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Chemicals and the GHS
page 6
Aussies commended for fire fighting in Canada
J
ASON LAVERTY, a Tumutbased harvesting controller for the Forestry Corporation of NSW, has returned from Canada after assisting with raging wildfires in the south-west of the country. Jason joined the 100-strong contingent of Australian personnel deployed to help control more than 5000 wildfires in Canada this season. Three million hectares have been burnt so far, more than double the land area affected by fire in 2014. CEO of Forestry Corporation of NSW Nick Roberts congratulated Jason for joining the fire fighting response team, which was made up of crews from throughout Australia as well as staff from the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fire and Rescue NSW. “The NSW contribution of 32 fire personnel was part of a contingent of 104 Australians sent to Canada to assist with the wildfire situation and included fire fighters from the Forestry Corporation,” Nick said. “Canada looked to Australia for assistance with devastating
forest fires across British Columbia, Alberta and northern Saskatchewan and the Forestry Corporation responded, deploying four specialist fire fighters to contribute to the emergency response. “As well as being skilled forest managers, ecologists, roading experts and more, Forestry Corporation staff are highly trained in fire fighting so these four qualified and experienced field commanders will bring valuable skills to the fire front to relieve local crews and help bring the blazes under control. “Fire fighting is a difficult and dangerous task and I commend Mr Laverty and all the crews involved for offering their willing support to our Canadian counterparts.” Forestry Corporation is responsible for more than two million hectares of native and plantation forests and has been formally involved in fire fighting in NSW for almost 100 years. Jason said being part of an international emergency response was very rewarding, especially knowing that the international effort helped Canada keep their
Mobile apps and data management
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¢ Jason Laverty in the fire field.
wildfires under control and experienced fire fighting in a completely different landscape. Forestry Corporation also deployed fire fighters from Wauchope, Grafton and Eden as part of the combined fire fighting response. Crews from Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia,
Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia flew into Vancouver, and then travelled to key areas that were affected in British Columbia and Alberta. Emergency Management Victoria coordinated the deployment on behalf of all Australian states and territories.
Forestry should be at forefront of sustainable economy AUSTRALIA’S FOREST products industries can play an extensive role in a low carbon future “The forest products industry is based on a renewable biological resource and can contribute to long term carbon emissions abatement through multiple pathways,” said Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton. “These pathways include the atmospheric carbon captured and stored in growing forests and in durable wood products; the substitution of emissions intensive materials such as steel, aluminium and concrete with timber; and the use of woody biomass for renewable bioenergy.” Mr Hampton was commenting on the Federal Government’s announcement to reduce emissions 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Continued on page 4
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In the news
Industry safety initiative takes off
I
N D U S T RY-W I D E benchmarking, safety leadership training and establishing a guide around best practice in safety management are some of the first initiatives Forestry Corporation of NSW is hoping a new industry safety committee supported by the Australian Forest Products Association will spearhead. Forestry Corporation CEO Nick Roberts is chairing the committee, which includes representatives from a range of private and State-owned forestry organisations including Albany Plantation Forest Company, ForestrySA, SFM Forest Products, Midway, HVP Plantations, VicForests and Global Forest Partners. “The committee concept was developed by AFPA following a Forest and Wood Products
Association survey of CEOs and safety managers in a range of forest growing organisations, and Forestry Corporation is pleased to chair the committee,” Mr Roberts said “As the recent Forest Industry Safety Summit in Melbourne highlighted, there is great scope to collaborate on the challenges that are unique to our industry but are experienced by each and every forestry organisation.” The first meeting was held in Melbourne where the committee agreed to develop recommendations on issues ranging from an industry safety leadership program to reporting and benchmarking safety statistics and best practice log transport. “While forming the committee is an exciting first step, we are not coming together just to talk about safety. I expect
Strong reliance on private forest industry
¢ Nick Roberts, Forestry Corporation NSW Chief Executive Officer.
this committee to deliver practical recommendations and resources that will make certain safety practices consistent across all forest workplaces,” Mr Roberts said. “Safety is vital to our work and the success of our industry, so I am delighted that so many industry representatives have committed to improving our forest workplaces and I look forward to working with the committee to make our forests safer to work in into the future.”
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THE OPENING of Ta Ann’s $16.4 million plywood mill in Smithton (co-funded with a $7.5 million Commonwealth grant) is great news for the North West region, for jobs and the economy. It is expected that 120 full time jobs will be created when the mill is fully operational, which Ta Ann says will inject up to $40 million additional annual value into the economy. TA ANN Tasmania says the private forest industry will be a vital source of timber as the company ramps up production. Ta Ann will be selling its value-added veneer product largely to the domestic construction industry and has an opportunity to win a market share of premium plywood, with imported plywood currently accounting for the majority of the Australian market. Executive Director Evan Rolley said the plywood plant, which has an installed capacity of 36,000 cubic metres a year, will be sourcing timber from private growers and that Ta Ann would be able to offer competitive prices when compared to other companies in the State sourcing timber for the pulp market. “Farmers who have got wood lots who have done some thinning and pruning in those woodlots, they are looking for the best possible return and we’ll be looking to speak to them about supplying our mill.” “Ta Ann is to be congratulated for its decision to further invest in Tasmania and the confidence it has shown in the future of our forest industry,” said Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff. “I also acknowledge the Federal Government for honouring their election commitment to support this proposal with $7.5 million in funding. The Hodgman Liberal Government has a Plan to rebuild the forest industry, drive economic growth and create jobs and we are already seeing that under this Government, Tasmania is heading in the right direction,” he said.
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In the news
In Brief
Bump power travel Can we harvest energy from the suspension of vehicles? Lei Zuo, a professor of mechanical engineering in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, has been investigating this matter. Zuo indicates that three opportunities exist for recovering or generating energy while driving, being heat given off by the engine, the energy absorbed during braking, and the energy dampened by shock absorbers. A car’s shock absorbers can provide 100 to 400 watts of energy on normal roads and more on rough roads. This can increase fuel efficiency by between 1 and 5 percent, which would result in fuel savings of $ 13 billion to $ 19 billion. The energyharvesting shock absorber translates vertical vibrations from the suspension into rotational motion that turns a generator. Temporary stop to chip ahoy Shipments of Tasmanian woodchips have been diverted on their way to China because water has been cut off to a major pulp mill on the country’s east coast. Forest management company Forico exports woodchips from Burnie port to the plant in Rizhao, which has ceased operations temporarily as authorities shut off water supply to local industry. Forico CEO Bryan Hayes said the temporary closure could drive down the global market price for woodchips because it was one of the biggest mills in the world. Making work safer A safety management system designed to support forestry workers is not a “silver bullet” but it will help reduce dangers that loggers face in the industry. Mike Alexander, director of Fast Harvesting Ltd, figured if dog collars could be used to track hunting dogs, then they could be applied to those on the ground in dense forests. These workers, known as fallers and breaker-outs, often can’t see the person controlling the machine, which hauls two-tonne trees out from under their feet. Mr Alexander has developed Logsafe – a safety system that tracks and monitors those on the ground, and gives visual aides to hauler operators working up above. 4
Historic nursery back to life
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orestrySA’s Wirrabara Nursery has reopened 18 months after the site was almost destroyed by bushfire. The Nursery, with a long and colourful past, was initially established beside the Ippinitchie Creek. As the history books say ... As early as 1876 tree nurseries and planting trials were started in South Australia. On 1 January 1877 the Government opened its first nursery in Australia in the Wirrabara forest, about 8 kilometres from Wirrabara, and appointed Robert Lucas as nurseryman. He selected a site along the Ippinitchie Creek. He was responsible for the large variety of Australian and overseas trees which were planted. Nearly 20,000 seeds of walnut, chestnut, ash, oaks, sycamores, pines, willows and bamboos were put in. The idea being to establish their ability to produce good timber under South Australian conditions. After some time it resulted in Pinus radiata from California being selected as the most suitable tree. Lucas resigned in April 1884 due to ill health.
Between 1881 and 1924 the Government made trees available to landowners free of charge. During the first year as many as 200,000 were sent out. When the program was discontinued in 1924 a total of 11 million trees had been issued. Although seedlings were distributed free of charge to landowners during 1881, the sale from timber that year only realised £1,278. The Board was not very successful and was replaced in 1882 by the Woods and Forest Department. It is now known as ForestrySA. In more recent times, it had become a popular recreational site among locals, visitors and historians. The Nursery was almost lost during 2014’s Bangor Bushfire. The fire destroyed 80% of ForestrySA’s 3,000ha Wirrabara commercial plantation estate and many more hectares of native forest, grazing land and private property. ForestrySA reopens Wirrabara “The Old Wirrabara Nursery is at the heart of Wirrabara and the State’s timber-producing history,” Acting
Chief Executive of ForestrySA, Jerome Coleman said. He said cleaning up and future planning had continued since the bushfire, with fire preparedness always at the forefront. The Wirrabara Picnic Ground, Ippinitchie Campground, King Tree Paddock and the “A” Plantation reopened to visitors during April 2014. Mr Coleman said, after many months of hard work by ForestrySA and members of the Wirrabara community, the Nursery would open its gates. Crews from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the Department of Correctional Services also contributed to the Nursery project, as well as ForestrySA staff from both the Mid North and the Mount Lofty Ranges Forest Districts. Traditional post and rail fencing and gates were constructed from red gum salvaged from the Nursery site, olive seedlings replanted and popular walking trails re-established.
New Timber Plantation Operations Code of Practice for Queensland QUEENSLAND TIMBER plantation owners and operators can now access the Timber Plantation Operations Code of Practice for Queensland, a guide that outlines how to comply with all laws and with accepted principles for sound plantation management. Rod McInnes, CEO Timber Queensland launched the Code at the Institute of Foresters of Australia Queensland Division Annual General Meeting. Mr McInnes said the new Code aims to ensure commercial timber plantations are profitable whilst being environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. “The Code complements all Acts, regulations, State government policies, local government planning schemes and local laws that relate to the development of new plantation areas, “said Rod McInnes. “It really provides everyone involved in running an existing or establishing a new commercial plantation in Queensland with a level playing field,” he said.
“Every person from the landowner, the plantation owner and the plantation manager to the harvest manager and any employees and contractors employed to work in a plantation can access the Code to understand the voluntary standards they should strive to meet.” Mr McInnes said that the Code is ‘tenure blind’ which means it can be voluntarily applied by plantation operators over any land tenure in Queensland. In his speech Mr McInnes acknowledged the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for their funding support through the Queensland Forest and Timber Industry Plan to develop the new Code. The Timber Plantation Operations Code of Practice for Queensland is available to download from Timber Queensland’s website at http://www.timberqueensland.com. au/Growing/Plantation-operations-code-of-practice.aspx
Forestry should be at forefront of sustainable economy “In a carbon constrained global economy which, of necessity, is moving rapidly to greater use of renewable and recyclable products, forestry and fibre are vital, and could play a much larger role in Australia. Internationally it is
¢ Ross Hampton.
broadly accepted that well-managed, sustainable forest industries are the environment’s best friend. We need to recognise that here, and embrace the growing opportunities for sustainablysourced fibre. “The forest products industry looks forward to engaging with climate policy makers to ensure the climate mitigation opportunities from forestry activities are fully recognised. This would help stimulate further investment in the forest, wood and paper products industry which can be a win-win outcome for both the economy and a lower carbon future,” he said. “Foremost amongst these priorities is ensuring that the carbon sequestration benefits from new wood plantations are fully recognised in the Carbon Faming Initiative. Other priorities
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
continued from page 1
include better recognition of renewable thermal energy used in wood and paper processing activities, which can significantly displace fossil fuel inputs such as coal fired power and natural gas,” Mr Hampton said. “The forest products industry is ideally placed to assist the transition of the Australian economy to this lower emissions future. With a growing population and higher demand for a range of building, paper and energy products to meet future needs, our industry can help satisfy this demand with a sustainable, renewable resource. “As the only carbon positive sector of the Australian economy, the forest products industry could, and should, be at the forefront of a renewable and sustainable economy,” said Mr Hampton. www.timberbiz.com.au
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In the news
New workplace learning tools now available
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OUR NEW Workplace Learning Tools are now available on the ForestWorks website. The tools aim to help enterprises identify the different foundation skills gaps that may exist in their workplace and how they may be impacting the day-today operations of their business. Each tool includes a range of resources to help enterprises address the foundation skills gaps that may exist across the following areas: • Workplace change • Team work • Workplace health and safety • Use of technology Each resource is downloadable in Microsoft Word format and can be modified to meet the training needs of your workplace. One new resource, within ‘Workplace health and safety’,
includes a learning activity to support haulage operators and contractors using the information in the new Log Haulage Manual. The tools include a range of scenarios that highlight the different foundation skills gaps that may exist in a workplace. Under each scenario there are resources available to assist in improving the foundation skills gaps. These include learning activities and practical activities. Each resource is downloadable in Microsoft Word format and can be modified to meet the training needs of your workplace. Scenarios and activities are available for download across the following four areas. Each scenario and activity can be adapted to suit your individual workplace. www.forestworks.com.au/wlt
Ministerial appointment lauded
¢ Philip Dalidakis.
A FORMER CEO of the Victorian Association of Forest Industries has been appointed Victoria’s Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade. Philip Dalidakis replaced Adem Somyurek who had been forced to resign from the position following complaints of bullying. Mr Dalidakis was appointed unopposed at a Labor caucus meeting. One of the first in a host of organisations extending congratulations to Mr Dalidakis was his former employer ... VAFI. Current VAFI CEO Tim Johnston said Mr Dalidakis had long been a supporter of the forest and wood products industry and wished him every success in his new role. “With previous experience across both the commercial and government sectors, including as the CEO of VAFI from 2007 to 20011, the knowledge and skills Mr
Dalidakis brings will be of great benefit to the Cabinet and the wider Government,” Mr Johnston said. “I look forward to working with Mr Dalidakis to secure a bright future for the forest and wood products industry.” The forest and wood products industry in Victoria is a dynamic sector of the economy that uses wood – a renewable, biodegradable, recyclable product – to create materials for new homes, buildings and furniture, paper and fuel for green energy. The industry directly employs more than 21,000 workers and indirectly supports another 40,000 to 50,000 jobs, providing a sustainable future for suburban, rural and regional communities across Victoria. “As co-convener of the Forest and Wood Products Support Group, Mr Dalidakis has helped Members of Parliament gain a better understanding of the forest and wood products industry in Victoria,” Mr Johnston said. The Forest and Wood Product Support Group provides a platform for members of the Victorian State Parliament to work with industry and learn more about the importance of forest and wood products businesses to their electorates, and the Victorian economy. VAFI represents the entire lifecycle of forestry and wood products, including forest growers, harvest and haul businesses, wood and paper processors, and associated businesses across both the native forest and plantations sectors.
Breaking reliance on single species FOREST OWNERS have welcomed Government support for research into plantation species other than radiata pine. “Radiata pine is the backbone of the New Zealand forest industry and likely always will be. It grows rapidly on a wide range of sites and is suitable for numerous uses from joinery to structural lumber, as well as newsprint manufacture,” says Forest Owners Association chief executive David Rhodes. “By focussing on a single species, we have achieved economies of scale and have developed worldclass expertise in growing and manufacturing. “That said, radiata is not the ideal species for all growing environments, end uses and market needs. There are also biosecurity risks in being heavily reliant on a single species.” He says forest owners therefore appreciate the support of the Government for research into 6
alternative species, both through Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Sustainable Farming Fund. Farm Forestry Association president Dean Satchell says the MBIE co-funding announced would enable the industry to maximise opportunities for alternative species for which there is existing market demand, especially Douglas-fir, eucalypts and cypresses. “Douglas-fir is our second largest plantation species by area, with commercial plantations in colder areas, including the Central North Island and the South Island high country. All three species are also widely planted in small blocks on farms,” he says. “This seven-year program takes a value chain approach to the breeding, growing and processing of these species, to enable market opportunities and returns to
growers and processors to be maximised.” Satchell said the MBIE project would have synergies with projects on alternative species co-funded by the MPI Sustainable Farming Fund. These include: Providing best-practice information to forest owners on growing cypresses and eucalypts Selection and breeding of eucalypts cultivars that are not subject to growth-strain (a major processing fault) Evaluation of the performance of cypress cultivars on a range of sites as a basis for establishing commercial plantations Assessing the durability of coastal redwood timber Producing guidelines for growing totara on farms. “The potential of the forest industry to grow and diversify is clearly recognised by both forest growers and Government agencies. Together with Scion, the
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
¢ D avid Rhodes.
universities and other providers, they co-fund these and other research projects to the tune of many millions of dollars a year,” Satchell says. www.timberbiz.com.au
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In the news
Planting being made easier
A
SYSTEM devised by a University of Waikato graduate student looks set to enhance forestry planting processes. Ben McGuinness, studying his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, says he’s always enjoyed making “useful things” and one of these “useful things” includes his PhD project – a system that automates the lifting and grading process of seedlings for forestry planting by using a robotic machine. “Lifting and grading pine seedlings with a machine poses many challenges and it’s not something that’s been attempted before,” he says. The idea for the yet-to-be-named lifter/grader came when tree-stock company ArborGen needed help with the lifting and grading process of their seedlings. “The main problem in forestry nursery processes is harvesting and grading seedlings before they’re planted out – which is where the lifter/grader can come in,” Ben says. The first prototype of the machine uses two cameras to analyse a seedling, particularly its stem thickness and root structure, to then determine its viability for selling to the forestry industry. ArborGen also assisted with the development of another University of Waikato agri-engineering project – the dibbler, which Ben developed with his supervisor Associate Professor Mike Duke. ArborGen uses the dibbler to drill holes for planting pine cuttings in nursery beds. By drilling consistently deep, straight holes, the dibbler has helped improve tree-stock productivity by about 30%. With a solution for planting seedlings now successfully implemented, Ben hopes the lifter/grader will work alongside the dibbler to improve forestry nursery processes. The machine will likely be ready for market in a couple of years, and is being supported by Callaghan Innovation funding in partnership with ArborGen and the University of Waikato.
Opportunities for profitable forestry investments in Australia AUSTRALIA’S PLANTATION area declined slightly in 2013–14, by 0.6 per cent to just under 2 million hectares. This reflected a stagnant investment environment for new plantations and a reduction in some areas of existing hardwood plantations, principally in Western Australia and New South Wales, as a result of conversion to other land uses (Figure 9). There has been significant consolidation of Australia’s
plantation estate in recent years, including the sale of forward rotations of public softwood plantations in South Australia, the sale of the majority of former Gunns Ltd plantations to New Forests (managed by Forico) and a proposal to privatise some public plantations in Tasmania. These transactions demonstrate that there remain opportunities for profitable forestry investments in Australia.
Australia’s plantation estate, by state and species, 2003–04 to 2013–14
Ikea and Apple move into forestry
IKEA IS working to wield more control over its most important raw material: wood. The Swedish furniture giant recently bought a forest in Romania, marking the first time that the company will manage its own forest operations. IKEA said owning and operating forests would help it secure long-term access to sustainably managed wood at affordable prices. The retailer used the equivalent of about 530 million cubic feet of round wood last fiscal year excluding paper and packaging. IKEA said it would use some of the wood from its 83,000 acres of Romanian forest to locally make furniture for its store in Bucharest, with plans to open a second store. The acquisition comes as IKEA has also been investing in renewable energy and biomaterials. Apple has also gone into the forestry ownership business and has partnered with The Conservation Fund to purchase about 36,000 acres of private forestland in Maine and North Carolina, which will be sustained and harvested for packaging future products. The Conservation Fund will manage the two tracts of land, while Apple — and other companies, too — will occasionally harvest the land in what’s called the “working forest” model, which ensures the long-term economic stability of the forests. Apple apparently wants to get to the point where these forests can provide “100%” of the non-recycled fibre used in Apple’s packaging.
ForestrySA ready to fell illegal cutters FORESTRYSA is clamping down on illegal firewood collection with patrols and camera surveillance of its Green Triangle Native Forest Reserves. Cutting firewood and removing fallen timber from native forests areas are illegal under the Forestry and Native Vegetation Acts. Conservation and Recreation Supervisor at ForestrySA, Mick Leibhardt said those caught driving into or removing wood from Native Forest Reserves would face substantial fines, and chainsaws and other equipment could also be seized. “ForestrySA has a well-established camera surveillance network, with numerous cameras installed in known trouble-spots and relocated as required,” Mr Leibhardt said. “These cameras have significantly improved the likelihood of offenders being caught and are an important supplement to regular patrols carried out by our staff.” Mr Leibhardt said offenders would be issued expiation notices, while some cases could be referred to Police. “If you are found in our forests doing the wrong thing, you will pay a price,” Mr Leibhardt said. ForestrySA manages 13,500ha of gazetted Native Forest Reserve in the South East. Mr Leibhardt said this amounted to 22% of the region’s remaining native forest area and was scattered over 48 gazetted reserves, from Mount Benson and Cave Range, to the Victorian border. He said these reserves provided crucial habitat for endangered species including the red-tailed black cockatoo and southern brown bandicoot. Mr Leibhardt said ForestrySA welcomed assistance from the community and urged anyone with information on illegal forest activity to call the Corporate Office on (08) 8724 2888. 8
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
www.timberbiz.com.au
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In the news
Chemicals and the GHS – don’t be left behind! WorkCover explains the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
A
NEW international system of chemical classification and labelling is on the way and it will affect anyone in Australia who manufactures, buys, sells or uses hazardous chemicals. If you work with hazardous chemicals you need to get on board now with changes that will be in force by 31 December 2016. The GHS stands for the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It replaces the current Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances and the Australian code for their labelling. The changes affect the way information on chemicals is communicated. Craig Day, a farmer, contract sprayer, and trainer for chemical accreditation, believes better information will help him avoid exposure to the chemicals he works with. Craig says he is ready for the transition and in fact has already devised a strategy to both educate his students and to help steer his business through the transition period. “I knew it was coming and I hope it will tighten up the rules and close the gaps in the current labelling system,” said Craig. “I’m hoping that there’s a clearer link between what’s on the label and the SDS; that the info on the new labels picks up some of the hazards that are buried in the SDS.” Both labels and the SDS will look different and are expected to communicate hazard information better, to a broader audience. Agriculture and veterinary chemicals will still need approval by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). However, the addition of GHS Hazard Statements to these labels will complement
Did you know? More than 65 countries have adopted or are in the process of adopting the GHS. 10
t h e A PV M A r i s k assessment process and improve hazard communication for all users. The United Nations initiated the GHS for this reason, as a way to standardise hazard communication across countries. You will not only see changes to classifications of the chemicals themselves, but to the language and organisation of labels and the SDS with new signal words, hazard statements and precautionary statements. Perhaps the most noticeable change will be the pictograms. There are now nine diamonds surrounded by a red border, with two new symbols for those that affect human health and one for environmental hazards. The GHS labels will advise you on how to safely handle, dispose of and store these products. “It’s sobering to get someone to sit down and read the SDS on these chemicals. They have to know a range of different information in case of a spill and most of my student’s reactions are, ‘I didn’t know it was really that toxic’,” said Craig. Craig worries about chronic health issues and believes better information can help raise awareness about handling. “There are plenty of people in the rural environment who suffer from long latency illnesses. “We hear about bladder cancer and clusters and I know plenty of people who have had eye injuries from not wearing the right protection. “I do wonder why so many in the rural environment
suffer Parkinson’s disease and of course the organophosphates story is one that worries me. Not many people get the annual health checks done. People’s awareness is quite low.” The new language used is simpler and more direct, and provides information that will protect chemical users and their environment. The GHS is hazard based rather than risk based and aims to regulate hazardous chemicals throughout their whole life cycle. That is, from the point of manufacture through to safe use and environmentally acceptable disposal. Craig said his plan of action involves taking an inventory of his stock and said he if he can purchase GHS compliant goods now it will help him to
Australian Forests & Timber News
avoid re-labelling later. “We will run down our supply in the interim, finish what we can, and then we will look at our register and re-print our SDS and labels. “That way when we receive new supplies we’ve changed over and have the right SDS and register to go with it. “I anticipate that companies preparing next years’ cropping chemical now are also implementing the new labelling system – at least they should be at this stage.” If you are a chemical manufacturer or supplier, or you work with hazardous chemicals, you should: • Identify deadlines • Conduct an inventory • Assess your readiness • Implement your transition plan
September 2015
Did you know? The GHS was developed over 10 years by a number of international experts in areas ranging from toxicology to fire protection.
Remember, any new stock you buy from 1 January 2017 must be GHS compliant (both labels and SDS). Check with your manufacturer or supplier if they are carrying GHS compliant stock before you place an order, especially for larger purchases you order now. For more information on the GHS visit workcover.nsw. gov.au.
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Sustainable Supply Chains for the Timber Economy of the Future
Final call for submissions
AUSTimber2016 will showcase timber and timber products in the new green economy and importantly the high-tech, sustainable industries that will drive its development into the future. Whether it is traditional timber and paper products or the emerging engineered timber building systems, biochemicals and bioenergy, all have a common cornerstone for success - efficient supply chains from sustainably managed forest resources. As part of the AUSTimber2016 week of events, the Sustainable Supply Chains for the Timber Economy of the Future conference will bring together leaders from industry, research and technology providers to explore the latest developments, challenges and opportunities for sustainable forestry supply chains of today and the future. The Sustainable Supply Chains for the Timber Economy of the Future conference is now inviting submissions for papers and posters for presentation in the program. Submissions should be targeted at one of the following themes: • Right tool for the job - understanding and getting the best technology performance in the supply chain
• From idea to practice - effectively introducing new ideas, technology and systems for efficient supply chains
• Measure, manage and repeat - capturing knowledge to optimise the management of the supply chain
• One plus one equals three - integration of products and supply chains for improved profitability
• Profit in the wood - realising the highest value along the supply chain
• But that’ s what you bought last time - responding efficiently to changing product/customer demands
• We are only as good as our people – managing human factors in the supply chain - training, ergonomics, etc.
• Think Green - energy efficient supply chains in a carbon constrained environment
• One man’ s residue is another’ s feedstock - supply chains to capture residues for bioenergy and biorefinery
• Who’ s responsible for that - making all stakeholders in the supply chain profitable
Abstracts of 300 words or less should be submitted to Professor Mark Brown, Director of the Forest Industries Research Centre - USC at mbrown2@usc.edu.au or Dr. Mauricio Acuna, Senior Research Fellow USC at macuna@usc.edu.au before 13 November, 2015. Submissions will be reviewed by the conference technical committee and authors will be advised in December 2015 if they have been selected to present a poster, an oral presentation with extended abstract or a presentation with full paper to be considered for publication in a special edition of the International Journal of Forest Engineering. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Mark Brown or Mauricio Acuna.
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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
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In the news
Forestry company’s strong stand over myth-takes
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ANADIAN FORESTRY company, Resolute Forest Products is fighting back against years of attacks on its forestry practices by launching a publicity campaign (You Deserve a Voice) that counters what it says are inaccurate allegations from environmental groups Greenpeace and ForestEthics. Full page ads have appeared in several Canadian newspapers. The Montreal-based company said it plans to spend “significant” sums on advertising in national and regional publications, direct mail, along with digital advertising and social media campaigns. “We are turning the tables in a way that no company has ever done before and we believe that we are doing it for a just and worthy cause,” vice-president Seth Kursman said in an interview. He said the campaign amplifies the support the company has received from forest community mayors, unions and First Nations who are concerned about jobs and their
livelihoods. “So much is at stake here. It’s our way of life. It’s our livelihoods that are under attack. The future of communities are held in the balance,” Kursman added. Resolute said it has lost millions of dollars in business after being subjected to unwarranted attacks, including that it has not fulfilled its pension obligations to employees, has harvested in non-permitted areas and ones that questioned the company’s certification status.
Greenpeace spokesman Richard Brooks called Resolute’s campaign a waste of money and said it was validation that its efforts have succeeded in pressuring the company. “Rather than spending tens of thousands of dollars for full page ads and now probably more than $1 million in legal fees battling us out in the courts why not put that money into convening people together to have a discussion about solutions,” he said.
Two years ago, Resolute launched a $7-million lawsuit against Greenpeace alleging defamation. The case was brought forth after Greenpeace accused it of building roads and cutting down trees in regions of Quebec the company had promised it wouldn’t touch, under an agreement on forest preservation and harvesting signed by environmental groups and Canada’s main forestry companies. Greenpeace later retracted allegations it had made about roadbuilding, but Resolute accused the group of repeating those charges. Greenpeace later filed a statement of defence, saying its intention was never to harm the company but instead promote a vision of the boreal forest that includes Resolute and other companies playing an important role in a diversified forestry economy. Brooks said Resolute recently rejected Greenpeace’s offer of mediation to resolve the lawsuit and find common ground on the Boreal Forest.
International forestry geneticists heading to Rotorua
Forest safety director appointed
SCION IS hosting the Forest Genetics for Productivity Conference (FGFC 2016) on 1418 March 2016 as part of the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) calendar of events. The program is led by a scientific committee of tree genetics experts from the USA, Brazil, France, Canada and New Zealand. Conference Convenor Heidi Dungey says she is excited to be bringing a conference of this calibre to Rotorua. “The conference has already attracted keynote speakers who are internationally renowned, and it will be exciting having them here in Rotorua, the heart of forest science in New Zealand,” said Dr Dungey, Science Leader for Forest Genetics at Scion. “Our theme is ‘The next generation’ and we are putting together a stimulating program that will include open dialogue on how to maximise productivity as well as the application of new technologies, such as genomics and remote sensing.” Conference research topics include breeding productive and resilient forests, finding the synergies in genotype, environment and silviculture, and genomics and phenomics. The program excludes genetic
¢ Fiona Ewing.
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modification technologies. Confirmed keynote speakers are Professor Brian Cullis (Australia), Professor Dario Grattapaglia (Brazil), Dr Antoine Kremer (France), Professor Dr Ulrich Schurr (Germany), Dr Jerry Tuskan (USA) and John McEwan, (New Zealand). “While very much a geneticsfocused conference, it is designed to appeal to academics, scientists, molecular and quantitative geneticists, silvicultural scientists interested in genetics, government organisations and industry stakeholders. Geneticists from sectors outside forestry will also find topics of interest. “This is also a great opportunity for sponsors to promote their products and services, and we are delighted to have the Radiata Pine Breeding Company as our platinum sponsor,” said Dr Dungey. The five-day conference will be held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre and includes a field trip on 16 March to commercial forests in the Bay of Plenty. A post-conference tour to the South Island finishing in Queenstown is also available. Anyone wanting to attend, sponsor or exhibit can find details at the conference website www. fgpc2016.nz
NEW ZEALAND’S new National Safety Director, Fiona Ewing, takes up her role early in October. This is a key role in the recentlyformed Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC), established to lead safety culture change and to drive improvement in safety performance across the sector. Ms Ewing has 30 years’ experience as a health and safety professional in a wide range of industries including energy, engineering, construction, agriculture and forestry in the United Kingdom. Her most recent position was Group Manager Health Safety Environment and Quality for Powerco. Her career began with the UK regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), where she worked in the Forestry National Interest Group. This involved working with the forestry industry to develop and implement best practice guidelines. FISC is a not-for-profit organisation that includes representatives of all those who can influence forest safety – forest owners, farm foresters, contractors, workers, unions, government and WorkSafe NZ. It is funded jointly by forest owners and the government. Establishing the council was a key recommendation of the Independent Forestry Safety Review Panel that reviewed forest safety in 2014.
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
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TCA
Refreshing community engagement
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I M B E R COMMU NITIES Australia (TCA) recently held a series of ‘innovation in community engagement workshops’ across six States. This Innovation Working Group was supported by the ForestWorks Industry Skills Council. TCA national coordinator Helen Murray gained a national snapshot of what people are currently doing in their own community engagement, and what other things they would like to see happen. “Participants were unanimous about
the need to update and modernise the industry’s image from the community perspective.” One hundred people altogether participated in the half-day events held in Bunbury WA, Mt Gambier SA, Melbourne Vic, Campbell Town Tas, Albury NSW and the Sunshine Coast Qld. Ms Murray said wide ranging experiences and viewpoints were shared. “We heard from contractors, foresters from local communities, small and large forest owners and managers, local government staff and
¢ H elen Murray, Adrian Paalvast (Hyne Timber Tumbarumba), and Judy Pearce (TCA Company Secretary).
¢ J ake Lazarus (Hume Forests), David Priem (Forest Industry Council), Brent Livermore (Tumbarumba Shire Deputy Mayor), Russell Douglas (Chair, Red Gum Timber Industry Taskforce), Helen Murray, Peter Crowe (Chair, Softwoods Working Group).
¢ M arg Killalea (Greater Hume Shire Council), Peter Gostelow (TAFE NSW),Lou Cioutts (HVP External Relations Manager), Adrian Paalvast (Hyne Timber Tumbarumba), Des Bilske (General Manager Deniliquin Shire Council), Cr Lindsay Renwick (Mayor Deniliquin Shire Council).
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elected representatives, trainers, educators, industry associations, researchers, saw millers, wood products manufacturers, people in haulage and logistics, representatives from Planet Ark and Regional Development Australia, state and federal parliamentarians and other community members.” The forums were unanimous about sustainably produced timber being a perfect fit for the environmentally conscious society of today. “A clear message is that people feel that our sector must do more to communicate with communities and raise understanding across the board,” said Ms Murray. “People are proud of playing their part in looking after forests and the ecology, growing healthy trees and producing wonderful renewable wood derived products. They want the wider community to know more about the people within the industry; as well as about the genuine environmental credentials of timber. “However, concerns came up that Australia is not prepared with enough sustainably managed forest areas to provide the timber needed for a sound future. This is another thing our communities need to be clear about, because policy decisions need to be made now,” Ms Murray said. TCA will provide an outcomes summary to the National Regional Community Engagement Innovation Working Group participants in September. They will be invited to work together on some initiatives arising from the forums, such as providing opportunities for some younger spokespeople to be upskilled. Ms Murray congratulated the active local groups who impact in positive ways such as giving talks, holding open days and involvement with schools “where our future consumers, workers and policy makers are found”. There is also merit in local or regional groups being linked up with others via the national umbrella
Australian Forests & Timber News
¢ P hoto from the forum at Campbell Town, Tasmania: Rodney Stagg (Chair Meander Valley Resource Group and TCA Life Member), Helen Murray, Craig Perkins (CEO Regional Development Tasmania) and James Shevlin (TCA director).
network of TCA. “We are working with members to renew a national network of local advocates to assist timber communities to lift the community perspective back onto the front foot in 2016,” she said. Ms Murray thanked TCA affiliate member, the WA Forest Communities Network for co-hosting the Bunbury forum. “We also welcome the Mt Gambier Timber (Hoo Hoo) Club,
who kindly co-hosted our Green Triangle forum, as our newest affiliate member.” TCA welcomes enquiry from new and old members, potential affiliate groups wishing to join and sponsor members. Contact National Coordinator Helen Murray ph. 02-6282-2455 hmurray@tca.org.au
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September 2015
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THE ESSENTIALS
Tips for loggers from Caterpillar and Cat dealers
Unearth the treasure trove in your machine’s manual By Robert Sanders Caterpillar Forest Products Operator Trainer
I
WORKED as a logger for 15 years before I took my current job as an operator trainer. I’ll always be a logger at heart; it’s in my blood. So I know with the price of fuel and tight profit margins that every small improvement in an equipment operator’s technique means more money to the bottom line. First and foremost, read your machine’s operating and maintenance manual — even if your dealer or manufacturer rep is coming to your site for training. This may seem obvious, but so many operators do not do it. It will give you a head start on training. When I was logging, I used to bring the manual home with me and study it.
A typical manual will cover: Safety: Safety is number one. Learn to operate the machine in a safe manner, and learn the capabilities of the machine. Some of this comes with experience, but you need to know the basics. As operators improve they tend to want to operate a machine to
its full potential, but you have to understand the limits of the equipment. If you take it past its limits, that’s when accidents happen. Controls and instruments: Before training, learn what every button and lever does and the proper way to use them. This can make a huge difference in productivity
Are your workers qualified and safe? The FOLS system can help you to: Reduce risk and improve workplace health and safety Support environmental care Ensure employees hold current skills that meet national competency standards
and fuel economy. For example, you can turn off the lock-up torque converter on a Cat® skidder, and there are certain situations where you need it off. However, most of the time you want it on because the machine will get better fuel economy, run cooler, and go faster. I’ve been called to the field to respond to complaints that the lock-up torque converter was not working but learned the operator just had it turned off. Maintenance: Follow the guidelines. Don’t slack off on daily maintenance. Grease is cheap compared to replacing a pin or a bushing. When you perform daily maintenance, often you’ll find something that’s in the early stages of wearing out that can be fixed fairly cheap, and you prevent a major breakdown. I ask the customers I train to set aside the same time every day to do their maintenance. Before I left logging, we had figured out for our crew that the best time to do our daily maintenance was at lunch time. In the morning the guys want to get started, and if you wait until the end of the shift, they are ready to go home. But after they eat lunch, they still have to go back to work, so that timing worked best for us.
Machine computer: More and more machines have computer systems, and with many systems operators can set up the machine exactly the way they like it — faster, slower, smoother etc. Read and learn how it works so you can dial it in exactly the way you need to be most productive. Monitoring: Productivity tools like Cat Product Link™ are invaluable, especially for the machine owner. Become familiar with all it can do for you. Some people are hesitant because they think it will be hard to learn. If you can turn on your computer, you can learn it. Many customers, reviewing the information for the first time, are shocked at how much idle time a machine has and quickly respond. As an operator becomes more experienced, the machine becomes more efficient, costs go down, and productivity goes up. Welltrained, experienced operators also mean minimal downtime due to operator-caused accidents. Bottlenecks in the operation are less likely with an experienced crew that can quickly adjust to site conditions. Get a head start by cracking open your machine’s manual.
Manage training records Support people development strategies
Learn more at fols.forestworks.com.au.
Investing in skills and our industry FOLS is not for profit, administered by ForestWorks and endorsed by industry. 14
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September 2015
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John Deere M Series Tracked Harvesters and Feller Bunchers The strongest most productive forestry machines we’ve ever offered have arrived. Designed with customer input the M Series are proven game changers. For more information visit www.hcma.com.au/game-changers Sold and supported by Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia
ForestTECH
Mobile apps and data management focus for ForestTECH 2015
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ORESTTECH 2015 is again running this year. It’s timely. This annual technology series, run by the Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA), brings together forestry managers, planners and resource foresters from around the region. It will be providing local forestry companies with an insight into new data collection tools and the growing issue facing most forestry companies right now, how best to manage and analyze the quantity of field information being collected from a variety of sources.
year,” says FIEA Director, Brent Apthorp. “Without doubt, remote sensing over the last couple of years has made a profound impact on how foresters are now planning and managing their forest estates. The interest and opportunities that exist in this space was evidenced late last year with around 300 technical foresters attending ForestTECH 2014.” Last year’s ForestTECH series profiled new developments in remote sensing and analytical tools that were available for forestry companies. Results from recent
"The issue of data collection and analysis isn’t only an issue being faced by forestry companies. A staggering 90% of the world’s data has been generated in just the last two years." Other key themes include new technologies to improve mobile connectivity and data exchange within the forest and also between the forest, and other parts of the business. Leading forestry companies, technology providers and software developers will also be detailing an array of practical forestry apps that have been developed, are available, and are adding value to forestry operations around the world. “Since 2008, the ForestTECH series has firmly established itself as the principal technology event in Australasia showcasing new technologies for forest owners and technical foresters every
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research and the operational use of airborne and terrestrial LiDAR, UAV trials collecting highresolution spatial data-sets and the integration of this information into forest inventory and planning systems was also covered. Case studies from the early adopters of remote sensing technologies outlined just how far they’d got with their trials, what tools are being used, how the technology is being rolled out and what impact – financially and operationally – it’s made to the forestry business. ForestTECH 2015 runs this November. Again it will be running in both countries. Satellite imagery, the increasing
use of UAV platforms and airborne and terrestrial LiDAR, data being drawn from harvester heads, infield sensors and improved field data collection and reporting increasingly is being used by forestry operations. “Big data” is no longer only a concept. Leading forestry companies increasingly are appreciating the potential transformative value that data analytics can bring to their operation. The issue of data collection and analysis isn’t only an issue being faced by forestry companies. A staggering 90% of the world’s data has been generated in just the last two years. Industries around the globe are investing heavily in “big data” and the expected productivity gains that will come from it. The forestry industry is just now grappling with how to collect, process and manage this data. New processing systems are required to handle “big data” and to produce the right results at the right time. Cloud computing technology is already reshaping the resources that forest managers have at their disposal. With data and applications held in the cloud, processing times and the ability to get the right information into the
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
hands of the managers, planners and field staff is essential. Development of digital gadgets like smartphones and tablets and improved connectivity has also changed just how forestry companies are collecting and managing data. Forestry apps and the development of mobile forestry applications also continue to rise exponentially – from measurement of wood volumes out in the field through to scheduling and logistics of wood flows. As more and more companies migrate their data and applications to the cloud, the business itself is changing dramatically. ForestTECH 2015 will be exploring with leading technology providers and forestry companies, new data collection tools, systems to manage, analyze, report and use the ever increasing volumes of field data being collected out in the field and mobile options for improving connectivity within forestry businesses. ForestTECH 2015 will run in Rotorua on 18-19 November and again in Melbourne on 24-25 November. Further information can be found on the event website, www.foresttech.events
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ATTA
Trail-blazing president urges everyone to ‘have a go’
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R AIL-BLAZI NG timber trainer Elise Cottam has been elected President of the Australian Timber Trainers Association (ATTA). “I feel excited to be the first female president of ATTA but it really doesn’t matter if you are male or female. There is an upside though, the next generation that comes through will still have to work hard to get places but at least I have already made the way a little easier. “I’m proud of what I have achieved over the years but I look for more challenges. I feel that in today’s world we need to be able to be flexible and turn our hands to anything. “With what I do I hope to inspire everyone to ‘have a go’ as one of my mentors has said numerous time to me. Some of us need a push while others like me just jump in and hope we swim. Sometimes we sink but that is just lesson learned ... not a mistake! “In this new position I hope to bring a lot more to the members in the way of support, networking, training and professional development while keeping everyone up to date with a world that is moving so fast in techno. “I’m here to listen. Let’s make a difference and keep trainers and trainees and students safe. Mentoring -we are losing so much as the generation ages quite quickly; set up mentors and have them pass on the history. We don’t have as much room to train in
the field any more,” Elise said. The ATTA is a national network of trainers and assessors in the forest and forest products industry. Members come from all states and territories in Australia and represent private registered training organisations, TAFE colleges, partnerships and industry consultancies. ATTA has been holding annual workshops since 1992. Each year the workshop is held in a different capital city or regional centre with strong ties to the timber industry. The purpose of the workshop is to bring together industry trainers and assessors so they can share their experiences, validate their assessment processes, and hear presentations from a range of industry experts and government agencies. It is also an opportunity to see local industry sights in various field excursions, and gain a better understanding of the issues in that region. In recent years, ATTA has invited the Industry Skills Council to address the attendees and hold consultation sessions on Day 1 of the conference. Participants discuss the make-up of the competencies, suggest improvements, and talk about many other issues relating to accredited training in the industry. However, such a wellorganised consultative approach has not always been the way for the industry’s trainers. In the 1980s, the harvesting sector
The same industry-leading news, views and ad’s you’re reading in this issue are now available on-line as well. While we know print is the most convenient form for reading in the cab, lunchroom or highlighting an important point for the next reader, we also know that many of our readers want to go straight to websites or send emails from the articles and ad’s they’re reading.
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was grappling with new standards being implemented in an attempt to reduce the high accident rate among forest workers. Chainsaw instructors, in particular, were at the forefront of the push to improve work practices and standardise training strategies. After several fiery meetings between instructors around the country on how to develop best practice standards, a small group decided that the only way to get a consensus among these passionate protagonists was to set up a formal association. This would allow the debate to be controlled by rules and regulations, and proper methods for getting people to agree with each other.
That was in 1991, and by the following year the Australian Timber Trainers Association Limited was formed, with an opening membership of about 30 people. Since then, ATTA’s membership and focus have grown to include other sectors of the industry; in particular, forest growing and management, sawmilling and processing, and timber manufactured products. Now that ATTA has taken on the role of ‘national training provider network’, the association is entering a new period of growth. Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are able to discuss issues at a management level and be represented as a collective
¢ E lise Cottam
voice to government bodies and Industry Skills Councils on matters of concern. However, at its core, ATTA’s central values remain unchanged. It is still a network of individuals and training providers who share the common goal of looking for ways to improve the way training is carried out in the timber industry, and promote the use of safe, efficient and environmentally sound work practices.
No stranger to hard work
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HE ATTA’s new president Elise Cottam is no stranger to hard work. Here’s a bit of a backgrounder on the trail-blazer. Elise grew up as her dad’s labourer in spec building in N.S.W., got married and moved to Queensland in 1993. “Built two homes and haven’t looked back,” she says. “Started working contract for Isis Council (now Bundaberg Regional Council) and still current. Sold Real Estate, Insurance and worked as a florist for many years, then moved to Mortgage Brokering. I found my passion in training – all along I had been doing a similar thing but not fully. I love training people in everything. “I started out in training via the Rural Fire Brigade and found that I had the passion for training. From there I progressed in to
the State Emergency Services as a trainer assessor – from here I was mentored in Chainsaw Operations for nearly five years until I went out on my own with my own business E.C.R.T – I cater for First Aid, Chipper, Chemical and Chainsaw training now. My husband recently joined me as a trainer assessor. It seemed fitting as we are a partner in other businesses. I contract to a couple of RTOs. “I’m a mother of 5 and grandmother of 6 ... I’m challenged on a regular basis. “Women in industry, yes, sometimes it’s hard but surprisingly there hasn’t been any reflection of that attitude so far in the industry.” “As the new President of ATTA I welcome everyone and hope that you all will feel welcome to email or call me. The more I can do for this association the better,” she said.
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September 2015
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ATTA
High praise for Workshop presenters By Elise Cottam
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he 2015 ATTA Workshop was a little light on for members attending and for those who didn’t attend we’d like say that we missed your presence. We have the issues facing the Victorian forestry industry outlined by Tim Johnson (VAFI CEO) followed by Kate Redwood (Hepburn Shire Council Mayor). Michael Harman, CEO of ForestWorks gave a great address on innovations in industry training, followed by Laurie Kelly – Mindworks presentation. We had a ball with Laurie Kelly and his antic’s in the Professional Development section that dominated our conference; Laurie being there was a first for ATTA, a few different reactions as he started but within a few minutes he had everyone hooked. Laurie took us through numerous
ways to engage our students, and plenty of activities and fun. Our thanks to ForestWorks who sponsored the Monday dinner. Our Fundraising Auction also went really well with little kids outfits, daddy’s helper and mum’s offsider they went like hot cakes, plus shirts and jackets of all sorts. Thank you to those who participated. We started the second day off with Laurie -- to get our minds on the game. An amazing presentation and Laurie donated his own way to our conference from Brisbane, so thank you Laurie. Members have told me that he was a blast and they loved it, new ways, new ideas, hit the nail on the head, they had found their passion for training all over again. A great result, so great they’d like to see him again . Timber Training Creswick –
¢ Elise Cottam and Greg Howard (outgoing president).
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tour to its training centre was incredible, from the harvest to floor or table. To see the saw doctoring room and equipment was amazing. Stihl and Lucas Mill led simultaneous hands-on practical demonstrations -- fantastic. Stihl focussed on sharpening and new technologies in chainsaws and associated equipment and the Lucas demonstration allowed for members to cut structural timbers and slabs. Walking through the training centre we got to see how a student would see our industry -- a lot of certifications in what is done here. Returned to the venue for the Stihl-sponsored dinner which was hard to beat, great food, great wines and great gifts. Stihl’s Rob Baker delivered his usual ‘sermon’ over dinner and handed out some pretty good gifts this year, t-shirts
and bars and the like, I even got my shirt signed and changed from ‘Man of Stihl’ to ‘Woman of Stihl’ which was the highlight for me. Back to business on the third day – first up the AGM, then the General Meeting and the induction of new committee members. Rob Rule gave a great presentation on workplace accidents and had a speaker from Worksafe Vic to present as well. Very informative and up to date with the current training around the state. Also heard from the University of Melbourne on Fire Management how it all effects the residential areas and the state forests. Waratah Australia sponsored our dinner on the Wednesday night which included a great presentation. Everyone enjoyed the new vision and the fact Waratah is
¢ G reg Howard and Kate Redwood.
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September 2015
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ATTA getting in to training as well . Finally day four – we are up early to go and participate in chipper training with Alan Darrell, great trainer I might add, everything from safety to usage explained and constructed and so easy to understand. Alan is a credit to Timber Training Creswick. While some did the chipper training others had the opportunity to participate in the RTO managers meeting with Rob Rule -- informative and constructive. Thank you to Rob and Alan. This year’s conference will always be a highlight for me for a lot of reasons, besides becoming president ... the use of chainsaws while away from home, the hands-on Lucas Mill training, just amazing. New officers President: Elise Cottam (QLD) Vice President: Charlie Waites (NSW) Secretary / Treasurer: Terri Towie (WA) Directors Adam Farquharson (NSW) Brian Bettles VIC) Rob Rule (VIC) June Dunleavy (new to ATTA) (QLD) Bill Towie (WA)
Our website shortly will have a blog and looking at other social media to keep up with the times. We’re at the forefront of the push to improve work practices and standardise training strategies continuously and we invite anyone who has innovations or ideas to join us. I would like to see some consultation with emergency service trainers and or up-andcoming trainers join us for discussion or just be a part of a bigger industry network.
Planning for next year's workshops The next Workshop will be 25-28 July 2016 in Cairns, Queensland, at the Cairns Hotel, hosted by Ian McLeod of McLeod Training Organisation. We all look forward to member numbers increasing over the next 12 months. Next year’s conference/ workshop will be family friendly and there’s plenty to do and see in Cairns. Sponsors always welcomed and we look forward to our major long term sponsors in Stihl, ForestWorks and Warratah joining us in Cairns. For more information: www.atta.org.au ¢ Rob Baker during his Stihl demonstrations.
¢ L aurie Kelly holds the floor.
¢ Chipper Training.
¢ Timber Training Creswick - Milling1
¢ Saw Doctor facilities.
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Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
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HARVESTING
Latest tyres boast improvement in traction, resistance properties and stability
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RELLEBORG HAS introduced an all-new Twin Forestry tyres series, which combines the best attributes of the previous range with innovative performance-enhancing technology. The new design, including ProgressiveTraction™ and inter-lug terraces, delivers the next generation of self-cleaning, track-compatible tyres with superior traction for tough forestry applications. Susanna Hilleskog, Managing Director of Trelleborg Wheel Systems for the Nordic countries, says: “With a combined tradition in forestry and agriculture, Trelleborg can bring together the best from both worlds. “Our completely new range draws on all our experience and know-how from forestry and adds award-winning innovations from Trelleborg’s agricultural tyres. The result is an enhanced tyre range that is ideally suited for the tough demands of forest terrain, providing improvements in traction, resistance properties, stability and accessibility.”
Twin Forestry T440
ProgressiveTraction™ was specifically developed to increase tyre efficiency and performance based on the action of a double lug. Operating on the soil at different times, the double lug progressively releases higher traction when required. The double lug also provides the tyre with better floatation capability, producing even pressure distribution over the extra wide footprint and less impact on the forest floor. Inter-lug terraces, another proven Trelleborg concept, have been integrated into the new tread design. By preventing the tread from clogging, inter-lug terraces ensure a self-cleaning tyre that can always work at maximum efficiency. The tyres, made from a newly developed enhanced rubber compound, have also been redesigned to improve track compatibility, so that maximum grip and maximum performance is achieved with and without tracks. The new Twin Forestry tyre range consists of the T440 and T480 series, complemented by the existing skidder range, T418.
• Ideal for clay, mud, ice and snow - maximum traction design means there’s nowhere you can’t go • Unmatchable traction and accessibility in its class • Exclusive Progressive Traction™ technology for proven better grip and self-cleaning with less impact on forest floor • New lug design with heavier shoulder, lug heads and transverse edges for an effective track
Twin Forestry T480 • A perfect fit with tracks for exceptional grip • Transverse grooves and a wide flat tyre profile for optimized track usage performance • Unique tread design with inter-lug terraces for effective self-cleaning and added pulling power • Large contact area with low ground pressure for less impact on forest floor.
New world class rebuild centre in SA CAVPOWER’S NEW $25 million Component Rebuild Centre (CRC) in northern Adelaide offers world class rebuilding and maintenance services and features Australia’s only dynamometer capable of fully load testing gas engines up to 6000hp capacity. The centre was officially opened on July 10 by South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill at an event attended by Caterpillar® Inc Group President Rob Charter. Cavpower Mining Manager Mark Luke said the services offered at the centre would help Caterpillar® (CAT) vehicle and equipment owners to lower their operating costs and achieve maximum return on investment at the lowest cost per tonne. “For example, we can rebuild engines for mining trucks three times to a new and warrantable standard within the life of the machine,” Mr Luke said. “We offer the lowest cost to rebuild, a quick turnaround, standardised CAT procedures and the latest equipment updates.” The CRC provides CAT certified rebuilds and full testing of engines, fuel pumps, transmissions, torque converters, differentials, wheel ends, final drives, and hydraulic 20
pumps and motors. Mr Luke said the CRC could also service and repair non-CAT equipment and OEM components. The Cavpower CRC has achieved the highest standard of contamination control, with a five-star Contamination Control Facility rating. This means it provides the same safety, quality and contamination standards as a Caterpillar® factory. “We know that reducing contamination extends the life of components, lowers operating costs and reduces the need for service re-work,” Mr Luke said. The CRC has two Taylor dynamometers, one rated up to 6000hp and the other rated to 3000hp. “We can put engines for large vehicles and gas pumps through their paces under full load before they are sent back to the bush, which is vitally important to prevent lost productivity and the huge costs and inconvenience that can result,” Mr Luke said. “Previously, we had to send the larger engines to interstate for testing and operators of the large gas engines were not able to fully load test prior to returning to operation ”
Other features of the CRC are a 450hp hydraulic test bench for transmission, torque converters, hydraulic pumps and motors, fuel pump testing, fault diagnostics, and failure analysis. Cavpower Managing Director Alistair Cavill said the CRC was a clear statement of the company’s confidence in the future of the mining and resources industries. “The downturn in these industries is certainly having an impact on all of us, but this is an expected part of operating in a
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September 2015
cyclical industry,” he said. “Cavpower is here for the long term and is very confident of its future in SA and equally confident that the State’s resources will be fully developed in due course.” Cavpower has been the Caterpillar® dealer for SA and Broken Hill since 1972 and is one is one of only five Caterpillar® dealers in Australia. It has 13 branches in SA and western New South Wales, more than 70 field service support vehicles and holds $30 million in parts inventories. www.timberbiz.com.au
HARVESTING
Massive output with change of machines
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CEWENS HARVESTING, based in the Green Triangle region of south-eastern South Australia and western Victoria, has been establishing hardwood plantations for more than 15 years. The company, operated by Ryan McEwen and his brother, Hadyn, is in its second year of harvesting and haulage to local mills in the region. “We initially started off with second-hand machines,” says Ryan, “but found the cost of repairs far too expensive and are in the process of changing over to all new machines. “We run a skid and process roadside operation,” he explained. A Cat 521 track feller buncher equipped with an HF201B felling head (hot saw) is used for felling the timber, and a new Cat 555D skidder pulls the wood to the landing, up to 1.5km away. A Cat 324DL standard excavator has been set-up with a Waratah head and works around the clock, processing the trees into logs. “We are currently running one crew in hardwood (blue gum) harvest and haul, delivering 2,000 tonnes per week,” says Ryan. The Green Triangle is mainly flat country with the occasional hill, he noted, so they are able to build a log landing on level ground. Roads in plantation forests can be an issue, according to Ryan. Conditions often are wet, and the skidders may be used to help move trucks and B double combinations. “Council restrictions mean that we can’t get the best access into the plantations from the local roads,” says Ryan, “often meaning one entry and exit point and one truck in the plantation at a time. Moving 2,000 tonnes per week only having one truck in the plantation each time creates a bottleneck at the gate.” The McEwens had used Cat Challengers in establishing plantations and had a good experience with them. “When we went looking for a track feller buncher, Cat was the first place to look,” says Ryan. The local Cat dealer (CavPower) had a good reputation for service and parts “and
¢ Ryan McEwen and family along with CavPower representative - Nigel Webbe. This Cat 521 Track Feller Buncher is equipped with HF201B Felling Head (hotsaw).
the 521 was what we needed and was immediately available.” They chose a hot saw for the felling tool because it is much faster compared to a shear head. “We only need one feller buncher to feed two processors that run around the clock,” says Ryan. “We have great cycle times with the hot saw. “The 521 is a compact machine,” notes Ryan, “allowing us to do noncommercial thinning in the pine plantations as well.” The 521 cabin is comfortable, he said, and with a side door the travel pedals can be at a good distance apart. “Good noise reduction and seat adjustment mean long hours are not a problem in the 521.” The next purchase was the Cat 324 with the Waratah attachment, which increased production 30% compared to the older equipment it replaced. “Machine serviceability is excellent, and the base machine runs the head very well,” says Ryan. The most recent Cat purchase was the 555D skidder, which replaced an older machine. Upgrading to the new, largest machine in the Cat skidder line
¢ R yan McEwen’s new 555D delivered in 2015. The 555D is the largest wheel skidder in the Caterpillar line-up and offers higher production capabilities, while having all of the key benefits of the NEW D Series WSK.
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increased production while reducing fuel consumption, according to Ryan. “It pulls bunches the older machine can’t even lift. Travel speeds are great for long snigs, and operator comfort means you can actually travel at the higher speeds.” Operator comfort is very good in all the Cat machines, noted Ryan. Comfort is an important factor because the operators run the equipment for a 12-hour shift. The demand for blue gum pulp logs is high, according to Ryan. However, prices are not as favorable as he would like. The wood is hauled 300km to a mill in the port city of Geelong. McEwens Harvesting delivers 5.5 metre lengths of pulp that is chipped for the export market. Caterpillar offers other services the McEwens are beginning to take advantage of. “Cat has many safety programs and suggestions on the web which we are beginning to utilise,” says Ryan. “Online safety training, tool box meetings, and training packages are all available.” The McEwens grew up on a lamb farm and still are involved in
agriculture, raising lambs, hay, and crops. Their father, Pat, also had forestry operations in addition to his farm enterprise. The McEwens are committed to their employees and their families, according to Ryan. “If a guy needs time off for family, we make it happen. If they want to be home to pick up the kids from school sometimes, we work around it.” Communication with his operators is important for his business to be successful, says Ryan. The company recently purchased a new truck. The driver is going to be living in it during the week and helped to determine the specs and options. “Not many workplaces you could do that,” says Ryan, who is a member of the Foresters Association of Australia. Ryan is married with three young children, and his brother Hadyn is newly married. Despite their family obligations, though, their business requires a big commitment. “Our job is our hobby,” says Ryan, “and you will often find us on weekends running parts, sharpening chains, driving machines, floating equipment, or doing shed maintenance.”
¢ Ryan McEwen with his 521 track feller buncher with HF201B
Felling Head (hotsaw). Australian Forests & Timber News September 2015
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HARVESTING
SP makes large in-roads into Australian hardwood
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INCE SP first arrived in Australia in mid2012 there are now more than 40 units working in blue gum throughout most States of the country. These SP heads are being installed on a variety of excavators through to purpose-built harvesters. Peter Randalls, Managing Director of Randalls Equipment (Australian agent for SP) said the big advantages with the SP 591TXG2 included lower machine oil temperatures, lower fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, and overall higher production. “Recently we have been fitting these heads on Sany 235C (23.5 ton) excavator’ as a complete harvester package. Over the past 12 months these have been very popular and costeffective,” Peter said. The LX stands for logging Xtreme, meaning the Xtreme conditions the LX harvester heads are designed to handle. “The extremely robust and uncompromised LX design ensures the highest reliability and productivity
also under the toughest conditions. Thanks to its unique detailed solutions, the LX design also offers a minimum need for service and maintenance,” said Peter. SP was founded in 1978, in the small village of Lillarp, in the middle of the vast south Swedish forestry district. Activities started with service and repair of all kinds of forestry machines but soon switched to improvement of the existing logging equipment as well as to the design of new techniques. After a clever idea and many months at the drawing board and in the workshop SP could in 1980 present the world´s first ever singlegrip harvester head, the SP 21. The new technique revolutionized the forestry and made the mechanization of commercial thinning operations economically viable. A lot has happened since the days of the SP21 and SP is today an international company with an extensive distribution network covering most parts of the world.
SP’s extensive product line covers all forestry operations from first thinning to final felling as well as the debarking of plantation grown tropical hardwoods and the harvesting of woods for bio fuel. ¢ SP Heads are robust and reliable in the field
Production design award for the Scorpion PONSSE SCORPION harvester won over the 38-member jury of the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2015. Ponsse proved its design excellence in the most important competition for product design, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. From 4,928 participants, the Scorpion stood out and was awarded the Red Dot: Best of the Best for top quality and innovative design. The Red Dot: Best of the Best is awarded for innovative design and is the highest individual award in the Red Dot Award: Product Design. Only the outstanding products in a category receive this award. In 2015, only 1.6 % of all entries in the competition won this sought-after award. This means that Ponsse is one of the forerunners in international design. The awarded Ponsse Scorpion harvester is a totally new kind of a forest machine. The starting point for Scorpion was a forest machine that does not compromise on its usability, productivity or maintainability. Scorpions advanced technical solutions and right design for the job take harvesting productivity and operator comfort to a new level. The stylish design includes advanced technology. The crane’s position and movement geometry, patented stabilising and levelling solutions and the triple-frame structure are totally new product solutions. The solutions are unique and provide our customers with an 22
Australian Forests & Timber News
opportunity to adopt new harvesting methods and improve their own productivity. Juha Inberg, Technology and R&D Director of Ponsse Plc, says that the design of a forest machine not only refers to its look. “Appropriate design is pivotal to the operability of the machine. Operator ergonomics and ease of use are emphasised in demanding harvesting, where a very technical machine is used to make quick decisions with a significant impact on the productivity of work. In Scorpion, easy daily maintenance and safe operation have also extensively guided the design choices,” Inberg says. The quality including product design stands for taking responsibility for the customer. “When it comes to forest machines, quality and reliability are the keys to success, not only in terms of productivity, but also considering the safety of users. We do not take any chances with them. We have always concentrated and allocated our resources to things in which we can be the best in the world. Ponsse is renowned for its fast and advanced product development based on customers’ needs. In developing environmentally-friendly cut-to-length forest machines, we represent the state of the art,” Inberg says.
September 2015
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A NEW GENERATION OF
FOREST MACHINES NOW IN AUSTRALIA!
RANDALLS EQUIPMENT COMPANY is proud to be associated with PONSSE Plc Finland by introducing the full range of PONSSE forestry machines to Australia. PONSSE is the world leader in supplying the logging industry with productive and environmentally friendly cut-to-length harvesting systems. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION RANDALLS EQUIPMENT COMPANY PTY LTD email: randalls@randalls.com.au www.randalls.com.au HEAD OFFICE VICTORIA Randalls Equipment Company 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Melbourne VIC Contact: Peter Randalls Ph: 03 9369 8988 WESTERN AUSTRALIA (NEW) Randalls Equipment Company 9B Charles Street, Albany WA Contact: Adam Bremner Ph: 0437 059 477
FORWARDERS: From 10.000 to 20.000 kg load capacity. HARVESTERS: PONSSE offers a full range of wheeled harvesters for the most challenging logging conditions. Six impressive models that range from the Beaver to the heavyweight Bear, including the new and very impressive ScorpionKing. The product range includes both six and eight-wheel harvesters in all size categories. Application ranges from harvesting softwood saw logs to harvesting & debarking eucalypt pulpwood.
A logger´s best friend www.ponsse.com
HARVESTING
Scorpion nips into forestry work with total ease
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UEENSLANDBASED GMT Logging needed a wheeled harvester for a new mechanical thinning contract and opted for the Ponsse Scorpion King, which has incredible stability among a host of other must-have features. GMT principal Adan Taylor explains how the decision was made ... “After looking at the Valmet and John Deere machines we spoke to Peter Randalls about the Ponsse (Peter is the Australian distributor for Ponsse). We’ve had a long and successful relationship with Randalls through ownership of Rottne and Madill products, and were keen to continue that relationship. “I had also been impressed by a presentation given by Norbert Schalkx (Area Director Asia-Pacific & Africa) at the Steep Country Logging conference at Rotorua, New Zealand, in late 2013. “Ponsse are the largest wheeled harvester manufacturer in the world – so they must be doing something right! “Peter invited us to view two Ponsse machines working in Mount Gambier. Our Workshop Manager and I travelled down and inspected the “Bear” wheeled harvester and “Elephant King” forwarder. We drove them around under the supervision of Ponsse’s trainer. We were particularly impressed by the way the machines were engineered with efficiency and productivity as priorities,” said Adan. When asked about the standout points that helped make the decision, Adan replied: “Very low fuel consumption and running
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costs; design of cabin and crane so that the operator had an unobstructed view of his work; Ponsse’s international reputation for excellence and product care – ably assisted by Randall’s commitment to anything they sell; cleverly engineered three-piece chassis, setting it apart from other wheeled harvesters, particularly in the areas of stability and ergonomics.” Can you attribute any more standout points since purchase? “Operator ergonomics mean he is productive for longer – this includes a terrific view of his work area, comfortable cabin environment, levelling cabin and chassis (cabin sits on the middle of three chassis sections) and really cool hand controls that support the whole hand; unbelievable working angle around the machine,” said Adan. “The machine can work in an arc of around 300 degrees around itself. It really is the perfect machine for in-row thinnings. “We have found the controls layout very comprehensive – meaning you can perform nearly every possible function by combining buttons. This gives great functionality – for instance, the operator has worked out that he can fall a tree by closing the drive arms only while keeping the delimb arms open. This allows him to avoid grabbing wildings close to the butt of the tree he wants to fall,” Adan said. GMT is operating the new machine in the Toolara Forest (east of Gympie, South East Queensland). Although it’s a tad early to quantify machine output (compared to the previous machine), Adan explained
¢ GMT Logging operator John Mason with the new Scorpion King Harvester.
¢ GMT principal Adan Taylor.
¢ Norbert Schalkx (Ponsse Area Director Asia-Pacific & Africa).
that the previous machine was a tracked harvester that only just fitted down the rows. “The operator on that machine has over 10 years experience, so was producing really well. At this stage (seven weeks after delivery) it’s producing around the same as the tracked machine, so we expect it to pass it shortly.” What about ease of operation (visibility, manoeuvrability etc)?
“Every bit as good as we hoped.” And ease of maintenance? “Being built in Europe it is fitted with many, many electronically managed systems. As a result, regular maintenance is vital. Fortunately this machine is designed for ease of access with handy little ladders, platforms and doors everywhere you need one. The only criticism we have is that the oil cooler is
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
mounted such that a number of steps have to be taken to lift it up for its weekly clean. I pointed out to the operator that due to the comfort of the cabin – this process was designed to keep him from getting fat! The type of head attached (and reasons why this head was chosen)? “The machine comes factory fitted with Ponsse’s H7 processing head. It is compact, well built and fast. However, it is not fitted with a topping saw, which is not really necessary until you get into really poor form trees with lots of breaches. It would be great if they offered this as an option in the future. “The other point to note is that the head lubricates its bar and chain via a grease cartridge. This now means we don’t have to carry around 20L bar and chain oil drums! We have also found that the grease used is cheaper than bar oil,” Adan said.
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WOODTECH
New technology increases grade recovery
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HERE ARE many advantages to processing logs in a lineal sawmill and HewSaw are well established in the innovative space when it comes to this technology application. This family owned company has been making HewSaw sawmills for over 50 years, celebrating that milestone in 2014. From straightforward single pass machines for pre-sorted small logs to the impressively sophisticated highspeed multi-unit SL250 Sawlines now operating all over the world at up to 180m/min and weighing over 300,000Kg, HewSaw are well know for innovative and original approaches to efficient, high recovery sawmilling. The underlying premise of the HewSaw philosophy is that logs move forward - always, with accurately sawn boards being produced at the Cant Saw and Rip Saw as the log is processed. All of the residue is collected in one simple conveyor system under the sawline, power is supplied in a simple lineal fashion, compressed air, hydraulics and other services are likewise delivered in a physically straightforward manner along the sawline. Other sawmill manufacturer designs where wane edged “slabs” are sawn from the log and transported transversely to other work-stations require more challenging residue handling, power and services
connections, supervisors or operators. Further more, there is singulating of slabs, queuing, board turners, stop/start, accelerators, skewing, repositioning and other process control challenges and complexity. Another potentially expensive factor is that a much wider building is required compared to a HewSaw style sawline. HewSaw keep it simple and linear. With HewSaw traditionally utilising a single Cant Saw and Rip Saw, up to 2 side boards are produced from each side of each log - allowing for up to 8 sideboards in total - all with each face and edge accurately sawn with circular blades. One of the challenges HewSaw have now addressed is to manage applications where either higher-grade side boards are required - possibly from pruned logs, or where larger logs are being processed with increased demand for greater numbers of sideboards. The further the boards are sawn and recovered into the log, the greater likelihood that defects and unsuitable grain direction will be exposed. Another effect as we work further into the log, is the sideboards naturally become wider, but are more likely to be comprised of two grade zones or more. How to process this in a lineal fashion, without an off-line edger/multisaw? HewSaw will now optionally introduce vision scanning to the side of the cant after the open
¢ HewSaw double edging unit for up to two primary sideboards.
¢ V ision scanning on the cant to aid the optimisation process
¢ New design for HewSaw edging Unit.
¢ G rade recovery within the lineal process.
face, and this will allow greater opportunities to optimise board recovery and grade solutions within the log. Knots, resin pockets, stain, and more will be recognised and taken into account with the sawing solution for the sideboards. Now that we can recognise this grade data, we need to process the boards. The aggregate of the optimised board solution will be captured, and edged in a further new version of the HewSaw Cant Saw unit. The aggregate edged board will then be sawn with the same result as a 4-saw optimising edger to
reduce the gross board into individual boards of which up to three each side can be produced. These side boards can be sawn into practically any solution - on a log by log, cant by cant basis. An infinite range of possibilities exist - according to the requirements of the customer and the value/grade of the boards. No need to slow down, stop/start, turn, scan, skew and process off line with all the issues mentioned above - HewSaw will process this on-line within the main sawline.
Choose the Original – HewSaw Grey
HewSaw R250 A.1.2 Sawline with More
HewSaw Pty Ltd • 1/21 Birkett Place • South Geelong VIC 3220 • www.hewsaw.com • For further information: Sam Rowe • sam.rowe@hewsaw.com • +61 (0) 418 561 023
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Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
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WOODTECH
Sawmilling developments in the spotlight
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HE LAST couple of years has seen the development of some of the most sophisticated sawing technologies and saw designs seen in recent times and this will be the main focus of WoodTECH 2015. The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) is well known for running regular world class programs that showcase the very latest developments in sawing and scanning technologies. For well over 15 years events like SawTECH, ScanTECH, Lumber QC and Wood Manufacturing have
been run. They’re in fact the only independent events of their type run in Australasia. The last major event run for local sawmillers was the inaugural WoodEXPO that ran in both New Zealand and Australia two years ago... and more than 1100 turned up! This year, WoodTECH is running in both Australia and New Zealand. As well as new sawing, scanning and mill optimization technologies, there’s also a much greater emphasis this year on the practical issues of selecting and running saws, low cost
improvement tools and on smaller to medium sized operations which are such an integral part of the Australasian sawmilling industry. A better understanding on how saws within the mill are being selected, maintained and operated and how to get the best out of each saw centre will be an integral part of WoodTECH 2015. As well as new equipment, the environment in which the production team is working and interacting is a critical part of working smarter. From reconfiguring production
lines in the mill through to finding faster ways to identify and reject unacceptable products, the returns through the power of the “team” are significant. For the first time, teamwork – harnessing the collective power of saw-doctors, maintenance teams and production personnel on site will be explored in depth. WoodTECH 2015 runs in Melbourne on 16-17 September and then again for New Zealand sawmills on 22-23 September.
Strategic partnership High-speed CT-scanning at with technology leader Arauco Horcones THE SOUTHERN Cross Engineering (SCE) Group recently formed an important partnership with MiCROTEC, a major European technology company who are world leaders in the field of opto-electronics, a system for the non-contact scanning of logs and timber in either wet or dry mill timber processing. They have been setting the direction and benchmarks in this market since 1980. MiCROTEC originates from and still has its Head Office in Brixen, in the South Tyrol region of Italy - a region where timber processing has a long history and tradition. Over the years, the company has achieved several technological milestones and has undergone steady growth, a process helped by strategic offices located in Venice, Linz and Vancouver. MiCROTEC states, quite simply, that there is no process in timber processing that cannot be rationalised, improved or speeded up by using MiCROTEC technology. The SCE Group have partnered with MiCROTEC in the Australasian region to supply scanning and optimising solutions for a wide range of processing applications. Recent installations include multisensor Goldeneye 300 scanners for Waitete Sawmills Ltd and R H Tregoweth Ltd of Te Kuiti and OTC Timber at Otorohanga. “MiCROTEC is the new benchmark for non-contact scanning and optimisation,” said SCE Group General Manager Craig Phillips. “The link that has now been formed between SCE and MiCROTEC is a formidable tool for resolving timber processing problems.”
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360° X-ray optimization shows huge return on investment Since 2012, Chile-based Arauco has used CT Log to scan more than 5000 logs with a length of 5.3m each day. “This scanning device was developed to comply with all the Arauco requirements. It performs a revolution in the processing of logs by increasing the total value of production independently of the volume by assigning to each log the best final product,” says Jorge Serón, Forest Operations Manager at Arauco. To increase both yield and added value, Arauco made the decision three years ago to install a MiCROTEC CT Log CT Scanner in their Horcones plant. The high-speed 360° X-ray CT-Scanning Optimization uses advanced algorithms to reconstruct a highresolution 3D dimensional volume image of the logs. Since that time, the CT Log 360° CT Scanner has worked at full speed in the harsh sawmill environment with a minimum of downtime and maintenance. All of the critical components in the scanner are proving to last much longer than originally anticipated, resulting in much lower than expected maintenance costs. It is predicted that this innovative technology will work reliably and be trouble free for many years into the future. The excellent experience of the past few years have shown that CT Log is a reliable and efficient scanner for quality sorting. “As we can look inside a log now and make it transparent, we have the advantage of being
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September 2015
able to develop new products. The development of the productivity of the Arauco plant goes together with our philosophy of growth of the plant towards a great competitiveness on the world market,” said Rigoberto Rojo, Manager at Arauco Central Zone.
Expectations exceeded Once installed, the real results from the CT Log have exceeded all expectations. The best veneer timber is sorted out to the plywood mill, with the rest being sorted to the sawmill for the production of other sawn products. The process of “virtual peeling” is able to grade the veneer as if it was actually peeled, and the process of “virtual sawing” allows virtual grading of the sawn boards in a log. This makes it possible to know in advance the quality and value of the plywood or boards, and decide which log will be sent to the veneer or saw mill. This has resulted in an unprecedented increase for the mill in high quality veneer, with no negative impact on lumber production. The industrial scanner CT Log scans each log and calculates the volume of the log regarding clear wood and the yield of the final product. Once the logs are scanned and classified, they are then directed either to the plywood manufacturing or the sawmill. continued on page 29
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WOODTECH
MyMill Millwide Automation: mobilize your mill
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SNR’S MYMILL™ is expanding its boundaries – it is moving beyond machine control into the realm of optimization and millwide automation. MyMill is a software suite developed by USNR that enables mill personnel to interact with their equipment on the go, using mobile devices. MyMill replicates much of the functionally of your scanning, optimization and PLC control systems, and allows you access via webbrowser-enabled mobile devices. Now you can take the tools of your trade with you as you travel around the millsite. MyMill has successfully bridged the gap from stationary HMI interface to mobile device access for on-the-go machine control in several applications, most commonly used to control bin sorters. Since its launch in 2012 USNR has installed over 20 MyMill
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systems, and our customers have been enjoying the benefits. Concurrently, our engineers have been busy expanding the capability of our MyMill platform. This new capability is ready for prime time, encompassing control for the machine, scanner and optimization components of any – or all, of your USNR processing centres.
Features and benefits • Real time data in the palm of your hand • No need to travel from one computer room to another to monitor data and access reports • Powerful information and communications capability • Easier troubleshooting and maintenance • Reduces downtime • Dedicated wireless infrastructure, on secure in-plant network
Available as an option to PLC control and optimization with new USNR installations
Imagine the possibilities Imagine the ability to not only control a machine’s functionality, but also control scanner functions and diagnostics, monitor and analyze your optimizers’ solutions, view production reports, and more. All this is available on any hand-held device with a browser, as you move around the mill. You hold the controls that unlock the process. You’ve made the transition to mobile connectivity in your personal life, now USNR is bringing that ability to interact with your environment at your workplace. The future is here!
continued on page 28
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3/16/2015 5:42:24 PM
¢ USNR’s MyMill platform provides a wide range of system controls and information access.
September 2015
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WOODTECH
MyMill Millwide Automation: mobilize your mill New functionality Here is new functionality you will unlock with the expanded MyMill Millwide Mobile Automation platform: • System functions • Sensor calibration • Alarms and notifications • Performance metrics • Data tracking, logging, monitoring, analyzing • Diagnostics • Graphical solution diagnostics for ease of analysis This new capability will network all of your USNR systems together, whether they are on the MillExpert, Newnes Sawmill Suite, or automated grading platforms. You will no longer be required to travel from one computer room to another to monitor data and access reports.
Case study: early focus on value Chris Kalesnikoff, operations manager for Kalesnikoff Lumber of Thrums, BC, Canada, was an early adaptor of the MyMill mobile machine control technology, with a system installed with the mill’s new bin sorter in 2013. He remarked, “The MyMill system suited us very well, as we understand and relate to mobile communications technology. This is the way the world is moving.” Selecting the MyMill system seemed an obvious choice. Chris explained that installing the mobile system required much less time and expense than a traditional sorter control system. There is no need to purchase and install multiple consoles, and no need to route the associated cables and wiring. He added, “A big thing for us was the reduced cost.”
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Already running with a minimal crew, Chris said, “We are using the same number of people, but we are using them in different places than we would have without the benefit of mobile technology. We planned on not having anybody chasing bins full time, and that’s definitely a nice feature.”
New horizons USNR recognized with the early success of the mobile machine control functionality, that expanding this platform could offer much more to improve the day-today operation for mills. We introduced this new capability at the recent Ligna and SFPA Expo events in Hannover and Atlanta, and we are receiving much interest from the industry. We look forward to announcing our next big innovation!
¢ Data tracking, logging, monitoring, analyzing are all available at your fingertips, from any location on your mill floor.
Supporters of WOODTECH 2015
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September 2015
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WOODTECH
Custom solutions ensure optimal performance
S
INCE 1986 Key Knife has been providing sawmills around the world with innovative indexable knife chipping solutions. Key Knife’s success is a direct result of the company’s unrelenting commitment to provide value to each customer by partnering with them to develop custom solutions that increase product value and enhance mill performance. “Key Knife’s High Recovery Solid Head (HRSH) is a good example of a product that is yielding exceptional value to sawmills by enabling them to achieve new levels of production, board finish, and chip quality,” said Terry Parsons, Managing Director. High Recovery Solid Heads (HRSH) are running in over 80 slabbers, canters, and edgers world-wide. “Over the last 29 years Key Knife has worked with several hundred sawmills. They understand each mill is unique and requires custom solutions to ensure optimal performance is achieved. “Unlike other conical chipping head suppliers, each High Recovery Solid Head is custom designed based on the mill’s specific operating parameters and performance goals,” said Terry. All parts are engineered using CAD, and are CNC machined or ground to attain the tight tolerances necessary to achieve precise and repeatable cutting. The HRSH’s simple, yet innovative design, is chalked full of features that yield measurable gains in the areas of production, finish, chip quality, and operating costs. The HRSH’s innovative face plate utilizes a helical surface to limit cants from over feeding (surging). The added control ensures smooth cutting, improving recovery and board finish
by significantly reducing tear out. The split knife configuration (picture shown) allows for smooth uninterrupted processing of cants with up to a 180 mm depth of cut. The smooth cutting coupled with the large head mass ensures the chipping heads don’t bog down during large depths of cut. HRSH utilizes Key Knife’s Ridge XL knife system to deliver a precise repeatable cut, unmatched knife life, and excellent chip quality. The indexable Ridge XL knife is easy to handle due to its small size, and can be rehoned making it an excellent choice for mills seeking a safer and more cost effective knife solution. Value engineered for longevity and low operating costs. Replaceable bases and counterknives with tungsten carbide hard surfacing are used in high flow areas. Mills benefit over time from only needing to replace small inexpensive wear components vs. a large expensive hub. Each HRSH is custom designed and configured to a mill’s machine centre, operating parameters, and performance goals. Key Knife has manufactured High Recovery Solid Heads that have cut diameters from 355mm up to 914mm, 3 knives up to 8 knives, and offer a myriad of finishing solutions… such as finishing knives, pre-cutting saws, and post-cutting saws. High Recovery Solid Heads are an exceptional chipping solution, but they are only as good as the company that stands behind them. Sawmills interested in upgrading can expect comprehensive engineering and technical support from a local representative. In addition, Key Knife stands behind its products with an unconditional guarantee. t.parsons@keymatic.com.au
¢ Precutting (illustration).
¢ Terry Parsons
¢ High Recovery Solid Head.
¢ Culp SLD Head.
High-speed CT-scanning at Arauco Horcones continued from page 27
CT Log Optimization The system is able to precisely detect the knotty core diameter, and optimize the sorting decision between sawmill and plywood mill. The yield of knot-free veneer is increased not only by better sorting, but by optimizing the centering position in the peeling machine. For sawmill products, CT Log recognizes the precise 3D internal shape of the heartwood, discolorations, mechanical damage, and differences in density, shape and position of knots. By considering all of these internal features in the sawing process, sawing is optimized based on the final quality and real value of the boards, rather than simply their volume. The overwhelming result of the 360° CT www.timberbiz.com.au
Scanning is introducing a new age in timber processing and the entire wood processing industry. The technology of being able to see inside the log prior to breakdown and make decisions based on the internal information overcomes one of the major optimization hurdles in wood processing. “No other product offers more uplift potential to a sawmill than the CT Log. With immediate cost savings and increased added value to the final product, our CT Log 360° X-ray CT-Sawing Optimization has shown in several installations running worldwide to have given an impressive return on investment,” says Federico Giudiceandrea, MiCROTEC CEO
Manufactured to endure the most extreme & demanding terrains
Terra
Grouser
Rocky
Flotation
TXL
TXCL
Arauco history For many years MiCROTEC and Chilean-based Arauco have enjoyed a valuable partnership. At the Horcones site, MiCROTEC delivered all of the measuring systems for the log yard from the bucking and log sorting through to the optimization. In addition, all production process controls and automation were provided by MiCROTEC, as well as all raw material processing for the sawmill and plywood mill. Australian Forests & Timber News
Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.
CLARK TRACKS high performance for maximum work life
www.clarktracks.com
September 2015
B.A. Viccars Pty. Ltd P. 61 (02) 4295 5881 Mobile: 0418 266 731 vchain@chainpro.com.au
Tasmania Chaffey’s Chains Mobile: 0428 140 466 admin@chaffeyschains.com.au
29
CRANES
New generation forestry crane lifts standards, too!
H
IAB, PART of Cargotec, has launched its new LOGLIFT 125Z forestry crane. Hiab is also releasing the newgeneration Hi-Cab™ cabin, improved in 125 dimensions to help improve performance. The new crane can now be ordered in Australia with a mid-October delivery date. The LOGLIFT 125Z incorporates a new SmartBase™ for smooth handling, stability and low weight, as well as a Hose Protection Link (HPL) to guard against blows and sticking. “The new crane base is a combination of widely appreciated, traditional LOGLIFT solutions and improved new design,” said Toni Kymäläinen, Mechanical Design Engineer of Forestry Cranes in Hiab. “The crane is not only designed to be durable, but easy to service and maintain without jeopardising the compactness of the crane. In addition, many improvements were driven through feedback received from the customers, so we have been able to enhance the crane comprehensively,” he said “For owners and operators, moving more timber means a more profitable business, therefore, we focused on developing a
crane with high lift/weight ratio for higher payload, as well as other performance enhancers,” said Jon Lopez, Vice President, Forestry Cranes Business Line. The Hi-Cab™ cabin has the industry’s highest visibility factor: the unique Hi-Vis™ panoramic windows offer five times more window than wall surface. This is part of an overall increase in safety and performance for the cabin, which also includes an OPS-approved shockproof front door, protected under-cabin AC, and ergonomic enhancements throughout the cabin. Hiab’s state-of-the-art factory in Stargard, Poland, is also where the LOGLIFT 125Z goes through the innovative nDurance™ nanotechnology paint process for all-weather protection. The technologically advanced and environmentally sound pre-treatment and paint process covers every square millimetre in three different protective layers for highest corrosion resistance. “With nDurance and all of the innovations in this new crane and cabin, we focus on providing our customers the durability they expect from LOGLIFT forestry cranes,” said Lopez.
¢ Easy lift
¢ Easy view
Hiab is the world’s leading provider of on-road load handling equipment. Its product range includes HIAB loader cranes, JONSERED recycling and forestry cranes, LOGLIFT forestry cranes, MOFFETT truck mounted forklifts and MULTILIFT demountables, as well as DEL, WALTCO and ZEPRO tail lifts. www.hiab.com Contact person in Australia is Jonathan Toye Engineering and Product Manager at Hiab Australia Tel +61 387 888 700 Email jonathan.toye@hiab.com In case you need any further information please contact Best regards Lasse Penkkala Sales and Product Business Director Loglift Jonsered Phone +358 50 5011 909 lasse.penkkala@cargotec.com www.cargotec.com www.hiab.com 30
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
www.timberbiz.com.au
BUSINESS PROFILE
State-of-the-art plant paves way for strong future
T
IGERCAT OPENED the doors of its $12 million production facility to the public to proudly show off the new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Hundreds of people including Tigercat employees and their families toured the 11 800m2 building in Paris, Ontario, Canada, located approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Toronto. “Tigercat is a growing global company and this investment to expand our production capabilities is a great testament to the commitment we have to our customers and to serving them better,” said President, Tony Iarocci, who was Tigercat’s first employee when the company started in 1992. Tigercat now has nine southern Ontario locations, a large parts distribution and training centre in Georgia, a sales and distribution
¢ Big day out for hundreds at the new plant.
¢ Gleaming clean and the subject of curiosity for the little uns was the 630E Skidder, a high production four-wheel drive skidder suited to the toughest jobs, the most demanding terrain, heavy loads and around-the-clock operations.
facility in Sweden and a dealer network that spans the globe, covering the forestry regions of North America, South America, Australasia, Africa, Europe and Russia. The new plant will house production of swing machines and cut-to-length attachments including the 200 series loaders and the 800 series track feller bunchers, harvesters and loggers.
The building features light sensor skylights and bay door windows along with motion detector lights to save energy. The building’s roof is a white rubber membrane that reflects UV rays and helps reduce heating and cooling costs. There are six overhead cranes in each bay with room for more if needed. Specialized concrete was used for the floors to support the machines that will be produced in the plant.
¢ V ice president of Paris operations, Steve Crosby, speaking to the crowd.
“We export 75% of what we produce,” Tony said. He said Tigercat had produced more than 16,000 machines and in a time of economic turmoil the company had managed to gain market share. “The only
thing holding the company back was its inability to produce more machines. The demand was there last year and we could have produced more, and now we can moving forward,” he explained.
LEGENDARY POWER, PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIVITY www.dressta.com
ROADING QUARRY SITE PREP AT HOME IN THE BUSH TAS (ONETRAK)
NSW (ONETRAK)
SA (ONETRAK)
VIC (ONETRAK)
WA (ONETRAK)
QLD (TERREQUIPE)
130 Brighton Road, Brighton
208-216 Snowy Mountains Highway,Tumut
17 Crouch Street North, Mount Gambier
226-228 Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Dandenong South
12 Sherlock Way, Davenport
1 Featherstone Street Parkhurst
1300 727 520 WWW.ONETRAK.COM.AU www.timberbiz.com.au
Australian Forests & Timber News
07 4936 3577 WWW.TERREQUIPE.COM.AU
September 2015
31
BIO
New bio beginning for refurbished mill
T
HE SURREY Hills Mill in Hampshire, Tasmania, is back in business again. New owner Forico has spent close to $10 million on refurbishing the mill (previously owned by Gunns), which now has the capacity to produce about 1.5 million green tonnes of woodchips per year. Forico CEO, Bryan Hayes, said all the old equipment, all of the old electric drives and various pieces had to be refurbished. “We’ve been demolishing sections of the mill that are no longer required, for instance the very large drum de-barker has been removed, and taken out long in-feed conveyer sections,” he told the ABC. “The overall objective is to make this mill super efficient, low cost, so we can compete with the other woodchip suppliers around the world.”
Major advance in biorefinery development
The mill started production on 24 July and is performing well with production to be ramped up in coming months. Bryan says the business is entering the bio-era where wood is becoming far more versatile in terms of what can be made out of the cellulose molecule that is in wood fibre,” he said. “It has multiple uses around the world, bio-energy, bio-plastics, are becoming far more advanced as technology develops around the world. “We’re actually growing bio-mass for the future.” Forico is also investing about $6 million into the refurbishment of the Longreach Mill on the Tamar River, in the state’s north-east.
Bio-waste use boost for native species NEW RESEARCH at Lincoln University suggests bio-waste can be utilised on former pine plantations to generate big economic returns. Four years of research in a greenhouse environment found the waste, which might include sewage and dairy shed effluent, can be used to rapidly establish native vegetation on former pine forest soils. Early estimates suggest the natives could produce a financial return of over $200 million annually. “The signs from our greenhouse trials are extremely positive,” associate professor Brett Robinson says. He says the research team had focused primarily on growing native species such as mānuka and kānuka, which can be used to produce valuable products such as honey and essential oils. “Not only is this a great way of rapidly kickstarting low-fertility soil and a productive use of unavoidable waste which is currently disposed of either inappropriately or expensively, but in focusing on mānuka and kānuka, we can grow the market in products not easily adopted by overseas competitors.” Currently, around 1.8 million hectares of New 32
Zealand soil is under pine plantations. This figure is decreasing, however, as there is little economic incentive to replant timber crops. Historically, pine forestry was an effective means of providing an economic return for low fertility soils, but this is no longer the case. Growing pine trees followed by logging also often results in depleted, nutrientpoor soils. Converting this soil into productive farm land requires the constant application of high rates of fertiliser. Robinson says his research challenges this approach. He says initial findings suggest the use of bio-waste can significantly accelerate the growing capability of these soils by increasing the water and nutrient holding capacity, and providing essential elements. It has also been found that, when used alongside pine waste and some charcoals, the leaching of nitrates is dramatically reduced. These species have the added advantage of positively affecting the soil by producing antiseptic chemicals which kill off pathogens in bio-waste-amended soils, he says. Field trials are expected to start soon.
Australian Forests & Timber News
GREENBOX+ technology has been used as part of major investments by Cascades in a biorefinery project at its NorampacCabano facility. The project – worth a total of $26M – represents a major advance in biorefinery development in Canada. Backed by a $10M investment from Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and an additional $4.4M from the Québec Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, the Cabano plant will replace its current process – the production of sodium carbonate-based chemical pulp – with this new, more environmentally friendly and economical one that was developed in conjunction with a U.S. partner. This innovative new process – a Canadian first – will be implemented in retrofit to the existing Cabano mill. With GreenBox+ hemicelluloses are extracted from wood chips to make a chemical free and high yield corrugated medium pulp. Via GreenBox+ technology, the Cabano mill will replace its existing sodium carbonate-based chemical process, reducing its environmental footprint and realizing cost savings in terms of reduced energy consumption. Key success factors of GreenBox+ include cost effective treatment of the extract, being able to return consistent pulp quality to the paper machine with uninterrupted operation, and an effective energy integration of ethanol production with biopower. Hemicellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls, presents myriad opportunities ranging from power generation to biofuels such as ethanol, as well as the production of natural sugar-based value-added products. The GreenBox+ thermomechanical process solution with hemicellulose hydrolysis and extraction was developed using a staged and systematic collaborative development approach including full-scale trials. GreenBox+ pulping is currently being demonstrated at the Thomaston Biorefinery in Thomaston, Georgia, and the process is currently under construction in collaboration with leading equipment supplier and American Process Inc (API) partner Valmet. GreenBox+ technology is a variation of API’s technologies, which also include GreenPower+, GreenPower++ and GreenPower3+. These green technologies have wide applications in the renewable materials and fuels fields – ranging from corrugated pulp mills to pulp mill biomass boilers to 2G-ethanol production from cane.
September 2015
www.timberbiz.com.au
MULCHERS
Purpose-built mulcher line packed with features
C
USTOMERS ASKED for this machine ... it’s Rayco’s new C160 purpose-built mulcher line and, according to Australian distributor Global Machinery Sales chief Brian Evans, it will be available in Oz very soon. “With features such as a 160hp diesel engine, large cab with side-entry door, impressive mulcher lift height, and a hi-track undercarriage, the C160 is ideal for those who want a powerful mulcher in a compact chassis,” Brian said. The C160 weighs less than 18,000lbs and has an overall width of just 83-inches, making it easy to transport and nimble enough for operation on jobs where larger mulchers just don’t work. The C160 rides on a hitrack steel undercarriage with two-speed travel. The hitrack design promotes longer track life by reducing debris packing in the track chain and
keeps the drive components out of the hi-impact areas. Powerful final drives provide torque for climbing hills and allow the C160 to manoeuvre easily in difficult terrain. “Because it’s purposebuilt, the C160 is loaded with features operators appreciate. Loader-style lift arms provide a mulcher
lift height of 8-ft, making it easier for mulching taller vegetation. The spacious cab is equipped with a heated, air-ride suspension seat, and the rear fan is auto-reversing, reducing maintenance time. All gauges and controls are located on a large LCD display that includes a rearview camera,” he said.
For more information: www.globalmachinerysales.com.au/
C160 Tech Specs Weight with Winch and Mulcher Length with Winch and Mulcher Height
U.S
Metric
17,200 lb
7,801.8 kg
192.8”
489.7 cm
103”
261.6 cm
Width
83”
210.8 cm
Engine
160 hp Cummins
119 kW Cummins
Diesel
Diesel
20” Single Grouser
500 mm Single Grouser
72 gpm @ 5,070 psi, High Flow Pump
327 L/min @ 34,956 kPa, High Flow Pump
4.37 psi
30.1 kPa
3.8 mph / 1.9 mph
6.1 k/h / 3.1 k/h
FM160-6DR
FM160-6DR
2,350 lb
1,066 kg
Overall Width
83”
211 cm
Cutting Width
71”
180 cm
16.75”
42.55 cm
Gates Polychain GT
Gates Polychain GT
97.6”
247.9 cm
36
36
Fuel Type Track Shoe Hydraulic System Ground Pressure with Winch and Mulcher Travel Speed - High/Low Predator Mulcher Head - Standard Weight
Rotor Diameter Drive Belt Max Mowing Height Teeth www.timberbiz.com.au
Australian Forests & Timber News
Tough, Professional Tools Australia-wide delivery!
Cant & Peavey Hooks
Haglof Tree Calipers Strong, lightweight Swedish made aluminium tree calipers 40cm - $165, 50cm - $170 65cm - $180, 80cm - $220 102cm - $280 127cm - $310
US made Logrite Cant and Peavey hooks - aluminium handles stronger and easier to use than timber. 42” - $214, 60” - $245. Log stand to suit - $70
Spencer Logging Tapes Tough US made logging tapes 15m - $95, 25m - $115 30m + diameter - $154
Diameter/Girth Tapes
Large range of steel and fibreglass diameter tapes from $20
Tree Planting Equipment
Clinometers & Height Meters
Suunto Tandem Nikon Compass/Clino Forestry Pro $290 $580 Also stock Haglof Vertex IV/Laser, Haglof CI/ECII and Silva clinometers
Pro-Pruner
Swedish made Pottiputki tree planters Models 45/55/63/75 The most advanced New Zealand Kidney trays, planting belts, lopper available. Designed specifically Bushpro spades & Hamilton planters for lift pruning of pine & eucalypts. Up to 65mm cut - $225. Also Razorback, Felco & Barnel Tel: 02 9417 7751 Fax: 02 9417 7426
September 2015
Over 1600 products at
www.forestrytools.com.au or call for our 2015 catalogue
PO Box 870 Willoughby NSW 2068
33
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
Clearance Sale
Mt Beauty Timber Industries Pty Ltd is seeking to clear all sawmilling plant & equipment from our site at Mount Beauty in N/East Victoria. Most items priced under $20,000 List of items include; • Gibson Log Carriage with McKee Load Deck • Twin Circular Log B/Down Unit & Outfeed • Macsim Sizing Carriage with Loading Deck • 72” Klamath Band Saw • Isles Forge 54” Band Resaw & Roundabout • Grey Circular Saw Bench & Infeed • Sumner Multi Saw Edger • 48” Precision Chipper and Chip Screen • Twin Saw Board Dock/End Trim System • Board Unscrambler • Terex Log Loaders with Buckets • Armstrong Band Saw Sharpener & Tensioner • Sawdust Blowers & Cyclones • Stainless Steel Reconditioning Chamber • Ingersoll Rand SSR 2000 10L Air Compressor • Transfers, Rollcases, Trolleys, Blowers & more
MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED Once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a complete near new M.E.M. Sawmill in excellent condition. This mill was commissioned in 2005/2006 at a cost of $7,400,000.00
Forest Equipment Specialist
This Mill consists of the following:-
To view all items and prices visit our website at www.mtbeautytimber.com or contact Bruce on 0428 361497 or mbtimber@bigpond.com
FIREWOOD MILLS
For Information, please, call 0419-536 804 or email your postal address to info@firewoodmills.com.au
• Log docking system (in-line) with air conditioned control cabin • Rosser head debarking system (in-line) with air conditioned control cabin • Automated log step feeder • In-line log scanner • Teletwin with air conditioned control cabin • Full computerised cutting system • Cobra 6 multi saw edger (6 x moving saws) with air conditioned cabin • Comprehensive end trim docking system • Manual fault docker • Semi-automated sectional size stacking system • Comprehensive waste end with separation of sawdust via blower and solid waste through a screened Nicholson chipper • Full electrics including transformer, power distribution boards for large and small power • Full pneumatic system including champion 85kw rotary screw compressor with refrigerated dryer, receiver and air lines • CCTV system throughout the mill • Full set drawings and auto CAD disk for machinery and foundations • State of the art saw shop complete, inclusive of band, circular and tipped circular for maintaining, tensioning, sharpening and repair • Impressive array of spares and parts.
ALL THE ABOVE AND MORE FOR ONLY $1,500,000
Caterpillar 325C Excavator
Valmet 445EXL Feller Buncher
$55,000 inc. GST
$192,500 inc GST
Timberjack Skidder 460D
Hyundai R210LC-9 Excavator
$44,000 inc. GST
$108,000 inc. GST
Timberjack Skidder 560D
Hyundai R250LC-7HC
$70,000 inc. GST
$104,500 inc. GST
Hyundai R210LC-7 Excavator
Kobelco SK260LC-8
$72,500 inc. GST
$77,000 inc. GST
Valmet 425EX + Waratah HTH622B
Valmet 890.2 Forwarder
$148,500 inc. GST
$77,000 inc. GST
To view this mill on line please visit www.whittakersequipmentsale.com.au and watch this mill in action via the attached video link. For full list of plant and specifications of this mill please contact: Chris on (08) 9459 6877 – mobile 0409 083 977 or Geoff on (08) 9302 2022 – mobile 0409 302 200
New model Easy50 available now!
Different sizes of mills with optional feeding table and drum cleaner. Tractor, Diesel Power Pack or Electric Power Pack driven models.
FOR SALE - CHAINBAR OILS 200L - $286 + FREIGHT 1000L AVAILABLE (SAMPLES CAN BE SUPPLIED) MADE FROM GEAR OILS
PH: 0408 921 669
Australian Forests & Timber
Classifieds Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call Michael (03) 9888 4834 or email: m.dolphin@ryanmediapl.com.au
-BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY-
SAWMILL
A once in a lifetime opportunity to own an established and growing timber sawmill operation. It has an established customer base and efficient production facility located just one hour out of Melbourne. All the hard-work has been done by existing owners and the business is ready for an astute investor to reap the rewards. The business consists of adequate annual log volumes, land and buildings, sawmill and other general plant & equipment. The vendors offer this business for sale on a WIWO basis and the purchaser will be provided with suitable support and training. All enquiries treated with the strictest confidence and directed to;
Glenn Ingram Phillipsons Accounting PO Box 859, SALE, VICTORIA 3850 (03) 5144 4566
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
NOW in PRINT & ONLINE 34
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
www.timberbiz.com.au
Log on Today! FOR SALE
Visit www.timberbiz.com.au/dtn to sign up today.
Contact: Dindi Sawmill on (03) 5797 8349 or email: mcharvest@tpg.com.au Mobile: 0427 852 995 or 0427 652 993
- QUAD DOG SKEL TRAILER Reg'd No: N48223 / 2000 Kennedy / VIN: 6D9T25000Y2029189 Includes front set up with scales & cab guard $15,000.00 + GST
- 530B CAT SKIDDER Comes with grapple, motor done 3,800 hours Rebuilt / Trans 2,000 hours Rebuilt / Rear diff same $42,000.00 + GST
- FLAT TOW SKEL TRAILER Reg'd No: 78612S / 1990 Lewis VIN: 6D9T25RTAL2AP7001 Air suspension, spider wheels, in good order $10,000.00 + GST
- KENWORTH SAR 2010 Cummins EGR engine, 18 speed Road Ranger, Elphinstone Bogie Tri B double set - fitted with EBS & CTI - Serial no: 6F5000000AA443680 $225,000.00 + GST - V8 DIESEL MOTOR - TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 2008 / Engine No: 1VD0006115 / done 280,000 klms / No 6 injector not working, otherwise in good condition, serviced regularly $5000.00 + GST
Hardwood Tas Oak (Vic Ash)
- V8 DIESEL GEARBOX TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 2008 / 280,000 KLMS $1,800.00 + GST
- SIX ROD SUSPENSION Complete with SSHD housing, no centres / in good condition $2,000.00 ONO + GST
- ROAD RANGER Good condition, 18 speed, single overdrive, 16618 $3,800.00 + GST
Whittakers Timber Products at Greenbushes Western Australia has now completed all production on site, everything is now on the market and must be sold.
Mark Cornelius at markcorn@bigpond.net.au
Share your industry news.
If you have a news tip, give us a call. Call John Hudswell on 08 8369 9512 or send him an email at editorial@forestsandtimber.com.au
1 x band saw head rig and carriage 3 x one man bench saws 1 x 6 blade edger 3 x fault dockers Assorted green mill transfer decks, chain and spares Complete automated stacking line Comprehensive saw shop 1 x complete fulgrum 525HP chipping plant 4 x 120m3 HB conventional kilns (installed 2006) Kiln sawdust/thermal oil heating system 3 x Weinig 22B moulders including infeed/outfeed system 4 x manual up-cut fault dockers Assorted dry mill outfeed decks 2 x MPB endmatchers max width 150mm 1 x MPB endmatcher max width 200mm 1 x optimizing docker Grecon/Dimter 350 model Tool grinding shop, assorted heads and profiles Assorted dust extraction systems including cyclones and all pipe Assorted forklifts from 2.5ton to 17 ton (14 x machines in total) 4 x Loaders with log grabs, standard bucket and oversize chip bucket Compressors, air storage vessels, air line and refrigerated dryers
Huge inventory of smaller items
View our website www.whittakersequipmentsale.com.au or telephone Chris on (08) 9459 6877 – mobile 0409 083 977 or Geoff on (08) 9302 2022 – mobile 0409 302 200 www.timberbiz.com.au
Australian Forests & Timber News
September 2015
Australian Forests & Timber
Expressions of interest please contact
Complete near new 2006 MEM sawmill
NOW in PRINT & ONLINE
The Tas Oak Growers a group of private land owners of over 30,000 hectares in central Tasmania have available log supplies including up to 15,000m of cat 1 sawlog per annum. Also large quantities of lower grade logs/peelers and pulp/residue logs.
- CAT 3406B Motor just freshened up 4,000 hours ago, jake brake, brake saver / HP450 $7,500.00 + GST
Classifieds
View our website www.whittakersequipmentsale.com.au All plant & equipment is being offered at super low prices on an as is where is basis! The Company Directors say, “SELL IT ALL”
- D6C Stick shift, in good order, with root rake and rippers $35,000.00 + GST
- TK722 TIMBER KING 2005 New chains & rollers, new hydraulic cooler & hydraulic pump $130,000.00 + GST
Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call Michael (03) 9888 4834 or email: m.dolphin@ryanmediapl.com.au
LOG SUPPLY AVAILABLE
- TIMBCO FELLING HEAD Comes with lateral tilt $5,000.00 + GST - ROSIN 750 FELLING HEAD With broken arm $5,000.00 + GST
35
WELCOME TO THE CUTTING AGE A new era of harvesters. A new world of proactive effectiveness.
www.komatsuforest.com/cuttingage