Drive

currently available on the market (and that represent a tangible improvement on older systems), the technological progress being made in this field still does not meet the typically high standards expected by PALFINGER EPISLON. But PALFINGER EPSILON is well equipped for the future! As soon as VR glasses offer the kind of resolution we expect, there’ll be no stopping us. We are continuing to monitor developments in this field together with our international team and will keep our customers up to date on progress in the future.

Virtual Drive: Control outside the danger zone The new Virtual Drive – as a concept study, the virtual-reality (VR) control system developed

by PALFINGER EPSILON offers some early insight into the control technology of tomorrow. Virtual Drive enables the user to control the crane with the aid of VR glasses outside the danger zone

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 53

Leading Edge Rotator & Crane tip solutions

Besides being the world leading manufacturer of hydraulic rotators, Indexator Rotator Systems is also the world’s leading-edge developer of innovative solutions between rotator and crane tip. The company’s system for protected hose routing is increasingly becoming an industry standard.

“Innovation and product development are natural ingredients within Indexator’s daily operations,” the manufacturer explained.

With 40 year’s experience of rotator manufacturing, Indexator have a market leading position.

Besides hydraulic rotators, the

The Y-link with MPB swing damper and Indexator G-rotator at work site

The patented Y link solution increases productivity and hose life

54 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Our ambition is to provide a value adding solution between the attachment and crane tip Johnny Karlsson, Indexator

Y-LINK FEATURES Crane scale with Indexator Y link

Full swing angles Lower costs Increased productivity Reduced environmental impact

What Indexator calls the ‘Total Solution’

Increased service life for hoses

company offers the widest range of links and swing dampers – suitable for most crane models and application areas.

“Our ambition is to provide a value adding solution between the attachment and crane tip,” says Johnny Karlsson, Area Sales Manager at Indexator. “While a simple ‘dog-bone’ link might be sufficient in some applications, the interest of more sophisticated system is rising all over the world.

The driver for this interest is

increased productivity with less down time.

Indexator has long experience in developing solutions for manufacturers (OEMs). On today’s CTL harvesters Indexator MPB (Multi Plate Brake) system is more or less the industry standard.

Another system that gain more and more market share is the hose protection system, Y-links.

Increase productivity and profitability with Y-links The most common problems with unsatisfying hose routing are leakage and wear of hoses. Both problems results in higher costs, increased down time and negative environmental impact.

With the patented Y-link solution, hoses are protected from branches and trailer banks, which increases service life time of hoses and profitability. At the same time

the Y-link system allows full swing angles and comes with many variants to meet market demand – from unbraked links to the most advanced swing damping systems including weighing function and brake control.

“On CTL forwarders and log loaders, the Y-link system is becoming more and more common.

The interest is also rising from tree-length sector and semiprofessional users with smaller cranes,” Karlsson said. “For the smaller cranes we are currently evaluating a completely new solution suitable for GV3 and GV4 rotators.”

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 55

Kesla has focused strongly in developing control systems. One of the newest control systems is electrical 4-lever and 2-pedal steering

KESLA 2112ZT wood loading crane

4-lever 2 pedal operator system Crane and forest technology manufacturer Kesla is strongly focused in developing new control systems for cranes it produces.

The control systems are developed mainly in-house and therefore the company has also recruited more resources for software development. Most of the current crane control systems are carried out with Parker components and Kesla’s proC based on Parker’s software.

Electric 4-lever/2-pedal steering

KESLA proTRACTION is a nave drive control system for tractor forest trailers.

A crane with proSTABILITY control

Kesla introduced its electrical 4-lever/ 2-pedal controls for timber truck cranes at FinnMETKO last year. This control system is now in the final phase of R&D process and shall soon be available for customers.

Traditionally popular 4-lever steering has been available only with mechanical control valves.

Now Kesla offers the possibility to take advantage of electrical control combined with 4-lever/2-pedal steering.

By requiring just the wiring inside the cabin, noise is reduced.

In the new application, the control

56 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

valve is mounted on the side of the pillar and thus the associated whistles and slight oil smell stay are separated from the cabin.

The levers and pedals are fully electrical which increases the ergonomics of crane steering.

Short lever movements, adjustable movement speeds and ramps have so far been unreachable for those drivers who prefer 4-lever/2-pedal system.

Also, memory function for six separate operators or tasks has been a hit with customers. Now each operator can save his/her own crane adjustments and changing between different operators happens quickly at the end of the shift.

The same system is available also as an electrical 2-lever/2pedal version. And soon the possibility to change from 2-lever steering to 4-lever steering just within few minutes will be available. This feature is beneficial to bigger trucking companies with several drivers.

Most drivers are used to use a crane with one steering system and find the other steering systems

a bit awkward. With the lever changing possibility, planning gets a lot easier when operators do not have to change trucks for the control system of a crane to be suitable for each driver – it is just a matter of changing levers inside the cabin. The easy change of steering system is also a highly valued feature for rental companies.

“What would be more convenient than changing the crane steering to match each operator’s needs?” Kesla asked.

More stability with proSTABILITY Kesla has a wide offering of timber truck cranes. By adding a stability control system to timber cranes, the cranes are suitable for many other purposes. Stability control consist of a small unit with screen, which is constantly calculating the stability of the vehicle.

The input to the system comes from several indicators assembled to the crane booms. After a crane-specific calibration, which is carried out with every crane/ truck -combination, it is practically impossible to tip over the truck.

The timber crane heritage offers customers fast moving and reliable cranes which are designed for considerably harder use that most of the competing general cargo crane brands. The proSTABILITY system is possible to attach to straight and Z-boomed cranes.

Access to the timber stand

Rocky riding The land-clearing specialists ensure a smooth ride for forestry contractors but that doesn’t mean ensuring access to the timber stand needs to be an uncomfortable job

A

s with most parts of industrial machinery manufacturing, as advantage has been tougher to win over competitors, many have turned to winning favour with operators through improving working conditions.

This is done largely through installing modern conveniences into the cab such as improved temperature controls, better visibility and greater general functionality.

In this year’s review of technology for forest road building and clearing, improved ergonomics take a central among the usual battle grounds of durability, emission control and efficiency of power, and versatility.

“With profitability front of mind, loggers need reliable, productive and powerful equipment they can trust to tackle tough jobs,” according to leading manufacturer John Deere.

“Regardless of the challenges ahead, the John Deere G-Series forestry swing machines, 750K and 850K crawler dozers, and 620G and

622G motor graders allow loggers to gain easy access the timber stand.”

G-Series Forestry Swing Machines The 2154G, 2654G, 3154G and 3754G purpose-built forestry excavator models were designed to dominate unpredictable land. Available in roadbuilding configurations, the G-Series lineup arms loggers with productive, durable and reliable, offering customers increased comfort and efficiency.

One of the most notable features on the G-Series swing machines is the cab design. With

operator comfort at the forefront of design, the spacious, climatecontrolled cab is equipped with ergonomic controls, outstanding window clarity, isolation mounting and optional LED lighting.

New in the 2019 models, the G-Series swing machines feature a USB port for device charging and relocated the auxiliary and USB ports to behind the seat. A quieter machine than its predecessors, the lineup provides operators with ultimate visibility, resulting in improved jobsite safety and excellent comfort during long workdays.

Also new in 2019, the side-entry cab has a larger gas strut for the

The 2154G and 2654G are part of the John Deere Swing Machines series International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 57

have more durable lower rollers, while the 3754G features larger lower rollers and a longer track frame option. The full G-Series lineup is loaded with more hearty components for the arm, boom, mainframe and undercarriage.

These features increase machine life and productivity, making this series of great value to loggers and, ultimately, their bottom line.

Crawler Dozers

door and new handrail, improving entry and exit. A new shovel and axe mounting provision on all machines provides a secure and easily accessible storage location.

Developed based on over a halfcentury of experience, the G-Series machine design streamlines maintenance. The electrical components have been reduced by 30 percent, increasing uptime by decreasing potential troubleshooting for electrical issues. The lineup features increased airflow and lower operating temperatures

due to the efficient hydraulic management systems. Improved service bays equipped with dropdown work platforms and LED service lights result in increased uptime and long-term durability.

Both the 3154G and 3754G models boast a forceful 9 litre engine, while the smaller 2154G and 2654G models have 6.8 litre engines. The same hydraulic pump is featured in both the 3754G and 3154G, making them dependable and strong multifunction machines.

The 2154G and 3154G models

The John Deere 622G motor grader

58 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

The 750K and 850K crawler dozers offer supreme uptime and lower daily operating costs. Outfitted with John Deere 6.8-liter Final Tier 4 (FT4) diesel engines, the 750K boasts 165 hp while the 850K has 205 hp.

When it comes to accessing the tree stand, crawler dozers are a valuable asset. With their vigorous horsepower and optimal fluid economy, John Deere crawler dozers make clearing obstacles, spreading ballast and cutting paths for roads, feasible. Also efficient on steep slope terrain, these dozer models can be used with winch systems to assist with traction and increase machine support.

Both the 750K and 850K models exhibit excellent total fluid economy (diesel fuel and DEF).

With automatic diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning occurs, there is no disruption to operator productivity. Additionally, engine testing resulted in maximum DPF reaching up to 15,000 hours before requiring ash removal.

The 750K and 850K utilize hydrostatic transmissions, which is a feature John Deere developed in crawler dozers in North America in 1976. This electronic control system yields improved response and controllability, resulting in an increase of productivity and overall boosting customer experience.

An LCD colour display monitor provides additional transparency, as operators can view pressure, temperature and speed sensors readings in real-time. This visibility allows customers to act fast if transmission readings are off, avoiding damage to the hydrostatic system.

Motor Graders Designed to excel in even the toughest terrain, the John Deere 620G and 622G motor graders feature ample torque and blade pull. With beastly operating weights of up to 42,000 pounds, coupled with FT4 6.8-liter engines, the 620G and 622G models feature 215 hp and 225 hp respectively.

These graders offer a powerful performance that customers presume from the G-Series lineup.

The 620G and 622G motor graders assist with accessing the tree stand by keeping the shoulder of the road properly levelled, due to their exceptional levelling ability through the grading process.

The G-Series motor graders provide ample support because of their impressive horsepower.

Additionally, they can also be used to keep the shoulder clear of any heavy debris.

A favoured feature on the machines is the dual joystick.

It provides operators with an instinctive control to the standard antler rack, thus minimizing hand movement during direction changes and necessary gear shifting. This integration improves control comfort by removing the need to “twist� for blade circle or articulation motions.

John Deere motor graders come standard with Eco Mode, which optimizes fuel usage. Eco Mode decreases operating costs by an extra five to 10% when compared to the larger 670G and 672G motor grader models.

The FT100 with mulcher attachment gives contractors a powerful tool for completing landclearing jobs Jeff Bradley, Product Manager for recycling and forestry

There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing a dedicated mobile mulcher versus an attachment, according to Jeff Bradley, Product Manager for the recycling and forestry segment at Vermeer.

If the head is dedicated to the tractor, it means it has been designed specifically for that machine. It also means the tractor is more likely to have a more rugged design with required safety features built in specifically for the forestry application. For larger projects, having the productivity of a dedicated machine will often times prove to be more efficient in the long run.

Vermeer offers two forestry tractors that are tough, effective solutions to land-clearing needs.

The FT100 forestry tractor is built for optimal performance and efficiency. Equipped with a 120 hp (90 kW) Tier 4 Final engine

and an above-ground mulcher attachment, operators have the features and control needed for small- and large-scale land-clearing operations.

The FT100 has a ringed rotor design on the above-ground mulcher, helping manage the material being processed more efficiently. While mulching large material, the operator is able to maintain rotor speed for minimal stalling and maximum production.

The rings control bite size achieving smaller, more consistentsized chips when compared to non-ringed rotors. Equipped with interchangeable rotor tips, operators can optimize the cutting performance to fit the different conditions that are present while not having to rebalance the drum each time. The push bar provides a reach of 7 in (17.8 cm) below grade with the head at ground level, giving the operator better control when directing material to the rotor.

“The FT100 with mulcher attachment gives contractors a

SkogsElmia is held every fourth year and attracts about 30,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors.

The FT100 forestry tractor is built for optimal performance and efficiency powerful tool for completing landclearing jobs,” Bradley said. “It’s great for residential work as well as for underground construction contractors clearing vegetation before installing utilities.”

“When it comes to the demands of your large land-clearing and forestry management jobsite – from pipeline preparation to utility work, wildfire mitigation and more – the 300 hp (224 kW) FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head from Vermeer can meet your needs.”

The unit is built with operator ease, reliability and serviceability top of mind, operators can get to work on the job at hand. The robust hydraulic system is designed to operate below its rated capacity for extended life of hydraulic components, while a patentpending self-positioning thrown object deflector helps direct thrown material at a consistent discharge angle, regardless of head position.

“Land-clearing work is the

first step in timely and expensive projects, such as land development and pipeline installations,” Bradley said. “The power and features of the FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head, along with innovations like the selfpositioning deflector, help increase productivity so contractors can more easily meet the stringent deadlines they’re given.

In the competitive land-clearing market, the FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head offers the features, reliability and support contractors need.

“With the demands faced by these contractors, they are looking for an equipment supplier that stands behind its products and provides machines that are up to the job,” Bradley said. “We know of no competitor in the marketplace that can match the reliability and the quality of service of Vermeer and its independent dealers.”

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 59

Other news includes: • L oad Control Software which gives priority to power supply to the attachment loop and automatically slows down the machine if needed, to ensure maximum productivity; • P re-heating system power supply which does not run through the main battery switch any longer, but is connected directly to the batteries; • N ew solenoid cartridge valves which are dust and humidity proofed to IP69 standards

The New 2019 model PT-475 The latest PT-475 model is more durable and stable in the field

a brand of FAE Group

The PrimeTech PT-475 is a powerful tracked carrier featuring a CAT C13 Acert, 12.5 litre engine producing 475 hp. The machine is available both with Tier 3 and Tier 4 Final engine technology.

The machine achieves its tier-4 compliance through an innovative combination of particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) technologies, which helps maximize uptime and performance – all with minimal maintenance.

Like all PrimeTech models, the PT-475 is characterized by a great versatility: depending on the job the contractor want to do, the PT-475 can be equipped indeed with mulching head, subsoiler, rock crusher and stump cutter.

All the attachments, made

by FAE, can be switched easily and quickly, allowing the PT-475 to be used for land clearing and mulching applications (rightof-way, utility lines, fire breaks, vegetation management, etc.), as well as for land conversion (removal of stumps and roots, site preparation) and for road construction/maintenance.

the PrimeTech tracked carriers to meet the highest standards anywhere. For this reason, the new 2019 model PT-475 includes the following news and improvements: To ensure utmost reliability, the undercarriage of the PT-475 has been reinforced and major components like track chains, rollers and rock guards got beefed up. More steel means more material to be worn down, consequently longer life-time and reduced maintenance costs.

New undercarriage features: • N ew sealed and lubricated track chains • New “dozer-style” rollers • New track chain guides • New split master link on track chains More durability, stability and strength are also given by the reinforced structure of the main frame of the PT-475, while the attachment frame has been redesigned to make it stronger and more durable for work in severe conditions.

The New 2019 model PT-475 The engineers at PrimeTech always strive to improve and refine

Attachments for the PT-475 are made by FAE

60 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

• N ew winch rollers and rope guide for a better re-spooling of cable onto the winch drum, avoiding wrinkles and crimps • N ew grab handles with anti-slip surface • N ew side mirrors featuring 80% more surface compared to the previous model • R edesigned cabin entrance door that opens wider allowing safe and quick entry and exit • N ew back-up camera which ensures better rear visibility while the images on the display are clearer.

All these upgrades make the PT-475 an even more versatile and reliable machine: an “ideal choice for heavy duty jobs”, according to the manufacturer.

ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

New FAE forestry mulchers

UMH/S - UMH/S/HP FAE has introduced a new, unstoppable forestry mulcher, UMH/S/HP. This machine takes both productivity and safety to a new level. The new Spike-Pro blades deliver the high-quality final product, while the new “dust-

proof ” frame ensures the maximum protection for the operator and surroundings.

The hydrodynamics couplings protect your transmission during start-up and boost the performance. UMH/S/HP is a new standard for forestry mulching machinery.

Standard hydraulic clutch transmission (UMH/S) protects the transmission at PTO engagement for smooth starting and improves machine performance

Spike Control Pro and their distribution produce a finer shredding result

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 61

480B Mulcher & 4061 Mulching Head

480B mulcher and new 4061 mulching head Tigercat recently released its next generation 480B track mulcher and the new Tigercat 4061 mulching head as Tigercat’s off road industrial product line continues to expand.

The Tigercat 480B tackles the toughest terrain with ease and offers superior durability and high uptime for large-scale, timesensitive right-of-way and site preparation projects.

With a power rating of 411 kW (550 hp) at 1,800 rpm, the Tigercat FPT C13 Tier 4f engine offers quick load response, low operating costs and high power density, combined with excellent fuel economy. Best of all, Tigercat FPT engines are backed by Tigercat warranty and support.

The efficient, responsive closed loop track drive system delivers powerful tractive effort and performance with greater hydraulic effi ciency in challenging terrain.

The high-lift boom geometry means high productivity in slopes and gullies.

The cab interior is quiet and instrumentation has been placed to optimize productivity. The electronic control system interface

uses a high-resolution, 180 mm (7 in) touch screen. The 480B is equipped with a comfortable, heated and cooled seat with air-ride suspension. Excellent cab insulation translates to reduced noise levels so operators can take full advantage of the Bluetooth® sound system with hands-free calling.

4061 MULCHING HEAD The new mulching head offers excellent durability and reliability in a package ideally suited to the capabilities of the Tigercat 480 and M726 series mulchers.

The 4061 is manufactured to Tigercat’s exacting high standards for robustness and quality. The housing features reinforced side covers and abrasion resistant skis.

The housing is optimized with debris door cylinders mounted internally for protection and contains position references to aid in ski alignment.

Timing belts eliminate belt slip and provide efficient power transfer to the rotor, lowering maintenance time and costs associated with conventional v-belts.

Service and maintenance are a snap, maximizing uptime. The Tigercat designed tooth and holder system uses a taper lock interface that requires no torque wrenches, greatly reducing changeover time.

The teeth are extremely durable

62 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

with carbide tips and carbide inserts for increased life.

Unlike competing mulching heads, the 4061 wear liner requires no welding and the rotor does not need to be removed when servicing. There are also reversible and interchangeable shear bars for quick servicing. In addition, a tapered housing shields debris from potential build-up and easily accessible grease points make daily servicing even more convenient.

• E fficient power transfer with reduced belt slip • R obust housing with reinforced side covers • F ield serviceable wear liner – does not require welding or rotor removal • T igercat-designed tooth and holder system with taper lock interface for reduced changeover time • C arbide tips and carbide insets for improved tooth life

KEY BENEFITS

• D ebris door cylinders mounted internally for protection

• T igercat build quality for long life and high uptime

• C onvenient access to service and maintenance points

• L arge bearings in rotor and motor drives

Excellent performance in challenging terrain

CAT® D6 - The world’s first high drive electric drive dozer

The all-new Cat® D6 dozer delivers new levels of efficiency and performance with a choice of Electric Drive or Fully Automatic power train. A redesigned purposebuilt VPAT dozer offers best-inclass grading, while updated technology features help operators to be more productive from first pass to finish grade. Customer profitability is enhanced with up to 35% better fuel efficiency and reduced service and maintenance costs. An all-new cab resets the standard in comfort, while a range of configuration choices helps customers optimize machine performance for business needs.

At 215 hp (161 kW) and an operating weight range of 47,949 – 53,126 lbs (21 749 – 24 097 kg), the new D6 replaces the versatile D6T bulldozer.

Advanced Power Train Choice This next-generation dozer offers a choice of advanced power train: the D6 XE with Electric Drive or the D6 with a fully automatic 4-speed power shift transmission.

The D6 XE is the world’s first high drive Electric Drive dozer, offering up to 35% better fuel efficiency and increased agility compared to the previous 3-speed

model D6T. Constant power to the ground, continuous push and greater maneuverability mean faster cycle times, making Electric Drive a top choice to achieve the highest level of productivity and fuel efficiency. Added D6 XE productivity and reduced fuel cost mean customers looking for these benefits can expect to see payback of the added investment over a D6 in less than two years.

The D6 XE features a nextgeneration Electric Drive system that offers high performance along with added durability. Simplified diagnostics and the serviceability advantages of a high drive dozer help reduce service and maintenance costs.

The D6 is powered by a 4-speed fully automatic transmission that provides increased productivity and up to 20% better fuel efficiency versus its 3-speed predecessor.

The fully automatic D6 reduces momentary hesitation when the traditional machine shifts, so more momentum and drawbar power are maintained through the entire push. Caterpillar engineers designed the auto shift to work up and down the entire working range, so power to the ground and fuel consumption are optimized for a greater percentage of the time.

An added gear between first and second ensures more seamless

shifting.

Both power trains offer unprecedented ease of operation.

The operator simply sets the ground speed and the dozer continuously optimizes for maximum power and efficiency based on load. With Electric Drive, there are no gears to shift. The fully automatic 4-speed power train optimizes the transmission without the operator having to worry about shifting.

Better, Faster Grading Finish jobs faster by grading at higher speeds with a new purposebuilt Variable Power Angle Tilt (VPAT) dozer. The newly designed structure is stronger, yet lighter, so machine balance is optimized for grading without the need for a rear implement or counterweight.

A wide gauge LGP VPAT design, with 36” centered shoes, puts more track on the ground to

Cat Connect GRADE technologies.

Technologies range from standard Slope Indicate to full factoryintegrated GPS, all supported by Caterpillar and Cat dealers.

• Technology offerings on the D6/ D6 XE are led by an updated, factory integrated Cat GRADE with 3D system. The new 10-inch touch screen offers a more intuitive operator interface that works like a smart phone, making it easy for operators to pick up quickly. The system uses advanced Inertial Measuring Units (IMU), which provide greater speed and accuracy without position sensing cylinders. Smaller antennas are integrated into the cab roof for even better protection.

AutoCarry™ is included with Grade with 3D to automate blade lift to maintain desired blade load, improving load consistency and reducing track slip.

Forestry arrangements are available, equipped from the factory with specialized guarding, seals and other features to help ensure long life in harsh applications achieve 5 psi (0.73 kPa) ground pressure. Wider VPAT blade and class-leading range of motion improve performance, especially in trenching and backfilling applications. A new optional finish grading undercarriage has 10 bottom rollers for smoother grades at higher speeds, even in difficult surfaces like sand and gravel.

Technology Choices for Your Business Increase overall jobsite productivity by up to 50 percent with a choice of

For more information about the new D6/D6 XE, please contact your Cat dealer or visit www.cat.com.

Note: All comparisons to 2014-2016 3-speed D6T dozer 1Productivity = BCM (BCY)/hour, fuel consumption = L (gal)/hour.

Estimates based on average cost per bank cubic meters (cubic yards) of material moved in typical construction applications with 1,500 hours/year. Individual results may vary based on application, hour utilization, operator and other factors.

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 63

THE NORTHERNMOST BEAR IN SWEDEN STABILITY AND POWER FOR DEMANDING TERRAIN In Örnsköldsvik in the Swedish province of Ångermanland, one can run into an exceptionally big bear. “We wanted a powerful and stable harvester that is suitable for tough forest environments and varying terrain,” say brothers Didrik and Dennis Nilsson.

They are proud owners of an 8-wheeled PONSSE Bear harvester equipped with an H8 harvester head.

D TEXT AND PHOTOS: JAN PETERSSON

idrik and Dennis Nilsson are from Piteå in the Norrbotten county. Their father Erling Nilsson worked as a forest machine entrepreneur until 2017 when the company went through a change of generation. The two brothers established their own company, D&D Nilsson AB, and started harvesting trees with a harvester and forwarder bought from their father.

After moving about 300 kilometres down south, Didrik and Dennis Nilsson noticed that the trees in their new area were a lot thicker and the terrain was more hilly. They replaced the old harvester with the PONSSE Bear which in the spring will be joined by a forwarder of the same colour, PONSSE Elephant King with a load carrying capacity of 20 tonnes.

“We prefer clear cutting, so our harvester has to be very powerful and stable. We feel safe knowing that there is enough power if needed. The machine is also better suited for demanding jobs,” the brothers say.

SWEPT AWAY BY THE FOREST Neither of the brothers ended up choosing forestry after basic education. Didrik became an aircraft mechanic and Dennis selected vehicle and transport engineering. “I never actually worked as an aircraft mechanic as I ended up choosing forestry,” Didrik says.

Dennis, on the other hand, has had the time to operate “all sorts of vehicles on wheels and tracks” 64 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

while working for other companies.

He has, for example, operated an earthmoving machine at the Kiruna iron ore mine.

“A dumper only has two levers, the accelerator and the brake. It is totally different from operating a forwarder or a harvester and there is no doubt which one is more fun.”

EXPERIENCE SINCE A YOUNG AGE In practice, the brothers have two qualifications because they have

spent numerous days off and weekends working for their father’s company. This is where 25-yearold Didrik and 24-year-old Dennis learned everything they know about forest machines, forestry and entrepreneurship. D&D Nilsson AB is a young company with young owners, but the brothers already have plenty of harvesting experience.

“It is a major advantage that we can utilise our father’s 40 years of experience in the field. The forestry

entrepreneurs’ organisation has also offered support. They, for example, organise training for young entrepreneurs.”

The brothers are clearly proud of the region where they are from.

So how did they end up leaving Norrbotten and moving hundreds of kilometres south? It all began in 2015 when their father was given an exceptionally big job in the Örnsköldsvik area. Didrik and Dennis joined him to operate forest machines and a permanent

move was the next step – first for Didrik who was later followed by Dennis. Soon love also came into the picture as Didrik met, through work, forestry company SCA’s logging manager Malin Börjegren They became a couple and are still together. Today, Malin works as a transport manager at the Örnfrakt transport company.

THREE OPERATORS, TWO MACHINES D&D Nilsson has a three-person

logging team that includes a forwarder operator, in addition to the brothers. Didrik mainly works with the harvester, while Dennis spends 60-70 percent of his working hours behind the forwarder controls.

“We have three operators, so we can operate our machines using a one and a half shift system. We split the hours so that the forwarder is always right behind the harvester. Annually, the forwarder only has a slightly higher number of operating hours than the harvester, while the differences at a specific site may be a lot greater. If the stems of the trees being harvested are robust and the transport distance is long, it may take more hours than usual to transport the timber with the forwarder. If the site is easier in terms of short-distance transport, I use more time operating the harvester,” Dennis explains. This allows us to make the most of both machines irrespective of the average size of trees, transport distance, terrain conditions and other variables.”

paid working hours. “Wages are the biggest individual cost for the company, so we want as many paid working hours as possible to be productive,” Dennis says.

According to the brothers, this division of labour also has other advantages. It is easier for them to leave if they, for example, need to get something or check out harvesting sites without affecting productivity. The brothers believe that it is also beneficial for an employee that the machines are mainly operated in the daytime.

“Working in two or more shifts is tough for both people and machines. It would also be more difficult to have enough billable hours in relation to the number of paid working hours,” Didrik says.

When you’re in the cabin, you can barely feel a tree hitting the ground

HIGH UTILISATION RATE PER WORKING HOUR

A COMPETITIVE SPIRIT

We use two forest machines with three operators so that one of the operators operates both machines, which helps us maintain a high utilisation rate in relation to the number of paid working hours.

Didrik and Dennis keep a close eye on the relationship between the machine utilisation rates and

The brothers believe that it is an asset that the company has two owners and that they both also work as forest machine operators.

“We have always stuck together, we know each other well and our cooperation is smooth. It helps us develop the company. The requirement for partnership is, of

The C6 crane and the H8 harvester head come in handy when working with thick trees, but they are also well suited for thinner trees

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 65

course, that we see eye to eye on the basic matters,” they say.

Didrik and Dennis are both competitive and have competed in motocross at an amateur level.

Their competitiveness also shows in the forest machine cabin. “We do contract work, so a competitive spirit is definitely a good thing.

Our work has to progress smoothly because consistency is important in terms of turnover.”

It is inevitable that there is some sort of competition between the brothers.

“It’s my dream that one day I am able to operate the harvester as quickly as Didrik,” Dennis says.

“Dennis learns quickly, so I think my days are numbered,” Didrik laughs.

our first project here, the customer immediately gave us an excavator contractor’s phone number. We soon understood why. An excavator may be needed to prepare transport routes and interim storage locations. There is often a lot of variation in the terrain. The hills may be rocky, while further down the soil can be very soft,” Didrik says.

The Nilsson brothers’ Bear is equipped with a C6 sliding boom crane that has a reach of 10 metres.

The brothers are happy about the fact that the crane structure ensures a low centre of gravity.

to increase their company’s cash assets. They want to ensure good operating conditions now and in the future.

“Our challenge is to improve our margins so that we could also achieve good results in the long run and could still slightly cut down our own hours. Just like everybody else, we have to be able to price our services correctly. It’s probably one of the biggest challenges.”

AN EXTREMELY DRY SUMMER Last summer’s extreme draught brought additional challenges. “It only rained a few times during the

EXTENSIVE TESTING Soon all of the company’s vehicles will be in Ponsse’s colours. There are both soft and hard values behind the brand loyalty.

“Our father was secretly a Ponsse fan for a long time, so we knew that Ponsse’s machines are very good. We also knew that they have a very good repair shop here in Örnsköldsvik. However, we kept an open mind when selecting our new harvester. It was our first new machine, so we really focused on making the right choice and tested different models by all the main manufacturers,” Didrik says.

“What we particularly liked about this machine is the fact that the cabin and the crane are on different sides of the joint. This has a major impact on ergonomics.

When you’re in the cabin, you can barely feel a tree hitting the ground. It was also important that the harvester has eight wheels and a powerful crane and that the machine performs excellently on steep hills.”

“The machine’s operational performance meets our requirements. The machine is also of incredibly high quality. You can see it in all of the parts, both big and small,” Dennis adds. He mentions the steel structures and hoses as an example. “Its fuel efficiency was also a very positive surprise,” he continues.

AN EFFICIENT SLIDING BOOM CRANE The move from Norrbotten to Ångermanland meant that the brothers had to adopt new working methods. In Norrbotten, the terrain is more even. “When we started

centre staff are very committed to getting all machines back to work. Immediately after getting our new harvester, the service centre made sure they had spare parts that could be needed later. It’s a lot more honest approach than to pretend that nothing will ever break down. It’s very important to us both financially and in terms of safety.”

The financing for the harvester was also arranged through Ponsse. The same arrangements will be done with the Elephant King forwarder. Didrik and Dennis have noticed that Ponsse Finance, which is offered in cooperation with DLL, is cost-effective and flexible. “Everything is a lot easier when you deal with someone who knows the industry. The amounts of capital invested are big, so financing has to be organised with care,” Didrik says.

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

The forestry sector brought Malin and Didrik together This is excellent, especially when moving on hilly terrain or on slopes. “With the powerful and stable machine and the C6 crane, we can make sure that the logs are in a place where the forwarder can pick them up.”

The Bear’s PONSSE H8 harvester head is Ponsse’s most popular model in the Swedish market. “It’s powerful and robust.

In spite of its size, it also has a solid grip on thinner stems,” Dennis says.

INVESTMENTS IN DAILY WORK Didrik and Dennis feel that Ponsse is very well aware of the workrelated requirements in terms of functions and ergonomics.

“At Ponsse they really invest in what helps us make a living.

The standard equipment covers our needs. We don’t think it’s necessary to get additional equipment, unless it improves ergonomics or productivity. We have also noticed that they have a very good team spirit at Ponsse.”

ENSURING OPERATING CONDITIONS Didrik and Dennis are determined

66 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

summer and the early autumn. It has definitely been an advantage that we work with SCA. The company owns extensive forest areas, so it was possible to take the machines to sites where harvesting was possible in spite of the unusual situation. We worked a few nights and took some time off in the daytime, but mainly we worked as usual.”

The collaboration with SCA is smooth in every respect. “They are professionals, as are we. So, we are happy with everything. We both also respect each other’s roles.

Discussions always lead to better results, so we make sure that we get to take part in the planning.”

For Didrik and Dennis, the forest is like a second home. They enjoy their varied work days as well as the challenges, creativeness and technology.

“Every day we have to keep many people satisfied, like landowners and log truck drivers.

For us, it creates a sense of togetherness. Besides, we have the best workplace in the world.

It’s just fantastic to start the day’s work in a beautiful stand of trees early in the morning.”

Didrik and Dennis still occasionally hop on their motocross bikes, but at the moment entrepreneurship takes most of their time. “Machines are our passion and they are fun to operate. Running a business is also fun. It’s nice to build networks, brainstorm and build something that we enjoy doing,” Didrik and Dennis say with big smiles on their faces.

MACHINE ENTHUSIASTS Didrik and Dennis describe themselves as machine enthusiasts. They used to spend a lot of time working on machines.

“We still do, but it’s not very profitable. There is no way we could work at the same pace as Per Andersson at Ponsse’s service centre in Örnsköldsvik. He always knows what is going on and what needs to be done,” Dennis says.

Didrik agrees. “The service

We have the best workplace in the world. It’s just fantastic to start the day’s work in a beautiful stand of trees early in the morning

INNOVATION

The difference with the new lamps is extreme.

We use four to five different types of LED lamps and all of the highest quality. As an operator you notice the effect immediately

The spotlight falls on Rottne’s improved LED lighting Rottne has taken a revolutionary coherent approach with the lighting on all of its harvesters and forwarders. The new LED lamps used are not just significantly better – they are also dimmable when necessary and positioned so that they appreciably facilitate work and driving in the dark.

A

typical fowarder or harvester features up to 20 lamps.

With the machine operator in focus, Rottne tackled what David Selstam calls a fun challenge, where the aim was LED lighting with a balanced and comfortable light that illuminates over a long distance, but which is also good close up, and that does not dazzle the operator.

“Everyone speaks about more lamps, but placement has not always been so accurate. The wrong lamps in the wrong place result in glare, which dazzles instead of giving an illuminated work area,” says Samuel Östling who works with technical support at the company.

And Samuel knows what he is talking about. In addition to working at Rottne, he is also an experienced forestry machine operator. He knows how difficult it is to operate a forestry machine

when the lights dazzle instead of illuminating the work area or forestry road around the machine.

“The difference with the new lamps is extreme. We use four to five different types of LED lamps and all of the highest quality. As an operator you notice the effect immediately,” says Samuel.

The new lighting gives less operator fatigue In short, the new coherent solution means a new way of thinking about work lighting. Thanks to the development of LED, a lot of research has concentrated on light quality and with the right type of lighting you can maintain your concentration longer, you do not get as tired, and thus enjoy a significantly better work environment.

“Rottne’s machines now have a perfect interaction between the lamps to aid the operator’s work in

Samuel Östling, Technical Support, Rottne the dark,” says David.

Dimmable LEDs eliminate glare and reflections Many lamps remain in the same fixed positions, but at another angle to produce the best lighting.

In other parts of the machine, Rottne has chosen to mix long and close range lighting that produces an optimal overall picture.

Furthermore, Rottne has developed unique headboard lighting, modified the bunk lighting and has switched to dimmable work lighting on the forwarder cab which, among others, means you are not dazzled by the work lighting reflecting on the headboard.

Continued on page 74

A big advantage of dimmable LED (picture to the left) is the fact you can adjust the light yourself to reduce reflections from the headboard or load that dazzles. In combination with the headboard lighting, the work area by the wagon is illuminated extremely well.

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 67

construction on a compact allwheel drive three-axle truck, the drive of the chipper and the comfortable workplace.

Only at JENZ: rotatable COBRA cab for optimum driving comfort

JENZ Chippertrucks unbeatably economical Since 2006, JENZ has supplied Chippertrucks in many different versions. It makes this German manufacturer of special machines one of the world’s most experienced manufacturers of mobile truck chippers. In almost 15 years, a whole series of further developments has been made, especially in the areas of engine, drive and control. The product range varies from classic Chippertruck as a three-axle model with drive via the truck engine, to the hybrid version as a four-axle with dual engine technology.

68 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

T

he label “Chippertruck” is composed of “chipper” and “truck”. In this case “truck” means transport, thus stands for optimal transport logistic. If the Chippertruck is approved as a truck, then this can be used as a powerful truck-tractor and at the same time for the wood chips transportation.

The Chippertruck series HEM 583 and HEM 593 differ in alimentation width of 1.20 m to 1.40 m. This allows machines of the HEM 593 series to handle the bulkiest materials optimally. In addition, the wider alimentation facilitates the work with the crane.

On the other hand, the Chippertrucks of HEM 583 series are particularly suitable for working in confined spaces and are ideal for medium to large jobs.

Typical features of JENZ Chippertruck include the

The classic Chippertruck portfolio has always included truck cabs with moving windows. An enlarged rear window offers the machine operator an excellent view over the fitted chipper draw-in area.

An additional optional side view window provides a good overview of the wood piles.

For the change from driving to chipping the driver does not have to get off, a short change of place on the operator’s seat and you can start.

If you like it even more comfortable, then the right choice will be the JENZ Cobra Chippertruck with rotatable cab. The machine operator sits in a Claas X10 cab, so driving and chipping from one and the same workplace is possible.

At the touch of a button, the driver’s cab rotates up to 160 degrees to the correct working position within a few seconds.

“This saves a lot of time, especially when working with frequent changes of location, because the machine is ready for use more quickly” says Uwe HempenHermeier, CEO at JENZ GmbH. Another advantage: Even when the cab is turned, the machine can be moved up 10 km/h. Comfort is provided by a fully integrated joystick console, a flexible steering column, climate control, sufficient storage space including a cooler compartment and a non-slip ascent. “The driver has a better view of the draw-in table, the splitter and the crane as well as on the woodpile and on people in the danger area, this view is much better than in other models,” emphasizes product manager Hans Heinrich Hermeier.

“And without head twisting and visual restrictions. An absolute professional tool.”

TRUCK MOUNTED CHIPPERS

This saves a lot of time, especially when working with frequent changes of location, because the machine is ready for use more quickly Uwe Hempen-Hermeier, CEO at JENZ GmbH Choose your seat in a JENZ Chippertruck. Truck cab with moving window or rotatable COBRA cab

The compact triple-axle MAN chassis JENZ relies on MAN as the carrier vehicle. “As standard, we fit our chippers on a compact, triple-axle MAN chassis with emission class EURO 6c,� explains Hermeier.

The chipper is powered by the large volume 500 PS truck engine; an add-on motor is not used. The result is an unbeatably economical machine that is not inferior to a tractor-trailer in terrain.

The machines are ready for use in a short time and are situated very calm by fourfold support. On the road, a Chippertruck is fast and fuel efficient. With a top speed of 80 km/h, the vehicles are fully highway friendly and extremely effective when moving between construction sites. The automated manual transmission, which is used

by JENZ, combines the optimum efficiency of a manual transmission

JENZ Chippertrucks are fully highway friendly thanks to automated manual transmission

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 69

Maintenance-friendly features include both Chippertruck series, HEM 583 and HEM 593.

The driver has a better view of the draw-in table, the splitter and the crane as well as on the woodpile and on people in the danger area, this view is much better than in other models Hans Heinrich Hermeier, Product Manager

with the ride comfort of an automatic transmission; therefore moving forward is particularly comfortable.

The screen basket cover can be conveniently opened out of the cab without tools, ensuring quick and easy maintenance access. By hydraulically opening the cover of the chipping cell, the screen basket is easily pulled out of the machine and can be replaced without tools within a very short time.

All functions of a JENZ Chippertruck are controlled via the easy2 operating system, which scores points with the easy2TOUCH touch display and multifunctional joysticks. The easy2 controller is completed by innovative software solutions that enable individual settings and a wide range of analyze. The associated assistance systems also help to carry out recurring activities. This includes, for example, the setup/ breakdown assistant and the forward drive assistant, which makes the machine even faster ready for use and relieves the driver.

Extra Power The series HEM 583 and HEM 593 are in principle well motorized with a drive power of about 500 PS, but the performance is then limited if permanently large amount of logs

Unloading to the front or to the rear: Drivers of JENZ Chippertrucks have got the choice!

must be processed. JENZ offers the solution - in addition to the classic Chippertruck, mobile chippers with dual motor technology are also available. In this so-called hybrid technology the 500 PS truck engine is used to drive the hydraulics and the powerful add-on motor is used, without exception, to drive the chipper drum.

The HEM 821/841 DQ series The HEM 821/841 DQ series offers mobile chippers with an extremely high throughput of 500 lcm per hour without compromising on mobility.

This performance is achieved by the machines thanks to the add-on motor CAT C18 with 776 PS. Large contractors and forestry companies

What the JENZ Chippertrucks additionally offer With regard to material discharge, JENZ Chippertrucks convince with a hydraulically driven blower.

This technology offers many advantages: the speed of the discharge blower is controlled continuously and independently of the rotor speed and thus always adapted to the conditions of use.

This reduces the fine particles in the wood chips and therefore well over 2000 hours of service life can be realized without change of consumables in the blower.

As standard, the blower at JENZ Chippertrucks is mounted centrally between the driver’s cab and the chipping cell. Thus, there is the possibility to unload the woodchips to the front or to the rear, without having to change the position of the vehicle. To better bundle the flow of material, the throw flap on the delivery pipe is conical. Thus, the chips are ejected over long distances accurately and loss.

The powerful HEM 821 - If a large amount of logs must be processed JENZ hybrid drive technology is the most efficient route

70 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

can thus process particularly long, thick logs.

Thanks to the dual motor technology, the HEM 821 DQ machines have a maximum power of up to 1,000 PS and are therefore suitable for continuous use under the most difficult conditions.

The machines in this series also own a comfortable workplace, as they are available either as a truck variant (truck cab with moving window) or in the high-end version as COBRA-variant.

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY

VEON – a prominent member of Forest Industries Ireland A recent development for the forestry sector in Ireland has been the launch of Forest Industries Ireland.

Ireland has a significant strategic advantage over its international competitors with higher forest growth rates, cutting edge processors and increasing scale over the coming decades.

Strong government support demanding an increase in forest cover (currently just 1 in 10 acres is planted) aligned with a modern industry sector can ensure it contributes to expanding the rural economy for the benefit of all,

together with all the environmental benefits that emanate from a healthy, vibrant forestry sector.

Veon Ltd is a prominent member of Forest Industries Ireland.

Daragh Little, Managing Director Forestry of VEON Ltd; Fergal Leamy of Coillte; Brian Murphy, FII Chairman; Mark McAuley FII Director at the launch of Forest Industries Ireland.

New Irish timber sector trade association launches Forest Industries Ireland (FII), a new trade association for Ireland’s forestry and timber industries officially launched in Dublin on January 9.

FII is a new business sector within Ibec, the national lobby group that represents Irish businesses both domestically and internationally.

Twenty-two forestry and timber companies in Ireland have joined FII and include all the largest timber processors as well as companies involved in the establishment and management of forests.

Forest Industries Ireland says it will spearhead the industry

response to crucial challenges such as Brexit and will be the primary voice of the sector in Ireland. It will work closely with government to deliver the full potential of the industry and make commercial forestry an even more substantial employer and exporter.

The industry is forecasting major growth in the coming years as the supply of raw material from Irish forests will double in the period 2017-2035. The industry’s combined turnover is set to double from €800m today to €1.6bn by 2035.

“Forest Industries Ireland is placing timber and forestry at the heart of Ireland’s rural economy,”

said Brian Murphy, the inaugural chairman of FII and CEO of Enniskillen-based timber processor Balcas.

“The industry is enjoying a period of major capital investment, market buoyancy and substantial growth in wood supply. These three elements will underpin growth for the industry that will see it double in size in the next two decades.”

With 83% of Ireland’s forest product exports destined for the UK, Brexit is a source of anxiety for the sector. However, Mr Murphy remains optimistic.

“The UK is the key market where we intend to increase market share and we will continue

Brian Murphy, the inaugural chairman of FII to grow our presence there. We are confident that the industry will prosper in the long-term, even with Brexit.”

“Ireland has a natural competitive advantage in forestry and timber,” added Mark McAuley, FII director. “Our forests are delivering more and more timber to our sawmills and the construction products they make have a strong and growing market in the UK and Ireland.”

Södra prepared for post-Brexit business Södra has said it is well prepared for any potential Brexit outcome.

Actions it has taken include increasing its stock by around 20% so that its customers have enough to cover any potential delays.

It has also established an Irish company, Södra Ireland Ltd, so that it will have two options to supply its customers in Northern Ireland in the case of either a hard or soft Brexit.

“They could continue to be supplied out of our distribution terminal in Wicklow, Republic of Ireland or, in the event of a hard border, supplying out of Dundee,

Scotland may be more convenient,” said Jeremy English, Södra Wood Great Britain and Ireland sales director.

While Södra Ireland Ltd will help smooth any potential postBrexit issues, the investment in Ireland is much more far-reaching,” he continued. “Along with Sweden, Holland and the UK, Ireland is very much a key market for Södra and an integral part of our long-term strategy. We’re keen to continue to support the growth of the Irish economy, regardless of the political environment.

“Arguably, the biggest issues

could be faced by our customers’ customers. Brexit could potentially delay developments and/or investments while they wait on decisions. That said, while we may see some delays and a temporary short-term quietening of the market, we strongly believe that the broader demand for timber will remain strong because of the greater needs of the macro economy.”

Mr English added that Södra’s commitment to the British and Irish market would remain steadfast.

“We’re a global business with experience of exporting throughout

Jeremy English, Södra Wood Great Britain and Ireland sales director the world. We have no concerns about exporting to any country, whether inside or outside the EU. Whatever the outcome, we’re well placed to cope with any potential Brexit challenges.”

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 71

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY

Irish see forest growth opportunity Irish forestry to invest €250m in major expansion - Industry to add 6,000 jobs as turnover doubles to €1.6bn The State’s forestry industry is likely to invest around €250 million in coming years as it prepares for a period of major expansion.

A new trade body, Forest Industries Ireland (FII), predicted yesterday that supplies of timber will double up to 2035, boosting turnover to €1.6 billion from €800 million and adding 6,000 jobs to its current 12,000.

Speaking after the body’s launch, Fergal Leamy, chief executive of State forestry

company, Coillte, pointed out that the sector has invested €250 million over the last three to four years.

“I would say that there will probably be the same amount again invested in the next few years,” he said, adding that it would be needed to process increased production from Irish forests.

FII predicts that production will double to 6.6 million cubic metres of wood in 2035 from 3.3 million in 2017. Coillte now supplies 51 per cent of this, while 21,000 private growers accounting for the balance.

Forests planted with the aid of incentives introduced in the 1980s and ’90s are maturing, increasing overall production.

Mark McAuley, director of FII, which is affiliated to employers’ body Ibec, explained that production is heading for a high point in coming decades, when it will level out.

According to Mr McAuley, Brexit is the main immediate challenge facing the industry as Britain is its main overseas market.

Michael Glennon, joint chief executive of Longford-based sawmill group, Glennon Brothers, explained that half the timber

Mark McAuley, director of FII produced and processed here is exported, with 95 per cent of that going to Britain.

He pointed out that the industry fears the impact of delays at Irish and British ports, as timber is delivered to customers as they order it. “Logistics is the key issue for us,” Mr Glennon said.

Coillte poised to invest up to €1bn over next 15 years State forestry company Coillte could invest between €500 million and €1 billion over the next 10 to 15 years, according to its departing chief executive, Fergal Leamy.

Coillte confirmed yesterday that Mr Leamy has told the board he intends stepping down to take a private-sector job in June reports Barry O’Halloran in the Irish Times.

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Leamy said Coillte was well positioned to cash in on opportunities set to arise over the next decade or so.

“It can be a real engine of growth for the State over the next 10 to 15 years because it’s playing

in on-trend sectors – timber and renewable energy,” he explained.

He predicted the company could invest between €500 million and €1 billion over that period.

Much of that would be focused on expanding its Medite Smartply plants in counties Waterford and Tipperary and on developing new wind farms with a partner. He noted that both activities required large amounts of cash.

Debt Coillte has cleared the €250 million it owed when when Mr Leamy took the helm four years ago and is more or less debt-free. Last year,

its earnings before interest, tax and write-offs, a measure of cash flow, grew to €115 million from €85 million in 2017.

The company also sold shares in a number of wind farms in the Republic for €136 million, a fivefold return on its investment.

Coillte will begin searching for a new chief executive in the coming weeks. Gerry Britchfield, chief operations and financial officer, will become acting chief executive from April. Mr Leamy will stay until June to ensure a smooth transition.

State company chief executives normally sign up for five years. Mr Leamy explained yesterday that a

Ewing signals stability and simplicity support for forestry post Brexit Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has announced action to streamline the process for forestry grant payments. He has also announced a review of the grants scheme to encourage more small scale landowners to take up grants.

The measures are designed to provide more stability and simplicity for the forestry and farming sectors and signal the approach Scottish Ministers want to take to future rural policy.

The initiatives will involve expert input from relevant

stakeholders.

Announcing the two initiatives during a debate in the Scottish Parliament on Future Rural Policy and Support in Scotland today, Mr Ewing said: “We may not have the certainty nor clarity we need about what our future holds. Yet, I am determined to ensure that we make the future happen and the plan I have developed for the next five years seeks to provide as much stability as we can provide, particularly for forestry which is a long term

72 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

investment.

“Beyond 2021, we will maintain the current landscape of schemes, including the forestry grant scheme, but with changes to simplify them.

“Already opportunities have been identified to streamline processes and improve them.

“So I have announced two new initiatives today to review the current process for forestry grant applications in order to streamline and simplify them and also to review the Forestry Grant Scheme

Fergal Leamy, chief executive of State forestry company, Coillte

new opportunity had come along that required him to leave about six months early.

to enable more small landowners more access to support to plant trees and create woodland.

“Forestry is a key contributor to Scotland’s rural economy and I want that to continue. I stress that this review will not consider any decision on the current level of financial support, and I look forward to working closely with the forestry sector throughout 2019 so that it can continue to contribute to our shared national endeavour of planting more trees and creating more woodlands and forests in Scotland.”

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Forest machinery suppliers launch Swedish Forestry Expo 2021 MaskinLeverantörerna (ML), the Swedish trade association for suppliers of mobile machinery and equipment, has announced that it will launch a brand new Swedish Forestry Expo, which will take place June 3-5, 2021, at the Solvalla Harness-Racing Track in Stockholm, Sweden. The fair aims to be a meeting place for professional, large-scale forestry with forest machinery the focal point.

According to a statement, the launch of the fair is an initiative of the trade association and its members. The Swedish Forestry Expo will be open to all exhibitors who have relevant products

for large-scale forestry, forest machines, allied equipment, and accessories. This includes companies that are not members of MaskinLeverantörerna.

The new trade fair aims to be an easily accessible meeting place where one as a visitor can clearly experience all exhibitors in the area. In addition to the fair, meetings and seminars will be organized, as knowledge transfer is an important part of the experience.

The organisers, MaskinLeverantörerna (ML) says that it has already confirmed the participation of several major

forest machinery brands including Eco Log Sweden AB, John Deere AB, Komatsu Forest AB, Rottne Industri AB, and Ponsse AB. We want to create a more focused fair for professional forest equipment buyers, where machinery is the focal point.

The choice of Solvalla as the fair arena felt natural, as we have good experience from there with the Swedish Machine Fair and the location meets the requirements for accessibility, said Björn Bäckström, CEO of MaskinLeverantörerna.

Björn Bäckström, CEO, MaskinLeverantörerna (ML), the Swedish trade association for suppliers of mobile machinery and equipment

Doosan Babcock strengthens partnership with Drax Power

A view of the wood pellet storage silos at Drax Power The new four year partnership, with the option for a further four years, will strengthen workforce collaboration and improve efficiencies in maintaining and extending the life of the plant which is responsible for providing 7% of the UK’s electricity.

As Drax Power moves towards a low carbon future, Doosan Babcock

will continue to be a strategic partner in the evolution of this critical national asset.

Doosan Babcock has supported Drax throughout the full lifecycle in helping to build, maintain and extend the life of Drax Power Station. As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the boilers, Doosan Babcock played a

critical role in an unprecedented construction project which involved a workforce peaking at around 8000.

In 2003 Drax Power Station started co-firing biomass as a renewable energy alternative to coal. Doosan Babcock has supported Drax with research and development of biomass firing equipment through to the full project delivery of key technologies in this conversion process.

Drax’s biomass conversion project was one of the largest power plant modernisation programmes in UK history. Drax committed to transforming the business into a mainly biomassfuelled generator using wood pellets in place of coal.

During last summer a fourth generating unit was converted from coal to use biomass enabling

Doosan Babcock has entered into a four-year partnership with Drax Power, Andy Colquhoun (left), CEO of Doosan Babcock and Andy Koss, CEO, Drax Power Ltd (photo courtesy Doosan Babcock) Drax to generate more renewable power at the times the grid needs it the most. Around 70 percent of the power produced by Drax is now renewable, enough for four million households.

Enviva Partners to expand wood pellet production facility in Virginia Enviva Partners to invest at least $75.7 million to expand its operation in Southampton, Virginia. In addition to increasing wood pellet production by a third to approximately 750 thousand metric tons per year (MTPY), the expansion will allow for the

processing of sustainably sourced pine at the existing facility, significantly augmenting the company’s usage of fiber (or raw material) from Virginia forests.

Enviva is a leading global energy company specializing in sustainable wood biomass. The

company is the world’s largest producer of wood pellets, which provide sustainable, low-carbon heat and power that can replace fossil fuels.

Wood pellets produced at Enviva’s Southampton facility are primarily exported through the

company’s deep-water marine terminal at the Port of Chesapeake, Virginia.

International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 73

ADVERTISERS INDEX SALES OFFICES

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Tel: 81-3-3261-4591 Fax: 81-3-3261-6126 Email: ishihara@media-jac.co.jp

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

Jenz ������������������������������������������������������ 11 Stenner ����������������������������������������������21 www.stenner.co.uk www.jenz.de

CONTACT: David Lansdowne

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Komatsu Forest ��������������������������������� 43 UFKES ��������������������������������������������������13 www.ufkes.net www.komatsuforest.com

Email: david@internationalforestindustries.com

Konrad ����������������������������������������������� 47 USNR ����������������������������������������������������19 www.usnr.com www.forsttechnik.at Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada CONTACT: Bob Warren Lansdowne Media Services Ltd

Continued from page 67

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: bob@internationalforestindustries.com

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

South America CONTACT: Ricardo Cortés Editec S.A. Avda del Cóndor 844 Of. 205, Cuidad Empresarial Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile Tel: +56 2 757 4200 Fax: +56 2 757 4201 Email: rcortes@editec.cl

74 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Accurate testing and simulation with the operator in focus Behind the new lighting lies many hours of research, simulation and test operations to find the optimal angle, colour temperature and strength of a lamp. We started the ball rolling two years ago and since then Rottne, together with the lighting company Hella, has worked to produce a perfect solution.

Different lamps were simulated in varying environments, including fictitious forests, to find the optimal placement of the lighting points and the strength. Simulations have been performed using virtual forestry machines where Hella has calculated the exact angles of how the lights are to be mounted.

“The aim the whole time has been to have the operator in focus, in simple terms, to make the work in the forest easier. Where in the work area is more light needed? Where is less light needed? Which new light placements are required? Where should dimmable lights be mounted? We have worked with many issues and have now resolved these.”

“I must say we are really pleased with what we have designed and developed,” says David.

LEDs are standard on all machine models During a transitional period all newly manufactured Rottne machines that have LED lamps will be fitted with the new lighting. The headboard lighting is an option found on all of Rottne’s forwarders.

“Everyone speaks about the need of a lot of light when working in the dark, but frequently have forgotten about how and where it should be placed. The comprehensive solution that Rottne has developed is extremely smart,” says Samuel Östling, and concludes: “A large number of hoses will be saved for example on the forwarder now that you can see the whole wagon and its stakes properly through the headboard…”

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