International Forest Industries Magazine Dec - January 2016 Digital version

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

INDUSTRY VOICE

The final word on 2015 from forestry royalty

SIMULATING SUCCESS Big hitters talk engines, control systems and simulators

FUEL INTO THE FUTURE The latest biomass processing and producing machines

TREE LENGTH PRECISION

The felling heads making life easier for contractors

PROCESSING HIGHLIGHTS 2015

Sawline suppliers discuss their key wins for the year

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SAWLINES Operation Focus

A Year in Review

Scanning & Optimisation

22

18 20

18 MiCROTEC

20 COMACT

22 AUTOLOG

Goldeneye boosts German mills performance

Operation Focus Brazil

Autolog has developed a modular scanning frame to improve overall scanning efficiencies

Operation Focus Latvia

Industry Voice 2015 INDUSTRY VOICE

INDUSTRY VOICE

2015

Our 2015 Panel

Tigercat Industries International Factory Sales Representative,

Springer Chief Executive, Gero Springer

Ellen Nelson, Lucidyne Technologies Chief Financial Officer

Rottne Sales Export Director, Jan Hennberg

Gary Olsen

Komatsu Forest Marketing Director, Ola

Suppliers content with slow growth After more than a decade of volatility including a prolonged period of difficulty across the world, the forestry sector appears to be happy to enjoy a period of increasingly stability

24

and incremental growth, according to the findings of

26

International Forest Industry’s Industry Voice questionnaire

T

his year’s Industry Voice feature has generally painted a picture of building stability and expectations of incremental growth as demand moves on unchecked and global political events fail to hold back the forward march of our forestry sectors.

Russia and Brazil are holding back overall growth though stability and increasing strength in Scandinavia and the US have encouraged forestry businesses. Stability was a theme of 2014 and has generally continued into this year, despite lingering uncertainty in Europe and stalling emerging markets. We are not seeing the volatility of previous years and some markets – Australia, for example – are even expected to outperform.

Currency challenges have made a big difference to the performance and demand from several markets, with South African and Brazilian forest professionals doing it particularly tough. In these locations, loggers and sawmill operators are reverting to inferior

technologies produced locally because of the prohibitive costs on imported machines due to unfavourable currency shifts.

From a technology perspective, improvements continue to streamline businesses and improve efficiencies. Tier IV engines have made a big impact on operations as fuel savings become increasingly beneficial to the bottom lines of forestry professionals.

This has come partly as a response to stricter environmental regulation but has also been prompted by the industry, which has been asking for greater productivity and lower fuel consumption. Other key industry demands were for lower ground pressure to save the environment and greater operator comfort to attract and keep good people in a given operation.

Rottne: The macro economy has been nervous during 2015. But it seems that the macro-economy has continued the recovery and higher sales in European markets are expected.

Demand for forest products remains strong, because of the growing population in the world, which is in need of products made from forestry raw material like paper, textiles and shelters.

are in recession. Europe is our main market for CTL machines and uncertainty in Central Europe has affected the industry. However, the market in Scandinavia is good, benefiting from the strong US dollar. I hope that Russia and South America will soon recover and mechanisation increases.

Experts predict a continued positive future for forestry businesses. We see a global rising population and an increasing demand for forest raw material.

In the long-term, there is always a demand for raw material from the forest. A fall in global demand for newspapers affects the forest sector negatively, but demand for wood for other purposes such as energy sources points in another direction.

From a machine manufacturer point of view, product development must be active and continue regardless of the market and economic situation. Customers expect new technology to improve their business and we are always listening and trying to keep up with the demand.

During the last two years, Komatsu has launched a new product range that has increased the

interest in our machines even in a slower market situation.

Tigercat: Sales figures in the US remained strong on the back of a stronger US dollar and also due to favourable fibre markets in the southeast.

The Canadian market remained strong in spite of severe pressure due to plummeting prices in nearly every commodity except for wood fibre. In markets outside of North America the strong dollar has had an influence on sales figures especially since currencies like the Swedish Krone and the Japanese Yen have not appreciated. Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa and Brazil were all affected by their various currencies depreciating against the US dollar.

42

John Deere: Globally, the markets are constantly fluctuating.

The macro-economic situations in Russia and Brazil have had negative impacts in those markets, while broader European and North The

Level Headed Approach to

Land Clearing

POWER TO PERFORM

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 43

2288 IFI Mag Dec Jan Insides.indd 42-43

26 WOOD-MIZER

Araupel – Sawmill project for short and small logs

Post-soviet Latvian sawmill modernises with new technology

12 News

16/12/2015 13:59

24 SPRINGER

LUMBER PROCESSING

Martin Wilkinson, Vice President, Worldwide Forestry and Business Development, John Deere

How has the macro-economic situation affected your sales figures?

Komatsu: We face political turbulence in many parts of the world, which affects the stability of our business.

Two of our main markets – Russia and Brazil –

42 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Komptech, Heinz Leitner, CEO of the Komptech Group

Boström

Q. A.

42 SUPPLIERS CONTENT WITH SLOW GROWTH The findings of International Forest Industry’s Industry Voice questionnaire

80 Advertising Index

COVER: USNR - Transverse High Grader When customers buy equipment from USNR they have much more than one product line to choose from. With USNR’s extensive family of brands that now includes Söderhamn Eriksson, customers can draw from the broadest range of product designs in the global wood processing arena. And with that comes the expertise and experience of hundreds of our talented and dedicated personnel who

DECEMBER 2015

know their business and understand the needs of wood processors the world over.

By merging product lines, technologies, service, and support operations, customers can access an even broader range of locally-supported solutions to best achieve their goals.

/ JANUARY 2016

INDUSTRY VOIC

E The final word on 2015 from forestry royalty SIMULATING

SUCCESS Big hitters talk engines, control syste ms and simulators FUEL INTO THE

FUTURE

The latest biom ass processing and producing mach ines

TREE LENGTH PRECISION

The felling head s making life easier for contractors

PROCESSING HIGHLIGHTS 2015

Sawline supp liers discuss their key wins for the year

SCOTLAND HOS TS G SERIES GLO BAL LAUNCH

www.usnr.com 2288 IFI Mag

Dec Jan Cover.indd

1

17/12/2015

14:10

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 1

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

51

28

28 BIOMASS

51 FELLING HEADS

Competition for market share in the biomass sector has hardly let up despite lapsing government subsidies and cheap fossil fuel availability

Contractors are telling suppliers they need flexibility in their daily operations

50

62

60

50 INNOVATION – TIGERCAT

60 OPERATION FOCUS - FINLAND

62 OPERATION FOCUS - SWEDEN

New Tigercat powered 822D Series carriers

New John Deere G Series tested in Finland

On the rocks in Scandinavia

65

65 JOHN DEERE G-SERIES GLOBAL LAUNCH IN SCOTLAND

75

72

72 OPERATION FOCUS - RUSSIA Training in the Taiga

75 ENGINES & SIMULATORS Komatsu & John Deere

230 people converge on the heart of Perthshire

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News

2 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

80 Advertising Index

DESIGNED TO CUT DOWN TREES.

AND CYCLE TIMES. We’re changing the logging game. Loggers like you asked for more effciency, more productivity, and less operator fatigue. Thousands of testing hours later, we’re happy to say our new 800M Series Tracked Feller Bunchers and Harvesters deliver all three. Using one easy-to-operate joystick, our exclusive new Rapid Cycle System (RCS) combines automated felling-head arm cycling with simple boom control. The RCS can also be tailored to individual skill levels and specifc harvesting conditions. That’s game-changing performance — because at John Deere, We’re For Loggers.

Learn more about our Rapid Cycle System at JohnDeere.com/GameChangers.

ISSUE 48 DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2015

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 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.

EDITOR’S COMMENT

No news is good news A lack of volatility is a boon for an industry at the core of civilisation

T

hey say that a change is as good as a holiday but the forestry sector this year would be thankful that, while it’s generally been an active 12 months, there has been a distinct lack of big economic movements or general volatility.

International Forest Industries as always conducted its annual Industry Voice survey for this edition in which we ask a handful of major industry suppliers to tell us first-hand about their experiences across various markets.

Last year we called an end to a period of genuine volatility that was encapsulated by a US economy battling to hang on to the most delicate of recoveries and a European Union stretched to its limits by the crisis with Greece, primarily. One month was up, the next was down and companies were finding it difficult to invest not knowing which way the wind was likely to blow next. The forestry sector continued to recover, though that recovery mimicked those fragile economies just mentioned.

But last year was more stable. The volatility had vanished. Most suppliers reported modest but steady growth throughout the year as order books began to swell once more. We didn’t set the world on fire but most folks seemed happy with that – too great an improvement would have signalled a peak that would likely be followed by another trough.

That said, those sensibly conservative businesspeople would not have been counting their chickens. One solid year doesn’t make a trend. That’s why this year’s responses to another Industry Voice survey were so interesting and so encouraging.

On the whole, it was a fairly unremarkable set of responses. There is the usual interest around the latest technologies and buying trends but from a macro perspective, it was dull. This is good.

Most suppliers told IFI their sales were flattish to slightly better. All said their key markets hadn’t changed. As of now, we can start calling stability in the forestry sector a theme.

4 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

This is more important for our sector than many others because we are, along with agriculture and mining, a staple of global consumption. John Deere regularly and accurately describes forestry as a function of human survival – the forests provide for the needs, not wants, of civilisation. Timber builds homes and more recently, wood fibre provides a growing part of the energy mix.

We don’t need fads and we are not threatened by new technologies that merely find new ways to use the raw materials forestry suppliers.

Stability is safety for the forestry sector.

As the world grows in demographic terms, and particularly when economic growth occurs, forestry grows with it. In this respect, after the past two years, we can be fairly confident that things will only get better from here.

This is not to say things are completely rosy. Respondents pointed out that emerging markets such as Brazil and Russia – major economies with major forestry stocks and opportunities – have been struggling and the decision in the US to raise rates (read: increase the strength of the US dollar) will make their lives even harder.

But no sector always has a full suite of factors working in its favour and the countries that generally represent major growth opportunities battling for a period will not scuttle a forestry sector that, once again, is a necessity for our civilisation.

After the past decade, most would happily trade the possibility of significant growth for the current period of stability.

Here’s to another dull year in 2016!

Enjoy

Chris Cann Editor

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LOGGING NEWS

Changes in John Deere’s forest machine dealer network in central europe - Kotschenreuther discontinued in Germany, Robert Aebi Landtechnik starts in Switzerland John Deere Forestry Oy has made changes to its dealer network in Central Europe. The changes took effect on November 1, 2015.

In Germany Kotschenreuther Forst- & Landtechnik GmbH & Co. KG discontinued sales of John Deere forest machines; sales are now made through Nuhn GmbH & Co. KG with support from a geographically comprehensive network of sales and service partners. In Switzerland, Robert Aebi Landtechnik AG started as a new dealer.

The current and long term dealers Bührer & Richter AG and Aggeler AG will continue for now, but at the beginning of 2018 the distribution responsibility in Switzerland will transfer to Robert Aebi Landtechnik AG alone.

Kotschenreuther will focus on its other businesses Headquartered in Neufang, Kotschenreuther Forst- & Landtechnik GmbH & Co. KG will focus on sales of John Deere products for agriculture and turf care and on the production and sales of its own Kotschenreutherbranded forestry tractors. Focusing on these core businesses gives the company and its 135 employees operating in four localities the best opportunities to develop its products and to grow its sales.

Nuhn is known for its customer service and high availability of spare parts Nuhn GmbH & Co. KG has based its sales and service operations out of Niederaul since 1978.

Nuhn has a reputation for superior customer service and high availability of spare parts. Nuhn’s sales and service network consists of eight partner companies that have 120 people at nine customer service sites serving John Deere’s forest machine customers.

Robert Aebi Landtechnik to assume sole responsibility in Switzerland in 2018 Robert Aebi Landtechnik AG currently serves John Deere’s forest machine customers in good collaboration with the current dealers Bührer & Richter AG and Aggeler AG. Starting January 1, 2018, Robert Aebi Landtechnik AG will become the exclusive importer of John Deere forest machines. The company is also responsible for

sales of John Deere’s agriculture and turf care products. Expanding sales to include forest machines will help the company to strengthen the existing customer service network.

Previously operating under the name Matra, Robert Aebi Landtechnik AG started sales of John Deere’s agricultural equipment back in 1956. The company is owned by Swiss group Robert Aebi, established in 1881.

Along with John Deere equipment, the company’s core businesses include earthmoving machinery.

The company’s headquarters is located in Regensdorf. The entire group employs 610 people in nine locations; 150 of the employees are with Robert Aebi Landtechnik.

Fecon®, Inc. offers lease & financing solutions for its customers Fecon® Inc has announced the availability of equipment financing through Fecon Finance. Fecon will offer financing on their industry leading FTX Tracked Carrier line, Rubber Tire Tractors and all Forestry Attachments. Featured

options will be 100% financing and flexible payments and terms.

According to Fecon’s partner, Bob Rinaldi, CEO of Commercial Industrial Finance, “It’s especially gratifying to develop a sales-aid finance program with Fecon, a local

business that manufactures their products right here in the US and sells them throughout the world.

Together, we are equipping their customers’ businesses for success by providing them much needed business capital.”

China: Log imports through the Alataw Pass railhead rose more than 60% Log imports passing through the Alataw Pass railhead rose more than 60% to 18, 000 tonnes in October 2015, ITTO reported.

The Alataw Pass is in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the China-Kazakhstan

border. The Alataw Pass is the only railway and highway port in China’s northwestern region.

The main reason cited for sudden increase was that log stocks had fallen sharply. The imported timber, mainly fir, spruce,

6 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

scots pine and birch is from Russia and most is sold for milling in the Xinjiang area.

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LOGGING NEWS

German Pellets improved EBITDA to Euro 38 million The German Pellets Group increased its total output and EBITDA in the first nine months of the current business year. As of 30 September 2015, the Group’s total output had risen by around 10% to reach Euro 442.5 million (previous year: Euro 400.6 million).

At the end of this year’s first nine months, EBITDA amounted to Euro 38 million (previous year: Euro 37 million).

“Seen against the background of what, compared to last year, is a continued low price level in the end-consumer market, this is a positive development”, says Peter

H. Leibold, Managing Director of German Pellets GmbH. A contribution to this was that it proved possible to further boost pellet sales over the year to date, both in sales to industrial and power-station customers via distribution channels, and also in the end-consumer sector. A strong impetus also came from the bagged-pellets business.

In this market segment alone, a volume increase of around 30% was recorded. Existing contracts with national and international distributors alike were able to be prolonged and

new season contracts were able to be concluded. Other than Germany, important markets in the bagged-goods sector are France, Italy, Denmark and, increasingly, eastern European countries, such as Slovenia, where German Pellets has just recently been awarded the title of test-winner with its wood pellets.

In the end-consumer market, German Pellets continues to benefit from the expansion of the sales structures. Over the last months, as in previous periods, the company has further invested in sales, opening up new sales offices

Peter H. Leibold, Managing Director of German Pellets GmbH in Handewitt (Schleswig-Holstein state), Wunsiedel and Munich (Bavaria state) and also expanding its warehouse network and productdelivery fleet.

Veolia appointed operator of new Sherwood biomass plant in UK Veolia has signed a GBP 50 million ($76 million) contract with Equitix

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type of energy project, and adds to the GBP 500 million ($756 million) of biomass energy managed by Veolia in the UK and Ireland.

Located in Widmerpool, Nottingham the 6.55MWe biomassfired combined heat and power station is designed to provide sustainable green electricity for over 10,000 homes and supply up to 4.5MWth of process heat for the adjacent sawmill operations.

The new plant will recycle around 52,000 tonnes of waste wood as a carbon neutral fuel and will annually save around 8,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The agreement also covers water treatment, emission monitoring, and ash disposal for the new plant that is due to start generating renewable electricity and heat in spring 2017.

The Sherwood plant will use a traditional steam cycle for generating electricity though the combustion of life expired wastewood from local sources.

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Handling a World of Materials

LOGGING NEWS

Doppstadt’s new assembly line will deliver more machines in a shorter time On the Calbe production site in Saxony-Anhalt the environmental specialist company Doppstadt has opened a new assembly line doubling the surface for component pre-assembly and final machine assembly to more than 3500 m²

It is not only the larger surface, which contributes to the shorter delivery period, but the core of the new line is the change from cellular manufacturing to the line

production. Each machine passes through six production cycles. In order to realize this, the production warehouse has been collocated with the pre- and main mounting.

The combination of part warehouse, pre-mounting of component groups and line production of the machine will result in a higher productivity of the whole manufacturing process.

This means: less time and costs and higher quality. Ferdinand Doppstadt said: “The increase of efficiency is important to ensure the future of the Calbe location as a fundamental production site of the Doppstadt Group”.

A total of 50 employees per shift work in the two shiftoperation of the new hall. The new mounting was started in the end of November. The capacities are dimensioned to increase the annual production from 450 machine units now to appr. 600.

The Doppstadt Group is represented by 40 distributors worldwide. The network of partners and with them the international presence shall be increased, says Ferdinand Doppstadt: “Thanks to the continuous exchange within this network we can develop environmental solutions, which meets the local requirements.

With the re-engineering of our production we will supply these solutions even faster.”

Tilhill Forestry has appointed two new board members Tilhill Forestry has appointed two new Directors, Tim Liddon as Forestry Director and Jason Sinden as Investment & Property Director. Both new directors bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge from both within Tilhill Forestry and from the forest

industry in general.

Tim Liddon will reinforce and extend the forestry expertise on the Board and will be responsible for all the company’s forestry operations.

Jason Sinden’s appointment signifies the importance the

10 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

company places on investment in forest property for both its forestry clients and the business of Tilhill Forestry itself.

Tilhill Forestry Ltd, established more than 65 years ago is a national company operating from a network of offices throughout

the UK. The company provides a full range of consultancy and contracting services to the forest owner and forestry investor.

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

New Managing Director for Söderhamn Eriksson USNR / Söderhamn Eriksson is pleased to announce the appointment of Johan Johansson as Managing Director of its European operations. Mr. Johansson will be based in Söderhamn, Sweden, and

takes over from Henrik Lefvert, who has been serving in this role on an interim basis since March, when USNR acquired Söderhamn Eriksson.

GS Group inaugurates Sudoma sawmill In Pskov region, Russia GS Group has recently inaugurated its Sudoma sawmill in the village of Dedovichi, Pskov region. The plant specialization – production of environmentally friendly wood building materials – is unique for Russia, according to GS Group.

The Sudoma general investor – the GS Group holding company – invested over 1.842 billion rubles into the project. Sergei Donskoi, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, Andrey Turchak,

Governor of the Pskov region, and Artem Starodubtsev, Director of the GS Group forest-industry complex attended the event.

The Sudoma sawmill manufactures high-quality finish materials: thermo-treated and impregnated timber and profiled goods. The total power capacity of the sawmill will reach 61,000 m3 of wood products annually. Around 40% of manufactured wooden materials will be delivered to the Russian market, the rest of the products will be exported.

Stella-Jones completes acquisition of Ram Forest Group Stella-Jones Inc. has completed acquisition of the shares of Ram Forest Group Inc. and Ramfor Lumber Inc..

The purchase price was $60 million, including $16.7 million of estimated working capital, subject to post-closing adjustments. StellaJones has financed the acquisition

through its existing revolving credit facility.

“The acquisition of Ram Forest Group further enhances StellaJones’ offering of treated wood products to the retail market. We expect this transaction to yield synergies and to be immediately accretive to earnings, as we aim

to optimize operating efficiency across our continental network,” said Brian McManus, President and CEO of Stella-Jones.

Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ram Forest Products Inc. and Trent Timber Treating Ltd., Ram Forest Group manufactures and sells pressure treated wood

products and accessories to the retail building materials industry.

Stella-Jones Inc. is a leading producer and marketer of pressure treated wood products.

Kotkamills Oy appoints David Ingham as Regional Sales Director Western Europe Kotkamills Oy has appointed David Ingham as Regional Sales Director Western Europe, effective as of January 2016. He will be responsible for the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as France and Benelux market areas.

Mr. Ingham has recently held the position of Director of an

independent consultancy and has extensive experience in fibre-based and barrier packaging gained with market leading companies such as Walki Group, Sappi Europe and others. He is a Fellow of both the Packaging Society (FIMMM) and the Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (FInstSMM).

12 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Erik Schulz has been appointed Technical Support Manager in Consumer Boards organization, effective as of January 2016. Mr. Schulz will act as a link between Kotkamills R&D, production and consumer board customers in Central European market. He will also be working closely with

Board Machine 2 start-up and R&D project teams. Mr. Schulz comes from Pfleiderer Spezialpapiere. He will be located in Germany close to Stuttgart area.

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most other lumber-producing countries around the world.

Seattle, USA. Sawmills in Europe have had substantially higher wood raw-materi than sawmills in other parts of the world over the past ten years. The European Sa LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS Price Index (ESPI), a volume-weighted price index comprising average softwood prices in nine of the largest log-consuming countries in Europe, tracked the global price trend fairly closely from 1995 to 2005. After the Global Financial Crisis in 2 sawlog prices grew faster in Europe than in the rest of the world. From 1995 to 20 ESPI Price Index - a news brief from Wood Resources International LLCwas on average US$12/m3 higher than the Global Sawlog Price (GSPI), while from 2008 to 2015 the average discrepancy between the two Indices increased to US$32/m3.

Sawlog prices have fallen faster in Europe than in the rest of the world for the past 18 months, with

Global timber and wood products market update

the ESPI Price Index reaching a five year low in the 3Q/15, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly In Euro terms, the ESPI Price Index experienced some dramatic swings from 2005 2010 chart)by which were mainly driveninby fluctuations The European Sawlog Price Index (ESPI) has(see declined almost seven percent 18substantial months and in the in lumber production on the continent. This period was followed by three years of fairly stab 3Q/15, was at its lowest level in five years, according to2014, the Wood Quarterly.

Since early prices until early whenResource prices started declining.

From the2014, 1Q/14 to the 3Q/1 ESPIthan fell in bymost almost seven percent, a faster drop than that seen the in other key lumber sawlog prices in Europe have fallen faster other lumber-producing countries around world producing countries around the world.

Sawmills in Europe have had substantially higher wood rawmaterial costs than sawmills in other parts of the world over the past ten years. The European Sawlog Price Index (ESPI), a volume-weighted price index comprising average softwood sawlog prices in nine of the largest log-consuming countries in Europe, tracked the global sawlog price trend fairly closely from 1995 to 2005. After the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, sawlog prices grew faster in Europe than in the rest of the world. From 1995 to 2007, the ESPI Price Index was on average US$12/m3 higher than the Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI), while

from 2008 to 2015 the average discrepancy between the two Indices had increased to US$32/ m 3.

In Euro terms, the ESPI Price Index experienced some dramatic swings from 2005 to 2010 (see chart) which were mainly driven by substantial fluctuations in lumber production on the continent. This period was followed by three years of fairly stable log prices until early 2014, when prices started declining. From the 1Q/14 to the 3Q/15, the ESPI fell by almost seven percent, a faster In the 3Q/15, the ESPI had Since early 2014, sawlog prices drop than that seen in other key fallen to €84.60/m3, the lowest dropped the most in Austria, In the 3Q/15, the ESPI had fallen to €84.60/m3,Germany, the lowest level in almost five yea lumberproducing countries around level in almost five years, according Norway and Latvia. according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Since early 2014, sawlog prices dropp the world. to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

most in Austria, Germany, Norway and Latvia.

World leading wood scanning solutions.

The ultimate lumber grader. Goldeneye scans, grades and classifies your lumber to optimize chop processing, trimming and sorting to increase quality output and resale value. Award winning design and functionality is combined with the most accurate scanning results achievable. For 35 years Microtec’s Multi-Sensor Quality Scanners have been the driver of the wood processing industry, with innovation, experience and more than 1,500 systems installed worldwide. More world leading scanning solutions at www.microtec.eu Goldeneye Multi-Sensing: ⤬ Color analysis ⤬ 3D laser triangulation ⤬ Laser scattering ⤬ Grain deviation scanning ⤬ X-ray scanning Brixen

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14 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Timber REITs Weyerhaeuser, Plum Creek agree to merge

Weyerhaeuser said it intends Timber REITs Weyerhaeuser (NYSE: to execute a $2.5 billion share WY) and Plum Creek (NYSE: PCL) repurchase shortly after closing. notified early November that they Analysts said they were have agreed to merge, creating a intrigued by the long-term combined 19/03/2014 company with current _28 Saw technology_HR 14:20 aPage 26 value creation possibilities market value of $23 billion. that Simons could bring to the The new company will retain expanded platform. the Weyerhaeuser name and ticker “Making the deal work will symbol. It will be the largest SAW TECHNOLOGY require that Weyerhaeuser private owner of timberland in the retain Plum Creek’s strong field United States, the companies said, foresters and the firm’s capitalwith assets of more than 13 million savvy approach to timberland acres. The companies also said management. A strong and they expect to realize annual cost active presence by Rick Holley synergies of $100 million. on the Weyerhaeuser board Doyle Simons, current president should help that process,” said and CEO of Weyerhaeuser, will Mark Wilde, analyst at BMO serve as president and CEO of the Capital Markets Corp. new company. Plum Creek CEO Rick Collin Mings, analyst at Holley will serve as non-executive Raymond James, noted that chairman. The transaction is the three other timber REITs, expected to close in the late first CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. quarter or early second quarter of (NYSE: CTT), Rayonier Inc. 2016.

(NYSE: RYN) and Potlach “The breadth and diversity of Corp. (NASDAQ: PCH) could our combined land and timber receive a near-term bounce on assets uniquely position the new thoughts that more mergers and company to capitalize fully on acquisitions activity is on the the improving housing market, horizon. However, Weyerhaeuser continue to capture higher and – the most logical acquirer – better use land values across the “will be sidelined for the near/ combined portfolio, and create intermediate term digesting the additional opportunities to build Plum Creek portfolio,” Mings lasting value,” Holley said. added.

Under the terms of the Separately, Weyerhaeuser deal, Plum Creek shareholders said it has authorized the will receive 1.60 shares of exploration of strategic Weyerhaeuser and saw filing room supplies,” for each share of alternatives for its Cellulose Plumbandsaws Creek held. This represents York stated. “Oleson are manufactured in our Fibersthe business.

Operations a premium of 13.8 percent to a The possibility of moving saw arbors in their outer end Pennsylvania, USA facility.” five pulp mills,and twoallows easy weighted average of Plum Creek position clears the include whole working space modifiediffiber mills, one liquid to Weyerhaeuser shares,trouble-shooting – Linck necessary The prototype shares double arbor circular saw from German to the companies. packaging board facility, and one according manufacturer Linck, the model publishing papers joint-venture MKS, has a fixed saw sleeve and Weyerhaeuser shareholders was presented at the Ligna trade guides. The saw arbors canfacility. high cutting speed allows the use

willitsown company show in 2013. With large 65% of new therefore be positioned for clamping length of 560 mm, the different Once the deal is closed, saw blade diameters. machine can process four-sided “The possibility of moving the Weyerhaeuser shareholders cants of up to 600 mm total width. saw arbors in their outer end willofown approximately 65%of The cutting height 350 mm position clears the whole working allows the processing of large company’s space and allows easy troublethe combined cross sections. shooting if necessary,” Linck said. common stock, with Plum Creek The saw arbors can be The saw arbor bearing is a shareholders owning 35 percent. positioned in height completely new design for speeds independently from each other of up to 3,900 rpm. This high using servo-hydraulics with linear speed in combination with the

26 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY 2014/MARCH 2014

of saw blades with smaller saw kerfs.

The use of counter bearings for the saw arbors with higher speeds reduces the bearing load to a minimum and the saw arbor units are suitable for robust and continuous operation. The counter bearings are hydraulically pulled off the saw arbors and moved upwards on a carriage. The saw arbors can easily be accessed for a comfortable, safe and fast tool change. Partly mechanised and fully automatic systems are available for changing the tools.

The maximum drive power is 1,000 kW. Two three-phase asynchronous motors drive each saw arbor, which are installed and offset by about 180° to allow the use of marketable standard

September 28-30 2016

Portland, Oregon

The RZ 1

motors. Another advantage is the nearly complete compensation of the driving forces to minimise the bearing load.

“The high drive power makes it possible to split multiple products and to process large cross sections with high feed speeds,” the manufacturer said. “The machine is therefore suitable for saw lines where the existing split saw is reducing capacity.”

The single components of the machine produced by Linck are of high quality and precise design to ensure “excellent lumber surface quality and exceptional dimension accuracy”. This accuracy is also achieved by the optional use of guide plates being installed at the in and/or outfeed side, depending on the application.

A saw blade spraying device is available for processing resinous wood such as larch, protecting the saw blades against resin.

Additional advantages are the increased life time of the saw blades as well as reduced power consumption.

“The double arbor circular saw MKS has already successfully

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 15

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

HOLTEC supplies log sorter to Scottish sawmill

Ridings Sawmills from Cardross in Dunbartonshire Scotland are currently replacing their existing log yard. The new log sorting line with 20 boxes, integrated butt

reducer and 3D scanner is being supplied by Holtec (Germany).

There will also be a VK Debarker integrated in the line. Also included in the project is a Baljer & Zembrod

Portal Crane. This rail-bounded crane will be used for emptying the sorting boxes, building up a stock of sorted logs and feeding the sawmill line.

The installation of the log sorting line is already underway and is scheduled for start-up in early 2016. “ This concept has been conceived over the last 2 years after many discussions. By bringing these three proven suppliers together we will have a reliable and cost effective solution” said Frank Riding, Owner and Managing Director

Frank Riding, owner and Managing Director

Konecranes to deliver train loading system to Metsä Group Konecranes recently received an order for a train loading system for Metsä Group’s bioproduct mill in Äänekoski, Finland. The automatic train loading system comprises two cranes that will be used for loading

pulp units on railway wagons. The system will be delivered to the bioproduct mill in 2017.

Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, is building the bioproduct mill in the existing mill area in

Sawmills

SERRA

High production!

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Made in Germany! call +49 8051 96 40 00 www.serra-sawmill.com 16 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Äänekoski. It will be the world’s first next-generation bioproduct mill that can convert wood raw material into a diverse range

of bioproducts. In addition to high-quality pulp, the mill will produce bio-energy and various bio-materials in a resource-efficient way.

“We are very proud to deliver lifting equipment to this stateof-the-art bioproduct mill,” says Hannu Piispanen, Industry Specialist, Pulp and Paper, Konecranes. “The ordered train loading system is of a new innovative application design, which is able to move 1,100 tons of pulp per hour onto the railway wagon. It offers a fast, clean and energy-efficient train turnaround.

We trust this installation will raise a lot of interest in the pulp industry globally.”

The two cranes will be fully automated when filling the 1,400ton buffer storage twice a day and when feeding the trains. Both cranes have driver cabins with operator interface for surveillance.

It will also be possible to drive the cranes manually, assisted by Konecranes smart features for positioning and safety. In addition, the crane system has an interface for personnel access control to prevent anybody entering the working area when cranes are on automatic mode.

Furthermore, the cranes will include Konecranes TRUCONNECT® remote service, providing 24/7 access to a global network of support centers, offering expertise to help solve possible problems and reduce downtime. The cranes will have a span of 18 meters and a total lifting capacity of 32 tons payload In addition to the recently ordered train loading system, Konecranes will also deliver five industrial cranes to the same Metsä Group project in Äänekoski, Finland. These were ordered in June 2015 and will be used in the production line, drier, power station and debarking.

Homag Group aims to reach Euro 1 billion mark in sales revenue in 2015

FROM LOGS TO LUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR COMPLETE & INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Homag CEO, Pekka Paasivaara

Homag Group AG has held its good course steady through the 3Q 2015. The Dürr Group affiliate grew its order intake between July and September 2015 by about 11% to Euro 257.2 million (prior year: Euro 231.4 million). Sales revenue increased a good 12% to Euro 259.8 million compared to Euro 231.4 million in last year.

In the first nine months of 2015, the Homag Group was able to boost its order intake by almost 11% to Euro 814.7 million (prior year: Euro 735.0 million) while sales revenue increased more than 15%t to Euro 763.9 million (prior year: Euro 661.9 million).

“Our performance in North America and Western Europe was particularly good,” CEO Pekka Paasivaara explains.

The Homag Group has revised its forecast for the full twelve months of 2015 upward, and now aims to break the one billion euro mark in both order intake and sales revenue (previous forecast: order intake of between Euro 940 and 960 million, sales revenue of between Euro 950 and 970 million).

As Pekka Paasivaara points out: “This means that for the first time in the Company’s 55-year history, we are looking to generate sales revenue of more than Euro 1 billion.”

The Homag Group changed stock exchange segments in July 2015 and is since listed on the Entry Standard of the Open Market. Owing to the transparency requirements applicable in that segment, the Company no longer publishes reports for the first and third quarters, but instead issues a press release disclosing order intake and sales revenue only.

SERVIPLUS

418 227-2727 Eastern Canada 418 228-8911

Southern U.S. 843 563-7070

Western Canada 250 562-2727

Western U.S. 360 225-1350

sales@comact.com

Homag Group AG is the world’s leading manufacturer of plant and machinery for the woodworking industry and for cabinet makers.

RELIABLE PRODUCTIVITY

SAWLINES

Operation Focus – Microtec

Goldeneye boosts German mills performance

H

ESS TIMBER, a German woodworking company for industry construction and glued laminated timber, has its headquarters in Kleinheubach, a village near Miltenberg to the north of Nuremberg in Bavaria.

The company is a market leader and one of the most innovative timber construction companies in Europe. For many years now, HESS TIMBER has used a Microtec Goldeneye Scanner to grade lumber for construction purposes and have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the scanner manufacturer Microtec. Recently, the specialist in timber architecture industry construction installed a new Goldeneye 702 Multi-Sensor Quality scanner. This state-of-theart scanning device grades rough Spruce boards with a production speed up to 260 m/min.

machine strength grading solution for lumber worldwide.

At HESS TIMBER, Goldeneye 702 forwards of the optimized solution to a cross-cut saw and the finger jointing line. Boards are optimized according to boards strength according to EN 14081,

boards quality as well as customer specific final product requirements.

Next generation low power X-ray technology determines the exact strength class of different segments of a board by measuring the density map over the whole board.

A high performance grading line The new Goldeneye 702 MultiSensor Quality Scanner and Certified Strength Grader localizes and recognizes every detail of the lumber with “unbeatable precision”, according to Microtec.

It reliably determines the lumber strength and quality at high production speeds. In fact, Goldeneye 702 is the most certified

Boards are optimised for chop processing according to customer requirements

18 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Operation Focus – Microtec Size and position of knots are measured and considered for local strength prediction.

The visual part of the scanner detects wood defects on the surface and optimizes the board in terms of visible quality.

Furthermore Goldeneye 702 optimizes the boards according to customer specific product quality requirements in order to increase output quality and resale value of final product.

The new Goldeneye scanner The manufacturing of such extraordinary products requires state of the art machines and production. In 2014 HESS TIMBER decided to replace the nine-year old scanner with the newest version of the Microtec Goldeneye 702. Project leader René Schnabel, head of quality and process management commented: “The Multi-Sensor scanner is the heart of our production. The high quality of our products depends on the strength grading and visual detection. Microtec offers the very best technology for lumber grading. So the decision for the Goldeneye was without question.”

After half a year of preparation, everything was ready to replace the old scanner. Thanks to the highly professional team of Microtec and the support of HESS TIMBER maintenance and production team, the new Goldeneye started production within just four days

SAWLINES

of shut down. Operating the new scanner is very simple. Within a few days of training, the operators were able to run the system on their own. A lot of functions are intuitive.

With the new Microtec Goldeneye 702 Multi-Sensor HESS TIMBER is not only prepared for the new EN 14080:2013 but also for new high quality products for innovative timber constructions.

Extraordinary products The most frequent applications of the standard cross-sections are roof structures, framing and supports in residential and commercial construction as well as purlin courses and wall beams in hall construction. The company is specialized to provide a great variety of products such as glulam beams of endless length. It enables the fabrication of long-span beams comprising short segments that will be glued together on site. Compared to conventional glulam products, HESS LIMITLESS allows more flexible and economic transport to the construction site due to the short segments – resulting in lower total costs at verifiable equal technical performance.

Furthermore HESS TIMBER is able to produce cross sections that are diversely combined up to a width of 40 cm – the so called HESS BLOCK – in one production sequence because of the unique conception of the finger jointing plant and

Microtec technology allows HESS to deliver consisently on quality

The Multi-Sensor scanner is the heart of our production. The high quality of our products depends on the strength grading and visual detection.

Microtec offers the very best technology for lumber grading René Schnabel

the already existing presses. One more innovative product is HESS HYBRID – a symbiosis of two different wood species whose advantages ideally complete each other and therefore generate an economic product of high quality.

The combined construction of cross sections enables the effective use of the advantageous properties of different wood species. As the core’s cross-section of the glued laminated timber beam consists generally of spruce – a standard wood species that has been granted technical approvals up to GL 32 (Hess ‘Performance’ up to GL 38c). The 1-2 cm thick coating can be made of precious and firm wood species e.g. Oak, Western red cedar, Accoya and Belmadur.

Columns and round supports from HESS TIMBER offer countless structural and aesthetic options for interior construction, facade design and timber construction. These round supports are manufactured

by Europe’s most modern 6-axis CNC-portal-processing-center. Now, architects have completely new possibilities regarding the visual appearance using glued laminated timber beams, whereas engineers have found a solution concerning the durability.

“The Multi-Sensor scanner is the heart of our production. The high quality of our products depends on the strength grading and visual detection. Microtec offers the very best technology for lumber grading,” René Schnabel

A brief History The company HESS TIMBER GmbH & Co. KG looks back on an impressive company history.

On April 1st, 2005, the general manager Mathias Hofmann took over the business fields of the two previous companies Hess Holzleimbau Technologie and Wohnwerk GmbH with the newly founded HESS-WOHNWERK GmbH & Co. KG. Fortunately, the HESS company’s 130 years of tradition continue to live on with the new company, HESS TIMBER. The company is also making a positive contribution to the employment market situation in the region with its 80 employees. Since the new foundation in 2005, 40 additional jobs have been created.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 19

SAWLINES

Comact

Comact’s year in review

A Great Year for the Comact Team!

2015 has been a pivotal year for the Comact Team due to equipment upgrading, installation of new equipment, software updates, delivery of turnkey projects, and after sales service, to name but a few achievements. The Comact Team was present throughout North America to respond to its client needs and push the envelope in terms of industry standards.

Today, Comact is proud to share some of its most notable 2015 achievements.

Turnkey Planer Mill in the Southern USA One of the industry’s major players has purchased a brand-new planer mill in 2015 and Comact was the company entrusted with delivering this turnkey project. The main challenge here resided in the tight deadline for such a largescope project. In fact, Comact has masterfully coordinated its team’s

efforts in order to erect a new building, install new equipment, and go ahead with startup all within six months. Owing to its extensive expertise in delivering projects of this nature, Comact has managed to meet client expectations by not only delivering the planer mill in a timely fashion, but also by reaching performance expectations that matched those the client had in mind. What a great achievement for Comact and its team!

Major project at J.D. Irving in Chipman, NB (Canada)

up with an optimal solution for the Chipman mill. Although the greater part of the mill would require modifications, it was essential for the Comact team to offer a solution which would allow keeping as many of the existing elements as possible. A second sawing line was required to optimally process smaller logs. For this purpose, Comact installed a sawing line specificallydesigned for 10-foot logs (1 X 3 to 2 X 6), which features a DDM—a compact piece of equipment designed to simultaneously

perform primary and secondary breakdowns. In order to further increase the performance of this line and thereby satisfy a higher production flow, J.D. Irving added sorting bins along with upgrades at the end of the mill. In brief, all the various modifications brought to the mill have enabled J.D. Irving to increased significantly its production capacity.

New optimised bucking system at Rex Lumber in Bristol, FL (USA) 2015 distinguishes itself by the

In order to properly respond to the foreseen changes in raw material procurement, the J.D. Irving sawmill in Chipman, New Brunswick, went ahead with substantial improvements to its operations in 2015. Since J.D. Irving needed to be sure the major upgrade to the mill would be done within a tight time frame, it entrusted Comact to handle the mandate, which included meeting new production goals and adding a processing line for smaller logs.

Comact’s layout and design experts studied the specific needs at J.D. Irving and came The Grad Expert Scanning System has turned 10 years old

20 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Comact great interest the industry has demonstrated in bucking systems.

The Rex Lumber system has been optimized according to their priorities and allows cutting stems in an optimal way by taking into consideration the anticipated value of the pieces as well as yield. Rex Lumber has chosen a transversal bucking system featuring 4 “L” scanners, equipped with 3D Pro laser heads for the quick, efficient optimization of logs once they are on the V-belt conveyor. The system also includes a split transfer for quicker performance and enhanced flow.

The distinctive feature found on this new generation of bucking systems resides in saw sequence rather than log movement.

Contrary to former generations, the saws position themselves while the stem is moving towards them.

Then, the stem is pushed into the saws without stopping to be cut.

Required sawing time is cut while maintaining the same accuracy as with former generations. Comact has also added a camera to detect stem presence during positioning.

As opposed to photocells, which could sometimes fail at detecting logs of smaller diameters, the camera ensures reliable, accurate stem positioning. The 2-way outfeed conveyor allows diverting logs meant for the manufacturing of special products from the standard production line. :If you value the quality of your logs and better recovery, then get in touch with Comact to find out more about this product.

SAWLINES

Adding an OSC and profiling modules at Rex Lumber in Graceville, FL (USA) The OSC (Optimized Sharp Chain) is another piece of equipment that has grabbed the attention of sawmill operators in 2015. The first OSC installed in 2015 was at Rex Lumber in Graceville, Florida. The purpose of this primary breakdown modification was to relieve the edger by adding a profiling module in addition to the OSC. The sharp chain makes the OSC a simple, low maintenance piece of equipment. Another modification has been brought to the line in order to install profilers between the canters and the twin. Thanks to the addition of a new bypass, profiled pieces now go straight to the trimmer line after primary breakdown, thus considerably reducing the edger bottleneck.

A great achievement for Rex Lumber and Comact.

2015 Marks the 10th anniversary of the GradExpert!

Imagine your mill has been running for 10 years without any wood grader. This is what has been going on at Resolute Forest Products in Thunder Bay (Canada) since they trusted Comact and acquired the very first GradExpert, which started running in 2005. The GradExpert is an automated grader made to optimise geometric and vision defects found in boards, all without any human intervention.

This breakthrough in the field

Optimised bucking system at Rex Lumber in Bristol, FL (USA) of scanning & optimisation has created a new trend for grading wood in planer mills and has substantially increased their corresponding profitability. It is now feasible to have a consistent performance 24 hours a day thanks to grading solutions which take into consideration your specific grade criteria as well as how you prioritize your products! With nearly 100 systems sold, 10 of which have been installed in 2015, there is no doubt that the GradExpert is a market leader.

Technology used by Comact has evolved tremendously over the last 10 years. For Comact, it is of the utmost importance to pursue technological innovations and remain at the forefront of the industry for planer optimization systems. The company’s R&D department is currently testing new, state-of-the-art technology. Remember to watch for the upcoming launch of a new

GradExpertTM generation in 2016!

All-new product: snap scan for end dogger In order to settle a pressing need to upgrade their End Dogger optimization system, Roseburg Forest Products, located in Dillard, Oregon, called upon Comact’s expertise. The Comact R&D team rose to the challenge by developing an application that is simple to calibrate, operate, and diagnose, while requiring little maintenance.

Comact, in collaboration with LMI Technologies, a longstanding Comact partner, has developed an all-new sensor able to take a quick, accurate snapshot reading. The log shape data thus gathered is quickly analyzed to provide the optimal sawing solution all the while taking into account the skew flexibility offered by the End Dogger. The all-new Snap Scan is a great application for mills which process large-diameter logs, without much taper.

2016 Outlook: busy for Comact and its team!

Even though 2016 has not yet started, Comact’s order books are filling up quickly! Besides the launch of some new products, several large-scope projects are already planned for the upcoming year. In fact, the Comact R&D team is hard at work on coming up with new technology that will allow the industry to push the envelope even further and meet client expectations. Comact wishes to thank its clients for entrusting them with their projects year after year.

Comact DDM International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 21

SAWLINES

Scanning & Optimisation – Autolog

Transverse optimisation takes on modular form

Autolog’s modular scanner removes the need to rent a costly crane, amongst other benefits

A

utolog has introduced its modular scanner frame for its line of transverse optimizers – for trimmer, edger and gang/bull edger.

“This new frame was developed with the customer in mind since they benefit from a substantial reduction in the total cost of the project,” the supplier said.

Due to its convenient modular design, the frame can be set up on site by section, (even at the mills with the most difficult access)

providing the customer with an easy and cost efficient way to replace their obsolete frame with a new state-of-the-art frame.

Here are but a few other advantages the client benefits from with Autolog’s new modular scanner frame: • No longer necessary to open the roof to remove their existing frame to replace it with the new one • No longer necessary to rent a costly crane and be influenced by

Select Saw launches three new products • Double-end Trim Saw • Specialised Edger • Roof Top Chain Deck www.selectsawmill.com

22 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

the weather conditions • No longer necessary to disassemble and reassemble the chain races already in place as each section of the modular frame can be built directly around them • Increased savings in transportation costs by delivering the frame in sections on a pallet • A utolog can pre-design and build the frame according to the

substructures’ existing footprint, without any extra costs to the client.

Autolog said its design team is committed to the continuous investment and improvement of their products.

“Through our partnership approach and active listening, we have developed yet another innovative solution which provides our customers with the most value and return for their Autolog investment.”

SAWLINES

Operation Focus – Brazil

Araupel – Sawmill project for short and small logs

Springer has delivered all conveying systems including this log infeed deck

A

raupel is one of the oldest and largest wood processing companies in South America, specializing in value added manufactured wooden products like mouldings, pre-sized blanks, S4S boards for joinery and furniture, EGP panels, etc. Over the years, Araupel has developed a unique production process, starting from the forest base and sawmill. Their customer base stretches out over 30 countries on five continents and the export share adds up to 15% of the entire Brazilian export volume in the solid wood sector.

With its excellence in quality products and reliability of delivery, Araupel has gained an important market participation in America.

Inspired by its ongoing quest for productivity and continuous growth, Araupel has decided to build-up a brand new factory in Guarapuava, state of Paraná Southern Brazil, in addition to their original plant located in Quedas do Iguaçú, in the same state.

To develop this very important and challenging project, a group of expert-companies have joined forces, forming the so called EuroForce® Alliance.This group of partner companies is formed

by Springer (log and lumber

24 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

handling), EWD (Sawmilling), VK (log debarking), Microtec (controls, scanners, optimizers and applied electronics), as well as Gilbert (planing machines) and Vecoplan (residuals handling).

In this particular project, Springer has been chosen as general supplier and is responsible for the complete installation and start-up.

Beginning from the high speed log sorter (up to 32 logs per min), through the saw infeed and up to the lumber sorter, Springer has delivered all the conveying systems, based on the best existing technology.

The log sorter is equipped with a feeding deck and unscrambling system, pre-measurement, reject section, debarking (VK) and sorting with Microtec’s Winlog featuring two Logeye full 3D scanners.

As the logs are very small, short and crooked, the line has been especially designed to handle this raw-material, assuring a high production speed of up to 32 logs/min. Microtec delivered four additional Logeye 3D scanners combined with Maxicut software, enabling breakdown of the logs according to predefined best fitting cutting patterns.

The saw infeed consists of

Springer high performance lumber sorter

Operation Focus – Brazil a high speed infeed deck with integrated waste removal system, to feed-in the EWD Reducer chipper-canter / twin bandsaw line, in high speed mode. The control of the saw infeed as well as the complete saw line is performed

by Microtec. One remarkable feature is the top/butt-end visual pith detection (Microtec Screenlog) and on the fly rescan/ re-optimization throughout the entire breakdown sections. At all points, the best fitting cutting pattern is optimized and processed according to the requirements of the remanufactured end-product.

SAWLINES

The EWD saw line consists of a primary breakdown section with a chipper-canter / twin band saw reducer combination, matched by a high performance board edger system, as well as a secondary breakdown section with a dual profiler unit and a double arbor gangsaw to produce side and centerboards. The entire process is optimized by means of highly accurate scanning technology (Microtec) to ensure the best cutting yield.

The boards are collected, buffered, lug-loaded and further transported to a high performance Springer Board Grading and Lug-Loading

Springer Log Buffering, Unscrambling and Feeding deck

lumber sorting and stacker line.

The main features are the pith detection and the appearance of the growth-rings of both ends of the boards with two Microtec Optiside high-precision cup scanners, bin sorter with smooth unloading (30 bins) and a stacker with zig-zag orientation and automatic stick placers. The performance of this line is about 180 bpm with short lengths (1.8 3.0m).

The entire optimizer system is prepared for future upgrade and system integration of CT Log at the

log and merchandizing yard and a Goldeneye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanners in the planer mill. A fully featured Goldeneye 500 with X-ray has been installed in the cross-cut line after the planer mill.

In addition to the saw mill project itself, Springer has delivered a high performance short-lumber planer mill, for 400m/ min and a performance of up to 180 bpm. The planer has been provided by Gilbert/Canada. The planer mill includes a Microtec M3 Scan moisture meter for automatic sorting and moisture control.

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International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 25

SAWLINES

Operation Focus – Latvia

Latvian mill brings in Wood-Mizer expertise

The Wood-Mizer industrial sawmill has been in continuous operation for 7 years, and now cuts only larger logs

Post-soviet Latvian sawmill modernises with new technology

By Jacob Mooney

S

IA Planka converts from equipment requiring all manual log handling to semiautomatic sawmilling lines in less than a decade.

In spite of Latvia’s relatively small population of two million, per capita, Wood-Mizer has more industrial sawmill installations in Latvia then in any other country worldwide.

Kuldiga, Latvia is a small town

of around 18,000, best known for its famous waterfall – the widest in Europe at 249 metres (817 feet).

Nearby is SIA Planka, a sawmill company that began when Latvia was still under Soviet control. The company employees 30 people and exports timber to customers all throughout Europe. In additional to selling raw pallet timber components, the company sells pallets to German metalworking

A worker adjusts the cut width of the TVS, the first saw in the SLP line 26 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

companies, fencing to England, and varying orders for customers in Ireland, Scotland, and France.

Dzintars Knupke, the owner, purchased an LT300 thin-kerf industrial sawmill from Wood-Mizer in 2007 in order to upgrade from his old soviet-era equipment.

“Because of the machinery we had available,” Dzintars recalls, “Latvian sawmills usually required young and strong workers, because

Operation Focus – Latvia

SAWLINES

Dzintars Knupke, the sawmill owner with Vilmars Jansons, Wood-Mizer’s representative in Latvia for 20 years.

log handling and off bearing had to be done manually.” He saw the new thin-kerf sawmill technology at a trade show in Riga, Latvia’s capitol, and soon implemented it into his own company.

The timber recovery and low manual labour requirements were novelties among the other sawmills nearby, and Dzintars still processes all his big logs on the LT300 (since renamed the WM3500).

“We cut Latvian pine and spruce that we buy from the local logging companies. Our logs are usually very straight and with few defects, which means that we can focus on getting the most value out of every log. The LT300 has been in continuous operation for seven years, and we have had only one major repair in that time, when the power feed motor needed replacing.”

“After 25 years in the timber industry, I am seeing how things are changing,” Dzintars comments. “It

used to be that we simply cut what we needed to sell and just burned any waste products. However, every year the logs get thinner and more expensive. Currently, only 10-15% of our logs are really big like they used to be.”

In 2014, Dzintars decided to make better use of his headrig’s capacity and introduced a new line to handle his smaller logs, allowing the LT300 to focus on larger logs only. He installed an SLP (Smart Log Processing) line from Wood-Mizer.

“In 2013, I saw Wood-Mizer’s semi-automated SLP line at LIGNA in Hanover, Germany. I opted for the version that allows up to 3.6 meter (12 feet) log lengths to be processed. At the end of the line, I installed a board trimming saw.

So my timber is cut, trimmed to three standard sizes, and packed for transport in one straightforward process.”

Dzintars buys his logs unsorted, saving him on his initial log

purchase costs. Once the logs arrive in his log yard, he then sorts them depending on the line they are intended for.

Logs from 10-40cm (4-16 inches) are processed on the SLP line, which also uses thin-kerf blades to maximise the timber recovery from each log. The log passes first through a TVS (Twin Vertical Saw) which removes two sides, and then the log is turned 90 degrees, cut on its third side by a SHS (Single Horizontal Saw), and then turned again and put through a WoodMizer resaw with six cutting heads.

The finished six boards then move onto the trim saw and stacking area. Eight employees manage the whole line, including the final stacking for transport.

Dzintars’ investment is paying off. He reports that their

productivity has increased 40%. 15 cubic metres of timber ready for transport is produced during each shift.

“A thin-kerf sawmill such as our older LT300 or new WM4000 is meant to be matched with a line such as the SLP1 or our more automated SLP2*,” shares Vilmars Jansons, Wood-Mizer’s Latvian representative. “One for cutting larger logs, and the other for the smaller ones. But they both use the same exact blades, and so results and maintenance are consistent.

Dzintars has been quite smart in his business operations – he can order logs of any size now and know he will make a profit.” *Exact sawmill model design and specifications may vary based on country of origin.

The SVS takes off a third side before the cant reaches the resaw International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 27

Biomass

Red hot biomass sector continues to boil Competition for market share in the biomass sector has hardly let up despite lapsing government subsidies and cheap fossil fuel availability

A

s global pellet markets continue to heat up, the market for raw material is also increasing, making the woods an even more interesting place to be in business, according to North American manufacturer Bandit Industries.

The global market for wood pellets is expected to grow from

28 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

$4 billion in 2013 to $9 billion in 2020, according to Michele Rebiere with Viridis Energy, who spoke at the Pellet Supply Chain Summit in March last year. That’s a lot of wood pellets, and most are coming from the US to feed the worldwide demand.

That’s why producers who look to enter or increase production in the exploding US pellet export market are turning to Bandit Industries’ whole tree chippers and The Beast reduction machines to

As demand for pellets surges and competition in the pellet market increase, chip producers are focusing on chip quality to ensure a market for their chips, and improving their production costs and efficiency Jerry Morey, Bandit President

meet that demand. In fact, more microchips and bio sawdust are produced from Bandit machines than any other processing machines, the supplier said.

Bandit developed the microchipper drum for the Model 2590, 3090 and 3590 whole tree chippers allowing them to invest in the chipper that best meets their production needs.

Bandit chippers produce the highest quality microchips for serious pellet producers. Nearly

all chips produced by a Bandit micro chipper measure at 3/8 in-minus and most are ¼ in-minus, according to the company.

“As demand for pellets surges and competition in the pellet market increase, chip producers are focusing on chip quality to ensure a market for their chips, and improving their production costs and efficiency,” Bandit President Jerry Morey said.

“That is why Bandit continually focuses on product design

to improve the quality of the product its machines produce, while improving their operating efficiencies and reliability.

“We are particularly proud of our latest micro chippers with a head designed to make a ¼ in cut, a throwing system centred around our patented Power Slot, and our unique discharge system that will allow the chippers to fully load the largest chip trailers without the need of an auxiliary blower or chip accelerator.

“Eliminating the need for a discharge assist adds 100 horsepower to the chipper drum, but more importantly, the additional chipping power coupled with our synchronised feed system will improve fuel economy by about 30%,” Morey said.

Bandit’s patented Clean Feed systems do not allow chip to fall under the feed system or to carry back around the infeed chain. All that falls through the cracks are dirt and leaves.

29 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

BIOMASS

Bandit model 2590 “The new feed system will increase yields by 5 percent compared to our older machines and those of our competitors,” Morey said.

“Our new electronic feed system controls are amazing,” Morey added. “They allow you to dial the unit in to where the feed

system rarely stops. The feed rate adjusts to load and engine horsepower.

“This system is particularly advantageous when producing microchips in that it increases the fineness of the chips.”

Bandit chippers also have the ability to convert a microchipper

Our new electronic feed system controls are amazing Jerry Morey, Bandit

30 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

to produce a conventional chip without changing the drum. The change is quite simple, so if markets change, operators have the ability to quickly change the chipper to supply the new market.

“The Beast horizontal grinder can be equipped with cutter bodies with a chipper knife attachment to produce what we call Biosawdust, which is a microchip, but a bit finer,” Morey said.

“Again, if market change, you can quickly change the unit back to process all types of material to supply a multitude of markets.

So if you have a need to produce material for the burgeoning pellet market Bandit has solutions.”

A worldwide dealer network backs all Bandit whole tree chippers and The Beast recyclers, so every machine is never far from the experts. Dealer locations are spread throughout North American and around the world, each stocking parts, expert technicians and sales staff ready to back Bandit’s customers.

“Bandit’s unique and patented technologies make our equipment better for every producer,” said Morey.

“That’s why more industry professionals trust Bandit to help them build their businesses. We welcome the opportunity to prove what we claim. We would love to demo The Beast horizontal grinder or a whole tree chipper for you.”

Morbark, led by its founder, the late Norval Morey, pioneered and advocated the use of wood ‘waste’ and logging and sawmilling residues for energy since the 1970s.

“Who knows how much fuel material could be refined from the proper chip separation and classifying system?” Morbark had asked in an article in the New Yorker magazine.

At the time, Morbark led the industry with its sawmill equipment and the development of the first portable whole tree chipper, the Morbark Chiparvestor, which revolutionized the wood fibre supply chain and created value for underutilized forest resources. Both of these product lines are still produced and used in the industry today.

Since then Morbark has added a full line of tub and horizontal grinders as well as heavy-duty Whole Tree Chippers in various sizes and configurations, from our 30/36 to the 50/48, which can be built as MicroChippers. Morbark also produces the Beever™ M20R Forestry model drum chipper, an aggressive 20 in capacity chipper, which is ideal for entry-level biomass production.

Morbark provides a wealth of solutions for your biomass needs, but the star of the line for biomass applications is the Morbark 40/36 Whole Tree MicroChipper.

Developed from Morbark’s popular 40/36 Whole Tree Drum Chipper and designed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing pellet market, the 40/36 MicroChipper offers the Morbark’s exclusive enhanced Advantage 3 high-performance chipping drum, which is designed to both create uniform microchips and reduce maintenance demands.

An operator-friendly slide-in forestry grate system reduces

BIOMASS

oversized chips for a consistent, high-quality end product, while the mechanically driven chip accelerator fully loads your truck.

“The Model 40/36 does an outstanding job on the microchip,” Jerry Sapp of Sapp’s Land & Excavating said.

“Right now we are running three chippers: two crews are using the 40/36 MicroChippers and one has a Model 40/36 fuel chipper.

We typically get about 110 loads of microchips a week between two crews. When conditions are ideal, however, I’ve seen a crew get more than 80 loads a week with a single chipper.”

High production and high quality are the hallmarks of Morbark’s MicroChippers.

Morbark has multiple models of whole tree MicroChippers that can consistently make chips that measure ¼ in or smaller in applications that were previously limited to the fuel chip market.

“With new biomass plants being built in the United States and the rapid expansion of wood pellet exports to Europe to meet the European Union’s mandate

The Morbark 4036 microchipper

that 20% of its energy come from renewable sources by 2020, our customers need a cost-effective system for making microchips,” said John Foote, Morbark VP of Sales and Marketing. “The 40/36 MicroChipper is the solution.”

Overall, global demand for microchips has doubled over the past three years, estimated Michael Stanton, Morbark Regional Sales Manager, and indications are that demand will continue to grow, most notably with pellet manufacturers in the US. “New pellet plants continue to be built, so the capacity the US can provide keeps increasing and the markets keep opening doors,”

In short, we’re here to help you take your business to the next level John Foote, Morbark

he said. “It’s growing every year,” he said.

Accordingly, the growth of the market presents unique opportunities for the use of portable processing equipment – particularly portable MicroChippers.

“Morbark equipment is

backed by our world-class parts and service support teams from an extensive dealer network,” Foote said. “More than 250 dealer locations sell, service and support Morbark equipment worldwide.

We really do see ourselves as your partners – ready to help you in any way we can. We pay attention to

ARJES BIOMASTER

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Fon +49 (0) 36 95/85 855-0 Fax +49 (0) 36 95/85 855-14 info@arjes.de www.arjes.de

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 31

BIOMASS

A Morbark 5048 chipper

trends close to home and around the world.

“We work to make recommendations and offer ideas that are good for your business specifically. From forecasting business opportunities to helping you get financing, we provide ideas – not just equipment – to help you succeed. This is the Morbark

difference.

“Morbark’s experts can help you choose equipment that matches your needs now and in the future, as well as evaluate the benefits and potential roadblocks in the ever-changing business environment, and explore new and emerging markets.

We provide onsite and factory

service training to help you get the most out of your equipment. From testing to onsite support, we take every step out of the gate to set our customers up for success.

“In short, we’re here to help you take your business to the next level.”

The first mobile chipper in the world with rotating driver’s cab on an HGV with manual transmission now completes the successful HEM 593 series. Jenz presented the HEM 593 R Cobra at the Agritechnica in Hanover. In addition the company exhibited its current bestseller – the power take-off machine of type HEM 593 Z. When asked what has the powerful three-axle ‘Cobra’ machine got to do with a snake, Melanie Horstmeier from Jenz has a straight forward answer: “The addition ‘Cobra’ relates to the rotating driver’s cab,” explained the marketing expert. “It rises up and turns, just like the Cobra’s head in the snake charmer’s basket. This shows that the cabin is height-adjustable.”

When driving the Cobra truck, the machine operator no longer has to change from the transport seat to the working seat. He can turn the driver’s cab around by up to 160° into the right working position within a few seconds at the push of a button.

“That saves a lot of time, particularly if work is being carried out with frequent changes of location because the machine is ready for operation much quicker,” Uwe Hempen-Hermeier, Managing Partner of Jenz, said.

A further advantage is that the machine can relocate at speeds of up to 8 km/h even when the cab is turned round.

February 25th to 27th, 2016 Lane County Convention Center & Fairgrounds Eugene, Oregon USA The Morbark Beever 32 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

BIOMASS

The Jenz HEM 593 R Cobra

Changed cabin, same comfort In comparison with the classic chipper truck with HGV driver’s cab and mowing window, the machine operator in the HEM 593 R Cobra is seated in a CLAAS driver’s cab.

A lot of comfort is provided by swivelling working instruments, a flexible steering column, full air conditioning, plenty of storage facilities including a cooler and a non-slip access ladder.

“The driver has a much better view of the draw-in table and the crane, as well as the woodpile and any people in the hazard area, in comparison with other models,” Development Manager Stefan Müller said. “And all this without a twisted neck and visual restrictions.”

PTO-machines still popular Innovative new developments on one side – proven quality on the other. In addition to the new Cobra, Jenz presented its current bestseller, a power take-off machine of type HEM 593 Z. “Traditional machines with power take-off continue to be very popular,” Uwe Hempen-Hermeier said.

One advantage is that the installed power of the tractor machines, which are getting more and more powerful, can be completely used. Apart from this, the machines are extremely good off-road thanks to the high chassis.

HEM 593 mobile chipper established in practice Whether HGV chipper or power takeoff machine, the HEM 593 mobile chipper has been proving itself successfully in practice since

its market introduction in 2014.

With its extra wide draw-in of 1.4 metres, it manages bulky material such as like cuttings much better than narrower machines. The wider draw-in also makes working with the crane easier. Overall the chipper runs more smoothly and with less idle time. This increases the average throughput by more than 10% compared with the HEM 583.

In both machines, the hydraulically-driven blower for the woodchipping outfeed is a standard feature.

On the HGV, the blower is located between the driver’s cab and the chipper cell, which means woodchippings can be loaded to the front over the driver’s cab. This results in logistical advantages.

If, for example, roadside greenery is being processed on the motorway, the transport machine can stand in front of the mobile chipper and doesn’t need to drive around the chipper to join the traffic flow. On top of this the centric blower results in better weight distribution across the axles. And, since the blower speed can be infinitely variably adapted to different working conditions, the efficiency increases and the wear decreases.

The established advantages with regard to maintenancefriendliness have been retained, and now also apply to the blower.

This can now be swung completely out of its housing in just a few steps, which means that all wear

The driver has a much better view of the draw-in table and the crane, as well as the woodpile and any people in the hazard area, in comparison with other models Stefan Müller, Jenz

New chipper series HEM 593 A complete success

Interforst 2014

Ligna 2015

Agritechnica 2015

www.jenz.de

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

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 33

BIOMASS Power take-off versus Cobra HEM 593 Z

HEM 593 R Cobra

Fragmentation of hardwood up to (in cm)

45

45

Fragmentation of softwood up to (in cm)

56

56

Throughput up to about (in cm)

220

Performance potential

220

Draw-in opening Draw-in width (mm)

1,400

1,400

Draw-in height (mm)

680

680

Main drive Standard diesel motor

MAN Euro6

Power in kW/HP

353 / 480

Power consumption about (kW)

132-350

-

parts are easily accessible for maintenance. The tool-less screen basket changeover is also worthy of mention. The screen basket cover is hydraulically opened at the push-of-a-button and then pulled out of the machine, which also ensures quick and simple maintenance access.

Power take-off machines have been successfully used for a year now. Delivery of the first Cobra machines will start after the trade fair and further vehicles will be available at the start of the second quarter.

The Jenz HEM 593 Z

3rd Annual Western Forest Industry Conference, January 28, 2016 Wood Resources International LLC have announced the 3rd Annual Conference organized by Wood Resources International and the Western Forestry and Conservation Association on January 28, 2016 titled:

threats and issues in Western North America for 2016 and beyond. Industry experts and analysts from the US and Canada will address topics such as:

“Mapping the Course – Timberlands, Forest Products Processing and Energy Issues for 2016”

• US Northwest Timber Inventory and Projected Growth.

The conference will be held at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, WA, located close to Portland, Oregon’s airport.

Please join us for this one-day conference for in-depth discussions and analysis on forest products market challenges, opportunities,

• The British Columbia Shrinking Wood Supply Base.

• Outlook for Log and Chip Prices in Western North America.

• Strategic Issues for Timberland Owners in the PNW in 2016.

• Log Exports, Softwood Lumber Agreements and Other Strategic Issus in British Columbia.

• US Northwest Lumber Sector: Will the Industry Benefit from the Surge?

34 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

•E merging Pellet Markets in Asia

• Investments in West Coast Port Infrastructure for Log and Lumber Exports

•S outhern US Sawlog Prices and Lumber Production - a Comparison to the Northwest

• Key Competitors to US and Canadian Log and Lumber Exporters in the Pacific Rim.

•N avigating the Changing Fiber Sourcing by the Pulp industry

Biomass Chips, Ground Wood & aG Waste noBody does it Better than

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Chip sizes from 1/4-inch to 2-inches

or uniform ground material

The Beast® produces unmatched uniformity when it comes to ground material. The patented cutter mill or optional whole tree chipper drum delivers a downward cutting or chipping action, sizing material on the first pass, saving money on costly regrind.

Choose from four models of The Beast with self-propelled, towable or electric options.

Bandit whole tree chippers can produce chips from ¼” to 2” with unmatched uniformity. Bandit whole tree chippers throw better using less energy, so fuel consumption per ton of chips will be a 1/3 less than the competition.

And Bandit’s patent-pending Clean Feed System does not discharge chips on the ground, increasing yields by as much as 5 percent. New electric options for whole tree chippers are perfect for sawmills and chip mills. Choose from six models, towable, self-propelled and stationary.

Contact us and lets us show you why your next whole tree chipper or The Beast recycler should be a Bandit®.

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BIOMASS

Vermeer has a proven track record in delivering on industry demands for its chipping units

It’s a competitive landscape for contractors who use whole tree chippers, according to heavyweight US-based supplier, Vermeer. That makes it extremely important to

You could compare it to trying to cut a big rib-eye steak with a butter knife instead of a razor-sharp steak knife takes longer, and it takes more force to get it done Brad Van Rheenen, Vermeer

have machines that are efficient and productive, whether they’re producing wood chips for biomass fuel or the pulp and paper industry, or are clearing land for a pipeline right-of-way or a housing development.

Arguably the best way to ensure that happens is by being proactive about maintenance. Yet it’s surprising how many people are lax in that department. The reasons are varied, kind of like people with their cars. Maybe they don’t want to spend the money. Or they are busy. Or they believe they cannot be without their whole tree chipper for the time it would take to service.

Ignoring daily and scheduled maintenance often leads to bigger problems down the road and could leave a contractor without his machine longer than the maintenance would have taken, says Brad Van Rheenen, recycling and forestry applications specialist at Vermeer.

“The maintenance costs can get much more expensive, too,” he says. “For example, if you’re

36 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

The Vermeer 2300 Vertical feed chipper

BIOMASS not greasing a bearing when you should and it goes bad, and maybe you don’t notice it right away, then the shaft may get worn down, or maybe the infeed chain gets twisted.”

Taking the time to inspect the machine and conduct routine maintenance can be beneficial to your business in the future.

Maintenance Routine daily maintenance includes lubrication, inspecting wear parts and checking fluid levels.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance manual for recommended maintenance actions and intervals.

One of the most important wear items to inspect is the knives on the cutting system. Make sure they are kept sharp. It takes more horsepower to force a dull knife through the material, which puts more strain on the components.

“You could compare it to trying to cut a big rib-eye steak with a butter knife instead of a razorsharp steak knife,” Van Rheenen says. “It takes longer, and it takes

more force to get it done.”

Some of the other wear items include the infeed floor, the inside liner of the discharge chute and the belly band under the drum.

Then there are items that may seem simple but nonetheless are important, like doing a daily walk around and looking for any issues “Whole tree chippers have a very rugged life,” Van Rheenen says. “They need routine maintenance and service to continue to operate efficiently for you.”

Know the machine Besides a visual inspection, there sometimes are other clues that maintenance is needed. The discharge chute on a Vermeer whole tree chipper has holes in the outer skin. When the inner liner is worn, these holes may be an indication of the condition of the belly band. Similarly, wood chips underneath the machine may be an indication of the condition of the belly band.

Having employees go through the daily maintenance checklist

provided by the whole tree chipper manufacturer can provide more efficiency and productivity in the long run. At certain intervals, like 500 hours, a machine needs more extensive maintenance, and many manufacturers recommend consulting the local dealer for that work.

As with any machine, training and education are important to help keep a whole tree chipper operating properly.

“Be sure the group of people that are going to be operating and servicing the machine have had the proper training and know-how to recognize items that could need maintenance or service,” Van Rheenen says. “Also keep them well-trained on the safety aspects of a chipper.”

A strong dealer network also is a benefit.

“If the dealer goes to the customer to train the operators and make sure they understand how to use the machine, the do’s and don’ts, that can be a huge deal in the long haul

On the road… AND off the beaten track!

DOPPSTADT‘S DH 811 L – TruckChipper

because that customer will be more knowledgeable about the machine,” Van Rheenen says.

Other tips Besides maintenance and training, Van Rheenen has a couple of other tips for keeping a whole tree chipper in good condition. One is to avoid contaminants, like rocks and metal. This material can cause serious damage to a machine, but even small or softer items, like dirt, can lead to excessive wear. The biggest culprit when it comes to dulling knives is dirt.

Van Rheenen also suggests answering these questions: How many loads a day do you actually need to chip? How many trucks are in your fleet? How many trucks do you plan to load per hour?

“Understand your application and what your end-product specification and end production rates need to be,” Van Rheenen says.

“Buy the best machine that you can to fit that application.”

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A special unit for the production of Biomass – Flexibility in place of use as well as choice of material!

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AnzIFI184x124_2015_LIGNA_DR.indd 1

l Doppstadt DH 811 L Chipper – 530hp (390kW) built in engine l 32 tonne 4 axle – all terrain lorry truck l Chipper mounted on turntable for both side working l Self-loader crane with various forestry grabs - 10m range l Hydraulically powered infeed conveyor l Ideal for producing quality wood chips and forest Biomass 26.03.2015 14:43:12

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 37

BIOMASS

The new Komptech Hurrifex puts a stone separator and wind sifter into a single machine. Stones, inert and light items can now be removed from a wide variety of material streams in a single work step with a high degree of separation and very economically.

Turning waste into recyclables that’s the credo of the waste business. But sometimes it’s easier said than done. Effectiveness is often limited by inadequate technology and high costs, making the whole process uneconomical.

For years, Komptech’s research focus has been on the development of work-ready machines that deploy many different separation methods to open up completely new possibilities.

The result of this effort is one of the market’s largest lines of trommel and star screens, wind sifters and separators. One example is the Stonefex, which clears stones out of biomass fuels.

Using differences in air resistance and density, the machine gets stones out of the woody fraction “like no other mobile machine can”, according to the supplier.

Combining stone separation and wind sifting “Our customers have to get rid of light contraries as well as stones.

Inspired by this fact, we developed a machine that combines the functions of the Stonefex and the Hurrikan S wind sifter,” the supplier said. Called the Hurrifex, it removes stones and light items from material streams with a separation rate of up to 95%.

The advantages are obvious.

Separation requires just one process on one machine, saving space, material handling effort, energy costs and transportation costs, which are naturally a major factor. Service providers in particular appreciate being able to offer multiple material cleaning services with just one machine.

The Hurrifex gets stones and plastic film out of biomass. It also separates film and wood materials out of stone fractions. Whichever fraction the target yield may be, the machine always delivers the desired result

the machine always delivers the desired result.

Another application is cleaning up screen overflow from compost. The cleaned overflow can be returned to the compost as structure material. Doing this prevents the accumulation of stones and plastic that often happens when material is returned multiple times. The cleaned screen overflow can naturally also be used as a biomass fuel.

Waste wood processing offers many promising applications, as does mixed construction waste processing. In the latter, wood and light fractions are separated from the heavier mineral fractions, enabling subsequent processing of each specific fraction.

The input material normally passes through a screener before entering the Hurrifex. The Hurrifex is designed for a 10-150 mm grain, and as long as the material feed is consistent it delivers outstanding separation results. Depending on the material and target degree of separation, throughput can be as high as 60 m3/h, or higher in some

Broad applications The Hurrifex gets stones and plastic film out of biomass. It also separates film and wood materials out of stone fractions. Whichever fraction the target yield may be, 38 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

cases.

Suction fans set up an air flow and pull out the light materials, first and foremost plastic film.

Fan speed is easily controllable from the control panel. The stone fraction is removed to the side by a corrugated edge belt while light materials are blown into containers through flexible ducts.

‘Green efficiency’ and the Hurrifex In accordance with Komptech’s green efficiency criteria, the Hurrifex is designed to get maximum performance from minimum energy. All components are electrically driven. The fans are aerodynamically optimized, and the entire machine is designed to run on grid electricity as standard.

A low-emissions diesel generator is available as an option for users who need off-grid flexibility.

Built to the highest standards Easy maintenance access is a standard feature: The outside panels function as doors, making the motor compartment and all other areas simple to get to. The suction and conveyor fans can be accessed by a maintenance platform and folded upward for servicing. On the inside, the Hurrifex is built on a sturdy, torsion-resistant steel beam frame.

Customers can choose between two chassis variants, a tandem centre-axle version and a semitrailer.

“We are confident that the Hurrifex has other talents even we aren’t aware of, and that the list of successful applications is by no means complete. So our technicians are always on the lookout for tricky challenges and opportunities to work with users to see just what else this new machine can do,” Komptech said.

BIOMASS

The 4300B drum chipper

Peterson Corporation has multiple solutions for biomass applications – from horizontal grinders, to disc and drum chippers – providing a processing solution for almost all conceivable feed stocks.

Drum chippers “If the application is just for making biomass fuel chips, few machines will beat the productivity of a Peterson 4300-series drum chipper,” the company stated.

Processing tops, unmerchantable wood, and residues left over from a logging site is the drum chipper’s specialty and, depending on the way they are setup, can produce a chip from 3-31 mm (1/8-1¼ in).

Peterson drum chippers use a heavy-duty knife that produces a clean, cut edge to the material and a more consistent product size compared to ground material. The 4300-series drum chippers offer secondary screens to process twigs or branches that may get missed.

These ‘spears’ can cause material blockages in a biomass plant’s augers. Product consistency is extremely important to biomass chip buyers, so it is very important for the biomass chips not to have too many fines or spears in the product.

Like a disc chipper, Peterson drum chippers have adjustable knives that allow for a wide variety of chip sizes, depending on what end product the company is looking for. Peterson drum chippers can be equipped with a top load or end load spout depending on how the truck fleet is configured. Chip accelerators are used to increase load density in the chip van.

Peterson’s 4300-series drum chippers are equipped with a six-pocket drum in standard form, but for applications looking to make a 3-6 mm chip, Peterson offers a 12-pocket drum to make ‘microchips’.

“As more pellet producing plants come online, procurement buyers are seeing the advantage of a machine that can make 0.25 in chips which can go directly to the dryer,” Peterson said. “Many pellet plants today start with longer more conventional 1 in chips that need to go through a costly hammermill reduction stage before the dryer.”

Production from Peterson drum chippers will vary with wood species, chip length, and tree size.

Typical production from a Peterson 4300-series machine with a six pocket drum making 22 mm (7/8 in) length chips will be about 80 t/h. Microchip production making 6 mm (0.25 in) chips with a 12-pocket pocket drum will be about 50 t/h.

The fuel consumption will range

from 0.76-1.9 litres/t depending on the wood species, size and moisture level. Fuel consumption of 0.76 litres/t) will be typical for fresh wood.

Disc chippers Though primarily used to make clean pulp and paper chips, Peterson disc chippers can also be used to reduce wood into short fibre chips. Disc chippers are the main type of chipper used to produce high quality wood chips for the pulp and paper industry.

“Peterson disc chippers provide a more consistent chipping angle which results in more uniform chip thickness and length,” the manufacturer stated.

The anvil gap, knife extension, counter knife angle, and attack angle can all be readily adjusted with a disc chipper to produce the highest quality chips.

A typical chip length specification for the pulp industry is between 16 mm (5/8 in) and 28 mm (1-1/4 in). Modifications must be made to the disc, counter knife and chipping speed to produce 6-9 mm (¼-3/8) in microchips.

Peterson has developed a microchip configuration for the 5900E Disc Chipper and 5000H Whole Tree Chipper. Production with these machines will vary with wood species, chip length, and tree size.

Typical production with a four

The Peterson 4810F-5900E

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 39

Mulcher TFV

Mulcher TFVJMFH

Mulcher TFVMFD

Mulcher TFVD

pocket disc making 6-7 mm (1/4 in) length chips will be 50 t/h.

Production making 9-10 mm (3/8 in) chips with a four pocket disc will be about 70 t/h. The fuel consumption will range from 0.76 to 1.9 litres/t) depending on the wood species, size and moisture level. Fuel consumption of 0.76 litres/t will be typical for fresh wood.

The most common feedstock for direct fired wood boilers is 76 mm (3 in) minus ground wood. Low moisture and low ash content are desirable. Dry wood has a higher net heating value. Dirt in the wood may cause boiler damage and increase the amount of ash to be disposed.

Minimum fines, particles less than 3 mm (1/8 in), may also be desirable for maximum boiler efficiency depending on the boiler type. Urban wood waste and forest residuals are common feedstock.

Horizontal grinders are the most economical machine type to reduce wood for this application. They are more tolerant than chippers to any contamination in the feedstock.

Mulcher TFVJH

CASTOR 1320

Rayco specialises in lightweight yet durable machines.

“When you want a lightweight,

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The Rayco RC1220G

300 mm (12 in) brush chipper at an economical price, you don’t have to sacrifice performance,” the company stated. “The RC1220G is the solution.”

The RC1220G features a powerful feed system, using a planetary drive motor to power the feed wheel for years of dependable service with very little maintenance. To reduce trimming, the throat opening is 500 mm (20 in) wide all the way through to the drum, eliminating neck-downs behind the feed wheel. The feed wheel itself is 500 mm (20 in) in diameter, allowing it to climb over limbs and logs easier than smaller feed wheels.

Rayco’s X-Charge discharge system packs chips tight and helps to prevent plugging. To reduce maintenance costs, traditional clutches are eliminated. The drum engagement is provided by a reliable belt-tensioning PTO. Drive belts can be accessed easily, without tools to save maintenance time. The lighter weight of the RC1220G also makes it well suited for towing, reducing loads and using less fuel in the tow vehicle.

“The RC1220G offers performance and labor saving features in a package that can fit almost any budget.”

BIOMASS

With the new screen SM 518 plus, environmental specialist Doppstadt has updated its series for separation and sorting in the raw materials processing.

The range of possible applications of the mobile and stationary screens does not only include the requirements of classical recycling, but even tasks in the field of agriculture and forestry and of sand and gravel mining, for example.

“Whether landfill, processing plant, contractor or building material supplier: we can offer our customers today an individual and economically efficient, durable solution. This true for waste such as MSW and debris as well as for products made from waste such as compost and biomass fuels and besides for raw materials such as wood chips, sand, gravel and earth“ Karsten Runge reports, product manager from Calbe (near Magdeburg), one of the production sites of the internationally operating german enterprise.

Valuable solutions for continuous operation For nearly 50 years, the Doppstadt engineers and technicians have been developing machines that achieve high throughput every day.

The magic phrase in the design offices and production halls of the machine manufacturer is ‘Quality made in Germany’, as Karsten Runge explains.

“Machines must make money in the daily operation and mustn’t cost money. But they can only do so if they run reliably and for a long time, ideally with a high resale value after many years.

“Therefore at Doppstadt we count on high quality for machines, accessories and service, which is ensured by using premium materials and components of European suppliers. Intense controls during production guarantee a high quality level.

“Patented spare parts and CE marks for the machines providelegal certainty and maintain the manufacturer product liability.

Of course, quality comes at a price, but it will pay off thanks to the high and long availability of the screens.

Doppstadt SM 518 application

“With regard to the economic efficiency during operation, Doppstadt machines beat comparable products and come off well at the calculation of ‘costs per tonne of processed material’.

“If you consider output and costs of our machines the economic efficiency is above average. All our screens achieve a high output at low operating costs because they render their service at low maintenance costs, they are very durable and work with fuel efficient engines.”

24-hour service for original spare parts But the Doppstadt customer service does not end after the machine sale. A worldwide, promptly working maintenance and repair support guarantees a quick delivery of original spare parts. A dense network of sales partners enables this customer service.

Service technicians trained on Doppstaft machines go to the customers’ sites with original spare parts are trained specialists.

“We are of the opinion that every machine is as good as its service,” Runge said. “This makes a world of difference between Doppstadt and the competitors.”

intelligent shredding, chipping, screening and sifting technology and water processing solutions in the field of environmental technology.

As a second generation, Ferdinand Doppstadt directs the international operating group of companies together with his executive staff. As a specialist in the field of environmental

technology, Doppstadt develops innovative and reliable high-quality products. Customers who decide to buy a Doppstadt product will also profit from a perfect service.

Based on many years of practical experience and competence, the Doppstadt team assists and advises the customers in a solution-oriented and individual way.

LESS FUEL, MORE POWER. THE CRAMBO DIRECT | DUAL-SHAFT SHREDDER

Ready for anything: Big shredding chamber with two 2.8 m long counterrotating toothed drums for active feed Clean power: Caterpillar® Level 3b or 4 diesel engine with the latest exhaust scrubbing

Made to order: Adjust the degree of shredding by a simple change of the screen basket or the entire screen basket cartridge

The Doppstadt Group The Doppstadt family enterprise founded in 1965 with headquarters in Velbert, Wülfrath, Calbe, Vienna (Austria) and in Bethesda, near Washington (USA), serves customers in more than 40 countries worldwide using the distribution network and offering

Clear and easy to use: New user interface with logical menu guidance and visualization of all functions

Top drive efciency and functionality: Mechanical direct drive with overload protection, reversing and automatic gear change

Of course we´re not the only people helping to make the world a greener place. But we´re still very proud of our solutions for handling waste and biomass! www.komptech.com

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 41

INDUSTRY VOICE

2015

Suppliers content with slow growth After more than a decade of volatility including a prolonged period of difficulty across the world, the forestry sector appears to be happy to enjoy a period of increasing stability and incremental growth, according to the findings of International Forest Industry’s Industry Voice questionnaire

T

his year’s Industry Voice feature has generally painted a picture of building stability and expectations of incremental growth as demand moves on unchecked and global political events fail to hold back the forward march of our forestry sectors.

Russia and Brazil are holding back overall growth though stability and increasing strength in Scandinavia and the US have encouraged forestry businesses. Stability was a theme of 2014 and has generally continued into this year, despite lingering uncertainty in Europe and stalling emerging markets. We are not seeing the volatility of previous years and some markets – Australia, for example – are even expected to outperform.

Currency challenges have made a big difference to the performance and demand from several markets, with South African and Brazilian forest professionals doing it particularly tough. In these locations, loggers and sawmill operators are reverting to inferior

42 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

technologies produced locally because of the prohibitive costs on imported machines due to unfavourable currency shifts.

From a technology perspective, improvements continue to streamline businesses and improve efficiencies. Tier IV engines have made a big impact on operations as fuel savings become increasingly beneficial to the bottom lines of forestry professionals.

This has come partly as a response to stricter environmental regulation but has also been prompted by the industry, which has been asking for greater productivity and lower fuel consumption. Other key industry demands were for lower ground pressure to save the environment and greater operator comfort to attract and keep good people in a given operation.

INDUSTRY VOICE

Our 2015 Panel

Tigercat Industries International Factory Sales Representative, Gary Olsen

Springer Chief Executive, Gero Springer

Komatsu Forest Marketing Director, Ola Boström

Q. A.

How has the macro-economic situation affected your sales figures?

Rottne: The macro economy has been nervous during 2015. But it seems that the macro-economy has continued the recovery and higher sales in European markets are expected.

Demand for forest products remains strong, because of the growing population in the world, which is in need of products made from forestry raw material like paper, textiles and shelters.

Komatsu: We face political turbulence in many parts of the world, which affects the stability of our business.

Two of our main markets – Russia and Brazil –

Ellen Nelson, Lucidyne Technologies Chief Financial Officer

Rottne Sales Export Director, Jan Hennberg

Komptech, Heinz Leitner, CEO of the Komptech Group

Martin Wilkinson, Vice President, Worldwide Forestry and Business Development, John Deere

are in recession. Europe is our main market for CTL machines and uncertainty in Central Europe has affected the industry. However, the market in Scandinavia is good, benefiting from the strong US dollar. I hope that Russia and South America will soon recover and mechanisation increases.

Experts predict a continued positive future for forestry businesses. We see a global rising population and an increasing demand for forest raw material.

In the long-term, there is always a demand for raw material from the forest. A fall in global demand for newspapers affects the forest sector negatively, but demand for wood for other purposes such as energy sources points in another direction.

From a machine manufacturer point of view, product development must be active and continue regardless of the market and economic situation. Customers expect new technology to improve their business and we are always listening and trying to keep up with the demand.

During the last two years, Komatsu has launched a new product range that has increased the

interest in our machines even in a slower market situation.

Tigercat: Sales figures in the US remained strong on the back of a stronger US dollar and also due to favourable fibre markets in the southeast.

The Canadian market remained strong in spite of severe pressure due to plummeting prices in nearly every commodity except for wood fibre. In markets outside of North America the strong dollar has had an influence on sales figures especially since currencies like the Swedish Krone and the Japanese Yen have not appreciated. Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa and Brazil were all affected by their various currencies depreciating against the US dollar.

John Deere: Globally, the markets are constantly fluctuating.

The macro-economic situations in Russia and Brazil have had negative impacts in those markets, while broader European and North The

Level Headed Approach to

Land Clearing

POWER TO PERFORM

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 43

INDUSTRY VOICE American markets have continued to be strong over the last year. In North America, we are seeing that key economic drivers, like production and wood products, are up. The United States housing market, although still slow, is showing signs of strength. Commercial development and road building – leading indicators of housing starts – are on the rise.

Despite the signs of success in the North American and European markets, the challenging global economy is putting a lot of pressure on producers. At John Deere, we want to help loggers deal with the increased demand.

Loggers are being forced to be more efficient about how they run their business and John Deere provides the equipment and solutions to do that.

The challenging global economy has required us to respond to our customers’ need to produce more at a lower cost. In 2015 we made great strides in doing that across a number of our product lines. Our L- and M-Series machines have been game changers across many of our global markets with more robust components and innovative powertrain improvements driving increased uptime and productivity. And our newest G-Series WCTL machines are already showing significant gains in productivity for our European customers. As these product improvements continue to meet and exceed the needs of our customers, we expect our sales figures to continue to increase and will continue to build on that momentum in 2016 with new improvements to some of our other product lines.

Komptech: This year has been a good year for Komptech, with many new products. In addition to the new Multistar S3 and L3 star screen products, we also introduced the new Axtor 5010/6010 high speed shredder line and the Hurrifex combined film and stone separator. These products are used primarily for biomass processing, which is a very important market for Komptech. In 2016 our focus will be on deepening the market penetration of these new products. It looks like we will reach our revenue and profit targets for 2015.

Springer The last year showed a rather constant development and we could not monitor big ups or downs.

Lucidyne As the economy grows and strengthens, we have seen an increase in activity in the wood products sector. Although 2015 was not as strong as economists expected, what we are seeing is a slower, but very steady increase in economic indicators. With the expectation that housing starts will steadily increase, we are seeing lumber mills preparing for the higher demand.

They are making the capital investments to meet that demand. As a result, we have seen a surge in the sales of our GradeScan automated lumber grader. With a GradeScan system, mills can maximize both fibre and value recovery, and that shows up on the bottom line..

Q.

Do you feel your forestry sector has stabilised over 2015?

A.

Rottne: Yes, definitely. The forest sector worldwide become more stable during 2015 and we see a completely different picture today. There is still some uncertainty in some markets but with an improved economy in Europe we have already seen increased sales of machinery in 2015, which will peak in 2016.

The industry is quite optimistic about the future. There are new markets in which the mechanisation of the forestry sector has increased and new investments and subsidies are being made within the industry. There are more young entrepreneurs starting up or taking over businesses.

Komatsu: We estimated and waited for an upturn during 2015, but this has not happened at the pace that we hoped for due to aforementioned economic problems in many markets. We see some increasing activity in the forest and for our machines, which indicate recovery. Komatsu sees positive signs in North America and Australia. Investments in new machines must also come after years of low investments. An increasing housing market is also a good sign.

During slow economic times maintaining profitability is always a challenge, but we are making heavy investments in new products and services to make our customers’ businesses better. We’re making equipment more productive

44 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

and more efficient during the whole life cycle.

Tigercat: The forestry sector and the global equipment market for forestry machines has remained stable for some time now, allowing for better manpower and resource planning than in the past.

John Deere: Forestry, like many industries where global trade occurs, will fluctuate in particular markets or regions regularly. One market can be down while another is up, but as demand for wood fibre and timber increases, the markets will continue to trend upward. Globally, from a forestry equipment standpoint, we have experienced one of the longest upward trends in equipment sales since 2009 in recorded history.

Springer We can answer this question with yes. Most of our customers have shown an attitude which can generally be described as very positive.

Lucidyne There has been some stabilizing in 2015, and we expect to see that trend continue in the next several years. Mills continue to invest in plant and equipment. We are seeing significant investments in upgrading Lucidyne Grade Mark Readers to the new M5 generation, purchasing new equipment like GradeScan, and adding components like the GradeVU projector system. These investments provide evidence of stabilization, and the confidence that the stabilization will continue.

Q. A.

Have you seen a shift in key markets or emerging markets over 2015?

Rottne: The forestry sector in the world has seen sustained growth over the last three-to-years due to increased demands for forestry products and raw material in developing countries with huge populations such as China, India and Indonesia. North America started to

INDUSTRY VOICE move already in the second half of 2013 and has continued to be very active through tol today. We expect the North American market to continue on this higher level also in 2016.

Rottne has made some changes in our distributor network for different countries in Europe and North America. We can now see very positive results in Finland, Spain, Portugal, and France as well as for US and Canada. We are also focusing on adapting our Rottne machines in a better way to the different types of forestry there are in European countries – wet conditions or steep terrain. These adaptations have also positively affected our sales figures.

Komatsu: It is mainly as before. Some main markets have a positive change like Australia and North America, but at the same time other main markets, like Russia and South America lowered their demand, at the moment. Europe is Komatsu’s main market and it requires only small positive improvements to affect our sales.

The Russian market is important for us but made fewer investments during 2015. This will last into 2016 due to the geopolitical situation.

Overall, we think the traditional mechanised forest machine markets are recovering and maintain their importance. The emerging markets like China, Indonesia and India will increase slowly, as said before all market data suggests that the global forestry and mechanisation will grow steadily.

Tigercat: There has been no real shift in the key markets where Tigercat has a presence. The US remained strong while the South American, Australian and New Zealand markets all showed further improving business activity in comparison to 2014. Tigercat has booked annual sales increases of around 30% from 2013 to 2015.

Some of this increase can be attributed to new market development and a healthy portion has come from increased market share at the expense of our competitors but overall improved demand is also an important factor. It remains to be seen if this is due to market growth or multiyear cyclical demand.

John Deere: While we have seen positive indicators of recovery in the European market this year, it is not yet back to its historically higher levels. The North American market has remained strong.

As mentioned earlier, the Russian and Brazilian

markets have been impacted by their particular macro-economic factors.

Komptech: The Central and Western European markets like France and Benelux are stable. In Germany, after a very difficult 2014, our sales recovered in 2015. There is room to grow there, and for 2016 we project revenue growth, although that will mean taking share, since the market itself is basically satiated. The trend is also upward in the Southern European markets, as it is in Eastern Europe, where more and more waste management projects are coming online. We are particularly gratified by developments in Poland.

However, project financing remains difficult for private-sector companies in these markets.

Naturally we hope to see a boost from the new EU recycling package. Certainly, recycling goals that are already in place must by no means be revoked.

Outside Europe, our strongest single market is the US. However, we have to deal with fluctuating demand and increasing price pressure. Due to the presidential election, we expect some volatility in public sector orders in the US in 2016. Japan is coming along well; in particular, in the aftermath of Fukushima there is strong investment in renewable energy. With the lifting of the sanctions against Iran we expect that market, which was formerly very good for us, to regain its vigour. As in 2015, in 2016 the Russian market will not play a major role for Komptech.

Springer Our business has been balanced on projects in all our key markets. This situation did not change notably in 2015.

Lucidyne One of the key shifts we have seen is the refocus of Canadian companies into the southeastern United States. Housing starts in the southeast are roughly double that of the western US, and significantly higher than the northeast and midwest. Further, the profitability opportunity in the southeast trumps the other regions, so the investment by lumber companies in that region is a significant shift.

Q.

What are your key markets currently and what kind of volumes are you delivering; is that changing?

A.

Rottne: Some 45% of our sales are domestic (Sweden). North America makes up 15% of our market with the Czech Republic and Germany both taking 10% each.

Other markets consume the balance of Rottne machines.

Komatsu: Key markets are the Nordic countries, with Sweden and Finland as volume markets.

Central Europe with Germany and France are also important markets. Markets like South America and Russia are the third most important markets when it comes to volumes and they have the biggest potential to grow as mechanization still is low in these countries. Key markets have remained unchanged for several years.

The enormous forest areas in Russia provide big potential. They are the largest producer of timber and need a high number of machines.

Russia is for that reason very attractive in terms of forest machines sales. The Russian industry is in need of modernisation and mechanisation of both logging and transportation. Komatsu aims to be an important part in that progress.

Tigercat: The ratio of unit sales among US, Canada and export markets has remained the same for the past three-to-four years. The US remains the key as the highest in unit sales. Internationally, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Chile remained key for Tigercat sales.

John Deere: Key forestry markets have remained largely unchanged for several years. North America and Europe continue to account for 80% of the industry sales, and John Deere sales are in line with that mix. Both markets have experienced growth in the past year, and expect that to continue in 2016 – especially with the increased availability of our new machines.

As the only full-line manufacturer in the forestry equipment industry, providing a full range of full-

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 45

INDUSTRY VOICE tree and cut-to-length machines and harvesting heads, John Deere is well positioned to adjust to any fluctuations in demand around the world.

We are constantly speaking with customers and improving our equipment to better meet their needs.

Komptech: For the future, we see Latin America, Southeast Europe, and Southeast Asia as markets with high potential. The current low oil and electricity prices are making life difficult for producers of renewable energy right now, with lower margins and naturally a resulting low willingness to invest. In these circumstances, customers look hard at the operating costs and economy of machines. This is generally positive for us, since our products are the clear market leaders in terms of efficiency and economy. We plan to devote more resources to developing new business strategies like used machine sales and alternative financing models. Overall, for 2016 we project moderate revenue and profit growth, in the single-digit percentage range.

Springer Our key markets are Europe, USA, Canada, Russia, South America and Oceania.

Lucidyne We are seeing significant business in the southeastern United States as that market continues to grow. However, we also have strong sales in the northwest and regions all over the world. Our volumes have increased as the market has strengthened, and as mills are increasingly driven to maximize profitability and optimize the use of their raw materials. The addition of a GradeScan system gives mills that capability.

Q. A.

Have any international events had an impact on your business?

Rottne: Declining economy in China; uncertainty of the US industrial index and employment figures; refugee mass movement from Mid-East/North Africa into Europe; Greek

economy problems; the Rubel drop against the Euro and the Swedish financing institutes are more restricted and not willing to take any risks in Russia; all have had an impact.

Of course these factors have different impacts on all businesses, but I want to say that for the forestry sector and the products that come from forestry, the effect is marginal.

Komatsu: I interpret the word events as big international fairs like Elmia Wood, Metko, KWF and other big forest fairs around the world. This year has not been an intensive year of international fairs, but Komatsu has successfully participated in many that we consider important but smaller local events and forest fairs.

Tigercat: The difficulties in Russia continue to challenge Tigercat and our dealers in term of new sales as well as supporting the current field population.

The logistical challenge together with a sunken currency in Russia remains the single biggest event that has impacted on our potential international business.

John Deere: Specific events that have had an impact on our business this year include: • T he macroeconomic events in Russia and Brazil certainly affect all businesses and our sales in those countries • T he US dollar continues to strengthen, making our US-based products more expensive for external sales, conversely our Euro based products become less expensive in the US market.

Springer We did not see any specific event influencing our business over the last year.

Lucidyne Although the lumber market in China plummeted, we don’t see a significant impact of those markets on the US and Canadian activity.

Forecasts predict long-term stable growth in North America, and our sales reflect that confidence.

46 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Q.

Have your customers decreased, maintained or increased their spending’s on new technologies?

A.

Rottne: It varies a lot between different markets and customers.

Developing countries have demands for technology to increase mechanisation. Established markets are more interested in more efficient technologies that add values to their operations by reducing the cost of harvesting.

Machine manufacturers must remember that we do not sell machines or equipment’s to our customers. We have to understand that our customers are only interested in buying production capacity.

Komatsu: Customers in countries with economic problems have decreased their demand. Customers anyhow maintain a certain level of investment even in slow business cycles and the emerging market always incrementally increase their mechanisation level. There is always a need for new equipment that make forest work more efficient and safer to keep up with the increasing demand of forest products. Not only depending on business cycles.

Customers are willing to invest in new technology, but only if it can improve their productivity, efficiency, safety and profitability.

The new forwarder range launched in 2013 have sold very well and spread to over 15 countries.

The new harvester range has successfully been launched in 2015 and has so far been delivered all over Europe.

Tigercat: In countries like Brazil and South Africa, we have seen our customers actually reverting to older and less efficient technologies due to currency exchange rate challenges. In Brazil the local manufacture of cheap and inferior excavators has affected sales while the importation of cheap inferior excavators into South Africa is

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INDUSTRY VOICE what logging contractors are forced to look at as equipment replacement becomes necessary.

Conversely, the latest emissions technology for North America and Europe has been compulsory for everyone.

We still see the same demand from the marketplace for ongoing improvements in ergonomics, efficiency and productivity, uptime and longevity. However, with the currency challenges, it becomes an issue of affordability.

John Deere: There is no denying that technology is changing the way business is done. Every year, technology solutions are becoming more affordable and more powerful, which in turn is streamlining business, driving productivity and reducing costs – and the logging industry is no exception.

Technologies such as John Deere ForestSight, which includes invaluable resources such as JDLink and TimberNavi, and the data that come from them is power – power to plan, make decisions and solve problems in a more efficient way.

Globally, the transition to Final Tier 4 has also made a big impact. The more stringent emission requirements are certainly more expensive, requiring us as a company as well as our customers to spend more money on compliant machinery. However, these new requirements are giving us an opportunity reconfigure our machinery and make improvements as we are upgrading the engines. Additionally, the Final Tier 4 engines used in John Deere Forestry machines are proven, based on hours and hours of testing and field performance of the same engines in other divisions.

Aside from required upgrades, forestry customers have always been interested in increasing uptime and productivity, and are willing to spend money in order to do so. With the increased concern about the lack of skilled operators, we have also seen a desire for equipment upgrades and technology that can help simplify the job and make employees more effective in a shorter amount of time.

One example is Intelligent Boom Control on our E-Series and new G-Series Forwarders.

IBC allows the operator to control the grapple placement by simply moving the two main control levers. IBC shortens the learning curve for new operators and dramatically decreases fatigue for all. Additionally, available standard

on our 800 M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, our Rapid Cycle System (RCS) technology was developed based on customer input. RCS combines automated felling-head arm cycling with simple control – dramatically reducing operator fatigue while increasing efficiency and productivity.

Springer We can see a shift in the spending towards long term investments.

Lucidyne New technology is vital to remaining competitive in the lumber industry. Getting the most out of the valuable natural resource and efficient production practices are key. Our customers recognize that and are continuing to invest in the necessary technology. The recent introduction of our GradeVU projector system has been very popular. GradeVU projects the final grading solution onto the board so a check grader can monitor system performance. Even as boards are moved or bounced on the chain, the projected solution follows the movement of the board so there is never confusion about which solution is tagged to which board. We are very proud of this patent-pending technology, and our customers are investing in this cutting edge technology.

Q.

What are your customers asking you to provide to assist their businesses?

proactive service and maintenance programs.

We believe it is important to develop products and technologies that deliver customers higher and higher quality in order to increase reliability.

We understand our customer’s daily business and realise that easy service and maintenance is very important, as much as productivity. New products, new technology and new services are always interesting for customers and an established service network is something we continuous develop.

Parallel to this we invest in advanced ICT system to give our customers both faster and better support, improve spare parts distribution, shorten delivery time and improve service capability. Our system is called MaxiFleet and can, via a web interface, visualise all operations and automatically send the report to machine owner. It helps the owner to effectively manage the equipment and operation. He can save both time and money by organising the service and maintenance of his fleet. The follow-up system ensures an operation that is as efficient as possible.

There are trends that machine owners outsourcing their maintenance activities to the machine supplier and the authorised service network. The same goes for training of operators to improve efficiency and safety. The machine supplier has of course the best knowledge of the machine.

In many countries, the landowners expect the contractors to be mechanised and provide cost effective logging even in steep slopes. Here we can see great potential with our high stability harvester concept.

Rottne: Productivity, Flexibility and good aftersales service are the keys to success.

Other more specific items are fuel consumption (important for the profitability); ground pressure (important for the environment); and comfort (comfort line, important for the drivers).

Tigercat: The need for a telematics offering that assists customers in understanding their equipment and operations better and in real time stands out as the most asked for feature. Telematics will allow them to hone in on efficiencies, improve maintenance, reduce wasteful activities and monitor productivity. The strong drive to mechanise harvesting on steep slopes due to safety and cost reasons has seen the growth of tethered or cable assist (they are not the same) logging operations around the world.

Komatsu: Besides fuel efficient machines with high productivity and reliable machines with low operating cost, the customers asking for

John Deere: Globally, loggers are being forced to increase uptime while limiting expenses. This has translated to what customers are asking for

A.

48 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

INDUSTRY VOICE out of their equipment manufacturers. From an equipment perspective, loggers need machines that enable them to be smarter with how they perform their jobs. This understanding shapes how we are developing and upgrading our equipment offerings – anything that we can do to help make their jobs easier and more successful is what we strive for. We are developing new machine technology to help increase uptime, thus increasing the logger’s profitability, helping loggers meet the challenges of an ever-changing economic climate.

Aside from equipment, loggers are concerned with customer support from their dealer. With uptime being vital to a logger’s business and profitability, it is important that they have a partner to ensure they stay up and running. John Deere boasts a strong global dealer channel, striving to support our customers regardless of their location or challenges.

Whether it’s helping steep slope customers find a way to mechanise previously manual operations to improve safety, or providing Brazilian customers with enhanced mechanical solutions to assist with silviculture activities such as planting, spraying and ground preparation, we are constantly looking for ways to meet all customers’ needs and help improve their uptime and productivity.

Springer Our customers highly appreciate our fond experience in developing mechanical and electrical state of the art solutions together with them.

Lucidyne Our customers are always eager to learn about the most recent technology and how they can continue to maximize value and fiber recovery.

We are proud to work in close partnership with our customers and potential customers to understand the issues that are important to them, and work together to achieve their goals.

Q. A.

How important is biomass to your organisation; is this changing?

Rottne: Rottne is not active in Biomass.

We have a different chassis that we sell to customers who want to have biomass equipment attached to the machine.

Komatsu: Markets with increasing biomass and energy wood harvesting are important for us, but has to some extent stagnated due to today’s low oil and coal price. However, the volumes taken out from the forest increases the demand for forest machines. Forest machines for traditional logging are mature products and we believe that with new attachments biomass can be harvested and transported with established methods. We see only minor adjustments of existing products.

No revolutionary development at this point.

Our product range includes products used in biomass harvesting like harvester heads with multi-stem handling variable bunks on forwarders and loads scales, etc. We are continuously monitoring the business to see changes in demands.

Komatsu always tries to bring innovations to mechanised forestry. Biomass harvesting is a complementary business and Komatsu is a part of the development and use of sustainable energy.

biomass) is ‘preventive medicine’ for our forests, helping limit the number and severity of forest fires, reducing the habitat of destructive insects to help ensure that the healthiest trees thrive, and promoting the growth of healthier, stronger trees. In addition, it can offer communities a much-needed, new revenue stream by creating new jobs in the forest.

Springer Biomass has become an important factor for the Industry to provide a broad range of products.

Lucidyne Many mills are taking a serious look at biomass and how they might incorporate it into their mill operations. As a technology solutions provider, biomass is not part of our operation, but we are working with our customers to help them understand their total mill solutions, and how Lucidyne can partner with them to stay ahead in this competitive market.

Tigercat: Indirectly biomass is important to our organisation due to the US being such a large wood pellet exporter and Tigercat sells equipment into this market. In many of the other countries outside of North America biomass remains more talk than doing with cheaper but environmentally unfriendly alternatives still the major source of energy for power production.

John Deere: At John Deere, we are always looking for ways to bring innovation to the forest in a way that is beneficial to forest health. Sustainable harvesting of forest renewables (woody

TM

a brand of FAE Group

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 49

INNOVATION – TIGERCAT

New Tigercat powered 822D Series carriers

Redesigned upper assembly further improves right hand side visibility

T

he 822C series has been a highly successful and productive machine in production for over a decade and remains available in non- Tier 4 markets. The new D-series takes the carrier to the next level with a number of improvements aimed at service access, the operating environment, improved hydraulic effi ciency and increased hydraulic component commonality with other 800 series machines.

The all-new upper structure houses a Tigercat FPT engine available with a Tier 4f clean diesel emission control system. A higher capacity cooling system improves performance in hot climate regions.

The redesigned engine enclosure profi le further improves allimportant right hand side visibility.

The entire engine compartment is exposed with the independent power operated side platform and roof enclosures. Access to components and daily service points is excellent with ground level fueling and easy access to the hydraulic fi lters, hydraulic oil fi ll pumps, swing gearbox remote oil level tank, DEF injection pump, DEF tank, cooling system components

and both sides of the engine.

The redesign has also allowed for a larger standard fuel tank, increasing capacity to 585 L (155 US gal).

A new cab structure with narrower front posts and larger side windows further enhances visibility, with improved sight lines to both the right and left sides of the cab. The skylight has been replaced by a camera system providing the operator with a much wider fi eld of view, and eliminating visibility inhibiting elements like snow and debris for year round capability.

The 822D is standard equipped with LED lighting for improved productivity in night shift operations and improved reliability.

The cab interior is quieter and instrumentation has been thoughtfully placed to optimize ergonomics. The electronic control system interface screen includes a seven inch (180

50 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

mm) touch screen colour monitor and there are multiple mounting points for additional electronic devices. Clever door hinge geometry allows the front door to swing level for easier opening and closing.

With tight tuck boom geometry and near zero tail swing, the 822D is a powerful, yet compact machine well suited to selective felling and clear fell applications.

Outstanding access to service points and major components

FELLING HEADS The felling attachment could affect the productivity of not just the feller buncher but the entire harvesting system

Versatility meets power in felling heads Contractors are telling suppliers they need flexibility in their daily operations

I

f there was a standout theme in this year’s review of felling head technology, it was versatility.

This was achieved through both adaptable individual heads but more so through a dedication across suppliers to produce a full range of heads so that contractors can find an attachment that should in theory be perfect for the application.

Each head has also been optimised to improve the powerto-energy ration so efficiencies are maximised and costs are kept low without sacrificing performance.

Specifically, Tigercat claims to have a wide range of felling attachments to suit applications around the globe, which has been built on its base of “high capacity bunching saws and shears mated to drive-to-tree feller bunchers in the southern US”. The company said the felling attachment could affect the productivity of not just the feller buncher but the entire harvesting system.

Caterpillar meanwhile said

its heads were “powerful [and] versatile”, suited to track or wheel carriers. The supplier has prioritised directional felling heads or partial and full lateral tilt centre post heads. For the highest capacity, the combination of bunching saws and a side-cut saw on a wheeled carrier was recommended.

Similarly, Quadco stressed the need to be “more diversified than ever before”, which had effectively driven its production of a head range suited to biomass harvesting, thinning, scheduled cutting of short cycle tree plantations and “final felling of mature stands, exfoliated, insects ridden or burnt trees”.

This is delivered through various combinations of disk saw heads, shear heads, intermittent disk saw heads and bar saw heads.

Komatsu on the other hand has worked hard to perfect its XA233-2 bar saw felling head for the new XT-3 Series track feller bunchers and other tracked carriers, which

it said should deliver “superior multi-function performance” that would ensure high production in “demanding” forest environment.

Gilbert is another to boast a specialised and complete range of felling heads. The best and more appropriate head for any given operation can only be decided by the contractor.

Tigercat has developed wide range of felling attachments to suit applications around the globe.

After introducing high capacity bunching saws and shears mated to drive-to-tree feller bunchers in the southern US, loggers quickly realised that the felling attachment could affect the productivity of not just the feller buncher but the entire harvesting system.

One realised benefit of Tigercat bunching heads is reduced machine travel, resulting in less

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 51

FELLING HEADS

The Tigercat 2000 felling head

wear and improved fuel economy.

Larger, more tightly aligned bunches also improves skidder productivity. Tigercat has continued to develop and enhance the bunching heads with a strong focus on the requirements of Southern Hemisphere plantation eucalyptus, pine and acacia operations.

Tigercat bunching saws are very common in pine and eucalptus plantations in North and South America. In Brazil, 5000 and 5300 series bunching saws equipped on 860C and 870C feller bunchers are achieving some of the highest productivity rates in the world.

2000 bunching shear The 2000 series has evolved over the years into what is universally considered the premium plantation eucalyptus felling head for Australian blue gum applications in highly abrasive soil conditions or rocky terrain. The reasons are simple. With fast shear cycles, the 2000 has proven to be highly productive, and extremely reliable.

Compared with a disc saw, maintenance requirements are less and bushfire risk is minimised.

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

As opposed to the southern US where shears are typically used with drive-to-tree machines, in Australia, the 2000 shear is commonly mated to the Tigercat 855C track feller buncher along with the 340° wrist. This machine

configuration normally achieves production rates of around 600 stems/h. Very high flow rates from the base carrier and clever hydraulics account for the unprecedented production rates.

The massive 0.62 m2 accumulation pocket allows for larger bunches, subsequently boosting skidder production and reducing fuel consumption as the skidder can more quickly accumulate a load. The shear improves the flow of the entire harvesting system.

The head does not rely on complex electronics and valves.

The Tigercat carrier supplies fully proportional and operator adjustable pilot control for all head functions, providing very smooth activation and deactivation of all head circuits.

5702 felling saw The 5702 single post felling saw can be fitted to both drive-to-tree and track feller bunchers and is used throughout North America and in Chile, Brazil and Australia in larger pine and hardwood

With continuous rotation, the head can be quickly and easily repositioned for double without moving the carrier Tigercat

52 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

applications.

The saw also has excellent bunching ability with optimized arm profiling and a large accumulating area, making it an excellent choice in mixed diameter natural stands. Three wrist options – 30° single cylinder, 110° twin cylinder and 340° motor drive – closely customise the head to the application.

5185 fixed felling saw and 5195 directional felling saw Tigercat’s 5185 and 5195 felling saws are steadily increasing in popularity in western North America, Australia, New Zealand and Chile – wherever there are oversize trees and steep slopes.

The 5195 is matched to the Tigercat LS855C shovel logger quipped with the feller director boom system. This combination gives the operator a machine that can operate with excellent balance and stability on steep slopes with powerful tractive effort and swing torque and excellent efficiency.

The machine can fell and shovel independently, fell and bunch for a skidder or integrate into a yarding system. It offers a viable alternative to handfalling.

With continuous rotation, the head can be quickly and easily repositioned for double without moving the carrier. This makes the head versatile for oversized timber over one metre in diameter. In addition, the machine combination is also a high performance shovel logger with the ability to buck and

top trees.

The shovel logging ability significantly decreases the amount of side cut skidder trails required to access the timber in steep terrain which is a big advantage in native forests with strict regulations and stringent oversight. Reducing or eliminating side cuts also saves time and money by reducing the associated dozer work to build as well as significantly reducing overall site impact and soil disturbance. The high tractive effort of the LS855C carriers also makes it easier to negotiate around seed and habitat trees when shovelling out of the steep areas.

The 5195 has through-the-link central hosing for enhanced hose protection and extended hose life.

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

The 5185 fixed felling saw, which shares the saw performance, strength and longevity characteristics of the 5195, also has the ability to fell and shovel log oversized timber. However, double cuts are not performed as painlessly as with the 5195 due to the fixed 340° wrist. Where the 5185 excels is in its ability to control fell and place high value trees, avoiding breakage. In timber stands with average diameters that are approaching or beyond the limitations of a disc saw,

FELLING HEADS contractors are seeing excellent productivity with the 5185. An added benefits is the ability to shovel the timber uphill within reach of the skidders and prebunch for skidders or yarders.

Recognised worldwide as an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of forestry attachments and cutting tools, Quadco focuses on reliability, low maintenance costs, and maximum production when it comes to engineering products for loggers.

Nowadays the needs of the forest industry are more diversified than ever before. Felling equipment and technology have to cover a wide range of applications from biomass harvesting to thinning, scheduled cutting of short cycle tree plantations and final felling of mature stands, exfoliated, insects ridden or burnt trees.

Quadco is proud to present the latest developments in its specialty for the last 25 years: the felling heads, comprising disk saw heads, shear heads, intermittent disk saw heads and bar saw heads.

Traditional logging in pine and deciduous forests in North and South America as well as in Europe and Russia will make good use of the extended line of Quadco regular disk saw heads, starting with the 18C at 450 mm cutting capacity which can be mounted on plus-20 t excavators, to the largest 28B capable of cutting up to 710 mm requiring the largest feller buncher carriers.

Available models: 18C, 20B, 20SC, 22B, 22C, 22SC, 22CP, 24B, 24C, 24CP, 26B, 28B. The B-Series is designed for bigger stem diameters, and is characterised by four arms activated each by a cushioned cylinder for better handling of heavy and tall timber.

The C-Series is designed for ease of accumulation. Four arms

located higher in the head frame activated with only two cylinders and heavy duty timing bars allow faster accumulation. CP models are designed for rubber tyre carriers The new 7000 series heads are designed for the operations where high accumulating capacity is the name of the game. From eucalyptus plantations in Brazil and blue gum stands of Australia and Asia to energy-wood short-cycle plantations in Europe, the fast cutting and bunching felling heads allow high productivity and lower operating cost per cubic meter.

The 7000 series is designed in four main models: 7224 and 7224D (D= front-end-mount on articulated rubber tyre carrier) are cutting with a disk saw whereas the 7320 and 7320D Shear Heads are designed for areas where the use of saws is limited because of fire hazards (dry lands) or difficult terrain (rocky).

For very large diameter timber or in thinning operations, Quadco intermittent disk saw heads (2400 and 2900) and bar saw

Quadco 2400 & 2900 intermittent Saw Disk Head for demanding applications cutting up to 74 cm (29�)

heads (3200) will offer selective cutting versatility, extra safety in confined places and excellent fibre

QUADCO

New 7000 series Felling Heads High accumulation capacity Higher productivity Lower operating costs

7320 & 7320D

7224 & 7224D

www.quadco.com International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 53

FELLING HEADS

Nowadays the needs of the forest industry are more diversified than ever before. Felling equipment and technology have to cover a wide range of applications from biomass harvesting to thinning, scheduled cutting of short cycle Quadco 212 Fast accumulating Shear Head for 12 to 15 tons excavators

tree plantations and final felling of mature stands, exfoliated, insects ridden or burnt trees Quadco

Quadco 26B Hi-Torque rotation, built for heavy timber; 66 cm cutting capacity (26”)

New 7000-series: Quadco 7224D is a High accumulation high speed Disk Saw Head with 60 cm cutting capacity (24”)

54 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

quality, as well as some slashing alternatives and shovel logging.

Contractors with lighter carriers (12-15 t excavator) should be interested in the new Quadco 212 shear felling head, designed for fast harvesting of live trees for pulp and biomass. The 212° has a 235° rotation with two hydraulic motors, and can handle and accumulate trees, in a side pocket. The maximum tree diameter for this head is 305 mm.

All Quadco heads are of robust mount type and a 360° rotation option allows for placing the tree bundles as desired on the ground.

The head can be used as valuable support when moving on difficult or steep terrain.

Caterpillar offers powerful, versatile felling heads for treelength logging performed by track or wheel carriers. For track machines Caterpillar can supply directional felling heads or partial and full lateral tilt centre post heads. For wheel carriers the company offers high capacity bunching saws and a side-cut saw.

Caterpillar sells and supports the full line of Satco logging attachments for both felling and also cut-to-length processing

operations. Caterpillar offers the heads and provides parts and support through select Cat dealers and is the exclusive distributor worldwide except in Australia, New Zealand and Brazil, where Satco products are offered both through Satco’s distributors and Cat dealers.

The Satco SAT420 and SAT630 are continuous rotation directional felling heads. Both attachments also can be used additionally for various log handling tasks, such as shovel logging, sorting, or loading. Simple and strong, SATCO directional felling heads are low in cost to own and operate.

Satco felling heads are fully hydraulic with no electronics, which makes them easy to maintain and change, and they are constructed of high-grade materials for durability. Hydraulic hoses are protected by the hosethrough-centre design to prevent twisting and snagging. The heavy duty ¾-inch main saw system features a 45 cc saw motor and large diameter bearing for smooth cross-cutting and felling of large diameter trees.

The SAT630 is the larger and more powerful of the two felling heads; its most productive single stem felling range is 457-762 mm (18-30 in). At 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) and requiring 200 lpm at 3,300 psi (230 bar) it can be attached to any carrier machine in the range of 20-35 t. Since the SAT630 can

FELLING HEADS be run on a small carrier, the required horsepower is minimal compared to a fixed disc saw head, which puts less stress on the base machine and provides excellent fuel economy. The SAT630 can be matched with a Cat forestry machine or a Cat track feller buncher (configured with harvester linkage).

Caterpillar offers two centre post felling heads, the HF201B and HF221, which feature a one-piece saw disc with 57.2 mm (2.25 in) kerf and replaceable saw teeth.

Both heads are available in partial and full lateral tilt configurations.

The HF201B is designed for multi-stem applications and will cut trees as large as 572 mm (22.5 inches). This head is ideally matched with the Cat B Series zero tail swing track feller buncher and performs well in many applications, including plantation thinning and final cut.

The HF201B has the same proven tapered saw shaft and bearing design used in other Cat heads; the design has sealed upper and lower bearing chambers that are individually lubricated and vented. A new top yoke design and quick arm speeds give the operator excellent tree control. Cylinders are cushioned on both the head and rod ends to increase the life of the components. The HF201B also features an open saw base to reduce debris build-up and saw stalling.

The HF221 has a larger cutting capacity, 620 mm (24.4 in). Paired with the larger Cat Series 2 full tail swing track feller buncher, it is a powerful harvesting tool in larger timber. Four cylinders on the grab and accumulate arms provide strength and holding power.

For wheel feller bunchers Caterpillar offers the SH-56B high capacity bunching saw, SC-57 centre post saw, and SS-56 felling saw. At the heart of each felling attachment is Caterpillar’s field-proven and patented tapered saw shaft and bearing design.

The tapered shaft supports the continual shock loads created in high cycle applications. Sealed upper and lower bearing chambers are individually lubricated and vented from the bottom up.

The SH-56B excels at cutting and handling high volumes of small stems, mixed stems and large single stems up to 53.3 cm (21 in). The attachment

K100

The Satco SAT420 and SAT630 are continuous rotation directional felling heads

The next generation of hose swivels NEW

Satco felling heads are fully hydraulic with no electronics, which makes them easy to maintain and change, and they are constructed of highgrade materials for

LONGEST SERVICE LIFE | NEW SURFACE TREATMENT

durability Cat

indexator.com

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 55

FELLING HEADS

Cat HF221 features Caterpillar’s patented Strait Grip bunching finger, which keeps bunches tightly compressed and straight, providing excellent productivity in thinning applications. The no-pinch-point tower prevents stems from getting caught in the pocket, as is the case with other high capacity bunching saws.

The SC-57 is designed for large single stems up to 57.6 cm (22.7 in). It also bunches medium and small stems, making it a versatile attachment for thinning through final harvesting. A single cylinder and link control the left and right side gathering arms and bunching fingers simultaneously, improving speed and holding power.

The SS-56 is a highly versatile saw specially designed for harvesting large timber. It features a single cut capacity of 56 cm (22 in) along with small stem accumulation. For harvesting larger diameter trees, the SS-56 features the industry’s only side-cut door, a unique solution for harvesting trees up to 76 cm (30 in) from a single side on either flat or adverse terrain.

Caterpillar customers are supported by the industry’s largest network of dealers who will keep them up and running with parts availability, field services, state-

of-the art diagnostic programs, remote monitoring, and more.

All John Deere felling heads are designed to enhance a logger’s overall harvesting capabilities and productivity regardless of the application, tree type or condition.

From small stems to big timber, softwood to hardwood, level or sloped ground, John Deere has a disk saw felling head that’s designed for every harvesting need.

When choosing the right felling head for a wheeled or tracked feller buncher, the key is to match the carrier to the felling head based on the application, tree type and condition. This will not only help improve productivity, but also extend the life of the carrier. Using the wrong head for the application could drastically reduce the life of a machine or operating costs may increase.

Drive-to-Tree John Deere offers a choice of three felling head options compatible with the new 643L and 843L Wheeled Feller

56 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Bunchers. Across all options the L-Series machines boast up to a 21-degree improvement in tilt forward functions and a 2-degree improvement in tilt back, providing better stability and bunch control.

A one-button Quick Dump feature adds to ease of operation.

Operators simply press a button to open both the accumulating and grab arms simultaneously, releasing trees from the pocket.

Head-tilt and arm functions are combined into a single, smooth motion, minimizing fatigue while improving productivity. An autoaccumulate button also adds to efficiency and ease of operation.

The tall, single-post design of the FD22B felling head is ideal for final harvests or large trees up to 559 mm (22 in). For loggers who work on sloped ground or with big timber, the increased tilt-back angle of the FD22B head will give better load transfer capabilities and stability. The FD22B also boasts large accumulation capacity, strong clamping force for better tree control, and “workhorse” gathering arms — all of which promise productivity and uptime.

The FD45 felling head is ideal for high productivity in thinning applications, with a deep accumulation pocket to gather multiple stems. A twin-post design

gives the operator a clear view of what he’s cutting, thereby increasing both confidence and uptime. This head is best paired with a 643L for both flat and hilly applications in dry or muddy conditions.

The latest addition to the John Deere line up of felling heads is the FD55, which delivers the versatility and durability loggers need to harvest various tree diameters.

The FD55 features the same twin-post design as the FD45 for superior visibility. Boasting larger bore cylinders, a taller horn, and clean bunch release, productivity will go up while operating costs stay down. When in steep, highdemand terrain, the FD55 is best paired with an 843L Wheeled Feller Buncher, and with a 643L on flatter terrain.

Engineered with extensive customer input, the FD55 delivers best-in-class accumulation capacity. Because it has more usable space than similar disc felling heads, the innovative pocket design enables the head to collect trees of all diameters and species.

The pocket area is an industry leading .63 m2 (6.8 sq ft) from the accumulation area to the edge of the blade. The ergonomic head can handle anything from smalldiameter thinning to cutting large single stems up to 584 mm (23 in) for maximum versatility.

Swing-to-Tree A variety of boom sets and felling heads can be combined to optimize productivity across a wide range of conditions on the John Deere M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers.

John Deere offers two types of felling head attachment rotation features – a standard wrist (FS model) that rotates 15° to each side and a high rotation wrist (FR model) that rotates approximately 310° or 155° to each side. The standard wrist is typically used when no specific alignment of the tree is required on the ground. The

FELLING HEADS

John Deere FR 22B high rotation wrist design was born from the need to position trees on the ground in a way that allows the next operation to be more efficient.

It also allows the operator to cut along boundaries more efficiently without excess travel or swinging to position the fallen timber along the line. Whether a logger is moving timber by skidder, shovel or cable, positioning the timber to align with its intended direction of travel makes for more productive operation. Reducing travel also increases track life and improves fuel economy.

An M-Series machine feature that helps these felling heads work harder is the Rapid Cycle System (RCS), which combines automated felling-head arm cycling with simple control – dramatically

reducing operator fatigue while increasing efficiency and productivity. RCS can be tailored to individual skill levels and specific harvesting conditions, from large single-tree harvesting to highspeed, multi-stem cutting.

The FS20 felling head is compatible with the 803M Tracked Feller Buncher. This head delivers top-ranked mixed stand accumulation capacity. It is ideal for small diameter thinning or handling of large single stems of up to 20 inches. Its arm design supports a high accumulation capacity, keeping operations moving smoothly as it stores many trees before requiring a stop to dump.

The FS22B is compatible with the 803M, 853M, 903M and 909M

Tracked Feller Bunchers. This head is intended for the full range of logging operations: from thinning

to final cut of up to 559 mm (22 in.) diameter. Ideally suited for midsize to large timber, the FS22B is

John Deere FD 55B

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 57

FELLING HEADS

and the saw disc against impact and gyroscopic deflection which increases the lifetime • Unique bolted saw drive system for easy maintenance and increased uptime • Easy access to hydraulic components for safe, fast maintenance • W ide front throat opening to accommodate butt flare • U nique conical base design to facilitate clearance for fast saw recovery • E nsure that the bunches are optimised for the skidder. equipped with a versatile 30° wrist for plus or minus 15° rotation and strong clamping force for optimal tree control. Its wider arm spacing and horn design deliver a high accumulation capacity, promising more productivity and uptime.

The FR21B and FR22B felling heads are compatible with the John Deere 803M, 853M and 859M Tracked Feller Bunchers. The FR21B is best suited for small to midsized timber, while the FR22B is ideal for mid-sized to large timber. Across both models, superior pickup force allows effortless placement of fallen trees. The John Deeredesigned high-rotation wrist of the FR21B delivers best-in-class accumulation capacity and a more compact design improves visibility to the felling head for increased productivity.

The FR24B felling head is compatible with the John Deere 853M, 859M, 953M, and 959M Tracked Feller Bunchers. This head is intended for medium to large trees up to 622 mm (24.5 in.) diameter. The FR24B’s high cutting capacity means big timber can be handled effectively and efficiently.

Its high-rotation, bolt-on wrist, which allows a full 310 degrees of rotation, gives operators great tree control, increasing their productivity by reducing swing and travel cycles.

For 30 years, Gilbert’s forestry division specialised in the design and manufacturing of logging equipment. The Canadian-based company offers felling heads, high rotation wrists and a complete line of cutting tools such as saw blades and saw teeth.

Gilbert 3000L Series felling heads The 3000L Series felling heads are well known for their exceptional accumulation. Gilbert manufactures a 22, 24 and 28 cutting size model, all equipped with a 350° high rotation wrist, the

“most recognised” in the industry.

With its new bio-mass type accumulator arms and wider throat opening, these head can be used in any application.

“Their innovative geometry allows an accumulation of more trees in tight, straight bunches without breaking any stems, no matter the sizes,” Alex Gravel, Sales & Marketing Manager at Gilbert, said.

All three models – 3022L, 3024L and 3028L – excels in thinning, blown down, select and final cut applications.

Key features include: • U nique and exclusive saw stops to protect the saw drive system

The Gilbert 3022L felling head

Specifications 3022L

3024L

3028L

Cutting capacity

21.50 in (546 mm)

23.5 in (597 mm)

27.5 in (706 mm)

Accumulating area

4.53 ft2 (0.43 m2)

5 ft2 (0.47 m2)

6.3 ft2 (0.59 m2)

Max’ front opening

57.5 in (1,461mm)

59 in( 1,499 mm)

59 3/4 in (1,578 mm)

6,500 lb (2,955 kg)

7,550 lb (3,431 kg)

8,300 lb (3,773 kg)

(40°)

5,800 lb (2,636 kg)

7,000 lb (3,182 kg)

7,800 lb (3,545 kg)

Saw Blade

53 in (1,346 mm)

56 in (1,422 mm)

66 in (1,676 mm)

Weight High rotation wrist (350°) Rotation wrist

58 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

FELLING HEADS

Their innovative geometry allows an accumulation of more trees in tight, straight bunches without breaking any stems, no matter the sizes Alex Gravel, Gilbert

The Komatsu XA233-2 bar saw felling head, which fits Komatsu’s new XT-3 Series track feller bunchers and other tracked carriers, delivers superior multifunction performance and achieves high production in the most demanding of forest environments.

The XA233-2 bar saw works ideally with track carriers in the 20-30 t range. With its timetested and highly proven design, it can handle a broad range of applications including big-tree directional felling, cutting high value hardwood, and handling storm-damaged timber.

The XA233-2 is rugged, yet lightweight (from 3,950 lb/1,792 kg) which makes it very easy to manoeuvre. Its compact highstrength steel frame provides the operator with excellent visibility to the tree. There is an optional 60° overall lateral tilt system (30° left, 30° right) to further optimise head positioning for varying terrain and timber conditions.

The powerful 43 in (1,092 mm) saw unit is equipped with 3/4 in (19 mm) chain providing an impressive 33 in (838 mm) cutting

The Komatsu XT445L-3 with XA233-2 bar saw in operation

capacity and fast cutting cycles.

Automatic chain lubrication and chain tensioning systems improve cutting performance and reduce maintenance time. The rugged cast steel clamp arms securely hold and control the stem. An optional accumulator arm system further enhances multi-stem operation and productivity.

With its time-tested and highly proven design, it can handle a broad range of applications including big-tree directional felling, cutting high value hardwood, and handling stormdamaged timber Komatsu The Komatsu XA233-2 is rugged and lightweight

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 59

1470G Lots of power and torque Operating in the Lappeenranta region of Finland, Koneurakointi Kylliäinen Oy was given the opportunity to test drive the John Deere 1470G harvester still under development. The robust forest machine’s high ground clearance makes it ideal for difficult terrain conditions

“T

his is the best forest machine I have ever operated.” If you’ve been around forest machines for any length of time, you may have heard these words before. But Koneurakointi Kylliäinen Oy’s Jarko Kylliäinen has clear arguments to back up his praise of John Deere’s new 1470G harvester.

“It’s really great to work with this combination of control system and boom. There has been a lot of advancement since the CH8 boom.

The machine is also strong. It has plenty of power and torque.”

Kylliäinen steps into the cabin and gets busy. The terrain contours and slopes don’t slow down the big harvester, because the ground clearance at the middle joint is a whopping 750 millimeters.

“Forwarder operators complain that the machine drives over rocks so big that the forwarders can’t keep up,” Kylliäinen says.

The 1270G harvester’s big brother is the largest of John Deere’s new G-Series models.

Technology-wise, the 1270G and

60 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

the 1470G are virtually identical, but the 1470G’s dimensions and the tires are bigger than those of its little brother.

The 1470G also has the bigger CH9 boom and the different front frame it requires. The boom’s slewing cylinders are positioned parallel to the harvester’s frame, thus improving the hosing and cabling. Forward visibility from the cabin has improved, and wear and tear has been minimized.

The valve assembly has been relocated to make serviceability easier. Kylliäinen has been using the new harvester for over three weeks. The machine has racked up almost 300 operating hours.

During that time, Jarko’s brother Aki and Koneurakointi Kylliäinen

Oy operator Juha Kärmeniemi have also had a chance to try out the machine. It has mainly been performing clear cuttings, but also one thinning.

“The machine has really felt like a finished product, even though it is still a test machine,” Juha Kärmeniemi says.

More precise control with less consumption Jarko Kylliäinen’s sense of the improved control of the CH9 boom isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s based on the technical changes that have been implemented. The twin-pump hydraulic system is the same as in the IT4 model. The two pumps ensure that simultaneous operation of the harvester head

New control modules increase the power and precision of the basic machine’s control system.

OPERATION FOCUS – FINLAND

Koneurakointi Kylliäinen Oy • Employees: 15 + 2 subcontractors • Established: 2001 • Machine fleet: 5 forwarders, 5 harvesters, 3 tracked excavators • Annual felling volume: about 200,000 m3 • Forest soil preparation: 600–700 ha

and the boom remains smooth.

“Also the path of the jib boom is such that you don’t have to watch out for it at all. The boom is consistently strong. It’s strong enough to carry the H415 grapple without any problems – even when fully extended,” Kylliäinen says.

The H415 harvester head for processing big trees is a new addition to the 400 series.

Kylliäinen says one of the best attributes of the H415 is its firm grip on the trunk.

“An easy grapple to fell even the big trees,” the operator says.

A significant improvement that both Kylliäinen and Kärmeniemi have noticed in the practical work is the clear decrease in fuel consumption compared to the previous series model. John Deere has calculated that the FT4 engine consumes 12 percent less fuel than the IT4 engine used in the E-Series.

But the FT4, with 200 kilowatts of power and 1,315 Newton meters of torque, has more muscle that its predecessor.

“The fuel consumption is clearly lower. You don’t have to fill-up as often,” says Juha Kärmeniemi.

A machine to match needs Jarko Kylliäinen and his brothers Aki and Mika have been forest machine entrepreneurs since 2003.

Today they have five machine chains, and the annual felling volume has increased to about 200,000 cubic meters.

The company has run John Deere forest machines from the very beginning. A 1470 series harvester joined the fleet in 2007, when the brothers took a liking to the D-Series model.

“Since then, all the clear cuttings of bigger trees have always been done with the 1470,” Kylliäinen says.

The entrepreneur admits that owning a big harvester requires special accommodations from the company, like a 5-axle carriage to transfer the machine. Even so, the 1470G is the right choice for the Lappeenranta area, Kylliäinen

says. “The spruce in these forests have rather thick trunks and the terrain isn’t the best. Being an entrepreneur in the area lets me choose the jobs a bit, and there are very few thinning jobs. A big machine makes sense.”

But what convinced him that he needed a big machine way back then? “Little boys must have big toys,” Kylliäinen laughs.

He quickly takes on a serious tone. “Back then with the 1470, we took a liking particularly to the boom’s power and the machine’s terrain abilities. Like my brother said, you don’t have to wear a helmet to operate the machine. It moves about steadily in all type of terrains, and it doesn’t swing and sway as you work.”

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On the rocks in Scandinavia BTB took a trip over the Atlantic to Scandinavia to visit Tigercat customer Mats Danielsson, owner of MD Skog AB, in Borlänge Sweden

1075B forwarder fully loaded. “The only parts that have broken on this machine are the parts that Tigercat does not build,” says operator Ola Andrén

62 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

M

ats Danielsson is based in Borlänge, an industrial city heavily divided by rails and logging roads. It is home to the iron mill of Domnarvet (SSAB) and the paper mill of Kvarnsveden (Stora Enso) and lies 200 km (125 miles) northwest of Stockholm.

Mats got a taste of what hard work is all about at a young age, growing up farming with his family. With very little experience or infl uence from the forestry sector, one would wonder why Mats decided to start his own logging company. While working on the farm, Mats would see log trucks driving by and sometimes caught a glimpse of a cut-to-length forestry machine working in the woods. He was immediately drawn to the equipment, fascinated by the machines and wanted to understand how each part worked.

Mats took his passion to practice and started MD Skog in 1995.

When Mats isn’t working in the woods, he is working on his Tigercat branded drag bike. The bike is a Nitromethane injected 1500 cc Suzuki, with a Hilborn fuel injection, Mallory magneto ignition, a MTC slider clutch and a three-speed Weismann gearbox. So far it has taken three years of nearly all the free time he has. He has performed some test runs this year and hopes to have the bike in racing condition by 2016.

Operations Mats is working towards being all yellow with only Tigercat machines on his job site. Currently he has a 170 kW (228 hp) 1055B forwarder with 3,000 operating hours, equipped with 710x26.5 tires. Accompanying the 1055B with forwarding duties is the 20 tonne 205 kW (275 hp) 1075B with 750x26.5 tyres purchased brand new in 2010 with 12,000 hours. He is anxious for Tigercat to come out

with a harvester that is big enough for his operations.

Mats bought his first Tigercat machine, the 1075B forwarder, after seeing an advertisement for it in the Swedish forestry publication, Direkt Contact. After Mats saw the advertisement he called Tigercat AB district manager, Sven-Ake Stenberg to set up a time to go see the machine working in the field. When Mats saw the 1075B, he knew right away that it was the machine he needed. It wasn’t even time for Mats to trade in his other forwarder – as he usually trades his machines in after five years – but he made an exception. Mats has a close relationship with Sven-Ake. They have known each other for many years and Mats knows he can always count on him for any after sales support he may need.

“The machines are amazing but the people at Tigercat are amazing too, so that always makes the decision very easy,” asserts Mats.

MD Skog owner, Mats Danielsson and Tigercat district manager, Sven-Ake in front of 1055B forwarder

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 63

OPERATION FOCUS – SWEDEN

“If I am not working in the woods, I am with my drag bike,” explains Mats

MD Skog has a crew of four operators. Mats operates the newest machine, the 1055B forwarder. Christian Nilsson and Ola Andrén double shift the 1075B. When Ola was asked how he felt about running the 1075B he stated, “The only parts that have broke on my machine are the parts that Tigercat does not build. That is why I can’t wait for the 1085C with the Tigercat boom, axles and engine.”

MD Skog runs two shifts, one morning shift from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and one night shift from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The high latitude of Borlänge makes daylight vary greatly throughout the calendar year with the sun hardly setting for part of each summer and making a brief appearance in the dead of winter. Therefore, proper LED lighting is incredibly important on the jobsite in the winter. Another feature Ola is looking forward to on the 1085C. “I like to see what I get for my money. There is nothing that compares. Tigercat is absolutely the top of the line,” explains Mats. “The Tigercat forwarder cabs are spacious and you can see everywhere you need to see and that is what is important.”

to stop operations for vacation and work on the drag bike. Other than that the company is working around the clock through the long sunny days and dark cold winters.

“Now after all these years working in the woods, I can narrow it down to only five days when I didn’t want to go to work. I love this job,” says Mats thinking back on his 33 years in the woods.

Mats finds it very advantageous having two different sized forwarders. The 1055B is able to work in softer ground and manouevre in tight spots and the 1075B can carry more and is good for ground clearance in rocky terrain.

“It is up to the operator to be careful but this 1075 has taken a lot

of hits with boulders in the under body and it is very strong and durable,” Mats comments. When Ola is asked if he has seen the new Tigercat hooked crane, he says, “Seen it? Yes. Want it? Yes!” The 1055B has an 8.5 m (28 ft) crane reach which Mats feels is a perfect length. He also fi nds that the crane stays very smooth throughout all movements. The 1055B also has great fuel economy at approximately 12 L/h (3.2 US gal/h) at 1,200 rpm.

quite often.

Mats has noted that the volume per tree has been trending lower over the years, with current typical tree volume around 0,4 m3 fub ( 0.34 tn). This means more stems to run through the harvester to get the production numbers he is accustomed to. This year Mats estimates he will produce only 90,000 m3 fub (76,500 t) due to the fact that many of his tracts are comprised of lower piece size timber.

Production

Vision

MD Skog primarily cuts Scots pine and Norway spruce, with sorts typically ranging from 3.1 - 5.5 m (10-18 ft). Logs are grouped and tagged to track chain of custody for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Mats can actually fi nd out exactly what his logs end up being used for, such as building a new house in Cape Town, South Africa or making diapers in China. Pretty cool!

MD Skog cuts approximately 100 000 m3 fub (85,000 t) per year, typically producing about 2 000 m3 fub (1,700 t) per week, depending forwarding distances. (In Sweden m3 fub measures the net volume under the bark.) Most of the clear fell sites are 3 000-4 000 m3 fub (2,550 to 3,400 t) in total volume, so the crew moves to different sites

Among the future goals of MD Skog are to have a full Tigercat system and to improve profi t margins.

“Tigercat are the best machines I have ever owned. I will replace the Komatsu as soon as Tigercat comes out with their larger CTL harvester.”

Mats is excited to have the 1085C model on his turf in Sweden soon and is confi dent the machines will last until he can pass them on to somebody else’s grandchildren.

Mats knows the 1085C will ensure maximum productivity and uptime for his operations, so he can spend more time working on his bike.

This article originally appeared in Between the Branches, November 2015, the official publication of Tigercat Industries Inc.

Tricky terrain Sweden’s forests are among the most northerly in the world. The warming effect of the Gulf Stream permits forest growth at latitudes that are characterized by treeless tundra in other parts of the world.

Primarily due to repeated glaciations in the region, MD Skog faces the toughest terrain from swamps to steep slopes to gigantic boulders. However, MD Skog pushes through the year only taking two or three weeks per year

The best crew in the world; Ola Andrén, Mats Bergström, Christian Nilsson, Mats Danielsson and Bo Norman

64 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Global launch of John Deere G-Series in Scotland

I

n late October two hundred and thirty people from 20 countries descended on Perthshire – the heart of Scotland for the global launch of John Deere’s new G-Series.

As well as owners and journalists from around the world this was John Deere’s biggest ever dealer meeting including thirty from the UK.

Arriving at Edinburgh airport everybody was transported north to superb hotels in the area surrounding Blair Castle, the launch venue.

After a press briefing from top brass from the US and Finland we were bussed to Blair Castle for the reveal. The dramatic reveal was accompanied in style by pipers, highland dancers and kilted hosts

(sporting a John Deere tartan specially commissioned for the event) led by JD Forestry Country Manager Jock McKie and his crew.

Subsequently Jock was the host of a lavish traditional Scottish dinner including Haggis which was piped through the hall on a silver charger to be ceremoniously stabbed by Jock following his rendition of Robert Burns ‘Address

to a Haggis’.

Early the next morning all participants were bussed high into a forest on the Bofrack Estate.

Quite quickly it was established that these were tough terrain stands of spruce and larch that tested the new machines rugged versatility to the limit.

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Reduced emissions, more engine power and a completely new control system John Deere’s engines meet Final Tier 4 / Stage IV emissions requirements, yet boast more power. And the completely new control system gives the G-Series machines increased processing capacity. The new engines are equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), familiar from our previous machines, as well as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and the related urea tank added to the exhaust gas control

John Deere 1270G harvester – 6 or 8 wheels The John Deere 1270G harvester is more powerful than its predecessor, but still uses significantly less fuel. Fuel consumption that is as much as 10% less in proportion to production results in a savings of thousands of euros over the machine’s lifetime. Additionally, the Processing Power Control (PPC) system to balance power and

system to ensure compliance with the emissions regulations. These components are well protected within the machine and do not hamper visibility to the logging area.

The G-Series machines feature a completely new, userfriendly control system, control modules and wiring harnesses.

Together these enhance machine performance and precision. The TimberMatic H-16 control system in the harvesters is a comprehensive package for base machine control, measuring and bucking – all within one configurable user interface.

The use of one system makes the

fuel economy in different logging conditions is a standard feature in the G-Series harvesters.

The increase in power is particularly big in the 6-wheel model, which now boasts 200 kW (compared to the previous 170 kW), i.e. as much as the 8-wheel model.

The torque has also been boosted: by 17% in the 6-wheel machine and 5% in the 8-wheel machine.

The 8-wheel 1270G harvester is specially designed for steep slopes and soft terrain. With eightwheel-

66 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

operator’s work faster and easier.

The TimberMatic F-16 control system and user interface in the forwarders has been further improved to maintain the machine’s reliability. TimberMatic F-16 features include a configurable user interface, cruise control and an inclination display.

The new TimberMatic software enables Remote Display Access (RDA) via the Internet. RDA makes it faster for servicing personnel to troubleshoot and take corrective action, and thus increases the machine’s uptime.

drive, it has excellent traction and makes the machine very stable.

The machine has convinced customers even in terrain where mechanized logging had never been possible. The rotating and leveling cabin makes work easier and more productive, and the cabin’s ergonomics help the operator to maintain a comfortable working position on steep slopes.

The 1270G harvesters have an advanced twin-pump system that utilizes two open-loop hydraulic

pumps to produce the needed hydraulic power. One loop is used mainly for boom control and the other for transmission and harvester head functions. The system ensures sufficient power for the simultaneous use of the boom and the harvester head, enables a firm grip on the tree, and increases productivity and operating comfort.

The Processing Power Control (PPC) system adjusts the processing power and fuel economy to correspond with the

logging work. The system has three different power levels to choose from. By anticipating the engine load and responding with the sufficient power boost, the PPC system improves both productivity and fuel economy.

John Deere 1270G harvesters are available with the more robust CH7 boom. The harvester head options are H754, H413, H414, H270 Series II, H480C and H415 and are known for their productivity and measuring accuracy.

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John Deere 1470G harvester The new G-Series model boasts unprecedented power and torque.

Its high ground clearance makes the robust 1470G harvester especially ideal in difficult terrain conditions. In terms of technology, the 1470G, John Deere’s biggest harvester model, is virtually the same as the 1270G. The new Final Tier 4 engine makes the 1470G very fuel efficient. It consumes 10% less fuel than the corresponding IT4 engine. At the same time, engine power and torque has increased by over 5%.

The new, powerful CH9 boom

combined with the H415 harvester head makes the 1470G harvester a very strong and productive package. Thanks to the base machine’s excellent stability, the boom works efficiently even when fully extended. The CH9 boom’s slewing cylinders are positioned parallel to the harvester’s frame, thus improving the hosing and cabling. Forward visibility is excellent and wear and tear is minimized. The placement of the valve assembly facilitates serviceability.

The CH9 boom is available in three reach options: 8.6 m, 10 m

68 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

and 11 m. The lifting torque is 225 kN, and the net lifting capacity at 10 meters is 1,700 kg. The robust and simple structure of the boom makes it reliable for handling big trees. The harvester head options for the 1470G harvester are H415, H480C, H270 Series II and H290.

The 1470G harvesters are equipped with the advanced twin-pump hydraulic system. The system maximizes boom control, ensures sufficient grip on the tree, and increases productivity and operating comfort. The PPC system is also standard in the machines.

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 69

John Deere 1910G forwarder The 1910G is the first forwarder in the G-Series and the biggest model in our lineup. In addition to the new engine, the machine also features new drive hydraulics, automation, load space and front frame. Structural changes, like the lightened underbody plate, make servicing easier. The engine’s power, torque and tractive force

have been increased. Cabin options include a fixed or a rotating and leveling cabin.

The machine’s performance has received praise: The engine’s maximum output has increased by 7.5% and torque by 21%. The 1910G’s drive hydraulics have been increased, and the components have been made more robust compared to the E model. The

70 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

machine boasts 4.5% more tractive force.

The 1910G is the machine for big trees and long distances. Its most important attributes are high power and big load capacity. The cross-sectional area of the wide load space is bigger and the newgeneration headboard provides excellent visibility to the load space.

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OPERATION FOCUS – RUSSIA Tigercat 860C harvester with 20,000 hours

Training in the Taiga When venturing off for the Russian Far East, as with a visit to any remote locale to train operators or consult with forestry companies, one always knows that it will be an adventure

B

eing from Canada, a country that spans six time zones, I am no stranger to large expanses of land with long distances between towns. But Russia takes it all to the next level.

It is a massive country with eleven time zones, varying climates and a sparse population density in large rural areas with challenging road infrastructure.

The primary forest in Russia is a part of one of the largest biomes in the world, the boreal forest, which makes up one fifth of the world’s forest cover. Known in Russia as Taiga, it is larger than the Amazon.

It contains many of the same species as Canada and Alaska – larch, pine, spruce, balsam fir, birch and aspen. The area we travelled was primarily in the far east of Russia known to most North Americans as Siberia. The Siberian boreal forest contains 55% of the world’s coniferous trees. The pine, spruce, tamarack and balsam fir is valued for dimensional lumber used domestically but mainly

72 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

exported. Pine, the main species sought after in the east, ranges from 0,2-1 m3 per tree. (One cubic metre equates to approximately one US ton.)

Travelling from Toronto to Bratsk, the forestry capital in eastern Russia, requires seventeen hours of flying time, with eleven hours of connecting time in airports, crossing twelve time zones. From Bratsk, a five hour, 300 km (186 miles) drive follows leading to a place called Novaya (New) Igirma, population 11,000.

The company RFG asked Tigercat to provide operator instruction

based on the assessed skill level of its feller buncher operators.

RFG owns three sawmills and 80 Tigercat forestry machines. Two of the sawmills are in New Igirma consuming 1.33 million m3 per year with 80% being cut by Tigercat machines. A third mill in UST-Kut consumes 1,1 million m3 per year.

The plan was to train four sets of operators in threeday blocks with a total of 16 operators trained overall. Day one would be in the classroom with Artem Shilov, my travelling partner and the Tigercat factory sales and support representative for Russia. Artem

One thing learned in Russia due to the everchanging logistics of moving machines and unpredictable weather, is that if there is a plan, it will change soon Tigercat

OPERATION FOCUS – RUSSIA

would do theoretical training on best practices and reviewing operator’s manuals. The last two days was for infield training where a time study would be conducted to determine how to improve the felling operation. A second time study would measure the degree to which the desired goals were actualized. Unfortunately due to weather and logistics we had to modify the plan on the fly. One thing learned in Russia due to the ever-changing logistics of moving machines and unpredictable weather, is that if there is a plan, it will change soon.

The first site was 120 km (75 miles) from Novaya Igirma. The drive to the camp was nearly four hours followed by another 40 minutes to the job site in a Kamaz 6x6 truck with an enclosure accommodating 28 passengers.

The Russian-built Kamaz has won a record 13 Dakar Rally races. I was very glad our driver did not believe the truck should go as fast as a Dakar truck as I’m sure no one rode in the back of a Kamaz for the Dakar!

The machines at this job consisted of an 860C feller buncher (8,000 hours), one L870C feller buncher (14,000 hours), two 630D skidders (13,000 hours) and four H250B processors with 622B harvesting heads (14,000 hours).

Training was done using the 860C feller buncher. Piece size on this job was 0.2-0.3 m3 per tree and the trees were cut into 4 m (13 ft) lengths. Production from the feller bencher was 90-110 m3 per hour depending on the operator.

The site for the second round of training on the same machines was accessed in a Gazele delivery vehicle built in Russia. Our driver certainly seemed as though he was out to prove his vehicle was faster than a Kamaz or anything else on the road. We tried to do practical training but rain stopped the machines from being moved.

Overall, the logging blocks are very small by North American standards, sometimes as small as

10 hectares (25 acres) with leave strips of regeneration and residual trees which makes it so the machines must move blocks faster than roads can be built.

The second site was a two hour flight in a R44 helicopter, avoiding a long and arduous drive to a camp in the Kerensky region.

Upon arriving, we were picked up in a Russian built UAZ and driven to camp before going to the logging site 20 km (12 miles) away. The drive to the logging site was a unique experience, as we forded many rivers and creeks in the Kamaz crew transport vehicle, then rode atop an old army transport tank to get to the machines.

The machines at that site were two 20,000 hour 860C carriers with equipped with newer 622B harvesting heads, one 630D skidder (11,570 hours) and one 860C feller buncher (3,600 hours).

Again, training focused on the 860C feller buncher. The piece size in this area was quite a bit larger ranging from 0.6-0.8 m3 per tree with much less deciduous species mixed in. The lengths cut in both tamarack and pine were 6 m (20 ft). The second day consisted of theoretical training for eight operators followed immediately by practical training in the forest.

We were lucky enough to be carrying quite heavy backpacks so the horseflies could not carry us away. Being born and raised in eastern Canada, then living 22 years in British Columbia, I thought I had seen biting insects before. It goes to show that you will forever experience new things throughout your life if you keep your eyes open and your skin exposed.

Unfortunately the helicopter was unavailable so the return trip was to be land based, consisting of a barge crossing of the River Lena, a ferry ride back across the same river, then a 500 km (310 miles) drive back to Novaya Igirma. The ride was broken up by frequent stops transferring fuel and trying different fuel filters to keep the UAZ pickup running during the 12

Group one trainees on the ground in Russia

Trainees give the Tigercat equipment the thumbs up

Group three trainees International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 73

OPERATION FOCUS – RUSSIA

A small cut block with a typical logging camp in the background

Russian transport tank hour trip.

Overall, Russian camps are quite Spartan – two to four men in a bunk trailer with a table, sink and wood stove. The campers are set up in a horseshoe shape giving the effect of a subdivision cul-de-sac. The workers stay in camp for one month, sometimes traveling as long as twenty hours to get there. The food is a very acceptable set menu of traditional courses.

The crews working at these camps were overwhelmingly receptive to Tigercat’s efforts to help them perform better, with the ultimate goal to make the machines last longer with less breakdowns. Each adventure visiting Tigercat customers is a unique and memorable experience and the Russian visit was no different. The people we met in the remote areas of Siberia were hardworking, rugged and proud, possessing a great sense of humour. I look forward to my next adventure to Russia.

This article originally appeared in Between the Branches, November 2015, the official publication of Tigercat Industries Inc.

74 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Simulators, Engines, Control systems – Komatsu

Komatsu upgrades communications, engines & simulators

The latest generation of engines from Komatsu combine high performance, high torque, and low fuel consumption

Komatsu has invested in its Simmulator, communication systems and its simulators to improve overall performance and training

Simulators Komatsu believes it is setting the standard when it comes to simulators and efficient driver training. Due to new technology and the latest achievements in virtual reality, the simulator offers opportunities to improve the training of both current and future forest machine operators.

Simulators are often used for gaining extensive experience before starting to operate real machines, and as such operating a simulator must be as close to operating the real thing as possible.

For experienced operators, the simulator provides an added value for testing new methodologies, which results in more efficiency and productivity.

Komatsu simulators, which are available for harvesters, forwarders, and forestry excavators, provide a lifelike operation with impressive graphics and realistic physics.

The training program in the simulator takes the operator through basic training to full operation in the forest. Different exercises train precision in crane operation in preparation for operating a real machine in the forest.

In order to follow-up the operator/student results for the instructor, a database system is now included to keep track of users and their use of the simulators.

The instructor can easily follow a student’s development from a separate workstation.

In the simulators, the machines behave exactly as they do in the forest. The physics are realistic, affecting, for example, how the harvesting head behaves when coming into contact with trees and how logs move when being forwarded.

The simulator combines both harvester and forwarder software and it comes with a 55 in LED screen, Komatsu seat, KCC joysticks and 15 in MaxiXplorer display.

This makes the experience more lifelike and facilitates methodology training.

Engines Komatsu Forests latest generation of engines for wheeled machines combines three good things. High performance, high torque, and low fuel consumption. What’s more, it also fulfils the European and American emission requirements of Stage IV/TIER 4 Final.

The fuel injection system is central to all diesel engines and throughout the entire history of the diesel engine efforts have been made to achieve increasingly higher injection pressure. The engines have long had the common rail injection system, which means only a single common fuel line is used for all cylinders.

Komatsu Forests latest generation of common rail systems has a higher injection pressure than ever, more accurate timing, and more effective air charge cooling. Three important factors that provide a strong engine, rapid engine response, high torque, low emissions, and – not least – low fuel consumption.

A computerized and electroniccontrolled fuel injection system with high injection pressure enables the engine to respond immediately without delay and the electronic injection system optimizes the pressure regardless of operating conditions.

The engines have four valves per cylinder, two inlet valves and two outlet valves. This design enables the fuel injector to be placed in the middle, between the exhaust and injection valves. With two inlet

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Simulators, Engines, Control systems – Komatsu

valves and two outlet valves, the fuel flow can be increased and pump losses reduced. This improves the air/fuel mixture, which results in lower emissions and lower fuel consumption.

Naturally, good torque at low engine speeds is important for both harvesters and forwarders.

The Komatsu-engines are specially developed to cope with the conditions of the forest and as such produce high torque at low engine speeds. What’s more, the torque rises quickly. The result is a machine that always works effectively, while fuel consumption is low.

When it comes to emission control technology Komatsu have chosen the SCR technology (Selective Catalytic Reduction), which considered ‘future technology today’.

The main advantage of SCR technology is that one can simultaneously fulfill the strict emission requirements and reduce fuel consumption. SCR is an emission control technology with which particulates are reduced during combustion while NOx is reduced afterward outside of the combustion process. SCR technology enables the combustion process to be optimized, which guarantees both maximum engine performance and lower fuel consumption.

The display and interface of the Komatsu systems takes some beating

Control systems Komatsu Forest control system for Komatsu harvesters and forwarders alike, comprising a complete system for machine and head control, crosscutting, crane settings, and administration.

MaxiXplorer gathers a great deal of information in four main categories: production, operation, machine status, and alarms and events. The control system provides complete control of the machine, as well as an overview of and reports on all

Since MaxiFleet is web-based, it can be accessed from any computer or smartphone in the world as long as it’s connected to the Internet harvesting assignments.

Crosscutting is an important part of the cut-to-length method and MaxiXplorer fulfills all crosscutting needs, from the simplest crosscutting to full-scale value crosscutting. With value crosscutting the system offers crosscutting efficiency that is ranked among the market leaders and the full-scale value crosscutting

76 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

option optimizes the harvest based on sawmill requirements.

MaxiXplorer crosscutting system learns the forest and makes very accurate forecasts of the shape of the trees for value crosscutting. The system optimizes the entire tree.

Fixed length crosscutting, based on lengths and diameters, can be used for more accurate control over the outcome to better meet sawmill

requirements. Quality crosscutting, on the other hand, enables the operator to specify quality limits for the stem, such as the limit for dry limbs, and easily control crosscutting so that assortment selections are adapted to the tree’s quality limits. The system even supports important countryspecific functions.

MaxiXplorer is compatible with

Simulators, Engines, Control systems – Komatsu

Operators can run comparisons against an anonymous average for similar machines that are also connected to MaxiFleet

both the old StanForD standard and the newer version (StanForD 2010). Production reports are clear and easy to understand. The report can cover the entire assignment, or be limited to data not previously reported, production per partial completion, or production during a certain period of the assignment.

The production, operation, and stem data printouts are clear and contain everything needed for comprehensive reporting. There’s also a separate production report that presents each harvested log, specifying its volume, length, diameter, class and more.

MaxiXplorer is easily configured so that all reporting takes place automatically, without any intervention from the operator. For example, each day the system can automatically create a production report and send it to the chosen e-mail address.

One smart way to take advantage of the great deal of information that gathers is to use the MaxiFleet tool, which provides visual presentations so that you can easily view everything from

production reports for entire or partial assignments to machine reports, fuel consumption, and other key data. In principle, you can tailor the information any way you like by retrieving and processing the information you want from the extensive database. And since MaxiFleet is web-based, it can be accessed from any computer or smartphone in the world as long as it’s connected to the Internet.

With MaxiFleet, you can easily analyze and compare figures visually. Using color codes and charts to present operation reports, you can view in detail what a machine has been used for during a certain period. How much of the total time the machine was used and how much it was unused.

Of the time the machine was in use, you can see how much was for production, what was produced, and how the machine was moved between assignments. The time the machine is unused is presented as downtime with detailed information about the cause of the downtime. Operation reports are easily compared between

machines. What’s more, operators can run comparisons against an anonymous average for similar machines that are also connected to MaxiFleet.

MaxiXplorer offers marketleading machine control as well, since it’s fully integrated with the other systems.

For example, crane control and cab leveling are easily adjusted and operator-specific settings can be fine-tuned as regards sensitivity, speed, and smoothness to work exactly as each operator desires.

Crane speed is quickly adjusted with a single setting, for instance, when switching between final logging and thinning.

Another example is Maxi head control, which features some of the market’s most advanced technology by far. Together with the effective hydraulic system, this makes it possible to find even the narrowest cutting window, quickly and accurately. The power of the knives, the feed rollers, and tilt down function is adjusted and set according to stem diameter and tree species. This ensures optimum productivity, precision, and time saving. Additionally, there’s an adjustable advanced anti-slip system that automatically regulates knife and roller clamping pressure. The system can even automatically send opening pulses to reduce stem friction. There’s a special thick limbed function for particularly thick limbed forest. If the forest is easily processed, the operator can increase productivity by using sequential control from engagement to tilt up in a single sequence. It can also control the top saw, adjustable stump treatment, chain lubrication, and color marking with up to three colors. MaxiXplorer’s ingenious

multi-tree accumulation offers both effective head control and the option of detailing multi-tree accumulation use in production reports.

The cutting-edge technology is also utilized in Komatsu forwarders. Aside from the machine control that delivers high productivity, the production and operation report system enables sawmills to keep track of how much timber has been forwarded to the roadside, where the log piles are located, and which assortments are found in each pile. The accurate and fully automatic crane scale, with ProTec functionality for protected hose routing, ensures very exact volume measurements. The operation report system provides the machine owner with full control of the machine’s productivity, uptime, fuel consumption, and downtime causes.

MaxiXplorer Head is a separate control system for Komatsu harvesting heads and can be installed on older harvesters or other carriers, such as excavators equipped with harvesting heads.

MaxiXplorer Head is installed alongside the machine’s built-in control system and offers the same sophisticated functionality as for harvesters. The system is available with full-scale value crosscutting or simpler pre-selection crosscutting.

MaxiXplorer even provides control of the transmission to optimize traction and driving speed in all situations. Moreover, the engine control enables you to regulate power output quickly and accurately, minimizing environmental impact.

EUREXPO LYON, FRANCE 15-18 November 2016

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 77

Simulators, Engines, Control systems – John Deere

Deere walks customers through engine transition Loggers asked for the best technology choice to meet EPA Final Tier 4/EU Stage IV emission regulations, and John Deere listened. John Deere understands the concerns of loggers and has always focused on adding the right engine technologies at the right time. FT4 standards are more stringent than those applied to previous engine tiers, which is why John Deere is taking a leadership role by working with customers to ensure that using FT4 equipment is as seamless as possible

I

n 2015, the L-Series Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers were the first John Deere forestry machines to launch with Final Tier 4 engines. Utilizing our expertise in FT4 technology, we were able to upgrade to engines that meet FT4 emission standards without compromising on power, reliability or ease of operation.

Our experience also ensured there was no trade-off of the key differentiators that customers have come to expect from our machines in order to meet the new emission standards. The John Deere FT4 solution delivers premium performance, fluid efficiency, reliability and economical operating cost built on decades of engine experience and millions of hours of Tier 4 runtime.

John Deere has always used a building-block approach to emission compliance, systematically adopting new technologies and integrating them with our field-proven platforms.

Until facing the more stringent nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission levels required by FT4, John Deere had been able to achieve the mandated NOx levels with its cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology and a single fluid, diesel fuel. To meet the 80% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission levels required by FT4 standards, John Deere built on its EPA Interim Tier 4 solution and added selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to deliver the best combination of performance, efficiency and reliability.

The John Deere solution is different because the combination of the cooled EGR and SCR will allow John Deere engines to utilize less diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) than alternative SCR technology solutions. Less consumption of DEF means DEF tanks can be smaller, impact on vehicle packaging are minimized, DEF filter

service intervals can be extended, and operating cost due to DEF consumption is minimized.

Extensive testing and benchmarking process John Deere is dedicated to providing loggers with equipment that is designed to withstand the toughest jobs. Our FT4 engine platforms will continue to offer the same proven durability that has been proven out on our Interim Tier 4 equipment. The new Integrated Emissions Control system components are designed to meet the unique needs of off-highway equipment and our FT4 engines have been rigorously tested in the most extreme applications and harshest environments. This extensive testing process offers customers peace of mind that their machine will be able to withstand the most adverse conditions.

Due to improvements in combustion efficiency and utilization of fuel saving technologies FT4 engines in forestry equipment are also expected to consume a similar amount of fuel as their Tier 3 predecessors while producing a fraction of the emissions.

78 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

John Deere is continuously benchmarking its FT4 solution, ensuring they are delivering uncompromised performance.

This process allows John Deere to evaluate internal and competitor solutions relative to customer requirements. When they purchase a John Deere Forestry machine, customers can be confident our solutions deliver premium performance, fluid efficiency, reliability and economical operating cost built on decades of engine experience.

Enterprise expertise Though FT4 is a new regulation in the Forestry market, John Deere has always been at the forefront of meeting emissions regulations.

Boasting years and years of offhighway experience, when looking to implement FT4 technology in the Forestry industry, we were able to build upon our previous knowledge. With countless of hours of experience operating technologies such as high-pressure common-rail fuel systems, variable geometry turbochargers, cooled EGR, and DPFs, John Deere was able to fine-tune its FT4 technology

over time.

Globally, loggers are expected to do more with less. As they are constantly being squeezed, there is little room for downtime or unnecessary expenses. For that reason, it is vital that loggers choose an equipment manufacturer that is proven in the industry and has experience in the latest technology. Because we have the expertise in FT4 technology as an enterprise, our dealer network is equipped to service the new engines. That experience is vital for increasing uptime – the dealers are familiar with the FT4 engines, allowing them to quickly diagnosis and solve any issues.

Additionally, John Deere’s ForestSight technology also offers operators a competitive advantage.

Through John Deere’s JDLink and diagnostic offerings, operators can easily work with their dealer to find problems and review detailed reports.

With the new FT4 emission standards becoming a requirement for the Forestry industry, John Deere is dedicated to evolving our offerings to equip our customers for the future. The new FT4 requirements offer us an opportunity to evaluate our existing machines – as we are upgrading our engines to meet the new standards, we are always looking for other ways to improve the performance of the entire machine. As the emissions landscape continues to evolve, loggers can rest assured that John Deere will be there to support their businesses through it all.

INNOVATION – DANFOSS

Danfoss enhances H1B bent axis motor product family with release of H1B210 frame New frame size provides greater overall efficiency than competitive products; features compact design, higher rotating and acceleration speeds than H1B250, and integrated controls for better performance and reliability

D

anfoss Power Solutions has announced the release of H1B210, a new frame size that enhances the successful H1B bent axis motor family (H1B060 – H1B250). The new frame features a notably compact design, higher rotating and acceleration speeds than H1B250, and integrated controls for better performance and reliability, while providing greater overall efficiency than competitive products.

Motors in the Danfoss H1B product line feature proven 32-degree bent axis technology and zero-degree capability, which allows for smooth, on-the-go shifting; flexibility to meet many vehicle operating conditions; and the ability for OEMs to offer additional features such as anti-slip functionality and torque control to optimize the use of available power.

The H1B210 frame offers the same full option package as other H1B motors in the family but is intended for applications with high installed power, such as forwarders, harvesters, combines, crawlers and shredders. The new frame size also enables customers to utilize a cost-efficient drop-box transmission for high corner-power

applications, including wheel loaders, dumpers and telehandlers.

“As a global supplier for mobile hydraulics, Danfoss Power Solutions is pleased to enhance the H1B bent axis motor family with the H1B210,” said Hans-Hermann Blöcker, product application engineer of high-power closed-circuit products at Danfoss Power Solutions. “The H1B210 demonstrates higher overall efficiency when compared to competitive products on the market and offers seamless serviceability given the integrated design of the H1B family. Our customers have already expressed great interest in H1B210 as they continuously work to develop highly efficient and robust machines.”

The H1B210 is available with DIN and SAE flange, and has a rated high-speed capability of 3,850 rpm at 20 % motor displacement. The maximum working pressure is 450 bar. The new frame also offers competitive shaft speeds, an integrated loop flushing device and an optional integrated speed sensor.

Benefits of H1B210 The H1B210 frame provides a variety of benefits for OEMs

and distributors in the mobile hydraulics industry, including: • S hared parts within the H1B product family and the external accessibility of the shaft seal allow for superior serviceability, while a common control interface for all H1B frame sizes simplifies motor conversion • Zero-degree capability enables customers to develop softwarebased anti-slip control for multimotor transmissions, resulting in reduced ground damage, increased traction control and improved machine controllability for the operator

Around the world, mobile equipment manufacturers rely on Danfoss expertise for the most innovative work, propel, control and steering solutions. Working in partnership with customers, Danfoss provides high-value, high-performance components for a broad range of mobile equipment applications. Danfoss designs, manufactures and sells a complete range of engineered hydraulic and electronic components including hydrostatic transmissions, mobile electronics, orbital motors, steering components and PVG proportional valves.

• L arge ratio (zero to 32°) leads to higher overall efficiency, and improved efficiency reduces fuel consumption and supports emission legislations such as Tier 4 Final/Stage IV • T wo-edge spool design of the 3/2-way valve spool also increases efficiency due to low volumetric losses and reduces hysteresis for better controllability • S trong synch joint is able to withstand high accelerations and decelerations, and one-piece housing means fewer potential leak paths

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 79

Prime-Tech professional mulchers & tracked carriers PrimeTech offers a wide range of professional mulchers and tracked carriers/prime movers, designed for the most heavy-duty, demanding jobs all around the world: land clearing/mulching, land conversion/subsoiling, road construction/stabilizing -rock crushing -asphalt grinding and mine clearance/demining.

PT 300 • • • •

John Deere 6068HF485 engine Displacement 6,8 l 6 in-line cylinders Gross power: 275 HP

80 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

PT 175 • • • •

Cummins QSB4.5 engine Displacement 4,5 l 4 in-line cylinders Gross power: 160 HP

PrimeTech presented at Agritechnica: their new PT-175, 2016 model REMOTE CONTROLLED!

PT 400 • • • •

CAT C13 engine Displacement 12,5 l 6 in-line cylinders Gross power: 415 HP

PT 600 • • • •

Cummins QSX15 engine Displacement: 14,6 l 6 in-line cylinders Gross power: 600 HP

International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 81

ADVERTISERS INDEX SALES OFFICES UK, Europe, South Africa, US East Coast CONTACT: Phil Playle or David Lansdowne Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: phil@internationalforestindustries.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX Arjes ������������������������������������������������� 31 www.arjes.de

Quadco ���������������������������������������������53 www.quadco.com

Bandit ���������������������������������������������35 www.banditchippers.com

Rottne �����������������������������������������������47 www.rottne.com

BRON �����������������������������������������������74 www.rwfbron.com

Select Saw �������������������������������������� 10 www.selectsawmill.com

or david@internationalforestindustries.com

Japan CONTACT: Yuko Ishihara Japan Advertising Communications, Inc. Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho

CLEANFIX ���������������������������������������� 57 www.cleanfix.org

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051 Tel: 81-3-3261-4591 Fax: 81-3-3261-6126 Email: ishihara@media-jac.co.jp

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT) Australia, & New Zealand CONTACT: George Roman Roy McDonald Associates, Inc 4779 Luna Ridge Court,

Comact ��������������������������������������������� 17 www.cleanfix.org Doppstadt ��������������������������������������� 37 www.doppstadt.com Fecon ������������������������������������������������ 11 www.fecon.com

Las Vegas NV 89129, USA Tel: +1 (702) 515 7247 Fax: +1 (702) 515 7248

Halco Software Systems ��������������� IBC www.halcosoftware.com

Email: george@roymcdonald.com

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

Indexator �����������������������������������������55 www.indexator.com

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

Jenz �������������������������������������������������33 www.jenz.de

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

John Deere ���������������������������������������� 3 www.deere.com/forestry

US Mid-West, Central & Mountain CONTACT: Kevin Lapham J.P.Media Inc

Komptech ��������������������������������������� 41 www.komptech.com

Serra ������������������������������������������������� 16 www.serra-sawmill.com TerraSource ���������������������������������������9 www.terrasource.com Tigercat ������������������������������������������OBC www.tigercat.com ÜSTÜNKARLI ����������������������������������� 15 www.ustunkarli.com USNR �����������������������������������������F/C/23 www.usnr.com www.se-saws.com Vermeer ��������������������������������������������� 7 www.vermeer.com Ventura �������������������������������������������40 www.venturamaq.com Wood-Mizer �������������������������������������25 www.woodmizer.com

1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville IL 60563, USA Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752 Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Lucidyne Technologies Inc ������������� 13 www.lucidyne.com

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

South America

MiCROTEC ����������������������������������������� 14 www.microtec.eu

CONTACT: Ricardo Cortés Editec S.A. Avda del Cóndor 844 Of. 205,

Morbark �����������������������������������������5/8 www.morbark.com

Cuidad Empresarial Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile Tel: +56 2 757 4200 Fax: +56 2 757 4201

Peterson ��������������������������������������� IFC www.petersoncorp.com

Email: rcortes@editec.cl

82 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

February 25th to 27th, 2016 Lane County Convention Center & Fairgrounds Eugene, Oregon USA

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

FORESTRY

The

Level Headed Approach to

Land Clearing

Manufactured to endure the most extreme & demanding terrains POWER TO PERFORM

Terra

Grouser

Rocky

TXL

TXCL

CLARK TRACKS

Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.

www.clarktracks.com

E: clarktracks@clarktracks.com T: +44 (0) 1387 722370

high performance for maximum work life

a brand of FAE Group

Flotation

POWER TO PERFORM

BRON Mulcher

BRON 475 Mulcher with SEPPI Mulching Head

Leveling everything in their paths are BRON mulchers - grinding trees, brush and stumps into fine mulch, quickly and easily. Low ground pressure and powerful hydraulics are standard on all models, ranging from 275 hp to 700 hp.

Richardson Service_Frances Marion tree thinning

Seppi Midiforst dt 225 Mulcher on the Bron 275 was a perfect combination on a tree thinning project in the Frances Marion National Forest in Huger, SC. The Bron handled flawlessly on the saturated ground while the Seppi Midiforst dt 225 is an easily manueverable and very efficient mulching head. This video was brought to you by Richardson Service and Seppi Partners LLC

BRON 275 Mulcher with Seppi Midiforst Mulching Head

www.rwfbron.com

Can Your Tractor Do This in 10 mins?

Fecon, Inc FTX600

Introducing Fecon’s all-new “FTX 128L High Performance” forestry mulcher! Visit http://fecon.com or call 1-800-528-3113 for more information. This 128 horsepower mulching machine was designed and built from the ground up right here at our Lebanon, Ohio, USA factory to deliver the highest performance and greatest fuel efficiency in its class.

The FTX600 is Fecon’s flagship tractor. This tractor brings the best combination of cutting performance, track power, ground pressure and serviceability in the 600hp class of mulching machines.

FTX148L Forestry Mulcher - Mulching Machine - Fecon - Bull Hog

RTC22/500-8 - Pine Trees

Attached to a Fecon FTX148 Mulching Machine, the Bull Hog Forestry Mulcher is perfect for clearing trees and brush. Bull Hog attachments excel at clearing right-of-way, lines of site, invasive species and fire breaks as well as many other in Forest applications.

Fecon’s® RTC22 is a purpose built mobile chipping system like no other. This dedicated carrier is specifically designed for chipper weight, center of gravity, and serviceability. The high mobility of the RTC22 is welcomed on remote jobsites that could be hard to get to with other vehicles. With a top speed of 12 miles per hour, the RTC22 is three times faster to the job.

You will find unmatched versatility, power, and durability from the FeconFTX 148 Mulching Machine. Jobs normally requiring 2 or 3 pieces of equipment can now be completed with just one due to the machines’ high versatility and rate of production.

www.fecon.com

Bandit visits R.J. Nathe & Sons

Parker Kligerman visits Bandit 2013

Bandit visits R.J. Nathe & Sons on a job site near Ocala, Florida to see how their Bandit Whole Tree Chipper Model 3590 is working for them.

NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Parker Kligerman visits Bandit Industries and gets behind the wheel of a few other machines.

Bandit Model 2400 XP (24” Disc-Style) Whole Tree Chipper

Operations looking for a high production chipper with a large chipping capacity should take a look at the Model 2400. The Model 2400 is designed for those land clearing operations whose main goal is production, and those loggers looking to produce a high quality, dimensional chip. Like the Model 1900, the 2400 features a five feed wheel system that gives this unit unmatched crushing and pulling power. To aid in this capability, the 2400 features a Caterpillar or Cummins 700 horsepower engine.

Revolution Cutter Wheel

The Bandit Revolution stump grinder cutter wheel is now standard issue for all new Bandit stump grinders, and it’s available as a retrofit for older machines. Don’t have a Bandit stump grinder? No problem—this amazing wheel is also available for a wide range of other stump grinder makes and models so you too can be part of the Revolution.

www.banditchippers.com

848H Skidder

King of the Hills

With industry-leading axles, super sturdy frames, and innovative options like dual-mode steering, the H-Series skidders continue John Deere’s unwavering dedication to being the leader in the woods.

Neiman Enterprises has emerged to become the leading forest products company in the Black Hills region.

2013 John Deere 843K Feller buncher at Forestry First 05-02-13

Road Map to Success

This 2013 model Deere 843K is working in Pine Plantation.

We filmed this cutter working on a second thinning job where the stems are 6 inches or so average, many less. This feller buncher is very impressive. The owner has been pleased with fuel consumption and the speed and power of this feller buncher is more than adequate in his thinning and logging operations.

The operators are also making positive comments about the cab interior which has recently been much improved. The old steering column is gone and it opens everything up in terms of visibility and space for your legs. If you have not sat in one of these you should do yourself a favour and hop into one.

Fleet management systems have put Mid Atlantic Tree Harvesters “on the map�.

www.deere.com

6600 Track Wood Hog

Morbark 5048 Drum Chipper

Morbark 6600 Track Wood Hog. Footage taken at the 2013 Morbark Demo Days.

Morbark 5048 Drum Chipper equipped with a 10 knife Advantage 3 drum and a Cat C-27 1050hp diesel engine. Footage taken at the 2013 Morbark Demo Days.

Morbark, Inc. I Make America

3200 Wood Hog Demo Days May 2013

Aimed at wood and green waste recycling applications, the Morbark 3200 Wood Hog is a compact and aggressive unit. A smaller, lighter, and more affordable unit with all of the benefits of our larger grinders, the 3200 can handle green waste, regrind, sawmill residue, pallets, and logs up to 14� in diameter ease.

Available as a tracked unit for greater mobility or with electric power, the 3200 can be built with Morbark’s most popular options.

www.morbark.com

4300B Drum Chipper Making Micro Chips

s5710C horizontal grinder with Terra Select S6 E Star Screen

The new Peterson 4300B drum chipper has been updated for 2014 with new features that high-volume biomass chippers demand. The 4300B can be equipped with either a 6-pocket (to make standard biomass chips) or 12-pocket (to make microchips) drum depending on your material needs.

A Peterson 5710C horizontal grinder feeds ground wood pallets into a Terra-Select S6-E star screen. The three fraction Terra Select S6-E sorts the ground material into fines, accepts and overs.

Both machines are ideal for processing mulch, compost, or other organic material.

6700B Mid-Speed Grinder

5710C Pallet Grinding

This Peterson 6700B horizontal grinder is equipped with our new Mid-Speed C&D package, and is doing primary grind in surplus railroad ties. The second grinder (a Peterson 4710B) is processing the material to meet the product spec which is being used for energy production.

This Peterson 5710C horizontal grinder is grinding pallets for mulch production in Indiana. The machine uses a cross belt magnet to pull the nails from the material (watch for a follow-up video on this process soon!)

The Mid-Speed C&D package is designed for highly contaminated material and features several new innovations that have not been seen on high-speed horizontal grinders before. This operation is seeing consistent 300+ tons per hour of production in this material.

The 5710C is Peterson’s latest generation of high production track grinders. Powered by the Caterpillar C27 or C32 engine at 1050 horsepower, this grinder provides the highest power to weight ratio of any Peterson grinder. At approximately 83,000 pounds (37650 kg) the 5710C was designed for operations requiring high production and frequent moves between jobs.

www.petersoncorp.com

Tigercat TH575 mixed stand in Nova Scotia

KBM, Chile: Infield chipping

Tigercat TH575 harvesting head on a Tigercat H855C carrier in a mixed stand in Nova Scotia. E&R Langille Contracting Ltd. owns four TH575 heads. The company cites long-term durability and multi-stemming capability as primary advantages. E&R Langille’s original TH575 was purchased in 2007 and has over 21,000 operating hours.

KBM, Chile infield eucalyptus chipping operation featuring a Tigercat 860C feller buncher, two Tigercat 630D skidders and a Peterson-Pacific flail/chipper. Get the full story in Between the Branches, November 2013. BTB is available online, by subscription or at your local Tigercat dealer.

880 logger in Pacific northwest

Bull Creek: LH822C

The Tigercat 880 logger in a high production shovel logging (hoe chucking) application in western Washington.

Montana-based Bull Creek Forestry operating a new Tigercat LH822C harvester in a selective felling application. Get the full story in the July 2013 issue of Between the Branches.

www.tigercat.com

ROTTNE SKÖRDARE

Skotare ROTTNE F13C

Rottne F18

www.rottne.com

Vermeer BC700XL Brush Chipper

HG6000 Horizontal Grinder

Vermeer continues to respond to the demands of the rental, landscape and tree care professionals with the BC700XL brush chipper. The smallest machine in the Vermeer brush chipper line, the BC700XL design is based on operator feedback and focuses on productivity advantage and ease-of-use. The brush chipper features a centrifugal clutch system, 25 horsepower (18.6 kW) Kohler EFI engine, bottom feed stop bar and Vermeer exclusive SmartFeed feed-sensing control system. The new member of the chippers line offers the compact size operators are looking for and the performance they want to achieve a job efficiently.

Process wood waste efficiently with the HG6000 horizontal grinder. Get started with the touch of a button to activate the microprocessor-controlled HPTO clutch. Fifth-wheel towing configuration provides mobility, and the openended, extra-wide feed table allows you to load wood waste over the side. State-of-the-art wireless remote lets you operate the machine from up to 300’/91 m away.

HG8000TX Horizontal Grinder

HG4000TX Horizontal Grinder

The HG8000TX horizontal grinder from Vermeer boasts the largest infeed opening in its class, helping to increase your productivity and expand job possibilities. Powered by a 950-hp (708.4 kW) CAT Tier 2 engine, this unit handles big diameter wood and large, brushy debris with ease. Plus, its innovative design incorporates several features to help reduce material spillage and jobsite cleanup time.

The HG8000TX is equipped with a tracked undercarriage with 28” (71.1 cm) wide double or triple-grouser track pads. Designed to tackle tough jobs, the HG8000TX enables productivity for the long-haul.

Take the self-propelled HG4000TX horizontal grinder to tough jobsites. With its 20”/51 cm double grouser track pads, high ground clearance and sealed rollers, it can get into remote areas easily, without material building up in the track system. A fully enclosed engine helps reduce noise. Infeed over-pressure/auto-reverse function reduces jams. Extra-wide, 48”/122 cm V-cleat discharge conveyor neatly discharges processed material from the machine.

www.vermeer.com

a brand of FAE Group

PT-175: the most compact and manoeuvrable PrimeTech model.

Breaking new ground with PrimeTech’s PT-400

Equipped with a Cummins QSB4.5, 4.5 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 4 in-line cylinders and 160 hp, PT-175 is the most compact and lightweight vehicle of the PrimeTech range of tracked carriers. PT-175 is designed to perform light to medium duty work in the forestry sector. One of its strong points lies in its dimensions, which enable it to work on sites with width restrictions (<= 1750 mm). PT-175 is mainly used for vegetation management, for cleaning undergrowth, cutting and eliminating bushes and shrubs and for cutting seismic lines. The PT-175 is also an impressively innovative mulcher, built around cutting-edge technology with easy access to all components, thanks to a fully tilting engine hood, hinged side doors and swing-out rear winch that opens effortlessly for daily maintenance of the vehicle.

The exceptionally high productivity of the PT-400 is provided first and foremost by the perfectly synchronized engine and hydraulic system that reaches a high level of efficiency. The 12.5 l CAT C13 engine with 415 hp below the bonnet caters for the necessary reserves of power. The oscillating undercarriage and the perfect distribution of masses reduce strain to the structure and provide better control of the vehicle. The spacious and soundproofed cabin helps the operator to work better and with greater precision. It has a series of comforts including the ergonomic position of the seat, the ease use of joysticks and an efficient air conditioning system. Reliability, low maintenance costs and consumption, high performance, low ground pressure, comfort and safety: these are the reasons for choosing PT400 for land clearing/mulching!

PT-300: PrimeTech’s top-of-the line unit for forestry mulching and more

PrimeTech PT-600: Power, performance, productivity for land clearing/mulching!

The flagship PT-300 model, powered by a John Deere 6068HF485, 6.8 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 6 in-line cylinders and 275 hp, recently underwent a major design overhaul. Key technical improvements included: A brand-new cab “more head room” (fully tilting and equipped with LED headlights and a flatfaced front windshield instead of the curved windshield of previous models); New Berco-quality D4 oscillating undercarriage with ground clearance increased by 6cm/2”: from 40cm/16” to 46 cm/18”; Optimized easy access to all components for easy maintenance and more.

The PT-600, equipped with a Cummins QSX15 turbocharged in line 6 cylinder diesel engine producing 600 hp, has been designed to work in the most extreme and severe of working conditions and for the toughest jobs, guaranteeing maximum productivity and high performance. Like all the other PrimeTech models, the PT-600 guarantees the same exceptional levels of manoeuvrability and agility even on extremely difficult terrain thanks to its oscillating undercarriage, to the low ground pressure and to the machine’s exceptional load distribution and balance.

www.prime-tech.com

Terra

Grouser

Rocky

Flotation

TXL

TXCL

CLARK TRACKS

Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.

www.clarktracks.com

E: clarktracks@clarktracks.com T: +44 (0) 1387 722370

high performance for maximum work life

Clark Tracks Ltd - Forest Machine Tracks. Boggiband. Bogieb채ndern

Clark Tracks Ltd specialise in providing a wide range of Forest Machine Tracks to an ever expanding market. We provide designs and sizes to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve. This short video will give you an insight to our tracks being used on John Deere, Ponsse, Komatsu and Tigercat forwarders and harvesters.

www.clarktracks.com

RAYCO C260 Mulching

The C260 is a mid-sized mulcher that delivers 260 hp in a compact, low ground pressure package. This mulcher is suited for clearing small trees, underbrush, and a variety of unwanted vegetation across a wide range of environments. The heavy-duty steel undercarriage and powerful final drives allow operators to tackle difficult terrain with confidence. Raycoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive elevated cooling design keeps engine and hydraulic temperatures within their limits in the harshest of environments. To minimize maintenance, a reversing fan can be activated from the cab to clear the limbriser debris screens. This helps to extend service intervals even when operating in hot, debrisfilled environments. When manual cleaning of the debris screens is necessary, they are easily removable and the rear door opens to allow unrestricted access to the debris screen and engine radiator.

The cabs are climate controlled and sealed from dust and debris to maintain operator comfort. Operators appreciate the high-backed, heated seat with adjustable armrests and air-ride suspension.

For safety, the cab is certified to meet ROPS, FOPS, and OPS specifications and is equipped with a roof-top escape hatch. LED lighting facing front, sides and rearward. A backup camera enhances rearward visibility.

www.raycomfg.com

FAE Forestry Mulcher Kubota KX 80

FAE forestry mulcher in action 1

The DML/HY from FAE is the best of its category, this mulching head can be mounted up to a 10 ton excavator. G.B Equipment inc is the Canadian distributor for FAE, contact us via our website www.gbequipment.ca to know your local dealer.

FAE Forestry And Mulching Heads

FAE forestry and land clearing heads. Forestry Mulchers, forestry tillers, rock crushers. Mulching machines.

www.fae-group.com/

Aciers JP - Installation belge 2015

Mobile rotary log debarker is a portable system is installed on a three-axle trailer for easy transport. It consists of three rotors that ensure contact between the debarking plates and the surface of the logs over a 10-foot length.

The system is designed to debark various types and diameters of wood year-round. European Homologation.

Mobile rotary log debarker http://www.acierjp.com/en/new-releases/products-details.cfm?ProduitID=8 Les Aciers J.P. inc.

15, 3rd Avenue East La Reine, Quebec, Canada J0Z 2L0 Phone: 819 947-8291 Fax: 819 947-6321 E-Mail: info@acierjp.com Owner: RenĂŠ Perreault

www.acierjp.com

TFVJA - Semi-Forestry Mulcher With Oscillating Hammers

TFVMF - Forestry mulcher with fix vidia hammers

Semi-forestry mulcher for tractors from 40 - 130 hp. Best Suited for mulching bushes and trunks up to 140 mm diameter. Suitable for working on all kinds of wood, gardening and agricultural uses.

Forestry mulcher best suited for trunks up to 300 mm diameter. Suitable for all types of wood, gardening and agricultural uses.

TFVMFD - Forestry mulcher double traction with fix vidia pointed hammer

TFVJH – Hydraulic Forestry Mulcher With Swinging/Oscillating Hammers 360º

Forestry mulcher best suited for trunks up to 300 mm diameter and for all types of wood, gardening and agricultural uses.

Forestry mulcher for excavators 7 – 16 Tn. Best suited for trunks up to 200 mm diameter. Suitable for all types of wood, gardening and agricultural uses.

www.venturamaq.com

Doppstadt Expo 2015 - a Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye View

50 years of Doppstadt: More than 5,000 guests from the environmental and recycling sector experienced two unforgettable days: on 24 and 25 June 2015.

Environmental technology company Doppstadt staged what was arguably the largest European trade show of 2015 in this field on its 220,000 sq.-metre works site (Saxony-Anhalt). On show were over one hundred machines for the shredding, sorting and treatment of waste and biomass. What was unique thereby

was that more than half of the machines could be seen in action. In two-hour live demonstrations, the guests saw how coarse shredders, screening machines and exact hackers shredded tree trunks into sawdust, separated waste from recyclables and sorted pebbles from sand heaps. In doing so, Doppstadt demonstrated its problem-solving skills through combined processes: material collected by machines was initially shredded, then separated into its various components by means of separation processes such as screening, washing or air separation.

Doppstadt AK 510 BioPower

Doppstadt AK 510 BioPower high speed shredder showing awesome power in wood applications

www.doppstadt.com

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

LUMBER PROCESSING

TM

Comact GradExpert

Comact Stacker

Comact Log 3D Scanning

Comact Transverse 3D Board Scanner

www.comact.com

Integrated Log Loader

MyMill™ - Changing the way you work

USNR’s Integrated Log Loader is positioned at the last step in the log feeder, and precisely manages the gap between logs.

MyMill is a new software suite developed by USNR that enables mill personnel to interact with mill equipment using mobile devices, such as iPads and iPods. This new mobile functionality will change the landscape of today’s modern mills.

6-Deck Jet Veneer Dryer - time lapse construction

Murray Timber 4-sided canting log breakdown line

This new 6-deck jet veneer dryer, located at Martco, Chopin, LA, is the largest dryer to date in the southern yellow pine region. This dryer will accomplish the equivalent production of two dryers, reducing labor costs by one-half. At the same time it will reduce thermal energy consumption by 10%, and exhaust fugitive emissions by 15%.

This mill is located in Ireland.

The dryer was erected off-line, and once complete it was towed into place and connected to all services under a projected expedited schedule. This allowed Martco the advantage of choosing the optimum time to disrupt its production schedule to install the additional capacity, and allowed the plant to utilize the existing building structure to house the new dryer.

www.usnr.com

Sweep reducing

Log positioning

The importance of cant positioning is often overlooked.

Only one infeed position will result in maximum product value. Deviation from this position will result in lower output. With a True Shape optimization system the best position is accurately determined.

Söderhamn Eriksson´s positioning system ensures the correct rotating position is maintained and carries out the side positioning which is calculated by the optimising system.

System Edger - versatile and reliable Bandsawing technology edger optimizer

Söderhamn Eriksson´s edging systems with high capacity and maximum yield generates the most valuable product out of each board.

Söderhamn Eriksson´s bandsaws offer the highest accuracy, very thin kerf, short built-in length, easy to set and efficient curve sawing of cants.

- Systems for all capacity requirements - Highest capacity on the market - Designs for unmanned operation - High resolution scanning on both sides of the board - Unlimited edging options - Split and reject modules

- High-strain bandsaws with high accuracy at highest feed speed - Saw kerf 3 mm or less - Reducer band saw combinations with 2,3 or 4 bands - Resaw combinations with 1 to 4 saw bands - Feed speeds up to 180 m/min

www.se-saws.com

Microtec CT Log 360° X-ray CTSawing Optimization

Microtec Goldeneye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner

CT Log optimized sawing • 100% optimum cutting solution based on highest value of final products • Increased value in every sawn log compared to any other breakdown solution • Maximization of lumber recovery quality that significantly increases revenues & resale value

Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for lumber Grading, Chopping and Sorting for joinery and wood component manufacturers – doors, windows and wood furniture, high performance planer mills and manufacturers of glulam and lumber construction products Goldeneye 300 advantages • Worldwide-accredited strength grading Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner • Increased lumber utilisation while reducing labor costs • Optimal utilization of your machinery capacity • Next generation sensors, state-of-the-art cameras and components with Full HD resolution, faster image acquisition and on-chip image processing • Including X-ray technology • Award winning design and functionality, long product life thanks to a smart design • Fast return on investment • Integrates seamlessly with all cross and chop saws as well as sorting and packaging lines

Microtec CT Log Virtual Grading

Microtec Logeye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for log grading

High-speed 360° X-Ray industrial CT-Scanning for high added-values sawmills by the industry leader Microtec.

• Full digital log reconstruction and virtual grading to determine quality at conveying speed of 180 m / min.

• Virtual cutting solutions to asses multiple break-down angles and cutting masks for value optimization.

• For all types of logs • World leading scanning solutions Microtec is the global leader in optoelectronic wood grading technology.

As one source solutions provider for all sawmilling processes, we optimize, automate and streamline all processes for the wood working industry using optoelectronic Multi-Sensor Quality Scanning technologies. We have provided personalized solutions for our customers for over 35 years.

Innovation is our drive. Wood is our passion!

Microtec Logeye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for log grading at the log & merchandising yard and saw infeed for optimised log breakdown, bucking and sorting Logeye 300 Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner features • Grades logs for subsequent breakdown, bucking and sorting • Provides a true 360° panoramic photo image of the log • Accurately determines log density and volume over and under bark • Provides log description including wood defects • Determines the strength of the log for subsequent sorting • Increases throughput, productivity and resale of final products

www.microtec.eu

Industrial Sawmill Business Spotlight SLP2 at LIGNA - Ohio Valley Veneer

For six years, Ed Robbins struggled to make his high grade lumber mill profitable. Finally he turned to Wood-Mizer industrial thin-kerf headrigs and his employees thought he was crazy... See what happened in the video.

Wood-Mizer debuts the SLP2 (Small Log Processing system) at Ligna 2013, in Hanover. Thin-kerf blades and higher automation result in a profitable combination.

WM4000 ENG

WM1000 with new hydraulic system

WM4000 – Wood-Mizer’s latest thin-kerf headrig.

WM1000 – Break down big logs accurately and efficiently with a 1.7 metre (67”) center capacity cut.

www.woodmizer.com

Grade Scan 2013/2014

The Westervelt Story

True-Q Patented Board Tracking System

www.lucidyne.com

TM

EWD Reducer Quad, First logs

Today we cut the first 5 logs on the new EWD sawmill. first the sides of the logs are chipped off, then four bandsaws go to work cutting the log into the desired sizes.

www.ewd.de

Wood Processing Industry: Springer System Fitness Check

SPRINGER - a step ahead through productivity

When correctly serviced and controlled, a system ensures reliable and efficient operation.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why a steadily increasing number of customers is opting for our system fitness check. Following inspection of the system, measures for improving state and performance are suggested. These activities form the basis for a successful and complete system checkup during summer or winter breaks. For that reason, the inspection should ideally be carried out 2 or 3 months before the scheduled system check in your plant.

SPRINGER is well known for machines and conveyor systems and produces innovative wood processing solutions worldwide.

Innovative CLT production lines

SPRINGER - automation of layer press @ Tilly (A)

To optimize the production of natural wood panels with multi-layer technology, SPRINGER was commissioned with the design and construction of an installation, enabling automation of its existing layer press at Tilly Plant I in Althofen, Austria.

Excellent ease of handling, low maintenance effort and, most of all, minimized material input â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are the key characteristics of the innovative CLT production lines made

by SPRINGER. We develop CLT production lines that take cut-outs and chamfers into account early on in the process, specifically during the provision and automatic positioning of lamellas.

This means minimized material consumption thanks to solutions that are tailored to the requirements of our customers.

www.springer.au

Wagner L60 Logstacker

Wagner is proud to introduce the revolutionary, purpose built, 60,000 lb, L60 Logstacker. Perfect for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cutto-length loads, Wagner has taken our customers years of experience and devised answers to day-to-day, year-to-year operational challenges. From fuel consumption to ease of maintenance and operator comfort, Wagner offers the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. The Wagner L60 Logstacker is in it for the long haul!

www.alliedsystems.com

In 2016 IFI will be attending the following shows:

and saw filing room supplies,” York stated. “Oleson bandsaws are manufactured in our Pennsylvania, USA facility.”

The prototype double arbor circular saw from German manufacturer Linck, the model MKS, has a fixed saw sleeve and was presented at the Ligna trade show in 2013. With its large clamping length of 560 mm, the machine can process four-sided cants of up to 600 mm total width.

The cutting height of 350 mm allows the processing of large cross sections.

The saw arbors can be positioned in height independently from each other using servo-hydraulics with linear

The possibility of moving the saw arbors in their outer end position clears the whole working space and allows easy trouble-shooting if necessary – Linck

guides. The saw arbors can therefore be positioned for different saw blade diameters.

“The possibility of moving the saw arbors in their outer end position clears the whole working space and allows easy troubleshooting if necessary,” Linck said.

The saw arbor bearing is a completely new design for speeds of up to 3,900 rpm. This high speed in combination with the

September 28-30, 2016 Portland, Oregon

high cutting speed allows the use of saw blades with smaller saw kerfs.

The use of counter bearings for the saw arbors with higher speeds reduces the bearing load to a minimum and the saw arbor units are suitable for robust and continuous operation. The counter bearings are hydraulically pulled off the saw arbors and moved upwards on a carriage. The saw arbors can easily be accessed for a comfortable, safe and fast tool change. Partly mechanised and fully automatic systems are available for changing the tools.

The maximum drive power is 1,000 kW. Two three-phase asynchronous motors drive each saw arbor, which are installed and offset by about 180° to allow the use of marketable standard

motors. Another advantage is the nearly complete compensation of the driving forces to minimise the bearing load.

“The high drive power makes it possible to split multiple products and to process large cross sections with high feed speeds,” the manufacturer said. “The machine is therefore suitable for saw lines where the existing split saw is reducing capacity.”

The single components of the machine produced by Linck are of high quality and precise design to ensure “excellent lumber surface quality and exceptional dimension accuracy”. This accuracy is also achieved by the optional use of guide plates being installed at the in and/or outfeed side, depending on the application.

A saw blade spraying device is available for processing resinous wood such as larch, protecting the saw blades against resin.

Additional advantages are the increased life time of the saw blades as well as reduced power consumption.

“The double arbor circular saw MKS has already successfully

9-12 June 2016 Southern Germany (Roding, Bavaria)

26 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY 2014/MARCH 2014

February 25 - 27 2016 Lane County, Convention Center & Fairgrounds, Eugene, Oregon USA

HALCO AD:Layout 3

3/8/10

17:22

6-9 September 2016 Svenska Mässan, Göteborg

Page 1

Optimise your production plan...

Whatever your mill...

Maximize profit by resolving trade-offs between recovery, production rate, and value

www.halcosoftware.com

Optimise your operations

HALCO

Software Systems

Vancouver, Canada • Tel: 1 604 731 9311 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

LOAD FAST, UNLOAD FASTER

Tigercatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive low-wide bunk system combined with the powerful hooked crane introduces efficiency and performance gains for the high capacity 1075 and 1085 series forwarders.

Designed for quicker loading and unloading times, this innovative configuration provides clear sight lines to the top of the load and substantially increases the working range of the crane.

Contact your Tigercat dealer to find out how the low-wide bunk system and hooked crane can improve the efficiency of your forwarding operations.

+1.519.753.2000

comments@tigercat.com

www.tigercat.com

www.facebook.com/Tigercat