Australian Forests & Timber News - August 2016

Choose the Original

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

Choose the Original

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AUGUST 2016 • P: (03) 9888 4834 • www.timberbiz.com.au

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Politicians don’t think 30 years ahead "We are overdue for informed public policy leadership and a community mandate to step up to the plate and play ball. "

By David Chandler OAM

I

recently gave the keynote address at the Timber Queensland Conference, which was titled “Shaking the Trees.” Our forest industry is vitally important. What struck me during Timber Queensland’s (TQ) field visits and conference was the foresight and boldness needed to invest in the timber industry. Planting new forests requires at least a 30-year outlook. And you would not build a new timber mill or processing operation without a line of sight to a viable wood supply. Above all of this, it struck me how seriously the stewardship of this industry is so

deeply embedded at every level, and how that stewardship might be used to drive the potential of Australian forests, wood and fibre innovation related industries into the future. This level of custodianship may have been years in the making, but there is no doubt that its truly embedded now. The theme of the TQ Conference was about opportunities and challenges for growth and investment in QLD Forest and timber industry. It could have passed for an election slogan, but there there was much more to it than that. Here are a few issues that our politicians should get their heads around which might help them resonate better with the community: • Australia has a wood trade deficit exceeding $2 billion each year. And that’s growing,

because our population is growing and our forests have never kept pace. If you simply extend this trade shortfall out 30 years, we are talking about $60 billion. I believe this trade deficit will be wider as new engineered timber and wood technologies enable increased applications in construction, especially multi-storey. • Planting new forests, and sensibly managing multiple use forests the sequestration of atmospheric CO2 through an increased uptake in wood-based construction materials, has great potential to help Australia meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets. But it will take political will to provide the certainty needed for the industry to make the required investment in this future.

The scale of these challenges become apparent by tracking Australia’s various natural ecosystem types since 1788. This tracking reveals that open forests have been 45 per cent cleared, woodland forests 32 per cent cleared, Mallee forests 30 per cent cleared, rainforests 25 per cent cleared, coastal wetlands in southern Australia over 60 per cent destroyed, and temperate lowland grasslands over 99 per cent cleared. The Greens claim to have provided the public and

political advocacy for the protection of Australia’s most precious of forests and natural scapes. But the short-term nature of our political cycles creates negative counter forces to developing a forest and timber industry future that Australians should rightly aspire to. The differing cycles and complexions of federal, state and territory politics makes a comprehensive national industry plan even more challenging and undermines trust. Continued on page 10

Assistant Minister for Forestry can unlock jobs Government should have reinstated forestry to a full, and growth rather than Assistant, Ministry. THE RE-APPOINTMENT of Senator Anne Ruston as the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources with responsibility for forestry has been seen as a definite plus for the industry. However, despite the continuity factor plus Senator Ruston’s now obvious acceptance of the industry,

there is a strong belief that the Government should have reinstated forestry to a full, rather than Assistant, Ministry. Ross Hampton, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) said it was disappointing that Prime Minister MalcolmTurnbull had not taken the chance to do this.

“However, forest industries will be very pleased that the Prime Minister has decided that the energetic South Australian Senator Anne Ruston, will continue in the role. Senator Ruston worked hard and delivered strong policy commitments during the election campaign and is the ideal person to Continued on page 4

¢ Senator Anne Ruston

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In the news

Five generations of sawmilling excellence By Skye Larson

F

AMILY HAS always been an integral part of the A.G Brown Sawmill. Five generations have worked in the Victorian native hardwood industry for almost 100 years and seven of the 55 current staff at the sawmill are members of the Brown family. Seventy-five per cent of the approximately 1800 cubic metres of timber the sawmill processes each month produces high quality furniture, flooring, staircases and decking. Graeme Brown, owner of A.G Brown Sawmills, said that their best quality Highland Oak (Mountain Ash) timber is used to produce furniture and staircases throughout Australia and is the only product of its kind in the country. “Due to the unique length of the Highland Oak, there is no other sawmill in Australia that is able to produce the same quality product,” he said. They also operate a minimal waste policy meaning that the remaining 25 per cent of timber that is not processed into furniture or flooring is used in other quality products such as structural

¢ The Noojee Mill site.

timber, firewood, pallets, woodchips, wood shavings and sawdust. Graeme said he feels great satisfaction when watching the transformation process of the timber from the forest to the home. “It is such a great feeling to see the whole process from when VicForests harvests the timber to when it is processed through our mill and then transformed into a beautiful piece of furniture,” he said. Robert Green, VicForests Chief Executive Officer, said that VicForests had a huge amount of respect for the hard work its customers put into producing quality timber products. “It’s businesses like A.G Brown Sawmill that keep the sustainable native timber industry alive. Our customers are a vital part of timber production and it is encouraging to see a family run business that is so committed to the future success of the industry,” he said. Emily Brown, A.G Brown Sawmill Noojee, said that her great-great grandfather, Andrew Brown, and his two brothers with their parents started up Brown Brothers Sawmills in 1920 at the current Noojee site.

¢ Timber stacks at Noojee.

¢ Emily Brown with sons Cooper and Ryan.

¢ Finished product at Drouin West.

“Sawmilling and timber runs through our veins. Andrew passed away just before the Noojee mill burnt down in the 1939 bushfires

but he grew up working in sawmills and driving log trucks, continuing to raise our family in the sawmilling business, until eventually rebuilding the Noojee mill in the early 1970s,” she said. Graeme and Julie, Graham Brown senior’s son and daughter, now own and operate the mills in Noojee and Drouin West. Julie’s daughter Emily operates out of the mill in Noojee and is raising her two children, Cooper and Ryan to one day continue as the sixth generation sawmillers in the family business. All timber at Browns Sawmill is supplied by VicForests from sustainably managed forests. Both VicForests and A.G Brown Sawmill are certified to the Australian Forestry Standard Limited a PEFC recognised organisation.

which resulted in the mill closing down. “My grandfather, Graham Brown senior, was just a child when the mill closed

¢ Timber stacks at Drouin West.

Skye Larson is the Communications Advisor, VicForests.

www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

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In the news Assistant Minister for Forestry can unlock jobs and growth 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

August 2016 Issue 5 Vol. 25 Established 1991 Features In The News

3-15

Head-Lines

16-17

Trucking 18-19 Steep Slope Logging

20-26

In The News

27-30

Classifieds

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Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins General Manager: Peter Muscet Editor: John Hudswell j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9512 Advertising: Michael Dolphin m.dolphin@ryanmediapl.com.au Melbourne Office (03) 9888 4834 Production: Luke Westle Trader classified: m.dolphin @ryanmediapl.com.au Melbourne Office (03) 9888 4834 Subscriptions: subs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9522 Subcription rates One-year (8 editions) $55 Two-years (16 editions) $95 Accounts: Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9555 Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Melbourne Office: Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Phone: (03) 9888 4822 Website www.timberbiz.com.au Printed by Lane Print, Adelaide, SA Conditions The opinions expressed in Australian Forests & Timber News are not necessarily the opinions of or endorsed by the editor or publisher unless otherwise stated. All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. All material in Australian Forests & Timber News copyright © Ryan Media. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, the published will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

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Continued from page 1

drive them to completion,” said Mr Hampton. “AFPA will also work closely with Senator Fiona Nash (Regional Development), Josh Frydenberg MP (Environment & Energy) and Greg Hunt MP (Industry & Innovation). The Coalition has promised to deliver a National Forest and Fibre Plan, in response to the Forest Industry Advisory Council’s work (which has bipartisan support), as well as $4 million in new funding for two hubs of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation in Mt Gambier and Launceston. “The forest industries of this nation already provide some 120,000 jobs across the full value chain and underpin dozens of regional communities. As the world’s

‘greenest’ industry – being renewable and recyclable and carbon storing – with the right policy settings our industries have enormous potential to grow,” said Mr Hampton. As flagged during the election campaign, only minimal changes were made in the Cabinet. Senator Matt Canavan was promoted to Cabinet as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia. Josh Frydenberg takes on the expanded Environment and Energy portfolio and Greg Hunt moving to Industry, Innovation and Science. Former Industry, Innovation and Science minister Christopher Pyne’s new role is Minister for Defence Industry, within the Defence portfolio. Deputy Nationals Leader

Senator Fiona Nash adds Local Government and Territories to her regional development role, while Kelly O’Dwyer’s title changes to Minister for Revenue and Financial Services. Paul Fletcher becomes the Minister for Urban Infrastructure, where he will prioritise the Western Sydney Airport. Senator Scott Ryan becomes Special Minister of State in the Finance portfolio, while Dan Tehan becomes the Minister for Defence Personnel, in conjunction with his ongoing role as Minister for Veterans Affairs. Mr Tehan will also take on the new role of Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security. Michael McCormack becomes the Minister for Small Business, in the Treasury portfolio.

New Directors for ForestWorks Board FORESTWORKS has welcomed three new Directors to its Board: Colin McCulloch, Mark Nelson and Leo Skourdoumbis. Antoinette Hewitt (who performs the role of Company Secretary for ForestWorks) said Colin, Mark and Leo join ForestWorks’ ongoing Directors Jane Calvert, Tony Price and Craig Smith, bringing a depth of industry experience and expertise to the Board.

“The new Board met on 30 May and 30 June to contribu­te their industry knowledge, expertise and time to guide the strategic direction and governance of ForestWorks. “The Board wasvery appreciative of the efforts and contributions of the outgoing Chair of ForestWorks, Julie George and Directors Todd Loydell and Scott Whicker for their service to ForestWorks,” said Antoinette.

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¢ Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Wood and Fibre Processing Innovation Program

THE TASMANIAN Government was committed to rebuilding the forestry industry and looking at innovative ways to process residues from timber and agriculture, said Minister for Forestry Peter Gutwein when launching the Wood and Fibre Processing Innovation Program. Grants of up to $100,000 will be made available through the program to support the development of projects that utilise forest harvesting and timber processing residues and/or agricultural plant residues to create value-added products in Tasmania. “This includes using lower grade logs to produce value-added products like engineered wood products, biomass energy or heat production, and other products such as furniture,” the Minister said. A total of up to $1.25 million will be available through the program which incorporates, and builds on, the Tasmanian Government’s existing funding commitments to support bio-energy initiatives in the Dorset and Huon Local Government Areas, and the funding committed, as part of the AgriVision 2050 Plan, to facilitate commercial utilisation of plant biomass from forestry and agriculture. Applications close on 26 August 2016. www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

TCA Young Community Ambassadors hit the bush capital

T

HE BUSH capital was abuzz as four Timber Communities Australia Young Community Ambassadors arrived to start activities in Canberra. The six-month skills development program, led by TCA national coordinator Helen Murray, will equip the Young Ambassadors to take a lead, raise awareness and promote industry in their own neck of the woods. “TCA congratulates the first group of talented Young Community Ambassadors,” said Ms Murray. They are: Leilani Dawes from the Mt Lofty region of South Australia. She is interested in encouraging South Australia’s schoolchildren and others to appreciate the region’s forests better through recreational activities. Leilani studied conservation and biodiversity in Adelaide and appreciates where she lives and works for ForestrySA. Michael Dent, originally from Mt Gambier, works in Victoria’s La Trobe valley plantation forests with HVP. He began studying architecture, graduated in forestry and is now doing a Masters of Business Administration. Concerned about low awareness, Michael wants to promote the environmental credentials of timber and interesting job opportunities along the supply chain to school students. Roy Head is a fourth generation family member in Australian Solar Timbers, which manufactures premium flooring at Kempsey in northern NSW. A graduate in media and

communications, he admires the unique qualities of the Australian native species timbers. Roy is Sydney based and his focus is to better inform the design and architecture community. Matthew Randall from Albany in Western Australia, is a forester with the PF Olsen team. He loves working in the bush and his career in forestry began as a machinery operator. He is now undertaking forestry studies. Matthew is interested in the new opportunities for timber in the bio-economy and seeks to promote better understanding in the community. A fifth Young Community Ambassador Allan Hoffman is based at Portland, Victoria, with his family’s Hoffman Forest Harvesting. He is keen to open school students eyes to career opportunities. Allan plans to join the next intake on account of his current work commitments. The group kicked off with a day of round table discussion sessions. Thanks go to Rob de Fegely (Institute of Foresters Australia president and co-chair of the Forest Industry Advisory Council), Fabiano Ximenes (research scientist at NSW DPI), Ric Sinclair (managing director Forest and Wood Products Australia), David Rowlinson (Planet Ark) and designer and craftsman Evan Dunstone (Dunstone Designs) for sharing their expertise with the Young Ambassadors. The group had a great night of networking at the National Press Club dinner and pre-election federal politicians’ forestry industry debate run by the Australian

¢ TCA Young Community Ambassador Matthew Randall (from Albany WA) prepares for an interview under the glare of TV lights at Media training, Canberra.

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¢ TCA Young Community Ambassadors unwind over dinner in Canberra (l-r): Helen Murray (TCA national coordinator), Roy Head (NSW), Michael Dent (Victoria), Brenton Yon (TCA chair), Matthew Randall (WA), Leilani Dawes (SA).

¢ TCA Young Ambassadors. Round table speaker Evan Dunstone a furniture designer, craftsman and manufacturer from Dunstone Designs.

¢ T CA Young Ambassadors. Guest speaker Evan Dunstone a designer and furniture craftsman brought along some of his chairs crafted from fine Australian natural hardwood species, all present agreed the ergonomics were great.

Forest Products Association. A media training day covered the importance of good preparation and having clear key messages. “The group is working with TCA to develop key messages to support community advocacy across the TCA network.” The final social event was an informal dinner hosted by TCA chair Brenton Yon. Thanks to sponsoring partners Linx Finance, HVP, PF Olsen and Forestry SA for each supporting one place in our inaugural Young Community Ambassadors initiative. “Their commitment will help to develop a new generation of community voices,” said Ms Murray. TCA also thanks all candidates who applied for the limited places. “We encourage everyone to continue their interest in raising community awareness about the industry.”

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

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In the news

To tree or not to tree

M

ANY FARMERS look at the way tea trees pop-up randomly and abundantly in their paddocks and imagine themselves converting the entire expanse of scrub into oil. “Obviously to make tea tree oil production work as a business requires far greater research and planning,” says Tony Larkman, CEO of the Australian Tea Tree Oil Industry Association (ATTIA). “Like anyone planning to enter an industry, prospective growers need to understand the costs associated with establishing a plantation and have a plan for how they will manage harvesting and distilling.” It begins with having the right land. The bulk of Australian tea tree oil is produced in one of three major growing regions: Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, the Northern Rivers of New South Wales and the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland (although many of the coastal

areas in between may also be suitable). Prospective growers can visit the Rural Industry Research and Development Corporation’s (RIRDC) farmdiversity.com. au website to check whether their property is located within a recommended growing zone. “A smaller plantation is viable if you have ready access to contract harvest and distillation services but for a stand-alone plantation with its own infrastructure, you’ll need at least 50 hectares of plantation, probably closer to 100 to have a truly viable operation.” says Mr Larkman. “Although trees have the potential to remain productive for up to 35 years, I’d recommend budgeting for a tree lifespan of between 15 and 20 years.” Tea trees typically take between three and four years to reach full production. According to figures provided on RIRDC’s farmdiversity.com.au, selective breeding programs have

¢ Tea tree harvesting near Port Macquarie

¢ Tea tree seedlings in nursery.

helped to lift potential productivity from 148 kilograms per hectare to about 250 kilograms per hectare over the past two decades. Trees can be planted at a density of 33,000-35,000 trees per hectare and cost approximately $10,000 dollars per hectare to plant out. The high start-up cost means that most tea tree oil producers start with a smaller area and use contract harvesters and distillers. Just over a dozen producers focus solely on tea tree oil production while the majority of producers adopt mixed farming systems, combining smaller-scale plantations with livestock production. “If you want to produce the oil yourself, you are also going to need specialised harvesting equipment and your own distillery – which, depending on the model you use, could cost upwards of $1 million in addition to your planting and harvesting costs.” Finally, one of the most challenging aspects of successfully establishing a new plantation is understanding the marketplace, which is carefully balanced. Robert Dyason has been producing pure tea tree oil as part of a mixed farming operation that

includes forestry and cattle-grazing on his property near Casino, NSW, since 1979. He has committed 144 hectares to tea tree oil production and says it represents one of the most profitable operations of his business. “There is no single piece of advice I could offer for achieving success but you need to make sure you can secure a long-term and reliable market,” says Mr Dyason, “otherwise you will waste a lot of money establishing an expensive crop that can’t easily be removed.” The industry has experienced some difficulties in the past with institutional investors oversupplying the market and driving the oil price below the cost of production. “I’m confident that tea tree oil industry can continue to grow, but people have to do their homework to understand what they’re in for,” says Mr Larkman. RIRDC has developed an online resource [farmdiversity.com.au] to serve as a launching pad for farmers interested in pursuing a new farming enterprise, including tea tree oil production, by entering either their postcode or the name of the crop or livestock they are interested in.

Take safety precautions in your forestry operations THERE ARE a number of hazards associated with forestry operations, but several steps and measures can be taken to eliminate or reduce risks to forestry workers. Pro-Visual Publishing, in cooperation with Australian Forestry Growers, and the Australian Forest Contractors Association, has released the latest edition of the Forestry Sector Guide to Workplace Safety, with interactive Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities. Incorporating this innovative technology into the guide has created a space for interaction and a window for more information and resources relevant for the forestry industry. Simply scanning over any 6

Forestry Sector Guide to Workplace Safety 2016/17 AR capable content using the free Pro-Vis AR App will allow users to instantly download relevant content to their smart device. The guide covers a range of topics including: • Risks associated with infield chipping. • Control measures for sawmilling. • Selecting approved forestry machinery and equipment. • Health and safety responsibilities in forestry operations. Along with these topics, the guide also covers inspections of

plant and equipment, as well as what to do when repairing and maintaining machinery. It is an essential resource for forestry operations managers to ensure the health and safety of their workers across Australia. “I would like to thank all the sponsors of the Forestry Sector Guide to Workplace Safety 2016/17. Their support has made it possible for the Guide to be distributed free of charge.” – John Hutchings, CEO, Pro-Visual Publishing. Pro-Visual Publishing is the leading specialist in wall-mounted

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

workplace health & safety, food safety & hygiene, and wellbeing information resource guides. Each guide is practical and informative, providing a quick reference point for management and staff. ProVisual Publishing’s guides are vital resources to ensure workers return home exactly the way they came to work. For further information, or to obtain additional copies of the Guide, please call (02) 8272 2611, email marketing@provisual.com. au or visit www.provisual.com.au

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In the news

After rain comes fire – fuel load reduction is the key Opinion piece by Ross Hampton Chief Executive Officer, Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA)

W

OULD IT surprise you that our thousands of volunteer fire fighters are at present peering with mixed feelings at the images of rushing rivers and drenched paddocks? They see water soaking into catchments and dams overflowing. Surely enough to make a fire fighter smile? Well, no! The contradiction comes from the simple fact that good winter rains result in strong spring vegetation growth. Should this wet winter be followed by a hot, dry, scorcher of a summer, we may be only a few months from yet more catastrophic fires. In the end, most of the bushfire story is about combustible materials. To state the obvious, it is the fuel load which is the foundation from which all fires build. And to be frank, it is about the only thing we can do anything about. The weather is out of our control. The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has long argued that we need to deal with fuel load head-on. Almost nobody disagrees with the proposition that reducing fuel loads is vital, but strangely, to date, we have only done this

with matches, not mulchers. But here’s the rub. It is clear we are also throwing away the matches. Over the last couple of decades, we have drastically reduced the area of controlled burn-offs each autumn and spring. Back in 1990 we were doing “controlled burns” of about 670,000 hectares. Twenty years later the area managed in this way was just 570,000 hectares. The reasons seem to be three; it is costly, the smoke created is a major challenge for communities, and even well-planned “cold” fires can get away and do significant damage - such as the one in Margaret River in the south-west of WA which destroyed more than 30 homes in November 2011. AFPA’s new policy proposal “Can We Better Fire-proof Our Country Towns?” says it is beyond time that, as a nation, we got real about fuel load reduction. We say that we should bring this into play in a big way through the creation of safer buffer zones around regional communities and assets (such as dams or power substations). This isn’t about complete clearing. It is about thinning the understory to create more space between the trees. It is about removing small trees and shrubs which act as “ladders” that can allow a manageable ground fire to get into

the tree crowns where it is largely unstoppable. Using machines would lead to the creation of more parklike environments abutting these towns - opening up possibilities of recreation activities, such as bike riding, horse riding and walking. And machines can work all year not just when the wind and weather and community calendar is just right. We are asking the major Parties to commit $30 million in this campaign to immediately expand the existing $1.5 million “mechanical removal pilot program” currently being rolled out by the Federal Government. Could it be paid for? Certainly. Just consider these facts. Deloitte Access Economics (DAE, 2014) research says bushfires cost us about $360 million a year. So any modest investment which reduces this figure is laudable. And some of the program has the potential to help pay its way. Biomass which is removed from the buffer zones around our regional towns has a value as garden mulch or, in some cases, clean energy pellets that can replace fossil fuels. This is the same biomass which would otherwise be left to decay on the forest floor, be incinerated in burn off operations, or add fuel to a bushfire, delivering nothing but smoke haze.

¢ Ross Hampton.

Our original indigenous land managers understood something we have seemingly forgotten. Research and early artists’ paintings tell us that indigenous “fire stick farming” meant burning off happened vigorously and on a large scale every year. The early settlers reported far more “park-like” hills and valleys certainly close to the key gathering places. Captain Cook reported seeing fires stretching right along the east coast of Australia as he navigated north. Of course we cannot recapture this level of fuel load removal by burning. But have we the imagination to grasp the opportunity offered by using the combination of both matches and machines in our battle against bush fires?

¢ Battle against bush fires.

www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

9

In the news

Politicians don’t think 30 years ahead Modern media, via extreme grabs for public attention, are all too quick to bring images of harmed wildlife or negative forestry events into urban living rooms. This has played a role in eroding the political confidence needed to optimise the social and economic good a viable forestry sector has to offer. These visual confrontations are often played while urban dwellers are comfortably detached from the realities of farming and other essential non-urban activities that make their lives possible. The reality is that today’s modern forest industry is all about stewardship and chains of custody that evidence the seriousness of these players. Gone are the cowboys who epitomized the forest managed investment schemes of the 1980s and 1990s. We are overdue for informed public policy leadership and a community mandate to step up to the plate and play ball. As I stood in the Queensland Bauple State Forest and later at the Robertson Bros sawmill near Gympie, I wondered how the genuineness and openness of the industry people I spoke to could be conveyed to a public so desperately needing positive news.

Well worth reading Rob de Fegely is the Co-chair of the Forest Industry Council. The Council prepared a Strategic Directions Issues Paper in March 2015 aimed at how the industry might go about meeting future demand. It’s worth reading as it provides readers with a good insight into the facts surrounding Australia’s forest industry. de Fegely has just delivered the distillation of feedback from the industry’s stakeholders about the issues, in time for our politicians to consider these as they shape their fouryear next term aspirations and policy platforms. The Transforming Australia’s Forest Products Industry recommendations are not an overly indulgent call for direction and modest investment by the next federal government. In summary, that direction and support should embrace Australia’s forest industry, tripling its sustainable economic value by 2050 (in 10

forestry terms, that’s the immediate future as you need to get planting trees now!) Australia’s forestry must be recognized and deployed to make the maximum contribution to sequestering atmospheric carbon, increasing the use of wood products to contribute to

forest industry we will become spectators to another industry that has yielded to overseas supply. The growing use of engineered wood products generally, and in tall timber buildings in particular, exemplify where an increasing dependency on northern hemisphere softwoods

for hardwood and softwood plantation production. HQP’s Steve Worley said that “each year some two million tonnes of wood is harvested for sawn timber, plywood, reconstituted panels and woodchip for domestic and international markets.” HQP offers an enterprise

Continued from page 1

companies or services unless they are about innovation and leadership. I was impressed with HQP and Hyne Timber’s collaboration to re-engineer a solution to repairing old timber bridges in rural areas. Hyne Timber’s Jeremy Mead built on McGregor’s perspective about the rapid influences of digitising construction and noted how “investment in digital becomes an investment in customers. Future customer relationships will be built on direct digital connection, with 60 per cent of customers likely to make a decision to buy without relying on traditional sales streams.”

Collaborative approach

a low carbon future and providing carbon neutral fuel. This nation must develop a network of industry hubs that optimise the use of forest infrastructure, leading to the creation of sustainable, compatible employment opportunities around those hubs, often located in more socially and economically challenged areas. These don’t seem like a big leap, but implementation will need to spur confidence for the industry to make the necessary investment to make it all happen. The Council proposes public investment in a government funded $300 million, 10year program to introduce mechanical fuel reduction as a bush fire measure for forest and community protection, matching a proposed increase to the levy the industry makes to advance its own research and development activities. Acceleration of the inland Brisbane to Melbourne rail corridor to connect many hubs and industries along this proposed economic corridor, was voiced. Unless Australian politicians understand the critical nature of revitalising and growing the Australian

can disproportionately contribute to our lowering of carbon emissions and jobs locally while transferring our terms of trade balances elsewhere. So much for jobs and growth. The Timber Queensland conference drew together a wide range of industry insights. Forest Wood Products Australia CEO Ric Sinclair outlined the rate at which timber was becoming an increasingly important part of construction’s future, both globally and in Australia. “The recent changes in the deemed to comply provisions in the Australian Construction Code now pave the way for more innovative uptake of timber in residential buildings up to 25 meters in height,” he said.

Enterprise model Sinclair’s recent Wood Outlook presentation to The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Water Resources captures much of what he shared at the conference. HQPlantations manage 343,000 hectares of Queensland forests, of which 212 hectares are used

Australian Forests & Timber News

model which shows that long-term investment can be a viable investment asset class in Australia’s forest industry. Their commitment to forest stewardship is confirmed by international accreditation of the Forest Stewardship Council and local forest standards. HQP are already planting trees that will not be harvested for 30 and more years. It would not do TQ’s conference justice if the breadth and depth of speakers were not acknowledged. Warren McGregor, CEO of prefabAUS gave an up-todate overview of where the local momentum in offsite and prefabrication was now headed. He spoke of the developments in concrete, steel and wood as the emerging pieces and parts of construction respond as the industry’s digital and industrialised future unfold. McGregor acknowledged the increasing role of timber products and enabling technologies, but stressed the challenges ahead to assure the reasonable expectations of the industry’s customers and investors are met. I do not point to particular

August 2016

And Michael Hartman gave a case study into how his company Skills Impact was responding to the dissatisfaction of government and industry with the current mixed quality of industry training and certification programs. In many ways, Hartman described the challenges confronting the modern day classroom in schools and universities, and how a collaborative approach built on shared digital platforms will lead to better skills delivery and verification. Mead’s parting insight was that “the day of the conglomerate monolith was under challenge by the prospect of new start-ups deploying new customer facing digital capabilities and integrated collaborative networks to deliver services like never before.” If ever there was a time for politicians to start getting their minds beyond the current electoral cycle, TQ’s Conference offered ample evidence. And it’s not just Australian forests that need a 30-year chain of custody and stewardship. Perhaps the momentum building in other places might be a motivating way to finish. The work of the Forest Genetics Council of British Columbia – Protecting Forest Health for Future Generations, is worth a look. It’s enough to make you want to shake a few trees, and perhaps a few politicians. Sourceable www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

New drone collision tech among projects to be accelerated by ON

E

LEVEN TEAMS of scientists and researchers from CSIRO and Australian universities have been selected to take part in the next round of CSIRO’s ON Accelerator, a program set out to boost Australia’s innovation performance by accelerating big science and technology ideas into commercially viable opportunities. The teams were selected on the potential of their ideas to have real positive impact on Australian industry, economy, environment and future, among other selection criteria. Some of the winning ideas include: a GPS-free collision avoidance sensor allowing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) and drone devices to fly autonomously near infrastructure and in GPS-free environments, with the potential to rapidly advance the booming UAV and drone markets into new areas such as parcel delivery services a natural feed additive for livestock that could improve productivity by 10 per cent and reduce methane emissions by up to 90 per cent a facial-recognition technology that could provide accurate, real-time pain assessment for health patients that cannot verbally communicate. For the first time CSIRO welcomed Australian university applications

into the program, recognising the importance of collaboration and engagement between research sectors in driving Australia’s innovation agenda. “CSIRO is focussed on helping Australia navigate the changes we face, from digital disruption to environmental impact. We need to translate more of our nation’s excellent science into solutions that build a better future, and the ON Accelerator is the perfect way to teach researchers and teams how to do just that,” said CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall. Out of eight university applications Curtin University and a combined team from Macquarie University, University of Adelaide and ANU were successful in securing two wildcard spots in the next Accelerator. “As a collaborative and industryengaged university we are excited about continuing to build integration across CSIRO, industry and university sectors. The CSIRO ON Accelerator provides a framework through which we can extend previous collaborations,” said Professor Sakkie Pretorius, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Macquarie University. “It also allows us to look to the future, to generating impact from new future-focused areas in which CSIRO

¢ Jiaming Li, Lloyd Niccol and Kate Cavanagh from elimun8, one of the successful CSIRO teams progressing to the ON Accelerator. © CSIRO, Karl Schwerdtfeger

and Macquarie have developed complementary strengths.” From July this year the ON Accelerator program will be expanded nationally to include all other publically funded research organisations, as well as Australian universities, as part of the Federal Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda . Collaboration between research sectors is one of the key pillars of CSIRO’s 2020 Strategy, and the ON Accelerator program strongly supports CSIRO’s mandate to use science for a purpose. “With the ON Accelerator program we can focus on finding viable opportunities that will not only create economic impact, but provide real

social and environmental benefits for Australia,” Ms Liza Noonan, CSIRO Executive Manager Innovation, said. We’re thrilled to be working collaboratively with other research organisations in Australia to lift our nation’s innovation performance.” The next round of CSIRO’s ON Accelerator program kicks off on April 26 and takes three months to complete. The 11 winning teams were selected by industry mentors and a judging panel including Dr Cathy Foley, from a group of 25 teams that participated in a challenging and competitive two-day selection Bootcamp held April 6 & 7 at Powerhouse Museum Sydney.

Plantation sale offers footprint in premium agricultural region CBRE HAS been appointed to sell the Otway Plantation Portfolio – comprising 24 properties encompassing more than 2,600 hectares in Victoria’s south west. Located throughout the Colac Otway region – Victoria’s premium dairy district – the expansive portfolio is being offered for sale in one line or as individual properties, with a sale and leaseback structure in place until harvest of the standing timber occurs. The properties are being offered with up to eight-year leases, with harvest expected to take place between 2019 and 2024. The properties will be progressively handed back postharvest. New Forests Asset Management has appointed CBRE Agribusiness to sell the portfolio via an Expression of Interest campaign. CBRE’s Peter Ryan said the sites’ represented an outstanding opportunity to gain a footprint in one of Australia’s leading agricultural regions. “These sites are ideally located to benefit from continued plantation management – being within striking distance of export ports at Geelong and Portland, and close to processing facilities at Colac, Geelong and Portland,” Mr Ryan explained. “Alternatively, as the properties www.timberbiz.com.au

receive over 1000mm rainfall annually, there is also opportunity to replant post-harvest to various forestry species or for conversion to a range of high-value agricultural and lifestyle pursuits.” Mr Ryan said the high quality properties had already generated exceptional interest from forestry companies, corporate investors, individual investors and local farmers seeking to expand. New Forests Asset Management’s decision to market the Otway Portfolio follows the recent successful sale of its Gippsland portfolio – comprising 20 properties totalling more than 2200 hectares - on lease-back terms. The portfolio was purchased by a forestry company, in conjunction with private investors, who plan to re-establish the properties with high value Australian hardwoods following harvest of the standing tree crop. Mr Ryan said the Gippsland sale highlighted strengthening investor interest in Australia’s timber industry, with the lower Australian dollar value bringing a more competitive position for Australian forest products. The Otway Plantation Portfolio is being offered for sale via Expression of Interest closing August 5. Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

11

In the news

HVP adopts FOLS skills verification program

H

VP PLANTATIONS (HVP) has adopted FOLS as its required standard for the recording of training and skills verification for high risk forestry activities. FOLS is a national industry-led program, managed by ForestWorks, and supports the professionalism and safety of industry through an online system of recording and verifying the currency of operator skills. John Dodson, Human Resources Manager at HVP, said the decision to adopt FOLS aligned with HVP’s strong commitment to workplace health and safety. “HVP has adopted FOLS for its own employees. We have endorsed FOLS as HVP’s preferred tool to manage operator’s high risk competencies. “FOLS helps to ensure workers are adequately trained, competent and safe to undertake their work activities.

“HVP’s initial emphasis will be in harvesting but in time will review the application of FOLS for silviculture, road construction and haulage activities,” he said. “The decision to endorse FOLS follows a number of contractor information sessions that we conducted in conjunction with ForestWorks, across the state,” said John. Lesia Clark, Skills Advisory Manager at ForestWorks, will be seconded to HVP from July 4 to support HVP and their harvesting contractors’ transition to FOLS. FOLS is the national skills verification program for Forest Managers, Contractors and Operators. FOLS helps to ensure workers have undertaken the required nationally recognised training and have kept their skills current through regular practice. It includes an online database which authenticates and lists a workers skills –

¢ John Dodson.

¢ Diana Lloyd.

¢ Lesia Clark.

particularly in high risk activities. Operators also receive a FOLS Card to demonstrate their skills. Diana Lloyd, Contracts and Projects Manager at ForestWorks, said HVP was the first private plantation company in Victoria to adopt FOLS as its preferred tool to manage operators’ high risk competencies. “FOLS has been successfully used for several years, particularly

in native forests, to manage the skills of employees and improve safety in the workplace. We look forward to supporting HVP’s work health and safety efforts through the FOLS program. “We are committed to further developing FOLS so that all forestry businesses may one day benefit from FOLS,” said Diana.

For more information about the FOLS Skills Verification Program, visit fols.forestworks.com.au

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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.

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In the news Komatsu’s Marketing Director Mike Jones talks about his ...

Career of innovation and change

T

O QUOTE an oft used phrase “it’s not the destination but the journey that’s important” seems fitting when describing retiring Komatsu Forest Marketing Manager Mike Jones Mike grew up on farms in Gulgong and Gunnedah with some time on the Gold Coast and Sydney when his father first tried earthmoving contracting. He finished his HSC in 1969 at De La Salle boarding school Armidale, NSW, and then went earthmoving contracting with his father and brother from 1975-79. At the end of his earthmoving stint, Mike decided to head for the “big smoke” and arrived in Sydney late 1979 with his first job there as a salesman for Summit Machinery and Equipment. “I was the southern NSW salesman and in my travels met Jim Crozier at Tumbarumba as well as Lex McClean and Dave Nuttal (Ryams P/L) in Tumut who introduced me to the forest business --- between them they purchased six LS2600 excavators in late 1981 /early 1982, which were fitted with Valmet 940GP processors and Waratah shears,” he recalled. However, it was this meeting that was to change Mike’s career and his outlook. “This introduction into logging was contagious and I got the bug bad and really went headlong from

there into chasing logging equipment franchises to expand our possibilities in the forest business,” said Mike. In 1982 Mike meet with Jans Bergholm, President of Umea Mekaniska AB (Valmet Logging AB), to negotiate the Valmet 940GP dealership for Summit Machinery. This led to Rick Korn from Tumbarumba purchasing the first Valmet 940GP fitted to Sumitomo LS2600 in late ‘82 from Summit, followed by Kevin Boult and Colin Moreland in Mt Gambier via Brenton Yon (SA sub dealer) in the mid 80’s. The following year Mike travelled to Canada to meet Laurent Denis of Denis Equipment and as a result the first Denis Boom Delimber was imported into Australia. It was fitted to a Sumitomo LS2800 with Geoff Groves a Tumut contractor being the first customer followed by Nino Rosin and Jeff Carsteen.

Valmet product line “During 1984/85 I negotiated the dealership on behalf of Summit Machinery for the full Valmet Logging product line with the dealer agreement being signed in 1986. The Valmet 886 Forwarder , Valmet 901 & 902 Harvesters were released at FIME’86, Myrtleford Vic with all being sold after the FIME show. “Neil Walker and Ron O’Connor purchased the first

¢ S ummit /Valmet Senior Staff (from left) taken at Summit’s office in Sydney in March 1986 just prior to FIME’86: Alan Smith, General Manager Summit Machinery & Equip P/L, Harry Sakata, Managing Director Summit Machinery & Equip P/L, Mike Jones, Forestry Manager Summit Machinery & Equip P/L, Lage Lindfors, Financial Controller Valmet Logging AB, Jan Bergholm, President Valmet Logging AB, Jan Eje, Chief Design Engineer Valmet Logging AB, Jan Arfelt, Sales & Marketing Manager Valmet Logging AB.

Valmet 886 Forwarders, Rick Korn purchased the first 901 and Jim Crozier purchased the Valmet 902 followed quickly by Ron O’Connor and the Perotti Bros,” he said. During this period, Mike was appointed Forestry Manager for Summit. In 1987 Summit, via Mike (now National Sales and Marketing Manager) became the Koehring dealer for their track feller bunchers and boom delimbers. The main customers were L. V. Dohnt and Ryam P/L to name a couple. Unfortunately, in early 1990 the Koehring dealership was lost when Timberjack purchased

Koehring in Canada. In June 1990 Valmet Logging AB (Sweden) employed Mike to set up a sales company in Australia, as it had become apparent Summit Machinery was concentrating on the construction business. Mike was in the team that negotiated the transfer from Summit to the new organisation, which was to start as an overseas branch of Valmet Logging AB. In October 1990 Valmet Logging started operation with its head office in Sydney and Mike as General Manager with a staff of seven including Brett Jones, Leif

Magnusson and Brenton Yon. In late 1992 Valmet Logging Pty Ltd was incorporated as a full subsidiary of Valmet Logging AB and Mike was appointed Managing Director and Sheryl Pavloff was appointed the Financial Controller. During 1991 Valmet Logging AB purchased Ranger Skidder products and naturally the Australian operation had full responsibility of the Australian and New Zealand markets. The product expansion followed in 1992 with Valmet Logging Pty Ltd becoming the Timbco

¢ Partek Forest Senior Staff (left to right) taken at Timbco Office, Shawano Wi in 2003 prior to Komatsu Ltd purchasing Partek Forest AB: Mike Jones, Managing Director Partek Forest Pty Ltd, Hans Eliasson, President Partek Forest AB & Partek Forest Group, Carl-Gustaf Bergstrom, President & CEO Partek Group (HQ Finland), Per Wrappling, Marketing Manager Partek Forest AB & Partek Forest Group, Leif Magnusson, President Partek Forest LLC including the Timbco operation since 2001. Photo: Kenny Crawford, Timbco.

14

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

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In the news

New Purpose-built premises Due to business growth, in August 2003 Partek Forest Pty Ltd moved to larger premises with administration and spare parts located at Newington, Sydney, while the service department and new/ used equipment machine stock moved to purposebuilt premises in Albury/ Wodonga. In January 2004 the Partek Forest Group was purchased by Komatsu Ltd (Japan) and Partek Forest Pty Ltd became Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd a fully owned subsidiary Komatsu Ltd via Komatsu Forest AB (Sweden). During 2005 KF Pty Ltd moved from a New Zealand

¢ Mike Jones at AUSTimber 2016 VE BLE ITI ET AILA P M AV CO CE AN N FI

dealer structure to having its own branch operation via Komatsu Ltd branch in Rotorua and with Dean O’Connor returning as Branch Manager in 2008. Coinciding with this move KF took over the Komatsu hydraulic excavator forest business in NZ and mainland Australia. Unfortunately, with the advent of the GFC in 2008 KF Pty Ltd had to reduce overheads, so the responsibility of SE Asia was handed over to Komatsu Indonesia with the two local Australian representatives joining the K.I. operation. This change provided KF Pty Ltd the opportunity in 2010 to take on the Peterson dealership in Australia, which it had been pursuing for a number of years and was then available. It was a very successful match with the KF range as a number of Peterson 5000H’s Flail Debarker/Chippers were delivered in the first year. Komatsu reaffirmed its commitment to the forest business in 2011 with the product range changing name from the Valmet brand

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to the Komatsu brand . “The market improved in 2013 resulting in a record year for KF Pty Ltd which was and very rewarding having survived the struggle through the 4-5 years of the GFC,” said Mike. But, on the whole, Mike has enjoyed the journey ... “Obviously setting up our company in 1990 was the pinnacle, but we continued to expand our product range whenever possible, with the obvious examples being Timbco and Peterson.” Company policy dictated that Mike stand down as Managing Director from 1 July 2014 with Brett Jones taking up the role. Mike has stayed on supporting Brett for the last two years as Marketing Director and now, it’s retirement time. But that’s definitely not the end of his working life ... “I’m too young to stop just yet,” he says, and his industry knowledge will be put to good use for quite some time yet as he opts for some consultancy work. As Mike says .... “I’m not at the destination just yet, I’m still on the journey!”

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WITH ENSIGN LOG FORKS AND LOG GRAPPLES.

In the 90’s Valmet Logging Group went through many corporate changes with name changes such as Sisu

of logging contracts,” Mike recalled. In 2000/01 he was involved in the Partek Logging AB purchase of Timbco LLC (USA) which was an easy transition in Australia as Partek Forest Pty Ltd was the existing dealer for Timbco LLC.

WITH ENSIGN LOG FORKS AND LOG GRAPPLES.

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Logging and Partek Forest. Also,during the early 90s the Australian operation expanded with branches being established in South Australia and Tasmania as well as a dealership in New Zealand. “Around 1993 Valmet became market leader in the Australian market and has held that title continuously to the present. The main focus was product support due to the suspect reliability of the earlier pioneering forest machines and the demands

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Dealer for Australasia and SE Asia. Valmet Logging Pty Ltd being responsible for Indonesia was successful in winning two major supply contracts to APRIL and Asia Pulp & Paper for 12 x Valmet 892 Forwarders and 10 x Timbco T425 feller bunchers respectively in 1992/93.

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Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

For product and sales enquiries contact GB Forestry

15

14/07/2016 4:11:26 PM

EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN

HEAD-LINES

Unique forestry safety and technology training event

T

HE TIMBER industry is one of the major agricultural industries in the Green Triangle Region. As well as being a green and sustainable industry, it is also progressive and exciting thanks in no small part to the many great advances in technology. Harvesting trees is not simply sending man and machine into the forest to cut them down, but

is precision forestry performed by skilled operators using leading edge computer technology and software. As a major forest owner in the region, OneFortyOne recently partnered with Waratah, a global producer of mechanised harvesting equipment, and held a series of training sessions focusing on harvesting safety, and bringing operators up to speed with

¢ Everyone watches intently.

¢ Brendon Satchwell, Eastern Australian Manager Waratah Forestry Attachments, at the simulator.

technology. Over 2 days, 4 hour training sessions were held for approximately 30 OneFortyOne staff and harvesting contractors. Safety around a Waratah harvester was the first topic of each session. These machines are a complex array of mechanical and hydraulic parts and training for operator safety was of paramount importance to Waratah, OneFortyOne and the contractors involved. Training then moved on to the technology, and Waratah provided a unique training experience with the use of a harvesting simulator in the classroom.

To the untrained eye, the simulator looked like a giant gaming station complete with big screen and joy stick. However, it was a state of the art harvesting cabin simulator. Modern harvesting machines are fitted with high-tech computerised systems that automatically select the length and diameter of logs when cutting a tree. This training gave operators the opportunity to test the technology with Waratah staff there to guide them. Waratah last ran training in the Green Triangle two years ago, but this was the first time the region had this type of training done

in partnership with a forest owner. OneFortyOne’s General Manager Willie Van Niekerk also had a turn in the training simulator and came away with a deeper appreciation of the skill needed to use the technology in the field. He commented he hoped to see further training opportunities like this for the local timber industry and its operators. Feedback from the staff in attendance was very positive. Everyone learnt something new about the technology and reinforced their commitment to safety.

The new Komatsu C123 – productive and profitable KOMATSU FOREST’S new versatile head, the Komatsu C123, is productive and reliable. This is what makes the new head a dependable partner that always delivers. The Komatsu C123 has an effective feed to ensure high productivity. One important reason for this is the feed roller design. The feed rollers have concave ridges for many points of contact between the stem and the feed rollers. The result is that the head’s gripping force can be kept low with retained feed force and low energy consumption. Aside from high productivity, the Komatsu C123 also provides effective and reliable measuring. Here, too, the feed roller design comes into play, ensuring highquality measurements. The new head also offers the advantage of cast delimbing knives, which provide maximum durability, high lifting capacity, and firm stem holding. 16

Another factor that makes the Komatsu C123 so effective is the Constant Cut saw unit, which guarantees the correct cutting speed throughout the entire cutting cycle. This means there is never any risk of running the chain too fast, thereby increasing productivity and minimizing chain shot and splitting risks. The Komatsu C123 is a truly versatile harvesting head and is even a good choice for steep terrain. The robust frame design and extra large tilt angle make the head productive. In conjunction with the launch of the Komatsu C123, customers also have the opportunity to add the optional multi-tree accumulator, which further increases productivity. Komatsu Forest strives to constantly reduce the costs of machine ownership. The Komatsu C123 can be supplied with the Eco-GLS chain and bar lubrication system. The

advantage for the machine owner is that the oil mist surrounding the machine is minimized and good lubrication is achieved with a small amount of lubricant. The oil mist

around the machine considerably affects the frequency at which the windows, radiator, and other machine parts need to be cleaned.

¢ Komatsu Forest’s new C123 is a genuine workhorse.

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

www.timberbiz.com.au

HEAD-LINES

A definite head for business!

K

OMATSU FOREST is launching a new harvester head, the Komatsu C283, a sturdy head designed for heavy trees. This head is the largest in Komatsu’s head line-up with a maximum opening of a full 800mm. The Komatsu C283 is a robust head suitable for final logging, as well as for selection cutting and processing pre-felled trees. The head is intended primarily for the American and Australian markets and is designed for mounting on a forestry excavator, 27 tonnes or bigger, or a tracked forest machine. The head features a threewheel feed system, which means that the stem is both fed and lifted by the powerful feed rollers. The body of the head is fitted with an additional feed roller that helps reduce friction and contributes to even greater feed force and feed speed. The head has a powerful saw and is equipped

with cutting control, which ensures a wellcontrolled cutting process. The head can also be equipped with a top saw. The number of delimbing knives on the standard model is three, with two moving and one fixed front delimbing knife. It’s also possible to choose to fit two additional delimbing knives, mounted in the rear section of the head, one of which is hydraulically controlled while the other is fixed to the chassis. The length measuring wheel offers high precision and quality, sitting well protected in the body of the head. The measuring wheel is controlled by a unique hydraulic cylinder, designed to follow the stem as closely as possible. The result is highly accurate length measurement. As with all Komatsu Forest heads, the Komatsu C283 is equipped with EcoOiler, which is a unique system that enables effective control of the

amount of lubricant fed to the chain and bar. In order to minimise leakage from hydraulic couplings, the Komatsu C283 is equipped with ORFS couplings. The head has several practical solutions that simplify

service, such as a mount for the hose guard in the rotator designed to make hose replacement as quick and easy as possible. The head is controlled by the MaxiXplorer control system, an intuitive system that makes it

easy to keep an eye on head performance and status.

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August 2016

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17

TRUCKING

Scania is the torque of the forest

S

CANIA CUSTOMERS H&L Scheidl and Tabeel Trading provided new logging-spec R 620 V8 prime movers to the demonstration area at the 2016 AUSTimber expo in the forests outside Traralgon, Victoria, in April. The result was a large number of successful test-drives giving some logging experts their first taste of a Scania logging truck’s prowess. However, Scania has a long history in logging in Europe, South East Asia and South America, stretching back many decades. H&L Scheidl’s dark blue V8 was hooked to two new low-line Kennedy trailers weighing in at 68.5-tonnes GVM, loaded with 46.5-tonnes of logs, while the Tabeel Trading V8 Scania pulled two new Canadian Titan Eclipse thin wall bin trailers filled with around 44-tonnes of wood chip. The vehicles were made available for AUSTimber visitors to experience on a typically undulating, unmade track with soft edges, which allowed the Scanias to show off their traction, torque and the safety provided by the new 4100 Retarder. The Scheidl R 620 featured Scania Opticruise latest automated gear change with off-road mode, while the Tabeel V8 was equipped with a manually operated 12+2 speed gearbox, in line with typical

¢ Scania display at AUSTimber 2016.

specification across the Australian logging industry. Judicious use of the off road load transfer feature and the new GPS based CTI tyre inflation system endowed the Scanias with impressive traction under very testing conditions, while the new 4100 Nm Retarder and engine brake allowed safe and secure downhill travel without troubling the service

brakes once during the course of a lap of the woodland route. Scania’s display area welcomed visitors to the show, hosting a trio of prime movers fronted by two eucalyptus green Euro 6 trucks; an R 730 V8 and a G 490, along with a unique 4x4 CrewCab with five seats, suitable for forest fire fighting and forest machine servicing activities. The Scania 16.4-litre V8 engine

rated at 730 hp with 3500 Nm (2583 ft/lb) of torque is the most powerful on-road engine available in Australia, and can run on biodiesel, if required, along with many other engines in the Scania V8 range and the 13-litre in-line 6-cylinder engine family, rated from 400 - 490 hp and up to 2600 Nm (1918 ft/lb) of torque. “These new Scanias show how

¢ Scheidl logging Scania moves off with full load, followed by the Tabeel Trading Scania V8 with wood chip bins.

18

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

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TRUCKING

¢ Scheidl truck detail.

serious we are to supply the logging industry with suitable and highly efficient trucks,” says Alfons Reitsma, Scania Australia’s Senior Product Manager. “A key benefit of the Scania V8 engine range is that it produces peak torque at very low revs, and with our gearing, we are able to provide very high tractive effort at low speed, which gives drivers total control in all types of driving conditions, including the use of 2 crawler gears, which Scania has had for many years as standard. “With our long history in logging, in the snow-covered forests of Scandinavia or the heat and humidity of the jungle forests of South East Asia and Latin America, Scania has evolved a logging industry specification that copes easily with a wide range of extreme climatic and environmental conditions,” Alfons says. “The modern state-of-the-art technology we employ – from EBS,

¢ Tabeel Trading Scania V8 cab detail.

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¢ Scania Senior Product Manager Alfons Reitsma at the wheel of a Scania V8.

disc brakes, roll stability, in-built weigh scales, spark arrestors and Hill Hold systems, to the Scania Opticruise automated gear change with off-road mode, manual override on demand, delivering faster gearshifts –­ provide drivers with safe and productive workhorses. “The Scania off road load transfer system can provide up to a 30% improvement in traction for the front set of drive axles, which on a soft and loose uphill climb or hill start can make the difference between arriving safely at the top or getting stuck halfway. “Our low tare weight hub reduction overall axle ratio of 3.67:1 allows outstanding take-off traction under load, and excellent drivability on road, and we added Goodyear 385/65 R 22.5 super singles on the steer axle to increase stability on rough roads,” he says. “This gives the driver a smoother ride as well as added load safety.

“The Scania demonstrator vehicles show clearly just how wellsuited they are to off-road logging applications, where there is no room for error,” Alfons says. “The Scania Off-Road Opticruise, allied with our suite of active and passive safety systems, and even a ventilation system in the driver’s seat, all add up to a significant reduction in driver fatigue during a shift, which reduces the potential for incidents,” he says. “It means drivers can go home feeling fresher at the end of the day.” Scania has a nationwide network of authorised independent service dealers and is growing its sales network beyond its 10 companyowned branches. Thanks to the Scania modular engine system, the number of parts needed to be kept on hand is vastly reduced, and the individual cylinder head design with a very high degree of commonality, means technicians are expert at diagnosing and carrying out repairs

quickly and carefully, when they are needed. “Our maintenance programmes are aimed at keeping trucks on the road earning money. We offer maintenance and repair contracts as well as preventative maintenance programmes and fixed price repairs for common wear items,” Alfons says. “With such comprehensive Scania back-up there is no reason why unplanned downtime should rob operators of the ability to earn their living. We aim to provide maximum uptime, and in an industry where margins are tight and the workload is significant, operators can rely on Scania as a trusted transport solution partner,” he says. For more information: www.scania.com.au

¢ Tabeel Trading Scania V8 with wood chip bins.

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

19

INTRODUCING THE NEW & IMPROVED

SP 591 LX G3

The G3 is the third generation of the popular SP 591 LX purpose built debarking head. With an increased protection of hoses and cylinders as well as an improved hose routing the G3 offers an improved uptime and reliability. The G3 also offer a separate length measuring unit for operations requiring very accurate length measuring results. The length measuring unit can be combined with the standard measuring in the feed roller, offering the possibility to instantly switch measuring type by the press of a button. tree forms from the G2 version not have been changed on the G3, we promise!

Head Office Victoria Randalls Equipment Company 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Melbourne VIC Contact: Peter Randalls Ph: 03 9369 8988

Randalls Equipment Company Pty Ltd

Email. randalls@randalls.com.au www.randalls.com.au

Western Australia (NEW) Randalls Equipment Company 9B Charles Street, Albany WA

Contact: Adam Bremmer Ph: 0437 059 477

STEEP SLOPE LOGGING SECTION

Safely logging steep slopes with Ponsse harvesters and forwarders

¢ Ponsse Ergo harvester -Central Europe.

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ESIDES SLOPE itself, there are several other site considerations to be taken into account when working in steep terrain. Soil composition, resistance of soil surface to heavy machinery, topography, roughness of terrain, logging slash and stumps, proportion of obstacles, season and weather conditions, etc. Inclination may change quickly due to rocks, stumps or other obstacles, or ground giving way! It is therefore impossible to give any strict measure on the operational range, or ‘trafficability’,

of Ponsse harvesters and forwarders working on slopes. There will be sites where you can safely work on slopes as steep as 30 degrees or even more. On other sites the use of traction aid winches may be needed to avoid ground erosion and to improve work productivity, already below 20 degrees. Ponsse wheeled harvesters and forwarders are designed for working in demanding conditions. Wheeled machines have excellent mobility in difficult terrain, for example rocky ground conditions, or sites with

¢ Ponsse Bear harvester -Pacific Northwest.

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many old stumps or other obstacles. Wheeled machines have relatively long frames with independent moving bogies, front and rear, right and left, which adapt better to different ground profiles, while dividing pressure more equally to the ground. The basic rules when working on slopes are to drive always as straight up and down the slope as possible, and to never turn on slopes! Harvest site planning, including driving routes or strip road planning, is crucial in this respect.

There are a number of machine variables which assist working safely and productive on slopes. For example, the number of wheels is important. 8-wheel forwarders have been on the market for quite some time now, but Ponsse has been a pioneer and is still a frontrunner in the development of 8-wheel harvesters with 4 models in 3 different size classes. Ponsse 8-wheel machines will not only provide lower ground pressures, but also the tearing force to the ground will be divided over a larger area, especially if bogie tracks are used. Static and dynamic ground pressures on 8-wheel machines are significantly lower than on 6-wheel machines, when there are tracks on both end of the machine. Therefore 8-wheel machines do not tend to ‘break’ the ground when climbing. Differential locks help in dividing tractive force more evenly to all wheels. Ponsse harvesters and forwarders can be delivered with balanced bogies. These bogies use the torque of the gears in the bogie hub to press the front wheel (the wheel towards the driving direction) of the bogie down when driving. This helps, for example, when driving upslope to keep the front wheels firmly on the ground. Tyre pattern, but also the condition of tyres and inflation of tyres with recommended pressures, are important when working on slopes. Bogie tracks and wheel chains provide additional traction and stability in very demanding terrain, but on steep slopes they do not guarantee that the machine stops when needed. Continued on next page

¢ Ponsse Buffalo forwarder - traction-aid winch.

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

21

STEEP SECTION SLOPE LOGGING

¢ Ponsse Buffalo forwarder - Herzog Synchrowinch. Continued from last page

Currently Ponsse is the only wheeled Cut-To-Length forest machine manufacture offering harvesters with sliding boom cranes, besides parallel action cranes. Sliding boom cranes provide a centre point of gravity significantly closer to the base machine at full reach, which is important for stability on (side) slope. It is also easier to reach far out upslope with a sliding boom crane. A self-levelling crane base with a tilting angle of +/- 20 degrees makes work easy on steep slopes. Also tilting crane bases on Ponsse forwarders, to keep the pillar as vertical as possible, keeps the slewing power high and prevents ‘fighting’ against gravity when working on slopes. On steep slopes it is very important that forest machines can utilize the volume of the fuel tank as well as possible. For example, a Ponsse Ergo harvester can utilize more than 85% of its fuel tank capacity while working on a 35 degree slope. Also the hydraulic oil tanks, and the oil pans of the Mercedes-Benz engines, have been designed in such way that oil circulation is guaranteed when working on steep slopes. Optional Ponsse ActiveFrame and levelling seats provide an ergonomic and productive work environment for the machine operator when working on steep slopes. The Ponsse Opti control 22

system contains an inclinometer, displaying up-/down- and side slopes. Operators can check current inclination compared to risk levels, which are indicated with the appropriate safety or warning colours. However, also when the main machine specifications are in order for working on slopes, there is always the risk of the machine sliding or falling down when working on slopes.

Ponsse tethered harvesters and forwarders Ponsse harvesters and forwarders can be equipped with Herzog traction-aid Synchrowinches, developed in Switzerland, consisting of a cable, a drum and spooling devices. The cable, with a minimum required tensile strength of 200 kN, is spooled on the winch drum, which is driven by a hydraulic motor and a gearbox. The spooling device guides the cable on the drum, to assure proper winding and allowing spooling of a big amount of cable (300 – 350 m) onto the winch drum. The spoolout device spools out the cable and tensions it inside the winch. The speed of the winch is automatically synchronized with the speed of the base machine wheels, keeping the set rope tension. The winch control in the cabin can be taken outside as a radio remote control. An

observation display shows among others the cable tension, winch gear mode, possible fault indication and a camera view of the winch drum. The installation of the winch on a Ponsse harvester is on the outside the base machine frame and made with a quick release adapter. The unit weighs about 1.950 kg. On Ponsse forwarders the winch is fixmounted in the base machine’s rear frame. The Herzog Synchrowinch is available for Ponsse Ergo and Bear harvesters and Ponsse 14-ton Buffalo, 18-ton Elephant and 20ton load capacity ElephantKing forwarders. The Herzog Synchrowinch is not designed to winch the harvesters or forwarders simply up and down slopes. It is a traction-aid designed to provide an ergonomic and safe working method, while preserving the forest soil, reducing the risk of rutting and soil erosion. A Ponsse harvester or forwarder must be able to remain stationary and stop when using its own brakes without being tethered. In other words, if a Ponsse harvester or forwarder cannot stand still on a slope without the support of the traction winch, then it is not allowed to drive and work with the machine on that particular slope. When using trees as anchor points, the bearing strength of the tree is unknown, and will vary with rooting, soil type, soil moisture and presence of decay. Trees growing on shallow soil or boggy ground should be avoided if possible. Dry

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

or rotten stumps should also be avoided as anchor points. If there is doubt about the load-bearing capacity of an anchor tree, it should be further anchored back to an adjacent tree, or to multiple trees. Also a parked-up dozer or excavator can be used. Slings should be flat and large in order to avoid twisting, have suitable load rating and should be attached as low as possible. Ponsse tethered harvesters and forwarders are successfully working in the Alpine countries Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the Pacific Northwest, South America and in China. Already in the year 2010 the Herzog traction winch for Ponsse forwarders received a so-called KWF-Certificate of Quality from the Board of Trustees for Forest Operation and Forest Technology in Germany.

External traction winch Herzog Synchrowinch MW500 The latest Herzog innovation is the external traction winch Herzog Synchrowinch MW500 with an innovative 3-winch principal. The unit includes two dynamic anchor winches and one traction winch built onto a Ponsse Ergo harvester base, where normally the harvester crane is located. For more information www.randalls.com.au www.timberbiz.com.au

STEEP SLOPE SECTION LOGGING

Developed to deal with steep slope logging

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OMATSU IS considered to have one of the broadest ranges of forest machines designed for steep slope logging applications. “This includes track fellerbunchers/harvesters, wheeled harvesters, forwarders, log loaders and forestry excavators, and when it comes to cutting on steep slopes, Komatsu´s new 931XC harvester is designed for steep terrain and soft grounds,” says Komatsu Forest Marketing Director Mike Jones. “The 931XC is an eight-wheeled harvester with low ground pressure, extraordinary stability, and good comfort that provides the right conditions for effective production in steep terrain,” he says. Everyone knows that any machine that is to work well in steep terrain must be stable. “The 931XC is built around Komatsu’s unique and wellproven chassis concept with an articulated joint and swing axle, a tilt function for the crane and cab, and Komatsu’s load-sensing stabilizer -- a concept that has proven to be effective for several decades. “As well as the swinging rear axle, the Komatsu 931XC has a bogie that is mounted on the swing axle. The new suspended bogie further improves stability with improved ground contact and a lower center of gravity,” says Mike. The crane’s central placement and tilt equipment that shifts the centre of gravity in toward the centre ensures that the machine’s weight is evenly distributed between all wheels. “This, and the fact that the Komatsu 931XC is the lightest rubber tired harvester in its class, means that it also performs outstandingly well on soft ground.” Good comfort is a natural result of good stability. The Komatsu 931XC’s cab is spacious in all

¢ The XT 430L .

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directions; high air flow creates the right indoor climate; both upward and downward visibility are good thanks to the smart front windshield design; and there are several different hand controllers to choose from, as well as the industry’s first remote-controlled keyless system. A crane with high slewing torque and a machine with high ground clearance are equally important in steep terrain. Mike said the Komatsu Comfort Bogie, with its well-maintained balance and portals integrated with the rims, helped provide very good ground clearance. The three-pump hydraulics means that the operator can perform several tasks at the same time and maintain a considerably higher production rate while also reducing fuel consumption. “The Komatsu 931XC has a powerful Stage IV/Final engine that fulfills the most stringent emission requirements and reduces fuel consumption,” says Mike. All other Komatsu rubber tired harvesters have six wheels. The 901, 911, 931 and 951 models can handle the most demanding logging, from sensitive thinning in Nordic countries to working on slopes in southern Europe. Maintaining stability at all times is important in being able to optimize harvester productivity in steep terrain, and all Komatsu six wheeled harvesters offer two distinctive features to achieve this. One involves the positioning system of the crane in relation to the cab and operator. Both the cab and crane are on the same frame, rotating and leveling together, which provides a clear and unhindered forward view for the operator. Leveling cylinders with sensors provide continuous automatic crane and cab leveling

¢ It doesn’t matter which way you look at it, the 931XC does the job with ease.

to reduce operator fatigue when working on slopes. The other feature is the unique and well-proven concept of a rear axle stabilization system. Combining this stabilization system with the automatically leveling cab system makes the harvesters extremely stable. All Komatsu harvesters are also available with an effective cab suspension system, Komatsu Autolev Advanced. “This technology is as simple as it is ingenious. The cab suspension is hydraulic and its functionality is controlled with MaxiXplorer. The result is effective damping of hard knocks,” says Mike. When it comes to Komatsu forwarders, 865 and 895 models have the unique bogie-concept as an important feature that makes them productive in steep terrain. With a powerful axle system and bogie utilizing a robust portal-type construction, the Komatsu Comfort Bogie design produces the best combination of traction force and operator comfort. Another feature on all Komatsu forwarders is the Komatsu Comfort Ride cab suspension option, which effectively reduces knocks and jolts,

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

ensures productive cab comfort that is easy on the operator even after many hours at the controls. Komatsu’s XT-3 Series Track Feller-Bunchers and Harvesters are tailor-made for operating on rough and sloped terrain. The XT430L-3, XT445L-3 and XT460L-3 models feature the industry’s original “engine-up” two-cylinder 4-way cab leveling design which revolutionized mechanical felling on slopes. This cab leveling system maximizes operator comfort, increases harvesting productivity and improves machine lift and swing torque performance. “Komatsu’s pioneering setback boom design on tracked machines further improves machine performance on slopes by allowing the operator to cut very close to the machine to optimize full lift capacity. The zero-tail swing feature enhances the ability to maneuver and work in confined spaces. “With these two features plus high lift capacity, powerful swing torque, a robust undercarriage and best-inclass cab, the XT-3 Series provides high levels of operator comfort, ease of operation, productivity, reliability and durability,” says Mike. 23

STEEP SECTION SLOPE LOGGING

Forwarders have the capacity to cover heavy demand

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I G E R C A T COMPETES in three forwarder classes. The 1055C is a 14-tonne capacity machine. The 1075C is a 20-tonne forwarder and the 1085C is rated to carry a massive 25-tonne load. The new C-series forwarders are powered by the Tigercat FPT N67 engine with options for Tier 2 for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The heavy duty 1055C is designed to excel in both selective and final felling applications. Offering up to 10m (394 in) of crane reach, an expandable bunk and a choice of two wagon frame lengths, the 1055C is highly configurable and an excellent all-around forwarder. The 1075C is designed for long distance forwarding, steep slopes, scarifying and other tough applications. With heavy duty wide spread bogies and 2-speed transmission, the 1075C excels in tough terrain and slopes and operates with minimal soil disturbance. The expandable bunk improves productivity by increasing payload in applications where the wood is relatively light in weight and load area is the constraining factor. The 1085C excels in severe duty applications and is especially well matched to steep slopes and constant use of traction aids and band tracks. The 1085C is equipped with the extreme duty Tigercat engineered and manufactured ROB17

bogies and Tigercat’s unique WideRangeTM drive system. The Tigercat designed and manufactured driveline provides tractive effort that is unmatched in the industry. WideRange features Tigercat’s single speed transmission and provides sufficient tractive effort to carry large loads up steep slopes and achieves a maximum working speed of 7 km/hr. The 1085C can attack and manoeuvre steep slopes under load with ease.

Hooked crane profile and low-wide™ bunks The Tigercat F195T85 crane is capable of lifting 20-30% heavier loads at the same reach compared with any other forwarder crane on the market. In addition, the crane boasts 22-66% more slew torque than any competing crane. The F195T85 features standard end-of-position dampening sensors on the stick boom and slew bearing to prevent impact loads. The tapered roller bearing in the slew base is designed to last the life of the machine, an improvement over the plain bearing and spherical rollers used in other cranes. The crane’s hooked profile is designed to increase the working envelope of the crane for reduced machine travel and improved productivity. But where the crane really shines is when used in combination with Tigercat’s new low-wide

expandable bunk systems. The low-wide bunks are angled to reduce overall gate height and eliminate the need for a vertically sliding gate. In combination with the hooked crane, the low-wide bunk system significantly reduces the chance of contact with the gate or bunk stakes. Operator visibility and ergonomics are enhanced. The operator enjoys a clear sightline to the top of the load (including the rear of the load), increasing log placement accuracy and decreasing cycle times. In addition, the grapple stays within the operator’s view through the entire loading and unloading cycle for reduced operator strain. The low-wide system is available for both the 1075C and 1085C forwarders.

Tigercat grapples Since an average of 50% of the forwarder duty cycle is spent loading and unloading, increasing the number of logs per crane cycle is another way that Tigercat is improving overall machine productivity and reducing forwarding cost per tonne. The FG43 and FG53 series Tigercat grapples compliment the crane with larger load area capacities at 0,43 m2 (4.6 ft2) and 0,53 m2 (5.7 ft2) respectively. The grapples are fitted with thick walled bushings for extended service life. The rotator link has a patent pending hose routing design

¢ 5 0% of the forwarder duty cycle is spent loading and unloading. The high capacity FG43 andFG53 series grapples increase the number of logs per crane cycle and complement the powerful F195T85 crane.

to better protect the hoses and the swing dampener has been designed for this heavy duty application.

cab use bulkhead fittings to reduce noise transfer.

Operator’s Station

Tigercat forwarders have unsurpassed service access to all electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Access to the engine, driveline and pumps is through the tilt-out hood enclosure and tilting cab. All the hydraulic valves and computer control modules are located in one compartment in the wagon frame. Easily accessed from ground level, hydraulic adjustments are simple to perform. Electrical reliability is excellent due to short wire runs between the control modules and valves located immediately beside them.

Tigercat forwarders are equipped with a modern, well finished, spacious cab with extended windows for excellent visibility to the load area and the ground. The large window area provides an open feeling, reducing the perception of being confined in a machine cab for long periods. A quiet environment is important for operator comfort and productivity. The forwarder cab is insulated and isolation mounted for reduced noise levels and vibration. Sound insulation is used under the cab, on the engine wall area, and the engine hood to reduce driveline and engine noise. All connections to the

Service

For more information: www.tigercat.com

¢ Above - A 20-tonne 1075C forwarder equipped with lowwide working in eucalyptus. The angled bunk system allows for a lower overall gate height. Combined with the hooked crane, the system significantly improves productivity. ¢ Left - The new hooked profile increases the working envelope of the Tigercat F195T85 crane.

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Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

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STEEP SLOPE LOGGING

In-house winch assistance systems THE MOVE to more and more steep slope logging has seen a dramatic change in forestry equipment that can safely and productively work in the demanding conditions. Komatsu Forest is now concentrating on a new winch system for steep slope logging systems with the new unit scheduled to be released next year. For some time now winch assisted harvesters and forwarders of all brands have been supplied to the German and Austrian markets. During this time the winch systems

have been an aftermarket option fitted by local workshops. Komatsu Forest will produce its own winch assisted systems. The new systems will be a standard option for the 911 and the 875. The beauty of the new traction aid winch is that it helps transmission manage steep slopes. It actually synchronises with the transmission’ remote control winch, engine. It’s an all-in-one package. Just a few of the features of the Komatsu 911 harvester (with traction aid winch) include tilt arms to adjust the angle of the winch; the

engine hood is easy to open (great service access); detachable for service (quick coupling and pins); plus KF’s unique harvester tilt cab and crane provide high slew power and good ergonomics, plus good geometry and stability on steep slopes.

With the forwarder, which features a compact design, all components are in the tail (simplifying service), and the split frame is easier to add the winch modification. Komatsu’s 130F crane with integrated crane tilt results in increased slew force.

¢ It doesn’t matter which way you look at it, the new winch-assistance systems will be a boon to steep slope logging.

Safety, surety and satisfaction despite the angle of work! EMS, A New Zealand- manufacturer and supplier of based company established specialist forestry equipment in 1995, has become a world to the forest industry. leader in Harvestline and “EMS has a dedicated Tractionline systems that not engineering and design only ensure productivity but team utilising the latest 3D also highlight safe operations modelling software along in steep slope work. with a dedicated electronics E.M.S (Electrical and team who take care of Machinery Services) was software development and founded by Managing programming of our various Director Chris Hancock with control systems. Its fully a small team of technicians equipped fabrication shop who specialised in electric has a professional team of over hydraulic systems. qualified tradesman who take Today, EMS employs more pride in the products they the 34 and is well respected produce. Additionally, a team as an innovative, quality of fully qualified technicians

¢ Komatsu PC 300 Harvestline unit that will soon be on its way to Australia.

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and a well-stocked parts store along with a competent administration team complete the package providing well respected after sales support of EMS products. One of EMS’ steep slope assistance packages is the twinline cable assist which features safe shifting and disconnecting processes, swivelling lower blocks, accurate rope spooling, dual shackle attachment, machine sustainability, and breakaway (movement) switch. Twin independent winches share the load equally with individual connection points for added safety redundancy. The unit complies to AS1418-1 materials handling winching standard; 5:1 safety factor for all components within the system. The Break-away system functions by pulling and triggering an onboard switch if the winch machine creeps forward while in operation. This is achieved by anchoring one end of the break-away line to a stump or stake firmly placed in the ground behind the winch machine. In the event the break-away switch is triggered, an alarm will sound in the SSM machine and park brakes will be

Australian Forests & Timber News

dynamically applied. Then there’s the Harvestline, an innovative specialty cable logging product designed and manufactured by EMS. These products are a very capable and versatile cable logging tool that allow quick line shifts and efficient log extraction in difficult, short to medium distance cable extraction areas where the logistics of moving in a large yarder or

tower are challenging. The fully interlocked Harvestline system utilising a motorised carriage with rotating grapple is designed to be adapted and installed onto a 30 Tonne plus excavator base carrier. The clever fold down mast and the ability to be able to utilise a grapple or bucket make the Harvestline an extremely versatile cable logging tool.

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 • •

For all your traction & protection requirements please call: John Treloar – 0428 140 466 Jodie Bassett – 0448 880 984 Adam Hampson – 0409 977 567 (Fitter)

August 2016

CHAFFEY’S

CHAINS

25

STEEP SLOPE LOGGING

Caterpillar offers levelling track feller bunchers, harvesters for steep slope logging

C

AT® TRACK feller bunchers and harvesters utilize a robust three cylinder levelling system -- the only system to offer full two-way simultaneous levelling -- to enable logging operations in steep terrain. Cat track feller bunchers and harvesters are designed with the best combination of lift capacity, swing torque and tractive effort ratios to enable loggers to boost production in the woods. Four models are available to suit diverse logging applications and environments. The Cat 541 Series 2 and the Cat 552 Series 2 are full tail swing machines designed for high-production clear-cutting or final felling in rough terrain. The 552 is a levelling machine for improved operation on steep terrain. The Cat 521 and 522 B Series machines are nearzero tail swing harvesters. The 522B is a levelling machine for select or clearcut logging, and the 521B is a non-levelling model best suited for plantation thinning, biomass harvesting and medium-production select or clear-cut applications. Both levelling track feller bunchers and harvesters feature Caterpillar’s patented 3-cylinder tilt mechanism with simultaneous forward and side-to-side tilt capabilities. The unique mechanism can tilt the machines 21 degrees forward and 11 degrees side-to-side at the same time. The system design significantly reduces stress loads into the leveller structure, lower frame and

track frames. Trunnion cylinders are mounted on 51-mm (2-inch) steel plates and transfer vertical loads down to the interface of the track frames and carbody, transmitting the load into the track and ground. The new Cat PRO (Parallel Reach Operation) System simplifies joystick controls and enables operators to complete a smoother, more fluid harvesting motion, improving machine performance and ease of operation. The operator can extend and retract the head in a planar, parallel motion relative to the ground using one joystick while the opposite joystick makes subtle main boom height adjustments during this motion. Fatigue is reduced, and operators also learn more quickly how to run the machine. The PRO System is adjustable for differing applications and varying slopes. Other recent improvements include standard LED lights, which provide more visibility, last longer, and are more energy­efficient. The Series 2 track feller bunchers and harvesters feature smooth hydraulic performance, excellent fuel economy, and a comfortable operator station with great visibility. They compare well in lift capacity against competitors in their size class, and with their lift capacity, reach and working envelopes, these machines deliver high performance. There are two feller buncher booms and two harvester boom arrangements available for each model.

¢ Cat 522-B track harvester with SATCO directional felling head.

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¢ Cat 552-2 track harvester with SATCO attachment.

Swing capacity is another advantage of the Cat track feller bunchers and harvesters when working on steep slopes. “The strong swing torque gives the operator the ability to swing large loads uphill,” said Jared Dunn, Caterpillar Forest Products product performance engineer for the Series 2 and B Series machines. “The combination of swing and lift capacity plus multi-functioning capability reduces cycle times and increases production.” Both machine platforms are equipped with the Cat C9 226 kW (303 hp) ACERT™ engine, which has a proven record of reliability and durability. 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 economy.

The side-by-side radiator/ oil cooler provides excellent cooling capacity for high production bunching and harvesting, and the ondemand reversing fan activates only when required, allowing the cooling fan to purge debris from the radiator area for a cleaner cooling system. The closed center hydraulic system includes fully adjustable electric over hydraulic controls and industry-leading flow capacities. Two pumps power the hydraulic system to give loggers smoother multifunctioning. 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, reduce repair costs and increase stability. The machines have excellent ground clearance

¢ The Cat 552 (Series 2) track harvester.

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

and an open carbody design, increasing mobility by eliminating interference with large stumps, rocks or other obstacles. Both the B Series and Series 2 machines have a full 889 mm (35 inches) of ground clearance from front to back. “Strong drawbar pull, along with this ground clearance and the ‘open tunnel’ undercarriage design, makes for a highly maneuverable machine that easily climbs steep slopes,” Dunn said. The purpose-built forestry cab offers industry-leading operator protection and comfort. It meets ROPS, FOPS, OPS, OR-OSHA and WCB regulations and standards. The ISO mounting system reduces noise and vibration, increasing operator comfort. Cat Product Link™, a standard feature, is a remote monitoring system enabling efficient fleet management. It allows customers to monitor equipment performance, activities, and location at any time. Extended service and maintenance intervals reduce machine service time, increase machine availability, and reduce operating costs. The track feller bunchers and harvesters can be configured with SATCO forestry attachments. Caterpillar is a distributor of SATCO forestry attachments, which include directional felling heads and harvesting and processing heads. www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

First seedlings dispatched from Manjimup nursery

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ROUND 3.4 million pine seedlings will be planted over the next two months at plantations within the South West of West Australia. Forest Products Commission (FPC) General Manager Stuart West said it was part of a broader plan to build the plantation estate in the South West to support the softwood industry. “One million seedlings will be used to regenerate 750 hectares of the McLarty plantation, near Yarloop, which was destroyed by the January 2016 bushfire,” he

said. “This is the first stage of a commitment made by the State Government to replant the State’s plantation lost to the bushfire.” The remaining 2.4 million seedlings will be distributed throughout other South West plantations as part of routine seasonal planting. The timber from these plantations will be processed locally for the Western Australian building and construction industry. The FPC’s nursery staff at Manjimup have worked hard to prepare healthy pine seedlings for the first planting of the season. The

nursery has a long history of tree breeding and works to continuously improve growth rates and the quality of trees being planted. The nursery will dispatch around 240,000 seedlings each week and the first truckloads of seedlings have already gone to their new homes with planting continuing until mid-August. The softwood plantation sector in Western Australia contributes to the $1.06 billion per year forest industry turnover and employs over 700 people.

AFCA Queensland regional meeting hears from NHVR IN LATE June the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) held a regional meeting in Gympie, Queensland, where representatives of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), John Gilbert OAM, Manager Stakeholder Engagement and Michael Crellin, Manager Chain of Responsibility, provided an update on activities and initiatives going forward. More than 30 contractors from Harvest, Haul and Silviculture joined the AFCA Board and General Manager, along with representatives from HQP and Timber Queensland to hear the presentations and enjoy dinner whilst networking and catching up. The evening was a great success and AFCA appreciated contractors and their staff taking the time out of their busy schedules to get together. Whilst contractors heard from the NHVR they also had the opportunity to hear from Murray Virgin from sponsor Jardine Lloyd Thompson (Insurance Brokers) on the benefits of group insurance policies and his experience on how they have worked for other regions. Any potential for contractors to benefit from lower costs for insurance and premiums would obviously be an advantage to their business and AFCA will continue to work with interested contractors in www.timberbiz.com.au

Queensland as a pilot group insurance policy project. John Gilbert from the NHVR outlined their recently released plan ‘Strategies for a Safer, Productive and more Compliant Heavy Vehicle Industry 2016 – 2020’ which is underpinned by:

for peoples’ patience during the survey given that it may mean additional time would be required to undertake the inspections at check points than what is usually required. Amongst other things the program is aimed to understand the current

approvals. John presented a ’heat map’ of Local Government road manager processing timelines by local areas. The heat maps identify Council that are meeting the 28 day timeframe and those that are not along with the number of permits being processed.

• Safety Strategy • Compliance and Assurance Strategy and • Productivity Strategy

mechanical condition of our national truck fleet and will establish nationally consistent practice and procedures in the conduct of heavy vehicle inspections. Ultimately, it is believed that this survey and outcomes will lead to improved consistency, predictability and transparency in heavy vehicle inspections. John also noted the continuing work on Electronic Work Diaries, which are expected to be rolled out by 2017. The NHVR also highlighted their work with both States and Local Governments to improve processes including permit

This information is assisting the NHVR identify local government areas that they can work more closely with to ensure permits application processes are streamlined and are not being held up unnecessarily. The ‘heat maps’ are available by visiting the below link – check it out to see how your local area is performing: Heat maps: https:// w w w.n hv r.gov.au /r o a d access/local-governmentr o a d -m a n a ge r s / lo cal-gove r n me nt-roa dmanager-resources Finally, Michael provided an overview of the National Heavy Vehicle Law amendments and chain

He also provided those who attended with an outlined a number of programs currently under way including their Road Worthiness Program (RW Program). The RW Program includes an intensive health check of the Australian heavy vehicle fleet and as part of this program a National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey will be undertaken. This will involve an intensive inspection of 9000 heavy vehicles. John asked

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

of responsibility (CoR) including recent case studies decisions from legal proceedings and the importance of understanding all stakeholder obligations within this framework. He also presented a check list as an example of the things that can be considered as part of a compliance and safety system and whilst by no means is the list exhaustive is it a good starting point for considering how you are playing your part in Chain of Responsibility. If you would like a copy of the CoR Check List, please visit the AFCA webpage http:// www.afca.asn.au/ and click on news and issues. Michael also touched on the development of guidelines for the preparation of industry Codes of Practices which are expected to be released in the coming. It is understood that the guidelines will allow industry to prepare industry specific Codes of Practices for their heavy vehicles over the coming years. The Codes of Practices will become important tools for operators and those within the supply chain to demonstrate how they have considered risks and steps and processes in place to mitigate these risks to the best of their ability. AFCA will assess the guidelines once they are released and is looking to work with both industry and the NHVR in the preparation of a Forestry Heavy Vehicle Code of Practice. 27

In the news

Technologies reshaping the wood supply chain

E

IGHT EMERGING technologies were identified in a recent global survey of supply chain professionals. The Gartner survey found that these technologies will all have a major impact on traditional supply chains. They include; inventory and network optimisation tools, sensors and automatic identification, cloud computing and storage, robotics and automation, predictive analytics, wearable and mobile technology, 3D printing and driverless vehicles and drones. The underlying message from the survey is that companies that continue to rely on traditional supply chain models are going to struggle to remain competitive. The technologies listed above have been deliberately selected as key themes for the upcoming Wood Flow Optimisation 2016 technology series. The event organiser, the Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA), has just announced the programme developed in conjunction with forestry managers, planners and logistics specialists. The series is going to run in both Australia and New Zealand in mid-September. Last run two years ago (with over 300 attending), the FIEA series is now this regions premier technology event for showcasing innovations being developed and employed by leading forestry, wood products and transport companies. “Transport contributes around 3040% of the delivered log costs. The objective of this latest technology series is to profile new innovations, new operating practices and technologies, both within and outside our own industry, that have the potential to significantly improve efficiencies through our own wood supply chain”, says FIEA Director,

Brent Apthorp. Changes since the 2014 event have been significant. Increased industry collaboration has resulted in improved economies of scale and participating companies are now able to step outside traditional supply chain options. This has opened an array of new opportunities and increased efficiencies. Data intelligence tools are now providing real-time information to all stakeholders across the extended supply chain. Companies are now able to leverage these data intelligence tools to drive predictive analytics for their own businesses. New systems for log measurement, data collection, exchange and reporting are being developed and integrated into leading forestry, transport, logistics and wood products company’s operations. Mobile communications, smart phones and a new hybrid of tablets and smart phones are changing just how supply chains can operate. Innovative new technologies such as 3D printing, autonomous trucking, vehicle platooning, remote controlled felling, new loading and distribution operations, robotics, UAV’s and sensors have all successfully been trialled in the last 12 months. They’re already changing supply chain operations. These innovations increasingly are going to play a significant role in reshaping how the wood supply chain operates. Recent research has found that 65% of supply chain professionals are using or will invest in 3D printing over the next 2 years. Gartner Research expects 3D printer sales to reach US$13.4 billion by 2018 and a staggering 2.3 million units shipped. Globally, Gartner is predicting shipments to grow at a

compound annual growth rate of 106% with revenue climbing at a CAGR of 87.7% through to 2018. Augmented reality has already touched the forestry industry, with Hiab recently introducing a system which the company claims is unique in the industry. They’ve used virtual reality (VR) goggles, cameras and connectivity to develop a new system that improves the safety of the operator and allows them to operate the crane remotely – away from the truck. Cameras are mounted on top of the crane, which enables the operator to see the working area and operate it remotely using the VR goggles. This and other robotic and automation technologies will form part of the September Wood Flow Optimisation 2016 programme. Self-driving vehicles and drones (or UAVs) will also dramatically change the supply chain landscape. “By 2017, 20% of logistics organisations will be exploiting drones as part of their monitoring, searching and event management

activities”, according to Gartner. Trials for “on demand delivery” using drones have already been undertaken in both New Zealand and Australia. For driverless vehicles, by 2030, vehicles capable of driving autonomously are expected to represent approximately 25% of the passenger vehicle population in mature markets. Daimler plans to have autonomous trucks on the road within a decade. In addition to Europe, the first license for an autonomous commercial truck to operate on a public highway in the US has been granted to Daimler and trials are well underway. A group of Dutch logistics and technology companies has a much shorter timetable and they’re looking to employ driverless trucks to deliver goods from the Port of Rotterdam to other cities in the Netherlands. Volvo Trucks have also been testing vehicle platooning where a convoy of electronicallylinked trucks is driven by just the one driver using automated systems in each vehicle that can adjust for following distances and speed. The CEO of one of North America’s leading automated truck driving technology companies, Peloton, will present at Wood Flow Optimisation 2016. “The September Wood Flow Optimisation 2016 series is going to open the eyes of local companies to technologies that are going to change current supply chain models and operations. As well as new tools and technologies, this event series will also highlight case studies, trials and systems that have been developed and are being implemented by local forestry companies and their technology partners,” says Brent Apthorp. Full details on both Wood Flow Optimisation 2016 programs can be found now on the event website, www.woodflow.events.

28

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news DAY ONE – Tuesday 20 September 2016 8.30am

Welcome & Introduction

FIEA

Session 1: Supply Chains – International Trends & Issues 8.40am

Optimising the Supply Chain Emerging megatrends impacting on supply chains and how we do business

Karyn Welsh, National Manager, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

9.20am

Improving Efficiencies within Australia’s Wood Supply Chain. Issues, opportunities and drivers for change

Owen Trumper, Chief Operating Officer, OneFortyOne Plantations

10.00am

Morning Tea & Networking

10.30am

Creating a Connected Industry Supply Chain How the agricultural industry is using new technologies and real-time information across the supply

James Rowe, Chief Executive, Australian Sheep CRC

DAY TWO – Wednesday 21 September 2016 Session 4: Success through Collaboration - The real financial and operational benefits of cooperation. 8.30am

The Logtainers Project Collaboration between Government, rail and local business to come up with an innovative solution for log transport in Tasmania

Damien White, CEO, TasRail

9.00am

Taking the Paper out of the Industry: Digitising data collection and truck movements Collaboration between technology developers and forestry companies HVP and FCNSW

Randall Cameron, Managing Director Australia, Mobile Mentor

Session 5: Optimising Forest Products Planning and Operations through the Supply Chain 9.30am

Payload Management of Log Trucks in Australia Results from recent trials on four different weighing systems on over/under loading of forestry trucks

10.00am

Morning Tea & Networking

10.30am

Optimising Harvest Crews and Wood Deliveries The implementation of a break through optimising crew scheduling system

Marion Hughes, Resource Forester, Nelson Forests Ltd, New Zealand

11.00am

Forest Estate Modelling: Matching the forests to the markets

Bill Liley, Managing Director, Indufor Asia Pacific, New Zealand

Session 2: New and Emerging Technologies Reshaping the Supply Chain – Part 1 11.00am

11.30am 12.00pm

On the Road to the Autonomous Truck Why, when and how?

Dr Josh Switkes, Founder and CEO, Peloton, USA (via video link)

Digital Disruption in the Supply Chain. Big changes driven by mobility, IoT, cloud and big data analytics

Lavina Muscat, Industry Development Executive, Telstra

Lunch & Networking

Session 3: Forest to Market – Optimising Transport & Delivery Technologies 1.00pm

A Win-Win Solution: Balancing Productivity & Fatigue Management. New research and tools for forestry heavy vehicle transport

Dr Luke Mirowski, Research Fellow, School of Engineering and ICT, University of Tasmania

1.30pm

New Tools for Automated Measurement of Log Truck Loads. Recent trials with Forico to develop tools to calculate log diameter and volume on truck

Dr Mauricio Acuna, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Forest Operations Research Alliance

2.00pm

From Forest to Port - Scalable GPS and Mobile Technology Case Study: Building and rolling out a purpose built electronic docket solution for a NZ Forest logistics company

Todd Somervell, CEO, TrackIt, New Zealand

Implementing Harvesting and Haulage Management Solutions Trimble Forestry Case Studies - Scandinavia versus Australasia.

Matthew Perry, Project Manager, Trimble Forestry Logistics, New Zealand

2.30pm

3.00pm

Afternoon Tea & Networking

3.30pm

Innovations in Log Transport: Trailer Design & Operation

4.00pm

TECHTalks. Lightning talks on new and emerging innovations including;

Cory Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer, Kennedy Trailers

Benefits of Central Tyre Inflation on Driver Health and Truck Efficiency

Andrew Kee, Sales Manager, AIR CTI

Rugged Mobile Coverage for Voice and Data Exchange

Bevan Clarke, ANZ Channel Director, Logic Wireless

5.00pm

Networking & Drinks

6.30pm

Industry Dinner After-Dinner Presentation: Harvesting Underwater Specialty Timbers – an Australian First

www.timberbiz.com.au

Dr Mohammad Ghaffariyan, Research Fellow, Australian Forest Operations Research Alliance, University of the Sunshine Coast

Session 6: New and Emerging Technologies Reshaping the Supply Chain – Part 2 11.30am

The True Impact of 3D Printing. How additive manufacturing is turning traditional supply chains on their head.

12.00pm

Lunch & Networking

1.00pm

Virtual Reality and Electronic Assisted Operator Safety now coming to the Forest Industry A revolutionary new vision system to operate the loading crane from the safety and comfort of the truck cabin.

Jonathan Toye, Engineering and Product Manager, Hiab Australia

1.30pm

Rise of the Drones: How delivery by UAV will re-engineer the supply chain Latest trends and opportunities from UAV delivery trials worldwide.

David Skinner, Director, BASK Industries

Dr. Jennifer Loy, Associate Professor, Griffith School of Engineering

Session 7: National Planning, Operational & Safety Issues 2.00pm

Load Restraints for Log Trailers Operational trials and practical recommendations from extensive testing in Victoria

Daryl Hutton, Managing Director, ANC Forestry Group

2.30pm

Stability Control to Improve Truck & Trailer Safety

Chris Loose, Senior Adviser - Engineering, Australian Trucking Association

3.00pm

Conference Concludes

Andrew Morgan, Managing Director, SFM Environmental Solutions Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

29

In the news

Timber harvesting in Victoria’s Central Highlands worth $573 million annually

A

NEWLY-released study has found timber harvesting in Victoria’s native forests north-east of Melbourne generates $573 million worth of economic activity each year. The study was undertaken by Deloitte Access Economics (DAE) and focussed specifically on the Central Highlands Regional Forest Agreement area which covers 623,000 hectares of public land to the north-east of Melbourne. VicForests CEO, Robert Green, said $573 million in revenue is generated as a result of timber harvesting operations on 0.3% of the public land in the region each year. “This study is a fact-based analysis of the economic benefits provided by any part of the native timber industry in Victoria and the findings highlight the important economic contribution the industry makes to our economy. “DAE found native timber

harvesting in this specific region of Victoria alone supports more than 2,100 direct jobs. “Other studies suggest there are thousands more jobs in secondary processing and further downstream manufacturing that rely on timber from this region in addition to the direct jobs recognised in this latest report,” Mr Green said. Mr Green said DAE modelled the impact of the native timber industry in the Central Highlands RFA area on Victoria’s economy using its Regional General Equilibrium Model (DAE-RGEM) which predicts changes in measures such as GDP, employment, export volumes and investment. DAE is Australia’s preeminent economic advisory practice and this study used conservative assumptions to ensure the findings were robust and can be widely distributed. Another report recently released by Price Waterhouse Coopers

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(PwC) suggested it costs $5 million to create a single job in the native timber industry in Victoria. Mr Green said that this report ignored the revenue generated by primary processing of native timber in Victoria, as well as the thousands of associated jobs that are required for processing timber after harvesting and haulage operations. “Without these mills, and without the significant demand for our local timber, there would be no need to cultivate trees or engage forestry support services. “The PwC report was drafted relying only on selected publicly available information and no clarification or further detail was sought from VicForests or any timber industry body. “However, the report did acknowledge that VicForests operates profitably. “Our own public reporting shows that VicForests has recorded a net

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Very heavy duty, high production machine. $15,000+GST

Loser - Dowell cut off machine x 2 No. 220

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Loser - Dowell rod sander

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Grey one man bench

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Winsor Log Twin edger inc. all handling gear and log positioner and end dogging $55,000+GST carriage

Tilt Hoist pack destripper

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Rex Planer

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MK Impianti

RF continuous laminated timber press line, (came out of Door component factory), good sound condition $42,000+GST

Austral Timber Group Contact: Ken Baker 0438 643 992 or ken.baker@ubteam.com

Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

¢ Robert Greene

profit of more than $20 million since being created in 2004. “Our focus remains on the long term economic returns to Victoria, which includes maintaining thousands of regional jobs and the associated businesses that generate hundreds of millions of revenue dollars annually,” Mr Green said.

Insights & Outlook Conference AN INSIGHTS & Outlook Conference to be held in Melbourne on 1 September has a somewhat unique organising format. The DANA/FWPA conference is to be held at the Sheraton Hotel, Little Collins Street. DANA has previously held several conferences in Melbourne on a variety of topics including the international woodchip trade and the Australian forest industry sector. Previous conferences have been held over two days. However, this year DANA is delighted to co-organise a one day focused event in Melbourne in partnership with Forest & Wood Products of Australia (FWPA). DANA has designed a morning session with seven presentations – all with an international theme and with a number of overseas speakers. FWPA has designed the afternoon session providing a linkage to the morning session by focusing on important and topical subjects for the Australian forest industry sector and how wider international events may impact on the domestic industry. At the conclusion of the conference there will be a drinks and networking reception which will incorporate a book Launch "Jungle Jive: Sustaining the Forest of Southeast Asia" presented by the author John Halkett, Director, Forestlands Consulting. www.timberbiz.com.au

Classifieds

Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call Michael Dolphin on (03) 9888 4834 or email: m.dolphin@ryanmediapl.com.au

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FIREWOOD MILLS

For Information, please, call 0419-536 804 or email your postal address to info@firewoodmills.com.au

Forest Equipment Specialist TIGERCAT 630C 11,000 hours, fresh engine & good cond.

$132,000 inc. GST

New model Easy50 available now!

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Glenn Ingram Phillipsons Accounting PO Box 859, SALE, VICTORIA 3850 (03) 5144 4566

Madill 2850C

BUSINESS FOR SALE

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Tigercat 1075 Forwarder

$198,000 inc. GST

$187,000 inc. GST

Komatsu PC270-8 Harvester

Dressta TD15M

$302,000 inc. GST

$220,000 inc. GST

Dressta TD14M

Valmet 445EXL Log Harvester

$328,900 inc. GST

$209,000 inc. GST

HYUNDAI R210LC-7 & Southstar Processor $220,000 inc. GST

For information or a private viewing please email -

sales@albertontimber.com.au, call John on 0429 832 437, or Luke on 0429 832 434

FOR SALE HORTICULTURE NURSERY OPPORTUNITY 115 Manton Valley Road, MANTON Northern Territory 3 Bed / 1 Bath / 3 Car PRICE: $1,800,000.00 www.timberbiz.com.au

Set on 21.34 hectares of land, this property is home to the Territory Tree Nursery which has current NIASA accreditation. Features include, several storage sheds with everything you need to run the business, large shade houses with plants and irrigated crops. The home itself offers 3 bedrooms with a large bathroom and internal laundry room, expansive open plan living and dining rooms with a large kitchen as well – Contact me for a full list of what’s included! ZONING: MZ (Multi Zone) LAND AREA: 21 Ha 3400m2 DWELLING AREA: 115m2 PERMIT TO OCCUPY: 2001 AGENTS CONTACTS: Rayna Kirikino - 0400 456 484 Ron Spethman - 0417 620 043

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Australian Forests & Timber News

August 2016

BUNCHING GRAPPLES

If you are looking for a heavy-duty grapple that will sort, bunch and load all day, every day, then you need a Rotobec. Onetrak offers the complete range of Rotobec Bunching Grapples, Heavy-Duty Log Grapples and Multi-Stem Grapple Saws. Give us a call for more information.

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www.onetrak.com.au FOR SALE - CHAINBAR OILS 200L - $286 + FREIGHT 1000L Available (Samples can be supplied) Made from gear oils. Hydraulic oil also available from $1.32/L

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