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Native forest investment hike
¢ S martFibre Bell Bay site
Evidence of renewed confidence in forestry
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INSIDE
A S M A N I A N R E S OU RC E S Minister Guy Barnett said there was further evidence of renewed confidence in forestry as the State’s largest native forest sawmiller backed the Government’s plan to grow the industry. “A key part of the Liberal Government’s Plan to end the subsidies to Forestry Tasmania is to better utilise the private sector to invest in and grow our vital forestry industry,” the Minister said. “Neville Smith Forest Products operates a green sawmill in the Huon, a finishing plant at Mowbray, and a woodchip export
plant at Bell Bay through subsidiary company SmartFibre. “Executive chairman James Neville Smith says the Government’s plan for sustainable forestry offers significant opportunity for private sector investment in the transition to a new higher-value industry of the future,” the Minister said. “We need to move forward and the Government is opening the way. It will be up to industry to take up the opportunities and run with them,” Mr Neville Smith said. The SmartFibre partnership with SFM
Government backs value adding Page 6
Forest Products is leading the way. SmartFibre is investing $3 million in expansion at Bell Bay as it gears up for its latest value-adding venture – a groundbreaking partnership with SFM to deliver Tasmania’s first native forest exports carrying full FSC certification. The SmartFibre PureForest project is aiming for initial market volume of 250,000 tonnes – 12,500 tonnes of sawlog, 37,500 tonnes of peelers and 200,000 tonnes of woodchips – all from private land and all carrying full FSC Forest Management certification
through SFM’s group certification scheme. The SmartFibre PureForest project is on top of a $1.3 million investment by Neville Smith Forest Products in a new pellet plant at Mowbray, as well as a garden stake line at Southwood, to extract
Sustainable operations support local community Page 9
higher values from native forest residues. The value-adding and expansion program is expected to create more than 30 additional jobs across the company and in associated forest management and harvesting operations.
No end in sight for massive chip exports Page 12
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In the news
History in the making... FSC native certified woodchip exports
I
N AN historic first for Tasmania, the initial shipment of some 50,000 tonnes of Forest Stewardship Council/FM certified woodchips is set for export at the Bell Bay operations of Neville Smith SmartFibre in March 2017. The SmartFibre PureForest product, developed by Neville Smith SmartFibre in conjunction with SFM, is an FSC/FM certified high quality wood product sourced from private growers in native forest. As a result of increasing confidence in the industry, Neville Smith SmartFibre has announced a $3 million investment in its Bell Bay operations, which has seen some $1.5 million invested upgrading its chipper, transferring power from diesel to electric as well as $1.5 million in stockpile expansion in the very near future. SmartFibre’s Chairman, James Neville Smith said the investment would lead to five direct jobs and an estimated flow-on economic impact of a further 25 jobs and millions of extra dollars spent in the local economy. “While an initial annual
volume of some 200,000 tonnes of woodchip is forecast, it is hoped that this would increase to 400,000 tonnes of FSC/FM certified woodchips for export each year,” Mr Neville Smith said. “We have had strong market demand for our SmartFibre PureForest product and indications are the demand is long term.” Mr Neville Smith said given the strong demand, he was calling on landowners who may be interested in supplying SmartFibre PureForest to contact the organisation. “At this stage SmartFibre PureForest is sourced only from private landowners, so we appeal to those who are interested in sustainable forests to contact us,” Mr Neville Smith said. Mr Neville Smith said it was important for the community to understand the forest industry had come a long way in recent years and the announcement of full FSC certified woodchip exports reflects this. “SmartFibre was the first in Tasmania to achieve FSC Controlled wood in 2007 and achieve a long term contract with a prominent customer,
¢ James Neville Smith and the new chipper.
and was always mindful of a natural resource becoming available with a higher certification badge for the future,” Mr Neville Smith said. “That future has arrived and private land owners who have had their forests stagnate for many years now have the opportunity to harvest in a sustainable method under the SFM, FSC/ FM certification. “SmartFibre now have a long term commitment from a customer and interest in SmartFibre PureForest is growing.
“At this stage SmartFibre PureForest is sourced only from private landowners, so we appeal to those who are interested in sustainable forests to contact us,”
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woodchips. “In this context, the decision by the State Government to restructure Forestry Tasmania is welcomed, because in getting the core organisation that supplies most of the volume onto a sustainable footing, the rest of the industry can get on with the job. “At the end of the day, allowing industry to valueadd wood product will mean more jobs and investment in Tasmania. This, coupled with a sustainable footing, will mean a great future for us all,” Mr Neville Smith said.
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Tragic loss of lives AFCA EXTENDS deepest sympathies to both Tabeel Trading and the families of those affected following the loss of four forest workers in a single vehicle accident on the weekend in Penola, South Australia. There is no doubt this tragic accident will have far reaching and devastating impacts on both the communities and businesses within the region and our thoughts are with them all during this difficult time. In a mark of respect and in memory of the four lives lost, people working in the forest industry have been encouraged via a social media campaign to put their hard hats or high vis gear outside to support the families, friends and co-workers. #PutYourHardHatsOut The Australian Forest Products Association has also announced that there was an observed minutes silence at the start of the Parliamentary Friends of Forestry and Forest Products dinner in Canberra as an opportunity for the industry to acknowledge the tragic loss of these four young men and show support and compassion for their families.
“We hope all supporters of FSC applaud this development and encourage broader FSC certification on both plantations and natural forest areas. This is the gold standard call by the ENGO’s so we would expect this fact to be recognised by these organisations. “As a company we are always trying to differentiate. We strive to waste nothing and add as much value as possible wherever possible to our products, from quality Sawn Tasmanian Oak timber to branded “SmartFibre PureForest” high quality
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December 2016
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In the news I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R
December 2016 Issue 8 Vol. 25 Established 1991 Features In The News
3-15
International 16 Head-Lines 17-19 Forest Machines
20-25
Log Handling
26-27
VAFI Awards
28-29
AFPA-SA Special
30
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New-look Tasmanian forestry business
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ASMANIA’S MAIN forestry operations are in for a major shake-up following the Government’s move on Forestry Tasmania ... there will be a new name, a leaner staffing plan and more self-reliance. From 1 July next year Sustainable Timber Tasmania will be the new operating name, but, according to Minister for Resources Guy Barnett, it will remain a GBE but will be downsized and will be leaner, more efficient and more agile and will have a more defined commercial focus. The Minister said the Government accepted the advice of the Forestry Tasmania Board that while the required wood volumes are in fact available on the Permanent Timber Production Zone, a significant volume cannot be harvested commercially at current prices. “This is because of factors such as the quantity and quality of wood, the distance to market, cost of harvesting, and the cost of new road construction for coupes that are not readily accessible from the existing road network,” Barnett said. The Government also accepted advice from the Board that even after substantial recent contract price increases including built-in escalation clauses, it would not be possible for the business to meet its full supply obligations at a commercial rate of return for the foreseeable future. “The Government does not accept that the answer lies in a return to perpetual subsidies or other assistance to support FT’s commercial operations. Tasmanians are entitled to expect that industry pays its own way
“The Government is not prepared to impose a reduction in wood supply to industry and give rise to wider sovereign risk concerns for the Tasmanian economy.”
for the public native forest that it utilises. “The Government recognises – but does not accept - the Board’s advice that a commercial solution would be to sell all of the hardwood plantations, accept a consequent reduction in the sustainable yield from the Permanent Timber Production zone, and use proceeds from the full sale of plantation to compensate mills for the cutbacks. “This would significantly impact jobs and families, particularly in regional communities, and would be directly contrary to the Government’s plans to grow the industry. It will not happen under this Government. “The Government is not prepared to impose a reduction in wood supply to industry and give rise to wider sovereign risk concerns for the Tasmanian economy.
How obligations are met “This is not about whether wood supply obligations are met – it is about how those obligations are met. “The Government will not reduce the legislated requirement for Forestry Tasmania to make available 137,000 cubic metres of high quality sawlog to its customers and it will not support proposals that would see the business unable to honour its current wood supply contracts,” the Minister said. The Government previously announced that Forestry Tasmania would divest so much of its hardwood plantation assets as is required to support its operating deficits over the transition period, subject to appropriate due diligence, including impact on sustainable yield and certification. That due diligence process has been completed with the assistance of Sale Advisors Gresham Advisory Partners Limited. FT’s estate is extensive and consists of various grades of plantation estate, with around 20,000 ha managed for sawlog production post 2027. “This is an important part of the sustainable sawlog yield and for that reason we have
Australian Forests & Timber News
¢ Guy Barnett, Tasmanian Minister of Resources.
determined to retain it. By doing so – in conjunction with other resource changes we are making - there is no question about the sustainability of the legislated requirement to make available 137,000m3 of high quality sawlog each year, and therefore no detriment to certification,” the Minister said.
Pulpwood plantations sale The Government agreed that FT would pursue the sale of only the remaining pulpwood plantations. Further details will be released soon, but the Government’s view is this will involve the sale of a long term forestry right – in the order of 99 years. In line with earlier commitments, there will be no outright sale of land on which the plantations are standing. FT also owns around 6,000 hectares of former farm properties which it purchased on a freehold basis for plantation conversion. These will not be part of the long-term forestry rights sale, but the Board will retain the option to consider further whether a return to agricultural use may be appropriate for these properties at a later time. While it would be unwise for the Government or Forestry Tasmania to set a price expectation for the approximately 30,000 hectares of plantation resource ahead of the market process, the intent is that sale proceeds are used to repay debt and help fund the transition period as the business moves to a commercial model. On the subject of special
December 2016
timbers, the Minister said access to special species timbers had been significantly impacted by creation of new reserves, including the 2013 extension to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. “The Government will proceed with the currently legislated program to allow access to the FPPF Land from October 2017, subject to a new Special Species Timbers Management Plan which is currently under development. “The Government also will request the business to consider the opportunity for special species timbers access to around 340,000 hectares of the Permanent Timber Production Zone which is in informal reserves or otherwise unavailable for commercial eucalypt harvest. Any such access would of course need to be considered by the Board in the context of the current application for FSC certification.” Minister Barnett said that in coming to its decisions over the future of the public forestry operating model, the Government was conscious of ensuring the forest industry, including the private forestry sector, continued to grow in Tasmania. “It is therefore Government’s intention to consult with the private forest growers and managers in the coming months, over the role and functions of Private Forests Tasmania and what, if any, further reforms are recommended.” Got an opinion? The Editor would like to hear it. email j.hudswell@ ryanmediapl.com.au www.timberbiz.com.au
In the news
Bid to extend Tasmania’s RFA
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ASMANIAN FORESTRY industry stakeholders have been encouraged to provide feedback into the process to extend the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement, following the Australian and Tasmanian governments’ commitment to extend the Agreement for another 20 years. Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston, highlighted the achievements of the Agreement and appealed for interested parties to provide feedback online or attend a drop-in centre, during this additional round of stakeholder consultation.
“For the past 20 years, the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement has enabled the sustainable management of Tasmania’s forests,” Minister Ruston said. “The Australian Government recognises the industry’s significant contribution to Tasmania – and Australia as a whole – and we want to provide the right environment for the industry to continue to flourish. “Stakeholders have an opportunity to put their views forward on potential improvements to the Agreement ahead of the governments negotiating a rolling 20-year extension.” Tasmanian Minister for Resources,
Guy Barnett, said it was important to ensure the Agreement is delivering the right balance of environmental, economic and social outcomes for Tasmania. “Tasmania’s forest industry plays a vital role in driving employment and growth in many regional communities,” Minister Barnett said. “Extending Tasmania’s Regional Forestry Agreement will provide ongoing resource security and investment certainty to our forestry industry, and maintain the comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system.” Initial feedback on extending
the Agreement was received throughout April to June 2015, with the Independent Reviewer’s report to the Australian and Tasmanian governments on the third five-yearly review of the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement informing the focus of this additional round of consultation. Stakeholders can provide feedback up until 12.30pm AEDT on Friday, 23 December 2016. To have your say, or find out more about drop-in centres, visit the Tasmanian Government Department of State Growth website at www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/ forestry/rfa.
Viewpoints on the Tasmanian forestry deal • Sawmills could become unviable if Forestry Tasmania implements significant price increases for sawlogs, an industry group says. Those prices can’t be absorbed by the market, they won’t be absorbed by the market, and the mills aren’t that profitable that they can absorb it, so, it’s going to result in losses of jobs and it’s going to be out in the regional communities where sawmills exist. -- Forest Industries Association Tasmania (FIAT) chief executive Terry Edwards • Ta Ann Tasmania has moved to reassure customers that it will continue to source wood from areas agreed to under the former forest peace deal, despite plans to open more land forests for logging. We reached an agreement with both Forestry Tasmania and with the Federal Government to only be supplied with logs from state forests that were set aside under the Tasmanian Forest
Agreement (TFA). So that’s a contractual position and we’ll only process logs that come from those forests. -- Executive director of Ta Ann Tasmania Evan Rolley • I can’t believe the Greens’ latest hypocrisy on forests – they want us to abide by the so-called “peace deal” that they opposed. Christine Milne, Peg Putt, Peter McGlone, and Dr Bob Brown all opposed the job-destroying forest deal. Yet, now they say the 400,000 hectares of production forest locked up under the dodgy deal is somehow sacrosanct because of the deal they opposed. Only Nick McKim and Cassy O’Connor voted for it –but then immediately exposed their true intent by opposing harvesting in Lapoinya, which was agreed as production forest as part of the deal. -- Joan Rylah, Liberal Member for Braddon • Legislation will be tabled next year to open up 400,000 hectares of forest to logging by
July 2018. The area has been described as a “wood bank” and it was necessary to log it to get Forestry Tasmania back on sustainable footing. We need to find a lower cost supply of timber. -- Guy Barnett, Resources Minister • Government plans to outsource felling in contentious forestry reserves could spark anti-logging protests. The implications are if you do open up these areas, that any private operator might potentially face backlash from the environmental movement.” -- Timber Company owner Matthew Torenius • Forestry Tasmania’s audit process would not be affected by controversial plans to allow logging within 400,000ha of land previously earmarked for reserves, because FT would have no involvement in the contentious areas. -- FSC Australia chief executive Adam Beaumont
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December 2016
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In the news There is a lot of “argy bargee” going on at the moment with the Greens throwing their collective arms up and publicly announcing that “High Conservation Forests’ are about to devastated. This, off course, is utter nonsense. In a Letter to the Editor, Tasmanian forester Tony Stonjek has his say.
Outlining support for decision Tony Stonjek Director, AKS Forest Solutions Pty Ltd
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ECENTLY I met with the Minister for Resources, Guy Barnett, and together we held a press conference to advise in detail the announcement by the Minister to bring forward the date to access the areas known as “Future Potential Production Forests”. My aim is to further detail here AKS Forest Solutions’ support for this decision. First, let’s be very clear, the areas in question were, following the Liberal Governments decision to repeal the TFA act (Tasmanian Forests Agreement Act), created as Future Potential Production Forest (FPPR). They were never intended to be added into the vast areas already in reserves in Tasmania. They were, in fact, intended to be used as a “wood bank” to support future forestry operations. The actual area is close to 357,000 hectare and were previously zoned as wood production areas and in
some cases harvested at least twice. Predominantly regrowth areas. With the current position Forestry Tasmania finds itself in, with not being able to meet its contractual arrangements with its customers, a decision has been made to bring forward the date from when the FPPR areas were to be made available -- from 2020 to 2018. AKS fully supports this decision as this will allow private sector involvement and will create additional jobs, particularly in the NE area, while assisting F.T. to meet its contractual obligations. Forestry Tasmania, soon to be known as “Sustainable Timber Tasmania” (SST), will not be involved in the management, harvest, cartage etc., of these areas however the private manager appointed will still be required to meet all obligations under the Forest Practices Act as well as carrying relevant certification. All environmental considerations will need to be observed under the certification scheme to be applied.
Second, this decision by the Government is not a license for a “free for all” to charge into these areas in a manner similar to the Ballarat Gold rush of the nineteenth century. It is simply a means to assist SST in meeting its current and future obligations to customers. Careful consideration will need to be applied before any areas are considered for harvesting. At no point any areas scientifically declared as “High Conservation Areas” will be considered for harvesting. There has been considerable banter in recent times regarding the upsurge within the forest industry, particularly with plantation production. Plantation timber will never replace the native forest timber or be a substitute for the very fine products produced within native forest. Bryan Hayes, CEO of Forico (the largest harvester of plantation timber in Tasmania) said at a recent conference in Launceston where he was a speaker ... “we are a one trick pony and make no apology for it”. The plantations were intended for
pulpwood production only and while there has been some export whole logs produced in recent times this is limited. Native Forests on the other hand can produce a variety of products including high quality veneer, used for furniture; sawlogs used for flooring, feature walls and furniture construction; lower grade sawlogs used for housing construction; peeler logs used at TA ANN and Southwood, Hydro poles at Koppers and what can’t be used for any of the above is currently used to produce export woodchips. This is likely to change in the future as demand for home heating and industrial use will create a market other than wood chips in the form of wood pellets, currently being used in Europe and USA. In the end we have a choice, access timber from sustainably well managed forests or continue to use steel and concrete that has a far greater impact on the environment in the construction stage and is not sustainable.
Government backs value-adding plans THIRTEEN TASMANIAN organisations and businesses have been successful in gaining substantial government grants to value-add products from wood. Resources Minister Guy Barnett said the grants, under the government’s $1.25 million Wood and Fibre Processing Innovation Program, aims to support the development of new opportunities for the industry. “Focussing on creating valueadded products from wood and also plant residues, this program received great interest, with 41 applications,” the Minister said. “Our contribution of up to $100,000 for each successful project will make possible a total investment of $7.15 million in our forest industry across regional Tasmania, and help to both sustain employment and create new jobs. “Many of the projects involve biomass, including bioenergy and biofuel, which is not only an important source of renewable energy in Europe, but also has great potential for Tasmania,” he said. East Tamar Maintenance Services, for example, will receive $95,000 to assist with its project of constructing a biomass fuel 6
“The Government is actively encouraging growth in the industry to create jobs and to help ensure Forestry Tasmania is commercially sustainable." production facility and also a fabrication facility for the assembly of biomass-fuelled appliances. The Meander Valley Council, meanwhile, has been allocated $100,000 to help with the development of a business case for the design and operation of a largescale bioenergy generation and local distribution network. “Together, the 13 projects backed by the Liberal Government through this program demonstrate our commitment to supporting the growing confidence and investment in Tasmania’s forest industry. “The Government is actively encouraging growth in the industry to create jobs and to help ensure Forestry Tasmania is commercially sustainable. That’s why we are considering whether we need to obtain earlier access to the 400,000 hectares of Future Potential Production Forest.” Wood and Program – Fibre
Processing Innovation successful applicants: • Meander Valley Council • Develop business case for bioenergy generation and distribution. $100,000 • Mondelez Australia Pty Ltd • Feasibility studies for conversion of boiler from natural gas to biomass. $100,000 • Norske Skog Paper Mills (Australia) Ltd • Trial using wood residue in boiler instead of black coal. $100,000 • Dovetail Timbers Pty Ltd • Build a residue processing and engineering plant. $94,600 • Pentarch Forest Products Pty Ltd • Feasibility study for onsite sold biofuel plant. $100,000 • Stronarch Industries Group Pty Ltd • Enhance current timber processing and manufacturing centre. $96,500
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
• East Tamar Maintenance Services Pty Ltd • Construction of a biomass fuel production facility and a fabrication facility for appliances. $95,000 • Dorset Renewable Industries Pty Ltd • Further develop a project for a wood pellet plant. $100,000 • Howard Heritage Holdings Pty Ltd Upgrade workshop equipment to enable more efficient production of thick veneer products. $100,000 • Wood Pellets Tasmania Pty Ltd Integration of a shaving process and baling operation into an existing pelleting operation. $69,000 • Botanical Resources Australia – Manufacturing Services Pty Ltd • Evaluation of pellet production using a range of products. $87,500 • Huon Valley Timbers Pty Ltd • Change a timber drying kiln from an LPG gas-fired system to biomass fuel technology using mill residue. $100,000 • ARTEC Australia Pty Ltd Process to allow for all docking waste to be dried for sale. $100,000 www.timberbiz.com.au
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In the news National Tree Farmer of the Year
Cattle grazing and forestry an awardwinning blend
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OGER AND Outhay Poltock have been named as the 2016 National Tree Farmers of the Year at the Australian Forest Growers National Conference in Launceston. The award, including a $5000 cash prize, is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and is widely contested. “The independent panel that assessed entries this year was very impressed with the quality of applicants,” said Dr Kevin Harding, President of Australian Forest Growers. “In the end, the result was very close - but we are excited by the great work done on Roger and Outhay’s property and they are worthy winners.” Mr Poltock runs a mixed farming enterprise of livestock/grazing and forestry at Wilmot in Tasmania. Wilmot is 129 km from Launceston via Devonport, 310 km from Hobart via Westbury and Latrobe, and 40 km from Devonport. The property comprises 170ha of which 50ha is plantation /forest and 120ha for grazing about 200 beef cattle. Kevin Harding said, “The property is a wonderful example of how returns can be maximised by sustainably using different qualities of the land, in a
single holding, for different purposes - in this case cattle grazing and forestry,” Dr Harding said. The award was presented at the AFG Conference Dinner by Ian Ruscoe, Director of the RFA Review team in the Forestry Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in front of an audience of well over 200 delegates. This included the most recent 2014 winners Connie and Marty Winch-Buist from Western Australia who participated in the independent panel to select this year’s winner. The National Tree Farmer of the Year Award is awarded every two years and honours landowners or private forest managers who have established or maintained areas of forest on their property for the purposes of commerce, protection of water catchments and/ or crops, or for reasons of preservation of biodiversity or a particular forest ecosystem. The national competition is based on State nominations that are submitted and judged each year. States are then asked to nominate their selected candidate to compete in the biennial National Competition with the winner announced at the AFG conference.
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¢ 2 016 winners of National Tree Farmers of the Year Outhay Poltock and Roger Poltock with Ian Ruscoe, Director of the RFA Review team in the Forestry Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, and Dr Kevin Harding, President Australian Forest Growers.
Wharf work nears completion
EDEN’S BADLY damaged woodchip loading wharf should soon be fixed which will allow major resumption of exports, according to Allied Natural Wood Exports. Conveyor repairs have been completed with the first ship-load of chips bound for Japan leaving the wharf on 14 November. However, bridge repairs are still being carried out and are expected to be completed mid-December. ANWE, which owns and operates the wharf – and which is also a woodproducts marketer and seller -- reported back in early June that the wharf had been badly damage when parts of the wood-loading facility were washed away by waves over 17m high. The export woodchip facility first commenced operations in 1970 and has since exported more than 36 million tonnes of wood chips to Asian countries, generating over $2 billion of economic
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
activity in the local regional economy. Bega Valley Shire Mayor Cr Kristy McBain paid tribute to the region’s resilience in fighting back against the widespread storm damage. “”There was a great deal of government and privately owned infrastructure damaged during this year’s East Coast low. We have reacted fast to begin repairs of key Council owned and managed assets, including the iconic Tathra Wharf which was badly damaged during the storm,” the Mayor said. “It’s encouraging to see the community and local business sector undertaking repairs of privately owned assets, including Eden’s chip mill wharf. Forestry is still a significant industry in our Shire and we commend Allied Natural Wood Exports on getting their operation up and running as soon as possible to minimise possible impacts to the community.” www.timberbiz.com.au
In the news
Sustainable operations support local jobs
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HE STRATHBOGIE State Forest has been providing local employment to residents for over 100 years. Ron Jones, retired Strathbogie resident, harvested here for timber around 50 years ago and today his grandson Richard is able to harvest that same area. Rob Kirley, owner of RJ Kirley Transport in Mansfield, has been contracted by VicForests to complete the current harvesting operation. “I employ three full-time staff and have taken on an additional four staff for the duration of this operation,” Mr Kirley said. “The work we do is completely sustainable. The area being harvested in this region is only 0.1% of the total Strathbogies forest,” he said. Mr Kirley explained that firewood is an important commodity in the area as many people rely on it for heating where they do not have access to gas or electric heating. “We have recently expanded our operation to enable the processing of the lower quality logs for firewood for the north east region. “We have also purchased land and built a storage shed for firewood and sawn timber,” Mr Kirley said. The VicForests operation is in 27 hectares of the Strathbogies State
Forest which covers a total area of approximately 27 000 hectares, 9 000 of which is currently suitable for timber harvesting. “We’re leaving behind more trees than we take, so in another 25 to 40 years you’ll be able to come back and do the same. It’s a renewable resource that keeps on growing. “The trees we choose to leave behind are the best available habitat trees for now and in the future,” he said. Mr Kirley said that the small impact that timber harvesting has on this forest produces noticeable benefits for local employment and supplies local businesses that depend on this industry for their livelihoods. “I am a third generation timber industry worker who has relied on this work for more than 35 years and my family’s involvement dates back as far as 70 years”, he said. Lachlan Spencer, General Manager Planning VicForests said that VicForests’ role is to find a balance between environmental conservation and supplying their contractual obligations. “There is a high demand for sustainable hardwood timber products in Victoria”, Mr Spencer said. “We need to be able to depend more
¢ (left to right) Richard Jones, Stu Hore, Rob Kirley - standing with logs to go to furniture and flooring.
on local, sustainably managed forests for supplying our timber demands rather than relying on imports. “We conduct all our operations in a sustainable way, assessing each area for environmental elements and regrowing each area following operations. “Each tree produces a range of different products with the highest quality hardwood timber from these operations going into furniture,
flooring and construction supplies and the lower quality timber being used for paper products, firewood and woodchips,” he said. VicForests is certified to the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS), which is aligned to the global Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) - the world’s largest forest certification scheme.
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9
In the news
Setting a new course on the winds of change By Ross Hampton Chief Executive Officer, AFPA
W
HEN IT comes to policy and politics - which after all is the world in which your national Association operates - 2016 has been a year quite unlike any other in our recent past. I wonder if we will look back on it and say it was a watershed? Will we record it as the year when we began to at least turn the corner? From where I sit, a kilometre or so from Parliament House, it certainly feels like something has shifted. And the field evidence seems to support this thesis. I am not talking here about markets, prices and the usual competitive debates around supply, transport, production costs, imports or the myriad other things which combine to produce your bottom line results. To a greater or lesser extent these are the things you all have to manage. These are the levers and dials in your hands. What I am alluding to are those levers which move due to forces outside your control. Big levers which if pulled can have a catastrophic impact on your business (just ask the live cattle trade folk) or, conversely, can suddenly, and almost magically, transform your EBIT at the flick of a legislative wrist. Here at AFPA in 2016 we have been pushing hard and seen a number of wheels starting to turn in the right direction.
Still some challenges This is not to deny the challenges some of you still face in some parts of Australia. Pressure points remain for us in natural forestry and it seems a small but vocal minority will never rest from agitating for an end to all forestry. There are still a few reporters who seem to share this view, and that over-amplifies the noisy voices. We will continue to do what we can to support and advocate for those involved in these ongoing challenges. However, step back and consider the bigger picture to understand why I am
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so pleased with 2016 and optimistic as we look to 2017. The greatest example of our changed profile can be seen in the mid-year Federal election. Did you notice that forestry was not a flashpoint? Did you notice that the Australian Greens did not make it one of their central ‘call to arms’ for their supporters? Did you notice that Greens Leader Senator Richard Di Natale did not even mention forestry during the campaign? Did you notice that the Greens forestry spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice, was finally supportive of plantations (even if she predictably criticised native forestry)? And the same may be said for the major environmental groups’ activities during the election campaign. They were very focused on coal seam gas, the Great Barrier Reef and land clearing for agriculture in Queensland. If forestry was mentioned it was almost as an after-thought. Those of you who can recall federal elections over the last couple of decades will share with me the wonder of such an outcome. But it was more than just the absence of the negative.
Positive note On the positive front the Coalition went into the election campaign after releasing the Forest Industry Advisory Council’s (FIAC) report ‘Transforming Australia’s forest products industry’. This report is very forward-leaning in its messaging about a sector set for growth and profitability. Both the Coalition and the ALP backed the report and spoke about responding to it in Government. This is an important document which will set many of the policy parameters for us all in the coming years and I encourage you to read it. We also saw during the campaign a promise from the Coalition to provide $4million dollars to commence a ‘National Institute for Forest Products Innovation’ with nodes in Launceston and Mt Gambier. The Tasmanian Government immediately matched the $2million allocated to that state with another $2million. Industry is considering how to make this sustainable in the longer term. The exciting thing about this announcement was it finally showed
the Government taking some stake in the future of our industries. It was as important symbolically and for the message it sent to all the Departments in Canberra, as it was for the research it will buy. The Turnbull Government, through the Assistant Minister with carriage of Forestry, Senator Anne Ruston, committed to opening the opportunity for forestry to participate in the Emissions Reduction Fund. Like the National Institute money, this announcement was as important for the rationale as it was for the potential minor dividend our industry might immediately reap when a ‘methodology’ becomes available.
From problem to solution Here the key change is that, with the pulling of this massive policy lever in Canberra, all of your businesses will be moved across from being part of the ‘climate change problem’ to part of the ‘climate change solution’. Australia, and indeed the world, will see progressively tighter policy settings as our leaders seek to meet ever-tightening emissions targets. To be in the column labelled ‘climate change solutions’ will be a very good thing indeed. Outside Canberra the breeze was blowing in the right direction as well. So many times this year I was pleasantly surprised as our media monitoring reflected a growing number of stories about designers, builders and the public ‘rediscovering timber’. FWPA was successful in gaining ‘deemed to satisfy’ sign-off by authorities to allow construction of up to 25-metre tall timber buildings. XLAM announced Australia’s first cross laminated timber (CLT) plant will be built at Wodonga in Victoria. Lendlease’s major engineered timber building, which will be the entry to the multi-billion dollar Barangaroo harbourside development, is taking shape and all Sydney is talking about it. There will be 33,000 visitors a day passing under those massive timber beams when it opens. And the list goes on.
The journey continues So have we arrived? Not by a long shot. But we know what we need to
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
do. And that is the mission for 2017 and onwards. I heard someone liken the place we find ourselves to the centre of a hurricane. The buffeting winds have receded but we are bobbing about in something of a no man’s land. We at AFPA are working feverishly to have the right set of sails up the masts to catch the favourable policy winds which we see coming. If we succeed in exposing, and then having recognised in policy terms, the enormous public good embedded in our wood and paper products (from the trees to the buildings) we will see those sails filled and the boat gathering pace. If we successfully bring the serious global environmental groups to clearly differentiate deforestation from sustainable forestry management (and sustainable forestry management is what we do here) we will add further to the speed. If we gain political and policy understanding that, in a time of a massive hollowing of the bluecollar workforce in this country, our industries are growing and creating employment (especially in regional areas), we will accelerate even further. Of course, there will be setbacks and storm fronts. But in a world of diminishing resources, which will have to house, feed and clothe 9.5 billion people by 2050, and with climate change called out by policy makers as the greatest challenge of our age, I am delighted to be championing the only product which can truly tick all the boxes: sustainable, renewable, and recyclable. I once bought a house in a very poor suburb. It was cheap. It was also just a bike ride from the centre of the city. Sure enough the fundamentals overrode the sentiment and I sold at a happy profit five years later. Forest industries done sustainably – as we do them in this country – will see that same profit unearthed. I can’t promise it will all happen in 2017, but the winds of change are blowing, the sails are filling and things are gathering pace For more information www.ausfpa.com.au
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In the news
AFCA elects new Chairman
A
DAN TAYLOR of GMT Logging, Queensland, is the new Chair for the Australian Forest Contractors Association. He replaces Ian Reid, who stood down after four years as Chair and eight years as a director. The election came at AFCA’s annual general meeting that was held in the South Australian forestry capital, Mount Gambier. More than 50 people
attended including Tony Pasin (Federal Member for Barker) and SA Member for Mt Gambier Troy Bell. Mr Bell said “Forestry is reported to directly employ 11% of our community in the South East, so if the State Government wants a regional development strategy they need to invest in the forest industry,” Mr Bell told the gathering.”Somebody once said that forestry is about family, communities and
¢ (L – R): Troy Bell, Ian Reid, Phillip Dohnt, Karen Hall, Adan Taylor and Ricky Leeson.
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generations --- I couldn’t agree more”. Mr Bell thanked AFCA for holding its AGM in Mount Gambier and said it was great to see so much positivity in the industry and the region. “Forestry is a seminal industry for the South East and as such it was fantastic to see AFCA hold their AGM here,” said Mr Pasin. “As co-convener of the Parliamentary Friends of Forestry and a member of the Coalition Government, I look forward to continuing to advocate for the development and growth of the forestry sector.” Ian navigated the association through the tough times of the GFC and a downturn in forestry and his tireless work helped secure its future. “At our August board meeting we reviewed AFCA’s strategic plan for 2016-19,” said Ian, “ and this plan is the basis for building a stronger and even more viable association. “I have enjoyed my roles
Australian Forests & Timber News
within AFCA, however, I am a believer that one should never stay in an organisation in an official capacity for too long.” Adan Taylor of GMT Logging, Queensland was voted in as the new chair with new directors – Andrew Mahnken, Christian Stafford, Mick Johnston and Ricky Leeson. While Ken Padgett and Dennis Smith retired from the board after many years of dedicated service for which AFCA is extremely grateful. “Firstly, let me say what an honour it is to be elected Chairman of AFCA,” said Adan. “I would like to add my thanks to Ian for his leadership over the past four years. Over this time, we have seen much change, culminating in the very successful AUSTimber 2016. “It is true to say that thanks to Ian’s leadership, AFCA now stands as a stronger national voice for forest contractors. The future holds much opportunity for our industry, but also presents
December 2016
many challenges. Although our industry is well used to dealing with challenges, AFCA can and will be there to provide support any way it can. “I have personally seen that through our General Manager, Stacey Gardiner’s efforts, we have been invited to sit in on discussions with other industry groups that only 12 months ago we would not have been approached.” Adan said he and his board would focus on growing membership by implementing the new strategic plan and urging current members to speak to others and encourage them to join this professional organisation. “By growing our membership we can not only offer more value for members but carry a louder voice into these important discussions,” he said. For more information www.afca.asn.au or (03) 6343 3398
11
In the news
No end in sight for massive chip exports ¢ Figure 1. Australian Woodchip Chip Deliveries by Country: Jan ‘ 13 – Oct ’16 (e) (kbdmt)
By Tim Woods, Managing Director, IndustryEdge
R
ecord woodchip shipments appear to have no end in sight, with exports for the yearended September 2016 totaling almost 6.7 million bone dry metric tonnes, almost 15% higher than for the year-ended September 2015. Hardwood chip exports totaled 6.3 million bone dry metric tonnes and are displaying every sign of recording further records well into 2017. Although shipments to Japan – once the sole market for Australian woodchips – have continued and are stable, since mid 2013, all eyes have been on China. Its demand for Australian hardwood chips in particular, to fuel its pulp mills and paper production, has grown strongly and shows no sign of abating, as the chartin Figure 1 shows. It is important to note that data for October is based on ‘at sea’ woodchip vessel tracking, uniquely undertaken by IndustryEdge and reported exclusively in the monthly publication Wood Market Edge. That data provides the industry with up to ten weeks’ lead time on shipments and hundreds of historical vessel movements on which reliable demand and supply forecasts can be made. Thinking of China on its own, the quarterly data in the next chart shows that Australia’s woodchip deliveries to it topped the 1 million bone dry metric tonne mark for the first time in the September quarter of 2016 (See figure 2) The emergence of shipments of softwood chips to China has proved to be an element in pushing exports above the ‘magic million’ mark in the September quarter. Just three years ago, in the September Quarter of 2013 (SQ’13), Australia’s total shipments to China were 368,790 bone dry metric tonnes, just 34% of the deliveries of 1,082,000 bone dry metric tonnes in the September quarter of 2016. The woodchip export lift, in total, equates to something close to 13 million green metric tonnes of wood, a rise of approximately 1.5 million tonnes on the previous year. When we think about these export volumes, we need to keep in mind, as the chart below shows, log exports are also booming. Driven by continual growth in
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softwood log exports, total exports were a record 3.7 million m3 in the year-ended September 2016. This amounts to a rise of more than 25% compared with the prior year (See figure 3). While the log exports are important in their own right, it is when combined with the woodchip exports that they are truly significant. With a supply chain that seems flat out right now, bottlenecks are inevitable. We observe them occurring at several points, most noticeably when vessels wait outside ports to be loaded. However, there are other constraints, including access to suitable yarding and handstands near ports around the country. There is no immediate end in sight to these record exports and the pressures they place on supply chains. But, there are medium to long term resource constraints, for both domestic production and export. They will start to make themselves felt in tightening of supply, though that will not be for some time to come.
Source: GTIS, Fleetmon and IndustryEdge estimates ¢ Figure 2. Woodchip Deliveries to China, by Species: MQ’13 – SQ’16 (kbdmt)
To keep up to date, go to www.industryedge.com.au and register for ‘Free Stuff’. Reprinted by agreement with IndustryEdge, the publisher of the monthly, subscription only Wood Market Edge and Pulp & Paper Edge. Go to www.industryedge. com.au for further updates and complimentary resources.
Source: GTIS ¢ Australian Log Exports by Species: Year-Ended September 2010 – 2016 (km3)
Contact IndustryEdge at info@ industryedge.com.au or +61 3 5229 2470.
Source: ABS
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
www.timberbiz.com.au
In the news
Stronach Industries Group takes over eco-briquette business Hotblocks
S
T R O N A C H INDUSTRIES Group in Scottsdale, Tasmania,has acquired flourishing briquette business, Hotblocks. From November, 2016 Stronach will be producing and supplying Hotblocks briquettes and kindling nationwide. Hotblocks briquettes are
an eco-friendly alternative to traditional firewood. They are made using recycled wood waste and shavings, which have been shredded and then condensed in a hydronic press. Due to the high pressure of the press, the natural lignin molecules in the wood melt, helping to bind and seal the briquettes together. The result is a
convenient, environmentally friendly briquette that burns hotter, longer and cleaner than traditional firewood. Stronach owner, Michael Brill, believes the acquisition of Hotblocks presents a great opportunity to his business, the environment and the greater Tasmanian community. “We place a strong focus on sustainability and customer convenience. Hotblocks presents us with the opportunity to utilise our waste stream to produce a product that is environmentally friendly and convenient for our customers. Briquettes are a great alternative to chopping wood either at home or when camping.” Owned and operated by the Brill family, longtime residents of North East Tasmania, Stronach Industries supplies
Tasmanian with quality pine timber, fencing, lattice and a range of retail items. With a strong focus on renewable products and sustainable practices, Stronach strive to provide their customers with the highest quality products and services.
For more information, please visit their website www.stronachtimber.com.au, or for further product information, please visit www.hotblocks.com.au
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30/11/2016 2:01:23 PM
In the news
A fresh perspective from the timber industry TCA Young Community Ambassadors’ graduate
“
A DELIGHT” is how TCA National Coordinator Helen Murray describes working with the four 2016 TCA Young Community Ambassadors, after their Graduation which was held in Melbourne in November. “I have no doubt they will be among the leaders of our industry in the future.” The Graduation concluded an intensive six-month program to encourage and equip the under 35’s to more confidently take a lead and communicate about the forest and wood products sector in their own regions. Graduates Leilani Dawes, Michael Dent, Roy Head and Matthew Randall have successfully completed their own local community engagement activities and several group activities: professional media training; a series of round table learning sessions with guest speakers; attendance at a national industry networking event and a two-day Parliamentary advocacy familiarisation exercise. Each had to carry out a project that they submitted with their applications. All engaged with schools either via a field trip or a classroom visit and the youngsters made an impression. Roy Head said he “was blown away” by the questions from a year five class. “As well as gaining a new peer group of each other, new doors have already opened for everyone through the networking provided, “said Ms Murray. Leilani Dawes was invited along to the
Forest Learning Steering group including a social media training session. Also, being Sydney based, Roy Head could attend the Timber Design Awards with me, gaining further insights and networks.” Following are snapshots of the experiences the Young Community Ambassadors’ had provided for schools in their communities. Michael Dent works in the south Gippsland plantation forests with HVP. It’s a region coming to terms with the contraction of coal fired power generation. Michael started studying architecture and found his niche when he moved across to forestry. Concerned about low awareness, Michael likes promoting the environmental credentials of timber and interesting job opportunities along the supply chain. He is presently studying a Masters of Business Administration and is keen to deepen his knowledge base. Michael’s activities were with Mirboo North Secondary College “I took a group of year 9 students for an afternoon in the bush. HVP have been working with the school for many years and it seemed a perfect fit for me to do the presentation as part of TCA’s Young Ambassador’s initiative. I aimed at promoting forestry to young people in the region and improving the industry’s public perception locally. With an existing interest in the environment and land management, the school was a perfect fit.
¢ TCA delegation meets Liberal MP for O’Connor WA, Rick Wilson. Roy Head, Leilani Dawes, Matthew Randall, Rick Wilson MP, Helen Murray, Michael Dent.
“The afternoon was a great success. The kids seemed interested in the content of the presentation and the field trip. I feel it’s important to promote our industry to young people and improve the public perception of forestry in Australia. Although only small, I think initiatives like this can help educate people on the good news stories behind timber production and create a healthy future for our industry. “ Leilani Dawes works in the Mt Lofty region of South Australia. She loves the forests and focussed on the potential to combine recreational with learning activities to guide visitors towards an appreciation of the forests. She works for ForestrySA after having studied conservation and biodiversity in Adelaide. Not having planned on forestry as a career, once she got job hunting she was surprised how well forestry aligned with her environmental skills
and values. Leilani hosted year 11 biology students from Adelaide’s Concordia College on a “really successful” forest visit. She’s gained a lot through the TCA initiative. “The industry engagement activities provided by TCA left me equipped with the confidence and skills to engage with the community and provide the opportunity for the students to bring their learning to the forest environment.” I wanted to get involved with school groups visiting the forest and help expose the potential for learning in this environment. I worked closely in planning with a biology teacher at Concordia College to ensure the day met the class needs. The students and teachers found practical connection to the carbon lifecycle and how sustainable plantation forestry reduces atmospheric carbon. We discussed how a plantation forest works and is
¢ Leilani Dawes hosting an interpretive walk of the Kuitpo plantation forest in the Mt Lofty Ranges, as a TCA Young Community Ambassador. The school group were Year 11 Biology students at Concordia College, Adelaide.
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Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
managed sustainably. When we transitioned into the recreation and biodiversity side of the day, we were spoilt for choice with many native flowering Orchids and Lilies in the area, and more Koalas than I have ever seen in one day. The students got to apply their skills in conducting biological surveys and plant identification. A ForestrySA Kuitpo Ranger, Lennan Whiting, attended and shared his vast knowledge of the local flowering species with the students. Roy Head is a fourthgeneration family member in Australian Solar Timbers, which manufactures premium native hardwood flooring at Kempsey in northern NSW. A graduate in media and communications, Roy is Sydney based and he enjoys working with the design and architecture community. His project was a classroom talk with 48 year five students at the Marie Bashir Public School in Strathfield, Sydney.
¢ Matthew Randall and Year 9 student planting seedlings.
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In the news
¢ Young Community Ambassador Michael Dent hosting Year 9 students from Mirboo North Secondary College in South Gippsland.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to talk with students with a real appetite for sustainability and genuine interest in their environment” said Roy. He highlighted the role that trees and healthy forests play in carbon sequestration and timber based products and their ability to store carbon. “I showed the aspects of sustainably managed forests with a focus on silviculture, and the wholistic harvest planning considering disease management, control of feral pests, and the protection of native flora and fauna.” “When topics like
renewable energy and nanocrystaline cellulose came up, hands shot up everywhere; the kids were genuinely interested and respectful of the huge role timber plays in our daily lives, and more importantly, the role it will play in our future.” Matthew Randall lives with his young family in Albany, southern Western Australia. He works as a forester with the PF Olsen team and loves working in the bush. His career in forestry began as a machinery operator and he is now undertaking forestry studies. Matthew seeks to promote better understanding of the industry in the community. Matthew hosted a lively field visit for the Australian Christian College at Albany, to a bluegum plantation., “The kids absolutely loved it,” he said. Matthew chose sites to show the full renewable life cycle from tree planting to harvesting. He displayed the effort that goes into establishing and growing the trees. “Something people don’t necessarily understand is when a tree is cut down the carbon stored inside that tree is still there in the wood – it’s
not lost in the process.” He was also able to highlight this fact to the students. TCA’s new key messages were road tested in a series of meetings with Federal Members of Parliament in Canberra during October. The group’s Federal MPs’ could clearly see they love being part of this environmentally friendly sector and the delegation encouraged governments to demonstrate a commitment to policies supportive of the timber sector. “This was a valuable first-hand experience that stands them in good stead for future times,” said Ms Murray. “Each person set a great example in their activities, showing pride in the roles they play and the work they do in our sustainable industry with loads of future potential. We congratulate them all.” Ms Murray concluded. For more information www.tca.org.au
Industry News Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.
Encouraging comment on plantation forestry THE AUSTRALIAN Government is enciuraging interested stakeholders to provide their views on a new draft plantation forestry method and proposed amendments to the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015. Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, said these were important initiatives to the forestry and farming sectors, and it was important their views were included. “The draft method credits abatement by storing carbon from the atmosphere in trees,” Minister Ruston said. “This is done through establishing one or more new plantation forests, or converting short-rotation plantations to long-rotation forests. “These activities must result in eligible carbon abatement. “Existing Emissions Reduction Fund projects under a current method, where one or more plantation forests have been established, may be able to apply to transfer to the plantations method. “The government also invites comments on proposed amendments to the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015. “The proposed amendments support the operation of the draft plantation forestry method. “While submissions on the method www.timberbiz.com.au
¢ S enator Anne Ruston.
close on 30 December 2016, the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee has indicated it is willing to consider submissions received up until Monday, 9 January 2017.” More Information on the draft method and instructions on how to provide a submission are available on the Department of Environment and Energy’s website at environment.gov.au/climatec h a n ge /e m i s sio n s - r e d u c t io n -f u n d / methods/draft-methods. Australian Forests & Timber News
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Wraps come off robust new 30 tonne excavator
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changed at 2,000 hours intervals, with hydraulic oil changes set at 5,000 hours, for minimal downtime and reduced operating costs for the customer. The JS305 has been designed with maximum uptime in mind. One feature is a throttle actuator with an external override facility that can be set independently of the in-cab controls. This allows the customer to keep on working, to meet their deadlines. The JS305 is equipped with six working lights as standard, to support machine operation around the clock. These light units are all protected by guards, to reduce the risk of damage and maintain safer working conditions. The machine is equipped with a twin variable displacement hydraulic pump, ensuring maximum productivity in all operating conditions. Operators can choose between an Eco operating mode, that delivers the optimum balance between productivity and machine efficiency, or a Power mode for high performance and bulk excavating duties. In addition the operator can access an Power+ mode, that optimises engine speed and hydraulic output for maximum productivity. The JS305 uses the same spacious, robust cab structure as the popular JS205, incorporating a modern display monitor that is simple to navigate. This colour monitor can be set to display a range of operating data and there is also no requirement for engineers to use a laptop to diagnose faults in the field on the machine. The display shows engine speed, the selected power mode, machine hours and breaker hours, time to service, any critical alerts, low/ high travel selection and auto idle function selection. The monitor also records historical events for later service access, while it can also be used to diagnose engine and hydraulic temperatures, fuel level and battery voltage.
Hypro found markets in 32 countries
In addition, the JS305 comes as standard with JCB’s LiveLink telematic machine monitoring system. Operators benefit from standard air conditioning with auto temperature control, a full selection of mirrors to boost site safety and a mechanically adjustable suspension seat to keep them alert and productive. The JS305 is equipped with a heavy-duty monoboom and a choice of 2.5m and 3.1m long dipper arms. Both dippers are supplied with a heavy-duty wear plate on the underside to provide protection from rocks. The machine’s upper structure sits on a standard long undercarriage with nine lower rollers and two upper rollers on each track frame. The idler area has been strengthened to withstand the toughest of applications and the undercarriage uses a fully welded X-frame construction. Track pads are available in 600, 700, 800 and 900mm widths, with both 12mm and 15mm grouser depths. The JS305 has undergone many thousands of hours of testing in the field with customers, with constant feedback leading to increased reliability, operating efficiency and ease of use. Following the success of the smaller JS205, the JS305 provides customers in a wide range of territories with a new choice in the popular 30-tonne market. Formed in the 1940s JCB, based in Rocester, Staffordshire, is now regarded as one of the world’s leading construction and agricultural machinery manufacturers.
AFTER AN accident in the forest, Tommy Karlsson had the time to create something that would reduce the risk of future accidents: a hydraulic processor for tractors. Now known as Hypro, the product is available in 32 countries. Karlsson developed the tractor processor for his own needs and it was finished by 1984. The company that supplied the hydraulics felt the result was so professional that it should be exhibited at a forestry fair. An expert was brought in to assess the functioning and market potential. “He said the market was basically saturated and told me that I could sell maybe a dozen of my processors locally,” Tommy remembers. In 1987 he and his wife, Elisabeth, exhibited the only example of the processor at Elmia Wood. By then the product and company had gained a name: Hypro. Many people were interested and the forest owners at the fair saw what the expert had missed. Competing processors were mechanical but this one was hydraulic and therefore lighter and easier to manoeuvre. “We sold the first processor at the fair but in the weeks after we got home, 15 prospective customers visited us for a demonstration and 14 made a purchase,” Elisabeth says. However, only one processor existed – the prototype. With the help of suppliers, the customers got their machines but the orders kept pouring in. “Elmia Wood’s fair manager at the time moved back home to Germany and asked us if he could sell our processors,” Tommy adds. “Within a couple of years we had supplied 75 machines. That success then rippled out to markets in the UK and other countries.”
¢ Hypro’s owner Tommy Karlsson, shown here with his son Linus Bergman.
Industry News Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.
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
w w w. t i m b e r b i z . c o m . a u 16
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
www.timberbiz.com.au
HEAD-LINES
Simple, strong structure ideal for work in tough conditions
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ONSSE HAS been developing and manufacturing harvester heads since the 1980s. At that time single-grip harvesters were extremely rare, but Ponsse had a clear vision of more effective ways to fell and process trees. Today, Ponsse harvester heads are widely used on both purpose-built wheeled and tracked, as well as excavatorbased harvesters around the world. “The extensive Ponsse product portfolio offers a harvester head range with applications from first thinning to heavy-duty regeneration felling, as well as models for
debarking eucalypts and roadside processing,” says Peter Randalls (Managing Director Randalls Equipment, Australian agent for Ponsse). Each Ponsse harvester head model has been designed with focus on efficiency, durability, reliability and ease of maintenance, providing it a long service life. Ponsse harvester heads are characterized by their simple and strong structure and are built for working in rough conditions. Ponsse forest machine information systems consist of machine control and work
management systems for purposebuilt and track-based harvesters. The modern Ponsse Opti controland measuring system offers easy-to-use adjustable settings according to harvesting method, stand variables and base machine properties. The Ponsse H6 is highly versatile harvester head for medium-sized harvesters. It is used in thinning, but also in early regeneration felling. In Japan it is widely used on 13 – 14 ton excavators as roadside processor. The wide tilt angle movement, large feed rollers, as well as the low friction of the knives, allow quick and powerful feeding without losing the tree from the head, ensuring high measuring accuracy. This, in combination with excellent delimbing features and fast cutting cycles, guarantee high productivity levels. The large opening and precise controls make working easy and very suitable for multi-stemming of energy wood and industrial round wood without the need for any optional equipment. This eliminates additional equipment costs,
servicing and weight. Based on the popular allround Ponsse H7, with more than 1.600 units working worldwide, the Ponsse H7euca harvester head represents state-of-the-art technology and is optimized for harvesting and debarking eucalypts and acacia. The H7euca feed rollers and delimbing knives ensure good debarking results right down to a minimum top diameter of 40mm. Depending on species, seasonable variables, etc. single-pass debarking is not uncommon. The automatic control features of the Ponsse H7euca harvester head ensure that stems are always fed at maximum speed to the right length. This, in combination with automatic buttend debarking, considerably speeds up the harvesting operation and reduces operator fatigue. The Ponsse H7euca is widely used in plantation eucalypts in Brazil and Uruguay, but also in China and Australia, on Ponsse Ergo purposebuilt and 20 – 22 ton excavatorbased harvesters. Continued on page 18
PRECISION BIO-MASS SHREDDING
H-3060 HORIZONTAL GRINDER
Powered by a Caterpillar C-15 565hp engine as standard, this machine will produce in excess of 80 cubic metres an hour using 4” screens. Drum chipping mill can be interchanged with the hammermill. See it in action on YouTube. Search: Precision Husky H-3060 www.timberbiz.com.au
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
Contact: Andrew or John Ph: 03 5156 4243 Fax: 03 5156 4125 Email: info@jondod.com 17
HEAD-LINES
Tough performer continues the tradition of quality
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A N D A L L S E Q U I P M E N T Company was appointed the sole distributor for SP Maskiner harvesting heads in Australia in 2012. Since that time the 591LX debarker has become renowned for its quality and performance in blue gum debarking operations across Southern Australia from Albany to Gippsland. Since the first SP 591 LX head was delivered to G&C Forestry a total of 35 591 heads have been successfully delivered to contractors throughout Australia. While this remains a focus for the company, Randalls is now seeing great interest for the same reasons in the SP 761 LF head for pine applications. The 761 head is built tough for tough applications from thinning up to clear fall, and performs extremely well on an excavator base or on a purpose-built carrier. Utilizing the latest Dasa 5 optimizing harvester software and measuring system, the head measures accurately and can be set up to optimize any kind of tree stand. Other features of the SP 761 LF that make it stand out among its peers are a strong and durable cast main frame which reduces stress points and opportunities for cracking, cast delimbing arms, oversize pins and bushes using expander locking and various drive motor size choices depending on the application. Other great features are the noncontact magnet encoders for longest possible life as well as the proportional
angulation of the feed rollers that provide more lifting force with the larger the tree. Thanks to this design the knife pressure can be kept to a minimum and results in a very low friction between the head and the tree which leads to maximized speed and productivity. In addition to all of this, hose routing is very neatly and cleverly designed to avoid damage from limbs. One feature of the 761LF of particular interest has been the ability to quickly change the feed wheels and the measuring wheel to enable the head to become a debarker. This makes the head so much more versatile and adds value to the contractor who may find himself moving between different jobs with different requirements. When it comes to firsts, Geelong-based E&H Contracting has a couple to its credit when it comes to the Randalls connection. They were the first to opt for the SP 761LF back in February two years ago... and they’re still impressed with the unit, and they also opted for a 235 Sany excavator base. Former mechanic Damien Hodgson and Guy Earle (both directors of the fledgling company) started the business back four years ago and now have an additional two people working full-time in the bush and also two more in Geelong. As Damien said, he had already had a bit of a connection with Randalls back in those early business
days and, on the advice of Peter (Peter Randalls, Managing Director) he opted for the 761 and attached it to the 22 ton excavator base. “Peter said that, on paper, the head was a good unit and a good deal so we took it from there ... and it’s now proved its worth -- so far! “The trees here (around the Lucindale area of southeast South Australia) range from 100mm to 540-580mm. “So far it’s been good. We’ve thrown it at some pretty ugly stuff and we haven’t had to do anything to it. “It’s got 4000 hours on it now and really you cant really fault it. “We broke one top knife on it and the replacement cost was probably on par with the cost of replacing other similar knives,” said Damien. “There were a couple of annoying silly things when we first got it (alignment), b once that was rectified we haven’t had a dama with it since . “The measuring wheel and all that sort of stuff its accurate and we haven’t had to touch any of it. It does a good job all the way through,” he added. “The base the head was attached to, a 235 Sany excavator, was also one of the first ones he (Peter Randalls) had in the country. It was almost a protoype style of thing. “Since then Peter’s come out and seen it in operation and he suggested more ground clearance and a few odds and ends like that and he put the suggestions back
SP 761 LF Specs at a glance Max cutting diameter - 800mm Min delimbing diameter – 40mm Weight with top saw – 1,870kg Feed speed – 6m/s
Topping saw – Optional Find end sensor – Optional Processing knives - Optional Flow requirement – 250lt/m
“So far it’s been good. We’ve thrown it at some pretty ugly stuff and we haven’t had to do anything to it." to their R&D and they’ve actually implemented some of the changes on the new 245s .. wider tracked machine with more clearance; even the way they have set up the hoses coming down off the boom. Instead of having a heap of hoses hanging they now have an aluminium block with hoses coming through them. This eliminates a lot of hassles with hoses becoming crimped,” said Damien. SP Maskiner designed and presented the world’s first ever single grip harvester head in back in 1980 and continue to listen to their customers and develop products to suit specific regions in the world. “Both the SP 591 LX G3 and the SP 761 LF are great examples of how we have
managed to develop products specifically for markets that are both very remote and also very different from what you typically would see in Europe,” said Anders Gannerud from SP Maskiner. “The fact that we have not tried to compromise and develop these products to suit both European and Southern Hemisphere conditions have definitely been the key to our success. By allowing our engineers to travel the world to make them understand the difference in market requirements and conditions has enabled us to design and build some pretty unique products with both brains and brawn.”
Simple, strong structure ideal for work in tough conditions Continued from page 18
The new Ponsse H8HD harvester head, specifically designed for harvesting and processing big timber in demanding conditions, was launched at DEMO International 2016 in British Columbia, Canada, in the end of September. Based on the robust and powerful H8, it continues the success of the smaller Ponsse H7HD harvester head. It can be installed on the PONSSE Bear wheeled harvester and on over 20-ton track-based machines, either purpose-built tracked or excavator18
based. The Ponsse H8HD offers a superior performance considering its size. A powerful feed, combined with its geometry which firmly supports larger diameter stems with the feed rollers, guarantees extremely high rates of productivity and good fuel economy. Thanks to the Opti controland measuring system, it has an excellent cutting precision, and trees are always fed directly to the specific length at maximum speed. A stronger tilt frame, specifically designed for tracked carriers, and a smooth tilt
motion reduces the stress placed on the harvester head. Processor delimbing knives, longer than the standard delimbing knives, facilitate easy picking up of trees from the ground or of stems out of piles. The Ponsse H8HD is also available with a top saw for processing tree-length stems or for example trees with large stem defects, thick branches, double leaders, etc. The Ponsse H10 is specifically designed and built for heavy-duty harvesting and processing in tough
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
conditions. A robust structure, strong grip and powerful feeding guarantee high efficiency and reliability throughout the years. A wide feed roller arm geometry support even large diameter trees from below, enabling lower knife pressures to be used, resulting in better feed performance with lower fuel consumption. The H10 requires at least a 25-ton tracked carrier as base machine. The Ponsse H10 has been thoroughly proven itself as processor in the US Pacific Northwest. www.timberbiz.com.au
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 Randalls Equipment Company 9B Charles Street, Albany WA
Contact: Kegan Powell Ph: 0437 059 477
FOREST MACHINES
Timberpro enters a new dawn - TL765C
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he Timberpro TL765C is a totally new machine design but it has a very long heritage starting back with the Timbco brand and Pat Crawford. The Timbco brand was synonymous with zero tail-swing purpose built track feller bunchers and harvesters from the mid 80’s with Pat producing their first prototype tail swing machine the TL 475 in early 2000. The first Australian TL 475 was delivered early 2002. In 2000 Timbco was purchased by Partek Forest AB which in turn was taken over by Komatsu Ltd in 2004. During this period the Timbco TL/ TN 475 developed into the 475FX/ FXL which was a very productive machine. There were 35 units of the 475 model sold into Australia, with many of these still working today. Unfortunately with the advent of the GFC and the forestry downturn it was decided to cease production of the 475FXL in 2009. Following the sale Pat Crawford started a new company called Timberpro in 2004 with a complete new factory in Shawano Wisconsin which only produced the wheel machines until 2008 at which time Lee Crawford took over running the Timberpro company. Pat may have taken a step back but he still continues to work at the Timberpro factory at the grand age of 90. During 2008 they also released their new zero tail-swing track product line. This was then followed by Timberpro releasing the new “C”
Series track machine in early 2014, this has been well received by the market. Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd has had a long and strong relationship
with Timbco, Timberpro and the Crawford family dating back to 1992 when Valmet Logging first became a Timbco dealer. It was this relationship that led Komatsu
Forest to approach Timberpro to design and build a new generation tail-swing levelling machine due to the strong demand in Australia and New Zealand. While a little
¢ The fourth TL765C is ready for delivery from Komatsu Forest’s Wodonga workshop and heading to Boss Logging’s Victorian operation. It’s versatility highlighted by the fitment of a Woodsman FH1350 Directional Felling Head…. ideal for big timber”
Testimonial. Dean Venturoni, Retreev Pty Ltd “We bought the Timberpro back in October. “There are quite a few machines out there that are very similar now but their (Komatsu Forest) back-up and service probably swayed me in the end. “The layout under the bonnet is pretty impressive. From the servicing point of view it’s pretty good. “The reach and the power in the boom is another good factor. “And for a machine that size with the power in the walk to get around the hills is probably really what sets it apart.” Dean’s Timberpro TL765C is fitted with a Komatsu 398 head... “It’s early days with that. It’s something new. We’ve never had one before but the trials and demos we 20
had with them, the way they handled the bigger stems -- it just seems to hang onto them much better. “Plus it’s the one supplier -- the head and the base. You’re dealing with just the one company. “At this stage it’s probably a bit too early to comment about production differences. Once we’re all use to the head and the operator is use to it then I think we’ll definitely be on a winner.” Retreev has a crew doing thinnings in the Ballarat Otway region as well. The Timberpro is working in the north east of Victoria in the Shelley region where the terrain, according to Dean, is undulating; got some steeper stuff ... but generally undulating. Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
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FOREST MACHINES Testimonial. Matt Mangan, Netley Logging “So far so good. It’s currently working in the Oberon area on wind salvage at the moment. We really copped it (wind and storms). “The fuel economy is good so far. Reliability is good. The operator’s happy, comfortable. It’s got good slew power and lift. The slew’s probably the standout. “We have had it working in behind our shovel system and the operators really noticed the slew power there. “We took delivery of it about four months ago. “We like our 475 Timbcos ... we harassed them for a long time about not building the 475’s anymore and then they built the
Timberpro 765 which is exactly what we need. “Production is definitely up a bit. Hard to say how much at the moment. “All this windblown stuff is slow going at the moment. We’ve got both our shovel systems working in it and they’ve been in it for four months. “By the time we finish at Christmas there’ll still another 130,000 tonnes to shift. “You’ve got to mention Komatsu Forest and their after sales service and back-up ... it’s second to none. Brilliant. “Overall, so far so good .... we’re happy!” reluctant at first Timberpro were fast to respond to the challenge with only two years passing from the first meeting to construction of the first prototype in Dec 2015.
TL765C Specifications: Engine: Cummins QSWL 9L: 330HP @ 1800rpm Fuel Tank: 946 litres Control System; IQAN MD4 HD Hydraulic System: Implement Pump, Swing Pump, Dual Track Drive Pumps, Disc Saw Pump & Charge Pump. Valve: Parker K220/L90LS with Patented Energy Recovery Smart Valve Technology Swing System: Dual Rexroth motors GFB17 Bearing: Dual Ball/External Tooth Speed: 6.8 rpm Swing Torque: 85,000lbs (115.2 Nm) Levelling: Front 22 Degrees, Rear 8 Degrees & Side 20 Degrees Boom (Harvester) Max Reach: 9.3m Lift Capacity Max Reach: 4,763kg
Boom (Buncher) Lift Capacity Max Reach: 6,800kg Undercarriage: CAT 330 HD Frame Track Pitch: 8.5” Track Drive: Rexroth GFT 8190 Tractive Effort: 108,745 lbs Travel Speed: 0-3.5 mph Machine Weight: 84,800lbs (38,465 kg)
Timberpro TL765C Prototype The TL765C project was led by Lee Crawford who was strongly supported by John Lambert, John was responsible for many of the technical innovations in the 765. It was an easy progression for Timberpro in designing a tail-swing machine considering their previous experience with the 475 and much of the basic componentry was available from their current zero tail swing machine. Some of the many features of the new TL 765C are; • Cummins QSL 9.0L Engine • Auto-Reversing Fan • Energy Recovering Hydrostatic Dual Motor Swing System • Energy Recovering Smart Valve • Dedicated Dual Hydrostatic Drive System • New Rexroth Drive Motors GFT 8190 (Tractive Effort :484 kN) • IQAN MD4 10” Touch Screen Control System • Best in Class Serviceability
The Timberpro TL765C was released to the Australian market at “Austimber 2016” which drew much interest with quick orders resulting in four already being delivered and several orders in hand. Unfortunately its success here and in the USA / Canada markets has made availability a major issue for future sales in Australia due to this strong demand. This first TL765C in Australia was delivered straight from the Austimber show to Clearwater Logging and Transport at Colac last April and was fitted with the first Woodsman 750 to be sold here in Australia. The Timberpro TL765C has provided an excellent base for a great variety of attachments with current examples such as; Komatsu 398, Woodsman 750, Waratah 624 Harvesting Heads, Woodsman FH1350, Southstar FD750, KF 800 Directional Felling Head, Quadco 26B Disc Saw and Quadco 7320 Accumulating Shear. This veratility has been displayed by the first four units delivered in Australia being fitted with four different attachments with the latest being Boss Logging in Victoria with the Woodsman FH1350, ideal for big timber felling.
Introducing……….. Timberpro TN 765C (Non-Levelling) While the TL765C is a levelling machine, there will also be a nonlevelling variant available the TN 765C, with the first unit going into production in early Jan’17. This unit has all the features of TL765C except levelling, and will provide excellent performance as a buncher in the eucalypt plantations with its independent track drive and Smart Valve hydraulics which recovers wasted hydraulic energy from the relevant circuits. For more information visit www.komatsuforest.com.au www.timberbiz.com.au
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
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FOREST MACHINES
Advanced technology results in even more flexibility
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U S T I M B E R H A RV EST I NG Gippsland is currently working with one of Australia’s largest private plantation companies, HVP Plantations. Situated across areas of Victoria, the plantation extends from Gippsland in the east to the border with South Australia in the west and large plantations in the north east of the state. The total area of land harvested by Austimber and contractors alike equates to over 240,000 hectares. About 165,000 hectares of this land is pine and eucalypt plantation. To meet demand, an extensive fleet of forestry equipment has since been acquired to service this estate. Austimber Harvest over 500,000 tonnes of this volume for HVP in Gippsland. Established in 2006 and comprised of working professionals with decades of experience in logging. Ian Reid, Director at Austimber Harvesting Gippsland and former Chairman at the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) says the
company started positively, his business interests and desire for new business opportunities has seen the company grow into one of the larger logging contractors operating for HVP Plantations. Recently, Austimber Harvesting Gippsland has welcomed the all new John Deere 1270E 8WD Harvester to the existing family of frontline machines used to currently service the long-
term contract established within the plantation estate. Now with a total of 7 John Deere wheeled Harvesters, 3 Hitachi excavators and 5 John Deere forwarders, more focus can be placed on operating a highly productive logging business whilst maintaining a safe and friendly environment for their employees. “We strive to keep our operations as simple as we can whilst considering the work satisfaction of our operators,
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barkertrailers.com.au 22
Australian Forests & Timber News
with great machines and experienced workmen, anything is possible,” said Ian. With that in mind, the new purchase was a no brainer for Ian, “When the machine arrived it was ready to work that day, exceeding not only our expectations of John Deere and Hitachi but the needs of our business were met almost immediately,” said Ian. Taking delivery of the machine in late December, the 1270E is currently fulfilling a steep thinning operation for Austimber Harvesting Gippsland. “Our main reasons for purchasing this machine in particular, attribute to the flexibility in being able to work from first thinning through to clear fall operations. The advanced technology, commonality of parts and operation were also key factors in the decision,” he said. The optional eight-wheeled version now delivers higher tractive force and more ground clearance to tackle steep slopes and soft soils with more confidence than ever before, which is exactly what Ian needed to fulfil the application. “We knew the 1270E could operate in both flat and steeper first and second thinning and clear fall operations productively within the HVP Gippsland plantations estate. That being said the machine is performing well with high availability rates, meeting productivity targets and receiving good operator feedback,” said Ian. Since its introduction in 1996, the John Deere 1270 Harvester has dominated
December 2016
harvester sales worldwide while setting the standard for durability and performance. “It’s well designed and good ergonomic features leave operators feeling very comfortable in the machines,” said Ian. With its large 9.0-litre engine and CH7 Harvester boom, the 1270E performs at a level normally reserved for larger size-class harvesters. “It is plenty powerful to handle the most demanding clear-fell operations, while being manoeuvrable enough to operate in final-thinning applications,” he said. Comfort, visibility and the overall set-up were major features, according to Ian, when asked why he decided to purchase the John Deere 1270E. “The set-up and finish of the machine is excellent. It was ready to go and all we needed to do was turn the key,” he said. As the exclusive distributor of John Deere construction and forestry products in the Australian market, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) continues to supply the forestry industry with innovative and cuttingedge products. “We have built a good relationship with Hitachi over the years and we have a history of purchases of John Deere machinery,” said Ian. “We’re very satisfied with the John Deere/Hitachi product support, the ongoing innovation and technology platform are second to none. They are providing good after sales support in both preventative maintenance and breakdown situations.” www.timberbiz.com.au
FOREST MACHINES
Tigercat goes bigger with 632E skidder
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HE NEW 632E takes the capabilities of Tigercat skidders to a whole new level with larger rear axles, hydraulic cylinders and main pump. The 632E features the largest grapple available in the industry today and sets a new standard for extreme productivity in timber extraction in the toughest conditions. The 632E is powered by the simple and reliable Tigercat FPT N67 Tier 2 engine with peak power of 290 hp (216 kW) at 2,000 rpm and rated power of 288 hp (215 kW) at 2,100 rpm. The 632E can be equipped with the largest grapple offered on any four-wheel skidder on the market. The larger 2,1 m² (23 ft²) option has a tip-to-tip opening of 3 860 mm (152 in). Complementing the higher horsepower and larger grapple, the hydraulic system and driveline have been extensively upgraded. Several components and structures have been upsized for improved durability. The 632E uses a larger main hydraulic pump and valves for faster operation and better multifunctioning. The hydraulic cylinders are larger allowing the machine to run pressures that are 10% lower while increasing performance by 10% on average. Cylinder rod sizes have been increased by 25%. Load sensing control and a simplified steering circuit lead to more
responsive and adjustable steering control. A newly enhanced EHS® transmission produces 11% more torque — with the same top speed as the previous generation of EHS. The new OB20 rear axle – specially designed for the 632E — provides 47% more torque capacity and nearly twice the life on all bearings. The service brakes and park brake are incorporated into the new axle. The axle mounting has been redesigned to use four high-strength 30 mm (1.18 in) bolts and two 30 mm studs on each side mounted to a massive 77 mm (3 in) thick steel frame. The new design transfers the force to the skidder chassis and can better handle the higher torque load of the new axle and uprated EHS drive. Rear drive shafts have been increased in size to 8.5C from 7C. Operators will see additional improvements in the cab starting with the automatic, air-ride seat. A new instrument panel layout improves placement of electrical outlets and the electronic control system display. Operators will enjoy finer joystick control of the travel speed. The new high visibility arch means a 10% improvement in visibility to the ground through the arch. LED lights, improved boom light location and a new arch light further enhance visibility to the grapple area.
880D logger debuts at DEMO 2016 THE 880D supersedes the highly successful Tigercat 880 -- a heavy duty, purpose-built forestry carrier that can be configured for loading, shovel logging or processing. The 880 stands out against converted excavators with higher horsepower, more robust construction and superior productivity.
www.timberbiz.com.au
The first Tigercat 880D logger was a part of Tigercat’s live demonstration at DEMO 2016. The D-series has been upgraded to the Tigercat FPT N67 engine outputting 230 kW (308 hp) at 2,000 rpm and delivers excellent fuel economy in a simple and reliable package. The swing bearing diameter has increased
from 1 370 mm (54 in) to 1 565 mm (62 in). The larger bearing provides increased capacity and swing torque. The twin swing drive system reduces gear tooth loads. A massive single-piece, forged pedestal strengthens the undercarriage and improves durability. The 880D logger now shares the modular main
Australian Forests & Timber News
hydraulic valve with all other Tigercat 800 series carriers for improved parts commonality. With the ability to easily swap out a valve section, the modular design simplifies maintenance. Another advantage of the 880D logger over competing excavator-based carriers is Tigercat’s forest duty undercarriage. Long frames and a wide stance carbody provide excellent stability. Track components are co-designed with Berco to provide maximum durability in forestry applications. The 880D has plenty of cooling capacity with an automatic variable speed fan for improved fuel efficiency and an automatic reversing cycle to clean the heat exchangers. Another fuel saving feature is the energy recovery swing system. A closed loop drive feeds power back to the engine when swing decelerates, reducing fuel consumption and
December 2016
recovering energy for other machine functions. Service access is outstanding with the power operated side engine door and overhead roof enclosure. Shields separate the engine from the hydraulic pumps and valves. The entire upper assembly is designed for extreme duty. Heavy wall side bumpers and a solid cast counterweight protect the upper assembly from impacts when swinging. The 880D provides an ideal work environment. Convenient walk-up access to the rear entry door leads to a generous interior cab space. The cabin is quiet and comfortable with excellent visibility. The fulllength front window and additional floor windows provide clear sightlines. The high output climate control system keeps the operator comfortable even in ambient temperature extremes. LED lighting provides higher output and improved reliability. 23
FOREST MACHINES
Ongoing commitment to clients
A
CONTINGENT of Australian forestry personnel including GMT Logging General Manager Adan Taylor recently returned from a trip to Canada with the Australian dealer Onetrak to take in Demo2016 and also a Tigercat factory tour ... and all aspects of the trip have been described as “impressive”. “Demo2016 focused on steep country logging which is our bread and butter,” said Adan. “It showcased a lot of things in live demos that I had seen by taking private trips, but this was at the one show which was pretty unique. “I think it appealed more to Australians and New Zealand customers because the size of timber, type of terrain and the way they log is similar to us. It was good to see that. “It was quite an eye opener for people to see the various steep country methods side by side,” said Adan. After the show, the tour headed to Toronto where
Tigercat has its factories. Even though he had been invited on trips before to the Tigercat’s factories, he said it showed their ongoing commitment to getting feedback from their customers about their products and any prototypes they’re working on. “This speaks volumes as an owner having confidence in their product going forward.” One of the standout points of the factory tour was being able to see first hand their quality assurance systems ... “it’s interesting to note, I think, that when other companies are outsourcing, Tigercat is actually insourcing because their suppliers cant keep up with quality supplies for their manufacturing. “A few of the guys who are particularly interested in the skidder product got to test drive a brand new 632E series skidder which was a prototype that rolled off the assembly line and they got a chance to take it around the yards. That was pretty awesome,” Adan said.
And back on the home front, GMT Logging has taken delivery of a Tigercat 1075C Forwarder and also a Tigercat LS855 Feller Shoveller fitted with a Tigercat 5195 bar saw felling head for a new contract. “They’ll be both be going to work at the same time. We’ve got a new job so we ordered those two machines,” Adan said. GMT Logging will, for the new job, be focusing on areas of plantation that geographically lends itself better to exporting the timber than sending it to domestic processors. Out of the way a little bit but close enough to Brisbane port (or Gladstone port as the case may be) to export the logs. “It represents an exciting time for plantation timber in Queensland because we’ve never really done a lot of direct export – other than cyclone salvage. Nearly all of the plantation wood in Queensland has been for the domestic market, which means if there’s no processor to take it and saw it up then there’s no market.
¢ The new LS855C / 5195 shovel logger at GMT.
¢ The 1075C Forwarder
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Australian Forests & Timber News
¢ AUSTimber demo of the LS855C / 5195 shovel logger.
“This represents a good step forward particularly for hoop (the species we harvest) and it’s never really been exported on this type of scale before; it’s going into containers and being exported that way rather than bulk into the hull of a ship. “That in itself presents some challenges in scheduling for containers. However, it also means it’s a steady pace, whereas previous exports have been whole of ship and you’ve got to fill it ... a bit like a famine and a feast. This is a more steady and highly regimented export process,” said Adan. At the time of going to press Adan and his GMT crew were ready to put their two new machines to work. The 1075C Forwarder is stable and powerful with extreme duty wide-spread bogie axles, and is ideal for high production jobs, around-the-clock operation and extreme terrain. It is also an excellent carrier for scarifier attachments and excels in this demanding, extreme duty cycle application. Excellent component layout and easy access to service points makes for quick and painless daily maintenance routines. The operating environment is expansive and comfortable
December 2016
with optimized sight lines and ergonomics. In-cabin sound levels are under 66 db at full 2,200 rpm engine speed. Lighting, operator controls and interface and the climate control systems are well engineered, contributing to high productivity and reduced operator fatigue during long shifts. The LS855 is a nimble and powerful carrier suited to felling, pre-bunching and shovel logging in steep terrain. It can cost effectively forward wood to roadside in steep or wet soil up to distances of 80-100m. It can be strategically located in challenging parts of the cut block to forward trees to the skidder or fell and bunch for a yarding system. It can also organize stems and decks for the processor at roadside, improving both skidder and processor productivity. Unlike excavator-based shovel loggers with add-on forestry packages, the LS855 is purpose-built for heavy duty forestry applications. The efficient hydraulic system is optimized for shovel logging and felling with a bar saw head. For more information visit www.onetrak.com.au www.timberbiz.com.au
FA CT NE O W (L RY M IM O IT ED D D I O SC E FF L ER O ) U N T
Onetrak New Stock Available Now: H845C Harvester H855C Harvester LS855C Levelling Shovel 610E 4x4 Grapple Skidder 635D 6x6 Grapple Skidder 1075C Forwarder
SIZE MATTERS
FORWARDING TRANSFORMED.
Tigercat’s exclusive low-wide bunk system combined with the powerful hooked crane introduces efficiency and performance gains for the high capacity 1075C forwarders. Designed for quicker loading and unloading times, this innovative configuration provides clear sight lines to the top of the load and substantially increases the working range of the crane. Contact Onetrak to find out how the low-wide bunk system and hooked crane can improve the efficiency of your forwarding operations. Load capacity Machine weight Tractive Effort Max Engine kW/rpm Crane Lift Torque Crane Slew Torque Reach Dampening Sensors Pillar Hose Routing Crane Weight
Tigercat 1075C
Komatsu 895
John Deere1910E
CAT 584 (HD)
20 ton (25ton)* 24,500kg 260kN 230kW@2000 195kN 55kNm 8.5m Sensors Swivels 3180kg
20 ton 23,800kg 255kN 193kW@1700 165kNm 42.5kNm 8.5m Optimal Fixed 2200kg
19 ton 21,800kg 220kN 186kW@1900 151kNm 41kNm 7.2, 8.5m None Fixed 2150kg
18 ton (20 ton) 22,500kg 240kN 204kW@2100 159kNm 45kNm 8.0m None Fixed 2120kg *Approved in certain applications
Onetrak 1300 727 520 • www.onetrak.com.au
LOG HANDLING
Reputation for reliability and efficiency
W
ITH MORE than 50 years of experience building machines for the log handling industry, Volvo’s wheel loaders have a well-deserved reputation for high productivity, efficiency, reliability and flexibility. They’ve been specially designed to withstand the abuse encountered in tough environments. The new L180H High Lift Wheel Loader is a purposebuilt, high-lift wheel loader designed by Volvo Construction Equipment for log handling. CJD Equipment brought the H series of wheel loaders to
Australia this year with great success. Loaded with innovations and fuel-saving features, this machine works in the most efficient and productive way. One example of this is Volvo’s unique OptiShift technology which reduces fuel consumption by up to 18% and increases machine performance. OptiShift combines Volvo’s patented Reverse By Braking (RBB) technology and a Torque Converter with LockUp*. Lock-up creates a direct drive between the engine and transmission – eliminating power losses in the torque converter and reducing fuel consumption.
Some of the features of the L180H High Reach include:
Reverse By Braking (RBB)
The Volvo patented RBB function senses the loader’s direction and slows the machine when the operator changes direction by applying the service brakes automatically. This increases fuel efficiency and improves operator comfort. RBB is ideal for short cycle or truck loading applications.
Intelligent hydraulics
Volvo’s load-sensing hydraulics supply power to the hydraulic functions according to demand, lowering fuel consumption. The powerful system ensures fast response for shorter cycle times while delivering smooth operation through superior control of both the load and the attachment.
Eco pedal
A few questions answered
Volvo’s unique eco pedal applies mechanical push-back force when the accelerator is used excessively and engine rpm is about to exceed the economic operating range. This encourages the operator to ease off the throttle, reducing fuel consumption.
Wesbeam Maintenance Planner Kevin Pugh is a man who knows a great deal about the characteristics of the H series and in a question and answer session had this to say about the new machine...
Reversible cooling fan
Q: What were the driving factors behind Wesbeam’s decision to purchase an H Series / Volvo Wheel Loader? KP: Consistently good service and back up from CJD Equipment, and the reliability behind our E series loaders of more than 30,000hrs
The hydraulically-driven, electronically controlled cooling fan regulates the temperature of the vital components. It automatically activates only when it’s needed – reducing fuel consumption and noise. The optional reversible functionality – which blows air in the opposite direction – allows for self-cleaning of the cooling units.
Tilting cab
The cab can be tilted in two positions – 35º and 70º. Tilting the cab greatly improves service and maintenance access which leads to more uptime and increased machine availability. The cab is tilted via a manually operated pump.
High-lift arm system
Volvo’s high-lift arm system is designed for high stacking and long reach – allowing you to increase productivity and maximize your timber yard. The grapple can be tilted and rotated for easy placement and pick-up of logs from anywhere in the stack. Wesbeam purchased one of the first of Volvo’s H Series machine to arrive in Australia, deciding on an L180H with standard reach for their timber operations in WA. ¢ A ll photos were taken at Wesbeam’s site in Neerabup in Western Australia.
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Q: How many Volvo machines does Wesbeam own? KP: Wesbeam now owns 3 Volvo Wheel Loaders, 2 x L180Es and 1 x L180H Q: What is their L180H machinery primarily used for? KP: The L180H machine will be used for log handling, it will be unloading and loading of trucks. Q: How does the H Series help you in your day to day operations? KP: Compared to our E series machine, the H series has factory fitted with CC steering which is much more comfortable for the operators. It makes it easier for V Loading. Along with the Opti shift, Eco Pedal and reverse by braking (RBB) feature the H series is a much easier machine to use in our application
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
Q: What specific feature/s did you enjoy most about the L180H? KP: Fuel economy, RBB, Lock Up torque converter, Eco Pedal and the CDC steering Q: How does it compare to other makes/ models you use in your operations? KP: Hands down a much more improved and refined Volvo Loader Q: Would you recommend this product? KP: Yes, due to the comfort of the machine for our operators, with the added saving on the fuel.
www.timberbiz.com.au
LOG HANDLING
Sany SY245F easily transformed into a high quality, productive log loader
S
INCE 2014, Randalls Equipment Company has been the Australian distributor for Sany excavators sold into forestry applications in Australia. Over this period there have been machines sold into various applications such as harvesting blue gum as well as pine. One application that lends itself particularly well to the Sany carrier has been log loading. When fitted with the Australian built Randalls 0.55m2 or 0.80m2 rotating grapple and a guarding package, the machine is transformed into a high quality, highly productive log loader that can be used in a mill yard or in the forest loading trucks. What makes this combination so appealing is the value for money for a new machine with a full factory backed 2 year/5000 hour warranty provided by Randalls. This means the buyer gets 100% support from Randalls on the complete machine. “Looking a little deeper inside the Sany excavator and the company building them it becomes apparent that this is a truly world class company building world class equipment,” says Randalls Managing Director Peter Randalls. “Since becoming the Australian Sany Forestry
dealer we have been impressed with Sany’s reliability and performance and our customers have been as well.” Peter also added that as a value-for-money machine it was second to none. The SY245F runs an Isuzu 6BG Tier II engine, Kawasaki pumps and valve and Hydash track drives. Sany itself has been building excavators for more than 20 years and have refined their engineering processes to a point where the quality is comparable to that of Japanese built excavators. Sany currently have the capacity to manufacture as many as 80,000 excavators per year and they are sold in all parts of the world.. The range of Randalls grapples has grown over the years off the back of strong demand from countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Due to the demands of log loading in these parts of the world so to the design and strength of Randalls grapples has been adapted to enable them to work in some of the toughest conditions in the world. Today Randalls remain the sole Australian manufacturer of rotating log grapples. Its products are built from start to finish in Melbourne using robotic welding and advanced machine tools in order
Sany SY245F Specs at a glance Machine weight – 25,000kg Engine – Isuzu 6.49lt Tier II Power – 128.5kw Fuel capacity – 340l Oil flow – 2 x 252lt
to produce a top quality Australian product that will withstand anything you can throw at it.
Tough, Professional Tools Australia-wide delivery!
Cant & Peavey Hooks Logrite Cant & Peavey hooks Light but very strong Made in USA 42” - $245, 60” - $300. Log stand to suit - $85
Haglof Tree Calipers Strong, lightweight Swedish made aluminium tree calipers 40cm-$165, 50cm-$170 65cm-$180, 80cm-$220 102cm-$280 127cm-$310
Spencer Logging Tapes Clinometers/Height Meters Tough US made logging tapes 15m - $110, 25m - $130 30m + diameter - $154
Diameter/Girth Tapes
Large range of steel & fibreglass diameter tapes from $22
Tree Planting Equipment
Pro-Pruner
Randalls Grapple range at a glance
Swedish made Pottiputki tree planters Models 45/55/63/75
0.36HD – 378KG 0.45IR12 - 570KG 0.55IR22 – 830kg 0.80IR22 – 980kg 1.3IR22 – 1,400kg 2.0IR22 – 2,300kg www.timberbiz.com.au
Suunto Tandem Nikon Compass/Clino Forestry Pro $320 $580 Also stock Haglof Vertex IV/ Laser & Haglof CI/ECII
Kidney trays, planting belts, spades & Hamilton planters
Tel: 02 9417 7751 Fax: 02 9417 7426
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
New Zealand made lopper designed for lift pruning of pine & eucalypts. Up to 65mm cut - $260 Also Bahco, Felco & Barnel
Over 1600 products at
www.forestrytools.com.au or call for our 2016 catalogue
PO Box 870 Willoughby NSW 2068
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VAFI AWARDS
Leaders recognised with VAFI awards
T
HE VICTORIAN Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) Awards were presented at the industry’s annual dinner which saw several businesses recognised for their innovation and sustainability credentials, and community engagement. VAFI CEO Tim Johnston said the 2016 VAFI Awards were recognition of the outstanding work being done by businesses in the Victorian forest and wood products industry. “The work that goes on each year by those in the industry is second to none. It is fitting to see this hard work be recognised appropriately,” he said. The 2016 VAFI Award recipients were: • Australian Paper, winner of the Sustainability Award • Arbuthnot Sawmills, winner of the Community Award • Fenning Bairnsdale, winner of the Economy Award (sponsored by First Super) The function also saw the association celebrate 130 years of industry representation. As the key event for the forest and wood products industry in Victoria, the dinner brought together key industry stakeholders, members of Governments, as well as friends, associates and colleagues in a night showcasing the best the industry has to offer. The 2016 VAFI Industry Review ― an overview of the forest and wood products industry in Victoria ― was also launched at the dinner. VAFI Chief Executive Officer Tim Johnston told guests “while we took the chance to celebrate the past, we did not dwell on it”. “The dinner,” he said, “was a chance to look forward, and to spread the message that, while we should be proud of where we have come from, now is the time to focus on the future. “We will have a strong future as an industry. We will continue to thrive, no matter how challenging the environment. We have seen strong growth in our industry, confirmed
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M16/13702
MESSAG
E FROM TH
recently by ABARES reporting the sales and service income from the industry here in Victoria alone is upwards of $7 billion. “This is something to celebrate,” Tim told the 240-strong crowd, and he gave the assurance that VAFI would continue to lead the way. “We are ready for any challenges that come our way.” The VAFI Annual Industry Dinner is made possible by its sponsors, which included Australian Paper, Australian Bluegum Plantations, Fenning Bairnsdale, Ryan & McNulty Sawmillers, the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, VicForests, First Super, PF Olsen, and AE Gibson & Sons Pty Ltd.
E PR
EMIER For the last hundred and served its thirty members with distinct years, the Victorian ion. Association A proud adv of Forest Industries united voic ocate for the men has and e for the fore st and woo women it represent d product s, VAFI has In doing so, industry. become a it has helped trusted and shape the future of the se industries On this the for many yea occasion of rs to come. wishes. VAFI's ann iversary, ple ase accept my congra tulations and best
The Hon Daniel And rews MP Premier
¢ A letter of congratulations from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
For more information about VAFI go to ... www.vafi.org.au +61 3 9611 9000
¢ Michael Taylor (President VAFI), Isabel and Greg McNulty (Ryan and McNulty Sawmillers), Tim Johnston (CEO VAFI), Steph Ryan (Deputy Leader Nationals and Member for Euroa), Cindy McLeish (MLA Member for Eildon).
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
www.timberbiz.com.au
VAFI AWARDS
¢ Darren McKenzie (Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Statewide Integration, department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning), Wendy Warnock, Ross Britton (Australian Sustainable Hardwoods), Malcolm Warnock (Rubicon Cable).
¢ G raeme Stoney, Greg McNulty, Wendy Stoney, Peter Walsh (Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister of Agriculture and Water), Daniel Young (MLC member for Northern Victoria).
¢ Phil McCormack (McCormack Hardwood Sales), Carmel and Harold Fox, Andrew and Barbara Smith (Poweltown Sawmills).
¢ A lex Arbuthnot (Arbuthnot Sawmills), Melina Bath (MLA member for East Victoia), David Morcomb (Wellington Shire Council), Malcolm Hole (Wellington Shire Council).
¢ A lex Arbuthnot, Paul Madden and John Eberbach (Arbuthnot Sawmills) Community Award
¢ Ian and Virginia Reid (AFCA) Anne Partridge (HVP Plantations) and Jim Bowden (HVP Plantations).
¢ Tim Johnston and Rodney Natty (Fenning Bairnsdale) Economy Award
www.timberbiz.com.au
¢ Tim Johnston and Kunihoko Kashima (Australian Paper) Sustainability Award
Australian Forests & Timber News
¢ Tim Johnston and Paul Madden (Arbuthnot Sawmills) Community Award
December 2016
29
AFP - SA
Finding transferable skills How can our industry address skills shortages in regional areas? By Clare Scriven
F
SA State Manager AFPA-SA
OREST INDUSTRIES are predominantly based in regional areas, resulting in a smaller pool of potential employees than in metropolitan areas. Attracting skilled employees who can add value in areas of skills gaps means that we need to think laterally. It was this approach that resulted in employers from the Green Triangle (South East South Australia and Western Victoria) travelling to the Holden automotive plant in Adelaide recently to seek out skilled workers who are becoming redundant from the Holden closure. The South Australian branch of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA-SA), arranged the jobs and region expo, which was a strategic effort to tackle skills gaps in forest industries. There are currently acute skills shortages in harvesting and haulage in
the Green Triangle region, where timber harvesting has doubled over the past few years. This expansion has fuelled demand along the entire value chain, from mechanical maintenance to engineering and information technology jobs. Employees coming out of the automotive industry clearly won’t have experience in forest industries, but many have the types of skills that can be adapted to the needs of our industry. Attributes such as a high focus on safety, continuous improvement, environmental awareness,
Identified workforce exiting the automotive sector
Tradespeople
Engineers
Vehicle Builders
Production/Technical Managers
Technical Officers
Apprentices
Sales Managers
Finance Professionals
Facilities Professionals
Maintenance Support
Storespeople
Team Leaders
change management experience, process modelling and improvement, waste reduction and many more are clearly transferable to forest industries, whether in forest management, transport or manufacturing. Through the expo and the preparation work that came before it, it became clear both to forest industry employers and to the automotive employees that there was considerable cross-over of aptitudes and skills. Regional representatives from the Green Triangle were also involved in promoting the region to potential employees, as taking up roles would require a 300km relocation. The City of Mt Gambier (SA) and the Shire of Portland (Vic) prepared promotional videos and attended the expo to talk about lifestyle aspects such as schooling, healthcare, housing and recreation. Some employers from other sectors such as
Background: Forest industries employ almost 7,000 people directly in South Australia, with a further 14,000 indirect jobs. The Green Triangle encompasses the regional city of Mt Gambier (pop. 26,000; SA’s largest city outside of Adelaide) as well as the towns of Millicent, Penola and Naracoorte in South Australia, and Portland, Hamilton and Heywood in Victoria.
aged care also participated, so that potential staff could consider opportunities for their spouses or other family members as well. Another advantage of attracting experienced automotive workers is that many can access retraining funds from various automotive transformation programs. This means they can contribute towards the cost of further upskilling – which is a good opportunity for the industry as well as the individual. Industry is considering arranging another expo at Holden in 2017, when a further 800 staff will be looking for new roles. With Ford’s closure in
Geelong, and the closure of Victoria’s Holden plant, there will be further opportunities to harness transferable skills for other areas that may have skills shortages. Companies in other areas around Australia where there is a transformation or downturn in a particular sector (mining, for example) may have comparable opportunities to recognise the transferability of expertise, and benefit as a result. For enquiries about joining AFPA-SA, email Clare Scriven clare. scriven@ausfpa.com.au
Identified skills from the automotive sector
Planning and Organising
Quality checking
Total Productive Maintenance
Safe Work Practices
Process Development
Teamwork
Improve cost efficiency
Continuous Improvement
KAIZEN
Environmental Awareness
Dexterity
Communication
Lean Principles
Reduce waste
Training and developing peers and teams
Change Management
Working with Standard Operating Procedures
Ability to work under pressure
LEAN 6 SIGMA
Maintenance procedures
Problem Solving
Flexibility
Resilience
Working to deadline
Hazard identification and elimination Leadership 30
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 2016
www.timberbiz.com.au
CLEARANCE
Milling & Processing Machinery
- For Sale Timberjack 450c
Anthon 1.8m wide belt sander
Very heavy duty, high production machine. $15,000+GST
Loser - Dowell cut off machine x 2
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
$3,500+GST Each
No. 220
Loser - Dowell rod sander Rhinbold offcut chipper Very good condition.
$4,000+GST $16,000+GST
Tilt Hoist pack destripper
with multi Bundle infeed and strip conveyor $32,000+GST very good unit.
Rex Planer
600x200, VG condition $35,000+GST
MK Impianti
RF continuous laminated timber press line, (came out of Door component factory), good sound condition $42,000+GST
Hrs: 8000 Year: 1984 Price:$50k +GST ONO Contact: Ben Danckert - 03 5881 1971
For Sale For Sale Komatsu PC300/624
Forest Equipment Specialist
Komatsu Waratah PC300/624 Harvester Waratah Harvester
TIGERCAT 635D Skidder $323,700 inc. GST
D CE DU RE
Austral Timber Group
Madill 2850C
Contact: Ken Baker 0438 643 992 or ken.baker@ubteam.com
Steel Logger Tyres 28L x 26 23.1 x 26 23.1 x 26 16.9 x 30 18.4 x 30 18.4 x 34 24.5 x 32 30.5 x 32
20 Ply 16 Ply 16 Ply 10 Ply 10 Ply 12 Ply 16 Ply 18 Ply
$2,700.00 $2,100.00 $2,250.00 (BKT) $1,200.00 $1,395.00 $1,550.00 $2,550.00 $3,300.00
$165,000 inc. GST
$264,000 inc. GST
Komatsu PC270-8 Harvester
Hitachi Zaxis 280L-3
$302,000 inc. GST
$165,000 inc. GST
Dressta TD14M
Valmet 445EXL Log Harvester
$308,900 inc. GST
$209,000 inc. GST
$70,000 + GST. $70,000 + GST.
Contact: Peter Randalls 0418 356 306 Contact: Peter Randalls or Davin Frankel 04370418 541356 154306 or Davin Frankel 0437 541 154
Randalls Equipment Co (Vic) Pty Ltd 8Randalls Wallace Avenue, Equipment Point Cook VIC 3030 |Co PO Box 87, Laverton 3028 (Vic) PtyVICLtd T: 03 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook VIC 9369 3030 8988 | PO Box 87, Laverton VIC 3028
Rod Lynch Tyres
8 Steel Street Narangba Qld 4505 Email: rodlynch@icloud.com Phone: 0412 727 342 – 7 Days
Lots more tyres. See: rodlynchtyres.com.au Also: Maxim Galvanised Trailers See: maximtrailers.com.au
All Transport arranged or yourself.
Share your industry news.
If you have a news tip call John Hudswell on 08 8369 9512 or email j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au
T: 03 9369 8988
Experienced Hardwood One Man Benchman ‘Excellent position for the right person’ • Permanent Position • 38 hours per week • Located in Killarney QLD
• Above Award Wage + Superannuation
D CE DU RE
HYUNDAI R210LC-7 & Southstar Processor $214,500 inc. GST
Carramar Timbers has been operating for 17 years and is seeking a one man benchman (Kara Saw) to join our small team, who has a similar passion in producing top quality flooring and decking boards that we supply across Australia. The position will also include general maintenance and housekeeping of the saw bench.
Successful applicants must have: • Relevant experience in • Be drug free and non cutting hardwood flooring, smoker preferred decking & building timber • The right attitude along • General knowledge of hardwith commitment and wood sawmill operations dedication • Forklift licence is desirable
Very good accommodation is available for a single or couple. If you are interested in this position, please email your application to carramar.timbers@bigpond.com or call 0409 618 371 for further information.
www.timberbiz.com.au
Komatsu PC300-7
Australian Forests & Timber News
December 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.
1300 727 520
www.onetrak.com.au 31
TimberPro TL765C
Fast & Strong . . . The TL 765C is the latest development from TimberPro combining their existing unique technologies with many new features. • Energy recovering swing and boom systems … New Smart Valve and Hydrostatic Swing • Powerful and strong swing … Twin Motors with External Slew Bearing • Heavy duty undercarriage … HD D7G Track Pads & Chain • Powerful Track Drive … New Rexroth GFT 8190 Motors with 50.0t tractive effort • Two Boom Configurations … Feller-Buncher and Long Reach Harvester Booms With its proven features and Crawford history TimberPro have led the way in track forest machines
Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd. 11/4 Avenue of Americas Newington NSW 2127 Australia T: +61 2 9647 3600 E: info.au@komatsuforest.com
www.komatsuforest.com.au