I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R APRIL 2015 • P: (03) 9888 4834 • www.timberbiz.com.au
GM hits the ground running
Lasers, drones and tree climbers
page 3
page 10
Innovative solution to sorting page 12
Think Forico for future fibre!
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AUNCESTON-BASED Forico only started trading in Tasmania in its own right last September with a business model that would be a step change for plantation forestry in Tasmania and now manages almost half of all hardwood eucalyptus plantations in Tasmania at around 100,000 nett hectares. “Currently about 65% of all wood fibre harvested in Tasmania is coming from privately managed plantations. When Forico completes processing capacity upgrades and harvest and haul restructuring in 2015-16 that proportion will increase closer to 80% of all wood fibre produced in
Tasmania,” said Forico chief executive officer Bryan Hayes. Bryan said plantations really were the engine room of the Tasmanian forestry sector and that ref lected what was happening right around the world. Currently Forico is exporting around two woodchip vessels per month into north Asia from the two export facilities at Burnie in northwest Tasmania and Long Reach on the Tamar River. “Favourable foreign exchange movements should enable stronger financial performance than predicted by the middle of 2015,” he said. Major capital expenditure of almost $9 million is
being invested to revamp the Surrey Hills Mill which was temporarily placed into care and maintenance at the end of 2010. The mill will resume woodchip processing in July this year which will enable Forico to more than double its export capacity through Burnie. “Additional capital expenditure is planned to upgrade the Long Reach woodchip mill during 2015-16 which will increase capacity at that site to 1 million gmt per annum,” Bryan said. That mill was originally built in 1970-71 and subsequently suspended mill production in mid 2011 only to reopen in receivership during 2013. Forico has resumed eucalyptus seedling
Forico Surrey Hills mill upgrade log deck supports
Recognition of the role of forests
S
ENATOR RICHARD Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, described International Day of Forests as an opportunity to recognise the contribution that forests make to our everyday lives. March 21 was International Day of Forests, which is a United Nations initiative to celebrate the importance of forests for livelihoods, fuel, food and medicine. Senator Colbeck said the forestry industry is an important provider of employment, especially in regional areas, and makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy. “Since the Coalition won office in 2013 we have seen employment in the forestry industry increase by 10,000 jobs, which is a great show of confidence in the future of the industry,” he said. “The forestry industry not only provides employment for tens of thousands of Australians, but also has significant environmental benefits especially when you consider that wood-based
construction consumes less energy than concrete or steel and has benefits for carbon storage. “Timber is the building material of the 21st century and provides a win-win situation for the environment, for the industry and for our local communities. “We are entering an exciting period of innovation in the use of forest produce to replace products previously obtained from the fossil fuel industry and the Coalition wants to create an environment where Australia is at the forefront of developing and utilising these types of products.” Senator Colbeck said the Coalition recognised the importance of forests to Australia’s landscape and biodiversity and was promoting sustainable use of production forests, such that there is little difference between production forests and forests in reserves. “We also recognise the important contributions that planted forests can play in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, while also contributing to the forest products industry,” he said.
continued on page 7
production at its Somerset nursery to support the replanting of fallow land and newly harvested areas on its estate. Around 1250 hectares was planted in spring 2014 with 3,600 hectares to be planted in 2015 and 6,000 hectares in 2016. Bryan said seven new forestry and mill staff had been employed to add to the 36 at commencement and added that additional direct employment of mill staff would occur during this year. On the research side, Bryan explained that there were plans to “increase our R&D capacity at our Ridgley FibreTechnology and Research Centre that will create a path of continual
improvement in the genetics and productivity of our plantation growing stock over time”. Some of the immediate challenges for Forico have included consolidating Eucalyptus nitens as a preferred fibre in the north Asia markets; achieving FSC Forest Management certification of its 180,000 hectare land and forest estate; improving the health and growing condition of existing plantations that have been adversely impacted by the demise of the former owner; and diversifying into higher value products and markets. continued on page 6
HOW MUCH IS IDLE TIME COSTING YOU?
INDUSTRY EXPERTS SAY IDLE TIME CAN BE AS MUCH AS 50% OF TOTAL RUN TIME. NONPRODUCTIVE RUN TIME MEANS 1 GALLON OR MORE OF WASTED FUEL EVERY HOUR. IMPACT OF IDLING ON FUEL COSTS* IDLE TIME IDLE HOURS ANNUAL COST OF IDLE TIME FIVE YEAR TOTAL COST
20% 400 $1,560 $7,800
*Assumes 2,000 total operating hours/yr. and $3.90/gal. fuel cost
30% 600 $2,340 $11,700
40% 800 $3,120 $15,600
TIPS TO REDUCE IDLE TIME Shut down equipment during lunch and breaks.
Restrict morning warm-ups to 3 to 5 minutes.
Shut down trucks waiting more than 5 minutes to load or unload.
Use the automatic shutdown feature when available.
Learn more about reducing idle time. Cat.com/en_US/rethink-the-tank © 2015 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 3
In the news
GM “hits the ground running” T HE AUSTRALIAN Forest Contractors Association’s new General Manager, Stacey Gardiner, hit the ground running with her first “outing” on her first day in the new role being to attend the Safety Summit in Melbourne. This was followed up by a series of meetings with members across Australia. Stacey’s previous experience at the Victorian Farmers Federation and senior roles in Local Government have had a focus on building strong partnerships with stakeholders and advocating on behalf of members. “I am excited to join the association and the opportunity to utilise my previous skills to support the Board and ensure members’ views are represented throughout industry as well as to government agencies,” said Stacey. She acknowledged that, like ongoing costs such as insurance premiums, the value of industry association membership fees could sometimes be difficult to justify, “particularly when you aren’t ‘claiming’ on your investment every year”. “However, similar to insurance cover funded by premiums, membership fees enable the association to build relationships over time to ensure a voice for contractor members and to improve policy outcomes that benefit the industry as a whole.” Stacey replaced David
Harvesting and haulage winners all round “IT’S ONE for their kitbag and a baseline for workplace performance for us,” says Michael Clancy, Commercial Manager for Tumut’s long standing forest contracting business G & J Groves Pty Ltd. He was speaking about the recent accreditation of 27 employees from within the business with the nationally recognized Certificate 111 Harvesting and Haulage qualification. “G & J Groves has a long history of association with TAFE as a training provider and the Forest Industry Training Centre (FITC) based at the Tumut Campus was able to facilitate the accreditation process. “Because of their previous training record with TAFE, most of our operators were able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and then the trainer just had to fill the gaps. FITC Trainer and Assessor Peter Berry worked one-on-one out in the field and on the job with the operators; it meant they could demonstrate their skills and discuss work responsibilities in their own working environment with minimal interruption to workflow.” Operators were assessed in the field on a variety of heavy machinery including harvesters, forwarders, trucks with single and B Double trailers. “We were fortunate to have Peter working with our operators because he knows his machinery inside out and he understands people,” said Michael. Engagement in the training and accreditation program gained G & J Groves Pty Ltd the 2014 Employer Training Award sponsored by the Forest Industry Council (FIC). “All of our operators now have a nationally recognized and current qualification. We have a very stable workforce , most of whom have been with us for 15 – 20 years; the average age of our employees is mid to late 40’s and 50’s, although it’s their age ‘upstairs’ that we value,” smiled Michael. Three of the seven harvesters currently in service are equipped with log optimization technology with the capacity to capture valuable data that can assist forest owners to develop future forests. “We recently sent three of our harvesting operators to the Tumut campus where FITC have two log optimization simulators; they trialled the new log optimization course that is being developed there. Optimization won’t improve the forest but if our operators are able to better meet client specifications using the emerging technology, we are better positioned to maintain our share of the contracting market.”
Stacey Gardiner and AFCA Chairman Ian Reid were pictured at the Safety Summit in Melbourne.
Keenan who left the role of AFCA CEO in late January after accepting the position of CEO with Southern Downs Regional Council in Queensland. With a background of senior roles in Local Government, Keenan accepted his new role in part because of his desire to have a job that allows him to go home to his family every night rather than travelling around Australia addressing the needs of members. “We were disappointed to lose David but glad we had his services for the time he was with us,” said Ian Reid, Chairman of AFCA. “He did some good work in fine-tuning our administrative set up and gave valuable input
Critical road funding for timber industry precinct KEY FORESTRY industry representatives met with State Liberal Member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire to discuss the implementation of the $70 million upgrade of Gocup Road, announced by the NSW Government at the end of February. Representatives from Carter Holt Harvey, Hume Forests, Hyne Timber and Visy joined the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Mr Ross Hampton at Gocup Road in Tumut to examine the plans for the upgrade. Mr Maguire said, “A fully upgraded Gocup Road, including extra climbing lanes and major widening works, will do wonders for regional transport and freight in south western NSW, notably between Tumut and Gundagai.” The forest products industry supports more than 5000 jobs in the south west slopes of NSW. World-class companies including Visy, Hume Forests, Hyne Timber, Carter Holt Harvey, and the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales, as well as many private forest owners, have established their operations in the region on the strength of its natural resources and its community support. Together, they provide thousands of sustainable jobs and flow-on economic benefits. Mr Ross Hampton said, ‘The Tumut region is at the centre of one of Australia’s most vibrant plantation forestry regions, producing high quality logs, sawntimber, manufactured paper, waste paper and forest residues that are delivered, processed and exported along the region’s roads each year.” The NSW Government will invest the $70 million dollars over the next five years, starting with $8.6 million before the end of this financial year, to complete the full upgrade of Gocup Road.
to our business plan. Our loss is the Southern Downs Regional Council’s gain. “At least we know there is a strong advocate for the timber industry in southern Queensland with an appreciation of the role forest contractors play,” said Ian. “However, as one door closes another opens and we are delighted to have secured the services of Stacey and her strong advocacy experience. She is looking forward to meeting our members and seeing if we can encourage even more contracting business operators to join AFCA to help underscore the strength of contractors when it comes to recognition by Governments and the wider industry.”
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4 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R
April 2015 Issue 2 Vol. 24
In the news Forestry R&D drops to precarious levels
A Forestry Diploma student Jason Truscott recieving his Outstanding achievement award fom Michael Clancy of G&L Groves Pty Ltd. Read more on page 15
Features Training 13-16 Tyre Care 17 Bio 18-19 FWPA Special Report 20 Chipper 22 The Essentials 24 Harvesters 26-33
USTRALIAN FORESTRY Research and development investment has declined sharply to levels that are nationally precarious for continuing industry success. According to the latest report by the Taylor & Francis Group in Australian Forestry, Volume 77, Issue 3-4, this disinvestment has come about in recent years as a consequence of privatisation of State-developed plantation resources with a diminished Government participation in the sector, industry restructuring and ownership changes, R&D budget cuts in public and private sector organisations and challenging market conditions in recent years. There is now an urgent need to devise a way forward from the present predicaments, recognising the dynamic nature of the environment (both natural and business) in which the industry operates. Australia built up a first-class capacity and capability in forest
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industry R&D, the outputs of which enabled industry development and innovation. The modern forest industry is built on science and technology, much of it carried out in Australia and largely funded by the public sector. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been a serious decline in R&D capacity and capability to an extent unprecedented for a major primary industry sector in Australia, and probably unique for a developed country with a reasonably-sized forest industry. While high-class research capability takes long time to build it can be destabilized and damaged very quickly, as we are currently seeing. This erosion is a serious risk to the industry. Low profitability and privatisation has not induced any response to energise sector R&D investment by industry to improve competitiveness and profitability or to develop new sustainable forest resources for future expansion: in fact the reverse has occurred. Australia has moved from an organisationally pluralistic and generally roledifferentiated system of forest industry R&D to one with fewer research organisations, much reduced capacity and capability in the remaining organisations, limited coordination or cooperation, and potentially greater dependence on overseas R&D providers. There has been a major loss of human talent (internationally recognised researchers and their potential successors) which can only be replaced via a long-term strategy. In spite of the lack of any national industry development framework to which R&D could be linked, there are priorities that can be identified. Although new models of research
organisation and support have been discussed, the short-term future appears difficult as any new model(s) are likely to be actioned too late to save important capabilities. New partnerships are required, with sustainable and dependable investment focused in key areas. However, the future for industry R&D is very much dependent on the commitment of industry to R&D and to expanded investment available under the existing private–public partnership model that can be revised to meet current circumstances. Forest industry is a longterm business and can only be sustainable with a sound, adequate and ongoing underpinning of science and technology. In spite of the lack of any industry development framework to which R&D could be linked there, are priorities that can be identified. Although new models of research organisation and support have been discussed, their chance to strike roots in the near future appears small and uncertain and, if actioned at all, too late to save critical capabilities. New partnerships are required, with sustainable and dependable investment focused in key areas. The future of industry R&D is very much dependent on the commitment of industry to R&D and its willingness to invest at higher levels via the existing private–public partnership model that can be revised to meet current circumstances. Forest industry is a longterm business and can only be sustainable with a sound, adequate and ongoing underpinning of science and technology. We welcome your opinion: Email your feedback to j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au
Priorities for R&D will need to continue to focus on genetics and other productivity improvements ROSS HAMPTON, chief executive officer of Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) described the Taylor & Francis Group report as a sobering assessment and said it mirrored many of the points identified in the AFPA Issues Paper back in 2013. At that time, AFPA proposed a National Institute for Forest Products Innovation as a national industry development framework to better coordinate industry and Government co-investment in forestry related research. This model was to link the various centres of research capability and excellence directly with new investment from Government and industry across the whole forest products value chain. “There have no doubt been challenges in recent years with the level of private R&D investment given the triple crunch of the Global Financial Crisis, a high Australian dollar and rising energy costs. However, we are seeing signs of a recovery in demand for some forest products and more stability in the growing sector which provides a better platform for taking a longer term perspective on R&D,” Ross said. “The other major issue has been the significant withdrawal of Government funding for research at both the State and
Ross Hampton.
Simon Dorries.
Commonwealth level, despite the many public good benefits from sustainable forest management and renewable forest based industries. “The budget challenges facing the Federal Government continue to exacerbate opportunities for increased R&D, which is why AFPA will be targeting the 2016 budget cycle to further develop a national framework. This means that it may take several years before we actually turn this situation around,” he said. “Priorities for R&D will need to continue to focus on genetics and other productivity improvements in our growing stock as well as processing innovations in traditional and emerging products. This includes work in adding value to sawn timber, pulp and paper and engineered wood products, as well as in the important new markets of bioenergy, biochemicals and biomaterials.”
He said that other important areas for R&D were the environment and land management, including biosecurity, bushfire management and the potential for forestry and forest products to contribute to climate change mitigation. “It is essential that the research community, industry and Governments collaborate, prioritise and appropriately resource these activities. The actual funding contributions will of course be a matter for negotiation, but must recognise high level principles such as equity with other farming sectors, the benefits to end-users and the many public good benefits from forestry activities.” Simon Dorries, general manager, Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, believes the development of commercial products from
wood waste and residues should be a high priority. “These could be nano cellulose, but the opportunities far extend nano technology. There is a range of structural products which with appropriate R&D could be developed from waste materials that could replace/compliment existing timber products such as interior decking and PSL from young hardwood plantations to name but a few. “Australia and New Zealand will probably never be low cost producers, so a focus on value adding and secondary processing is essential.” When asked about funding to research value-adding systems (for example, purely Government; 50-50 Government and industry; 33 Government, 33 Industry, 33 end user of successful research), he said he could see a mix. “Much of the ‘blue-sky’ research should be publicly funded. However, there are still sizeable projects that industry would be pleased to fund with a Government co-contribution. “The real impact from the lack of investment will probably become even more significant towards the end of the decade when the lack of innovation puts the Australian industry behind its competitors,” he said.
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6 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
In the news
Tragic death shocks industry A
LL MEMBERS of the forestry and timber industry are still trying to come to grips with the death earlier this year of Richard Stanton who was chief executive of Australian Forestry Standard. Richard (49) died following a cycling accident in Deakin. He had worked on policy with peak industry bodies like Australian Plantation Products & Paper Industry Council; Australian Paper Industry Council; Plantation Timber Association of Australia; National Association of Forest Industries; and State Forests NSW. A long-time friend described him as intelligent, quietly spoken, and what he did have to say was important and well considered. He was well-known, well liked and a true gentleman. The following tributes are but a few of many We will remember Richard as a quiet achiever with a huge intellect, a droll sense of humour, and a knack of getting to the core of an issue. Outside work he was well-known as a dedicated family man and an avid cyclist. Richard had previously held a number of key roles in Australian Plantation Products & Paper Industry Council (A3P); Australian Paper Industry Council; Plantation Timber Association of Australia; National Association of Forest Industries; and State Forests NSW. The Board extends its deepest sympathy to Richard’s family, as they seek to come to terms with this tragic and unexpected loss. Vale Richard, you were respected
and loved, and will be missed and not forgotten. [Directors of Australian Forestry Standard Ltd]
The forest and forest product industries joined in mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of Richard Stanton (National Secretary of the Australian Forestry Standard). Richard will be remembered as a dedicated family man, a great friend of forestry, and an intelligent and effective industry advocate. Richard had a profound impact on policy development in the forest and forest product industries over many years through key work roles in the Australian Plantation Products & Paper Industry Council (A3P); Australian Paper Industry Council; Plantation Timber Association of Australia; National Association of Forest Industries; and State Forests of NSW. AFPA extends our deepest sympathy to Richard’s family. Vale Richard - you will be remembered. [Ross Hampton, CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association] VAFI joins with the rest of the forest and wood products industry mourning the tragic loss of Richard Stanton, National Secretary of AFS. Richard was well respected, a consummate professional and a friend to VAFI, he will not be forgotten. Vale Richard. [Tim VAFI CEO Tim Johnston] I have had the privilege of working closely with Richard over the last couple of years. Initially this was focussed on the adoption by Standards New Zealand of the Australian Standard for
Think Forico for future fibre! But, despite those challenges Forico has weathered the storm and, according to Bryan ... “overall a very bright start to a new company which brings fresh confidence and long term, stable investment into the long suffering Tasmanian forest industry”. “Forico is future fibre,” he says. Incidentally, Forico is an acronym of forest investment company. Forico’s Chief Executive Officer Bryan Hayes (pictured) is definitely not a newcomer to the industry. “I started work in the forest industry with APPM (Associated Pulp and Paper Mills) as a trainee at the (then) new Tamar woodchip mill in 1972 -- that means
I am a 43 year veteran! “During my career I have had many roles in both mill processing and forest production leading to management roles and have worked at a number of sites across Tasmania,” he says. Bryan was General Manager Fibre Logistics at North Forest Products when Gunns Limited purchased that business from Rio Tinto in May , 2001. “When Gunns went under in 2012, I was General Manager Forest Products with responsibility for the forestry business across Australia - at one time 550,000 ha of estate under management. “I resigned from Gunns and was appointed CEO and Executive Director of Forico in September 2014. “My
Surrey Hills mill upgrade Log conveyors
Sustainable Forest management. This was followed by the establishment of the NZ Forest Certification Association and its recognition by the Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as the PEFC National Governing Body for New Zealand. At the time of Richard’s accident, we were working towards the joint administration of PEFC endorsed certification schemes for Australia and New Zealand. I will miss Richard’s broad knowledge on matters PEFC and certification standards, his willingness to share that knowledge and his friendly nature. Our hearts go out to Sonia, Emma and Julia for the loss of a husband and a father and our colleague and friend. [Andrew McEwen, Chair, NZ Forest Certification Association] Richard Stanton was a highly respected forestry professional and his unexpected passing has been deeply felt by the many staff at Forestry Corporation of NSW who had the pleasure to know and work with him. Richard joined the then State Forests of NSW’s public affairs team in the 1990s where his skills were quickly identified and he was appointed Executive Officer to the CEO. Richard is remembered by those who worked with him for his passion, professionalism and easygoing manner during a period of significant change for the organisation and the industry as a whole. He was also well known to many of our staff for his roles as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) and the National Secretary of
Vale Richard Stanton
the Australian Forestry Standard. Our thoughts are with Richard’s family and friends at this difficult time. [Forestry Corporation NSW] VicForests joins the Australian forestry industry in expressing its sadness at the sudden passing of Richard Stanton, the CEO and National Secretary of Australian Forestry Standard Ltd. Richard was well known to VicForests’ staff and highly respected during his long career in the industry. On behalf of all at VicForests we wish to pay tribute to the tremendous contribution Richard made to Australia’s forest and wood products industries and most notably his important work with the Australian Forestry Standard. Sincere condolences to Richard’s family and those who worked with him over many years. [VicForests]
continued from page 1
main focus now is to build the Forico business and brand to meet the potential of our Tasmanian land and trees estate of 175,000 ha. Our business is from seed to customer - a truly vertically integrated forestry company in one of the best tree `
Forico Pty Limited ABN - 33 169 204 059
P.O. Box 5316 233B Charles Street Launceston, Tas 7250 Telephone + 61 3 6335 5201 Email forico@forico.com.au
Surrey Hills mill upgrade log yard
Forico’s Chief Executive Officer Bryan Hayes
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 7
In the news
Durability testing of African mahogany A
FRICAN MAHOGANY (Khaya senegalensis) is being grown in Northern Territory plantations to produce timber for high value decorative panels, furniture, and flooring. In its home environment of west Africa, the timber is considered resistant to termites and borers, although until now that hasn’t been fully tested for Australian conditions. As a consequence, FWPA is helping fund an important study through the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry that will expand the potential markets for this exciting plantation product. This research reports the results from the first year of ongoing research into the natural above-ground
durability of plantation grown African mahogany. Samples of timber from 10- and 20-year old trees are being tested in two test sites, one a fungal cellar laboratory and the other a field site in north Queensland in a region known to present a very high decay hazard. In the laboratory the timber samples are placed in racks close to soil beds in a controlled environment room (fungal cellar) where conditions are those that best promote decay. The African mahogany samples are also being compared with control samples from spotted gum (Corymbia citriodora) durability class 1, jarrah (Eucalyptus marginate) durability class 2, messmate (Eucalyptus oblique) durability class 3 and slash pine
Recognition of the role of forests continued from page 1
“The Coalition is working on the Direct Action Plan to ensure landowners can contribute to efforts to increase tree cover under the Carbon Farming Initiative.” Australia has 124.7 million hectares of forest covers about 16 per cent of the continent. This includes native forests and industrial plantations of various softwoods and hardwoods. Timber Communities Australia paid tribute to Colin Wooster, a stalwart of the NSW north coast timber community from Casino, NSW, who retired on 20 March after a lifetime working in timber. To mark the World Wood Day on 21 March, TCA celebrated the achievements of the dedicated men and women working in this proud sector across Australia. “They produce wonderful timber products that make up much of Australia’s contemporary and heritage built landscape. So many beautiful cottages and houses, schools, bridges, community halls, wharves, fences, sporting field grandstands, railway stations, signs and furniture contain timber from the carefully managed forests we love,” said Helen Murray, National Coordinator, Timber Communities Australia. “World Wood Day was the perfect reminder that timber is carbon and environmentally friendly. Australia has rigorous forest management and harvesting laws, with internationally recognised and accredited forestry practices. Our people in this industry want others to know these things,” Helen said. Colin clocked off from 17 years of loyal service with the Casino sawmill owned by Hurford Hardwoods. He began in the timber industry in 1964 following in his father’s footsteps. He has given a lifetime of service to the industry and was presented with a Seniors Local Achievement Award for his efforts with local community activities. “That was a shock to be honest,” he said, “I do things because I want to, not for pats on the back.”
“Thousands of Australian homes, apartments, offices and other public buildings would feature flooring that Colin and his team played a part in producing,” said Helen. “We congratulate Colin wholeheartedly, as he hands over the management reins of the log yard which he’s held for so long. We also join Colin in the hope that the younger people following in his footsteps can have a bright future.” If you use timber in your home you are being environmentally friendly and tapping into three carbon positives. “I call it ‘threes from trees’, says Ms Murray. “One - the growing trees take in and store carbon dioxide. Two - the furniture and other wood products made from the harvested trees keep on storing carbon. Three – every Australian tree commercially harvested is replaced with another seed or seedling to grow the next tree. So the positive carbon cycle keeps going.” The global celebration of forests raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees. The theme of the 2015 United Nations International Day of Forests was “Forests and Climate Change”. The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) President in Washington, Donna Harman
said: “Trees, especially those in well-managed forests, absorb carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide remains stored when trees are used to make forest products, and that storage can be prolonged through recycling.” In addition, the forest products industry plays an important role in contributing to the production of renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels by using residuals and by-products to produce much of the energy required for its operations. These residuals and by-products, known as biomass, are carbon neutral when combusted for energy, according to the international carbon accounting principle. Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest and Paper Products Association, Ross Hampton, said: “In a rapidly expanding world with a carbon constrained global economy, forestry and fibre are the environmental and green commodities par excellence of the twenty first century. There is a continuous cycle of carbon storing through wood products, and every year 80 million trees are replanted and regenerated in Australia. The environmental benefits continue as the wood waste and biomass, which are produced as a normal byproduct of sustainable forest management practices, can be used for renewable energy.”
(Pinus elliottii) durability class 4. After one year the African mahogany samples are showing minimal decay, and it is not yet possible to determine if they are is consistent with durability class 3 or durability class 2 timbers above ground. In addition, no termite attack was observed; however, more time is required before reliable conclusions can be drawn. Growers have previously identified that juvenile heartwood has reduced natural durability than the rest of the heartwood. Results from the field test suggest that samples cut from butt logs may be more durable that those cut from top logs which contained juvenile heartwood.
New job ticks all the boxes THE AUSTRALIAN Forest Products Association’s new communications and media officer says her role “ticks all the boxes”. “Politics and Government has always been a professional interest of mine, as has strategic and corporate communications. Working for an industry body ticks all the boxes for me as I get to work within the Federal Politics sphere, but I also work in the corporate world of our members,” said Elizabeth Goodfellow. Having grown up in regional NSW Elizabeth says she understands the importance of rural jobs on communities and was excited to be working in such a sustainable and environmentally-conscience industry with over 80 000 direct jobs. She grew up in the Southern Highlands (Bowral) and was educated at a private school there -- Oxley College. “After school I spent a year in Cheltenham, England, and fell in love with the UK. “I moved to Canberra to study a double degree of a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in International Studies and Linguistics, and a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations.” she said. “I adore English Literature and Classical Ballet, but also love musical theatre and 80s pop music.” Her long-term goal is to “ retire to the countryside in England and take up watercolours like Beatrix Potter”, but in the meantime, it’s all systems go as Elizabeth plays her vital role ensuring AFPA’s work and worth is highlighted.
World Leading Forestry Chains www.chaffeyschains.com.au for more details and your nearest dealer We are distributor dealers for: Stud & Ring Chains Forwarder Tracks & Components • Loader Quarry chains • Four Wheel Drive chains • •
Colin Wooster, a stalwart of the NSW north coast timber community from Casino, NSW, retired on 20 March after a lifetime working in timber.
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8 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
In the news
Berry is top pick P ETER BERRY is a professional trainer and assessor with over 20 years’ experience who feels equally at home behind the controls of a harvester, forwarder, dozer, loader, skidder, excavator, or hauling a fully loaded B double truck and trailer unit. As a part time casual teacher with the Forest Industry Training Centre, which has its headquarters at the Tumut campus of TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, his work takes him State-wide. On a rare occasion you might find him behind a desk in a classroom, but you’re more likely to encounter him perched on a log in the bush or leaning on the bonnet of a work ute. “ I work closely with the client to make sure there is minimal disturbance to workflows; that means I might do a circuit with a driver from log dump to processor,
chatting about his work skills and all the time observing his driving skills and conduct during the haul. I’ll watch the harvester, forwarder or other machine operator from a safe distance and then we’ll look at the job he has been doing and talk about how and why he does what he does. Mostly, I let them do their job and the ones that are competent are quickly obvious.” Peter’s working knowledge of heavy machinery made him a natural choice when Tumut based G & J Groves Pty. Ltd. were seeking an independent third party to carry out the gap training of their 27 Certificate III Harvesting and Haulage candidates in 2014. Michael Clancy (Commercial Manager for G & J Groves Pty Ltd.) praised Peter’s efforts in working with their operators. “I feel confident the process was robust and everyone got on well with Peter who went out of his way to accommodate
VicForests protection for tall trees VICFORESTS is protecting a considerable concentration of tall trees identified during a survey of a proposed harvesting site in Victoria’s Central Highlands. Michael Ryan, Forest Scientist with VicForests, who surveyed the site along with a local interested expert familiar with the stand said: “We are protecting approximately a dozen trees over 80 metres in height along with many hundreds of trees surrounding them in this area”. The trees measuring 80-82 metres in height do not meet the requirements for protection under VicForests’ Giant Tree Policy, but the organisation has made the decision to exclude these trees from the coming harvesting operation. The importance of Giant Trees in the Central Highlands has increased following the Black Saturday fires that killed many of the Giant Trees in the Kinglake and Yarra Ranges National Parks. Those fires also increased the relative importance of scattered pre-1900 ash trees within the Central Highlands areas of State forest available for timber harvesting. “Our giant tree policy is in place to ensure that exceptionally large trees are protected, that is trees measuring over 85 metres in height or trees greater than 4m in diameter. In addition to this, we have also decided to protect a number of other tall trees measuring over 80m due to their high concentration found in this area. “We recognise the value in protecting these trees for future habitat and potentially becoming giant trees themselves which would offer a number of ecological benefits to the area, such as habitat for a range of fauna,” Michael said. “The size of these trees are the result of both a productive site and a thinning operation conducted on the site in 1968 which allowed the remaining trees originating from 1926 to grow both taller and wider,” he said. “Thinning is a process by where we will select trees to be harvested at around the 20-40 year growth stage in order to allow more room for the remaining trees to grow to a larger size and in turn produce a greater volume of high quality sawlog.” VicForests’ conducts pre-harvest surveys for a range of values on every area planned for harvest. The planning process of an area marked for harvest usually starts approximately one to two years before harvesting begins.
workflows. We know that the accreditation was valid and that transfers back to the confidence we have in our operating processes.” Peter understands the challenges often faced by the forest industry when it comes to training and accreditation. “These operators generally know the job backwards. But ask them to write down what they do and we often hit a brick wall. If I ask them to describe what they do we might make more progress but if I ask them to demonstrate it we always hit the nail on the head. “They are essentially practical people operating heavy machinery which is usually fitted with high tech equipment. Our industry is increasingly placing reliance on technology to support safety and optimize processing. Hands on training in the work environment really suits these operators and meets the needs of our clients.”
Peter Berry ... on a rare occasion you might find him behind a desk in a classroom, but you’re more likely to encounter him perched on a log in the bush or leaning on the bonnet of a work ute.
ANZIF to deal with tough topics A new approach for conserving forest biodiversity? We want to focus on how to manage forests in an uncertain future climate. AUSTRALIA’S FORESTS are home to unique and important species of plants, animals and micro-organisms. Australians depend on forest biodiversity for clean water, soil protection, and timber production. Forest biodiversity can underpin important environmental services such as carbon sequestration. Yet our valued native species are continuing to go extinct at a rapid rate. Current land management practices are not meeting conservation objectives. Simply creating more national parks is not the answer. How do we conserve our national biodiversity heritage in a rapidly changing environment? This theme will be explored at the 2015 Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Institutes of Foresters, to be held in Creswick, Victoria, from 13-15 April. The conference will consider how we go ‘beyond tenure’ to better manage all our forests for biodiversity and other values. Speakers from across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region will consider how to integrate biodiversity conservation with timber production, fire management and carbon sequestration. “The range of speakers on this topic is very exciting,” said Professor Rod Keenan, of the University of Melbourne and Chair of the Conference Organising Committee. “We have
speakers from Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand and Nepal.” Interactive discussion sessions will consider market-based and community-based approaches to achieving conservation and other forest management goals. “We have a particular focus on resilient systems and resilient forest landscapes,” said Professor Keenan. “We want to focus on how to manage forests in an uncertain future climate.” Indigenous community perspectives are of particular value in understanding our landscape to inform future forest management. Professor Kerry Arabena, of the University of Melbourne, will lead discussion of indigenous community engagement in forest management. “I encourage all those with an interest in the future of Australasian forests to participate in the conference and be part of the discussion,” said Professor Keenan. “For younger forest and environmental professionals, this is your opportunity to mix with forest management leaders and be part of the discussion about future forest management.” Major sponsors of the conference include the Australian Government Department of Agriculture; the Victorian Government Department of Land, Water and Planning; Forest and Wood Products Australia; and ForestWorks Industry Skills Council.
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 9
In the news
NTCA National Local Government Forest and Timber Industry Conference FORGING BETTER UNDERSTANDING T HE NATIONAL Timber Councils Association is happy to announce that the National Local Government Forest and Timber Industry Conference will take place on 29 and 30 April at the Bayview on Eden, Melbourne. “The conference agenda contains many examples of cooperation between local government and the local forest industry, resulting in socioeconomic benefits for the regions, and forging a greater understanding in the community of the industry,” said Kevin Peachey, Executive Officer, National Timber Councils Association. “Conference attendees will be provided with an update on the workings of the Forest Industry Advisory Council from Rob de Fegely, and we are currently arranging a panel with a range of independent Federal politicians to discuss how to encourage growth in the timber industry in Australia, amongst many other highlights. “Following on from the inaugural NTCA conference in 2013, Latrobe City Council have progressed the first Wood
Encouragement Policy in Australia, with Latrobe City Council’s mayor, Councillor Dale Harriman, stating that the policy signalled Council’s intent to drive wood-related development in the region,” Kevin said. “We are proud of this
pioneering policy that leads by example - showing the local community, the wider region and the rest of the country that we are clear in our purpose to encourage the use of wood as a suitable material for Council projects. Wood is a sustainable, carbon-
friendly product we can source locally so we hope this policy will see an increase in research and development opportunities, will support Council’s efforts to drive job creation and will see the industry set down strong roots in our community,” Cr
Harriman said. Kevin extended an invitation to the national conference ... “Come along and see where your organisation can create stronger bonds with councils in your area. You may be surprised at the positivity that can result from cooperation”.
SP 591 LX
Purpose built for harvesting and debarking of plantation grown eucalyptus.
Financial interest facts AUSTRALIANS HAVE by far the biggest financial interest in New Zealand, largely through the four big banks that most Kiwis use. The next-biggest investors are from the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands. By industry, financial and insurance services has the greatest percentage of foreign ownership, followed by a category described as “suppressed or unallocated”, then manufacturing, professional services and agriculture, forestry and fishing. Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (CAFCA) estimates at least 8.7%, or 1.3 million hectares of New Zealand farmland and forestry, is foreign-owned or controlled. However, CAFCA warns that percentage was based on data up until 2011, and believes it may have increased to using 10% by 2014.
The SP 591 LX is purpose built for harvesting and debarking of plantation grown eucalyptus. It offers an unrivalled productivity, feed speed and debarking efficiency. Together with the over all super duty design that guarantees also maximum reliability and uptime the SP 591 LX truly offers all you need for a profitable harvesting operation.
Head Office Victoria Randalls Equipment Company 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Melbourne VIC Contact: Peter Randalls Ph: 03 9369 8988
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10 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
In the news
Lasers, drones, and tree climbers measure Tassie’s World Heritage forests At a glance • Drone generated 3D models of the forest • Advanced hyperspectral and LiDAR scanning • Data openly accessible via AusCover’s data portal to help facilitate new science Photos by Dr Peter Scarth, of the University of Queensland
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GROUP of scientists and volunteers from the University of Tasmania, the University of Queensland, the CSIRO, and Forestry Tasmania descended on the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area for a week of field work supported by TERN’s AusCover facility. The team used a suite of hightech equipment, including laser scanners, drones and planes to scan, measure and document the state of the forest at TERN’s Warra Tall Eucalypt SuperSite, part of the Australian SuperSite Network. The Warra SuperSite is partly within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which is managed for conservation, and partly within State forest, which is managed for multiple purposes including wood production. The site was established in 1998 to better understand the fundamental ecological processes in E. obliqua forests, to assess the rich biodiversity, and to determine the long-term effects of forest management regimes. Over the week of fieldwork, ground-based teams used advanced terrestrial laser
scanners, including TERN’s new DWEL scanner, to capture the three-dimensional structure of the forest beneath the forest canopy within a 25 square kilometre area. A tree climber, a slingshot, and a sharp shooter were all used to sample leaves from high in the canopy to learn about their spectral signatures and chemical composition. For the first time in the AusCover project’s history, several small drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), carrying multiple sensors were deployed by the coordinator of the AusCover Tasmania node, Arko Lucieer from the University of Tasmania. These UAVs were deployed to capture imagery from a unique perspective above the forest. The drone generated 3D models of the forest, and collected infrared images that will enable scientists to learn about the variety of tree species present in the forest. These UAV observations also allow researchers to link the detailed ground observations to the satellite observations covering much larger areas. Airborne Research Australia (ARA), a research wing of Flinders University, also
conducted a number of flights over the site, during which the aircraft used advanced hyperspectral and LiDAR scanning to measure the 3D structure of trees and discover how the trees absorb and scatter light. AusCover collaborator Dr Peter Scarth, of the University of Queensland, was one of those carrying out the fieldwork and says that all the data collected will be made openly accessible via AusCover’s data portal to help facilitate new science. These new datasets will help to answer complex questions about the composition and role of this ecosystem, including the total biomass and carbon stored in these old forests. “Trips like this are a significant investment in both time and money so it’s critical that all the data collected is captured in a way so that nothing is lost, it has comprehensive metadata and becomes free to access and reuse,” writes Peter in his comprehensive online blog about the field campaign. ‘…our various devices automatically uploaded over 500mb of data as soon as we were back in mobile range to the AusCover ODK Aggregate server so it’s safely backed up and ready to access using standard database tools. From here, it will be merged with any instrument data, checked for errors, and then uploaded to the AusCover portal for anyone to access. Cool.’ Arko Lucieer, who led
Angle Point sampling of stand basal area is also undertaken to link the laser scanning to traditional field methods.
A Trimble Differential GPS fitted with a Choke Ring to improve accuracy under the dense canopy. This system can achieve cm location accuracy.
the week-long Warra field campaign, says that such research and data provision wouldn’t be possible without the infrastructure provided by Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and the support it receives via the Federal Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). “The collaboration of ecologists and remote sensing scientists using state-of-the-art sensor technology allows us to answer difficult questions about these complex ecosystems,” says Arko. For example, research and data collection exercises such as these have already led to a better understanding of how harvesting methods for use in
tall, wet eucalypt forests can meet social, ecological and silvicultural objectives while still being safe and productive. This project is just one illustration of how TERN’s shared research infrastructure is allowing Australia’s ecosystem scientists to collaborate and synthesise effectively across regions and disciplines. “So that was a wrap - the week went really well and we achieved all we set out to collect, and more,” concludes Peter on his blog. “Thanks to all the team and the Forestry Tasmania folk who came down to help, discuss, lug gear, cook, wash up, climb over decaying logs, work ridiculous hours and above all have a great time, share and learn from each other.”
Sampling a mixed regrowth/old growth system at the Warra long-term log-decay experiment.
The Warra FLUX tower - see <https:// www.forestrytas.com.au/news/2012/12/ tasmania-s-first-carbon-flux-towerinstalled>
The Rigel VZ-400 Terrestrial Laser Scanner is used to build a three dimensional model of the 1Ha plot.
Members of the TERN-AusCover field team get a site briefing from Forestry Tasmania’s Dr Tim Wardlaw.
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 11
In the news
Fire deployments and forest learning W HILE NSW experienced a mild fire season for most of the summer, there have been a number of large fires in NSW and interstate at the tail end of the season. More than 40 Forestry Corporation fire fighters were deployed to support large fires in the Pilliga region of north west NSW in early March and eight fire fighters, all specialist chainsaw or heavy plant operators, formed part of a combined NSW deployment to assist on wildfires in Western Australia’s south western corner. The deployments have drawn on the skills Forestry Corporation fire fighters developed and honed during a series of pre-season boot camps held late in 2014. The boot camps were a new approach to fire training and were well received by both experienced and new fire fighters. “Our pre-season boot camps brought seasonal fire fighters, advanced fire fighters and crew leaders together in one place to share and test their fire fighting knowledge and capabilities,” Forestry Corporation’s Fire
Training Coordinator Cameron Wade said. “We also rolled our traditional series of fitness tests and training days into the five-day intensive boot camp to ensure all our fire fighters were at the top of their game and ready to handle deployments like these.” Fire is one aspect of forest management explored in the school excursion program Forestry Corporation of NSW runs to inform students about sustainability, forests and timber. Curriculum-linked school
excursions, school holiday activities, university field trips and educational events such as science expos reached more than 8,000 students in NSW during the 2014 financial year. Figures recently published in Forestry Corporation’s annual sustainability supplement show education programs about forest management, timber and wood are continuing to engage students at all stages, from excursions highlighting basic forest management principles,
regeneration and seedling growth for lower primary students, to specialised field trips to active forestry operations for local and international university students. Senior Ranger Tim Liston, who coordinates the long-running school excursion program at Cumberland State Forest and takes part in major expos and events like the annual Science in the City at the Australian Museum, said both students and teachers continued to provide positive feedback about the forest education experience.
“Cumberland State Forest is in the heart of Sydney’s suburbs, and many of the students who come to our excursions haven’t had much exposure to working forests or primary production. The students love being outdoors and having the chance to get their hands dirty by potting up their own seedlings, but it’s also really valuable starting the conversation about where our timber comes from, how our forests are managed and the renewable resources forests produce,” Mr Liston said.
Education program.
To the editor
Adhesive tannin from eucalyptus bark SEVERAL SPECIES of eucalypt are milled in many countries for utilization of its timber. Bark is a low value by-product. It has several physical forms dependent upon particular species, but for reasons of availability, milling properties and tannin content, the main attention in these investigations has been on the “Gum” or ribbony barks. In the past Eucalyptus wandoo bark extract has been used for leather tanning but there has been scant interest in use of eucalypt tannin for thermosetting adhesive use in reconstituted timber products despite a long history of wattle bark tannin for this purpose and attempts to emulate this success with pine bark tannin extracts. A method for milling “Gum” bark to prepare it for hot water extraction is outlined as is a three step countercurrent tannin extraction process suitable for commercial application. Unlike pine bark which requires fine grinding to access its high viscosity tannin, eucalypt bark tannin is low viscosity, easily extracted from coarsely milled bark: in fact the main difficulty in its use as a panel product adhesive is formulating the spray mixes to obtain sufficient viscosity and “tack” to hold the spread timber furnish “mattresses” together until hot press loading is accomplished. A large range of eucalypt barks have been analysed for total hot water extracts which has been assumed
to be proportional to, and a good indicator of, Stiasny polyphenolic content. Tannin contents vary within and across species, from 5 to 35%. 35% is approaching the tannin level in wattle bark. We have selected 15% as an arbitrary lower limit that would justify commercial recovery of tannin from Eucalypt bark for adhesive purposes. Karri, Spotted Gum, Sugar Gum and Red Gum easily met this criterion, and several other species were within a couple of percent of it. Many sample size hot pressed panel and beam products of all types have been made and tested by boiling to determine whether waterproof bonding has been achieved. Generally we used wheat flour to raise mix viscosity but others were evaluated and several showed promise. Most results of panel manufacture have been excellent. The beam products made actually had the ribbon bark itself employed as the cellulosic furnish. Cross linking agents employed were either urea formaldehyde concentrate or hexamine. Both were successful and it can be assumed that formaldehyde offgassing from the finished products would be negligible. An interesting discovery has been that cold setting of the adhesive formulations is possible, but more work is needed to show whether this has practical application Tannin loadings in the adhesive formulations have been the same as for wattle tannin and the pressing
parameters, especially press times seem comparable but more work with more hi-tech equipment is needed to verify this. The other factors affecting the costcompetitiveness of Eucalypt bark tannin adhesive are obviously the tannin content of the bark, but also whether sustainable, sufficiently large, commercial quantities are available within a reasonable collection range. Despite these variables calculations have been presented which show that profitable eucalypt bark tannin extraction for use as thermosetting adhesive is likely, but significantly dependent on successfully marketing the spent bark as mulch, animal bedding or similar applications. Yours etc., Peter Crammond, Director, RST Technology, Kadina. We welcome your opinion: Email your feedback to j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au
Adhesives and insulating foams from softwood bark tannins
VTT, IN collaboration with its partners, has developed tannin extraction from softwood bark as part of an ERANET project. At least 130kg of crude tannin powder can be produced from one tonne of dry wood bark, still leaving 87% of the original bark mass available for incineration. In Finland, tannin could replace, in particular, fossilbased phenols in adhesives used in the wood products industry. Hundreds of tonnes of tannin is produced from wood materials and wood bark for the needs of leather, beverage and animal feed industry in South America and South Africa in particular. However, the supply of the main sources of tannin,
acacia and quebracho trees, is not sufficient to satisfy the increasing industrial demand for tannin. In industrial use, tannin could be used to replace fossil chemicals in adhesives and insulating foams. In Finland, softwood bark tannins would be well suited for adhesive production for the manufacturing of wood products at sawmills. It could also enhance the fire resistance of insulating foams. As part of the international ERA-NET project, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd developed, in collaboration with its partners, a tannin extraction process from bark material generated as a by-product in the paper and wood industry to give added value to the fraction currently used for incineration.
The extraction process is quite simple: tannin can be extracted from bark using hot water, after which the extract is dried into a powder. Drying the water extract into powder may not be necessary if the tannin is extracted near the site where glued wood products are manufactured. One tonne of dry wood bark yields at least 130kg of tannin powder, leaving 87% of the original bark mass available for incineration. The tannin extracted from present raw material sources is relatively pure. Extract from spruce bark, however, also contains other compounds, carbohydrates in particular, which limits the use of crude tannin. Yet, it may be possible to develop extraction and extract purification technologies for different end uses.
12 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
NEW PRODUCT Simple, innovative solution to sorting At a glance
Key personnel
• 1979 Velj. Moisio Ky (Brothers Moisio) was established • Harvester head suitable for forwarders. The idea was to do all work with one machine. • Sorter launched at FinnMetko 2014 and first pair of Sorters sold within 10 minutes
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O R W A R D E R PRODUCTIVITY is mainly influenced by loading and offloading times and with differing log sizes this can reduce productivity even further. Different logs usually become mixed in the forwarder bunk and the operator takes time to select the correct logs during offloading. Now, though, there’s a simple but innovative solution to overcome the problem. Moisio Forest has developed the Moipu sorting clamp, which is attached to the forwarder bunk. The installation of the sorting clamps is easy and fast, taking 15 minutes for two clamps. The clamps can also be easily removed, allowing them to be re-installed on another forwarder if necessary. The clamps consist of a simple and reliable structure, which allows mounting to be done on forwarders with different shape and width bunks. The up and down positions can be adjusted according to the bunk. When not required, the sorting clamp is lowered to a position lower than the bunk, and in this way does not take loading space. When the sorting clamps are required, the grapple or a log can be used to quickly raise the clamps, and the same technique is used to lower them. Because of the simple design, the sorting clamps are also very affordable. The Moisio company’s roots lie in forest contracting. The founder, Juha Moisio, started forestry work with his brother Jouko Moisio in 1968 using an agricultural tractor. Even as a kid Juha was in forestry driving logs out of the forest with a horse. In 1979 Velj. Moisio Ky (Brothers Moisio) was established. “In the late 1980s the first single grip harvesters came on the markets. At the time they were quite expensive and really poor in quality and efficiency,” said Petrus Moisio, managing director. “Juha started to design and manufacture a harvester head for the use of the company. This lead to the development of our first harvester head with a moving body structure: Moipu 700. “This was also manufactured with a licence by Lehtimäen Konepaja Oy. In the beginning of the 1990s our Moipu feed rollers were invented. At that time harvesters used only rubber wheels with chains. These were also very expensive, had poor grip and really poor durability.
Moipu feed rollers were rubber rollers with steel gripping plates allowing the roller work like a track, generating impressive grip,” said Petrus. “We also started to develop a harvester head suitable for forwarders. The idea was to do all work with one machine. This generated a harvester head called Moipu 400. In the beginning of 21st century a client came to us with a request: Make an energy wood harvester head. This sparked an idea to make a guillotine head based on the M400 head. This pushed us into making and designing energy wood heads.” In 2005 the company’s name was changed to Moisio Forest Oy to represent better its products and international trade. That year Tuomas, Juha’s son, started with the company as a full time designer and the company started designing everything in 3D. Before that Juha’s first son Taneli had worked also full time in the business as forest machine driver and a technician. In 2007 the M300ES energy wood head was launched and received a really good response from the markets because at the same time there was an enormous boom for energy wood. Growing turnover from the sales of Moipu feed rollers and energy wood heads helped the company to focus on the manufacturing side and especially in product development. In 2009 Petrus, third son of Juha, started with the company as a product designer. During 2010 Moisio Forest made a big investment in new facilities in Viitasaari. “The new facilities and some investments in production enabled us to really make high quality products and at the volume,” said Petrus.
In 2013 discussions with a customer led to an idea of a Sorting device for a forwarder. “For a long time this idea was just sitting on drawing board, because we didn’t realize at first how to make it, and to be honest didn’t see the potential,” said Petrus. In the spring of 2014 Tuomas suddenly realized how this product should be made and soon the first prototypes were made and being tested. “We got extremely positive feedback on the prototypes, then after a few alterations of components, the products was finalized. “This process took only a few months,” he said. The Sorter was launched at FinnMetko 2014 and the first pair of Sorters was sold within 10 minutes of the exhibition starting. “At this point we realized what a huge potential this product really had. “After FinnMetko we have sold about 80 pairs of the Moipu Sorter, mainly to Finland but also to Sweden and Baltics. So, the product is still quite new but stirring interest already all over world from USA to Australia. At the moment we have models for John Deere, Komatsu and Ponsse, but we will make models also for other forwarder as we receive measurements,” said Petrus. Now, Moisio Forest has three different product lines: Feed rollers, harvester heads and Sorters. “Our main markets at the moment are in Scandinavia and Central-Europe. We design, manufacture and sell our own products,” he said. We welcome your opinion: Email your feedback to j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au
Petrus Moisio (managing director, export sales), Taneli Moisio (sales in Finland, technical support), Tuomas Moisio (product development), Juha Moisio (chairman of the board).
The Moipu sorting clamp is attached to the existing bank; mounting is easy and fast.
When the sorting clamp isn’t needed it can be lowered to the side of the bank.
Petrus, Taneli and Tuomas at FinnMetko
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 13
TRAINING Manual tree felling a harvesting contractor’s greatest risk While it is often said you learn by mistakes this strategy cannot be tolerated with tree felling
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HAWN SMEATHERS (Production Manager) and Jo Grill (Training and Safety Manager) of South West Haulage Company (SWHC), Manjimup in Western Australia, identified through their risk assessment process that manual tree felling was their greatest risk. They have two full-time manual tree fallers who could work in any of the three native forest operations, depending on circumstances. There are many control measures put in place to mitigate this risk including constant and frequent monitoring and supervision of fallers by the supervisors. While the four native forests supervisors are competent and experienced supervisors they admitted they lacked the necessary skills in tree falling. Shawn decided that an advanced tree faller competency would be a requirement of his supervisors. His position was that they should know exactly what was happening and have the confidence to challenge and/or correct tree fallers when and if they strayed a little from expected standards and practices. Shawn had already completed his advanced training a few years earlier and understood just how important it was to be able to engage and converse with experienced fallers from a sound knowledge and skill base. Advanced falling skills would also assist his supervisors with their hazardous tree identification and subsequent risk assessments. These supervisors could now fell those difficult and hazardous trees identified for removal themselves,
At a glance • Advanced tree faller competency required by supervisors • Tree felling involves three basic techniques or methods • All professional fallers in WA are required to be competent at the advanced level • Group critique a crucial part of the learning system • Trainees had to make sure that the scarf, hingewood and backcut met the listed criteria
without having to pull the fallers away from other coupes. SWHC was impressed that the Government agency managing forestry in WA, the Forest Products Commission, also requires its Foresters with supervision and/or tree marking roles, be trained in tree falling. Bill Towie, Towie Timber Training, who also consults with SWHC on its safety program, was engaged to train them in the unit of competency FPIHAR3212 – harvest trees manually (advanced)
which is from the national forest products industry training package. While all four supervisors were experienced and competent chainsaw operators, none had any recent or recognised tree falling credentials, although each admitted they had assisted fallers and fell many trees during their long careers. “It was November 2014 and operations were cranking up from the winter period so we scheduled most of the training on weekends. This freed them up to manage their operations during the working week. The program was scheduled over five consecutive weekends, including a Friday and Saturday at the end,” said Bill. “My initial task was to train them to Intermediate level first as this is a pre-requisite to the advanced level.” he said. The theory presentation was conducted in SWHC‘s training room on a Friday afternoon. The following day started early on a previously cut over karri coupe in Treen Brook block about 15km west of Pemberton with Bill demonstrating the three basic tree felling techniques (a fan cut where the bar is greater than the tree, a sectional cut where the bar is less than the tree, and the ‘strap’ technique for forward leaning trees that were both greater or smaller than the bar length). Each trainee then fell intermediate type karri trees (about 40 metres in height, up to about 80cm in diameter and round
continued on page 14
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14 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
TRAINING Manual tree felling a harvesting contractor’s greatest risk and sound) whilst the others observed and learned. The trainee felling the tree had to identify hazards in the tree to be felled and in the immediate area and nominate, through the risk assessment process, subsequent control measures. Other routine requirements before felling commenced were to identify the compression side, exact felling direction or target, the appropriate method or technique and the escape route. Bill led the group through the trainee’s observations and comments and modifications or improvements were agreed on and the reasons were explained. There was also considerable critique by the group led by Bill during the felling of each tree including analysing the scarf before commencing the backcut. Trainees had to make sure each scarf met the listed criteria -- including cuts meeting (exactly), the scarfline (where the two cuts met) was at 90 degrees to the nominated target and level, the opening was free of debris and wide enough. The depth needed to be relevant to the tree’s diameter and lean. The trainee and Bill would discuss and agree on the appropriate technique and height of the back cut before commencing and Bill would monitor progress closely until the tree was felled. The other trainees could be involved in all of these discussions but were always expected to stand on the nominated escape route once the back cut was started.
Roger Krispyn, large karri.
Once each tree was felled, through stump analysis, there would be considerable group discussion on how well the trainee met the required elements of the scarf, the hingewood and the back cut. Most of the discussion focused on what could be done better next time. Everyone learned from the others efforts. The group critique, discussions and further questions reinforced many
wood at the back of the tree) on forward leaning trees. The following weekend was spent on falling larger, hazardous and more difficult trees including hollow butts, multi-legged trees, heavy leaning trees, stags and double and multiple leaders. Most of these trees were poorer quality timber due to age, insect attack, fire damage etc., and were left standing from previous cuts prior to 1975
There may soon come a day when there are no professional full-time manual tree fallers around. So, be well satisfied with this new competency -- you are now one of a few. aspects covered in the theory. Each trainee fell about 6/7 trees on the first days and about 12 each on the second day of ‘controlled learning’. The following Saturday was more of the same except after lunch Bill was able to take more of a back seat and coaching/instruction was limited compared to the intensity of the first day. Each was assessed as competent Intermediate tree fallers by the end of the day. Each trainee fell about 14 intermediate trees each. Trainees applied fan, sectional and the strap technique (retaining uncut
before wood chipping was introduced into WA’s native forest management and when mill logs was the priority and the only product produced. The 50cm bar on the Stihl MS 660 was replaced with a 75cm bar while a second larger chainsaw was also used (Stihl MS 880 with a 90cm bar). As qualified Intermediate fallers, the trainees had learned the three standard felling methods (fan, sectional and strap cuts) and while the advanced level does not introduce any new methods there were a few subtle variations to techniques. The advanced
Neil Muir (wedges) assisting Roger Krispyn falling a large karri tree.
continued from page 13
format followed similar to the intermediate training where considerable discussion of hazards and tactics took place prior, during and after the felling of each tree. Trainees also consolidated their use of axes and wedges. As the trees were bigger and more difficult the number of trees fell decreased to about 4 to 5 each per day. The following and last weekend was practice in preparation for the assessments. Bill continued to monitor the trainees during the practice sessions but took a deliberate step back and observed and only ‘interfered’ when the trainee and/or groups decisions needed clarification, modification or reinforcement about a hazard or particular aspect. While there is a belief or understanding that we often learn best from mistakes, to deliberately allow mistakes or errors cannot be tolerated with tree felling. It is one of the world’s high risk professions and often mistakes result in serious injuries or death. Bill had to ensure each tree was assessed correctly and the appropriate techniques were applied before and during the felling of every tree. The final day was assessment day and each trainee had to fall at least six ‘advanced’ trees. The same strategy of involving the others to critique the trainee’s pre felling planning and application continued during the assessment process.
Neil Muir (rotten karri).
S upervisors in front of one of the identified advanced trees, a large karri hollow butt, (l-r) Gavin Hughes, Roger Crispyn, Clint Smeathers and Neil Muir.
It was pleasing that all four trainees had similar commentary, although Bill had already made up his mind in regards to their achievements. On completion of the assessments and as part of his closing commentary, Bill congratulated all four on their accomplishment. “Advanced manual tree fallers in this day and age are few and far between. It is a profession that for various reasons, including the high risk involved, mechanical harvesting, the lack of numbers of big trees because of the no old growth logging policies and the fact that it is ‘extremely hard work’ means there are less and less taking up this profession. There may soon come a day when there are no professional full-time manual tree fallers around. So, be well satisfied with this new competency -- you are now one of a few.”
Gavin Hughes on the back side of the large karri hollow butt.
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 15
TRAINING Distance no barrier for award winner G OLD COASTbased horticultural contractor Jason Truscott didn’t see distance as an issue when he embarked on a Diploma of Forest and Forest Products with the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Forest Industry Training Centre (FITC). FITC is based in Tumut in southern NSW in what might arguably be called NSW’s ‘forest capital’, a long way from tropical Queensland where Jason manages the horticulture department and field operations for a plant biotechnology company. Jason already held advanced qualifications in Horticulture but was seeking to broaden his skills in a forestry context. “Much of what we do is horticulture, but it eventually gets applied in a forestry framework and I wanted to better understand forest growing from a management perspective. “The process of learning and the skills I have developed as a result, have provided me with extra confidence and
credibility when discussing research programs with our national and international clients. We are at the cutting edge of plant technology and it’s a fascinating field to work in,” said Jason. “We focus on desirable traits and then manipulate chromosomes in selected species which are then trialled under controlled conditions to see how they perform. A lot of my work is in the laboratory so it was important for me to have a good understanding of research methodology and a capacity to interpret analysed results.” Jason added: “I was well supported by FITC during the course of my studies; there was an open door policy and I knew I could email or phone my trainer at any time to seek clarification on my assignments and ask for help. Fitting in the studies with a full time job and a new baby daughter Annabelle was a bit of a juggle at times but I was determined to reach the endpoint.” Jason’s high level of performance in the Diploma
Course gained him the 2014 G & J Groves Pty. Ltd. Award for outstanding achievement in a forestry course. Spokesman for G & J Groves Pty. Ltd, Michael Clancy said there was a long standing tradition in the business to reward learning achievements. “The late Geoff Groves recognized, and was passionate about supporting skills development and this ethos is carried on today by his wife Jean. Our organisation has long links with the Forest Industry Council (FIC) and the Forest Industry Training Centre. Mark Grove has been a great champion for forest industry training in our region and it was his foresight that saw the establishment of FITC under the umbrella of the Riverina Institute of TAFE. FITC manager David Priem is continuing the development and extension of the training centre and G & J Groves Pty. Ltd. is delighted to be associated with rewarding high achievers.”
Forestry Diploma student Jason Truscott receiving his Outstanding achievement award from Michael Clancy of G&J Groves Pty Ltd.
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16 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
TRAINING ForestWorks Innovation Skills Program in full swing, plus new Innovation Working Groups N OW IN its second year, the ForestWorks Innovation Skills Program is gathering great momentum, with the establishment of three additional Innovation Working Groups (to add to the four currently in progress). The key driver of the Innovation Skills Program is its ability to support industry to improve productivity through collaboration; a critical element to achieving this aim is through the establishment, facilitation and management of Innovation Working Groups. As with the four Innovation Working Groups established last year, each new group has been tasked with working collaboratively to develop practical and innovative solutions to address existing challenges within the industry’s value chain. Innovation Working Groups have been formed based on information and feedback gathered from industry, including information from Innovation Skill Forums.
New Innovation Working Groups Improving National Regional Community Engagement
This Innovation Working Group aims to draw together community leaders, under the leadership of Timber Communities Australia, to examine and advance through innovation community engagement for, by and with the forest and forest products industries. Community engagement is a critical element to all land use activities and is regularly identified as an area in which industry needs to focus more attention and for which communities require improved methodologies to effectively engage with industry.
Merchandised Timber Supply Chain Integration
This Innovation Working Group will examine all participants within the merchandised timber products supply chain to identify opportunities for improved communication and to identify best practices for the maximisation of sales and returns. Leadership and support will be provided by the Timber Merchants Association. The success of the sales of merchandised timber products is often considered a responsibility of either the producer or the merchant. However, the success
depends on the communication and collaboration of all participants within the supply chain, including consumers, timber merchants, wood processors and forest growers. A series of domestic supply chain limitations and weaknesses that impact upon the entire sector’s ability to maximize sales and returns have been identified. These include: • Absence of supply chain networks in the industry, with a focus on appropriate exchange of information and collaboration on responsibilities • Deficient supply of product information and insufficient communication with consumers, impacting on the industry ability to extract value from and create value for consumer
Improving Employee Stakeholder Engagement
This Innovation Working Group is focused on drawing community leaders together to encourage more active, progressive and professional employee stakeholder engagement, on an ongoing and continuous basis. Employee stakeholder engagement is a critical element of all successful business change activities. The group is led by the Forestry & Furnishing Products Division of the CFMEU.
Progress of the Four Other Innovation Working Groups Four Innovation Working Groups (IWG) were established in 2014. Each is progressing and they are commencing to form new working groups, alliances and connections to advance their work. As the example below demonstrates, new business opportunities are arising from the work of the IWGs.
Innovation in frame and truss technologies
This group is investing in industry wide collaboration to improve competitiveness and profitability. The facilitator and leader of this group – Peter McLean,
Development Impacts, and Kersten Gentle, FTMA – have recently travelled to organisations in the ACT/ NSW region to discuss the idea of waste management in the frame and truss sector. The other existing IWGs are:
• Standards for timber building systems • Innovative solutions to specific skills shortages • Pulp and paper sector collaboration around HR development solutions To provide the people element to the work of the IWGs, the participants of the pulp and paper IWG have been busily looking at various innovative pathways for the pulp and paper sector. One of the most promising is a Professional Development Program for new leaders in the industry.
Coming Innovation forums and events
Innovation Forums, held across Australia, provide valuable opportunities for industry to listen to new ideas from business and learn from innovation experts on business process improvements. These forums will continue to run throughout 2015, with the flagship event having only just taken place; the 7th Annual Industry Development Conference, which was held in Canberra on 25 March. Two associated Innovation Forums were also held in Canberra on the 24 March. The full round-up on the conference will be available in the next issue of Australian Forests & Timber News. ForestWorks will also be running a series of forums in conjunction with the Timber and Building Materials Association (TABMA) over the coming months: 19 May 2015: Sydney 20 May 2015: Newcastle 22 May 2015: Adelaide 4 June 2015: Tweed Heads
Forestry Corporation teams up with local TAFE to teach new technology LESS WASTE, more efficient operations and better coordination between customers and timber harvesting operators are some of the benefits expected from a new two-day industry training course designed in partnership by Forestry Corporation of NSW and the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute. Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Bathurst-based Value Recovery Coordinator Nick Firth said the course, trialled at the Tumut campus, would bring local timber harvesting operators up to speed with recent advances in technology. “While people have been harvesting timber for hundreds of years, just like any industry the technology continues to evolve and improve the way we operate,” Nick said. “Modern harvesting machines are really like mobile production control centres, with the ability to capture and transmit real-time data between the forest and the supply chain. “Because each tree can produce a range of different products, a better flow of information to help operators determine in real time which products they need to supply to customers and how they need to cut each tree to produce them. “This has great potential to improve efficiency.
For example, the strong solid bottom half of the trunk is usually ideal for house frames and furniture while the narrower sections towards the top are generally used to create products like particleboard and paper products. If operators have an understanding of what they need to supply, they can determine whether they need to produce more sawlogs or more pulpwood and ensure they cut the trunk in the right place to deliver the right mix,” he said. “We’re not making the most out of this technology in local forests at the moment because operators don’t have sufficient training, which is why we’ve teamed up with the Tumut campus of the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute to design and run a two-day course to boost industry skills,” Nick said. The first trial of the course involved several operators and supervisors from the Tumut management area who spent a day learning theory and using computer simulators and another day putting the theory into practice on an actual harvester in the forest. The training is expected to be offered to harvest operators working in State-owned softwood plantations throughout NSW.
On the job.
TAFE simulator.
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 17
TYRE CARE Trials and tribulations of log truck tyres By Chet Cline
L
OG TRUCKS work harder than most any other truck. They work long hours, travelling on rough tracks, dragging heavy timber out, in all conditions, and they have to be reliable. Tyre life is often weeks, not months or years like most trucks. Breakages, high wear rates, if you want to test a truck, put it into logging. And the drivers, simply amazing where they go. Most city slickers wouldn’t even walk where they take 40 tonne. The single most abused component is the tyre. It scratches, tearing up the ground trying to get in, or out of the logging coupe. When empty, it scratches and spins. When loaded, the rocks are trying to poke holes in them, or rip off more rubber. Yet, tradition was always inflate them to 100 psi, and replace them when they die. Yet that same tyre, with AIR
CTI, can do so much more. AIR CTI started last century, back when the imported stuff was twice as expensive, and half as good. AIR CTI is used all over the country, in Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Canada, and the USA. Road trains, Log trucks, Cherry Pickers, Tippers, Fuel Tankers, Stock trucks all benefit. In every case, AIR CTI has added at least 30% to the life of the tyre. But, there is more. AIR CTI is really the only tool that makes the tyre manufacturer recommendations possible and affordable. What ‘recommendations?’ All tyre manufacturers recommend that tyre pressures should be adjusted to suit the load, and the road. The correct cold tyre pressure for 16.5 tonne is only 80 psi. For 20 tonne on a standard tri, correct pressure is only 68 psi! Michelin says a 20% over inflated drive tyre
wears out 22% faster! And on dirt or gravel roads, the pressures are much lower. What??? What is this? You can’t run an 11R that low! For maximum traction, and or low weight, they recommend down to 25psi!!! For the last 20 years, we’ve been running log trucks at 92 psi when fully loaded, down to 30 psi for maximum traction. And it works. It saves a lot of money. The entire truck lasts longer. The differential and gearbox last twice along. Driver health benefits. And the tracks don’t get ripped to pieces. In fact, our customers tell us “you can’t haul logs profitably, without AIR CTI.” There is simply no question, every log truck, and every chip truck needs AIR CTI on the drive tyres, at least. Most systems pay for themselves in months. In many cases, you won’t even get to the logging coupe without AIR CTI. We’ve
seen tyre life improvements from 27,000 to over45,000 kms, from 40,000 to 65,000, from 90,000 to 135,000. Truthfully, the improved safety is good enough reason. The correct tyre pressure stops faster, on bitumen, and on gravel roads. The truck goes where it should, instead of sliding off into the gutter. The improved ride and control means the driver is more alert, and in better control, with less
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18 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
BIO Raptor shows its real value in tough demonstration T
HE RAPTOR 800, AHWI Prinoth’s flagship tracked carrier with the SB1200SD Stump Buster attachment, has been hard at work in SouthWest Victoria grinding rows of previously logged blue gum in preparation for planting cereal crops or to return to pasture. The machine, owned and operated by Nuland Contracting, has been working in the Hamilton, Victoria, area since August 2014 when they took delivery. In this time the Raptor 800 with the SB1200SD Stump Buster has proven its ability with the perfect combination of power and function. As with all AHWI Raptors the mechanical drive generates important savings and improves efficiency compared to hydraulically-driven mulchers ensuring the maximum hp is delivered to the attachment. The Raptor 800 with the M9002300 Mulching attachments was the focus of a recent demonstration. As the forestry operators look to the future there is increasing pressure to reduce the fire hazard of the slash left after harvest. The current method of burning has become extremely unpopular with residents and authorities. It is also restricted with a limited season through winter to avoid the likelihood of bushfire. Hosted by AHWI Australia and Nuland Contractors, utilising Nuland Contractors’ machine, they exchanged the SB1200SD Stump Buster attachment with the M900-2300 mulching attachment to demonstrate its slash reducing capabilities. A demonstration was arranged in the forest near Hamilton for various interested contractors and forest management companies to show the performance of the machine
clearing both pine and blue gum slash. Nuland Contractors owners Ryan Wilks, Jake Wilks and Scott McWaters were on site to operate the machine. AHWI Prinoth were represented by Dominic Schober AHWI Prinoth’s technician who flew from the factory in Germany to assist with technical questions and Tim Sharrad AHWI Australia’s Business Development Manager The day started in a previously cleared pine forest with the slash left ranging from small diameter branches of 50mm to 150mm up to logs with diameters ranging from 300mm to 450mm. The Raptor 800 tackled this with relative ease, first working between the remaining stumps clearing to ground level, then retuning down the stump row reducing the stumps to the row height. Several passes were done clearing approximately 1 hectare of slash into a layer of mulch mixed into the soil. “We then moved to a previously cleared area of blue gum slash. The slash was dry and hard covering like a thick blanket over on the ground in some areas around 600mm deep. Again the Raptor 800 with the M900-2300 Mulching head took to the task with ease, shredding the blue gum remains into mulch and cultivating it into the soil,” said Tim. “All were impressed with the machine proving the ability to reduce the slash quickly and effectively and in turn providing the ideal solution in reducing the current unpopular practice of burning,” he said. AHWI Australia distributes the unrivalled AHWI range of crawler tractors, mulchers, biomass harvesters, stone crushers, stump grinders, rotavators, chippers,
N uland Contracting owner Ryan Wilks entering the Raptor 800 to continue mulching.
bunching shears, grapples and slashers. Purpose built crawler carriers are available as well as attachments for PTO tractors, excavators and skid steers. AHWI machines are precision manufactured in southern Germany, close to picturesque Lake Constance. The robust construction of AHWI machines withstands the toughest requirements of intense land clearing operations. Special patented carbide-tipped HDT and UPT tools guarantee optimal performance and minimum loss. The processing of woody materials of all sizes is the main priority of these versatile machines. Yard waste processing, cleanup work at construction sites, volume reduction at transfer stations and landfills, forestry work (cellulose indust r y/plantations/nat ural regeneration), land clearing, clearing vegetation around power line and pipeline constructions, soil stabilisation, orchard removal, farming and landscaping are some of the applications in which AHWI machines excel. When organic material is mulched, it is worked into the soil, so material doesn’t have to be transported to landfill sites. This saves ever-increasing waste transportation and landfill costs. Mulching also reduces soil erosion and improves the ground by building up humus soil, works as a humidity buffer and delays weed growth. “In 1993 AHWI started with the development of a new generation of crawler tractors. The principal idea was to offer a carrier for our mulchers, both produced by one manufacturer and 100% compatible. Today, AHWI supplies a range of equipment ideally suited to the customer’s needs for operating in extreme environmental conditions, from the cold climates of Tasmania to the tropical heat of the Northern Territory.” To learn more about the Raptor 800 or other AHWI Prinoth mulching and stump grinding carriers and attachment please contact Tim Sharrad direct on mobile 0437 964 039, Email tim@ ahwi.com.au or visit the AHWI Australia web site at www.ahwi. com.au or if you need Nuland Contractors assistance call Ryan Wilks on Mobile 0429 662 055, Email rjwilks1@bigpond.com
At a glance • Slash ranging from small diameter branches of 50mm to 150mm up to logs with diameters ranging from 300mm to 450mm • Several passes were done clearing approximately a hectare of slash into a layer of mulch mixed into the soil. • Mulching reduces soil erosion and improves the ground by building up humus soil, works as a humidity buffer and delays weed growth
AHWI Prinoth Raptor 800 arriving to site with some of the guests looking on.
AHWI Prinoth Raptor 800 with the M900-2300 Mulching attachment mulching blue gum slash.
AHWI Prinoth Raptor 800 with the M900-2300 Mulching attachment mulching heavy pine slash.
R yan Wilks, Dominic Schober and Tony McBride removing SB1200SD Stump Buster from the Raptor 800.
Technically speaking Engine Caterpillar C-18 Power 470 kW / 630 hp Heavy duty undercarriage 600 mm standard 700 mm or 800 mm optional Mulcher M900 Heavy Duty. 900 mm rotor diameter Stump Buster SB1200 Severe Duty. 1200 mm diameter Overall height 3130 mm
Overall width inc. mulcher 2800 mm Overall length inc. mulcher 6900 mm Drive speed 0-7.5 km/h Weight without mulcher 20,750 kg Ground pressure (incl. mulcher) 600 mm (standard): 0.54 kg/cm2 700 mm: 0.47 kg/cm2 800 mm: 0.42 kg/cm2
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 19
BIO More pellets means more plantings U S FOREST Service scientists believe that Europe’s demand for wood pellets to generate renewable bioenergy will lead to an increase in US forestland as timber exports rise. A new study has found that policies in the European Union and elsewhere requiring the use of renewable and low greenhouse gas-emitting energy were driving demand for wood pellets used in the generation of biomass energy. This demand could provide lucrative new markets for US timber exports, increase wood prices, and lead to substantial increases of forested areas. Karen Abt, research economist with the Forest Service’s Economics and Policy unit and lead author of the report, said: “Southern forests and some northern forests as well, are being used to produce pellets for export to the EU. “Current and proposed production levels have the potential to increase prices, but may also lead to an increase in timberland area.”
Abt and her team used a computer model to simulate timber markets in the U.S. Coastal South up until the year 2040. “We modelled a ‘business as usual’ scenario which continued the current level of wood production and an alternative scenario which increased the production of wood bioenergy.” This alternative scenario accounted for continued bioenergy demands based on the most recent projections of wood consumption by pellet mills and other bioenergy producers. These projections include all announced bioenergy wood demands, and while actual demands will likely be lower, there is considerable uncertainty in the bioenergy market. In the “business as usual” baseline scenario, the simulation showed timber demand and prices rising in the short term, but falling in all areas across the South by 2040. However, when Abt’s team added the bioenergy component to the baseline, they saw a very different outcome. “Based on our
assumptions, the results indicate increased bioenergy demand could result in an increase in pine non-sawtimber prices,” said Abt. One might assume that increased demand for timber products and the associated boom in timber harvests would deplete southern forests. However, the study finds an increased demand for timber could mean just the opposite. In Abt’s simulations, the baseline scenario, which does not account for additional bioenergy demand, saw forested land decrease by 2040. But in the simulations accounting for additional bioenergy needs, there was actually an increase in the forest land base over the same period, despite the increased harvests. As Abt points out, it’s all about supplying the increased demand. “We know people plant more when prices go up,” she said. “We also know that they keep more natural forest as forest when prices go up.” Abt and her team based their initial research on EU policy, the Renewable Energy Directive, which requires a 20 percent
At a glance • It’s all about supplying the increased demand • timber demand and prices rising in the short term • EU extends renewable requirement through 2030
contribution from bioenergy to the energy use of all EU Member States by 2020. However, it is now clear the EU requirements will extend even longer, which likely means an even greater impact. “The EU has already extended their renewable requirement through 2030,” Abt said, adding that the new requirement also increases the amount of bioenergy required to 27%. “There is no indication that they will renege on this additional requirement, though the newest policy lacks country-specific requirements, which adds a bit of uncertainty.” Abt points out that there is
much that is still unknown about the interactions among policy, economics, and forestry. This makes projections such as these inherently uncertain. “There are studies under way by the EU Environment Agency on the effects of the Renewable Energy Directive on the sustainability of southern forests,” Abt said. “If new requirements are adopted, this could affect use of southern forests for pellet production for export to the EU. All indications are that pellets from southern forests will meet the current EU requirements.”
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20 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
FWPA Simplifying pine plantation growing regions by understanding genetics and environment By Matthew Lovering
At a glance • Research set to prove its worth • Matching tree genotypes with production environments • Looked at well over 200 trials run over the past five decades • Australia’s historical climate is changing
E
VERY PINE plantation grower wants trees that are best suited to the environment of their plantation and that produce wood that is of the best quality. Making sure the growers get these trees is an ongoing mission for the research scientists and plant breeding organisations who are using their deep understanding of complex tree genetics to produce the best growing stock. However, such stock has to be produced economically as well as be easy to plant out and manage in terms of the day-today industrial reality of a large scale plantation. For example, if there are too many different types of tree stock families that a plantation manager has to deal with, then it becomes more expensive to manage and more difficult to ensure that the correct tree goes to the correct growing site. Currently, foresters, through the National Plantation Inventory, recognise 15 plantation regions across Australia. These regions represent ‘economic wood supply zones’; that is, the regions where different types of trees (whether that is a gum tree or a pine tree, or even a particular tree genotype) grow best and produce the best possible product. The regions range from southern Western Australia to Tasmania, the Green Triangle (straddling South Australia and Victoria), through the rest of Victoria to NSW and Queensland. For growers there are 12 regions identified that are suitable for radiata pine plantations. This is where current research, funded by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and undertaken by CSIRO in conjunction with the Southern Tree Breeding Association (Australia), the Radiata Pine Breeding Company (New Zealand) and industry is set to prove its
worth. The research examined the underlying factors affecting the interaction between genetics and climate and site factors for radiata pine at different plantation sites across Australia and New Zealand. This interaction is commonly known as ‘GxE’, which means how the tree’s genotype (i.e. the tree’s genetics as shown in its physical traits such as how fast it grows, how big, how straight etc.) change as factors change in the environment (such as temperature, rainfall,
trials that have been run over the past five decades. The selected trials had to have assessed the differences in expressed tree genotypes for the offspring from known parents when grown in different environmental locations,” says Milos. Although the researchers considered other traits that are desirable in trees such as form, branching and wood quality (e.g. density), they found that productivity traits (e.g. growing quickly, water use, response to temperature etc.) were most likely to be affected by environmental variables so as to produce economic gain (or reductions) for growers. As a result of their studies the researchers identified that the number of breeding regions for pine plantations in Australia could be simplified to three plantation ‘site types’ where tree genetics interacting with environment influences economic gains. In essence, site types are able to be split into Warm and Cool site types, based on the mean minimum temperature expected at the site during the coldest month. Cool site types are further split into Cool-Wet and Cool-Dry ‘site types’ based on variations in rainfall at the site.
We wanted to establish which trees minimise the negative affects of environment on the expression of the genotype within a region so as to optimally target trees for each region. soil type etc.). The primary aim of the research was to define the regions (or site types) that would maximise genetic gain in productivity (measured in terms of economic traits that boost returns for growers) by matching tree genotypes with production environments. For this important research project, Dr Milos Ivkovich, from CSIRO was the project leader and one of the two principal researchers (together with Dr Washington Gapare of CSIRO). “We wanted to establish which trees minimise the negative affects of environment on the expression of the genotype within a region so as to optimally target trees for each region,” says Milos. The researchers were able to access the pedigree, performance and trial information for hundreds of thousands of improved trees through the Southern Tree Breeding Association’s comprehensive tree-breeding data management system, as well as to integrate data from industry collaborators and CSIRO trials. “We looked at well over 200
Fieldwork by CSIRO researchers.
This reduction in the number of ‘site type’ breeding regions in Australia could significantly simplify management of the national breeding programme. “Tree breeding programs are certainly expected to increase genetic gains into the next generations, and although we haven’t performed an economic analysis, indications are that accounting for genotype by region interaction could lift these future genetic gains in productivity by up to 30% more than otherwise would be the case,” says Milos. The research also evaluated how Australia’s changing climate will affect the deployment of particular bred trees in the different growing regions. In Australia, the climate has warmed by 0.9°C since 1910; temperatures are projected to increase, with more extremely hot days and fewer extremely cool days; and autumn and early winter rainfall has mostly been below average in the southeast since 1990. “Australia’s historical climate is changing and we are interested in how that will affect the
growing regions in the future,” says Milos. “We’ll see the climate zones shift so that, for example, Tasmania will become warmer and become more like the climate in Central Gippsland at the moment. For growers in Tasmania, who today might plant a particular type of pine, perhaps soon they will want to think about planting trees more suitable to Gippsland. We see the research as bringing climate change, and its affects on the expression of genotype in trees, to growers’ attention.” For Australian growers, all the information revealed by the research is being incorporated into the Southern Tree Breeding Association’s TREEPLAN genetic evaluation system—a very powerful analytical system that determines the best breeding values so as to improve growers profitability. The research project is titled ‘Matching genotypes to current and future production environments to maximise radiata pine productivity and profitability’ and is available for free download from the FWPA website.
Export Chipping Solutions
Twin System 6830/7900EL (Track Optional)
All-In-One System 5000H
Chipping Equipment The Innovative Solution for Flails & Chippers Peterson offers two very successful solutions for Pine and Eucalyptus Plantations in the southern hemisphere; the ‘All-in-One System’ and ‘Twin System’ for in-field chipping. Peterson is represented by Komatsu Forest in Australia and New Zealand which provides a strong combination in meeting the local requirements. Komatsu Forest offers chipping contractors real product support and expertise.
www.komatsuforest.com.au
Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd. 11/4 Avenue of Americas Newington NSW 2127 Australia T: +61 2 9647 3600 E: info.au@komatsuforest.com
22 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
CHIPPERS Imperative to tick all the boxes T O BECOME a highly successful operation and one of the biggest infield chipping businesses in Australia doesn’t happen by chance; it takes meticulous planning, a strong work ethic, commitment, confidence in staff and, above all, good machinery. Ticking all those boxes is L. V. Dohnt and Company, a privately owned company with the main production service areas in the South-East of South Australia, Western Victoria and the Great Southern Region of Western Australian. The work ethic and commitment goes back to Lawrence Victor Dohnt who founded the company in 1932. He was one of the first logging contractors for the Woods and Forests Department at Bundaleer in South Australia’s north. Following initiation of a second contract, Lawrence moved his family and the company to the South-East of South Australia supplying logs from thinnings to a temporary mill at Penola and then onto supplying the Nangwarry Sawmill in 1940. Lawrence laid the foundations of a family tradition that continues today with fourth and fifth generation family members committed to the business and spreading the personal and intimate composition of values
that filters amongst all members of the L. V. Dohnt and Company employee team. In recent years through long term succession planning the ownership of the company has reverted to one of the third generation members, thus ensuring there is not a continuous fragmentation of shareholders and a loss of direction and management of the company. The start of the rise to the top in infield chipping was back in 1991 when LV Dohnt purchased the first Morbark combined flail chip harvester in Australia ... only the fifth one produced! It started first thinning, infield chipping in pine plantations for Auspine, supplying the softwood fibre market in Japan LVD started infield chipping hardwood in 2005 when it moved to Albany in WA to contract to ITC. LVD has continued to expand the infield chipping operations and currently has 4 Peterson 5000G, 2 Peterson 5000H, 2 split Husky systems, 1 split CBI system and one Morbark chipper. In 2014 LVD chipped 925,000 GMT for export. Looking to expand into Esperance this year LVD has a number of Peterson 5000H ordered for delivery when the operation commences. Over the years LVD has
worked with the manufacturers and purchased Peterson, Husky, Morbark and CBI chippers. LVD managing director Phil Dohnt says his company considers a number of aspects prior to purchasing a chipper including: • Suitability to the task • Our customers’ requirements and ability of the chipper to meet their needs • Chip quality • Tree size and type • Chipper footprint area • Production output • Build quality • Past support and backup experience
• A rep who works for both parties and win/win outcomes
• Future support and backup to be provided
• Reliability
• Local support and parts availability • Production costs • Ability to work directly with the manufacturer to make changes to meet customers’ needs and future changes
“We have found Peterson, with the support of Komatsu Forest, tick the box more than the other manufacturers,” says Phil. “Some of the other qualities we look for are operator comfort, ease of operation, well designed in feed, flail and bark pusher areas, innovative use of technology before others,
and whether there are constant refinements. “It is the ongoing work Mal Windrum contributes that is the final winning factor for LVD. The latest two 5000H chippers are a result of the efforts of Gavin Dohnt, Mal Windrum, Neil Peterson and the ability of the factory to work with us,” he says. LV Dohnt’s current customers are ABP, SWF, GTFP, Timberland and FSA.
// G A M E C H A N G E R S
John Deere M Series Tracked Harvesters and Feller Bunchers The strongest most productive forestry machines we’ve ever offered have arrived. Designed with customer input the M Series are proven game changers. For more information visit www.hcma.com.au/game-changers Sold and supported by Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia
24 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
THE ESSENTIALS
Tips to keep your undercarriage in check
By Tim Nenne, Sr. Undercarriage Market Professional, Caterpillar
IF YOU have track machines in your operation and you’re working hard to keep expenses in line, you need to know that the undercarriage can account for up to 50%, on average, of your costs to maintain these machines. Proper operating and maintenance procedures can help you hold the line on operating costs on your track machines. Here are a few suggestions:
Maintain track tension daily Improperly adjusted tracks are the primary reason for increased wear and reduced life and performance of an undercarriage. When tracks are too tight, the contact loads between the components go up substantially (see graph). These higher loads increase the rate at which components wear. Tight tracks also increase the risk of dry joints, create stress on drivetrain components and increase fuel usage. If the tracks are too loose, they can drag on top of the roller frames, damaging roller frame structure and causing premature wear on the links. When you move to a new site or start a new application, run the machine for an hour and then adjust the track tension to the manufacturer’s specifications. When conditions change, re-check the tension and adjust as needed. For example, rain may change the track tension due to packing of debris within the undercarriage components.
Travel with idlers in front Traveling is one of the most difficult applications for a track machine. You can minimize the wear by always traveling with the idlers in front. The idler has a spring assembly that acts as a shock absorber and chain tensioner. When tracking where there are stumps and rocks, not only does traveling forward help reduce undercarriage wear, it increases final drive and sprocket life. Traveling idler first also makes the ride smoother and minimizes wear on the chain.
Inspect daily Your daily machine inspection should include key aspects of the undercarriage. Look for loose or missing bolts, oil leaks, unusual wear patterns, loose or bent shoes, debris stuck in the undercarriage, etc. The pads are the components most likely to come loose, so tap on each pad to ensure they are secure.
Clean carrier rollers daily In winter, mud and debris can get packed around top rollers and freeze overnight. In the morning when you try to move the machine, the track may move but the rollers sometimes will not turn. Operating in this condition will eventually wear a flat spot on the rollers. It is very important that the top rollers are cleaned out at the end of every shift to prevent downtime. Also, mud and debris may freeze between the track bushings overnight. In the morning, use the boom to gently lift the machine and then slowly rotate the tracks. This will help clean the bushings and get the stiff tracks moving. Machines equipped with star top rollers help reduce mud in the track chain.
Exercise parked machines If you’re parking your machine and the tracks have over 1,500 hours, exercise the tracks for a few minutes each month so the track joints don’t seize up. And a few suggestions specifically on track feller bunchers and harvesters
Avoid sharp turns Try to avoid spinning the machine sharply in place to turn. This pivoting motion not only tears up the ground, it is very hard on track chain bushing life.
Take stumps head on If you can’t avoid a stump with a track, take it straight on and line up the center of the stump with the center of
the track. The bolts in the center hold the track pad to the chain; taking a stump on the edge puts a bending force on the track pad and the chain.
Minimize travel with loads In the woods, you can’t completely avoid traveling with a load in the head, but minimize this as much as possible because the extra weight puts more stress on your track chain.
Safety a priority in forest and wood product industry SAFETY IN the Victorian forest and wood products industry is of paramount importance and the focus of the Forest Industry Safety Summit 2015, one conference held in New Zealand and one in Melbourne. Tim Johnston, CEO of the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI), said that VAFI was a proud supporter of the Safety Summit, which focused on ways to make the industry safer. “Industry’s greatest
resource is its people, and many activities in the forest and wood products industry involve risk. “Our members, along with their staff and subcontractors, fully understand the importance of a safe work environment and ensuring that proper precautions are taken at all times,” Tim said. The Forestry Safety Summit showcased new practices, systems and tools for improving forestry safety. “Every worker should operate in a safe environment,
both physically and mentally. “Safety must be a nonnegotiable in the forest and wood product industry and together the industry is focused on local and practical outcomes,” he said. VAFI is the peak body for the Victorian forest and wood products industry, representing the entire lifecycle of forestry and wood products, including forest growers, harvest and haul businesses, wood and paper processors, and associated businesses across both the
native forest and plantations sectors. The industry directly employs more than 21,000 workers and indirectly supports another 40,000 to 50,000 jobs, providing a sustainable future for suburban, rural and regional communities across Victoria.
Tim Johnston, CEO of the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI).
WARATAH recalibrated
WORKING HARD. DAY AND NIGHT.
When you get up and running, we know how important it is to keep running. That’s why Waratah is determined to keep you working by providing second-to-none customer support. Whether you need a simple recalibration or you’re really up against it, you can contact our service team through our 24/7 contact lines. No matter what time you need us, we’ll find a solution that keeps you working. And earning.
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26 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
HARVESTERS Bear and Elephant show their prowess in clear fall work R ANDALLS EQUIPMENT Company, distributors for Ponsse, started running demonstrations in the Mount Gambier area in January to introduce the machines to the Australian market. The two machines demonstrated were the 20 ton Ponsse Elephant King Forwarder and the Ponsse Bear Harvester. “We have been running the machines on clear fall and T3 thinnings,” said managing director Peter Randalls. “The Ponsse 8WD Bear harvester is without doubt the Largest rubber tyred harvester on the market with engine power of 350 HP and a very powerful harvester crane of 310 Nm Lift , swing torque of 67 Nm. The Ponsse Bear is fitted with Ponsse H8 harvesting head with top saw.”This combination allows this machine to run comfortably in clear fall pine. “Fuel usage is much lower than the tracked machines doing this size wood,” peter said. “All operators have commented on the power of the harvesting head, the power
of the crane and the comfortable, quiet operator cab.” Running alongside the Ponsse Bear is the Ponsse Elephant King 8WD Forwarder “To date we have not had one bad comment on the forwarder. Everyone has made comment on the great crane lift and speed, and everyone talks about the way the machines are built to the highest standards. You only need to walk up to a Ponsse machine and see how well they are put together with use of steel castings; the articulation joints on these machine are second to none,” he says. Soon to arrive in Australia is the Ponsse Scorpion King Harvester “This harvester without any doubt gives the operator the very best visibility of any machine on the market today. “Ponsse today is a world leader in wheeled harvesters and forwarders with more than 1000 machines a year being produced for over 40 countries in the world. In January the 10,000th machine was delivered... that’s testament to its real worth.”
Ponsse Scorpion King Harvester. Ponsse Elephant King Forwarder and Ponsse Bear 8WD Harvester working in tandem during clear fall demonstrations near Mount Gambier.
Getting the right gear for the tough stuff! THE SP Maskiner harvesting heads are now well introduced into Australia with more than 20 units of the blue gum eucalyptus model 591LX out there working. “Recently we have been fitting the SP harvesting heads to the SANY SY235C Excavators,” said Peter Randalls, managing director of Randalls Equipment Company. SANY is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Excavators, also the largest in China which represents 50 % of the excavators made in the world today. Randalls Equipment Company is working with SANY on Excavator harvester build-ups. “The harvester build-up is done in our factory in Melbourne using the SANY Model SY235C (23.5 ton) Excavator which is powered by the ISUZU Engine CC 6BG1 6.49 Lt 128.5 Kw. “All SANY Excavators use Kawasaki Hydraulics and Hydash drives so very much the same as most other makes. “We have been fitting the SP
Harvesting head model 591LX G2 in the blue gum and recently SP761LF in pine,” Peter said. The SP blue gum debarking head model 591LX G2 has become very popular in Australia. “We have now without any doubt proved that the 591LX G2 gives the contractor some very big improvements in this very competitive market of debarking blue gum,” said Peter. “First up
they find that after say 7000 hours the pins and bushes are all still in good working condition with just regular greasing. Fuel usage is very important, too, and the SP591LX G2 will drop your fuel usage , and as for production increase the SP lifts production around 10 %. The hydraulic oil temperature is lower , so these are a few very important factors for blue gum contractors to consider,” he said.
The SANY SY235C Excavator with SP591LX G2 blue gum debarking head.
A NEW GENERATION OF
FOREST MACHINES NOW IN AUSTRALIA!
RANDALLS EQUIPMENT COMPANY is proud to be associated with PONSSE Plc Finland by introducing the full range of PONSSE forestry machines to Australia. PONSSE is the world leader in supplying the logging industry with productive and environmentally friendly cut-to-length harvesting systems. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION RANDALLS EQUIPMENT COMPANY PTY LTD email: randalls@randalls.com.au www.randalls.com.au HEAD OFFICE VICTORIA Randalls Equipment Company 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Melbourne VIC Contact: Peter Randalls Ph: 03 9369 8988 WESTERN AUSTRALIA (NEW) Randalls Equipment Company 9B Charles Street, Albany WA Contact: Adam Bremner Ph: 0437 059 477
FORWARDERS: From 10.000 to 20.000 kg load capacity. HARVESTERS: PONSSE offers a full range of wheeled harvesters for the most challenging logging conditions. Six impressive models that range from the Beaver to the heavyweight Bear, including the new and very impressive ScorpionKing. The product range includes both six and eight-wheel harvesters in all size categories. Application ranges from harvesting softwood saw logs to harvesting & debarking eucalypt pulpwood.
A logger´s best friend www.ponsse.com
28 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
HARVEStERS HarvestTECH 2015 attracting steep slope harvesting expertise A At a glance
• Enhanced log grapple control systems
S PART of the ForestTECH 2013 event, steep slope harvesting drew in well over 400 forestry managers, forest owners, harvest planners and harvesting contractors. As well as Kiwis, Australian, Chilean and North American forestry companies and contractors came into Rotorua to attend. The event was SOLD OUT. It was this region’s first review of innovative equipment, technologies and systems that had been developed to harvest wood off increasingly challenging terrain where local contractors were operating. Harvesting operations in steeper terrain have seen exponential growth in the past few years. Of course with growth comes innovation. The need to get wood off steeper terrain has led to purpose-built steep terrain harvesting systems. New gear has come from the larger equipment suppliers but much of the innovation is coming from contractors working together with local engineering companies. Since the 2013 event, major changes have been made – both to the technology and to the operating practices. The move by both forest owners and contractors to increase mechanisation on steeper country, the desire to increase productivity and the requirement to improve safety have all lead to significant advances in the forest. Grapple-equipped hauler carriages, enhanced log grapple control systems, tethered “winch assist” machines and new wheeled and tracked self-
levelling cab harvesters are all being used by local contractors. Innovations at HarvestTECH 2015 will be outlined by leading international companies like Tigercat, John Deere, Caterpillar, SouthStar Equipment, Koller Foresttechnik and Konrad Foresttechnik. In addition, a range of leading local manufacturers and harvesting contractors using the equipment will be outlining “performance on the hill”. Robotics, automation and remote controlled mechanical tree felling are also being developed, the idea being to keep the operators out of harm’s way, with operational trials with a local contractor (a world first) already well under way. Some of the European technology often thought of as being too light for local conditions, viewed with recent tours of New Zealand contractors to Austria and Italy is now also being employed (a
Koller 602H Yarder) in local forests for the first time this year. South American forestry companies and contractors who visited as part of ForestTECH 2013 have followed the New Zealanders. The compact version of the Falcon Forestry Claw has already been used by a customer in Chile, 40 tonne shovel yarders are being rolled out for the first time in Chile as well as Alpine grapple carriages. Full cut-to-length operations using wheeled processors and loaded forwarders are working on some very steep slopes, all tethered by cables. In addition to new harvesting machines, an array of GPS, data management, mapping and communications systems have been developed to assist with worker safety around hauler and steep slope operations over the last two years. New products that can better utilise harvesting data have been developed and
New Komatsu C202 – a head for the most demanding logging assignments WHICHEVER WAY you look at it, Komatsu Forest’s new Komatsu C202 harvesting head (the softwood version of the C202E hardwood head) is a robust machine designed for the most demanding logging assignments. Everything from the sturdy frame through to the two durable saw units to the reliable hydraulics reflect this fact. “The many solutions that make the Komatsu C202 a truly tough workhorse include a sealed bearing housing for increased service life. The bar clamp for the main saw has been redesigned, as has the tensioner for the top saw, better stabilizing chain tensioning and simplifying service,” says
Mike Jones, Komatsu Forest Marketing Director. “The lubricant pump is designed for high precision and simple service. The expander pins used for the feed roller arms and delimbing knives also help increase service life. As for the hydraulics, the cylinders have hard-wearing piston rods while the knife cylinder has a new design for additional durability,” said Mike. The Komatsu C202 is also equipped with a damping function when tilting upward to reduce loads on the head’s frame and felling link. “Other advantages of the new Komatsu C202 are the many optional extras, which enable the head to be tailored to meet
many different requirements. Say, for example, that the base machine is a forestry excavator, the head can be equipped with alternative saw equipment, with a sprocket, saw bar, and chain for .404” and ¾” pitch. The head can be equipped with two alternative vertical knives; either a straight knife for normal delimbing needs or a knife with a skid tip for more demanding delimbing, the latter shaped to better process crooked stems,” said Mike. Apart from being robust, this head also features some smart technology such as the sensors that provide improved precision in the cutting cycle. Measurement accuracy is another distinguishing feature
• Robotics and automation play a role • Others following NZ practices • Better communication systems
rolled out. Interpine, a New Zealand based forest consulting and data Management Company together with an Australian company ForestPHD, for example, have developed a new cloud based product to assist forestry companies and contractors interrogate data collected from mechanized cut to length harvesting operations. Irish company TreeMetrics’ real time monitoring system (touched on in the Wood Flow Logistics event in 2014) is able to transmit information through two way communications and GPRS every two minutes on harvester machine position and log information to the user – the forest owner, manager, machine owner and harvesting manager. In return, the cut file can be
monitored, updated and fed back to the harvester leading to significant gains with machine operator performance. Larger operational trials on this system are currently underway with the Irish forestry company, Coillte with results expected to be reported on at HarvestTECH 2015. Interest in the HarvestTECH 2015 event is already very high. It’s again expected to be one of the largest gatherings in this region of forestry managers and harvesting contractors. Like 2013, HarvestTECH 2015 will run in Rotorua, New Zealand on 24-25 June. Registrations are now live and the technology program for the two-day event can be seen on the event website, www.harvesttech.events
At a glance • Sturdy, robust design • Extremely durable • Powerful control and information system • Easy to service • Long service life • Sturdy frame, saw unit, feed roller arm, and knife cylinder designs • Stable hood attachment • Expander pins on feed rollers and delimbing knives • Equipped with a sprocket, saw bar, and chain for 404” pitch (wheeled base machine) • ¾” pitch equipment available as an option for forestry excavators • Vertical knife with skid tip (optional) of the Komatsu C202. The MaxiXplorer control and information system provides full control and automatically takes care of everything from gripping force to length and
diameter measurements. Most functions can be adapted to different tree species and stem diameters... and all designed to increase service life and reduce costs for machine owners.
Meet the team beyond the ordinary! Eco Log gives you the ultimate in harvesters and forwarders the Eco Log 590D Harvester and the Eco Log 594D Blue Forwarder Eco Log
590D
Meet the ultimate in harvesters the Eco Log 590D Harvester - never retreat!
With its 326hp power plant, versatile boom configurations and exceptional clear view with the crane mounted on the cab – the 590D has been bred for high-productivity and ultimate reliability. See our other harvesters: the 550D, 560D, 570D and the 580D for the complete range.
With 300hp, 19.5 tonnes of loading capacity and 24.5 tonnes of tractive effort, the Eco Log 594D dominates all other forwarders. The Eco Log 594D Blue Forwarder with its massive 19,500kg loading capacity rules the forest. See our other forwarders: the 554D, 564D and the 574D for the complete range.
Meet the ultimate forwarder the Eco Log 594D Blue - the beast-of-burden! Contact Johan from Scandinavian Forestry on (02) 6947 4505 or 0408 614 503; or visit our website: www.scanforestry.com Lot 10, Snowy Mountains Highway, Tumut NSW 2720
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30 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
HARVESTERS Passion, pride, and diversity is the key M
ARK BLACKBERRY formed the Sunchip group of companies -based in Maryborough, SouthEast Queensland -- back April 1997. Mark, like most successful and passionate loggers, had an early start in the industry. He has worked in the industry one way or another since childhood, growing up in the tough and rugged region around Scottsdale in North-Eastern Tasmania. He became a very accomplished and well
Special honour
Recently, Sunchip was a runner-up for the highest transport industry award in Australia, the “Trucksafe Australia” awards and he is very proud that Sunchip is the first forestry-based company to achieve such a high honour. Asked the secret to this success and success in business in general, the exceptionally proud family man suggests: “It’s very simple, really, you just have to treat all of your employees (currently 120
With slopes in the rich clay region on the western side the Snowy Mountains these machines can comfortably work upwards of 32 degrees or 60% slope. regarded operator, so much so that after a stint in AFL football in both Tasmania and the Northern Territory, he worked for Valmet for five years travelling extensively as a demo operator and salesman. Since Sunchip’s inception, the company has been through periods of growth followed by downsizing in response to the market and economic cycle. These days Sunchip is growing at a very manageable and sensible rate after some hard lessons learned. Mark’s Queensland operation now harvests and hauls approximately 1 million metric tonnes a year -- a mix of Caribbean and Slash Pine (an advanced hybrid of both species) making him one of if not the largest loggers in Australia. The harvest comes from the sustainable Tuan and Wongi plantations around Maryborough and Gympie.
people), the forestry companies and all of our suppliers with respect and try to be helpful and if we don’t get that in return, then we won’t work with them! “Most of our employees have been with us for over 10 years, with some who have stayed on since our early days back in ‘97, so I guess those simple principles I learned growing up and playing footy are working out well. We are running around 30 B-Double truck and trailer combinations (one prime mover truck, with two triaxle trailers joined together with an extra fifth wheel with a payload around of around 42 tonnes), and a mixture of Tigercat, Komatsu, and Madill logging machines, so it’s a big investment and good staff give you the confidence to outlay all that capital, knowing that they’ll look after the gear, so that we can make some money out of it all. “We worked with the
Elphinstone guys in Triabunna, Tasmania, about developing custom-built trailers to handle the 18.3 metre full-stem trees for the Maryborough mill (the only full-stem operation in Australia), so we know that strong relationships with our suppliers helps both parties to be innovative.”
Diverse group Mark points out that the Sunchip group of companies is very much a diverse group,
and in some ways you can see that in Mark’s life thus far and his young family. Mark’s wife Gina is a Doctor of Education. His son and eldest child, Sam, is in the Brisbane Lions AFL development academy and three daughters are all talented in dance, acting and modelling after recently competing in Orlando, Florida, for the talent scouts. It’s without doubt that this mindset of diversity led Mark to go away from his previously preferred machinery supplier
by purchasing two Tigercat 635D Skidders back in 2011 for his operations in Queensland where eightwheel extraction machines had previously been used on the wet sand-based soils in the Tuan forest. “Those first Tigercat six wheeled skidders really revolutionised our operations and gave us an increase in hourly production,” Mark said. “When the king tides hit, and water literally seeps up through the ground in the
continued on page 32
L855C fitted with FC5185
FELL-SHOVEL-BUNCH WITH TIGERCAT New to the Australian market are the versatile Feller/Shoveller options with the Tigercat FD5195 Directional Felling Head or the Tigercat FC5185 Fixed Rotation Bar-Saw Head mounted to the ever popular levelling 855C carrier. These machines are now working in Australia with outstanding feedback. Enjoy the benefits of the base machine and felling head being delivered from factory ready to work. Fell and shovel wood off steep slopes to the landing and watch your overall productivity increase.
LS855C fitted with FD5195
TASMANIA
NEW SOUTH WALES
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
VICTORIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
11 Midland Highway, Brighton
208-216 Snowy Mountains Highway, Tumut
17 Crouch Street North, Mount Gambier
226-228 FrankstonDandenong Rd, Dandenong South
12 Sherlock Way, Davenport
Give us a call or visit our website to see how we can be of help.
1300 727 520 – WWW.ONETRAK.COM.AU
32 – April 2015, Australian Forests & Timber News
HARVESTERS Passion, pride, and diversity is the key middle of the plantations even though the coastline is up to 4-5 kilometres away, operational availability still stayed high with the six wheelers. “The reliability alone from these units opened our eyes up so much so that after we had built a good relationship with the Onetrak (Tigercat’s Australian Dealer) teams, we then started looking at the other machines that Tigercat offered.”
Revolutionary concept In January 2014 Mark purchased the first of his four Tigercat track machines, an LH855C fitted with a Waratah HTH624C. The machine went to work in Tumut, in southern New South Wales, where Mark established the slightly revolutionary concept of using modern day levelling felling and shovelling machines to replace the traditional cable operations that others had tried in that region. With slopes in the rich clay region on the western side the Snowy Mountains these machines can comfortably work upwards of 32 degrees or 60% slope. Sunchip recently purchased another LH855C harvesting machine and the new LS855C fitted with the Tigercat FD5195 directional felling saw for felling and shovelling
large 1.2-1.8 cubic metre Radiata Pine in the Oberon region slightly north of Tumut. Using this concept the LS855C/FD5195 machine will work its way up felling the trees perpendicular across the slopes and spreading the butts out in line for the LH855C/ HTH624C harvesting machine to process the trees, which are then extracted with a conventional forwarder. “Once the slope, terrain or moisture levels become too challenging for the forwarder, the LS855C will shovel the trees either up or down the slope to where the traditional ground-based crew can process and extract them,” Mark says, “This felling and shovelling concept that is now getting very popular in New Zealand isn’t really that new, but the reliability, safety and productivity of the Tigercats on steep slopes leaves the other brands for dead,” says Mark. “The modified ground-based cut-to-length system is more expensive than a simple cut-tolength operation, but is cheaper and safer to run than the cable operations that were used in the past.” With the addition of a flat based 860C equipped with the 5702 felling saw into his Queensland operations back in May 2014, Mark says: “I’m very happy with the Tigercat product and the passion that they have in supporting and developing the
machines. Without doubt these machines are the best I have ever owned in their category. Tigercat is not afraid to listen to what the customer wants.” During a quick trip to Canada last December, Mark and his son Sam were not
continued from page 30
only able to meet with senior management and engineering teams, but also to see the dedication, passion and quality that goes into all Tigercat machines as they’re being assembled. They also got to see Mark’s second LS855C/
FD5195 machine being built during the plant tours. Mark continues to look for new opportunities to improve his company’s flexibility and says that his relationship with Tigercat is a big part of his plans going forward.
Harvesting and haulage winners all round “IT’S ONE for their kitbag and a baseline for workplace performance for us,” says Michael Clancy, Commercial Manager for Tumut’s long standing forest contracting business G & J Groves Pty Ltd. He was speaking about the recent accreditation of 27 employees from within the business with the nationally recognized Certificate 111 Harvesting and Haulage qualification. “G & J Groves has a long history of association with TAFE as a training provider and the Forest Industry Training Centre (FITC) based at the Tumut Campus was able to facilitate the accreditation process. “Because of their previous training record with TAFE, most of our operators were able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and then the trainer just had to fill the gaps. FITC Trainer and Assessor Peter Berry worked one-on-one out in the field and on the job with the operators; it meant they could demonstrate their skills and discuss work responsibilities in their own working environment with minimal interruption to workf low.” Operators were assessed in the field on a variety of heavy machinery including harvesters, forwarders, trucks with single and B Double trailers. “We were fortunate to have Peter working with our operators because he knows his machinery inside out and he understands people,” said Michael. “Two of the tangible benefits of the accreditation
process to the organisation are skills currency and standardization of operational procedures. Everyone is now up to date and everyone knows the operational baseline.” Engagement in the training and accreditation program gained G & J Groves Pty Ltd the 2014 Employer Training Award sponsored by the Forest Industry Council (FIC). This accolade is awarded annually to the enterprise which has made the most significant contribution to skills development in the region by supporting their employees with training and qualifications. Michael noted that there was never certainty in the economic climate of forestry, especially for a contract based business. “All of our operators now have a nationally recognized and current qualification. We have a very stable workforce , most of whom have been with us for 15 – 20 years; the average age of our employees is mid to late 40’s and 50’s, although it’s their age ‘upstairs’ that we value,” smiled Michael. Looking forward, Michael sees information technology as the next skills development hurdle. Three of the seven harvesters currently in service are equipped with log optimization technology with the capacity to capture valuable data that can assist forest owners to develop future forests. “We recently sent three of our harvesting operators to the Tumut campus where FITC have two log optimization simulators; they trialled the new log optimization course that is being developed there. Optimization won’t improve
the forest but if our operators are able to better meet client specifications using the emerging technology, we are better positioned to maintain our share of the contracting market.”
Michael Clancy holds the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Tumut campus 2014 Employer Training Award presented to G & J Groves Pty Ltd.
Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2015 – 33
HARVESTERS Harvesters’ strong performance boosts productivity C AT® HARVESTERS are designed with the best combination of lift capacity, swing torque and tractive effort ratios to boost productivity in the woods. Four models are available to suit the diverse logging applications and environments of Australia. The Cat 541 Series 2 and the Cat 552 Series 2 are full tail swing track machines designed for high production clear-cut or final fell in rough terrain. The 552 is a leveling machine for more comfort on steep slopes. The Cat 521 and 522 B Series machines are near-zero tail swing harvesters. The 522B is a leveling machine for select or clear-cut logging, while the Cat 521B is a nonleveling model best for plantation thinning, biomass harvesting and medium production select or clear-cut applications. With an outstanding blend of lift capacity, reach and working envelopes, both the Series 2 and B Series harvesters deliver high performance. “These machines perform well compared to competitors in their size class,” said Jared Dunn, Caterpillar Forest Products product performance engineer for the Series 2 and B Series machines.
highly maneuverable machine that easily climbs steep slopes and clears obstacles such as large stumps and rocks,” Dunn said. Both lines also feature a unique three cylinder leveling system, which is the only one in the industry that provides two way simultaneous function throughout the full range of motion. The design of this system reduces stress loads into carbody and roller frames
SATCO processing heads Through Cat dealers worldwide, Caterpillar provides support and stocks genuine Cat parts for the complete line of SATCO processing and directional felling heads. All SATCO products are backed by Cat warranties. SATCO heads are built to handle the rugged logging conditions in New Zealand and Australia. The beefy heads are constructed using high-grade materials with 60-80 mm (2.38-3.13 in.) pins for strength and durability. SATCO’s “DEAD-LOCK” pin retention system prevents the pins from moving in all axis, extending service intervals and bushing life. The feed roller motors are
Another advantage The swing capacity is another advantage of the Cat track harvesters when working on the steep slopes and in the diverse timber of Australia. “The strong swing torque gives the operator the ability to swing large loads uphill,” Dunn said. The Series 2 and B Series machines are equipped with the 226 kW (303 hp) Cat C9 ACERT™ engine. The C9 is a common engine design with a proven track record of reliability and durability in the woods. A high capacity cooling system and on-demand reversing fan keep the harvesters debris-free and running at the proper operating temperature, optimizing performance, durability and fuel efficiency. Two hydraulic pumps power the hydraulics to give loggers smoother multi-functioning. “The combination of swing and lift capacity along with multi-function ability reduces cycle times and increases production, and the balance between lift and tipping load capacity, along with the wide track gauge, provides for excellent stability,” Dunn said. Large structures such as swing bearings and booms have been designed for longer life and durability. The tracks and all undercarriage rolling components are high-grade components that extend track life, cut repair costs and increase stability. Both the B Series and Series 2 machines have a full 889mm (35 in.) of ground clearance from front to back. “Strong drawbar pull, along with this ground clearance and the ‘open tunnel’ undercarriage design, makes for a
Cat 541 Series 2 SATCO head.
synchronized, rather than being driven independently. Flow from the main valve travels through one motor and then the other, so they operate in unison and rotate the feed rollers at the same speed preventing slippage or damage to the stem. Motors are bolted on externally and can be serviced easily. Hoses are protected from damage and over-bending by SATCO’S “HOSE THROUGH CENTRE” design. Main valves are rated at 420 bar (6100 PSI) and easily handle carrier pressures. Two control systems designed by SATCO cover the requirements of all applications. The SATCO Plus-1 measuring system is designed for basic processing and is easy to set-up and navigate. The dasa5 control system is an advanced bucking system that allows for many length and species configurations. The SAT422 DB was developed and built with the eucalyptus logger in mind. Capacity range is from 50560mm (2-22 in.) in diameter. The primary advantage is the four-roller system. The feed rollers are offset for more contact with the stem and better control. The roller design also allows the operator to feed the stem down to the butt without dropping it for a
At a glance • Outstanding blend of lift capacity, reach and working envelopes • Swing bearings and booms designed for longer life and durability • Easily climbs steep slopes and clears obstacles • Heads built to handle the rugged logging conditions
completely clean stem, included the butt. The SAT322 medium capacity processor is a three-roller head with a debarking stem capacity of 50560mm (2-22 in.) in diameter and for processing pine 75-560 mm (3-22 in.). The 3/4 in. main saw system features a 45 cc saw motor and large diameter bearing for smooth cross cutting and felling of large diameter trees. The heavy-duty drive hub system increases the life of the drive motors. The SAT322T is equipped with a topping saw and the SAT322T SC has a topping saw and 404 in. main saw. The SATCO 223, a two-roller processing head with an optimal stem capacity of 584mm (23 in.) diameter, is another option for processing wood in Australia.
34 – December 2013 , Australian Forests & Timber News
Classifieds
Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call John on (08) 98369 9512 or email: j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au
END OF CONTRACT
SALE
All machines currently working and available for inspection at harvesting site in Southern NSW. Prices negotiable. 0418 633 715
- FOR SALE Valmet 921 - Harvester In good working condition
$150,000 + gst Tigercat L830 feller buncher with Rosin FH885 directional felling head. In good working order, 18,500hr.
$62,000 + gst
Lots of spares - $45,000 + GST
For enquiries and more detail about the machine please contact Asher’s logging on:
07 5499 2224
CALL MICHAEL ON 03 9888 4834 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED TODAY!
Hitachi ZX230 excavator with VHLC log grab and 3/4in x-cut saw. In good working order, 16,700hr.
$63,000 + gst
D L SO
F360HD BUNCHING GRAPPLES
TimberJack 460D 2002 mod dual arch grapple and winch. In excellent working condition and good tyres, 13,800hr.
D L SO
$45,000 + gst
Cat 325L excavator heavy duty log grab and 404 cut-off saw. Good working order, 15,100hr.
Special Price (April Only) $5,250.00 + GST
STRICTLY LIMITED STOCK
1300 727 520 www.onetrak.com.au
FOR SALE Goldsmith Saw Sharpener Good Condition
$9,000.00 plus GST Call Glen: 0418 969 810
e l Sa
r Fo
4 x forty foot Intertherm stainless steel container kilns, each holding 25 m3 of timber. All containers have trollies, with reversing fans on roof and gas fired. $25,000.00+GST each 1 x twenty foot Intertherm stainless steel container kiln, holding 12 m3 of timber. With trolley and reversing fans on roof and gas fired. $15,000.00+GST Call: 0437 383 551
FOR SALE
Cat 527 track skidder with winch, an excellent snigging machine. In very good condition, 10,400hr.
FOR SALE
$72,000 + gst
Business For Sale • Situated in South East Victoria (Fish Creek) in the heart of dairy country, national parks and close to beaches. • Owner retiring after 37 years. • Suit family or partnership. • Solid turnover and enjoys high returns.
Call: 0427 832 318 or (03) 5683 2227
See: http://www.whitestreatedpine.com/index.html
Australian Forests & Timber News, December 2013 – 35
Log on Today! Share your industry news.
FOR SALE - CHAINBAR OILS 200L - $286 + FREIGHT 1000L AVAILABLE (SAMPLES CAN BE SUPPLIED)
If you have a news tip, give us a call. Call John Hudswell on 08 8369 9512 or send him an email at editorial@forestsandtimber.com.au
MADE FROM GEAR OILS
PH: 0408 921 669
Moulders – Weinig
All plant & equipment is being offered at super low prices on an as is where is basis! The Company Directors say, “SELL IT ALL”
Forest Equipment Specialist
Weinig
Powermat 400 6 head 5 year old Price - $50,000.00
KuMphlerMuhle
500 wide 2 head planer price - $5000.00.
BandsaWs
Stenner 36 VHM Price - $13000.00
WoodMizer
Hyundai R210LC-7
Madill 2850C
$82,500 inc. GST
$165,000 inc. GST
Tigercat 1075 Forwarder
Tigercat H845C Harvester
$165,000 inc. GST
$93,500 inc. GST
Horizontal band re-saw 250 wide Price - $13000.00
docKing saW
24” blade 200 depth of cut as new Price - $6000.00
pacK saW – Yard saW
Petrol 1500 blade wheel around as new.
coMplete drY Mill
Comprising of infeed & stickering system with pack elevator and transfers, waterfalls etc. Hydraulic kiln & trolley, infeed to mill with tilt horst & scramblers. Wadkin 6 head moulder 22N, weinig 8 head moulder H22 series, Whitney 900 wide 2 head planer, end matchers, hoggers, straight line ripsaw/edgers, tenoners, defect dockers & stacking bins etc. All in very good condition. Inspection can be arranged. All transfers, carriage ways & walk ways are insitu complete with blower system.
Whittakers Timber Products at Greenbushes Western Australia has now completed all production on site, everything is now on the market and must be sold. View our website www.whittakersequipmentsale.com.au
FOR SALE Unimat model U22H 7+1 head Price - $15000.00
Visit www.timberbiz.com.au/dtn to sign up today.
Complete near new 2006 MEM sawmill 1 x band saw head rig and carriage 3 x one man bench saws 1 x 6 blade edger 3 x fault dockers Assorted green mill transfer decks, chain and spares Complete automated stacking line Comprehensive saw shop 1 x complete fulgrum 525HP chipping plant 4 x 120m3 HB conventional kilns (installed 2006) Kiln sawdust/thermal oil heating system 3 x Weinig 22B moulders including infeed/outfeed system 4 x manual up-cut fault dockers Assorted dry mill outfeed decks 2 x MPB endmatchers max width 150mm 1 x MPB endmatcher max width 200mm 1 x optimizing docker Grecon/Dimter 350 model Tool grinding shop, assorted heads and profiles Assorted dust extraction systems including cyclones and all pipe Assorted forklifts from 2.5ton to 17 ton (14 x machines in total) 4 x Loaders with log grabs, standard bucket and oversize chip bucket Compressors, air storage vessels, air line and refrigerated dryers Huge inventory of smaller items View our website www.whittakersequipmentsale.com.au or telephone Chris on (08) 9459 6877 – mobile 0409 083 977 or Geoff on (08) 9302 2022 – mobile 0409 302 200
CLEARANCE
Milling & Processing Machinery Timberjack Grapple Skidder
Tanguay TG975 Feller Buncher
$93,500 inc. GST
$154,000 inc. GST
Wadkin XE220 moulder
Complete in good condition with cutters and blower. Was $28,000+GST Now $22,400+GST
20% OFF
Biesse twin head
Point to point automatic machine centre. Was $28,000+GST Now $22,400+GST
Contact: Jim Wills Phone: 02 9907 3699 Mobile: 0418 646 440 Email: jim@sawmillservices.com Website: www.sawmillservices.com
CAT 322CL Harvester
Tigercat H822 Harvester
$57,200 inc. GST
$192,500 inc. GST
Wolfenden Twin Circular Resaw
30kw, ideal for high production of sawn battensfrom 150x38 feedstock, (or similar operation), Hydraulic feed. Was $18,000+GST Now $14,000+GST 20% OFF
Dankeardt multisaw
$18,000+GST
30kw, (takes up to 8 blades).
Profiled moulding sander
FIREWOOD MILLS
High capacity, multi head, give away
Very heavy duty, high production machine.
Ahlstrom
BUNCHING GRAPPLES Different sizes of mills with optional feeding table and drum cleaner. Tractor, Diesel Power Pack or Electric Power Pack driven models.
$10,000+GST
Anthon 1.8m wide belt sander
For Information, please, call 0419-536 804 or email your postal address to info@firewoodmills.com.au
New model Easy50 available now!
20% OFF
High production board edger, chip&saw.
BHB Yard Crane
If you are looking for a heavy-duty grapple that will sort, bunch and load all day, everyday, then you need a Rotobec. Efficient and versatile, these quality grapples have just arrived and are now available from Onetrak.
1300 727 520
www.onetrak.com.au
Austral Timber Group
$15,000+GST
$12,000+GST
10T, Good Condition, 3392hrs, Cab with ROPS, Telescopic Boom, daily use in steel yard and well maintained, Perkins Diesel. Price reduced from $32,000 to $22,500 to sell.
Contact: Ken Baker 0438 643 992 or ken.baker@ubteam.com
Continuing Evolution
NEXT NEXT NEXT BIG BIG BIG STEP STEP STEP
NEW NEWADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES NEW ADVANTAGES WITH WITHKOMATSU KOMATSU WITH KOMATSU
XT430-3
XT430L-3
XT445L-3
XT460L-3
NEW Komatsu XT-3 Series Komatsu’s next generation XT-3 Series Track Feller-Bunchers and Harvesters offer significant improvements by providing increased: • Operator Comfort • Productivity • Durability • Reliability • Cost Reduction
New Market Leading Cabin New Digital IQAN-MD4 Control System New Design Undercarriage Upgraded Implement Pump Lower Fuel Consumption
In addition a new model; XT460L-3 with 37% increased lift capacity over old XT450L-2. Komatsu Forest continues to set new standards in forest machines plus local factory support offering real benefits for contractors.
www.komatsuforest.com.au www.komatsuforest.com.au www.komatsuforest.com.au
Introducing Introducing
Komatsu Komatsu
Introducing
Komatsu
Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd. 11/4 Avenue of Americas Newington NSW 2127 Australia T: +61 2 9647 3600 E: info.au@komatsuforest.com