Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

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May/June 2018

INSIDE: Dust Mitigation Wall Chart!

EQUIPMENT REVIEW: B.C.’s Interior Logging Association BIG GRAPPLE YARDER investment on Vancouver Island With this issue…

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May/June 2018 Volume 49 • No. 3 Editor Paul MacDonald Contributing Editors Jim Stirling Tony Kryzanowski George Fullerton Tech Update Editor Tony Kryzanowski

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FEATURES Rod Dillman Contracting crews were recently harvesting wildfire-blackened timber in the south Cariboo region of British Columbia. The fire-ravaged timber is the legacy from B.C.’s worst forest wild fire season, in 2017. Read about how they are approaching the salvage logging in this issue of Logging and Sawmilling Journal, beginning on page 20 (Cover photo courtesy of Southstar Equipment).

4 Spotlight: First Nations 26 Veteran sawyer chooses

and forestry partnership

A new training program in B.C.—adopted from Ontario—hopes to help make a difference for First Nations youth, and the forest industry.

8 Big yarder investment B.C.’s Western Forest Products has invested in logging equipment big-time recently, with the purchase of a LC650 grapple yarder from T-Mar Industries.

16 Australian Salvage

Logging

Two Australian entrepreneurs have mastered a means of harvesting still-standing drowned forests from the bottom of hydro lakes in the Australian island state of Tasmania, and it involves some pretty interesting equipment.

20

Harvesting B.C.’s fire-ravaged forests

Rod Dillman Contracting is now tackling harvesting fire-salvage timber in the Cariboo region, one of the areas hit by B.C.’s worst forest fire season, when more than 12,000 square kilometres was burned by megafires.

DEPARTMENTS

Calendar............................................ 6 Tech Update: Forwarders................... 46 Suppliernewsline............................. 54 Classifieds....................................... 57 Ad Index.......................................... 56 Subscriptions................................... 57

veteran mill equipment

When it came to setting up his own business, veteran sawyer Gary Francis decided to opt for decades of mill manufacturing experience, and purchased a TimberKing band mill—and it’s now at the centre of the business, known simply as … Gary’s Mill.

34 New and Noted

at the Interior Logging Association’s 60th

We take a look at the new products that were one of the highlights of the 60th annual Interior Logging Association Conference and Trade Show, held in Kamloops in May.

41 The Edge

Included in this edition of The Edge, Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, are stories from the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, Alberta Innovates and FPInnovations.

58 The Last Word

The Softwood Lumber Board may have a low key approach, but it has delivered some very solid results, says Jim Stirling.

INSIDE:

Dust Mitigation Wall Chart

As part of its coverage of this important ongoing industry issue, this issue of Logging and Sawmilling Journal includes a special Dust Mitigation Wallchart.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

3

spotlight

First Nations and forestry partnership A new training program in B.C.—adopted from Ontario—hopes to help make a difference for First Nations youth—and the forest industry.

By Jim Stirling erek Orr plans on making a difference, 25 First Nations youths at a time.

A bush camp site near Prince George, B.C., is set to become the catalyst for releasing the potential of First Nations youth. Through a hands-on training process, Orr is confident the process will guide the young people toward more secondary education and finding employment in the forest industry and other natural resource sectors of the economy in central British Columbia.

Orr is the recently appointed business development manager for Carrier Lumber Ltd based in Prince George, and he’s driving the First Nations youth camp initiative.

There are several key factors in favour of Orr’s plans for helping First Nations youth reaching fruition. For example, the dynamics of an ageing population aren’t going away. Addressing their impacts is only going to become more urgent. R&R

these days means recruitment and retention for the forest industry and most other enterprises in Canada, as more skilled people retire and leave a vacuum in the work force. First Nations offer a valuable labour source—but the competition to attract them is gathering momentum.

Statistics show the young First Nations population is growing at about four times the rate of its white equivalent, says Orr. Reaping the full advantages of that statistic isn’t straightforward, of course. But that’s where the template offered by the Outland Youth Employment Program can prove invaluable. The program has been operating successfully in northern Ontario since 2000, employing more than 430 indigenous youth.

“The multi-year program offers a variety of natural resource-based field work opportunities and hand-on learning experiences,” says the Outland program in its material. Outland is based in another heavily forest industry reliant community, Thunder Bay. “Youth spend six weeks living

4

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

D

Derek Orr (above), plans on making a difference, 25 First Nations youths at a time. Orr is directing a First Nations youth camp initiative that will be set up near Prince George, B.C.

While the B.C, First Nations youth camp program might differ depending on client and community need, it’s likely to include some of the hands-on training from the Ontario program specific to the forest industry, including familiarization with workplace safety standards and tree planting/juvenile spacing. in a remote camp setting in Northern Ontario alongside the full time camp management team, trainers and on-site teacher. During the program, youth have the opportunity to gain two senior level high school co-op credits and spend a week participating in Science Week at a local college or university.”

The Outland program has achieved other impressive statistics: a 94 per cent first year graduation rate among participants; a 98 per cent second year graduation rate; 60 per cent moved on to secondary education and training—and, importantly for the forest industry, 87 per cent of those were in the natural resource sectors of northern Ontario.

Some of the hands-on training from the Ontario program specific to the forest industry include familiarization with workplace safety standards and operating procedures; college classes in subjects like forest management and GIS/GSP applications; tree planting; juvenile spacing; and forest fire fighting training.

The program specifics might differ in the Prince George camp environment depending on client and community needs. But Orr is confident it will mirror the holistic and culturally supportive approach practiced by the Outland program in Ontario. “I like the program, having a few kids from different communities involved in a holistic approach to learning,” he says.

Orr has the background and desire to establish the pathway for a First Nations youth training model in central B.C. Apart from being a certified life skills coach, Orr was chief of the McLeod Lake Indian Band before joining Carrier Lumber.

“I’ve seen and experienced the challenges in First Nations communities, the effects of poverty and limited education,” he says.

And he knows too well the statistics and associated costs. He recognizes, for example, the social costs of the disproportionate numbers of aboriginal youth enmeshed in Canada’s correctional services. It’s a similarly sad story with the numbers of aboriginal children involved in foster care. “There are more children in care now than in the 1960s and the situation is not going to get any better if it’s continually ignored.”

The McLeod Lake Indian Band began trying to create jobs for more of its people and introduce some options for the future through the possibilities associated with Duz Cho Logging Ltd. The company forged the necessary partnerships to keep it going

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spotlight from page 5 through the tough times and consistently find new ways to succeed. Duz Cho is now well established as one of the largest First Nations-run logging companies in the region. The McLeod Lake band also runs sister companies delivering oil patch construction services and more recently added a cant processing plant in Mackenzie Carrier Lumber, Orr’s employer, is the first regional forest company to make a financial commitment to the Prince George area aboriginal youth camp drive. Orr is optimistic that more forest companies will follow suit, especially as they become more aware of its wide-ranging benefits.

“We do see this as a long term initiative,” he adds.

But that said, Orr would like to see the camp start with its first 25 young people in July 2018. “Kids can come back for a second camp next year and if we get a few of those, they can help mentor the newcomers,” he adds.

“Both the College of New Caledonia and the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George are interested in coming aboard with the First Nations youth camp proposal in some capacity,” continues Orr. Support is also growing among the First Nations community itself, with the camps being viewed as a way to

keep youth in school longer and providing them with marketable skills in the forest industry.

Using the Prince George camp proposal to keep more First Nations youth out of care services and off social assistance programs while preparing them for jobs in the forest industry makes sense and

The Canadian forest industry has an aging workforce, and as more people retire, there is a growing need to recruit new employees, especially young employees.

Statistics show the young First Nations population is growing at about four times the rate of its white equivalent.

CALENDAR August 30-September 1

FinnMETKO, Jämsä, Finland

+358 40 9009 410, www.finnmetko.fi September 13-15

Pacific Logging Congress In the Woods Show, Corvallis, OR 360-832-1745 www.pacificloggingcongress.org September 16-19

110th Canadian Institute of Forestry AGM, Grande Prairie, AB 705-744-1715, www.cif-ifc.org September 17-19

Wood Pellet Association of Canada AGM, Vancouver, BC 250-837-8821, www.pellet.org September 26-28

Alberta Forest Products Association 76th AGM, Jasper, AB 780-452-2841 www.albertaforestproducts.ca

6

saves huge amounts of taxpayers’ money, believes Orr. “It’s really about the value of a better life,” he adds.

For more information about becoming involved with the Prince George First Nations employment camp, contact Derek Orr at: dorr@carrierlumber.ca

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

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equipmentprofile

BIG YARDER investment

B.C.’s Western Forest Products has invested in logging equipment big-time recently, with the purchase of a LC650 grapple yarder from T-Mar Industries, and it’s working out so well that it recently took delivery of another machine.

By Paul MacDonald o put it mildly, loggers are not impressed easily.

Over the years, many loggers have seen equipment come and go—and seen some innovations and new equipment fail to live up to its promise.

But a new piece of logging equipment is getting high praise in B.C.—and so far is living up to expectations.

Western Forest Products (WFP), the major forest licencee on the B.C. Coast, recently purchased the latest in grapple yarding equipment from B.C.-based T-Mar Industries: a Log-Champ (LC) 650 grapple yarder. And the company is pretty pleased with how it’s performing—so much so

that it recently took delivery of another LC650. And two more LC650 machines are in the 2018 Capital Plan “It’s a big step forward for us,” says Rick Bitten, senior maintenance manager for Timberlands Forest Operations for WFP. Before it happened, though, the company did a lot of home work.

As part of an equipment review process, WFP did an evaluation of all 26 of their yarders, which are heavily weighted towards older Madill and Cypress equipment. This well-built and maintained equipment has more than earned its keep over the years.

Al Waugh of Accurate Appraisals was charged with doing the review.

“Al is a very experienced equipment

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

T

guy,” says Bitten. “He spent hours going over each machine, determining its weak points, and any repairs that had to be done.”

In some cases, repairs made sense. In other situations, not so much.

“A machine may have a market value well below the repair estimates,” says Bitten. Essentially, the review confirmed the company had gotten pretty close to as much as they were going to get out of some of their current yarders. And that at some point, you have to step forward and commit to purchasing some very major pieces of logging equipment.

“As a result, we plan to aggressively pursue replacing our older machines—we have to because many of them are in

equipmentprofile timber over the next few years to meet sustainability guidelines. So, they will be doing more steep slope work. They can use some of the newer tethered equipment on some of the steep slopes, but old growth timber harvesting lends itself best to grapple yarding.

“We need to be able to grapple yard a lot of that volume—we can’t do it by other methods, such as tethering or hoe chucking.”

Getting a good sense of where they were at with their equipment helped build the case for purchasing the new grapple yarders, says Bitten.

“We’ve got to be able to back up a request for capital with the company, so that step was helpful.”

He explained that they have two classes of yarders: highway-legal yarders, and the older 100-plus ton yarders that are moved with special off-highway lowbeds.

For example, they have 11 Cypress 7280 grapple yarders in their fleet, which are still delivering the goods, day-in, day-out.

“In terms of heavy yarders, the 7280 is our preferred machine.

“With the off-highway yarders, it’s all about durability and strength. With the highway configuration, the whole build of the machine is based upon weight, so they can be moved with two low-beds; the machine on one, and the boom and gantry on the other.”

Traditionally, WFP has opted more for the off-highway yarders, though they do have some highway-legal yarders in their equipment mix.

WFP, like a lot of coastal logging operations, has been very fortunate in that

the 35 to 40 year-old range,” Bitten says.

With older equipment, parts availability can become an issue. “Eventually, our old grapple yarders are going to stop running for us, and we need to address that before it happens.

“What we are faced with,” explains Bitten, “is the median age of our grapple yarders is 30-plus years, with 40,000 hours on the clock. And it’s just not economically viable to put significant repair dollars into part of that fleet.

“So we have the tough decision that we need to start upgrading our equipment—and really the yarders are the first pieces of equipment that touch our wood.” Added to that, there will be a focus for WFP on logging larger, old-growth

their older grapple yarders were very well built—in fact, they were overbuilt, especially structurally. They have been, and some continue to be, true workhorses for the company.

“We’ve found that we’ve been able to get two life cycles out of the machines structurally. But they’re getting to the end of that second life cycle,” says Bitten.

WFP’s Maintenance Team have worked diligently to extend their working lives. “We’ve been ingenious about prolonging the life of these yarders, and getting around having to purchase new equipment. But at some point, you have to take that step, and go in the direction of new equipment.”

And, in the case of WFP, that meant the T-Mar LC650. While new equipment may have a hefty price tag, machinery such as the LC650 has features that older grapple yarder operators could never even dream of—all the while having the same line pull, and being faster.

WFP had the advantage of possessing some very good knowledge about yarders through Phil Salter, who is now the company’s North Island Forest Maintenance Manager. Salter worked at T-Mar for two years during the development of the company’s LC550 and LC650 yarders.

“I know the features of the T-Mar equipment pretty well,” he says.

And Salter knows that T-Mar also had the benefit of two top logging equipment designers and engineers in Jim Mantle and Ed Hughes, Both men were instrumental to page 10

The LC650 is getting good marks from operator John Gilbert (above). Gilbert welcomes the new technology on the machine, from the variable controls to the grapple cam, and he likes the speed of the machine, and the great visibility he gets from the cab.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

9

equipmentprofile from page 9 in ushering in a new generation of logging equipment with the new models of grapple yarders from T-Mar. “Jim and Ed are two of the best yarder engineers in the business,” he says. The two men had been involved in the design of the Madill and Cypress yarders that form the core of WFP’s older yarder fleet.

Then there is T-Mar itself. The company is a leader in industrial design, equipment manufacturing and re-life. It combines machining, fabrication, heavy duty mechanical and engineering under one roof in the Vancouver Island city of Campbell River, to provide a one-stop shop for industrial equipment needs.

That said, both Salter and Bitten were part of a committee of seven that objectively and thoroughly looked at yarder equipment, and were charged with coming up with a recommendation.

“Capital is very limited,” notes Bitten.

“We have to be very wise with how we invest the capital we have.”

They broke down the machines that were considered into 28 categories, rating each on a scale of one to five. And the LC650 emerged the winner.

The depth of engineering in the LC650 is clear, says Bitten.

“The centre of gravity for the machine is computer generated,” he explained.

“So every time they added something on the machine, they ran it through a computer analysis to make sure it resulted in a good centre of gravity.

“That has been one of the downfalls of most grapple yarders,” he added. “They are nose heavy when you are trying to move them. It creates a huge difference in the operational characteristics of the machine, and a difference in the maintenance costs and durability of the machine.”

There has been a historical drawback

in yarders having a lack of haulback regenerative capabilities, and air compressor capacity.

T-Mar went aggressively after both of these areas with the new machine, says Salter. “It has an aftermarket hydraulically-driven air compressor that comes standard, and they have a Wichita water cooled haulback regenerative clutch

10

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

on the machine. With the power input system, it is far superior. The way it drives the winch is dramatically different than any other yarder.”

Another advance has been eliminating the chain case, which transmitted power to page 12

equipmentprofile from page 10 from the engine/transmission through to the winch.

“The new yarder has a differential that allows the machine to be far more balanced, so the engine/transmission can be more in the centre of the machine, with a differential to the winch.

“Now, you can stand on both sides of the engine and access the transmission and the pumps. Before, when it was cross-mounted, you had to go between the engine and the winch, and it was a difficult spot to work in.”

A clever feature both Bitten and Salter pointed out on the LC650 was the drum counter. An electronic sensor sends out an audible beep to the operator, beeping down to where the grapple, and line, had been placed before.

Most of the time, operators are looking to return the grapple to around the same spot, to pick up logs.

“The operator used to have to kind of feel it out, watch it closely, and slow down to get to the right range of cable being played out, with the hook tender telling him when to slow down,” explained Salter.

“But the LC650 has signals as the operator takes the grapple out, and it beeps

12

George Lambert (above), president of T-Mar Industries, takes great pride in the company’s new LC650 grapple yarder, which with its new features is now bringing 21st century technology to coastal logging in B.C. down, like a back-up beeper. The operator does not have to look at anything—he can focus on running the grapple out there quickly, until he gets the beep. And then he drops the grapple down.”

An option on all T-Mar yarders is a grapple cam. WFP is opting for a grapple cam on all of its new yarders. “It’s a huge safety improvement because you are no longer putting people on the ground in the bight,” says Bitten. It also lets WFP’s loggers operate in bad weather conditions vs. parking the machine, and losing productive time.

Being a new machine, the LC650 is able to take advantage of technological improvements, and deliver some solid fuel savings vs. older yarders.

“It runs at about 15 litres an hour fuel consumption, which is exceptionally good,” says Bitten. “Most of our yarders run at 25 to 30 litres an hour. Its fuel consumption is part of what drove our purchasing decision—in a world with $1.20 diesel, fuel costs add up quickly.”

Bitten notes that T-Mar appears to have taken advantage as much as possible of technology on the machine, including digital controls that can be adjusted by the operator.

It’s been said that the logging industry has been somewhat resistant to technology—with some preferring to keep equipment simple. But Bitten and Salter argue those days are gone—and that making use of technology is now essential.

“Things have gone way past trying to keep equipment simple,” says Bitten. At some point, he says, loggers are missing Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

the boat if they don’t employ technology on the equipment they use.

“Technology can do so much for you,” he says.

He notes that the Cat equipment they have, when it is connected to Cat’s VisionLink telematics system, can show exactly where a machine is operating, and advise them of any mechanical issues.

“That technology is hugely valuable.”

The LC650 is equipped with Vision Link technology.

As noted in the sidebar story (on page 14), Finning is also now a dealer for T-Mar products.

Finning, one of the largest Cat dealers in the world, has a very extensive branch network and service support system in B.C. “The dealer support network for Finning is outstanding,” says Bitten. “They have also formed an alliance with T-Mar on what kind of parts they are going to have on the shelf, as the fleet of T-Mar yarders grows.”

He noted that it looks to be a good fit, considering a good deal of the yarder’s components are Cat, including the engine, transmission, track frame and undercarriage. The LC650 comes equipped with a Caterpillar C15 Tier 4 engine rated at 475 HP @ 2200 RPM, and a Caterpillar CX31 transmission.

“That also allows customers to be able to get Cat financing for the yarders, which is a huge step for the logging community,”

to page 14

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equipmentprofile from page 12 said Bitten. “It can be a real struggle to get yarder financing through a bank—the Cat financing is a game-changer.”

For Western Forest Products, it means extending an existing relationship with Finning and Cat. “We have a lot of Cat equipment,” explained Bitten. “And over a period of time, we’ve built up a solid support system with the field mechanics at Finning.”

And the Cat equipment on the machine, of course, is under warranty. “With the assurance of the warranty coverage on the power train, it helps us to make the commitment to equipment—and it also tells you the commitment on the part of the manufacturer.”

The LC650 is getting good marks from operator John Gilbert.

Gilbert is an experienced grapple yarder operator, having run his fair share of equipment, including a Cypress 7280 machine.

He welcomes the new technology on the machine, from the variable controls to the grapple cam. Gilbert likes the speed of the machine, and the great visibility he gets from the cab. And he’s happy to provide feedback to T-Mar if he comes across something that could be improved on the LC650.

And like Bitten and Salter—and of course T-Mar Industries— Gilbert takes pride in the machine, which is now bringing 21st century technology to coastal logging in B.C.

14

It was a day of celebration when Western Forest Products took delivery of its first LC650 grapple yarder, not only for Western, but for equipment manufacturer T-Mar Industries and its dealer partner, Finning.

Representing T-Mar a good fit for Finning

A

major consideration in making equipment decisions for Western Forest Products is service. And a consideration in choosing the T-Mar LC650 grapple yarder is that several years ago, equipment dealer Finning became the exclusive dealer for T-Mar Industries Ltd. Log-Champ brand of swing yarders and cable assist systems in western Canada.

The agreement expands Finning’s forest product market offerings to include T-Mar machines for steep-slope harvesting.

Customers will benefit from the convenience of one-source for forestry product support, service, parts and equipment, the companies say.

It looks to be a smart move for Finning, as steep slope harvesting in B.C. is expected to grow in the next 10 years, which could mean a significant increase in market opportunity for these products in the coastal and southern interior regions of the province.

Finning notes that T-Mar’s products represent years of development and testing in the centre of North American steep-slope logging country. These machines, when operating in conjunction with a mechanical harvesting system, can substantially increase productivity.

“This partnership allows us to provide a complete package to our forestry customers,” said David Primrose, Finning Canada executive vice president, core industries, when the deal was announced. “We can now combine our world-class Cat harvest and felling equipment with an industry-leading cable assist machine and swing yarders to provide customers with increased safety, efficiencies and gains in productivity.”

“We are very excited about this partnership with Finning Canada,” added George Lambert, president of T-Mar Industries.

“This partnership combines the best aspects of both companies and ensures our customers have local access to first class sales, parts and service across western Canada. Customers now have an excellent source for all of their steep-slope logging needs.”

This partnership is said to be a natural fit given T-Mar is the only Canadian producer and designer of cable assist systems and both the Log-Champ cable assist and swing yarders utilize a significant number of Cat components.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

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BClogging alternativelogging

Underwater treasure found in the form of trees

Buried in the water of reservoirs around the world are submerged trees estimated to be worth as much as $50 billion—and an Australian company has developed its own process of retrieving wood from drowned forests that is described by some as one of the most technologically advanced systems in the world.

Hydrowood’s Snipe logging barge has a brand-new Cat 568, equipped with a SATCO 630 directional felling head able to reach depths of 26 metres.

16

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

alternativelogging

By S. J. Trotton

A

s harvest profiles world-wide continue to evolve due to ongoing changes in climatic conditions, loggers are perpetually adapting their methods in response, and looking for new locations to log that may include steep terrain—or even underwater.

In the most western part of Canada, steep slope logging is progressively becoming more common. In British Columbia, it's estimated approximately one quarter of the Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) is sitting on slopes greater than 35 per cent.

Canada’s logging industry is also actively involved in salvage logging that includes what they can find underwater. Companies like CoastEco Timber and Aqua Timber have long known about the value of submerging timber from deep watery depths. Vancouver Island’s Triton Logging, which boasts being the longest continuous Rainforest Alliance Certified Rediscovered Wood producer of any underwater logging company in the world, has been underwater logging for years. Triton uses highly advanced equipment like their logging submarine the Sawfish which is equipped with a 55-inch harvester bar that can easily cut large second-growth trees such as Douglas fir.

But there is one underwater logging company that operates in Australia’s most southern island state, Tasmania, that tends to stand out from many of the others. The company’s process of retrieving wood from drowned forests is described by some as one of the most technologically advanced systems on the planet.

Formed by business partners Andrew Morgan and David Wise, Hydrowood is Australia’s efficient answer to salvaging underwater treasure from western Tasmania’s man-made hydro-electric dams. The company’s entrepreneurial duo shares a wealth of experience they had gained even before undertaking their newest venture. Both were long-time successful

Hydrowood identified high-grade furniture species in the timber in Tasmanian waters including myrtle, black wood, celery top pine, sassafras, eucalyptus and Huon pine that were going to be nearly impossible to source anywhere else. This difficult to find wood can potentially command high prices, when it’s converted to lumber.

forest managers of SFM Environmental Solutions, a leading provider of independent certified forest management and forest consulting services based in Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart.

Recalling Hydrowood’s early beginnings, Morgan and Wise say they were initially skeptical about starting an underwater logging operation. They had a hard time believing the retrieval of ghostly looking timber, seen emerging above the waters’ surface of lakes like the long and narrow, 2,200-hectare Lake Pieman, formed in 1986 when the Tasmanian government dammed the river and left behind rare species, would be financially profitable or even viable. They were outdoor adventurers-at-heart, however, and knew they could start the research process from the sky with Wise being a long-time bush pilot.

“David knew he could get us aerial images that would tell the whole story,” said Morgan.

Those aerial views told them there appeared to be a significant amount of almost a quarter-century-old untouched timber available for harvesting. They

also showed, however, much of the area would be difficult to access.

From reviewing their findings, Morgan and Wise instinctively recognized they needed to undertake a feasibility study. In 2012, following much discussion, and in typical Aussie style, some icy cold beverages, the two embarked on a partner study with Hydro Tasmania, the University of Tasmania and the Australian government’s Department of State Growth. As with any normal terrestrial forestry operation, the study assessed how much timber they would have to cut and how they were going to remove it from the area.

They studied dozens of aerial photos of the flooded area and sought advice from foresters who had worked in the area previous to the flooding.

“My mind went straight to the logistical nightmare of trying to salvage this wood,” admitted Morgan. “We knew accessibility would be a monumental issue.”

At the same time, he also knew the furniture high-grade species identified

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

17

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alternativelogging from page 17 in these waters including myrtle, black wood, celery top pine, sassafras, eucalyptus and Huon pine were going to be nearly impossible to source anywhere else.

“This was pretty special wood that is difficult to find and could potentially command high-quality commodity prices,” admitted Morgan.

The study involved divers recovering timber that was later assessed by the University’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture and Wood. The assessment revealed evidence of wood that would be highly appealing to furniture builders, carvers and cabinetmakers – a group who would appreciate the density and beauty of the exotic species they located in the lake. Morgan and Wise also knew musical instrument manufacturers would appreciate the superior sound submerged wood tends to possess.

Upon completion of the study that showed the lake could potentially produce up to 10 years-worth of rainforest timber and their own overall assessment, Morgan and Wise were ready to build Hydrowood. Its construction development focused on ensuring the hydraulic enterprise would utilize the most efficient equipment available.

They knew they had to construct a hightech system so sophisticated that it would be simplistic in terms of its operation. They wanted only one operator who could not only control the barge needed—later to be nicknamed Snipe—as well as an excavator that would sit at the top of the barge.

And the barge itself would be equipped with only the best in minimally invasive equipment: three thrusters and a GPS positional system that could allow the operator to automatically stay in position once a tree was located. Staying stationery would allow the operator to safely focus entirely on cutting trees and bringing them to the surface.

Most recently, Snipe was outfitted with a brand-new Cat 568. The barge has also been equipped with a low cab and low-height base machine that maintains a low centre of gravity for optimum performance. The Cat itself has been equipped with a SATCO 630 directional felling head able to reach depths of 26 metres because of its extended attachment: a telescopic boom that extends the felling head’s horizontal outreach capabilities substantially.

Hydrowood’s most recent operational modifications are aligned with traditional steep-slope felling applications that until Hydrowood came into existence, had not 18

The customers for the wood produced from the timber Hydrowood accesses underwater appreciate the density and beauty of the exotic species located in the lake.

been used in this manner.

“The SATCO head’s lack of electrical componentry and overall simple construction, as well as its felling and grappling capabilities, make it highly unique and ultimately the perfect system solution for Hydrowood,” explains Morgan.

Hydrowood also utilizes a highly advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-beam sonar survey system for trees that are not visible from the surface. The system gives the operator two views, top down and sideways, so all angles of the harvesting head coming down and retrieving the tree can be viewed.

“Sonar technology was a must for navigating the dark and frigid tannin waters of Lake Pieman,” said Morgan. “With this kind of technology and harvesting Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

advancements, we are confident we will be able to cut even bigger trees we locate in the future.”

For the approximately three years Hydrowood’s owners have been commercial harvesting, the response from the local community has been very positive. It has encouraged the two owners Wise and Morgan to think entrepreneurial again and consider the possibility of running a tourist operation that operates in conjunction with Hydrowood. It would provide tourists with the opportunity to see Snipe up close and in action—an operation that continues to capture increased worldwide attention on a yearly basis.

“Tourists nowadays are looking for unique experiences that offer once-ina-lifetime opportunities,” said Morgan.

“What could be more unique than seeing an underwater logging expedition up close?”

Hydrowood and other companies that extract wood from flooded forests have one distinctive attribute different from trees harvested from a standing forest.

They must sit until their moisture content is an acceptable level before they can be sawn—a waiting period that can take anywhere from six to 12 months.

Although Morgan and Wise admit the waiting can be an “exercise in patience” they continue to be convinced how worthwhile the undertaking ultimately is for them.

“This is real wood—solid timber that comes untouched and intact,” said Morgan.

There is wide-spread speculation that the global number of underwater logging operations will continue to grow in the future. Reasons for this expected growth include: • Construction of hydro dams (such as B.C.’s Site C hydro project) continues to increase in many parts of the world due to increasing energy demands • More companies are starting to recognize the economic opportunity flooded forests can offer with mature tree timber being so valuable and an increasing emphasis on reducing land-based deforestation continuing to grow • The development of new underwater technologies continues to evolve.

Buried in the water of reservoirs around the world are thought to be about 300 million submerged trees, estimated to be worth as much as $50 billion with only a handful of companies in the world in a position to harvest that underwater resource.

salvagelogging

HARVESTING B.C.’s fire-ravaged forests

Rod Dillman Contracting is now tackling harvesting fire-salvage timber in the Cariboo region, one of the areas hit by B.C.’s worst forest fire season, when more than 12,000 square kilometres was burned by megafires.

By Jim Stirling

T

Heading up the company is the husband and wife team of Rod Dillman and Debra Maclean. They’ve created a sense of family and respect within company operations.

he deer seemed to approve of what was happening. They moved right in behind the logging equipment to enjoy the fresh browse. Rod Dillman Contracting crews were harvesting wildfire-blackened timber and brush from in behind the 108 Mile Ranch development in the south Cariboo region of British Columbia.

The salvage logging show is a small part of a huge problem stretching across broad swathes of the B.C. Interior. The fireravaged timber is the legacy from B.C.’s worst forest wild fire season, in 2017.

The stats are scary. The B.C. Wildfire Service estimates 12,164 square kilometres was burned by the megafires necessitating fire suppression costs of $562.7 million. During the fire season, 65,000 people were evacuated from their homes and businesses. Two homes in the 108 Mile area were lost to the ferocious wild fires. The 108 is especially vulnerable, being essentially a forest with houses in it.

What happened in 2017 is a chilling wake-up call for all B.C. Interior residents—but especially those living in the Cariboo region. Most regional residents are looking to the 2018 wildfire season

20

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

with more than a little trepidation.

Most of the timber burned is on Crown land and remains as left when the fires went out. Regional licencees and their loggers have been frustrated in their efforts to have logging permits approved and no local timber sales had been offered for the burned areas into early March 2018.

Rod Dillman Contracting, in contrast, has been busy since the fires were extinguished, log harvesting for private landowners and ranchers. Harvesting the burned timber sooner rather than later makes the most sense. It maximizes the recovery value of the damaged timber and removes a hazard from the landscape.

Jordan Dillman, Rod’s son, was heading the salvage logging show behind the 108 development when Logging and Sawmilling Journal visited.

“The fire’s behaviour through the dominant spruce stands is very hit and miss,” notes Dillman. And that’s reflected by the varying condition and quality of the timber. Some stems were heavily damaged, others barely seared. He

to page 22

salvagelogging from page 20 reckons between 4,000 and 5,000 cubic metres of burned wood were scheduled for removal from the site. Sawlogs down to 4.5 inch tops were being harvested and shipped to West Fraser’s sawmill in 100 Mile House while Norbord Inc’s oriented strand board manufacturing plant in 100 Mile was accepting logs down to 2.5 inch tops for processing.

Dillman had organized the logging crew and machinery to get the job done most efficiently. These days that usually means the application of technology in one form or other. But one of Dillman’s priorities for running this particular show was more prosaic: cleanliness. Preventive maintenance measures are routine for successful loggers and keeping machines clean and greased after a shift is fundamental. Most of Dillman’s operators stick to the same machine and have developed a sense of pride in its efficient operation.

But as Dillman explains, normal dust, debris and ice is one thing—but the addition of abrasives like ash and carbon create a whole new issue and a potentially toxic brew for machine engines and other vital parts. And ash and carbon from burned timber finds its way into everything. “We don’t take chances in burned wood,” he says. “We air blow the filters to keep them clean. We replace them every two or three days whether they appear to need replacing or not. Operators have to safeguard their machines at the end of every shift.”

Dillman was running three processors at the heart of the burned wood salvage show. The company owns four of them, three Link-Belts and a Hyundai, all fitted with Southstar 500 series processing heads. They’ve proved to be a highly successful and reliable combination for Dillman Contracting.

“We’ve got about 9,000 hours on one of the Link-Belt 210s and maybe we’ve

Preventive maintenance measures are routine for successful loggers like Rod Dillman Contracting, and keeping machines clean and greased after a shift is fundamental. Ash and carbon from burned timber finds its way into everything, requiring extra maintenance, such as replacing air filters every two or three days.

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

salvagelogging had one day’s downtime total during that time with the original motor and pumps,” he reports. The Southstar processing heads have proved equally stellar performers. “Southstar’s service and support is second to none,” he says. The 500 series heads have proved compatible for the timber types the company routinely encounters. “They can handle the bigger wood well and in the smaller wood the ability to multi-stem is really nice. The volume adds up big time when you can multi-stem even two trees,” he adds.

As a specialist in small scale salvage and acquiring compatible timber sales, Rod Dillman Contracting routinely finds ways to harvest and utilize wood larger licencees pile for burning. They try to find ways to harvest all the timber types and return value to their customers, continues Dillman.

Rod Dillman Contracting was employing about 20 people on two sides: the burned wood salvage operation and a side for Norbord Inc. Heading up the company is the husband and wife team of Rod Dillman and Debra Maclean.

They’ve created a sense of family and respect within the company operations.

It’s definitely a place with more smiles than snarls.

Perhaps part of that is because both Dillman and Maclean grew up in traditional logging families. She at Gibsons on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast and he right there in the southern Cariboo. “Now we have an awesome team working with us. I can’t say enough about them,” says Rod Dillman.

The company began modestly enough.

It was in 2005 when Rod Dillman set out on his own with a Cat 950 wheel loader.

A skidder, buncher and loader were added and Rod Dillman Contracting was well on its way. It was around that time in the company’s evolution that logging truck availability became an issue. The pool of trucks in the 100 Mile area was finite and most of them responded to the needs of the region’s larger licencees. “We were small but we didn’t want to be hostage when it came to moving our wood,” he explains. So the company invested in its own logging trucks. When it added a roadbuilding capability, Rod Dillman Contracting became a true stump to dump logging contractor. The company runs four of its own Western Star trucks and it has the use of a dedicated owner/operator.

The company also runs a low bed—which to page 24 Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

23

salvagelogging from page 23 all the truck drivers can operate—to move harvesting equipment when and where it’s needed. “It works out well,” he says.

The logging trucks complement the principal log harvesting equipment which includes: the four processors; four feller bunchers, three Tigercats and a Madill; three skidders, two John Deere and a Tigercat; a Hyundai and Link-Belt decking machines and two loaders, a Madill 2850 and a Hyundai 2200. The company’s roadbuilding side includes a Cat D6, D7 and an excavator along with other ancillary equipment.

“That’s what puts groceries on the table for us all,” says Dillman. “Every time we buy a machine. I remember where I came from.” To help keep the equipment purring along, the company uses the services of a full time mechanic and runs a mobile service truck for the logging equipment.

Dillman is a full time machine operator: show him a cab and he’s at home in it. Maclean takes on the finance and safety responsibilities for running a log contracting business. And they’re becoming increasingly onerous and time consuming.

Rod Dillman Contracting is a SAFE certified company and offers a benefits package to its co-workers. One chore Maclean

The equipment line-up at Rod Dillman Contracting includes a Tigercat 630D skidder. Its crews were harvesting wildfire-blackened timber and brush from in behind the 108 Mile Ranch development in the south Cariboo region of British Columbia, earlier this year.

doesn’t have to worry too much about is rustling up private landowner business for the company. “I think it’s because over time we’ve earned a good reputation through word of mouth,” she says.

The company’s most recent expansion was not a new—or used—logging machine but a place to help keep the

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existing fleet performing optimally. The company’s new office and shop is in an industrial part of 100 Mile House. Surplus space in it has been rented. But Maclean has plans to make the office a comfy as well as functional for the use of all the Rod Dillman Contracting family team.

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prairiesawmilling As an experienced sawyer, Gary Francis pays particular attention to the sharpness of his band sawmill blades.

Veteran sawyer

chooses veteran mill equipment When it came to setting up his own business, veteran sawyer Gary Francis decided to opt for decades of mill manufacturing experience, and purchased a TimberKing band mill—and it’s now at the centre of the business, known simply as … Gary’s Mill.

By Tony Kryzanowski hile plying his skills as a sawyer for other custom sawmilling businesses, Gary Francis of Nipawin, Saskatchewan, had dreamed of one day working from home and putting up his own shingle. A few years ago, he took the plunge, with a business simply known as ‘Gary’s Mill’.

Located about 20 kilometres north of Nipawin, business at Gary’s Mill is steady.

The equipment backbone of the business

is a TimberKing 2200 portable, one-man, band sawmill that Francis purchased three years ago. It replaced an older, slower, and more labor-intensive mill that he used when the business started up about five years ago. TimberKing says it is the oldest manufacturer of one-man sawmills in the U.S., and is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

“The wood doesn’t sit here for very long,” says Francis. “There’s a big demand for band saw lumber because it has a smoother finish and the boards are true

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

W

from one end to the other.”

With faster moving circular saws, especially with logs that are partially frozen, the saws can produce tapered lumber if the sawyer is not careful. However, with a slower moving band mill, that is rarely an issue.

“And a lot of my customers like rough lumber because planed lumber is too thin for their needs,” Francis adds.

to page 28

prairiesawmilling from page 26 An avid gun collector and hunter, with many years of experience working in the forest industry, Francis is definitely in his element. He has worked for decades in the industry; he started piling lumber at a sawmill owned by his dad and uncle at just eight-years-old. The family sawmilling business operated for years, supplying planed and graded lumber to many lumber yards at locations throughout that area of Saskatchewan.

Francis says given his experience, his close proximity to a vast forest resource right in his own backyard, and plenty of demand for wood products particularly from the local farming community, he and his wife, Joanne, decided a few years ago that the time was right to start their own custom sawmilling venture.

“I’ve kind of been in milling and logging forever,” says Francis, “but I was tired of working away and decided to invest in this mill to sustain myself, instead of having to go away to work.”

Gary’s Mill manufactures a variety of custom wood products. His most popular products are dimension lumber from 2” X 4” to 2” X 10”. He also markets live or rough edged 1” lumber primarily for corral windbreak boards, and timbers in a variety of dimensions, some as large as 10” X 10”. Lately, he has also been manufacturing thick and wide planks for customers wanting to use the material to make tables and benches.

There is a good, local market for 2” X 8” and 2” X 10” dimension lumber for use as corral planking. Francis is investigating if he can qualify for a grade stamp so that

The sturdy construction of the TimberKing 2200 band sawmill was a major selling point with experienced sawyer Gary Francis. One of the more unique products manufactured

by Gary’s Mill are thick and wide planks used for table tops and benches (below).

his dimensional lumber can be used in building construction, as well as the addition of a planer/moulder to expand his product line.

While plenty of business is still done over the phone or by customers driving into the yard, Gary’s Mill does a significant amount of business from their website as well as their Facebook presence.

“Having that Internet presence definitely helps, because you can post photos and some video clips,” says Francis. “After people have seen what we have on our website, we’ve had them come out just to have a look—and when they do, they are quite impressed with the quality and say that they will be back.”

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

prairiesawmilling from page 28 The Nipawin area has deep roots in both farming and forestry. So, it should come as no surprise that custom sawmilling isn’t Francis’s only involvement in the forestry sector. Again, recognizing demand based on his work within the industry, he now owns a logging truck that he operates in partnership with his son, Tyrell. Business has also been very steady in the log haul and equipment moving side of the business.

“I’ve driven log trucks forever too,” says Francis, “starting when I was 18, hauling wood in the wintertime for about 15 years for other contractors. My son liked trucking, always riding around with me as a kid. He wanted to get into it and eventually, I will probably turn that over to him.”

When Francis decided to start his own custom sawmilling venture, he looked at a number of band mill suppliers.

“When I went shopping for a bandsaw mill, I wanted fully hydraulic features, with a board return and debarker, which to me is critical because wood logged in the summertime can get pretty dirty. Dirt and bandsaw mills don’t mix,” Francis says. “And I wanted a diesel powered unit because it is more user-friendly and cheaper to operate than gasoline.”

His previous mill was gas-powered and it burned considerable fuel. With the TimberKing 2200, it burns about three gallons of diesel fuel in eight hours of sawmilling.

Among the features Francis appreciates about his TimberKing 2200 sawmill is its sturdy construction. The company began manufacturing portable band mills

30

The main log species sawn on the Gary’s Mill TimberKing 2200 band sawmill is larger diameter white spruce. The sawmill will process logs up to 24’ long and 39” in diameter. Typically, Gary Francis prefers to process logs 16’ long, which gives him the option of producing two, 8’ board lengths. in 1989, making the TimberKing 2200 model available in 2008. With a 49 horsepower Kubota diesel engine, there is good reason why this particular model is built strong. TimberKing’s goal was to offer a heavy industrial mill that was wellsuited to tackle the biggest trees from oldgrowth woodlots. So it comes equipped with what the company describes as its “most massive solid-welded Big 3 Super Structure.”

The sawmill will process logs up to 24’ long and 39” in diameter. Typically, Francis prefers to process logs 16’ long, which gives him the option of producing two, 8’ board lengths. Although he is equipped to

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

log, it’s cheaper for him to purchase oversized logs from other suppliers, and he also has family connections with woodlots containing larger diameter timber.

Advertised as a one-man sawmill, Francis says that based on the TimberKing 2200’s design, one person can definitely both operate the sawmill and stack lumber, estimating that with the right log mix, he can manufacture about 800 board feet per hour. Sawing a 16’ long, 12” wide log takes him about 40 seconds per cut.

But with a history of back problems, he to page 32

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often calls on a neighbor to help pile the lumber, and he appreciates that the band mill’s setworks and hydraulics minimize the amount of manual labor required while also speeding up production. This is important when cutting primarily building material from white spruce.

The band mill comes equipped with direct-action hydraulic log handling, and what TimberKing says is its most advanced computer setworks. Among the hydraulic features on the band mill are blade feed, blade up/down, log loaders, bi-directional chain log turner, direct-action log clamp, four vertical log stops, and roller toeboards. The setworks are also fully programmable.

Gary Francis is able to produce about 800 board feet Other standard features per hour with his TimberKing 2200 sawmill. on the sawmill include a massive cut throat, electric blade clutch, side-wide support jacks, greaseable blade guides, in his yard. He has discovered that with moveable guide roller, tandem axle, and the four post head on this TimberKing operator-height swing command post. band mill, it is extremely important to Francis says he appreciates the large take the time to ensure that the sawmill cutting throat on the mill, its ability to saw is level before starting production. This 24’ long logs, and the tandem axle for ensures that the band mill is cutting accutowing. But as he attests, a sawmill is only rately. For that reason, he prefers to leave as good as the sawyer. it in one place. But on the positive side, “The most crucial point is the blade with the support provided by the four sharpness and set,” says Francis. post head, there is very little side to side “I mainly saw white spruce, and what I’ve movement on the carriage. been told is that white spruce is the most The TimberKing one-man sawmill story fussy wood you can saw in this country dates back to 1929, when the company on a band mill because of the soft wood began operating the Belsaw circular mill. and hard knots.” He says that it takes a lot It was in production for nearly 70 years, of skill because if the sawing is done too with tens of thousands of sawmills sold quickly or the set on the blade is not quite worldwide. right, the result is wavy lumber.

“It’s such a great heritage,” says TimFrancis also produces wood products berKing President, Will Johnson. “Every from jackpine, although larger dimension week we get a call from someone who’s pine logs are harder to come by, poplar still cutting with a Belsaw mill his dad or for trailer decking, and the occasional granddad bought. I want my children to tamarack. get those calls from my customers’ chilHe uses 1.5” wide, 7/8ths pitch, dren, saying their 50-year-old mill is still double-hard blades that are 177” long. going strong.”

Blade use and sharpness varies depending Francis says TimberKing’s experience on the logs he is sawing. He uses Timhelped to make his purchasing decision. berKing’s Talon automatic sharpener and “Since they’ve been in the business manual setter to prepare his blades. that long, I figured that they should know While the sawmill is portable, Francis mills,” he concludes. has it set up almost on a permanent basis Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

industryevents

New and Noted at B.C.’s Interior Logging Association 2018 Conference and Trade Show

By Tony Kryzanowski

T

his year marked the 60th anniversary of the Interior Logging Association (ILA) annual conference in British Columbia held in early May. There were 68 exhibitors and conference topics included such current issues as Winch Assist Logging and Best Management Practices, Scaling 101 - Your Profits, Understanding Logging Costs, and the particularly timely topic of Detection of Impairment in the Field and on the Road.

There were displays both indoors and out. Below are some of the new and noted equipment and technology that conference attendees saw at the site, at the PowWow Grounds, in Kamloops, B.C.

Integral Equipment shares info on nonmotorized grapple for cable yarders

B.C.-based Integral Equipment supplies Alpine yarders and grapples. These grapples are typically mated with their twodrum, mechanical interlock, excavator-mounted yarders.

The grapple open and rotate functions are hydraulically powered and controlled via remote electric signals. The grapple close function is controlled by the mainline. Hydraulic energy is stored in an accumulator and pressurized by a pump connected to one of the haulback/ skyline sheaves as the carriage travels along the cable. Integral Equipment says advantages of its Alpine grapple carriages are light weight, low maintenance costs, ease of use, fast cycle times, no lift required for closing of grapple, and 360 degree rotation. www.integralequipment.ca

New leveling harvester from John Deere John Deere was well represented at the ILA show with a 959MH leveling tracked harvester.

The 900MH-series harvesters are now equipped with Final Tier 4 engines, offering fuel and fluid-efficient machines without sacrificing power and performance.

All of the 900MH series machines feature a redesigned engine enclosure, improving structural strength while maintaining excellent serviceability. In addition to all of the 900M-series and 900MH-series machines now boasting 330 horsepower, the 959MH harvester continues to have what John Deere describes 34

as a best in class leveling envelope, maximizing operator comfort and performance requirements in demanding steep slope logging applications.

Other updates include an improved LED work lighting option, and expanded availability of the disc saw felling head option.

This includes the 22” felling head, which is now available for all of the 900M-series tracked feller bunchers. www.johndeere.com

ELTEC presents FB317L with heavy-duty tilt system

The ELTEC FB317L is designed and purpose-built to deliver high productivity, consistent with the demands of a 24 hour-aday, seven-day-a-week final felling application.

ELTEC says that this high capacity makes its FB317L able to handle a variety of different demanding harvesting applications with great performance. This new version of the ELTEC 310 series also features an extremely robust and resistant heavy-duty tilt system. It has a larger tilt angle, guaranteeing that the feller buncher works at the right angle, even in extreme forestry conditions.

Moreover, the tilt adjustment allows operators to set the platform at the best angle in order to provide the best options for logging applications. ELTEC says well designed structures and highest quality materials ensure durability with excellent capacity-to-weight ratio.

Operator comfort and safety are key highlights of this feller buncher, as it features the newly designed, extremely operator friendly, ELTEC FB317L cab. The ELTEC cab features a multiadjustable air suspension seat, an enhanced operator comfort system and easy-to-read displays providing real time information on all machine functions.

On ELTEC FB317L feller bunchers and harvesters, air cleaning is performed in two stages, which are cyclone-type integral pre-cleaner and filter. The variable speed, reversible cooling fan is electronically-controlled and hydraulically-driven to reduce fuel consumption and noise. ELTEC says this feature makes the FB317L not only a high performing feller buncher, but also environmentally friendly. www.technologieselement.com

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

to page 36

Experience the Progress.

Liebherr Wheel Loader L 580 LogHandler XPower® Specialised timber handling kinematics deliver excellent manoeuvrability at maximum lift heights with a selection of grapples for optimum machine availability and versatility High-performance Liebherr-XPower driveline accelerates quickly and enables high travel speed at low fuel consumption Ideal working conditions thanks to superb visibility and numerous safety features Liebherr-Canada Ltd. 1015 Sutton Drive, Burlington, Ontario L7L 5Z8 Phone: +1 800 387 3922 E-mail: info.lca@liebherr.com www.facebook.com/LiebherrConstruction www.liebherr.ca

industryevents from page 34

New CAT 548 and 548 LL forest machines show versatility

Caterpillar has two new Cat Forest Machine models, the 548 and the 548 LL. The Cat 548 forestry excavator is configured for forestry tasks ranging from road building and site preparation to processing logs roadside or at a landing. The Cat 548 LL is configured as a log loader and can perform log handling tasks, such as shovel logging, loading, power clam/butt-n-top applications, and millyard activities.

The 548 and 548 LL are described by Cat as providing ultimate machine efficiency coupled with enhanced performance.

Cat components, purpose-built upper and lower frames, and application-specific linkage configurations aim to increase machine uptime and reduce machine operating costs.

Hydraulic updates enable the 548 and 548 LL engine to run at a lower steady state rpm while maximizing power. Operating

at a lower rpm provides significant fuel savings and lowers operating costs.

The 548 and 548 LL are powered by a Cat 204 hp C7.1 ACERT engine with increased horsepower that maintains maximum performance under load. Strong hydraulic horsepower allows the 548 and 548 LL to handle a variety of work tools. www.cat.com

Frontline Machinery adds CBI to equipment line

Chilliwack, B.C.-based, Frontline Machinery is a Canadian, family-owned and operated mobile heavy equipment supplier specializing in the aggregate processing, wood, biomass, and waste recycling industries since 2013.

The company was born after the family behind the business decided to evolve from a long history of working in the organics industry. After spending years there, they understood heavy equipment and the needs of the industry. With this expertise under their belt, they used their knowledge to make the most of the new endeavor, specializing in renting and selling grinders, shredders, crushers, and screeners.

It recently became a dealer for the CBI Equipment line of products.

Since its founding in 1988, Continental Biomass Industries (CBI) says it has changed the standard by which all wood grinder performance and support is now measured. Through a combination of state-of-the-art design, the latest in materials technology and unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, the CBI name has become synonymous with performance and reliability in a broad range of grinding, chipping and flailing applications the world over, says the company. www.frontline-machinery.com 36

Waratah unveils new measuring and control system

Waratah unveiled TimberRite H-16 at the ILA conference.

It describes TimberRite H-16 as the next generation measuring and control system for all Waratah 200 - 400 and 600 series attachments.

The TimberRite H-16 system is the next step in Waratah’s highly successful TimberRite platform. Precise and accurate, it sets a new standard in improved operational performance and productivity, says the company. The H-16 system builds on the specialized configurability of earlier TimberRite systems, which are adjustability for tree species and applications, and optimization, using robust new technology, and providing a range of new customer-focused features and advances.

TimberRite H-16 has improvements in the following key areas: hardware, user experience, and configuration; production reporting, data management, and data transfer; measuring accuracy and optimization; head performance and operational productivity; individual operator settings and access levels; service lock capabilities; and, troubleshooting, help, and diagnostic capabilities.

H-16 is a fully expandable system which can be configured both as pre-selection priority bucking or value optimization bucking. Pre-selection priority bucking is the standard version, where target lengths and diameter limits can be pre-selected for various tree species while the system keeps track of what’s been cut. The value optimization version has greater flexibility to meet sophisticated wood market demands. Target lengths and diameter limits can be set up for various tree species, and control/grade buttons assigned. The system not only keeps track of what’s been cut, but also assigns log assortment priority to get the most value from the tree processed and/or harvested. www.waratah.com

Munden Truck & Equipment highlights truck and trailer repair

While traditionally known as a trucking contractor to the forest industry, Munden Ventures Ltd has spent the last decade developing a rapidly expanding truck and trailer repair business under the Munden Truck & Equipment Company (MT&E) banner. They promoted that fact at the ILA conference and trade show.

Now the focus of the company’s growth, MT&E employs 15 full time mechanics, three people in its all-makes parts department, two shop managers and a service writer. The company provides a wide range of services from government-certified CVIP inspections, engine diagnostics, welding and fabricating,

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

to page 38

Nordic Traction Group, the parent company of Clark Tracks, Scotland and OFA, Finland, offers a full line of traction products. Nordic Traction has partnered with Wallingford's Inc., North America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of logging supplies, to market these tested and proven products throughout all of Canada.

www.nordictractiongroup.com

TRACTION SOLUTIONS for Harvesters, Forwarders, and Skidders.

ATF All Terrain Flotation

Clark Tracks and OFA are marketed in Canada exclusively by Wallingford's Inc.

Call or visit Wallingfords online to learn more.

800-323-3708 Find us on

www.wallingfords.com

Paragon Soft

Clark Tracks specialize in developing and manufacturing forest machine tracks to suit both cut-to-length machines and skidders.

We supply tracks in various sizes and designs to suit virtually any terrain, the harshest climates and all machine types. From tracks for climbing to tracks with extreme flotation, Clark Tracks has something to suit your needs.

OFA specializes in the manufacturing of tire traction chains. At our state-of-the-art factory in Finland, special Boron alloy steel is converted into the highest quality tire chain. Prior to painting and packing, the chains are case-hardened which makes the products extremely durable with high surface hardness and provides excellent fatigue strength and a resilient core.

www.clarktracks.com

www.ofa.fi/en | www.ofa.fi/fr

industryevents from page 36 PM program development and monitoring, to routine servicing and emergency repairs.

The Mundens differentiate themselves by providing a unique level of service, open seven days a week, 7 am to midnight everyday, which the company says is the most hours of any shop in the region. This includes emergency roadside services which the company provides with one of its four service trucks.

“Being in the trucking industry ourselves, we understand the cost of downtime and the importance of providing our customers service when they need it—not just when most shops are open,” says Nolan Munden, the company’s service writer and from the fourth generation of family ownership.

Munden continues to expand the envelope of services they provide and for the last three years have been building petroleum and water body tank trucks as well as offering the related regulatory inspections and repairs. Most recently, the company launched its hydraulic hose assembly department.

“We just keep offering the new services that our customers are asking us for—on the schedule that they want,” says Nick Scott, Munden’s Service Manager. www.mundentrucking.ca/services

Barko 270B purpose-built processor offers good fuel economy

The Barko 270B processor is purpose-built for its application, which the company says provides several performance advantages over equipment commonly used for processing jobs.

The 270B features a dangle head boom configuration for picking, delimbing, cut-to-length harvesting, and stacking.

ILA attendees introduced to TIMBERMAX winch-assist system

Canadian-based Inovforest displayed their TIMBERMAX traction-winch system at the ILA conference.

It is described as robust, powerful and reliable. The compact spooling system makes it compatible with a wide range of different machines and configurations, each with their own operating limits. For contractors looking to access additional fibre in steep and difficult terrain, Inovforest says that the TIMBERMAX offers the simplest, least expensive and most versatile solution.

It improves productivity and reduces costs in areas where conventional forest machines reach their traction and stability limits, as well as in areas where yarders are too expensive and hand falling crews are not available. It also provides a tool to improve productivity, even to allow for logging in deeper snow, as well as the opportunity to extend the logging season, reduce soil disturbance in wet or sensitive areas or to continue logging in wet and/or steep ground conditions. www.inovforest.com

Cypress Robotics and Axis Forestry demonstrate animated repair and install guides

Powered by a 225 hp Cummins Tier 4 Final diesel engine with SCR aftertreatment, Barko says that the 270B offers excellent fuel economy and features large fuel and DEF tanks for longer job cycles between refills. A 36” diameter auto reversing fan with automatic blade pitch control further optimizes engine efficiency.

The hydraulic system on the 270B is designed to keep power constantly available, allowing operators to instantaneously shift from function to function without any of the delayed reactions common with the hydraulics on other machines.

Dual swing drives provide continuous rotation and high swing torque of 58,384 ft-lbs. Bare pin maximum lift capacity is 31,150 lbs. www.barko.com 38

Cypress Robotics and Axis Forestry have teamed up to develop Smart Manuals.

With this technology, equipment owners can use the tablet from the Cypress Robotics Grip n’Rip processor head controller to display animated guides on how to repair or install components.

Using the camera from the tablet, Axis Forestry advises owners to hover over the physical item where more information is needed, and an animated exploded view of the item’s subcomponents will be visible on the tablet. This way, owners can study how parts are assembled in detail, plus they can order parts directly from the tablet.

Watch in amazement as screws, bolts, washers, and sub-assembly parts are lifted and removed from the physical item. Axis Forestry says that this technology will rapidly speed up troubleshooting, installations and removals and repair work.

This significant advancement in service guide and parts manual technology is offered for hire by the team at Cypress Robotics.

Axis Forestry says that this technology is perfect for manufacturers who want to offer advanced and simple to use technology for their service teams, parts persons, and customers. www.cypressrobotics.ca

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

LAND CLEARING

SOLUTIONS

Rotochopper high-volume grinders process logs, whole trees

and land clearing debris effortlessly, while minimizing the amount of time spent on maintenance.

Contact us today: 320-548-3586 • www.rotochopper.com

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

May/June 2018

The Edge Facilitating the design and implementation of timber bridges for resource roads

O

ver the past years, FPInnovations has initiated projects aimed at reducing the effects of climate changes on access roads to timber resources. Among these projects is the evaluation of the use of advanced woodbased solutions to construct innovative timber bridges, which are considered as green infrastructure, as a way to mitigate the impact on forest resources.

There is a long history of timber being used in resource road bridges. However, those timber structures are gradually being replaced with steel and concrete bridges.

In order to mitigate this trend, FPInnovations has initiated a two-year project, funded by the province of British Columbia (through the Ministry of Forests,

Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development). This project focuses on the use of timber-concrete composite (TCC) for the bridge deck.

The timber-concrete composite system in this study consists of two distinct layers made of timber and concrete joined together by shear connectors, with concrete being the top layer, therefore exploiting the best properties of both materials. A TCC system can be a cost-competitive solution for longer span surfaces needed in bridge components since the two materials would be used efficiently to utilize their inherent mechanical properties.

Phase 1 of the project consisted of testing the decks, which were fabricated at FPInnovations from available green, unincised, and untreated Hem-Fir lumber. This enabled certain concepts to be quickly identified and refined. Phase 2, which included green but treated and incised lumber, allowed for a more accurate assessment of the Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

concept. So far, the tests have shown sufficient capacity to pursue more costly cyclic and environmental exposure tests.

Since the deck is built entirely with commercially available components using existing fabrication facilities (i.e. no further capital investment), the potential is high for subsequently developing an all-timber resource road bridge concept involving timber girders. Efforts are underway to evaluate high capacity glulam girders to support the decks; this will be followed by identifying and prioritizing potential code changes, assessing the supply chain with regard to training needs, and compatibility with existing capabilities.

Lastly, additional laboratory testing supplemented with data from in-situ monitoring will be used to support code changes that will enable broader acceptance of the concepts.

Eventually, an all-timber bridge utilizing more advanced technologies will regain its position as a viable material for bridges, leading to an improved environmental footprint in resource roads.

To learn more about this project, please contact Conroy Lum from FPInnovations’ Building System team (conroy.lum@fpinnovations.ca).

41

The Edge

Drones and safety in forest operations

T

he exploration of the potential use of drones in forestry operations has made it possible to identify two main categories: one relating to visual inspection (planning, supervision, monitoring, control, etc.) and the other in inventory and measurement (height, volume, area, etc.).

In connection with the first category, FPInnovations researchers experimented with the use of drones as a safety control tool in mountainous tree-felling operations. These operations took place on the west coast of British Columbia, where tree-felling on steep coastal slopes poses a significant challenge to worker safety.

This operation is carried out manually and the loggers must follow very strict safety rules. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure that these rules are properly enforced. For the purposes of the study, a drone was used, in addition to the usual control measures, for continuous safety monitoring and for risk identification throughout the operations. The objective of the study was to examine the benefits and costs associated with using drones in this compliance exercise.

View from above

The DJI Inspire 1 drone model was chosen for its retractable landing mechanism that doesn’t obstruct the camera, as well as for its image quality, its ease of use and its affordability. It has a flight time of 15 minutes per battery when used up to 30 per cent of its charge.

In the case of tree-felling operations, a thorough examination of the notches and back-cuts (felling cuts) on the stumps was added to the basic control rules. Since an inappropriate cut can be recognized by

an experienced supervisor and the stumps were geo-referenced, the action could be linked to the logger. In this way, if signs of unsafe tree felling were found on the stump or if risks were detected, the logger could be immediately informed of corrective actions to be taken.

For skidding, compliance with safety rules could be checked systematically and more quickly, without having to travel to the site and be exposed to potential injuries nor interrupt operations.

Other advantages

Although drone technology was used in these tests to assist in the audit process, it also made it possible to identify other benefits, including: 1. The reduction of walking time in the field and the associated risks of stumbling 2. An increase in tasks to be performed over the same period of time 3. Increased same-day monitoring and feedback

Alberta’s BRIMS biomass search tool is now live and available for use by anyone, especially those looking for biomass to plan their business investments.

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4. Daily monitoring of progress at the site 5. Identification and location of hazards (stubs, escarpments, screes, landslides, etc.) in hard-to-reach areas.

Technical support

In terms of technical assistance, a drone can also be useful in transporting small repair equipment (nuts and bolts) for example, as well as in inspecting felling areas for logs left behind during skidding, or specifying skidding guidelines based on a visual assessment of stacks and fibre characteristics.

Monitoring and control

In supervisors’ day-to-day performance of their tasks in the field, the use of a drone has increased efficiency, for instance, by cutting down on the time related to sometimes unnecessary walking.

Georeferenced aerial photos have proven to be very much appreciated for reporting purposes. More frequent monitoring of work, at lesser cost, and without having to interrupt production activities, is a significant advantage.

In conclusion, as drone technology becomes more accessible, affordable, reliable and easy to use, its use is likely to become more and more widespread in the forest industry.

The tests conducted in B.C., as a complement to steep slope safety control practices, have demonstrated many other potential uses to improve the operations of the contractor involved.

For more information, please contact FPInnovations.

The Edge

Reducing climate change and environmental impacts of forest operations

T

he continuing changes to climatic conditions in Canada are anticipated to have a significant impact on the Canadian forest industry. Actions must be taken now to ensure negative impacts can be mitigated.

FPInnovations has now launched, under the funding of NRCan’s Transformative Technology Program, a program aimed at developing and implementing tools to reduce the impact of climate change on forest operations and management.

Furthering the understanding of fuel consumption and GHG emissions of off-road equipment is an aspect of forest operations that requires increased attention. Since the cost of fuel is an important consideration in using off-road equipment, it’s to the advantage of all equipment owners to get the best out of this inevitable expense.

It’s important to understand how work habits and operational factors have an impact on fuel consumption. One of the FPInnovations projects targeted the reduction of energy intensity in forest operations and included testing of energy intensity reduction technologies or operating practices, continued determination of the effect on energy intensity of operational parameters, and the building of a webbased tool to help estimate GHG impact on operations. Tests were performed on different forest machines, allowing for the identification of potential improvements.

As an example, tests with a swing machine using three different power level settings (economy, power, and high performance) and equipped with a danglehead processor, showed a linear increase in both productivity (up to 15 per cent) and energy intensity (12 per cent). These findings have been published in Info Notes available to our members.

In addition, GHG emissions from actual machines have been compiled and added to our web-based machine tracking tool FPTrak, now online. It allows the reporting of engine control module fuel consumption and GHG for fleets using FPTrak, and can similarly be used to estimate GHG emissions for fleets industry-wide.

Representatives from BioCarbon Engineering (right) were on hand to answer a variety of questions from industry, government and silvicultural services representatives at the recent CWFC Hondo drone seeding demonstration.

Given the significance that resource roads have on economic and social wellbeing, there is another project aimed at understanding the implications of climate change in order to adapt roads and infrastructure to its impacts. Adaptation is a relatively new concept and there currently exists very little information that identifies adaptation practices, assesses performance and recommends implementation practices that allow for mainstreaming of adaptation for resource roads. In support of this, FPInnovations has been evaluating the application of the Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee

(PIEVC) protocol to assess the risks and vulnerabilities to climate change through case studies in British Columbia, produced a report and workshops on water management on winter roads and has begun to deliver outreach activities such as webinars.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

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More information can be obtained by contacting Mark Partington (mark. partington@fpinnovations.ca), Senior Researcher in FPInnovations’ Roads & Infrastructure group.

The Edge

Alberta launches powerful online tool to easily and quickly find multiple biomass resources

BY TONY KRYZANOWSKI lberta has rolled out a powerful new online biomass search tool called BRIMS. It provides potential bioenergy and bioproduct investors with a centralized, publicly available, online, spatial data warehouse where they can easily tap into the location of potential biomass sources in the province.

After several years in development by Alberta Innovates and its service provider, Silvacom, the Bio-Resource Information Management System (BRIMS) went live in January, and all are welcome to give it a try at www.brims.ca.

“The BRIMS data framework provides a comprehensive platform for collating inventories from forestry, agriculture and municipal sectors,” says John Peters, Director of Energy & Environment at Silvacom. “It lowers the effort profile for potential investors to explore economic opportunities in the province.”

He adds that the framework is designed to allow the user to drill down into specific biomass pools such as crop types, tree components such as branches, tops, bark and more, mill residues, and municipal solid waste categories. The framework can also be expanded upon in future to capture new and emerging bio-resource feedstock such as energy crop plantations, hemp production, etc.

Launching the BRIMS tool—described as unique within Canada and among the best of its kind in the world—is an important milestone for Alberta in its quest to achieve greater economic diversification.

“Our investment in the BRIMS application demonstrates our commitment to diversifying the economy by providing businesses and government access to data that will both support sound investment decisions and help build a greener Alberta,” says Laura Kilcrease, Alberta Innovates CEO. Alberta Innovates works with its partners to diversify Alberta’s economy, improve environmental performance and enhance the well-being of Albertans through research and innovation.

BRIMS is already proving its worth as a

tool that regions within the province can use to effectively develop their economies by marketing the resource potential within their regions from information derived from the BRIMS data.

“We have seen a tremendous uptake of the BRIMS application, with industry players leveraging it to identify opportunities,” says Peters. “We have also seen multiple examples of communities within Alberta using it as an economic development tool.”

In addition to providing regions and communities with a powerful new marketing tool, the nature of BRIMS as a centralized repository of information about ecosystems services and other land-use information makes it a valuable tool for policymakers to more easily make informed decisions.

“They can incorporate those ecosystem service values into their decision-making with respect to any kind of land-use decision,” says Peters.

The BRIMS tool also helps individual biomass producers and potential producers to identify diversification options developing locally, thereby helping to de-risk their production endeavors.

The data provided by BRIMS is described as ‘best available’ in that it presents empirically-based data of what is actually on the ground as opposed to predictive data. So investors are working with real numbers. Also, the BRIMS dataset will be updated regularly and new datasets will be added as they become available.

Peters says that it provides a userfriendly portal to conduct scenario analysis on various opportunities of biomass and ecosystem services. It daylights provincial and regional opportunities that investors can apply to their unique technological and economic business models to quickly identify the right fit based on both locations and scale.

One unique and valuable feature available through BRIMS is that it also provides information about the quality and components of that biomass source, including energy potential and lignocellulosic structure.

Other spatial data in the system can help drive investment by allowing users to locate

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

A

Alberta's BRIMS biomass search tool is now live and available for use by anyone, especially those looking for biomass to plan their business investments. nearby facilities, transportation networks, and other potential sources of biomass.

“BRIMS’ outputs provide a foundation for further supply chain analysis that take into consideration ownerships, allocation, environment and other logistics,” says Peters.

Among the resources tapped to develop BRIMS was an enhanced forest inventory dataset in the Comprehensive Automated Land Inventory (CALI) developed by Silvacom in co-operation with seven forest companies. It also taps into the best available inventories from crop insurance data, agriculture production statistics, annual landfill reports and other provincial inventory datasets.

Founded by Tom Grabowski and Bob Morton, two graduates from the University of Alberta, Silvacom has an excellent reputation for providing land-base consulting and software solutions to industry and government since 1983.

“This was an exciting opportunity for Silvacom that leveraged many resources from multiple business units within the company, including our resource analysts, application developers and communication teams,” says Peters.

He adds that a big part of the success and credit for the BRIMS launch is owed to teams from Alberta Innovates, the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) and the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI).

For more information, contact Carol Bettac, Executive Director of Emerging Opportunities and Strategic Alliances, at carol.bettac@albertainnovates.ca.

The Edge

CWFC evaluates drone seeding potential as Canadian industry introduced to cutting edge technology showing considerable interest as to whether drone seeding has a future in Canada.

Dr. Lauren Fletcher, BioCarbon Engineering owner, who was on site during the demonstration, emphasized that the company is only now evaluating this drone seeding technology’s potential in Canadian reforestation and he has a realistic, short term expectation.

the drone, which interprets the geo-referencing data that has been downloaded into its computer module, and it begins to fire s drone seeding technology accurate pods into the ground accordingly. enough and cost-effective to be useful to the Canadian forest industry in its Overall, industry representatives who silviculture practices alongside manual witnessed this demonstration were extree planting and broadcast seeding? cited by what this emerging technology could offer in terms of silviculture services That’s the question that the Technolboth in the near term and long term. ogy Development and Transfer team at After witnessing the drone the Canadian Wood in action, there was no exFibre Centre (CWFC) pectation by anyone that this has set out to answer technology was on the cusp of as part of its mandate. replacing thousands of manual The goal is to test this tree planters. technology for accuracy and precision in depth However, most remarked and placement of seed that they could see potential pods, as prescribed by application on sites where it CWFC. The introducis difficult or impossible for tree planters to access. They tion and testing of this also saw its potential use in developing technology situations where a return trip is being conducted in Representatives from BioCarbon Engineering (right) were on to a manually planted site was co-operation with Cahand to answer a variety of questions from industry, government required as a remediation meanadian Forest Service and silvicultural services representatives at the recent CWFC research scientists. sure to attempt to improve gerHondo drone seeding demonstration.

The first-ever North mination and growth response American demonstration to meet government specifica“This is not a replacement (for manual and trial of a drone seeding unit, featuring tions. They also mentioned potential aptree planters),” he says. “It is a tool for use plication where experience has shown that drone seeding technology developed by in the right situation.”

United Kingdom-based BioCarbon Engiit is difficult to achieve regeneration, such Essentially how the technology works is as on rehabilitated access roads. neering, recently took place at the CWFC that a geo-referencing file is prepared in Technical Development Site at the Ellerslie Also, if the current trend of higher deadvance that establishes the parameters Research Farm in Edmonton and a jackmand for tree planters at a time when it is of where the drone will ultimately fire becoming more and more difficult to hire pine, white spruce, aspen blowdown site seed pods into a designated area. This is tree planters continues, industry could enleased and logged by Vanderwell Contracdownloaded into the drone’s computer to vision a future where drone seeding could tors (1971) Ltd near Hondo, Alberta. It is become a viable and valuable alternative slated for manual planting this year and the establish its flight path as well as seeding frequency and location. to manual tree planting, especially as the test location was not site prepared.

Seed pods are prepared in advance. technology evolves. Derek Sidders, CWFC The CWFC Hondo test site is a 200 They contain a prescribed number of Program Manager, Technology Developmetre by 250 metre rectangle. It was seeds secured from reputable sources typ- ment and Transfer, says that CWFC is willdrone-seeded to recommended microically used by forestry clients, and several ing to work with technology providers to site locations based on pre-seeding high species can be placed in each pod. For help advance this technology and address resolution photography data supplied by example, the Hondo pods consisted of any gaps so that it works to industry’s CWFC to BioCarbon Engineering. two jackpine seeds and two white spruce expectations.

CWFC manually planted several pods seeds. The seeds are mixed into a media in microsites within the study area as a recipe supplied by the client and loaded control. Their responses will be compared For more information about this into the pods. The pods consist of a to responses from seeds in pods fired by CWFC technology demonstration and biodegradable material that breaks down the drone for germination success and evaluation, contact Derek Sidders, when it comes into contact with water. then growth response.

CWFC Program Manager, Technology Once on site, seed pods are loaded into Several industry, government and Development and Transfer, at derek. the drone’s holding container, which at silvicultural services representatives were sidders@canada.ca. present can hold 400 pods. A pilot launches on hand to witness this demonstration,

BY TONY KRYZANOWSKI

I

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

45

TECHUPDATE

FORWARDERS John Deere

John Deere’s mid-sized G-series forwarders offer loggers the precision needed for difficult jobs in the woods, says the company. The models, including the 1110G, 1210G and 1510G, are available with Intelligent Boom Control (IBC). With IBC, boom

By Tony Kryzanowski

type of loader geometry that is easy to control. These innovations come together to create what Ponsse says is the most powerful loader on the market. It enables shorter loading and unloading times, facilitates working in conditions where load handling takes up a large proportion of the working time, and makes it easier to work on sites where large trees must be handled and on slopes that demand loaders that deliver great power. www.ponsse.com

Tigercat

Tigercat competes in three forwarder classes. The 1055C is a 14 tonne capacity machine designed to excel in both selective and final felling applications. The 1075C is a 20 tonne forwarder designed for long distance forwarding, steep slopes, scarifying and other tough applications. The 1085C is rated to carry a mas-

operation is simplified, as it automatically controls the lift, slew, and extension of the boom based on the location of the grapple.

The mid-size models feature adaptive driveline control. A first for the forest industry, this software-based control system improves drivability and productivity. The operator selects the desired rpm setting (Eco, Normal, Power) for the operating conditions, and the system automatically adjusts the engine’s rpm’s to correspond with the engine load.

Additionally, G-series models feature a powerful Final Tier 4 engine and are equipped with the TimberMatic F-16 control system. The improved system features a configurable user interface, increasing operator efficiency. The 1210G and 1510G models are available in a long bogie version ideal for soft terrain. www.deere.com

Ponsse

Ponsse offers a new loader for its Elephant and ElephantKing forwarders. It says that the completely new Ponsse K121 loader offers a new level of efficiency and speed for load handling in tough conditions.

The new Ponsse K121 loader extends Ponsse’s loader series to a completely new size range. The new loader combines high slewing torque and lifting power, increased reach, and a new

sive 25 tonne load and excels in severe duty applications and is especially well matched to steep slopes, says the company.

Tigercat’s exclusive low-wide bunk system combined with the new hooked crane improves visibility and decreases load/unload cycles while reducing the chance of the crane contacting the gate. Productivity is further enhanced by Tigercat’s high capacity grapples and ergonomic, quiet cab.

The 1055C and 1085C are equipped with Tigercat’s unique WideRange drive system. The Tigercat designed and manufactured driveline provides tractive effort that the company says is unmatched in the industry. WideRange provides sufficient tractive effort to carry large loads up steep slopes and achieves a maximum working speed of 7 km/hr. www.tigerat.com

Barko

Equipped with intuitive controls for smooth operation, the Barko 612 forwarder provides ample load capacity with excellent stability and maneuverability.

The forwarder is powered by a fuel-efficient 200-horsepower to page 48

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

Rule the Forest

Forest King TRS 2

The new Nokian Forest King TRS 2’s Super Shovel lug improves traction and the shoulder design is optimized for lateral grip. The straight sidewalls improve puncture resistance.

Forest King F2

The new Nokian Forest King F2 is designed especially for use with tracks. The tire features an increased straight section of the tread and a new shoulder shape to improve track fit and support.

Logger King Skidder

Nokian’s skidder tire features a wide lug for excellent traction and a strong shoulder to prevent punctures and optimize lateral grip. Extra wide breakers and steel fortification extend the life of the tire.

Find out more about Nokian Heavy Tyres and find a dealer near you at nokianheavytyres.com or by calling 800-565-2525

techupdate from page 46 Volvo diesel engine and offers gross load capacity of 24,000 lbs.

A joystick-controlled Kesla crane with extendable boom and bypass grapple makes loading simple. Excellent weight distribution assists with tackling steep grades, while low ground pressure minimizes ground disturbance.

The unit features a Dana 32,000 series six-speed Powershift transmission, rather than a hydrostatic transmission, to produce generally higher transport speeds and faster cycles. Other upgrades include increased cooling capacity, updated torque converters, and improved cab mounts and frame. www.barko.com

Eco Log

The new 14 ton Eco Log 574E forwarder and 20 ton Eco Log 594E forwarder are equipped with a new diesel engine from Volvo Penta. The D8 7.7 litre engine is said to provide high performance, reliability, fuel efficiency and low emissions.

signs: the TF830 20 ton and the TF840 24 ton. The new TF800 D series is configurable as a forwarder, clam bunk skidder and as a combo machine. www.timberpro.com

Logset

Logset forwarders are designed to withstand the harshest conditions and are built from components from leading suppliers.

All Logset forest machines are equipped with Agco Sisu Power’s efficient, low fuel consumption, common rail engines, Logliftloaders and NAF drive train. The main suppliers of hydraulic components are Sauer and Rexroth.

Its forwarders have spacious and modern cabins with excellent sound insulation, and the visibility from the cabin is unobstructed in both the drive and load modes. Titan forwarders are equipped with Logset’s Total Operation Control (TOC) system. The TOC controls the main functions, such as the engine, crane, transmission, lights and air conditioning, cruise control as well as some optional functions.

The new cab design offers the operator a new driver experience with large high-visibility windows while the low-framed windows provide improved vision to the front wheels.

All Eco Log forwarders remain easy to service with tiltable cab, hood, tank and removable bellypan.

IQAN MD4 equipped, the control system consists of a larger display with touch functionality and with more integrated functions. Cranab loaders are offered on all forwarder models.

As well as the standard equipment, all forwarders may be ordered with various options.

The Canadian distributor is Scandinavian Forestry Inc in Moncton, New Brunswick. www.ecologforestry.com

TimberPro

TimberPro has released its newly-refreshed lineup of rubbertired forwarders.

The new D series lineup is powered by the Cummins, high performance, L9 Stage V engine. This new engine comes standard with 338 hp and an optional 350 hp engine is also offered.

TimberPro chose the Stage V engine over Tier 4 because of its simplified aftertreatment system which uses a single canister SCR. The new L9 engine is also more fuel efficient than its predecessor, while reducing maintenance costs with 1000 hour oil change intervals.

The D-series continues to use TimberPro’s revolutionary continuous swing, which allows the operator to work 360 degrees around the machine. D series forwarders are offered in two de48

Agco Sisu Power has developed custom-made engine software for Logset in accordance with the requirements of their forest machines. The software, together with the Logset TOC control software, optimizes fuel injection in accordance with the prevailing engine load, hydraulic pressure and oil flow requirements in all possible circumstances. The engine responds quickly to changing conditions to balance power, torque and engine revs. www.logset.com

Komatsu

Komatsu America Corp. offers a complete line of forwarders which are said to provide high levels of performance, productivity, operator comfort, convenience, and serviceability. The 845,

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

to page 50

Maximize Your Grip...

...with Legendary Grapple Performance.

• The number one choice in By-Pass Short Log Grapples over the last 25 years.

• Robotic welded high strength construction throughout.

• Wide range of models for Log Trucks, Forwarders and Excavators.

NEW Fixed Mount options for Excavators up to 25 tonne class.

Hultdins Inc. Tel: (519) 754-0044

Fax: (519) 754-1569

info@hultdins.com

techupdate Rottne

from page 48 855, 875 and 895 models have rated payload capacities of 12, 14, 16 and 20 metric tons respectively, to provide broad market coverage. All models feature rugged cranes, grapples and load spaces designed for high productivity in demanding forestry applications. The 845, 855 and 895 can be equipped with Komatsu’s patented FlexGate headboard which “flexes” when hit by logs or cranes, for increased reliability and durability.

Each model has a powerful, fuel-efficient engine and a robust drive train with Komatsu’s Comfort Bogie axles to provide high tractive effort that can handle the roughest terrain. A modern, spacious, full-featured cab offers superior visibility and operator comfort, says the company. The 855, 875 and 895 can be equipped with Komatsu’s unique Comfort Ride hydraulic cab suspension option which significantly reduces shocks, vibration and swaying to further increase operator comfort. www.komatsuforest.us

Tanguay

The Tanguay TG88E is a large grapple skidder that has been designed to perform in extreme ground conditions. The large 45 square foot grapple is mounted on a dual boom set with over 16’ reach. These booms fold upon themselves over the main frame and distribute the load over the rear tandems.

This grapple skidder features: extremely low ground pressure

for minimum ground disturbance; faster loading time and higher productivity on short skid distance; and it is easier to load and skid the large and long trees typically found in Western North American timber stands.

The machine can also push itself with its boom in difficult ground conditions and is easier and faster to unload at roadside in downhill slope conditions. www.tanguay.cc

50

The Rottne F11D is the company’s new eight wheel forwarder with a 12 tonne load capacity, and is said to be a strong workhorse which with its high tractive force provides a soft and flexible operation in tough terrain. The low centre of gravity provides the forwarder with great stability.

The frame has the same design as the larger Rottne forwarders and the central joint, which has a 45 degree steering angle, is

located only 40 cm in front of the machine’s centre point. This means that the wagon has very good tracking, says the company.

As the Rottne F11D is a small forwarder with large wheels, it has low ground pressure and good bearing capacity.

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

HSM

With the 208F model series, HSM offers forwarders from the 14 ton class up to the 20 ton class that can be customized according to the customer’s exact needs. Strong cranes, flexible bunks, tiltable crane pillars, bogie lift, traction winch, clambunk and much more are available directly from the manufacturer. The forwarder is powered with a Volvo Tier 4 Final, six cylinder, 260 hp engine. A wide range of cranes with net lifting torque from 70 kNm to 270 kNm are available. www.inovforest.com

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

SUPPLIERNEWSLINE Timber Automation acquires VAB Solutions

Timber Automation says as part of its continuing focus to produce industry leading equipment for woodyards and sawmills, it has acquired VAB Solutions.

VAB Solutions offers a wide range of technology solutions for lumber production lines from sawing to planing, designed to uncover hidden value in every piece of lumber.

It will become one of the Timber Automation divisions, which also includes the well-known sawmill and log handling equipment manufacturers Baxley Equipment and LogPro LLC. Timber Automation provides custom engineered equipment and control systems for woodyards and sawmills that maximize yield, increase uptime and reduce production costs.

“We have trusted the reliability, accuracy, and innovation of VAB technology for years, regularly recommending our clients use their products. Knowing they hold similar values of quality, value and commitment to their customers made this decision an easy one,” says John Steck, President, Timber Automation.

VAB Solutions will continue to operate in Lévis on the South Shore of Québec City, while Timber Automation’s headquarters remain in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with a manufacturing location in Baxley, Georgia. www.timberna.com

By Tony Kryzanowski

USNR announces promotions

USNR has promoted four long-time USNR and Mid-South Engineering employees.

“USNR has grown dramatically over the last several years, both organically and via the acquisitions of Söderhamn Eriksson, Ventek, and most recently, MidSouth Engineering,” said USNR Chairman and CEO, George Van Hoomissen. “These promotions will allow us to better manage Dale Brown: President of USNR our larger, more complex business and to continue to deliver the excellent products and services that our customers expect.”

Dale Brown, President of USNR, will be responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations of USNR. Since joining USNR in 1986, Brown has been promoted a number of times, progressively gaining greater responsibilities within the company and, along the way, developing experience and expertise across all the major functions of the business.

Eric Brousseau, Vice President-Manufacturing, will be responsible for overseeing USNR’s global manufacturing operations.

Brousseau has been the General Manager of USNR’s Plessisville operations, where he has driven a program of continuous innovation and process improvement.

Chuck Van Horn, Vice-President-Capital Projects, will continue to be responsible for overseeing USNR’s capital machinery projects, but now as a Vice President.

Along with a team of project managers, Mark Culpepper, Vice President, Turnkey Projects, will be responsible for managing all turnkey projects for USNR. Culpepper comes into this role after more than 32 years at Mid-South Engineering, most recently as Vice President. He has served as project manager for over 25 greenfield and major brownfield sawmill projects, in addition to managing hundreds of other industrial projects involving wood pellets, LVL, plywood, structural wood products, and other industries outside of wood products. www.usnr.com

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

suppliernewsline from page 52

Autolog offers log infeed camera solution for log gaps

At the primary breakdown, Autolog says that it is well-known that proper gap management has a direct impact on production and bottom line profits.

In essence, when the gap between logs is too small, the line must stop to position cutting tools.

When the gap is too long, throughput is reduced. Therefore, it is important to maintain a constant gap between logs, which the company says is easier said than done.

The Autolog solution is a camera for gap management that is located at the log infeed of a sawing line. By adding the camera, it will detect with precision the beginning of the log in the feeder, or the absence of the log, as well as the end of the log on the conveyor, maximizing the use of the sawing line while maintaining a constant gap between each log.

The system also eliminates virtually all log crossings. For example, Autolog says that a log that is too small to be detected by other types of sensors may result in two logs crossing over each other in the chain, triggering a production stoppage to separate these two logs.

Without this camera solution, companies must use several types of sensors to detect these two logs, only to achieve average results.

Autolog says that early adopters of this technology have achieved excellent results while reducing downtime and production costs. www.autolog.ca

SPRINGER Group acquires a majority stake in FinScan

SPRINGER Group, a leading international technology supplier, has acquired a majority stake in Finnish company FinScan. It specializes in scanners and software for automated optimization of lumber in sawmills. FinScan has installed more than 400 scanners in over 20 countries around the world.

“With the majority stake in FinScan, we extend our market

product portfolio as an integrated technology provider for the wood processing industry,” says Timo Springer, CEO of SPRINGER Group. “We now have an extensive range of optimization systems in the wood processing industry at our disposal and that way, we can expand our technological and innovative leadership. We see good opportunities to grow and strengthen our position in the future together. We are looking forward to working together.”

“FinScan is very successful, has long time customers and has a clear portfolio of sophisticated scanner solutions at its disposal,” says Jyri Smagin, CEO of FinScan Oy, who will continue running the company at the same managing position “Through the merger with SPRINGER, we expect further technological progress.” www.springer.eu

Rotochopper launches 1,000 horsepower electric horizontal grinder

To help customers process increased volumes of waste materials, Rotochopper now offers a new 1,000 horsepower, dual motor drive option for the B-66 E electric-powered horizontal grinder.

The dual motor drive is designed to reduce operating and maintenance costs compared to a single motor drive, as well as minimize amperage surges at start-up.

Due to the sourcing challenges of bigger electric motors, grinder owners have often opted for lower horsepower.

“The dual motor drive brings the best of both worlds, the convenience of smaller motors along with the production capacity of higher horsepower,” says Rotochopper CEO, Art de St. Aubin.

Benefits of a dual-motor drive over a single-motor drive include lower start-up amperage surges and lower repair costs in the event of downtime. Major downtime is rare with industrial electric motors. Yet should a breakdown occur, the dual motor drive decreases the lead time and cost of replacement parts compared to a single larger motor. www.rotochopper.com

AD INDEX ADVERTISER PAGE Allied Wagner ...................................................... 24 Bell’s Machining, Welding & Hydraulics ............... 14 Brandt Tractor ..................................................... 31 Brunette Machinery.............................................. 32 Caterpillar............................................................ 13 ContiTech.............................................................. 5 Hultdins............................................................... 49 Hyundai Dealers.................................................. 11 Inland.................................................................... 2 John Deere............................................................ 7 L-M Equipment..................................................... 40 Liebherr............................................................... 35 Nokian Tyres ....................................................... 47 Olofsfors ............................................................. 53 Peterson............................................................... 15 Ponsse ................................................................ 21

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ADVERTISER PAGE Quadco / Southstar.............................................. 33 Quadco Tooth...................................................... 23 Rotochopper........................................................ 39 Scandinavian Forestry / EcoLog............................. 51 Sharp Tool Co....................................................... 10 Tigercat ............................................................... 60 TimberKing ......................................................... 30 TimberPro / Great West / True North .................... 19 Tsubaki ............................................................... 27 USNR .................................................................. 29 Utility Composites ............................................... 22 Wallingford's ....................................................... 37 Waratah .............................................................. 59 Westerra ............................................................. 25 Wood-Mizer ........................................................ 52 Woodland / Eltec.................................................. 55

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

Dust Mitigation Wallchart Allied Blower CheckMate Fire Prevention CV Technology Firefly Hub International K2 Electric MacDonald Steel.

Mister Dust Wands REMBE Scheuch Troy Life & Fire Safety VETS Sheet Metal Ward Insurance West Central Fire Protection WorkSafeBC Wrangler Engineering

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

57

thelastword

The Softwood Lumber Board may have a low key approach—but it's delivered some very solid results

By Jim Stirling

S

LA is a familiar letter combination in the forest industry’s lexicon. It’s been especially familiar recently as the United States and Canada are once again at political loggerheads trying to lay the foundations for a new Softwood Lumber Agreement between the two countries.

The SLB, in contrast, has less resonance for many.

The Softwood Lumber Board is in key ways the opposite of the SLA. The SLB’s work is about co-operation between the U.S. and Canada—not confrontation.

The SLB’s efforts are dedicated to promoting the uses and benefits of softwood lumber in the U.S. marketplace. The organization has been remarkably efficient to that end through participating in a range of initiatives. It helped generate 1.02 billion board feet of incremental softwood lumber demand in the U.S. during 2017.

Word of the SLB’s achievements was passed on to a record 570 delegates attending the BC Council of Forest Industries annual convention in Prince George in April. The SLB was put on the council’s agenda as a gentle reminder to attending licencees.

The organization is sustained by the forest companies selling softwood lumber into the U.S. market. The first five-year period of SLB operation has ended and the organization’s supporters need to reaffirm its work by pledging funding for the next five-year period. The recommendation to the COFI audience was clear: the B.C. forest industry can’t afford not to invest in the SLB. Among the forest industry executives at the convention endorsing the SLB’s work were Duncan Davies, president and CEO of Interfor and co-chair of the BC Lumber Trade Council, and Don Kayne, president and CEO of Canfor Corporation.

“One oft-overlooked but key ingredient to the SLB’s success has been its ability to bring together American and Canadian companies to work toward a common goal of expanding markets,”

wrote Kayne in a recent posting on SLB’s website. Kayne was also chair of the SLB’s programs committee. The SLB’s umbrella brings together large and small companies—publicly traded and private—in a united effort to grow markets to the benefit of all softwood lumber producers in both countries, added Kayne.

Through the SLB’s focused and targeted programs, its investments have protected and grown markets equivalent to more than 3.6 billon board feet of softwood lumber demand since it began its work in 2012, he continued.

The softwood lumber sector’s importance to the economies of both countries is significant. A recent report commissioned by the SLB highlighted the importance to the U.S. economy of the softwood lumber manufacturing sector.

The report estimates 775,674 jobs with a total payroll of more than $46 billion are tied to the softwood lumber manufacturing industry.

Softwood lumber producers in the U.S. and Canada participate in and receive benefits from the work of several industry organizations through the SLB. Kayne said these include the American Wood Council. Its work involves developing the evidence base that proves the viability of wood use and uses that data to influence building standards. Other organizations supported by the SLB included: Think Wood Use, promoting wood use in onresidential construction; WoodWorks, which provides design and construction solutions to encourage incorporating more wood use into more projects; and the Wood, Naturally campaign focusing on homeowners’ pre-buying decisions.

The SLB also supports the American Wood Council’s work in creating more opportunities for softwood lumber use in taller wood buildings. Wood buildings in the five to 12 storey range account for about 23 per cent of new construction in the U.S. Wood’s performance ticks all the boxes when it comes to cost and durabil-

58

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - May/June 2018

ity while filling the growing demand for a building material that’s environmentally sustainable. Wood use simultaneously stimulates needed growth and job creation in rural communities.

The long journey toward effecting building code changes surrounding tall mass timber building construction took a step forward in mid-April during the deliberations in the U.S. of the International Code Council’s code change committee. If the proposals put forward by the American Wood Council are approved, wood buildings up to 18 storeys in height may be included in future sets of building codes.

The first five years of results for the SLB speak volumes to the efficacy of the organization’s low key approach to broadening the appeal and consumption of softwood lumber in the U.S. But the achievements haven’t gone unnoticed by the lobbies of the competing building materials of concrete and steel. Any expansion of wood use beyond the traditional single family dwelling is viewed as an incursion that needs repelling by big concrete and steel. And they’re fighting back. Dramatic photos of burning wood buildings are part of their negative advertising agendas.

In British Columbia at least, the forest industry has not been very efficient in telling its story in the right way or at the right time. Historically it’s been caught flatfooted in the PR wars, leaving few options other than damage control. That strategy doesn’t cut it in the mind-numbing world of social media. Becoming selectively proactive might prove to be a positive approach for the SLB. Wood as a building material has much going for it including its environmental aspects that concrete and steel simply cannot claim. Telling wood’s story while it can still be told might prove to be a sound strategy and help make the SLB’s next five years as rewarding as its first.

X870D/LX870D

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Tigercat’s ER technology and closed loop drive system delivers unmatched speed and response. The rock solid leveling base and longer track frames provide excellent stability on steep slopes.

An upgraded cab offers better visibility with expanded sight lines. The optimally positioned skyVIEW and rearVIEW camera systems allow for maximum visibility and productivity.

Contact your Tigercat dealer today to learn more.

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