International Forest Industries Magazine June July 2019

LOGGING • SAWMILLING • EWPS • BIOMASS FORWARDERS 2019 John Deere in Oklahoma Operation Focus USNR Drying Technology Mobile Sawmilling

JUNE / JULY 2019

CT Log

360° X-Ray Computed Tomography Full 3D reconstruction & optimization of cutting solution

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

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

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

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

Blower Trucks

•

Chippers

•

Grinders

•

Screens

•

Stacking Conveyors

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS

36 FORWARDERS:

Big is generally better in forwarder technology but there is more to the market than capacity, according to contributors to this year’s forwarder technology review

60

56

61

56 J OHN DEERE - SOONER RATHER THAN LATER Raised on a cattle farm Oklahoma logger Andrew Anderson found his true calling early on.

60 SENNEBOGEN

61 GREENMECH

SENNEBOGEN develops Pick & Carry material handler with electric travel drive

Contractor switches suppliers to boost overall performance

JUNE / JULY 2019

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News 64 Advertising Index

LUMBER PROCESSING

COVER: CT Log - The future here and now CT Log scanner gives forestry industry the inside story on maximizing value. CT Log enables a full digital reconstruction of a scanned log.

Based on the scan, the log can be virtually broken down into different value-optimized cutting ‘masks’ until the one that gives the highest value and best suits the customer’s

LOGGING • SAW

needs in terms of appearance and quality is identified. CT scanning allows the industry to move from cutting optimization by volume or log grade to optimization of the actual board grade, thus maximizing value and minimizing waste.

FORWARDERS John Deere in

MILLING • EWP S

• BIOMASS

JUNE / JULY 2019

2019

Oklahoma

Operation Focu

CONTENTS

s USNR Drying Technolo gy

CT Log

360° X-Ray Compu

ted Tomography

Full 3D reconstr uction & optimization of cutting solution

Mobile Sawmilling

microtec.eu/CTLog

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 1

LUMBER PROCESSING

CONTENTS

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 9

SAWLINES

23

27

24 23 LINCK

24 USNR - HYNE TIMBER

27 GILBERT PRODUCTS INC

Linck has taken its VPM profiler series to the next level

Intelligent sawmill grade scanning

Gilbert’s Next Generation Planer!

28

30

32

28 BRUNNER HILDEBRAND

30 AUTOLOG

32 WOOD-MIZER

With business for many sawyers picking up, high-capacity & efficient kilns are in demand

Autolog solutions are built with mill personnel in mind

Wider cuts and new models in Wood-Mizer’s LX line of sawmills

34

34 NORWOOD The environmental benefits of portable band sawmills

Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition Expo 2019 June 26 – 28 Atlanta, GA 2 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

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ISSUE 69 JUNE / JULY 2019

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 583 emma@internationalforestindustries.com Annual Subscription UK and Europe £160, €230 Rest of the world US$270 EDITORIAL T: +44 (0)1442 877 583 F: +44 (0)1442 870 617 www.internationalforestindustries.com 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK Editorial Director John Chadwick john@internationalforestindustries.com Editor Chris Cann chris@internationalforestindustries.com Editorial Board Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit (Canada) Darren Oldham – Managing Director Söderhamn Eriksson (UK) Professor Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz – Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland) Mr Kim Carstensen Director General Forest Stewardship Council Eduardo Morales South American Forestry Consultant ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Advertising Manager Phil Playle phil@internationalforestindustries.com Group Advertising Manager David Lansdowne david@internationalforestindustries.com +44 (0)1442 87 77 77 Associate Editor Robin Peach robin@internationalforestindustries.com Advertising Production Enquiries Emma Smith emma@internationalforestindustries.com International Forest Industries is published

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

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

4 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

EDITOR’S COMMENT Ligna nails it

I

t us around this time of the year I start to get all hot and bothered about the northern hemisphere Summer trade shows. Covering the length and breadth of the forest and wood product markets as we do, the number of events we could legitimately attend is extensive and so we generally choose to use our scarce resources on only the most prestigious.

One of these is clearly Ligna, held for the downstream part of the forestry sector and centring on wood processing, transportation, and treatment, and hosted by the German city of Hannover.

It is difficult to speak on behalf of the plus90,000 visitors from more than 100 countries, or for that matter the 1,500 exhibitors, but from a press perspective it is impossible to be anything but glowing in our assessment of the organisation and execution of the event.

That included the provision of a world-class media centre from which to file copy, a flow of refreshments, a dedicated shuttle service in recognition of the show’s magnitude, and a general preparedness for all eventualities.

That preparedness put the disorganisation of the International Forest Industries editorial team into sharp focus when the Ligna press support crew magically produced a selection of phone-charging devices for a forgetful and panicky editor.

This level of service and professionalism appeared to spread throughout the event and helped deliver on the core objective – bringing together forestry professionals to procure information and machines capable of improving their operations and the standards and practice of the industry as a whole.

The big advance in knowledge and hardware this year was the landing of digitisation and automation as central tenets of new machine manufacturing.

Smart, futureproof solutions were at the top of the agenda and Ligna 2019 made it amply clear that technology users were now “getting smart” with regard to digitization and automation, according to Deutsche Messe, the convener.

The organiser said a major emphasis had been placed on integrated solutions that enabled companies of all sizes to meet current market demands and prepare for future challenges.

“Ligna has clearly underscored its reputation as the global woodworking and wood processing industry’s definitive event, and the place of choice for unveiling the latest innovations,” Deutsche Messe Managing Board Member, Dr Andreas Gruchow, said.

He said companies had presented impressive solutions, “making innovations tangible and easy to grasp for users from every sector of the industry, on a scale unrivalled throughout the world”.

“By focusing on digitization, automation, robotics and revolutionary surface technology applications, Ligna’s exhibitors played a major role in driving technological advancement.

Technologies considered to be visionary at the previous Ligna have now become reality,” he said.

Pekka Paasivaara is President of the German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers’ Association, CEO of HOMAG Group AG and member of the Board of Management of Dürr AG. He said the show demonstrated the industry had taken a big leap forward in the direction of digital wood processing, and that interest in advanced technology was running high throughout the world.

“It is truly amazing to meet up with so many customers from around the world interesting in making specific capital investments. The new solutions on display are relevant to small firms and large industrial processors, alike.

This gives us all good cause for optimism.”

We like to think the media plays a small but important role in these advancements through the sharing of information and, at International Forest Industries, we take that role particularly seriously as the industries only integrated upstream-downstream, international publication, which is therefore capable of sharing technology, innovation and leadership throughout the wood-product life cycle.

We can’t wait for next year.

Enjoy Chris Cann

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

John Deere announces JDLink™ Ultimate subscription price reduction John Deere Construction and Forestry is decreasing its annual JDLink™ Ultimate offering prices, providing customers with an affordable, streamlined data solution that boosts productivity and maximizes uptime. Additionally, the division is consolidating JDLink Ultimate Forestry with the larger JDLink offering.

“Machine connectivity is key for our customers, who rely on this technology to maximize productivity and uptime. When we first rolled out our JDLink offering, we were excited to bring an innovative solution to the market that connected our customers with their machines and dealers,” said Ana-Maria Mallia, product

marketing manager, JDLink. “We want to make it even easier for our customers to stay connected, and to do so, we are reducing prices to make this solution even more affordable and consolidating our subscription structure.”

Beginning this month, the annual subscription for JDLink Ultimate will be $200.00, and the JDLink Ultimate dual subscription will be $630.00. Tier pricing will be eliminated and customers can purchase up to three years of a subscription.

Additionally, the Forestry Ultimate and Forestry Ultimate dual subscriptions will be eliminated and consolidated with JDLink Ultimate and JDLink Ultimate dual.

Moving forward, the Wireless-

Data-Transfer and Limited Internet features offered in the Forestry Ultimate subscription will be included with all Ultimate and

WRI: Global trade of wood pellets up more than 21% year-over-year in 2018

Global trade of wood pellets jumped more than 21% year-overyear in 2018 when a new record of 22.3 million tons was shipped, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review.

The five major pellet exporting countries (the US, Canada,

Vietnam, Latvia, and Russia) have remained the top exporters for over five years. They accounted for about 69% of the world’s export volume in 2018.

Following the “big five” in 2018 were Estonia, Austria, Malaysia, Denmark and Germany, in

descending order. Pellet production in the US South continued at record pace in, driven by a European move away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.

From the 1Q 2018 to the 4Q 2018, exports from the region were up almost 50%, further manifesting US’s role as the world’s largest producer and exporter of wood pellets, reports the NAWFR. The United States ships practically all its pellets to three countries: the United Kingdom, Belgium and Denmark. Only a small share of the pellet production in the US is consumed domestically.

Demand for imported pellets in Japan and South Korea continued a three-year growth trend in the 4Q 2018 when import volumes reached

Ultimate Dual subscriptions. This change will be applied to both existing Forestry machines as well as new machine orders.

new record highs of 339,000 tons and 993,000 tons, respectively.

In 2018, the total annual import volume for the two countries was just over 4.5 million tons, more than doubling in just two years.

With the increased trade, prices for pellets landed in both Japan and South Korea have moved upward over the past three years.

In the 4Q 2018, the price for pellets imported to Japan averaged $182/ton, up almost 6% from the 4Q 2017. Pellet import prices to South Korea, which were nominally lower than those in Japan, rose almost 25% during the same period. The lower average cost for South Korea can be explained by that country’s reliance on pellets from low-cost countries in nearby Vietnam and Malaysia. This is unlike Japan, whose major pellet supplier is British Columbia, a more expensive producer of high-quality FSC and SFI certified pellets.

Jartek supplies wood thermal modification chamber to Donelley Sawmillers in NZ Jartek delivered to Donelley Sawmillers Ltd first wood thermal modification chamber and thermal oil boiler plant in 2017. During

year 2018 this plant with one 35 cubic metres chamber was not able to satisfy demand of thermally modified Radiata Pine

6 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

and company decided to invest to second similar chamber.

CAT® FORESTRY EXCAVATORS

OUR ROOTS IN FORESTRY RUN DEEP

AND WILL CONTINUE TO GROW.

For generations, Cat® dozers, forestry excavators and wheel loaders have focused on your logging success by increasing productivity and lowering total cost of ownership. Our world-class dealer network and parts distribution system ensure every machine, whether on the landing or at the mill, is up and running every hour of the work day.

When you make your living from the forest, count on quality Cat machines and your Cat dealership for continued support. From log loading to road building and land management, Caterpillar remains committed to your success.

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

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Ponsse opens a new service centre in Sandviken Sweden Ponsse has its sixth service centre in Sweden on 17 May when a new service centre opened its doors in Sandviken.

Ponsse is growing fast, and the need for services is increasing.

We hope that we can meet future needs for maintenance even better than before, says after-sales manager Urban Folkesson.

This signifies one-step in our strategy – our goal is to succeed together with our customers.

We hope that we can respond to demand even better with our new service centre. A little over a year ago, we opened our southernmost service centre in Värnamo, and this year we will open our sixth service centre in Sweden.

Our personnel in Sandviken will consist of manager Peter Gästgivar, and service engineers Jonas Anderson, Anders Skog and Fredrik Jonsson, who will travel on service vehicles from Sandviken

and Leksand to where service is needed.”

We decided to open this new service centre because we want to provide our customers with added value to meet their demands locally”, says Folkesson.

We will invest heavily in providing our customers with the services they need in their day-today activities, such as products, a broad range of spare parts, as well as effective high-quality services.

When necessary, we will also offer repair services with professional skills and tools. What is more, we will help our customers to update their hardware and software and provide them with information, support and training. Our goal is to offer the best services!

Hitachi names Brandt new dealer for forestry products The Brandt Group of Companies has made a major product-line announcement; they have been named a Hitachi forestry products dealer effective May 9, 2019.

Hitachi’s purpose-built forestry products will be a strong complement to Brandt’s fullline John Deere offering and is a natural fit, as both product lines are designed and manufactured through a joint venture – DeereHitachi Specialty Products (DHSP)

– in Langley, BC. This is an exciting day for Brandt and a big win for Hitachi equipment owners.” says Brandt President and CEO, Shaun Semple.

“Hitachi’s strong forestry lineup is highly-compatible with our existing John Deere offering, so loggers currently operating Hitachi equipment will be able to come directly to Brandt for unparalleled customer support from Day One!” The dealer change will give

Hitachi equipment owners the opportunity to increase their operational uptime, thanks to a larger-than-ever offering of products, parts and services, including Isuzu engine parts, available via Brandt’s extensive service network and warehouse facilities.

Existing Brandt customers will also benefit from additional forestry product options.

Brandt’s area of responsibility

will include Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI.

Weiler to buy Cat production facilities

April 15 2019 Weiler Forestry Inc. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Caterpillar’s purpose-built forestry business. Closing is anticipated to occur late 3rd quarter of 2019. This agreement follows the preliminary agreement between the two companies, which was announced in August 2018.

With this agreement, Weiler Forestry will acquire Caterpillar’s

purpose-built forestry product line consisting of wheel skidders, track feller bunchers, wheel feller bunchers and knuckleboom loaders, along with operations facilities in LaGrange, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama and Smithfield, North Carolina.

“We are very excited to add Weiler-branded purpose-built forestry equipment to our product portfolio,” said Pat Weiler, owner

8 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

and founder of Weiler, Inc. and Weiler Forestry. “Since the initial announcement, I’ve met with numerous Cat dealers and forestry customers. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and provided us with valuable feedback as we make plans to expand the existing forestry product line.

We are eager to complete the acquisition and get to work.”

Founded in 2000, Weiler currently produces an extensive portfolio of products and has a long- standing history of successfully manufacturing purpose-built equipment distributed through the Cat dealer network.

Upon the closing of the sale, Weiler Forestry will design and manufacture purpose-built forestry products, which will continue to be

available through the Cat dealer network, providing customers with the same outstanding sales and service support they’ve come to expect.

Weiler Forestry and Caterpillar will work closely with Cat dealers to best support customers during this transition to ensure product availability and support services.

FASTER, STRONGER, MORE PRODUCTIVE PONSSE Bison Active Frame takes forwarder concept to a completely new level. Solid structures with 16 ton load capacity are backed up by a powerful Mercedes-Benz/MTU engine and a unique CVT gearbox. The gearless CVT offers unstoppable pulling power and significantly higher driving speed, making it the perfect choice for heavy loads, difficult terrains and long distances.

Efficiency of the CVT gearbox and the high-ratio work hydraulics give the Bison Active Frame not only a peerless drive and loading capacity, but also excellent fuel economy and silent, comfortable working environment. A truly new forwarder concept has been born!

PONSSE PLC

Ponssentie 22 74200 Vieremä Finland Tel. +358 20 768 800 www.ponsse.com

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Logset launches new hybrid harvester Logset launches a new smaller hybrid harvester: the Logset 8H GTE Hybrid. It is the company´s second hybrid harvester model after the world´s biggest wheelbased harvester, the Logset 12H GTE Hybrid, was successfully launched in 2016.

When we launched the first hybrid harvester, people were fascinated by the major step taken

by Logset. The success of the Logset 12H GTE Hybrid is based on an amazing technology that responds to the needs of modern forestry. Three years later, the demand for sustainable, productive and economical solutions is higher than ever, and Logset’s technology is ready for smaller machines.

Logset is committed to delivering credible solutions that drive the entire forest machine industry forward. This new product launch is an investment we strongly believe in, says Vice President of Sales Pascal Réty.

The new hybrid harvester model has an AGCO Power 74 LFTN

diesel engine that conforms to Stage 5 EU emission regulations.

The hybrid system’s two main parts are the electric motor and the super capacitators used as energy storage. The hybrid system provides up to 100 kW of additional power. The hybrid harvester reaches higher productivity through a faster torque response, which allows the machine to easily perform several tasks at the same time. The engine load is kept constant, which reduces emissions per felled cubic meter.

This hybrid model is suitable for several market areas, and it can be equipped with a Logset TH65 or TH75 harvester head. The machine has lower operating costs compared to a regular harvester, which is one the main benefits of the hybrid technology. The fuel saving can be up to 30 %. Hybrid technology is clearly an important part of the future of sustainable forestry, Réty explains.

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10 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Over 22 million tons of wood pellets were shipped globally in 2018 Over 22 million tons of wood pellets were shipped globally in 2018, up 21% from 2017. The US, Canada, Vietnam, Latvia and Russia, accounted for 69% of global exports in 2018, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review Global trade of wood pellets jumped more than 21% year-overyear in 2018 when a new record of 22.3 million tons was shipped, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review. The five major pellet exporting countries (the US, Canada, Vietnam, Latvia, and Russia) have remained the top exporters for over five years. They accounted for about 69% of the world’s export volume in 2018.

Following the “big five” in 2018 were Estonia, Austria, Malaysia, Denmark and Germany, in descending order. Pellet production in the US South continued at record pace in, driven by a European move away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. From the 1Q/18 to the 4Q/18, exports from the region were up almost 50%, further manifesting US’s role as the world’s largest producer and exporter of wood pellets, reports the NAWFR. The United States ships practically all its pellets to three countries: the United Kingdom, Belgium and Denmark. Only a small share of the pellet production in the US is consumed domestically.

Demand for imported pellets in Japan and South Korea continued a three-year growth trend in the 4Q/18 when import volumes reached new record highs of 339,000 tons and 993,000 tons, respectively. In 2018, the total annual import volume for the two countries was just over 4.5 million tons, more than doubling in just two years. With the increased trade, prices for pellets landed in both Japan and South Korea have moved upward over the past three years.

In the 4Q/18, the price for pellets imported to Japan averaged $182/ton, up almost six percent from the 4Q/17. Pellet import prices to South Korea, which were nominally lower than those in Japan, rose almost 25 percent during the same period. The lower

average cost for South Korea can be explained by that country’s reliance on pellets from low-cost countries in nearby Vietnam and Malaysia. This is unlike Japan,

whose major pellet supplier is British Columbia, a more expensive producer of high-quality FSC and SFI certified pellets.

Chippertruck 2.0 Unbeatably economical

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International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 11

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Quality and ergonomics are the premise of BMW Design Works’ interior solutions for fixed forwarder cabin The fixed forwarder cabin has been updated based on customer feedback. The renewed fixed cab is more spacious and gives the operator more room when rotating the seat. The lighting has been enhanced and special attention has been given to acoustics, look, and operator comfort.

The renewed fixed cab features high-quality, easy-to-care-for interior materials and new LED lighting solutions that illuminate the floor space, the cab, and the new doored storage spaces in

the upper part of the cab. The light on the ceiling illuminates the stairs when climbing into the cab. Machines equipped with a central locking system also have an approach light.

Production of the renewed fixed cab begins and replaces the previous cab design at the end of April 2019.

Tree planting drones firing seed missiles A company is now producing drones designed to fire seed missiles into fields, aiming to help restore the world’s forests.

According to National Geographic, between 1990 and 2016, the world lost 502,000 square miles of forest due to a combination of humans cutting them down, and natural factors including wildfires.

With deforestation affecting all life on Earth, it needs addressing urgently, and Biocarbon Engineering believe they can help. The company have designed drones which, in September, planted seeds in a field just south of Yangon, Myanmar. These seeds have now grown into mangrove saplings, about 20 inches tall, and now Biocarbon Engineering are looking to ‘replicate this success’ elsewhere.

The company’s cofounder, Irina Fedorenko told Fast Company “We now have a case confirmed of what species we can plant and in what conditions. We are now ready to scale up our planting and replicate this success”.

Biocarbon Engineering also

used drones to plant both trees and grasses at abandoned mines in Australia, as well as other locations over the world. Since the project started in 2012, more than six million trees have been planted by non-profit organisation Worldview Impact, which has recently been working with Biocarbon Engineering.

Many of these six million seeds were planted by hand which takes time, so Worldview Impact hopes to use more drones in the future now they’ve proven to be successful. It’s estimated two operators working with 10 drones can plant an amazing 400,000 trees a day.

After flying over the areas, the drones then map it, while collecting data about the soil condition and topography to determine the best locations to plant seeds. They then fire biodegradable pods into the ground, which are filled with a germinated seed and the nutrients it needs.

The project in Myanmar is all about community development and enabling people to care for trees, providing them with jobs, and

11-12 September 2019, Rotorua, NEW ZEALAND 12 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

making environmental restoration in a way that it’s profitable for people.

The forest didn’t vanish by itself — the forest was cut down by local people. We train local people to be drone pilots, and they want that. They want to be in IT. They want to process data, they want to fly drones, they want to do agroforestry, they want to do regenerative agriculture, they want to create vertical farms, they want to do all this cool stuff. It’s not the ambition to be a seedling planter for $1 a day.

So, the drone project isn’t just helping the forests themselves, but the local communities too by helping provide new economic opportunities. The project will hopefully have a huge impact with climate change, as researchers recently calculated there’s enough room on the planet to plant 1.2 trillion trees, enough to suck up more carbon each year than humans emit. Amazing!

Source: unilad.co.uk

Biodegradable Seedpods

Providing a scalable wetland solution Wetland restoration has the potential to sequester carbon at rapid rates. The BCE pod is fully biodegradable, designed to ensure seed penetration to minimise tidal impact on germination

17-18 September 2019, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

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Call us today to discuss your needs as well as the newest options available for our line of sawmill, logging and wood waste recycling equipment.

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Deere and Joensuun to invest 20 million euros Deere & Company has invested more than 50 million euros in the Finnish forest machine business this decade.

The latest investment, to expand the factory and increase capacity, is the biggest single investment in the Joensuu factory in John Deere Forestry Oy’s history.

Implementation of the investment will begin in summer 2019 and it will be completed in 2021.

The investment will improve and expand the Joensuu factory’s assembly and test drive facilities as well as increase the component manufacturing capacity. The total

amount of the investment is about 15 million euros. “This expansion will help us to better meet demand during strong economic cycles.

The new space will also increase occupational safety and employee satisfaction,” says Factory Manager Janne Haapasalo.

After the expansion, John Deere Forestry Oy’s production/logistics facilities will cover a total of 3.2 hectares.

GreenPark business park expanding John Deere Forestry Oy has sold a plot east of the current GreenPark

to the City of Joensuu.Joensuun Yrityskiinteistöt Oy will use the plot to build a new facility that will be used by John Deere Forestry Oy. The value of the investment is about 5 million euros. The new facility will be completed in June 2020. The GreenPark expansion will centralize the Joensuu factory’s logistics functions and further improve the logistical efficiency.

“Strong collaboration with the City of Joensuu and Joensuun Yrityskiinteistöt Oy, which manages GreenPark, as well as the shared desire to develop business in the region is of primary importance

Janne Haapasalo, Factory Manager, to us.

The critical subcontractors operating in the immediate vicinity of the factory have a proven record of boosting the efficiency of our operations,” notes Haapasalo.

Tigercat – additional factory support for Australia Tigercat has announced that Damien Ambrose has been appointed to the position of product support representative for Australia. Based in Tumut, New South Whales, Damien is joining Tigercat with over twenty-fouryears of experience in the forestry industry.

Damien has worked with the Tigercat product since it first arrived in Australia in 2000, first with former Tigercat dealer Forest Centre, and then as a field service mechanic, service manager and

branch operations manager for Australia’s current Tigercat dealer Onetrak.

“I am very pleased to have Damien join the support team for Australia. He knows the Tigercat product inside and out, is an extremely skilled and competent individual, and an excellent addition to the team,” explains Glen Marley, Tigercat district manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Damien has strong technical knowledge of the Tigercat

product through his completion of various technical courses related to harvesters, forwarders, track carriers, drive-to-tree feller bunchers, skidders, harvesting attachments, and the Tigercat FPT engine.

“I have worked with the Tigercat product for many years now and I believe the company is the leading manufacturer of forestry equipment in the market,” says Damien. “I value the level of customer support Tigercat provides and I am excited to be a part of this great team.”

Komatsu Forest launches new digital tool Komatsu Forest has launched MaxiVision, a new digital tool that helps the forest machine operator to visualise the state and conditions of the forest.

Different map views provide the operator with data about ground conditions and the rest of the team’s production, making it possible to plan the work as efficiently as possible and with minimal forest impact.

Since everything is cloudbased, updates occur in real time and any changes are immediately seen onscreen in the cab.

With MaxiVision, the operator can combine maps of the area with the latest data on ground conditions into a single image and, at the same time, see both

the own production data and that of the colleagues – all updated in real time.

The work overview is a great tool for planning production and enables the operator to make wellfounded decisions.

MaxiVision also allows for effective collaboration between harvesters and forwarders as each team member can see what their colleagues are doing.

The MaxiVision service not only offers team members a good overview of each other’s work, but also helps to facilitate communication between operators.

By sending messages to each other or marking particular areas on the map collaboration can be improved and the outcome

14 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

likewise. This unmatched integration between harvester and forwarder provides an optimised workflow and increased productivity.

Damien will be providing field support for Tigercat’s growing customer base predominantly across the regions of southeastern Australia and Queensland.

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

JoeScan takes the JS-50 on the road JoeScan’s latest JS-50 sawmill scanner keeps impressing.

After a successful run of spring tradeshows, the Vancouver, Washington based company is preparing for a busy summer of travel with their new device.

“We got a lot of great feedback from mill owners at the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association spring meeting and the Hardwood Manufacturers Association annual conference,” says JoeScan president Joey Nelson. “Sawmills love the idea of having a single scanner model for their entire line. It really simplifies things for management and employees.”

The next big show for JoeScan was LIGNA. In Germany they unveileed a new transverse demo of the JS-50.

“People got to see the JS-50

scan logs at TP&EE in Portland last year,” Nelson adds. “We’re already known for lineal and log scanning, so the chance to show off the performance for trimmers and transverse edgers is a great step forward for us. This really is a scanner that can do it all for sawmills.”

“We’ve made it a big priority to get out there and have conversations with the sawmills that are using our products,” Nelson says. “We only make scanners for sawmills, so their input is invaluable to us. It’s these relationships that allow us to generate innovations like the features in the JS-50.”

Stop by and say hello at any of the above shows this year, and you will get the chance to influence

A versatile scanning envelope ensures the JS-50 can be used across your entire mill the next big sawmill scanning improvement from JoeScan.

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International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 15

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Surprising projects from sawmill specialists Üstünkarli Makine A.S. Turkish log sawmill specialist Üstünkarli Makine A.S. attended LIGNA in May at Hannover to display machines designed to process high-quality French and German hardwood for the leading market.

The company had its inception in 1954 in Izmir, Üstünkarli Makine A.S as a small workshop for saw production and sawmill machinery.

At present, the workshop near Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport spans some 20,000 square meters, and its unique machines, are shipped all over the globe.

The developers and production team of Üstünkarli Makine A.S presented at the centre to explain the technology behind the developments that include an inclined hydraulic log carriage

with an optimization-softwareoperated 2D scanner, a chipping canter with adequate speed control functionality and an automatic edger line with chipping canters.

Bergs Timber to acquire Fågelfors Hyvleri in Sweden Bergs Timber AB has signed a letter of intent with AB Fogelfors Bruk regarding a potential acquisition of all shares in Fågelfors Hyvleri AB. The transaction is subject to the signing of a share purchase agreement (“SPA”), conducting a due diligence to the satisfaction of Bergs Timber, financing and board decision. The company will make an announcement once the SPA is signed and closing of the transaction is planned to 30 June 2019. The letter of intent grants

Bergs Timber exclusivity for the period up until 30 June 2019.

The indicative purchase price for the shares in Fågelfrors Hyvleri is SEK 48 million ($5 million). SEK 30 million ($3.1 million) is intended to be paid in cash and SEK 18 million ($1.9 million) in newly issued class B shares in Bergs Timber AB. Fågelfors Hyvleri is a wood pellet producer with an annual capacity of approx. 90,000 tons of pellets and approx. 20,000 tons of

heating logs. In addition, Fågelfors Hyvleri operates a planing mill with an annual capacity of approx.

30,000 cubic meters.

“Fågelfors Hyvleri suits very well in our strategy to increase further processing. It is also well located in the area around our Swedish saw mills,” says Peter Nilsson, CEO of Bergs Timber.

Bergs Timber produces and sells sawn and further processed wood products. It operates its production facilities in Sweden,

Peter Nilsson, CEO of Bergs Timber Estonia and Latvia. The Group also includes its own port and logistics operations in England.

Ontario government invests in Ben Hokum & Son sawmill Ontario government is investing $5.5 million over five years in Ben Hokum & Son Ltd sawmill, helping the lumber producer protect over 100 jobs, create at least five new jobs and purchase new technologies to optimize its business. These investments are expected to result in a significant jump in domestic sales as well as exports.

“Ben Hokum & Son Ltd is an Ontario success story and I am pleased to see how this business supports local employment and the

economy,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “When an independent sawmill is succeeding, so do the harvesters it buys from and the manufacturers it sells by-products to. This was not just an investment in Ben Hokum & Son Ltd, but an investment in this community and the forestry sector as a whole.”

“This is truly an investment in our people, to provide more opportunities for our youth, and all those in rural eastern Ontario who are involved in the forestry industry

Dean Felhaber, President of Ben Hokum & Son Ltd

John Yakabuski, Ontairio Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

in one way or another,” said Dean Felhaber, President of Ben Hokum & Son Ltd. Ben Hokum & Son Ltd was

established in 1956 and is now one of eastern Ontario’s largest lumber producers, and the largest pine producer in the province.

Moelven and SCA enter into pellet collaboration Moelven has entered into a cooperation agreement with SCA to deliver pellets from Moelven’s new pellet factory.

The collaboration will provide the Swedish group SCA with a long-term and exclusive supply

agreement of 80,000 tonne per annum, which is the entire production volume from Moelven Pellet’s factory in Sokna, Norway.

“This is a massive agreement for Moelven Pellets, a company that will first start its operations

16 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

in the fall of 2019. We are proud to become a supplier to such an experienced group with exciting ambitions regarding renewable energy. This agreement also shows that Moelven ventured into the pellet market at the right time with

our energy-efficient and innovative pellet plant,” says CEO Lars Storslett in Moelven Pellets AS.

Sawmill 4.0 The sawmill of the future Gapless traceability from log to board Microtec presents “the sawmill of the future”.

Through its integrated and innovative solutions and the implementation of AI, every log can be traced to its boards through a “digital fingerprint”.

CT Log 360° X-ray Computed Tomography Full digital log reconstruction and virtual grading

Logeye Fingerprint X-ray Log Scanner Log Identification and rotation angle evaluation

Goldeneye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for Boards Board identification and quality grading

microtec.eu

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Bergs Timber – Large timber volumes to the US On April 3, the vessel SAGA FUTURE sailed out of Oskarshamn’s harbor with just over 19,000 m3 of goods from Bergs sawmills.

The delivery is one of the single largest to it’s warehouse in Baltimore. The US market is important to Bergs Timber and the consumption of wood products remains good.

With this delivery, they continue to secure good delivery ability to their American customers during spring and early summer.

Bergs Timber is active in three business areas: forestry services for forest owners, as a means of acquiring raw material for it’s industries, forest products and timber preservation.

NZ - Massive new hangar in wood Air New Zealand will build a new 10,000 square metre hangar at its engineering base in Auckland. The airline said it would be the largest single span timber arch aircraft hangar in the world.

The new Hangar 4 will be one and a half times the size of the airline’s largest existing hangar.

It will be able to house a wide

body aircraft such as a Boeing 777-300 or 787-9, and two narrow body aircraft such as an A320 or A321neo, at the same time.

It will be built at the airline’s Auckland engineering base at Geoffrey Roberts Road in Mangere.

The roof will be double layer insulated allowing the hangar to retain heat without the need for

heating.

The hangar will be a 5-6 “green star” building certified by the New Zealand Green Building Council.

Green Star is an internationallyrecognised rating system for the design, construction and operation of buildings.

Baljer & Zembrod launches a ring rotor debarking for short logs Baljer & Zembrod, a specialist supplier of log-processing plant, showcased its newly developed Type ZE 1105 KH ring rotor debarker

for short logs at Ligna.

Baljer & Zembrod has developed the machine in response to demand from hardwood

sawmills for a ring rotor machine capable of debarking special log sections that are both very large in diameter (up to 110 cm) and very

short (starting at 1.60 m).

The prototype exhibited at LIGNA was due to be delivered to the SEF Huberlant sawmill in France after the show.

KOPA unveils innovative forestry technology at LIGNA 2019 KOPA participated at LIGNA with an entire range of heavy machinery for the forestry industry and displayed the innovative forestry solution at the open-air site of the trade fair, the recently revamped F20D forwarder from ROTTNE. KOPA Forstmachinen – Handels- and Reparatur GmbH had its inception in 1964, since then the company continuously evolved, and produced innovative

products in the market. With time, the company has enlarged its distribution network, and today the products are found in Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.

The ROTTNE F20D was the main attraction of the show. This robust forwarder is equipped with a loading capacity of 20metric tons and a loading area of 8.4 square meters. This system makes it an

ideal machine for transportation across long distances. This is an automatic gearbox that is equipped with an automatic gearbox and a variable hydrostatic transmission to offer a tractive force of 27 metric tons. The layout of the forwarder is specially designed to handle different types of terrain and also function in high speed and move with heavy loads. The upgraded forestry –solution doubled with

Stationary and mobile horizontal bandsaws, custom designed, produced and assembled.

The machine company since 1955 South Tyrol - Italy - Tel +39 0471 353137 - info@resch-3.com - www.resch-3.com 18 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

energy-efficiency RK 160 crane solution is perfect to ensure a highly successful future for ROTTNE F20D.

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Stenvalls Trä AB invests in green sorting line

Stenvalls Trä AB is upgrading their green sorting line with a camera and cutting system in their manufacturing plant in Örarna, Sweden, with Renholmen AB

delivering the mechanics.

The green sorting line at Stenvalls Örarna will receive a camera system, an Electro Positioner, TriAx trimmer with chain conveyors and a roller conveyor after the single piece feeder.

Some existing machines are included in the delivery. Machines for the intake will be moved from Lövholmen, where Stenvalls has a dry sorting plant that is not

used, and will be rebuilt and supplemented with, for example, a roller conveyor.

“We deliver the lumber positioner, Electro positioner, to Örarna, which will be the first we deliver. One machine has earlier been sold to Setra Hasselfors, but this one will be installed before theirs,” says Bernt-Ove Andersson, Marketing Manager at Renholmen AB.

Bernt-Ove Andersson, Marketing Manager, Renholmen AB.

Interfor to acquire BC Interior cutting rights from Canfor Interfor Corporation has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire cutting rights in the Adams Lake area of the BC Interior from Canfor Corporation.

Interfor to acquire two replaceable licenses with annual cutting rights of approximately 349,000 cubic meters, an interest in a non-replaceable forest licence and other related forestry assets in the BC Interior that were previously associated with Canfor’s Vavenby sawmill.

Cash purchase price of $60

million, with Interfor to finance the acquisition from its available cash balance and/or borrowings under its existing bank credit facility.

In 2009, Interfor completed a four-year $140 million modernization of the Adams Lake sawmill and has since invested more than $40 million at the operation. The mill has been one of the most efficient and successful in the Interior region over the past decade.

“While business conditions in the Interior are currently

challenging, we’re in the business for the long-term and believe the capacity rationalization now underway will help reset the equation going forward”, said Duncan Davies, Interfor’s President & CEO. “This transaction materially enhances Adams Lake’s log supply and sets the stage for its future success in much the same way the investments made ten years ago set the stage for its success over the last decade.”

Duncan Davies, President & CEO, Interfor

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International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 19

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Bergs Timber consolidates it’s sawmill production Bergs Timber made a review of all production facilities during the autumn and as a result, the Board has today decided on the following changes.

In the Swedish operations, the sawmilling will be ceased at the plant in Broakulla.

Broakulla has an annual production of about 50,000 m3 of sawn goods and the Group’s facilities in Gransjö and Mörlunda will, after the closure, increase production with the corresponding volume.

The sawmilling in Broakulla will provisionally cease before the summer and the plant will then be developed into further processing and logistics. For this purpose 3 MSEK will be invested in the autumn. The unit will be a part of

Bitus, the Group’s Swedish part of our new business area Further Processing, focusing on processing and wood protection.

Broakulla currently has about 20 employees and all will be offered employment at the new processing operations or at any of Bergs Timbers facilities in Gransjö, Orrefors or Nybro. MBL negotiations begin immediately.

In the company Laesti, the Group’s Estonian sawmill company with two facilities in Pärnu and a total production of 110,000 m3 of sawn goods, all sawmilling and planing at the Savi plant will cease, leaving Savi site as drying center of Sauga production.

At the Sauga plant, at the same time about SEK 10 million will be invested in new, capacity-

increasing log intake and the production will increase to 95 000 m3 annual output production. After the closure of Savi, our Estonian sawmilling capacity will reduce by 15 000 m3.

Savi has today about 70 employees out of about 20 will be offered to move to Sauga site and the total reduction will be about 50 employees. The change is implemented during the autumn and winter.

The two changes are expected to give an annual efficiency improvement of SEK 20 - 25 million, while the reinvestment requirement decreases and working capital is released. ”After the implementation our profitability in the sawmill business is improved while we are increasing

Peter Nilsson, CEO and President

the processing operations.

Unfortunately, many employees are affected in Estonia and we will do our best to handle the situation in the best possible way”, says Peter Nilsson, CEO Bergs Timber.

Gilbert Products invests $5 million Products Gilbert, of Roberval, specializes in the production of equipment for sawmills, all-terrain surfacers, equipment for the forest industry and for construction, invests $5 million to acquire new robotic machining units to increase productivity reports Denis Villeneuve leQuotidien www.lequotidien.com The investment was announced recently by the president of the company, Sylvain Gilbert, in the presence of Richard Hébert, MP for Lac-Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, and the member for Roberval, Nancy Guillemette, on behalf of his colleague, Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Pierre Fitzgibbon.

Produits Gilbert obtained financial assistance totaling $3.9 million in interest-free

loans from three programs managed by Canada Economic Development, the Essor Program and Investissement Québec.

In an interview, Lydia Gaudreault, General Manager of Produits Gilbert, said that the loans allow the acquisition of a Fastens robot that will supply three new machining and machining units from the manufacturer DMG Mori.

“The robot we are acquiring will manage the tools of the three machining units whose function is to manufacture various parts.

The robot we currently own does not start a job until there are 25 tools available. The new robot can undertake a task with five tools available, “she said. Two robot welders will also enter the factory.

Ms. Gaudreault added that the investment will greatly improve the productivity of the Boulevard

Marcotte plant while the order book is already full at the cork.

Another aspect of the investment, she says, is that the company will be able to improve its performance in the delivery of spare parts for the equipment it supplies to the market.

In its main market for the manufacture of planers, feed tables, acceleration chains, automatic harvesting systems for sawmills and forestry parts, delays caused by parts shortages can be costly, in advance Ms. Gaudreault.

Despite the entry into the robotic systems factory, Gilbert Products plans to create 18 new jobs that will add to the 125 existing ones. The positions of machinists, mechanics, production employees, technicians in robotization and computer programming will be created after

Richard Hébert, MP for Lac-SaintJean, Lydia Gaudreault, General Manager, Gilbert Products Inc.

the installation of new equipment.

No expansion of the existing plant will be necessary since the installation of the new equipment requires interior refitting only.

Linck’s log motion control optimizes log spinning At LIGNA 2019, Linck showcased a further development in the shape of its log motion control: a Microtec Truespin unit tracks and maps the actual position of the log as it is spun.

The Linck optimization program calculates the deviation from the ideal position, and adjusts the spin trajectory if necessary. The more accurately the log can be positioned, the more useable – and

20 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

saleable – timber it will yield.

Linck’s optimization software calculates the precise angle of spin from the dimensional data provided by a 3D scan. To visit Linck click www.linck.com

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Branxholm hits a home run!

Branxholm Sawmill in Branxholm, Tasmania, recently installed new USNR optimization technology at its end-dogger carriage. When the

project was still in the planning stages, general manager Dale Jessup was optimistic about the target results the mill expected

from the investment.

The order included a new carriage cradle, supplied by USNR’s representative in New Zealand / Australia, Skookum Technology.

USNR supplied the optimization including End-Dog Carriage optimizer and Lasar2 sensors.

At the mill’s request, USNR added a new feature to the optimizer to determine sets for the scribe saws, further improving recovery The project was completed in December 2018, and Jessup is very pleased with the results, noting “exceptional recovery”.

Dale Jessup, General Manager, Branxholm Sawmill

USNR Debarking for all log-sizes - Cambio 800D Cambio 800D is the latest innovative design in the Cambio family. With its separately driven feed rolls and new, patented suspension system, the Cambio 800D debarker is designed for high speed and all timber sizes.

It has separate electric motors for each feed roll. This reduces the number of moving parts which results in lower costs for maintenance and spare parts.

The drive units are designed as individual modules and can easily be replaced. Tighter covers minimize noise and bark spray, providing a better environment around the machine. The covers can be opened to a wide angle which increases the availability and speeds up the maintenance work.

The Cambio 800D has built-in redundancy. The debarker remains

functional even if one of the drive units should fail. This all sums up to reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs. The Cambio 800D is available as a stand-alone debarker unit.

A new patented hydraulic suspension system – HYDA – controls the clamping force. The new suspension system also puts less stress on the frame and extends the lifespan of the machine. The reduced number of moving parts and the absence of bevel gears makes the Cambio 800D well suited for modern highspeed sawmills.

• Reduced noise and bark spray • Higher redundancy • Better availability

Technical Specifications • F eed speed, max: 130 m/min (426 feet/min) • M aximum log diameter: 800 mm (31.5”) • M inimum log diameter: 90 mm (3.5”) • W eight including cover: 12.600 kg (27,800 lbs) • Feedwork motor: 4 kW x 6 arms • Rotor motor: 75 kW 6pol

• Higher speed

• S eparated oil lube system for rotor lubrication, incl. filter and monitoring

• F aster service & maintenance work

• E lectrical actuators to open/ close the covers

Benefits of Cambio 800D

“We know how costly it is for a mill when a machine is down, so we wanted to build in further redundancy to our Cambio design, to ensure our debarker could keep running even if a drive unit should fail.”

Jonas Ljung, designer, USNR / Söderhamn Eriksson

LIGNA 2019 sees over 90,000 visitors The five-day LIGNA 2019 closed on an impressive note. The world’s leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing plant, machinery and tools gave a considerable boost to the wood industry, paving the way for future investment.

Smart, future-proof solutions were at the top of the agenda, and LIGNA 2019 made it amply clear that technology users are now

“getting smart” with regard to digitization and automation.

Major emphasis was placed on integrated solutions enabling companies of all sizes – from niche woodworking firms to large-scale manufacturers – to meet current market demands and prepare for future challenges. And digitization featured prominently for the primary wood industry, as well.

“LIGNA has clearly underscored

22 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

its reputation as the global woodworking and wood processing industry’s definitive event, and the place of choice for unveiling the latest innovations,” remarked Deutsche Messe Managing Board member Dr. Andreas Gruchow. “A LIGNA closing press conference total of 1,500 exhibitors from 50 nations presented their impressive the industry, on a scale unrivalled solutions for the future, making throughout the world. innovations tangible and easy to grasp for users from every sector of Cont’d on p64

SAWLINES – LINCK

LUMBER PROCESSING

The Linck VPM 350 is the latest profiler unit in the already successful machine series

German stalwart introduces VPM 350 Linck has taken its VPM profiler series to the next level

T

he family of VPM profiler units has been extended by an additional machine model.

In addition to the high-end VPM 450 machine, the smaller VPM 350 was developed to be used for cant heights of up to 350 mm and cutting depths of up to 75 mm.

The smaller adjustment paths and chip removal volumes made it possible to simplify drive and cutting tool design. There is only one drive motor per side with power distributed to the two profiler heads on one side,

according to requirements.

The reduced adjustment paths allowed a shortening of the profiler head drive shaft, which had a positive effect on the machine width and thus keeps to the dimensions of the VPF profiler unit. As a result, the VPM 350 corresponds to the VPF machine in size and processing possibilities and is perfectly suited to be installed in existing saw lines.

Downsizing the machine dimensions allowed for a further reduction of the masses to be

moved, thus resulting in smaller gaps between cants for operating modes with sawing optimization.

“And with the new VPM 350, you also benefit from the special features of the VPM profiler unit series, namely sawn lumber surfaces without tear-outs, the possibility of diagonal profiling by using tilting tool axes and the possibility of curve profiling by pivoting cutting tools,” the manufacturer stated.

Cutter head for chipper canter

A

t LIGNA 2019, LINCK presented a new generation of cutter heads for its chipper canters. The number of knives of this three-step cutter head can vary between three and six depending on the requested chip length. For producing fine chips, the number of knives in the first step can be doubled.

In contrast to the previous knife disc which has a truncated cone shape, the new generation cutter head is designed with a cylindrical outer disc. This flattening leads to a reduced disc diameter. The rollers in front of and behind the chipper canter can thus move closer to allow a better guiding of short logs.

The reduction in diameter also reduces the overall length of the machine affecting the necessary log gap for optimization processes that require an adjustment of the chipper canter.

Of course, this new generation includes all well-known advantages of the today available cutter heads, i.e. guide disc, the possibility to change from saw rings to dressing knives, the use of regrindable knives and the production of highquality chips.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 23

Intelligent sawmill grade scanning

Machine learning is a game changer when integrated with well managed sawlines

F

ollowing the successful implementation of BioVision edger optimization, Hyne Timber again pressed USNR to upgrade its trimmer lines with vision scanning technology. Since the edger lines were upgraded this defect classification system has seen a major leap forward with the onset of machine learning. This new capability is a game-changer in the quest for intelligent systems that far surpass human skill in grade determination.

Hyne Timber, Queensland

is a leader among Australian forest products manufacturers in applying technology to extract the greatest value from the country’s sustainable timber resources. At Hyne’s Tumbarumba mill, the main business is producing structural timber from radiata pine. USNR has been a favored supplier to Hyne for many years, and is currently involved in a phased introduction of BioVision technology along the mill’s edger and trimmer lines.

The use of scanning and optimization to separate defective

material is critical for Hyne.

Though much of Australia’s radiata pine is good for use in structural applications, defects can inhibit that purpose, and excess processing of material that is unsuitable can adversely affect plant operations.

Edger BioVision project Recently Hyne worked with USNR to add BioVision scanning and optimization to the mill’s edger lines to assess knot size and location, and to help make

The success of the edger projects had a huge impact in the customer deciding to move forward with the trimmer project and to do it with USNR CARL THOMAS International Sales Manager, USNR

Dual trimmer lines employ USNR’s BioVision technology for advanced sawmill grading capability. These lines utilize machine learning, providing enhanced defect recognition, classification and board grade solutions 24 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

OPERATION FOCUS – HYNE TIMBER

LUMBER PROCESSING

Utilizing intelligent machine learning capability, combined with MOE (modulus of elasticity) stiffness data and end grain scan data, this piece qualifies as an MGR10 product, defined by Hyne Timber as a structural grade product. It will be dried and then go on to the dry mill for further processing, sorting, stacking and packaging. better edging decisions. Based on this positive experience, Hyne contracted with USNR to add BioVision grading technology to the trimmer lines as well.

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“It was always part of the plan to add vision grade scanning to both edger and trimmer lines,” said Mat Thomsen, Tumbarumba site technical controller.

17:22

“The success of the edger projects had a huge impact in the customer deciding to move forward with the trimmer project and to do it with USNR,” said Carl Thomas,

USNR Regional Sales Manager.

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“The amount of non-structural product being processed as structural lumber presents a missed revenue opportunity,” said Thomsen. “The dimensions of non-structural products are typically different than the required dimensions of structural lumber.”

For example, cutting a board to 100 x 38 mm in the green mill, spending the effort to dry it and plane it and then realizing that it’s not capable of structural use, would yield a lower value industrial product. On the other hand, if it was determined in the green mill that the same raw board wouldn’t make a structural product such as 100 x 25 mm for the pallet industry.

In addition to the fact that the non-structural fiber stock yields more money if it is repurposed while green, the mill doesn’t need to dry it or plane it, which saves

Grading for strength The main characteristics that define the structural grade for radiata pine are knot size and stiffness or MOE (modulus of elasticity).

Using the appropriate scanning and optimization technology to identify those qualities early in the process can reduce costs, increase quality, and maximize mill output.

ultimately yields good quality structural lumber, and the remaining low-quality fiber is used for lower grade products. Prior to installing the BioVision optimizers on the green mill trimmers, the operators were making the grade decisions with the help of an acoustic grader, but a significant amount of lower grade wood had been getting through to be dried and enter the dry mill.

The mill uses a USNR Lineal High Grader (LHG) at the dry end of the process, which, before the green mill’s BioVision upgrade, would typically decide that a portion of the output of the planer wasn’t suitable for structural use.

time and cost, and makes more dry-end capacity available to run structural product.

Intelligent BioVision The BioVision system uses machine learning (AI) defect finding, proven in the many installations where USNR has it employed, that takes automated grade scanning to a new level in grading capability.

“The knot-scanning accuracy of the new scanners is nothing short of phenomenal,” said Thomsen.

“Having BioVision on both the edger and trimmer systems absolutely gives us more control over the whole process.”

Types of defects that can be detected and classified by

3-6 December 2019 Russia, Moscow, Crocus Expo, pavilion 1 26 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

the BioVision system include: thickness, width and length, wane and end-contour, warp (crook, bow), skip, knots and splits.

BioVision is capable of detecting many more defects, but these are the ones that Hyne requires for its application.

Acoustic grading added To supplement the visual analysis, Hyne chose to add an acoustic grader to the line upstream of the BioVision scanners and another one downstream of the trimmer.

The acoustic grader determines the MOE of each piece by thumping them with an air hammer, and then listening for the echo response.

The acoustic grader data is fed into the USNR optimizer for use in the final grade and breakdown solution.

“Through past experience we know that in making structural grades, many of the factors disqualifying a board from being of structural quality are related to knots and most are due to a MOE that is too low,” said Thomsen.

“So, without testing for MOE you can only recognize about half of the substandard material.”

End grain scanning The USNR product solution also included a PithFinder vision sensor, placed upstream of the trimmer scan frame that looks at the grain on the end of each board to determine where the board was located in its parent log. This information helps the optimization system determine knot connectivity within the board.

Less operator involvement The new Hyne system uses two-sided vision scanning to target large knots on small board end sections, which may cause the board to fly apart in the planer. Prior to the installation of BioVision, a human operator would reject suspect boards before the planer if there was a chance of this happening. Safety considerations dictated that a board should be rejected if there was any doubt.

By rejecting bad boards earlier in the process with BioVision, the operator-managed drop out at the planer has been reduced by about 70% and the mill has increased its good material run rate by about 5%. At the same time, with less human intervention required, the safety of the milling operation

We can now determine earlier in the process what will make good structural product RACHEL ARMISTED Supply Chain and Operations Director, Hyne Timber

has improved dramatically as the number of material jams have gone down.

Synchronizing the systems The latest Hyne sawmill upgrades also involved upgrading the software algorithms on the edgers to take advantage of the machine learning capability and make them fully compatible with the new trimmer software. The edger systems can now allow larger boards, even those with large knots, to proceed down the line, with the knowledge that board value will be maximized at the trimmer optimizer.

Productivity is improved The mill upgrade project is producing results that go directly to Hyne’s bottom line.

“Years ago, we would put most of the product into the dry mill, resulting in a portion of the dried lumber failing the structural grading test at the end of the line,” said Rachel Armisted, Hyne’s General Manager of Production.

“We can now determine earlier in the process what will make good structural product.”

“This is a game changer for our dry mill productivity,” adds Thomsen. “We no longer have low grade products going into the dry mill and causing breakages and jam ups, and as a result, our run times are going up considerably.”

SAWLINES / PLANERS – GILBERT

LUMBER PROCESSING

pressure plate, width adjustment, after-cut shoes and triple pattern side heads. Very precise, these automatic upgrades increase the quality of the wood finish, ensure safety and efficiency.

Intelligent Planer It is Gilbert’s philosophy to stay above the latest technology. We are currently installing many 4.0 intelligent features to the planer.

The planer is designed to collect infeed and outfeed data to make many automatic selfadjustments.

Our goal is to keep it very simple for every operator to run and produce the highest quality grades.

Gilbert’s next generation planer In order to always offer its customers the best planing solutions, Gilbert has continually been developing a range of automatic upgrades designed to increase planer efficiency and make the planer room a much SAFER environment.

Gilbert Roll Intelligent Positioning System (GRIP system)

Automatic Cutterhead Positioning System and Automatic Features

THE GRIP system was designed to gain production, increase efficiency and offer the best traction possible on the boards feeding through our planer.

Using the highest quality components available on the market, the GRIP system is built to automatically control position and force applied on the board with the pineapples and planer top rolls. It significantly improves feeding and auto-adjusts for boards with thick and thin variation.

Can be retrofitted on all existing Gilbert Planers, and is offered on all new Gilbert Planers.

The Gilbert Automatic Cutterhead Positioning System controls the four cutterheads and an unlimited number of axes for optimal precision and higher grades.

Easy to use, the automatic positioning system allows fast and easy recipe changes offering greater flexibility, less downtime and a safe environment and can be

About Gilbert

installed on a Gilbert planer and on all other planers.

Many automatic axes have been developed in the past years, like top and bottom head jointers, side head jointers, top head

Gilbert is a team of 125 planer specialists that have developed a unique expertise in designing the most efficient planer equipment in the world.

After 20 years of its introduction to the market, over 120 units have been sold and installed

worldwide. In operation all around the globe including Canada, United States, Germany, New Zealand, Denmark, Brazil, Australia and Sweden, the Gilbert Planers are known to be the fastest in the world and have the highest efficiency rate due to the uniqueto-gilbert pull-through technology.

With its five various planer and moulder models, Gilbert has the right model of planer for every mill, whether used for moulding, profiling, glulam applications all the way to high speed planer mills.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 27

DRYING TECHNOLOGY – BRUNNER HILDEBRAND

LUMBER PROCESSING

Hard working kiln technology Due to the Brunner Hildebrand dry kiln automation and control system, the kilns are easy to operate

With business for many sawyers picking up, high-capacity & efficient kilns are in demand

N

ashville-based Brunner Hildebrand manufactures all types of kilns based on decades of experience with demanding lumber drying production conditions in the North American sawmills.

This experience and expertise ensures customers are able to receive individual dry kiln solutions tailored to the needs of each sawmill. Each solution is chosen based on the needs of the customer, their capacity and quality.

The possibility of future expansion is always taken into account when designing the solution and the priority is in providing the best-engineered, installed and serviced product possible.

Control systems Due to the Brunner Hildebrand dry kiln automation and control system, the kilns are easy to operate. Creating default settings and using the control system is similar to the Windows operating system, where windows can be chosen from a drop-down menu.

“Our control system can be designed with a hybrid relative humidity measuring system where we use the EMC wafer from green-to-40% relative humidity and then wet bulb system kicks in automatically for the relative humidity range between 40-10%,” the company explained.

“The idea here is to take advantage of the accuracy levels of both measuring systems.”

Of course, one can also choose

Brunner Hildebrand kilns offer superior performance 28 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

either option for the full drying cycle. Brunner has also introduced a multi-function wood moisture measuring system to further assist in improving grade. The control system allows combining sample weight inputs and wireless probes based on level of wood moisture content (MC).

It is suggested to use sample weights for wood MC over 30% and switch the drying process to shell and core wireless probes once below 30% wood MC. This process takes advantage of the accuracy level of both MC measuring systems and helps to tighten the final MC distribution.

Batch kilns Track and forklift-loaded kilns are designed for drying packages

regardless of dimensions, lumber species and required moisture content. State-of-the art automation ensures a fullycontrolled drying process and the required end result.

Track loaded kilns offer shorter loading/unloading time which improves the kiln’s utilization rate.

A shelter on both sides of the kiln can be used as a temporary storage space.

Continuous kilns Brunner Hildebrand recently introduced a new highly efficient continuous-type kiln, The Alexander HILDEBRAND Continuous Kiln (HCK-A). This type of continuous kiln is designed for mills that produce large volumes of lumber product, e.g. dimension SPF. “While designing our Alexander HILDEBRAND Continuous Kiln, we put great emphasis on creating exactly the right drying conditions (temperature, climate, air speed) for the respective lumber moisture content,” the manufacturer said. “The technical features of each individual drying zone are customized to the drying state and moisture of the lumber passing through.”

Lumber is placed length-wise on carts and dried during transport through a number of zones with separate climates.

“Ultimately, you will dry lumber in our continuous kiln HCK-A just as you would in a conventional

package kiln. Conditions are perfectly adjusted to the lumber moisture content at all times.”

Heat treatment kilns ISPM15 With more and more countries demanding that the wooden packaging of imported goods complies with ISPM 15, compliance is becoming an increasingly important issue.

The Brunner Hildebrand Dry & Heat Treatment Kilns are tailor made and can hold loads of 100 up to more than 2,500 pallets.

The company aims to lead innovations for climate, heat, and venting systems for an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient drying time and quality for the packaging industry.

Other solutions within the Brunner Hildebrand toolbox are: • W ith hot water or steam from a biomass, oil or natural gas boiler

Continuous Features • Continuous volume feed to bring the lumber product quicker to market • Integrated with the logistics of the mill • Multitrack, flexible, and able to dry different species within the same kiln • Volume drying at the lowest possible cost • Maximize grade yield • Optimized energy efficiency in-line with green initiatives and applicable funding programs • Scalable • Adapted to any heat source and heating medium • Featuring our new ‘GreenKiln’ technology for energy management and the Hildebrand Turbo Technology (HTT) ensuring tight final moisture distribution for maximum planer yield.

• I ndirect or direct fired with an oil or gas burner

• Electrically for small kilns.

The control system can be designed with a hybrid relative humidity measuring system

11-13 DE SETEMBRO DE 2019 EXPO BARIGUI - CURITIBA (PR)

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 29 LIGNUM LATIN AMERICA THE MOST IN-DEPTH EVENT IN

With over 30 years of experience in the wood transformation industry, Autolog has proven itself to be an instrumental player for creating easy to use solutions from the front end to the back end of the mill.

ProGrader

Autolog solutions are built with mill personnel in mind

A

s a leader in automation, optimization and vision for the lumber industry, Autolog continues to invest heavily in R&D to ensure they are at the cutting edge of today’s technology to meet the growing needs of their clients.

A great example of how Autolog partners with their clients to improve mill performance is their ability to work with any original equipment manufacturer as well as a variety of suppliers and layouts.

This offers the customer an automation and optimization alternative to their existing mechanical manufacturer. From primary and secondary breakdown, to planers, stackers, robotic equipment and Industry 4.0 (just to name a few), Autolog is ready to adapt their solution to cater to that of their customer’s need, this is just one key element to Autolog’s business model.

Let’s focus in on their ProGrader linear planer optimizer which has been quoted by mill personnel as

one of the easiest grading systems to work with.

What does easy to use mean exactly? It means you can quickly leverage the knowledge and the experience of your key graders.

At many locations, graders with limited computer knowledge can learn and delve into the system in order to extract the most value out of every piece. Easy to use means that your resources will be autonomous.

Autolog’s ProGrader is a linear optimizer designed to fully automate the grading process of dressed lumber at the planer. Being positioned just after the planer, its group of sensors (Geometric, Vision and Tracheid) which face each side of the board at 90 degrees, provide an unobstructed reading as well as stop any major planer mechanical production issues.

It is a reliable and fast system that can be installed closed coupled or not, processing all dimensions between 1” x 3” to 6” x 12”, 6’ and up.

The 3D geometric sensors measure dimensions, skip, wane, holes and warp, the 2D vision sensors measure knots, rot, splits and shakes, bark, etc. and the tracheid sensors measure slope of grain and detect knots and unsound wood.

30 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

The ProGrader LTS (Linear Tracking System) control module provides real-time information on all data that is collected and how it is trending. It integrates the analysis of detailed and precise data on the tracking and synchronization of boards and

keeps track of the board gap by synchronizing the VFD’s of the ProGrader and the electrical planer.

It monitors and leverages information from all sensors, moisture reader and MSR to maximize the board value.

Linear Tracking System

SAWLINES – AUTOLOG

The ProGrader Linear Planer Optimizer Offers the best price-performance ratio in the industry with less than one-year payback. Autolog’s automation solution can seamlessly integrate your selection of equipment from the Tilt hoist to the Stacker.

Autolog’s transverse gang, edger and trimmer optimizers, offer the highest precision level and reliability in the industry with a ¼” scan density, along with a user friendly and easy to adopt system, enabling operators to quickly and efficiently master its features. This solution is built with the customer in mind because its modular scanner frame offers an easy and cost efficient installation on site: it eliminates the need to open the roof or rent a crane, requires only a few hours to assemble, allows for assembly directly around the chain races already in place and provides the flexibility to add new technology.

The 3D sensors positioned at an angle provide an accurate profile reading on all 4 faces of the board or cant as well as minimize debris and dust thus increasing up-time due to less maintenance.

Transverse Edger Optimizer

LUMBER PROCESSING

Last but not least, Autolog’s latest product launch, the GEN3 Log Optimizer.

GEN3 is more than just a new buzz word. It’s a new way to build software for the sawmill industry.

GEN3 software is built on a stateof-the-art architecture using all the best practices in software development (agile development with sprints and scrum, design and design review, code and code review, continuous integration, unit testing, latest programing language and tools).

This is the foundation of GEN3 but what does it mean for mill personnel? Better performance, better tools and simulation features and a rich user interface.

High scan density and better

This is the foundation of GEN3 but what does it mean for mill personnel? Better performance, better tools and simulation features and a rich user interface

true shape modeling are two examples of their new GEN3 Log Optimizer. Their independency from mechanical manufacturers gives them the ability to optimize any type of primary log breakdown and to replicate any curve sawing from a downstream machine.

Better performance also means better control on your process by offering the possibility to select a solution based on a risk factor or to force a minimum opening face on all four faces. Log rotation is an example of how the new GEN3

software can mitigate a mechanical constraint due to wear and tear, in fact, based on the known log rotation error, the optimizer will determine if the selected solution is still viable or change for the next optimal solution.

Whether it is the next generation in log optimization, the most precise, easy to use and reliable transverse optimizer or the easiest grading system to work with, Autolog is built with you the customer in mind.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 31

Wider cuts and new models in Wood-Mizer’s LX line of sawmills LX250 in action at a show

Several years ago, Wood-Mizer launched a new range of sawmills alongside their wellknown LT series to offer additional capacity and configurations to sawmillers. The LX range initially started with two sawmills, but the popularity has resulted in adding three more models to the range.

E

ngineered to accommodate a larger width and depth of cut, all LX sawmills are characterized by heavyduty construction and various innovations to improve durability and performance in demanding production environments. A key innovation of the LX series sawmills is the rigid LX Frame that holds the control panel, engine, and sawhead in a stable structure.

Wood-Mizer’s LX series mills are the only sawmills in the industry to feature two parallel hardened steel rods that provide a smooth

The LX150 Heavy Duty Sawmill with large capacity and new features

32 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

and stable base for the sawhead to travel on.

Three New LX Series Sawmills LX250 - Extra-Wide Twin Rail Sawmill with 54-1/2” (1.38 m) Width of Cut The LX250 is the newest LX sawmill designed for sawyers who want flexibility to cut massive logs and cants into single slabs and tabletops. Although Wood-Mizer’s WM1000 industrial sawmill has offered 67” (1.7 m) diameter log cutting capacity for many years, the LX250 offers close to the same capacity at less than half the price.

The LX250 comes with powered saw head controls (forward/ reverse & up/down) and Setworks for increased productivity.

LX150 - Robust Twin Rail Sawmill with 35-1/2” (90 cm) Width of Cut and Powered Head Controls The LX150 saws 36” (91 cm) diameter logs into wide slabs and boards using accurate and easy-to-use powered saw head controls (forward/reverse & up/ down). Designed to meet the needs of both serious hobbyists and professional sawyers, the highly durable bed, optional Setworks, and optional Debarker make the LX150 a high performing manual sawmill with features not available anywhere else in its class.

LX50 – Entry-Level Sawmill with 21” (55 cm) log diameter capacity, and manual Head Controls Coming soon, the LX50 sawmill

The new LX50 affordable sawmill from Wood-Mizer

LX450 Sawmill in action in South Africa

will be debuting at LIGNA 2019 in Germany. The ultimate starter sawmill for hobbyists and small businesses, the LX50 offers simple-to-use features and sturdy construction.

First Two LX Series Sawmills LX100 – Tough manual mill with 27” (70 cm) log diameter capacity, designed to withstand heavy usage.

With features designed to increase durability and efficiency, the LX100 is intended to meet and exceed customer requirements in demanding sawmilling environments while remaining affordable. This sawmill has proved itself sawing teak, merbau and rosewood.

LX450 – High-Production Twin Rail Hydraulic Sawmill with 34” (86 cm) Width of Cut Engineered for high-production

LX450 Sawmill in action in South Africa

sawyers who prefer a twin rail sawmill design, the LX450 hydraulic sawmill is loaded with many high-performance features including advanced hydraulic log handling, Setworks on an adjustable arm, and board dragback fingers with outfeed table.

The LX450 is currently in operation on six continents including Africa, Europe, and North America.

“The extra capacity that the LX450 has given me has forced me to change my long-term plan that I had for the mill. My monthly turnover has increased by 25% and timber volume cut per month has increased by 30%. It has allowed

The LX450 sawmill in action in the UK for Robert Jeffrey

me to diversify into more profitable cutting activities. The speed and accuracy of the LX450 has allowed me to investigate this profitable market.” – Peet Groenewald, South Africa “We found that the LX450

offered us larger capacity, we can put larger saw logs on. We like the idea of the twin rail and the stability of the head.” – Robert Jeffrey, United Kingdom Model availability may vary by region.

LX100 Sawmill cutting rosewood in Asia

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 33

The environmental benefits of portable band sawmills

An operator can mill lumber by himself with a portable sawmill

Often portable band sawmills, and anyone who owns them or makes them, are accused of devastating the forests, raping the land and generally contributing the destruction of our environment.

W

hile rooted in good intentions, such opinions are, quite simply, poorly founded. The truth is this:

Personal portable band sawmilling is good for the environment.

Here are the facts: The world needs wood and wood products. We can all use less

resources, but we cannot survive without, at least some, wood in our lives. Can we make all of the chairs we sit on, the tables we eat at, the homes we live in, the decks we walk on, and the barns we house our animals in with … plastic and metal? Maybe, but not likely. And plastic and metal don’t come without a cost, both on the environment and on your pocketbook.

STORY: ASHLYNNE DALE, PRESIDENT, NORWOOD SAWMILLS

Low impact and selective log harvesting ensures forest health 34 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

The reality is, whether we like it or not, wood is essential in our lives – Wood is a necessity.

The key question is this: How best to harvest and process our valuable trees – Irresponsibly or responsibly?

It is clear, we all need a certain amount of wood in our day-today lives. Even those people who criticize sawmills very likely live in

MOBILE SAWMILLS – NORWOOD homes, sit on chairs, eat at tables and walk on decks made of wood.

So, where to source that wood? – The traditional choice was timber mills – commercial operations who process timber on an industrial scale. In more recent times, it is lumber yards who, in turn, source their boards from commercial operators who process timber on an industrial scale.

But now, with the advent of personal portable bandmills, there is a responsible alternative.

Personal portable bandmills are the most environmentallysensitive way to source the wood we need. To better explain why, it is necessary to understand what portable sawmills are, and who runs them.

• Portable sawmills are operated by individuals, generally private land owners, farmers and craftsmen) – not corporations.

• Portable sawmills are not megaindustrial machines. In fact, they are relatively small, some weighing as little as 600 pounds, and can only handle one log at a time. Generally, the owner will run his sawmill by himself and, after a full day of milling, may produce 2000 to 5000 board feet of lumber on average.

Portable bandsawing supports healthy forests and preserves trees because: 1 Narrow-kerf blades (thin blades) waste less wood – Band blades are incredibly thin (only 1/8”/3mm thick). In contrast, industrial machines use thick blades. The thin kerf of the band produces about 1/3 the sawdust of a commercial mill, which means more boards out of every log. Quite simply, portable bandmills convert more of the tree into boards than commercial sawmills.

2 Selective harvesting preserve and promote healthy forests – Private land owners individually select the trees for sawing.

They use those that are either dying, or ones that need to be thinned to allow surrounding trees to grow more strongly. In other words, their method is the exact opposite to commercial clearcutting.

3 Low impact harvesting protects

forest floors – Private land owners use small, low-impact equipment to pull logs out of the woods, and generally when the ground is hard to avoid damage. Most people would walk right past an area harvested by a private landowner and not even notice any disturbance.

Large commercial loggers, with hundreds of thousands of dollars of heavy industrial equipment, are incapable of being equally careful with surrounding young trees, nor can they afford the time to try.

LUMBER PROCESSING

The thin blade minimizes waste of valuable wood

4 S alvaged and urban logs can be recycled – Hundreds of thousands of tons of valuable trees toppled in storms and felled in cities get chipped, burned or thrown in the landfill every year. Many private sawyers salvage this “scrap” wood and recycle the logs into valuable boards.

5 S awing uses less fuel – The thin sawblade of personal bandmills requires about 1/10th the power – and a fraction of the fuel – than commercial mills.

6 T ransport of logs and lumber uses less fuel – Using local logs for local consumption eliminates the need to truck in the logs or transport out the lumber. In most cases, logs and lumber never leave the property. In contrast, every board in the lumber store has travelled hundreds of miles. Plus, you have to drive into town to go buy them!

LumberPro HD36 Sawmill

7 C areful sawing maximizes yield – By taking the time to evaluate each log, private sawyers yield the most boards out of each log, carefully planning their cuts and positioning their log to minimize waste. In contrast, commercial saw lines process logs in a matter of seconds.

8 “ Waste” also gets recycled – Many portable sawmill owners also use every bit of “waste”, ensuring that the entirety of their trees gets put to good use: They use the slabs for heating, and use the sawdust to make pellets (also for heating), or for compost or animal bedding.

From an ecological point-ofview, portable sawmilling is all positives. From a human point-

Planning cuts to maximize yield of-view, portable sawmilling is equally rewarding:

Thanks to their portable bandmills, sawyers: 1 E njoy a wide variety of woods, selecting species that are never offered at lumber stores; 2 M ill virtually any dimensions, including dimensional boards,

wide planks, veneer and beams; 3 S ave substantial money on their building projects; and 4 H ave satisfaction of knowing that – Every board they produce is one less that will come from the profit-motivated commercial mills.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 35

Forwarders

Variety in forwarder focus Big is generally better in forwarder technology but there is more to the market than capacity, according to contributors to this year’s forwarder technology review

36 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

ACTIVE CRANE PONSSE ACTIVE CRANE

T

he story of the forwarder has generally been one of power and capacity. This is, of course, driven by the improvements in harvester technology, which is cutting down more in less time.

This year’s review of the forwarder market, however, has more of an eclectic feel. Sure, there are large-capacity machines on show but, on the whole, a variety of manufacturers are promoting improvements in disparate areas of the machine.

Komatsu, for a start, has introduced its SpeedShift innovation to its forwarder range, allowing operators to shift gear on-the-fly. Tigercat, meanwhile, continues to combine its trademark durability with adaptability on steep slopes.

John Deere is focused on integrating its IBC boom technology with the power of its forwarder range, while Logset is working overtime to revolutionise cabin ergonomics. Swedish stalwart, Rottne, is promoting the versatility and sheer size of its forwarder range.

And finally Ponsse offers ‘Active Crane’ for smooth loader control, efficient load handling with the K121 Loader and Bison Active Frame and CVT for a faster forwarder.

There is truly something for everyone this year.

For smooth loader control The PONSSE Active Crane offers a new way of controlling the loader and boosting efficiency.

It is a system that the operator uses to control the grapple movement instead of individual functions, allowing the operator to concentrate efficiently on loader work.

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

What is essential is that the operator does not need to control all the functions simultaneously.

The operator just needs to specify the desired grapple location and the system will automatically perform the lifting, folding and extending.

The operator can easily switch between using the Active Crane and conventional loader control with a push of a button.

The Active Crane is based on the Sensor Module technology that has been thoroughly tested in field conditions. Similar technology has been used for years in the PONSSE Scorpion levelling system and the PONSSE Active Frame cabin suspension system.

The tried and tested technology ensures the utmost reliability and easy serviceability of the Active Crane. The Active Crane is available for PONSSE forwarders equipped with a K90+, K100+ or K121 loader.

ACTIVE CRANE

PONSSE ELEPHANT & ELEPHANT KING WITH K121 LOADER

K121 LOADER

More efficiency for load handling The PONSSE K121 loader extends Ponsse’s loader selection to a whole new size range. The new loader combines high torque and lifting power with increased reach, a new type of loader geometry and good controllability. These features come together to create the most powerful loader on the market, enabling shorter loading and unloading times.

The new loader makes working more efficient, especially in conditions where load handling takes up a large proportion of the working time. It facilitates the handling of large trees and work on slopes where high power equipment is required.

FAST LOAD HANDLING FOR SHORT DRIVING DISTANCES Loader capacity is of great importance in conditions where load handling takes up most of the working time. If the driving distances are short and loads are large, loader use may account for over 60 percent of the working time.

Such sites include, for example, plantations where driving distances are short and loader efficiency has a major impact on productivity.

The new geometry and good controllability of the PONSSE K121 loader together with the ability to install a larger grapple enable significantly quicker load handling.

More power for work on slopes and handling of large logs.

HARVESTING ON SLOPES IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY COMMON WORLDWIDE PONSSE forest machines have opened up new possibilities for work in steep sloping areas.

The PONSSE K121 loader further improves performance on sloping ground. In such conditions, smooth handling requires high loader power and a wide tilt angle for the crane pillar. The tilting base of the K121 has a greater tilt angle than other loaders (-12°…+24°), ensuring that the loader remains in the correct position when working on steep slopes.

PONSSE Elephant and Elephant- King forwarders are widely used on work sites where extremely large logs are handled.

The new loader model facilitates

efficient handling of large logs and, for example, loading onto freight railway wagons. Thanks to the high torque and lifting power and increased reach, logs can be lifted from far away without having to move the machine or drag the logs on the ground.

A NEW & TESTED STRUCTURE The PONSSE K121 loader has been designed to withstand the toughest working conditions. The loader has been field tested in demanding conditions in Canada, Russia and the United States where it has been put to work for thousands of hours. The field test results have been good.

The loader is very powerful and easy to control and also reliable thanks to its sturdy structure. The new loader combines high slewing torque and lifting power, increased reach, and a new type of loader geometry that is easy to control.

The hydraulic hoses and pipes have been placed inside the boom for added protection. The extension cylinders are also protected inside the boom and the rotator piping has been protected by passing the pipes directly through the hanger. In addition, hydraulic end damping has been added to the lifting cylinder to make the operator’s work easier when operating at the extreme limits of the cylinder movement. The new structural innovations ensure a maximum utilisation rate and ease of maintenance.

38 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

A REDESIGNED STRUCTURE For a long time, basic loader features have been based on similar solutions. For the PONSSE K121 loader, the traditional structure has been upgraded significantly and the structure of the booms and cylinders has been redesigned.

The structure and positioning of the cylinders are different from previous solutions. Therefore, it was possible to reduce the number of welded joints and increase the use of castings.

These aspects together reduce the tension and strain on the components and extend the life of the loader. The new structural solutions have undergone extensive field testing as well as fatigue testing at Ponsse’s factory.

The hydraulic system has also been redesigned. Thanks to the new structure of the loader, it is no longer necessary to have the hydraulic pipes and hoses on the outside of the boom, instead they have been placed inside the structure for added protection. At the grapple end, the piping passes through the hanger to the rotator.

For this reason, the hydraulic parts are better protected from external damage.

When designing the loader, the impact of work lighting on an operator’s well-being was examined thoroughly. The positioning of work lights has been done in a new way and the loader can be equipped with efficient and

well-protected LED lights.

This solution significantly reduces reflections caused by the log gate and directs the light to the areas where it is needed, in other words the load space, grapple and working area. Efficient and correctly directed lighting reduces strain on the operator’s eyes and helps them cope better with working in the dark.

The K121 loader can be equipped with a 0.50/0,52 m2 grapple.

PONSSE BISON ACTIVE FRAME Faster Forwarder Ponsse launched the PONSSE Bison Active Frame at the FinnMETKO trade fair in the autumn of 2018. The main strengths of the new forwarder model are its speed and efficiency. The continuously variable transmission and the Active Frame cabin suspension system raise productivity to a new level, especially over long transport distances.

The PONSSE Bison Active Frame demonstrates its speed especially over long transport distances. The new continuously variable transmission (CVT) always balances the driving speed and engine load, ensuring low fuel consumption and high productivity.

In addition to fuel efficiency, the benefits of the powertrain include high tractive force and seamless transmission – work doesn’t have to stop when changing the driving speed. The PONSSE Bison is equipped with the PONSSE Active Frame cabin suspension system.

The system has a simple and functional structure, dampening any lateral movement affecting the operator effectively and unnoticeably. The Active Frame allows the operator to stay alert and productive hour after hour, even at high speeds. The large load space combined with the powerful and easy-to-use loader ensure efficient load handling at all work sites.

BISON ACTIVE FRAME

gear ratios and thus the traditional switching between slow and fast gear is no longer necessary. The operator can drive at any speed without having to stop, depending on the driving conditions. In a machine with CVT, the traditional hydrostatic transmission can be replaced with a separate CVT gear

CVT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREST MACHINES The transmission of the PONSSE Bison Active Frame is based on CVT technology. Product Manager Juha Haverinen, who is responsible for forwarders at Ponsse, tells that the experiences have been good.

“Thanks to the CVT, driving speed can be increased considerably if the situation permits. This is especially useful over long transport distances.” The CVT includes seamless changing of

system. This enables lower fuel consumption as well as a higher tractive force, the benefits of which become obvious when driving on steep hills, soft terrain or in deep

snow. CVT systems are based on a very robust technology. They have been previously used, for example, in large earthmoving machines, so there is plenty of experience

in demanding conditions. Ponsse is the only forest machine manufacturer to offer CVT in forest machines.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 39

NEW 910G MODEL

40 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

Known for providing operators with the power and reliability they need to tackle tough jobs, the John Deere line of G-Series forwarders, including the new 910G and 1010G machines, boast comfortable cabs and are equipped with Intelligent Boom Control (IBC), which boosts operator precision and productivity.

The IBC feature simplifies boom operation, automatically controlling the lift, slew and the extension of the boom based on the location of grapple, increasing accuracy, productivity, and, ultimately, the number of loads per each work shift. With IBC, the operator no longer needs to control each independent boom joint movement separately, instead controlling the boom tip directly.

Another key feature on the 910G, 1010G, 1110G, 1210G and 1510G is adaptive driveline control, a first in the forestry industry, which improves drivability and productivity. Using this softwarebased control system, the operator can select the desired RPM setting (Eco, Normal, Power) for the operating conditions, and the system automatically adjusts the engine’s RPMs to correspond with the engine load. In highload situations, driveline control ensures that the diesel engine runs smoothly and uses the available maximum tractive force efficiently.

The G-Series machines are available with three cab options: fixed, rotating, or rotating and leveling. The rotating and leveling cabin helps the operator maintain the correct working posture to prevent stress on the back and shoulder areas, even on uneven terrain, and reduces vibration during operation. Each machine

The John Deere 910G is made for early-to-late thinning operations and final felling applications

| JUNE / JULY 2019 41

NEW 910G & 1010G MODELS New for spring 2019, John Deere is excited to introduce the 910G and 1010G models, available in a six-wheeled or eight-wheeled configuration.

Designed for early to late thinning operations and final felling applications, the compact dimensions of the 910G and 1010G machines deliver productivity and power, even in the most demanding conditions.

Each machine can be customized for different worksites and operational needs by selecting from a variety of boom, load-space, axle and cabin options.

Both models feature a shorter frame in front of the engine for less overhang, making operation easier in challenging terrain. Additionally, the 910G, perfect for thinning operations, is equipped with balanced bogie axles.

Versatile and durable, the 1010G machine is offered with balanced, heavy-duty bogie axles, a low-ground pressure rear bogie axle option and boasts improved, terrain-friendly operation and performance in soft soil.

Both models are available with a rigid front axle on the sixwheeled model and an unbalanced front bogie axle option.

Large windows provide virtually unrestricted all-around visibility offers a cab rotation of 290 degrees for a better view of the boom and grapple. Large windows provide virtually unrestricted allaround visibility, and comfortable ergonomic armrests, a fully adjustable air-cushioned seat and automated climate-control system help to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity throughout the day.

All G-Series models feature the TimberMatic™ control system, which includes a configurable user interface, cruise control and inclination display. MECA control modules, simple CAN busses and a streamlined electrical system improve the efficiency of machine functions. Additionally, the G-Series machines are

compatible with the TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager technology offerings, which provides a streamlined software solution that enhances machine connectivity and communication.

An extension of the control system, the TimberMatic Maps solution utilizes a mobile network to share real-time product information between machines, such as harvester and forwarder, as well as with the managers in the office. This data can be accessed using the TimberManager webbased solution, which allows the managers to follow progress of the work site, offering total visibility to the operation from the land harvest to the machines at work.

42 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

A shorter frame in front of the engine for less overhang, making operation easier in challenging terrain

MID-SIZE 1110G, 1210G & 1510G MODELS Boasting 6.6 percent more power and 4.1 percent more torque than the previous model, the 1110G is stable and agile, making it ideal for thinning jobs. The machine is available with a short wheelbase, and the rear axle on the 1110G has been moved forward, ensuring that the load space is unchanged. The 1210G features 7.6 percent more power and 7.8 percent more torque than its predecessor. Available with optional Variable Load Space (VLS), the load space can be easily configured based on operator need. With VLS, the width of the load space is adjustable, allowing for more flexible forwarding and sorting. The power and torque on the 1510G machine has been increased by 5.1 percent and 8.7 percent respectively, boosting machine productivity. With an increased slewing angle (44 degrees), the 1510G is more agile than the previous model.

Both the 1210G and 1510G models are available in a long bogie version. The distance between the front and rear wheel hubs in rear bogie has been

increased, and the power train and turning radius on the 1210G and 1510G models are the same as with the standard HD portal bogieequipped machine. The long-bogie versions deliver more ground pressure for logging in soft terrain, as well as better stability when navigating over obstacles in rocky conditions.

LARGE 1910G MODEL The 1910G is the largest forwarder model in the lineup, featuring 7.5 percent more engine output and 21 percent more torque that its predecessor.

Increased drive hydraulics and 4.5 percent more tractive force makes this machine ideal for tough conditions.

Offering a larger load capacity, the cross-sectional area of the wide load space is bigger and the new-generation headboard provides excellent visibility to the load space.

Additionally, the productive CF8 boom moves smoothly and seamlessly, increasing accuracy and efficiency.

John Deere’s IBC feature simplifies boom operation

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International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 43

The steerable wagon gives a full 54° steering angle and means the front and rear wheels always follow each other, which makes the Rottne F13D a very flexible forwarder. Essentially, if you can pass between two trees with the front wheels, the wagon will also pass through as the rear wheels follow in the same track.

Rottne offers a complete forwarder range, manufactured in Sweden, under constant development and with the operators’ work environment in focus.

The whole of Rottne’s forwarder range, from the versatile Rottne F10D to the powerful Rottne F20D, satisfies all the market’s needs from light thinning to demanding final felling.

Rottne F13D – the world’s most versatile forwarder

Wagon steering make’s everyday life easier for you as an operator SAMUEL ÖSTLING Technical Sales Support, Rottne

The Rottne F13D is the optimal forwarder for operators looking for an intermediate-class forwarder for both final felling and thinning. The decisive difference to the machine’s advantage is the steerable wagon that gives unique characteristics.

The extremely large steering angle, a full 54°, and the tight turning radius of Rottne F13D mean it is exceptionally agile.

The forwarder’s powerful chassis can cope with the demands of final felling, but it is also ideal in dense thinning areas because of

44 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

Rottne F13D Application area:

Thinning and final felling

Load capacity:

14 t

Number of wheels:

8

Service weight:

19,900 kg

Tractive force:

177 kN

Load area:

4.7-5.5m2

Crane reach:

7.2/8.4/10 m

its unique wagon steering. This is because it does not take up more space than the width of the machine when the wagon section follows the towing section exactly.

Essentially, if you can pass between two trees with the front wheels, the wagon will also pass through as the rear wheels follow in the same track. Rottne F13D will then be, in many cases, more responsive than a smaller forwarder without a steerable wagon “Wagon steering make

everyday life easier for you as an operator,” says Samuel Östling, Technical Sales Support at Rottne.

“In addition to exact tracking, you can steer the wagon where you want, for example, shift the wagon sideways and give the wagon its own track or steer the wagon separately to avoid obstacles.

“You are frequently sold directly when you test drive a Rottne F13D and several customers return to this model.”

A hydraulically-operated headboard and front bunk make

HEADS ABOVE THE COMPETITION

O T E MAD

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The new Log Max 6000V is finally here.

The bestseller 6000 is updated to meet your needs in an even better way.

Some improvements over the previous generation: •

The length measurement function is updated to deliver the best possible measurement results.

•

The frame has been reinforced to increase durability and extend its life span.

•

New hydraulic cylinder for the main knives with link bearings and stronger rod/piston.

•

Replaceable pins for felling link cylinder for easier service and maintenance.

•

Equipped with our smartest saw 218/318 TrueCut.

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With a steerable wagon, the Rottne F13D becomes at least as flexible as a smaller forwarder designed for thinning and at the same time it has a more robust build to handle final felling

Rottne F13D very versatile when handling different timber lengths.

Rottne F13D can be equipped with Wide Load and hydraulic stakes, which increases the load area from 4.7 m2 to 5.5 m2.

Spacious and comfortable cab Rottne has the same cab model for all forwarders. This means the cab interior, distribution box, computer equipment and control functions are identical, which is a major advantage for operators who switch between different machine models.

Rottne has always concentrated on the operator’s work environment. Rottne’s spacious cabs offer an ergonomic operator station with integrated instrumentation and large windows

For the Rottne F15D, F81D and F20D there are several different wagon lengths available to choose from. In this way one can optimize the forwarder for the type of timber lengths that the operator drives 46 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

FORESTRY MACHINERY FOR ALL NEEDS – FROM LIGHT THINNING TO HEAVY FINAL FELLING

D 3 1 F E R OT T N ON WITH STEERABLE WAG

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UNIQUE FORWARDER FOR BOTH THINNING AND FINAL FELLING STEERABLE WAGON WITH 54° STEERING ANGLE & ACCURATE TRACKING TIGHT TURNING RADIUS | POWERFUL CHASSIS SPACIOUS CAB WITH COMFORT LINE

ROTTNE F13-FILM www.rottne.com/en/steerablewagon

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The Rottne F20D is a robust forwarder with a very large load capacity of a full 20 t, and a tractive force of a full 27 t (270 kN), making it perfect for long forwarding distances since it can manoeuvre without problem in all types of terrain and maintain a high driving speed, even with maximum load

Rottne F15D

Rottne F10D

Application area:

Final felling

Application area:

Thinning

Load capacity:

15 t

Load capacity:

10 t

Number of wheels:

8

Number of wheels:

8

Service weight:

18,700 kg

Service weight:

14,500 kg

Tractive force:

177 kN

Tractive force:

145 kN

Load area:

4.8-5.7m2

Load area:

3.6-3.8 m2

Crane reach:

7.2/8.4/10 m

Crane reach:

7.5/9.4 m

Rottne F18D

Rottne F11D

Application area:

Final felling

Application area:

Thinning and final felling

Load capacity:

18 t

Load capacity:

12 t

Number of wheels:

8

Number of wheels:

8

Service weight:

22,400 kg

Service weight:

16,700 kg

Tractive force:

260 kN

Tractive force:

167 kN

Load area:

4.8-5.9 m

Load area:

4.5m2

Crane reach:

8.5/10 m

Crane reach:

7.5/9.4 m

2

Rottne F20D Application area:

Final felling

Load capacity:

20 t

Number of wheels:

8

Service weight:

23,000 kg

Tractive force:

270 kN

Load area:

4.8-8.4 m2

Crane reach:

8.5/10 m

48 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

that give excellent visibility. In addition, the cabs are very quiet – in fact, quieter than in a car.

With the world´s first cab suspension system for forestry machines, Comfort Line, launched in 2007, operators were given

world-class luxury comfort, according to Rottne. Comfort Line has since 2007 been developed with improved software, more robust structure and more precise positioning.

Logset Development Engineer Markus Storsjö and Logset 6F GT

The Smooth Ride cabin suspension that consists of four coil springs and four shock absorbers

Logset has chosen to go its own way regarding cabin suspension for forwarders. The company has designed the Smooth Ride cabin suspension that consists of four coil springs and four shock absorbers. Smooth Ride has no hydraulic or electric parts, which makes it a simple and durable solution.

“We wanted to present a solution that would be affordable,” says Development Engineer Markus Storsjö. “That’s why we decided not to have any hydraulic cylinders that are costly to change when worn.”

One of the requirements was that the height of the cabin should not increase. A Smooth Ride cabin is only 5 cm higher from the ground than a regular Logset cabin. The Smooth Ride cabin suspension is fairly stiff, and therefore it adapts well even to extreme terrain conditions. The operator also has a good control over the machine´s movements.

“The stiffness of the cabin suspension can be adjusted with a screw. The operator can find his own setting, where he thinks the suspension is soft but not swaying too much,” Storsjö explains.

“Having good ergonomics is very important for the operator in the long run. The operator can drive faster with a machine that has cabin suspension and therefore the production will increase.”

We wanted to present a solution that would be affordable MARKUS STORSJÖ Development Engineer, Logset

EPSILON TIMBER & RECYCLING CRANES

EPSILON FORWARDERS PERFECT FINISH PROTECTED HOSES EXCELLENT WORKMANSHIP PALFINGEREPSILON.COM

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 49

Tigercat competes in three forwarder classes: the 1055C is a 14 t capacity machine; the 1075C is a 20 t forwarder; and the 1085C is rated to carry a massive 25 t load.

The heavy duty 1055C is designed to excel in both selective and final felling applications. The

50 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

Tigercat F135T85 crane offers up to 8.5 m (335 in) of crane reach. With an expandable bunk and a choice of two wagon frame lengths, the 1055C is highly configurable and an excellent all-around forwarder.

WideRange is now available on the 1055C and with a single gear ratio, provides a maximum working speed of 11 km/h.

The 1075C is designed for long distance forwarding, steep

slopes, scarifying and other tough applications. With extremeduty Tigercat engineered and manufactured ROB17 bogies, the 1075C excels in tough terrain and slopes and operates with minimal soil disturbance.

The 1085C excels in severe duty applications and is especially well matched to steep slopes.

The 1085C is also equipped with the extreme duty Tigercat ROB17

The 1055C is a heavy duty 14 t forwarder for selective felling, final felling and biomass applications

low-wide expandable bunk system.

The low-wide bunks are angled to reduce overall gate height and eliminate the need for a vertically sliding gate.

The expandable bunk improves productivity by increasing payload in applications where the wood is relatively light in weight and load area is the constraining factor.

In combination with the hooked crane, the low-wide bunk system significantly reduces the chance of contact with the gate or bunk stakes. Operator visibility and ergonomics are enhanced. The operator enjoys a clear sightline to the top of the load, increasing log placement accuracy and decreasing cycle times. In addition, the grapple stays within the operator’s view through the entire loading and unloading cycle for reduced operator strain.

The low-wide system is available for both the 1075C and 1085C forwarders.

Tigercat grapples

bogies, and Tigercat’s unique WideRange drive system.

The Tigercat designed and manufactured driveline provides tractive effort that is unmatched in the industry. In the 1085C application, WideRange provides sufficient tractive effort to carry large loads up steep slopes and with a single gear ratio, achieves a maximum working speed of 7 km/h. The 1085C can attack and

manoeuvre steep slopes under load with ease.

Hooked crane profile and lowwide bunks The Tigercat F195T85 crane is capable of lifting 20-30% heavier loads at the same reach compared with any other forwarder crane on the market. In addition, the crane boasts 22-66% more slew torque than any competing crane. The

tapered roller bearing in the slew base is designed to last the life of the machine, an improvement over the plain bearing and spherical rollers used in other cranes.

The crane’s hooked profile is designed to increase the working envelope of the crane for reduced machine travel and improved productivity. But where the crane really shines is when used in combination with Tigercat’s new

Since an average of 50% of the forwarder duty cycle is spent loading and unloading, increasing the number of logs per crane cycle is another way that Tigercat is improving overall machine productivity and reducing forwarding cost per tonne. The FG43 and FG53 series Tigercat grapples compliment the crane with larger load area capacities at 0,43 m2 (4.6 ft2) and 0,53 m2 (5.7 ft2) respectively.

The grapples are fitted with thick walled, sealed bushings for extended service life. The link has a patent pending hose routing design to better protect the hoses.

The swing dampener has been designed for heavy duty.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 51

A 20 t 1075C forwarder equipped with low-wide working in eucalyptus. The angled bunk system allows for a lower overall gate height. Combined with the hooked crane, the system significantly improves productivity

Operator’s station Tigercat forwarders are equipped with a modern, well finished, spacious cab with extended windows for excellent visibility to the load area and the ground.

The large window area provides an open and non-confining environment. Low noise levels and vibration are essential to operator comfort and productivity.

The forwarder cab is insulated and isolation mounted. Sound insulation is used under the cab, on the engine wall area, and the engine hood to reduce driveline and engine noise. All connections to the cab use bulkhead fittings to reduce noise transfer.

Service

The 1085C is a severe duty 25 t forwarder built for extreme terrain and the most demanding, high production forwarding applications

52 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

Tigercat forwarders have unsurpassed service access to all electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Access to the engine, driveline and pumps is through the tilt-out hood enclosure and tilting cab. All the hydraulic valves and computer control modules are located in one compartment in the wagon frame.

Easily accessed from ground level, hydraulic adjustments are simple to perform. Electrical reliability is excellent due to short wire runs between the control modules and valves located immediately beside them.

The Komatsu 2020 is here Big advantages. Even in the smallest details.

Discover our machine news on komatsuforest.com/2020

In June 2019, Komatsu Forest launches its New Year model 2020 upgrades. Among the new features are big advantages such as the new engine installation, a new control system designed for the future as well as the smart solution SpeedShift, where shifting gear is done on-the-fly. Many smaller details have also been upgraded, which altogether makes for a more productive and user-friendly machine.

Visibility is prioritised in Komatsu forwarders

The new engine installation The Komatsu 855, 875 and 895 are equipped with a new engine installation with the latest in environmental engineering for diesel engines (Stage V). The new engine installation has a number of advantages such as a brand new AdBlue system, new exhaust system and hydraulic valve lifters.

The AdBlue system has been reworked for better reliability.

The Ad-blue tank has a new placement in the front left compartment and is also improved with both debris and spill protection as well as better drainage. All of this facilitates the daily maintenance of the machine.

Despite the new, larger engine installation, the forwarder still has the same slim design with good visibility and control around the machine – right down to the wheels.

New control system MaxiXT is the new control system for Komatsu harvesters and forwarders. It is a complete system for machine control, crane settings and administration. One new feature is that the optional automatic greasing system is integrated in MaxiXT, for easier monitoring. The relief valve is also connected to the container, which means that no grease will be wasted.

MaxiXT has better anti-theft

SpeedShift means shifting gear is done on-the-fly protection, as the operator needs to log into the system, or use a keyfob with a unique operator ID, to be able to start the machine. Another new feature is the possibility to record signal sequences and send to the technical support, for easier and quicker trouble shooting.

MaxiXT also contributes to a more user-friendly workenvironment by making other improvements possible. For instance, the orbitrol steering wheel has been replaced by a small electrical steering wheel on the right-side joystick, offering the advantage of higher transport speed – 22-25 km/h depending on

54 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

model. The removal of the orbitrol steering wheel gives more space in the cab as well as a quieter working environment, since there is less hydraulics in the cab.

SpeedShift Another great advantage is the option SpeedShift. It enables operators to use the machine’s full speed range without having to stop to shift gear. SpeedShift automatically shifts the machine up a gear as the operator increases speed, which results in both lower fuel consumption and higher average transport speed.

Since engine revs can be kept lower, it also makes for a more

comfortable work environment with lower noise levels. Included in the SpeedShift option is Overspeed Protection, a retarder that ensures the driveline is not running too high, thus protecting important components – this is also sold as a separate option.

Other model 2020 upgrades The machines have also been upgraded with a number of small but smart improvements. When it comes to productivity and reliability, the wear plates on the stacking blade are upgraded for better durability. There is a new electrical system with improved power boxes, for better reliability.

The Komatsu load space is spacious and very flexible, thanks to an array of options such as wideners, stakes and gates

There is also active feed pressure control when the machine is standing still, which contributes to lower fuel consumption.

There are several updates which make the operator’s environment more comfortable. There is an optional LED head light, for even better working conditions as well as a number of optional service lights. The sweep area for the windscreen wipers on the side window is increased, leading to even better visibility. And as a final example, the FlexGate headboard is painted with a less glossy finish to reduce reflections from the working lights.

Profitable services In order to perform at its best, the Komatsu forwarder can be equipped with MaxiFleet – a cloud-based service based on the data from MaxiXT. MaxiFleet takes follow-up to a professional level, providing a complete overview of the machine, delivering reports with KPI:s and much more. In MaxiFleet there is also the new service – MaxiVision – which helps the operator to visually see the current conditions in the forest, as well as other team members’ production, making it possible to take production planning to a new level.

What makes Komatsu forwarders unique Komatsu forwarders are known for their stability, thanks to the Komatsu concept, encompassing a low centre of gravity and an articulated joint facing the same direction as the rear frame. The balanced portal bogies offer high ground clearance and together with the strong powertrain, with its great engine power and traction, it gives the forwarders excellent manoeuvrability in tough conditions.

For a forwarder, the load space is of the utmost importance. The Komatsu load space is spacious

and very flexible, thanks to an array of options such as wideners, stakes and gates, that make it possible to customise the machine.

Another advantage is the easily manoeuvred and powerful crane, with protected hose routing and a sleek design.

Last but not least, the operator is always in focus – and Komatsu forwarders offer a spacious cab with good visibility in all directions and a quiet, ergonomic and comfortable work environment.

Add the optional cab suspension Comfort Ride and the driver comfort will be unbeatable.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 55

SOONER

RATHER THAN LATER Raised on a cattle farm Oklahoma logger Andrew Anderson found his true calling early on.

Working in the woods is what I really wanted to do ANDREW ANDERSON Owner, Anderson Logging

Oklahoma has a rich, colorful logging history.

Wait, you ask. Oklahoma? You mean the state “where the wind comes sweeping down the plain,” as the song goes? Most of the Sooner State lies in the semiarid Great Plains, where there aren’t a lot of trees. But in the southeastern part of the state, large stands of shortleaf and loblolly pine and valuable hardwood began attracting lumber companies over a century ago.

56 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

24/7

“You’d naturally assume there’d be no logging going on in Oklahoma,” says Andrew Anderson, owner, Anderson Logging, Broken Bow, Oklahoma. “It’s fl at, dry, and wide open. But here in the southeastern part of the state, there’s lots of timber. It’s a diamond in the rough.”

Broken Bow was founded as a company logging town in 1911 by the Dierks brothers, early pioneers of Oklahoma’s forestry industry (see sidebar at far right). With its hilly terrain, the area resembles more traditional logging areas in neighboring states like Arkansas, Alabama, and Louisiana than the wide-open spaces to the west. The wilderness area north of town has become a tourist destination, with hundreds of rental cabins going up around a clear, mountain lake. “It’s really pretty,” says Anderson. “A lot of people from Texas fi nd their little piece of heaven up here.”

Anderson’s upbringing is more what one would expect of someone who grew up in Oklahoma. He was raised on a cattle farm about 30 miles north of Broken Bow. His father had a lease with Weyerhaeuser, which owned 80 percent of the land in the area, to graze his cattle. “My grandfather ran cattle,” he remembers. “My father ran cattle. I thought, ‘I’m going to become a cattle farmer.’

That’s all I knew.”

Fortunes changed in 2005 when Weyerhaeuser terminated its cattle leases. Anderson was 16 at the time, dating his future wife while doing odd jobs for his future fatherin-law, a successful logger. “Over Christmas break, he asked me to come work with him in the woods,” he remembers. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into (laughs).”

Anderson headed to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to help with a chipper operation. His fatherin- law was

STORY: KEVIN ORFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY: NATE LUKE

The noise woke my girlfriend, who asked what I was doing, and I told her I was trying to load the chipper!”

To this day, Anderson admires his father-inlaw’s work ethic. “He’s one of the hardestworking guys I’ve ever been around. There’s no quit in him. I thought he was testing me for those two weeks, but that’s just

how he is.”

The experience inspired Anderson. “I was planning on going to college, but I decided working in the woods is what I really wanted to do.”

He started out driving a skidder for his fatherin- law before the housing crisis in the late 2000s caused the chip market to bottom

out. When the market rebounded, his father-inlaw helped Anderson start his own operation by fi nding some used logging equipment.

“I started out with one crew. I bought my own timber, and soon I discovered it was better to buy and sell more rather than less because you get better prices. So I soon expanded to two crews.”

running four logging crews in the woods, with an additional crew working in the wood yard at a paper mill. He put Anderson to work clearing slash and bark away from the chipper, keeping the equipment fueled, and counting loads. “I remember it being pretty cold. Twelve hours went by, then 18. After 24 hours of working, I thought, ‘Man, this guy is a hard worker.’”

For the next two weeks, Anderson worked 24 hours straight, then slept for fi ve hours before working another 24 hours.

“When we got back, I was so tired that he insisted I stay at his house.

In the middle of the night, I was sleepwalking, and I kept trying to put an ironing board in the closet.

Left to right: Hodge Hadley, Kelly Hadley, Michael Laster, Andrew Anderson, Neil Hadley & Wayne Gee

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 57

TRAVELING TIMBER TOWNS At the turn of the 20th century, John and Herman Dierks fi rst brought forestry to Oklahoma. Originally from the Midwest, the brothers began expanding logging operations to southeastern Oklahoma in 1898, buying timberland from the area’s Choctaw Indians. Back then, logging was backbreaking work done with axes and crosscut saws. Logs were hauled from the woods using teams of oxen and mules. The company built railroad lines into the woods for transporting logs to the mills.

As the logging sites moved farther and farther from the mill, the Dierks brothers came up with the idea of “traveling timber towns” — company towns that could be moved by rails closer to unharvested timber. The towns comprised approximately 200 homes for as many as 800 workers and their families, as well as a school, church, water tower, company store, and even a movie theater. Buildings were literally sawed in half so they could be transported on rails to the next site and reassembled.

Broken Bow was among the first of these company towns to be established.

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW Today Anderson runs four crews, harvesting mostly pine with some hardwood, depending on demand from the mills. Although he started out with used equipment, he now runs mostly new machines with extended warranties, including a John Deere 848L Skidder, an 848H Skidder, and two 843L Feller Bunchers.

Anderson liked the low payments of used machines, but they were costly to maintain. “I put pencil to paper and determined it’s far cheaper and more efficient to run new machines. They don’t break down as much, so you don’t have all the extra hidden costs for parts and mechanic bills. And even if you have an issue, it’s under warranty, so your costs remain fixed.”

The new machines have been very reliable. “The two 843Ls have about 2,000 hours on them and we’ve just done routine maintenance — maybe fixed a blown hose or two, or a sensor

From 1910 to 1968, the Dierks set up 10 timber towns in Oklahoma.

For 60 years, Dierks Forests, Inc. remained the largest logging company in Oklahoma, operating six sawmills and managing 1.8 million acres of land. In 1969, these lands and operations were purchased by Weyerhaeuser.

Sources: The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; Tulsa World; and the Oklahoma Historical Society.

58 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

going out, nothing major.” The support from the local John Deere dealer, Yellowhouse Machinery, has also been very helpful in keeping the company going. “Using John Deere JDLink™ machine monitoring, they can remotely monitor a machine and help us resolve problems over the phone. If needed, they can send out the right part immediately without an extra visit from a service tech. We might be working as far as 90 miles away, so that helps reduce downtime and costs.”

A skidder operator from day one — although today he mostly buys timber and manages the operations — Anderson loves the 848L Skidder. “It’s one bad dude,” he says. “I can’t believe the load it can haul without the front end coming up. With the rotating seat and excellent rear visibility, it was like opening my eyes for the first time. Very spacious and

comfortable, too. It’s the nicest piece of equipment I’ve ever been on. The operators love it.”

Anderson had the opportunity to see one of his 843L Feller Bunchers come off the assembly line during a Gold Key tour at John Deere Davenport Works. “I was like a kid in a candy store — all brighteyed and bushy-tailed. It was almost unfathomable to me to see a piece of metal going in one end and a new machine driving out the other. I got to meet everyone from the head of the Forestry Division to the assembly-line workers. These guys really have it figured out.”

Having quality, dependable equipment helps with operator retention. “I want to attract the best operators, so I try to buy the best equipment.” Good equipment also helps Anderson focus on his job. “I don’t have to be on the logging site all the time working on machines. I can be out ahead of my crews buying timber.”

Anderson loves the thrill of the

I want to attract the best operators, so I try to buy the best equipment ANDREW ANDERSON Owner, Anderson Logging

chase. “There’s something about big timber that gets me going. I’m a competitive person and want to move more and more. If the next guy is moving 70 loads a week, I want to move 90. That’s what’s fun about it. And we really try to make it fun for the whole crew, because if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you won’t last very long.”

Anderson had the opportunity to see one of his 843L Feller Bunchers come off the assembly line during a Gold Key tour at John Deere Davenport Works

Anderson Logging LLC is serviced

by Yellowhouse Machinery Co., Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 59

INNOVATION

SENNEBOGEN 735 E with electric travel drive

SENNEBOGEN develops Pick & Carry material handler with electric travel drive At Ligna 2019, in Hanover, SENNEBOGEN showcased a new electric drive version of the diesel hydraulic Pick & Carry material handler SENNEBOGEN 735 that is so popular with the timber industry. The prototype is currently being field tested and will be ready to go into production by the end of 2019

W

hen it comes to mobile timber handling, many customers around the world depend on the reliable Pick & Carry material handler from SENNEBOGEN. These machines are mainly used in log yards to organize and sort, and to feed saw mills. The 7 series machines have been designed to run continuously.

Electric solutions, such as those typically used in stationary timber manipulation, have not been possible due to the long travelling distances involved.

At Ligna, SENNEBOGEN presented the first machine with a new drive concept. All the work process still operate hydraulically, driven by an efficient stage 5 diesel engine, whilst the undercarriage travel drive is electric.

Design: up to 30 % more efficient thanks to the electric travel drive The Pick & Carry machine can already switch continuously between acceleration, braking and driving under load and this provided options for improving the use of the available energy.

The new drive concept consists of two electric drive engines in the undercarriage which are supplied with power by a generator operated by a diesel engine.

In addition to the increased efficiency and lower consumption

of this design, the development team have also managed to achieve a reduction in noise levels, and dynamic drive and braking in the pilot production.

Initial applications saw efficiency increases of up to 30 % compared to the previously used diesel-hydraulic drive. The machine has already been very convincing in field tests with one customer.

The machine was used for several days in the log yard of a Bavarian saw mill.

Experiencing the SENNEBOGEN 735 E with Green Efficiency Drive at Ligna As the first 7 series model, the SENNEBOGEN 735 E with the prototype Green Efficiency Drive was displayed at Ligna.

Additional technical details were also available there. The new drive concept is currently undergoing intensive testing and the first models will be ready to go into production by the end of 2019.

Joint development project with Bosch Rexroth Bosch Rexroth and SENNEBOGEN, long-term partners in drive and application technology for material handlers, collaborated to develop this electric travel drive.

The system solution is based on Bosch Rexroth components, is being jointly developed into a marketable product, and will be launched by SENNEBOGEN under the name ‘Green Efficiency Drive’.

The Pick & Carry material handler 735 E will be the first machine to contain the series production technology for electric travel.

60 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

In collaboration with Bosch Rexroth, SENNEBOGEN has developed a new electric drive concept for its Pick & Carry material handler. The SENNEBOGEN 735 E will be on display at ligna as the first machine with the new Green Efficiency Drive

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY OPERATION FOCUS

Stuart Michael (2nd from left) with members of his team and one of the GreenMech ArbTrak 150 chippers

GreenMech tranforms SWA Contractor switches suppliers to boost overall performance

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fleet of GreenMech woodchippers has been fundamental in the successful delivery of large-scale utility arb contracts for South Wales Arborists (SWA). Running both tracked and road tow models, Director Stuart Michael and his arb teams are well-equipped to deal with all tree, shrub and woodland projects which ensure the safe management of the power networks.

As approved contractors for Western Power Distribution (WPD), SWA has over 10 years of experience in managing trees in close proximity to overhead lines, both low and high voltage.

“Our chippers are the key tools in helping us to deliver the contracts, and the vast array of sites we attend mean we’re often working on a variety of different terrains” explains Michael. “We’ve

11-12 September 2019, Rotorua, NEW ZEALAND

used a few different makes of woodchipper over the years but have had various reliability issues and found parts to be expensive so when we made the decision to look around, I got in touch with Julian Cullis of GreenMech.

“We were immediately impressed with what the GreenMech machines offered and bought our first tracked machine from them roughly eight years ago.”

SWA now has a 22.5 cm (9 in) ChipMaster 220 TMP for large, high-volume projects, two Arborist 150 road-tow machines used predominately on low-voltage street works and, the most recent additions to their fleet, two ArbTrak 150’s for off-road projects and those on challenging ground conditions. Stuart also specified his machines in red livery, the company’s corporate colours.

We were immediately impressed with what the GreenMech machines offered and bought our first tracked machine from them roughly eight years ago STUART MICHAEL, South Wales Arborists

“These chippers have been brilliant, they’re efficient and chip a range of materials thoroughly and accurately,” he said. “Though 99% of our workload is utility arb, we have the range of machines now to easily reach a variety of locations and handle material no matter the size.”

Stuart is hoping to have fully converted his fleet over to GreenMech machines by the end of this year.

“Since the introduction of the first GreenMech chipper all those years ago we’ve never really looked back. We get fantastic support from Julian and look forward to continuing to deliver our contracts, with the help of GreenMech, for many years to come.”

17-18 September 2019, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 61

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY

Forestry cover at highest level ‘in over 350 years’ The area of Ireland under forest now stands at around 770,000ha – the highest level of forestry cover in the country in over 350 years.

That’s according to the new Forest Statistics Ireland 2019 report, which was released last month by Minister of State for forestry Andrew Doyle.

The report indicates that the national forest estate is now around 11% of the total land area of Ireland, with 4,025ha of new forest planted in 2018.

Conifer tree species are the dominant species in Irish forests, the report says, accounting for

71.2% of forest area, with broadleaf trees making up the remainder.

However, the proportion of new broadleaf trees planted in 2018 increased to 27% of all new trees, up from 21% in 2017.

In 2018, the Government funded the construction of 74km of private forest roads which, according to the report, reflects a coming increase in the amount of wood that will be available for harvesting by 2030.

It is also estimated that the value of forest recreation is €179 million per year.

Commenting on the report,

Minister of State Doyle said: “It is the definitive compendium of upto-date information on forestry in Ireland, and is the go-to reference document for anybody interested in the subject.”

He concluded by claiming that the Government’s policy on forestry “will yield dividends in a number of ways, including in the rural economy, but most importantly in Ireland’s efforts to tackle climate change, given the role which our forests play in carbon sequestration.”

Minister of State for Forestry Andrew Doyle

Lignia Wood Company makes three appointments in run-up to global expansion Lignia Wood Company, a UK manufacturer of modified timber for the marine and other markets, has hired Dale Warren, Anthony Carroll and Chris Palmer as purchasing manager, senior technical sales executive and production manager respectively reports IBI. The appointments come as the company announces that its 50,000sq ft manufacturing plant in Wales has been commissioned for production and distribution in the run-up to global expansion.

“Securing the services of these three outstanding specialists is going to have a significant impact on our business as we gear up for UK trade and global exports,” says Lignia CEO Hans Ng. “Since our commercial launch, we have made significant progress in terms

of business growth and are taking increasingly large orders from our distributors. It’s great to see the best people out there in the timber and manufacturing world wanting to join our exciting venture.”

As purchasing manager, Dale Warren will be responsible for the acquisition of sustainable timber globally and the development of relationships with FSC-certified plantations – assignments he is well versed in, with 35 years in the trade under his belt, including working for major global timber brands.

New senior technical sales executive Anthony Carroll has worked in the timber world since 1991. He is highly experienced in dealing with high-end commercial and residential build projects involving timber and has developed

Warren, Anthony Carroll and Chris Palmer and presented numerous CPD training courses for architects and designers. Carroll will be developing UK and European markets for all of Lignia’s product range.

Chris Palmer joins Lignia with 39 years’ experience in manufacturing, having worked for

global brands such as Sony and Bosch, and carpentry and joinery.

He is a green belt in Six Sigma and highly experienced in lean manufacturing. Palmer will be responsible for the manufacturing team at Lignia’s plant in Barry, Wales.

US pellet exports to UK jump 35.7% in first quarter U.S. increased 35.7% y-o-y pellet exports to UK in first quarter of 2019 to 1.1 million tones with exports value was up 35.3% to $143 million, according to USDA data. The share of UK in U.S. pellet exports expanded 7 pp to 71.3%.

Total pellet exports from U.S.

soared 22.3% to 5.12 million m3 in the first quarter.

Pellet exports from U.S. to Denmark decreased 15.7% to 198.7 thousand tones with exports value was down 13.1% to $31.2 million and that to Belgium fell 25.2% to 93.3 thousand tones with export

62 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

value declined 16% to $9 million.

The share of Denmark decreased 6 pp to 13.3% and that of Belgium slided 4 pp to 6.2%.

U.S. pellet exports to Netherlands jumped 107% to 60.3 thousand tones and that to Italy soared 317.5% to 46.4 thousand tones.

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY

‘Single largest private forestry transaction in Irish history’ completed Veon has completed the “single largest private forestry transaction in Irish history”, a spokesperson for the company has confirmed reports Sylvester Phelan Agriland.

The deal was closed on behalf of 12,400 retail forestry investors in the Irish Forestry Funds who are set to receive a “summer bonanza” at the end of July, according to the firm.

The UK’s largest commercial forestry manager Gresham House Asset Management (GHAM) was appointed as the exclusive asset manager to the 4,074ha (10,067ac) portfolio of mature Irish forests on a long-term contract in the deal.

The portfolio, which is

historically very large by UK and Irish standards, is divided across 185 estates across Ireland.

Comprising one of Europe’s fastest growing wood types and the main and most valuable commercial conifer species in Ireland and the UK, it benefits from good local infrastructure and close proximity to a number of saw mills.

Commenting on the new mandate, GHAM’s managing director of forestry, Olly Hughes, said: “We are thrilled to have brought this landmark transaction together and to support AXA IM – Real Assets’ efforts to offer investors long-term sustainable investments.

“Environmental, social and governance concerns are becoming increasingly important for investors.

“We believe Gresham House Forestry will be well positioned to meet the increasing demand from investors not only in the UK and Ireland but also across Europe more generally.”

Richard Hoare, chairman of Veon, also spoke, stating: “We are pleased to have realised this important transaction for the Irish Forestry Funds and to continue our involvement in their long-term stewardship.

“We look forward to playing our part in continuing to grow the

GHAM’s MD of forestry, Olly Hughes

national forest estate and helping further develop the forest industry which is of critical importance in combatting the effects pf climate change.”

Devolution of forestry to Scotland completed On 1 April 2019, the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 came into effect completing the devolution of forestry to Scotland.

This means that Forestry will be fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament.

It also means that new fully devolved arrangements will come into place, including the creation of two new Scottish Government forestry agencies.

One of them, Forestry and Land Scotland, is now responsible for

managing the Scottish Ministers’ land known as the National Forest Estate.

Scottish Forestry (SF), an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, replaces Forestry Commission Scotland, and is responsible for forestry policy, regulation, support and the awarding and payment of forestry grants.

Together, they will play a significant role in taking forward the Scottish Government’s ambitions and priorities of tackling climate change, economic

development, environmental enhancement and improving health and well-being – all helping to create a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish.

However, although forestry is now fully devolved, Scottish Forestry will not be working in isolation and will continue to work closely with the Welsh and UK Governments, and with the Forestry Commission, which will continue to manage forestry in England.

As an active partner in an enhanced and strengthened cross-

border collaboration, Scotland will lead the co-ordination of work on the UK Forestry Standard, the Woodland Carbon Code and forestry economics advice.

Doyle opens Forestry KT Group Scheme 2019 The opening of the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group (KTG) Scheme 2019 was announced Tuesday, May 28, by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle reports Breifne O’Brien Agriland.

In announcing the opening, Minister Doyle said: “The Forestry KTG Scheme 2018 was very successful, with positive feedback from over 600 farmers and forest

owners taking part all over the country.

“I am therefore delighted to open the scheme again for 2019 and hope to see a similar level of participation this year.

“They provide participants with the essential tools to mobilise their valuable timber resource and help to maximise the income from their holding.”

Forestry KTGs are for private forest owners seeking additional

knowledge and enabling them to know when and how to carry out forest management activities in a safe manner.

Forestry companies, consultants and producer groups have been invited to organise the Knowledge Transfer Groups and forest owners will then be sought to participate in the groups.

Forests across Ireland are fragmented, with the average size just 8.8ha.

Continuing, Minister Doyle added: “Forestry KTGs assist with organising management activities into larger management units, with forest owners cooperating to maximise scale.

“I encourage those participating in Forestry KTGs to continue to meet after the scheme has ended, either informally or to form a forest owners’ or producer group, to continue to reap the benefits of their learning.”

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 63

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 or david@internationalforestindustries.com

Japan CONTACT: Yuko Ishihara Japan Advertising Communications, Inc. Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho 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: David Lansdowne Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: david@internationalforestindustries.com

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64 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019

Cont’d from p22 By focusing on digitization, automation, robotics and revolutionary surface technology applications, LIGNA’s exhibitors played a major role in driving technological advancement.

Technologies considered to be visionary at the previous LIGNA have now become reality.”

“LIGNA 2019 demonstrated that we have taken a big leap forward in the direction of digital wood processing, and that interest in advanced technology is running high throughout the world,” said Pekka Paasivaara, President of the German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers’ Association, CEO of HOMAG Group AG and member of the Board of Management of Dürr AG. “It is truly amazing to meet up with so many customers from around the world interesting in making specific capital investments. The new solutions on display are relevant to small firms and large industrial processors, alike. This gives us all good cause for optimism.

“More than 90,000 visitors from over 100 countries came to Hannover to check out the industry’s latest advances and find exactly the right technologies and approaches to help them

stay competitive and grow their businesses.

Well over 40,000 trade visitors came from abroad – an indication of the show’s international appeal, and an achievement unmatched by any competing tradeshow worldwide. We were also particularly pleased to note increases in the number of attendees from North America and Southeast Asia,” Paasivaara continued.

Over 50 per cent of LIGNA visitors rated the importance of Industry 4.0 as being high to very high. Some 40 per cent of them were either upgrading their existing machinery or considering the purchase of new machines to reap the benefits of Industry 4.0 technology.

The Scandinavian firm Moelven Industrier AB was a case in point: “We’ve been preparing for our visit to LIGNA for weeks,” reported Moelven CTO Peter Rockedahl, in a joint statement with Petri Luomala from Research & Development. “For Moelven, LIGNA is the most important event for learning about what’s currently available on the woodworking machinery market. We took advantage of this year’s LIGNA primarily to draw inspiration for new work processes and as a springboard for getting into digitized manufacturing.”

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

FR24B

John Deere announces upgrades to the FR22B and FR24B felling heads

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ommitted to providing the forestry industry with powerful and reliable equipment solutions, John Deere is rolling out upgrades to its FR22B and FR24B Felling Heads.

Compatible with select M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, the updated FR22B and FR24B models have been redesigned to increase durability and extend the life of the wrist and head.

“The forestry industry is challenging and pushes equipment to the limit to get the job done, making it important for manufacturers to provide reliable solutions designed for logging applications,” said Jim O’Halloran, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry.

“Our new FR22B and FR24B Felling Heads provide just that – a reliable felling solution designed with the operator’s needs in mind.”

The new felling heads feature improved flow capability, increased hydraulic hose size and routing, and updated ring gear and frame welds, all resulting in increased durability.

To learn more about the FR22B or FR24B Felling Heads, as well as the full line of John Deere Forestry Equipment, visit your local John Deere Forestry dealer or www.JohnDeere.com.

FR22B

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2019 IBC

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