February 2022|
G N I R E W TO H G I H
ISSN 2703-6251
, d l o g n i h Somet w e n g n i h t some
Winch-assist: The evolution of steep-terrain harvesting
Young Kiwis take on forestry
$8.00
A NEW DAY.
CHOOSE HOW YOU MAKE YOUR WAY IN THE FOREST. A NEW DEERE.
Whether you’re carving out a new road or fire break, or maintaining existing ones, John Deere Motor Graders are built tough, are easy to use and comfortable all day long. Choose from 8 models, three machine controls and up to 300 engine hp. The smaller, more economical 620G and 622G deliver practical power and up to 10-percent fuel savings over their larger siblings. Plus with the support of your local John Deere dealer, you can be certain it’ll continue to work as hard as you do. It’s a New Day and a New Deere.
JohnDeere.co.nz/Forestry TRACTA_J6452_GRADER_NZ_NZL
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FOREST TALK Red light, green light; Omicron: ‘when, not if’; Log market roundup; Methyl Bromide regulations tighten; Consider repurposing oil refinery for biofuels; East Cape wharf could boost logging industry; Natives versus exotics: the debate continues; Recognising forestry excellence; Seeing the forest for the trees; Top honours at Science NZ Awards; Scion puts Kiwi architecture on the map. SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST It’s hard to remember the last time a brand new, high-production Madill tower hauler was sold in New Zealand –
44 completely new from the ground up. So, the arrival of Kuru Contracting’s all-new, all-singing-and-dancing Madill 172B calls for something of a celebration. Well, an Iron Test, at the very least. 34
BREAKING OUT The safety and productivity benefits of mechanical tree felling on easy country are well known, but the development of winch assist has enabled these benefits to be gained in steep slope harvesting operations. Winch-assist technology is now welltoo-established in New Zealand – but how did it come about? Turn to our Breaking Out feature to find out.
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YOUNG ACHIEVERS More young New Zealanders are making forestry and wood processing their future. We take a look at a few of their journeys and their opportunities for the future.
DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 48 fica 50 top spot 52 new iron 57 classifieds
February 2022 | NZ LOGGER 1
Iron Test
SOMETHING
OLD,
SOMETHING
NEW Story & Photos: John Ellegard
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The first Madill 172B tower hauler in New Zealand is working with Kuru Contracting on the East Coast.
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THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER TO NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY
February 2022 | NZ LOGGER 19
Breaking Out
Winch-assisted harvesting, then and now
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Story: Keith Raymond, Forest Growers Research
Tigercat LS855C winch-assisted feller buncher with EMS TractionLine.
February 2022 | NZ LOGGER 35
new iron
TIMBERPRO TF 840D FOR MOFFAT
NEW MACHINE FOR DEADMAN LOGGING
Archie and Hine Moffat of Moffat Logging recently took delivery of a new Timberpro TF 840D for their road lining operation in Kaingaroa Forest. “Looks like it can take a good load,” said operator, Liam to John Kosar of Komatsu Forest NZ, with a big smile on his face, adding that he is looking forward to operating the TF 840D. Pictured from left: Dee-Jay Waerea (foreman), Gene Hastings, Liam McCarthy (operator), Archie Moffat and John Kosar (Komatsu Forest NZ), Mark Haa, and Pete Earle (Komatsu Forest NZ). Photographer: Shane Perrett (Prime Forest Management).
Local Ohakune family, the Deadmans, have been supporting their region with firewood supplies for years. Now with the business branching out to support a logging operation it was time to upgrade from the old Kato. Ben and Sam are stoked to be in their first new machine and the advantages they are seeing are huge with the massive reach, huge lift power and performance of the machine, they say. The huge reduction in fuel burn on the new 3740 is also a massive saving to the business, say the Deadmans.
NEW TIGERCAT FOR HCD CONTRACTING This awesome pic of his new Tigercat 865 loading out was taken by HCD Contracting’s Dan (Purcey). Dan says he still absolutely loves the whole machine and spends most of his time loading out around the Manawatu area.
ANOTHER MACHINE FOR BRAND LOGGING
CAT 330GC FOR GALBRAITH EARTHMOVERS
Great to see another 324T entering the Canterbury forests. Brand Logging has taken delivery of another 324T to add to its growing fleet of Satco attachments. This harvester will be falling, trimming and cutting to length, and presenting wood ready for extraction.
This new Cat 330GC is a new arrival for Steve and Kelly Galbraith at Galbraith Earthmovers. The Cat unit is purpose-built for forestry roading applications and features Ensign Super High and Wide undercarriage and guarding. The 330GC is currently working in the Hawkes Bay region and operator, Bruce McIntyre, loves the power and smoothness of the unit. The machine was sold by Terra Cat Territory Account Manager Forestry, Heath Stewart.
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new iron
NEW SKIDDER FOR ELLIOT LOGGING NEW HARVESTER FOR FPNZ FPNZ has taken delivery of a new SATCO 3L2 fall and trim harvester. Aaron will be falling, trimming and placing stems ready for extraction in the Ngaroma Block, Pureora.
Working in often difficult settings, Elliot Logging says its new 948L-II John Deere skidder provides pace, volume, comfort and reliability. Sold and supported by the AgrowQuip team in Hastings. Pictured from left: Nick Boult (Finance NZ), Joela Elliot, Kere Elliot, Tony Dellow, Grant Elliot, Danny Tito, Phil McKenzie and Sam Mitchell.
KOMATSU FOR SHERWOOD LOGGING’ John, Ellen and Jordan Sherwood of Sherwood Logging have recently taken delivery of a new Komatsu PC 270LC-8 for their harvesting operation in Kaingaroa Forest. The Komatsu PC 270LC-8 has an Active Guarding Package and is fitted with an Ensign 1730IH grapple. Dee Araroa (operator) commented to John Kosar of Komatsu Forest NZ that he is very impressed with the new machine. Pictured from left: Jordan Sherwood and John Kosar (Komatsu Forest NZ). Photographer: Theo Heta.
SUMITOMO FOR MANGOIHE GROUND BASE FALCON WINCH ASSIST FOR BRAND LOGGING Nick Andrews of DC Equipment is pictured delivering a Falcon Winch Assist to Simon Brand of Brand Logging based in Rangiora.
Mangoihe Ground Base’s Steve and Kylie have added a new Sumitomo 4040 fitted with a live heel and 1730 grapple to support and increase their productivity for their ever-evolving and growing operation in the Manawatu area. They say the brute power and lift coupled with stability and smooth operation and the awesome backup support from the team at AB Equipment helped them with their decisions. Operator, Si, was quick to put this machine through its paces moving stems around the skid.
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