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24 Saw Technology:

31 Operation Focus – Germany:

Buying a saw that takes care of the wood and minimises waste to produce an end product that fetches the maximum value is crucial in today’s market and tight margin environment

The Springer plant opens up new opportunities for German company, Schwaiger

34 Operation Focus – US:

30 Sawlines – Söderhamn Eriksson: Edging has often been considered a bottleneck in the sawing process, but this belongs to the past. newly developed edgeroptimizer operating at Bergene Holm in Nidarå, Norway has now reached a continuous capacity of 64 boards per minute

The Idaho Forest Group’s new HewSaw line is ready for installation

36 Sawlines – Lucidyne:

Vibrant Lucidyne ready for 2014 / 2015 opportunities

FEBR UA RY / MARC H 2 0 1 4 LUMBER PROCESSING

14 News

18 Appointments

20 World Markets

72 Advertising Index IFI Cover Feb_ma

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COVER: EWD’s FlyingBandSaw (FBS) technology EWD’s FlyingBandSaw (FBS) technology will boost the feed speed and performance of the bandsaw to new levels. The FBS systems replaces conventional pressure guide systems for the bandsaw tool with magnetic sawguides. The non-contact FBS active sawguide system returns more than 25% higher feed speeds with higher

cutting speeds and reduced stress on tools.

Intelligent magnets control the tool in the cut and facilitate substantially higher sawing accuracy. FBS technology can be installed on all EWD bandsaws, reducer bandsaw lines, band resaws or bandsaw headrigs (single or double-cut). www.ewd.de

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 | International Forest Industries 1

Tiger

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

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Harvesters: Improving the accessibility and serviceability of new harvester models is one of the major trends that has emerged from International Forest Industries’ 2014 review of harvester technology

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68

60 Access to the timber stand:

68 PrimeTech takes to clearing Ghana:

Providing access to the timber stand can be a time consuming task but a necessary evil before the important work of harvesting can be tackled. Thankfully, there are suppliers that specialise in making that process that little bit easier

APSD Ghana is currently undertaking a major project for the development of a biomass plantation area in Ghana that will engage the company for the next 20 years

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News

10 World Markets

70 Cutting Edge

72 Advertising Index

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OPERATION FOCUS ISSUE 38 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 583 emma@internationalforestindustries.com Annual Subscription UK and Europe £160, €230 Rest of the world US$270 EDITORIAL T: +44 (0)1442 877 583 F: +44 (0)1442 870 617 www.internationalforestindustries.com 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK Editorial Director John Chadwick john@internationalforestindustries.com Editor Chris Cann chris@internationalforestindustries.com Editorial Board Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit (Canada) Darren Oldham – Managing Director Söderhamn Eriksson (UK) Professor Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz – Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland) Andre de Freitas Forest Stewardship Council Head of Operations Eduardo Morales South American Forestry Consultant ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Advertising Manager Phil Playle phil@internationalforestindustries.com Group Advertising Manager David Lansdowne david@internationalforestindustries.com +44 (0)1442 87 77 77 Associate Editor Robin Peach robin@internationalforestindustries.com Advertising Production Enquiries Emma Smith emma@internationalforestindustries.com International Forest Industries is published

by International Forest Industries Ltd, 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK International Forest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is published monthly by International Forest Industries Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 and additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 © International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2014 IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout.

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

4 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Saw winners IFI has taken a fresh look at forest industries in acknowledgement of a more prominent lumber processing sub-sector

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technology innovations and applications. he more perceptive amongst you By the end of last year, the news flow would have noticed that from sawmill suppliers reached a point International Forest Industries is where it no longer made sense for IFI to starting to look a little different. The front continue in its current format, hence the of the magazine that carries general and change.

The concept is that our readers market news is no longer two sections – can now navigate through the magazine Sawpoints and World Markets – but four – clearly focusing on the news that affects Logging News, Lumber Processing News, them most.

The big difference is that the World Markets: Logging, and World activity in the lumber processing sector Markets: Lumber Processing. The body of now justifies at least half the column the magazine has also been segregated to inches in IFI. better define logging In the December-January and lumber processing edition we carried dedicated features.

The big difference features on USNR, EWD, WoodThis is not a whim or is that the activity Mizer and Heinola. This edition a redesign but a has even greater coverage of response to the market. in the lumber the lumber processing subIt’s no secret that sector with our annual Saw processing sector since 2008 sawmills Technology review along with have struggled. This now justifies at least sawline installation and inconveniently coincided technology updates from half the column with the global launch of Lucidyne, HewSaw, Microtec, IFI. As such, we have inches in IFI Söderhamn and Springer. generally found it far Also in this edition we have easier to work with the our annual review of Harvester logging and biomass sub-sectors of the technology and take a look at the forestry business, which have found life machines that provide Access to the easier. The sawmilling sub-sector for Timber Stand.

This is of course on top of several years was forced to lay low and usual selection of general industry news, concentrate on the basics as it weathered market news, and product releases. the storm. Public relations through Our aim is to provide the best and most magazines were low on the agenda for comprehensive coverage of the key most and that was reflected in the news technologies and issues that are relevant flow. The news that did come through was to forest industries inclusive of lumber worked into IFI around more prominent processing, logging and biomass.

That is logging features and general forestry what is driving us and that is what we feel news. we have achieved with our new format.

This started to change a couple of years The most important point is, obviously, ago. In late 2011-early 2012, the that our readership agrees. And so I invite sawmilling world reached something of an anyone with any feedback to please get in inflection point as consolidation in the touch. sub-sector and the slow pick-up in demand for sawn wood products started Enjoy, to deliver fatter profit margins to businesses. Investments in new products Chris Cann were being made once more. Sawmill suppliers were reaching out to discuss

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LOGGING NEWS

Ponsse Scorpion wins Fennia Prize Grand Prix In late January, the Ponsse Scorpion harvester was granted the Fennia Prize Grand Prix of industrial design. The jury praised Ponsse for its long-term use of design, several new design solutions and user input in the product development of the new harvester “The Scorpion is a totally new kind of a forest machine,” Ponsse said. “Its advanced technical solutions and user friendly design take harvesting productivity and driver 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.”

Development work for the Scorpion started in 2009 with a goal of “manufacturing a forest machine with no compromise in regard to machine operability, productivity or maintainability”.

Every year, Ponsse forest machines are used for harvesting almost 80,000,000 m3 of wood in extremely difficult conditions, in about 40 countries; ranging from the icy Siberia to the hot weather in Brazil. Customers demand reliability and quality from machines, but also the look of the product is increasingly important, according to the manufacturer.

“It is easier to get professional drivers for Ponsse machines because their modern design language stands out from the rest,” the company stated. “The best forest machines in the world must also have the best look.”

The design of a forest machine not only refers to its look. Appropriate design is pivotal to operability. Driver ergonomics and ease of use are emphasised in demanding harvesting, where a high tech

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 solutions.

Harvesting on the terms of the driver and the environment The Fennia Prize design competition takes place every second year and is organised by Design Forum Finland, Fennia and Elo. The award ceremony was also attended by forest machine entrepreneurs, Aki and Kai Laaja from Metsä-Multia to provide information about the Scorpion’s development work and operability from a customer perspective. The harvesting company, based in Central Finland, has been one of the customers most

extensively involved in the product development work.

“The driver of Scorpion has unrestricted visibility to the working area when the crane boom does not prevent visibility,” Aki and Kai Laaja said. “This makes the driver’s work essentially easier and improves harvesting quality – it is easier to choose the trees to be removed, the machine need not be moved from place to place for no reason, and remaining trees are not damaged. [The] Scorpion is very steady to drive. With it, difficult locations can be reached, too, and the operator workload is clearly smaller.”

The product development of the Scorpion has also been guided by environmental friendliness, the significance of which is emphasised on an increasing number of industrial harvesting

markets. The Scorpion is more environmentally friendly as a result of its maintenance intervals, which are longer than usual (less waste oil and other maintenance waste), the new, low-emission Euromot 4F engine technology and the harvester’s low surface pressure levels, which are reached as the harvester’s weight is divided evenly onto eight wheels.

The Scorpion was first introduced at the Elmia Wood 2013 trade fair in Sweden.

The serial manufacturing of Scorpion was launched at the beginning of the year and it has been received in a recordbreaking way by the market.

This year, the Scorpion will be introduced on a harvesting show tour in Finland and in nine new markets.

6 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

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Pro

LOGGING NEWS

Logset’s TOC-MD approved by KWF Björn Urbanke from KWF carried out a HKS test with assistance from a team from Logset, consisting of Jouni Kytövaara and Timo Aikala, as well as Juha Yli-Hemminki from Exertus

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he test included control of the bucking. The bucking instruction is in line with the German HKS. The trees are felled and processed and the logs are control measured. The result that the measuring device has registered is then compared to the control measuring. The measuring device is tested to make sure it stacks up to the

Juha Yli-Hemminki (left) demonstrates the functions of the measuring device to Björn Urbanke from the German KWF organization (above)

HKS standard and that the calibration is working. The bark parameter reduction must be done according to the German model and the hardware, software and the print-outs are analysed.

Logset was proud to reveal that its TOC-MD measuring device passed the test with “a good result”.

The test was done with a second-hand Logset harvester, meaning all Logset harvesters equipped with the TOC-MD system can fulfill the HKS requirements. The only thing that might be required is a software update.

Meanwhile, Logset has established a new Polish dealer, BÓBR SC, located in Bialystok. The company has a long history of forestry machines and has already sold its first Logset harvester, an 8H GT. In January, BÓBR visited the Logset factory in Koivulahti and

Control measuring of the mid diameter according to the German HKS standard

On the picture from the left Maciej Jackowski (mechanic/salesman, BÓBR), Pascal Rety (Export Sales Director, Logset), Kimmo Västi (Area Sales Manager, Baltic Countries, Logset), Esa Rantala (CEO, Logset), Andrzej Gudalewski (President/CEO, BÓBR) and Grzegorz Jackowski (President/CEO, BÓBR)

for a series of discussions and less than a month later, Logset has welcomed the dealer as

a new business partner and “looks forward to a fruitful cooperation”.

John Deere introduces new value-priced Telematics Solutions for all makes of stationary and mobile equipment MOLINE, Illinois (March 5, 2014) – John Deere’s userfriendly JDLink™ machine monitoring system is now available for all makes of stationary and mobile forestry equipment with two new Universal Telematics subscription levels. JDLink Locate and JDLink Express boast value-priced hardware and subscription costs.

“JDLink Locate and JDLink Express allow logging professionals to track and protect all pieces of equipment on their jobsites with the same JDLink application they use for the rest of their John Deere machines,” said

Tom Trone, director of global WorkSight Solutions, John Deere Construction & Forestry.

“The hardware can be installed on both powered and nonpowered assets and will keep companies informed on location, help protect jobsite assets, and boost profits.”

JDLink Locate allows a logger to access asset location and set-up a geofence around a machine, so they can be alerted if it travels outside the virtual boundary. The hardware features an internal battery, so it can be easily installed with screws or adhesive on anything that needs to be tracked. The only mounting requirement is a

clear view of the sky.

JDLink Express includes these same machine location and geofence features, and adds distance traveled and engine hours so loggers can track utilization and schedule periodic maintenance. JDLink Express also lets a logger “ping” the machine for real-time data updates. Two different hardware options cover everything from lightduty trucks to skid steers to heavy-duty haulers.

Both JDLink Locate and JDLink Express provide easy remote access to machines through a single, simple-touse website. Alerts are sent

via email or text message, and escalation logic enables additional contacts to be added to receive alerts in the event one is not acknowledged during a preset time period.

JDLink Express information can also be viewed in the JDLink mobile app for Apple iOS or Android devices. To learn more about how JDLink can help optimize your business, visit JohnDeere.com/worksight or contact your local dealer.

8 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

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Morba

LOGGING NEWS

Interforst 2014 prioritises forest IT

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igital and networked worlds are fundamental to improving performance and efficiency in the economy – this is an area in which forestry still offers great potential, according to the organisers of Interforst 2014. Interforst 2014 will deal with this topic at a dedicated event ‘eForest – IT Diversity in the Forest’. Here, the whole digital logistics chain is on display, from the app for the private forest owner up to the state-of-the-art photo-optical measurement procedure.

The smartphone has almost become indispensable today, particularly the e-mail and web functions. But what is the situation with respect to special apps for forestry? In the last few years, many IT developers have dedicated

themselves to this special area. In the meantime there are apps allowing forest visitors to determine the flora and fauna or hunters to mark their raised hides on a digital map. There are apps for measuring and documenting timber stacks. Apps help rescue teams give first aid to casualties and facilitate the battle against forest fires. The smartphone may even become a measuring instrument for the forest enterprise and foresters can compile their timber lists directly by means of this handy device.

Digital data recording avoids the effort involved in entering data on a computer.

This offers great potential

for savings, and the risk of transmission errors is minimised. More and more well-known work tools and machines are equipped with sensors that record data, and IT interfaces by means of which this data can be read out.

To ensure smooth communication between different systems, a uniform data standard such as ELDAT, for example, must be used. That is exactly the topic to which IT developers have attached great importance in the last few years.

“As a result of the widespread use of mobile end devices, the number of mobile forestry applications continues to rise,” Marketing

and Consulting Manager of WASP-Logistik, Ursula Fendel, said. “The users of our forest logistics software expect of us that they can transmit the data recorded using their mobile devices to the software without difficulty. This will only be possible through a uniform data standard even in future.”

Organised by the Board of Trustees for Forestry Work and Technology (KWF), the eForest special show will be in hall B6, forming a marketplace where apps from all areas of forestry are displayed.

These apps can be tested.

Furthermore, a great number of photo-optical measurement procedures are presented there. The developers of the respective hard- and software are available for a professional exchange.

It’s snowing wood pellets in America It’s snowing wood pellets in America, well, almost – it’s snowing heaps in North America this winter and at the same time wood pellet production is soaring for the export market. Wood pellet export volumes from North America to Europe continued to rise during the second quarter of last year, representing steady growth for the past seven quarters, according to data compiled by Wood Resource International (WRI) and reported in the North American Wood Fibre Review (NAWFR). In that period of time, volumes exported to Europe

have more than doubled, from just over 500,000 t in the third quarter of 2011 to over 1.1 Mt in the second quarter of 2013 (nb: the most current trade data is available to subscribers of the NAWFR).

Most of the increase in exports over the past two years has been from the US South, while exports from the other major supply region, British Columbia, have been growing at a fairly modest rate since early 2011. In the June term last year, pellet volumes exported from Canada were nearly static from the previous quarter, which was a

16 - 20 JULY 2014 MESSE MUNCHEN

reflection of a pellet- producing sector running at close to full operating rate and with limited investment in new capacity planned for the past few years.

With additional capacity in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, pellet exports from Canada will probably expand significantly in the coming year. To date, Canada’s share of the total exports from North America accounted for 38% in the second quarter, which was down substantially from 62% just two years ago.

In the US South, pellet export volumes in the second quarter last year increased 16% from the previous quarter to just over 700,000 t. In the second half of 2013, pellet trade data will also reflect additional shipments from US Gulf Coast ports in Texas and Alabama, because new plants have started their commercial

operations in the third quarter last year, as reported in the NAWFR (www.woodprices. com).

The United Kingdom has emerged as the major importer of pellets exported from North America. However, pellet shipments from North America into the UK likely peaked in the second quarter last year, as RWE’s major biomass power plant in Tilbury shut down in August 2013. Power plants using pellets in the UK are still on track to increase their volumes consumed over the next several years, but the ramp-up may not continue as smoothly as has been seen in the past two years.

10 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

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WORLD MARKETS – LOGGING

Light at the end of the tunnel for forwarders after poor 2013 The number of forwarders registered in 2013 ended up at a record low, according to figures from Elmia. As few machines were registered last year as in the crisis year of 2009. The market shrank by 23%, or almost a quarter, compared with 2012. But many people are now seeing signs that a brighter future is on the horizon.

Komatsu and Gremo are the only companies that did not have fewer registered machines in 2013 than in 2012. Komatsu thereby increased its market share to 24.5%. All other manufacturers lost market share. Ponsse experienced the biggest decline, with a drop to 10.9%.

The manufacturers say that the decline had already begun in the autumn of 2012 with a fall in orders but this first became visible at the beginning of 2013 when their machines were delivered and registered. After Elmia Wood 2013 registrations increased for a few months but then declined again to the crisis levels.

“This is the lowest registration number we’ve measured in the nine years

we’ve been compiling registration statistics for forwarders. The total is one machine less than in the crisis year of 2009,” Torbjörn Johnsen, Marketing Director at Elmia, said.

Komatsu, which defied the trend and retained its sales level, launched its new Comfort Ride cab suspension last year, an option with widespread appeal.

“Nine of 10 forwarders sold in Sweden are equipped with Comfort Ride,” Peter Hasselryd, Sales Manager for Komatsu Forest in Sweden, said. “We also launched a totally new complete forwarder programme during the year and we upgraded the engines for lower fuel consumption, which in turn leads to considerably better fuel economy.”

He added that Elmia Wood had a direct and visible impact on Komatsu’s sales: “Yes, we were extremely pleased. It was especially in the second half of the year that we had orders and deliveries. This trend continued all autumn.”

He also believes that the future will see more of the same: “I believe we have the

John Deere introduces mobile hydraulics and circular saw options on 437D Knuckleboom Loaders John Deere recently introduced Mobile Hydraulics and Circular Saw options on 437D Knuckleboom Loaders. These new options expand the capabilities of John Deere’s current 437D Knuckleboom

Loader by allowing loggers to power a circle saw, selfpropelled trailer, or both.

Circle-saw hydraulics enable loggers to run a circle-saw attachment and quickly cross cut numerous stems to length.

bottom behind us now. There’s no doubt that 2014 will be a better year.”

Rolf Andersson, Chief Executive Officer of Rottne Industri, shares this belief in improved sales this year: “The overall economic situation for both pulp and sawn timber has been very depressed and that leads to lower investments in both forwarders and harvesters. Things are now looking brighter and if the forest industry can pick up a bit of momentum then it’s also easier to invest.”

Ponsse is also noticing increased interest. “The order situation is much better now

than this time last year,” Eero Lukkarinen, Managing Director, Ponsse Sweden, said.

He pointed to the uncertain situation for contractors as a factor that caused the lull in forwarder sales in 2013.

“The forestry companies have short contracts, which leads to delayed investments. But now we’re seeing that things are starting to move in the market for used machines, and then sales of new machines also tend to follow along and increase. We’re seeing a clear demand both in Sweden and abroad, so we hope that 2014 will be better.”

The mobile hydraulics option accommodates self-propelled trailers, allowing operators to easily move the Knuckleboom Loaders around the jobsite on their own. “At John Deere, our goal is to provide today’s loggers with the flexibility they need to keep their operations running.

We added the Mobile Hydraulics and Circle Saw options so our customers can

use Knuckleboom Loaders to their fullest potential, and keep their other machines productive,” said Cliff Caudill, Manager, Product Marketing, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “These options make our 437D Knuckleboom Loaders, which are already known for their durability, extremely versatile forest machines.”

12 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

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WORLD MARKETS – LOGGING

Log markets show strong start to 2014 This year has started on a positive note across the log markets with CNF (cost net freight) prices increasing across most markets and freight rates easing slightly since December

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n the benchmark China market, inventories have reduced over the last month and are now less than 2 million m3 across the major log ports. At recent rates of consumption, this equates to only 5-6 weeks inventory, which is low enough to maintain pricing tension during what is normally a period of slowing sales heading into Chinese New Year.

The first two weeks of February are expected to see off-port logs sales decline to less than 50% of the current rate at circa 45,000 m3/day, with the holiday period starting officially on the 31st of January. The earlier than normal Chinese holiday period is lining up well with reduced early January vessel loadings from New Zealand due to the Christmas shutdown. Even with the inevitable reduction in market activity, it looks increasingly likely that the upcoming holiday period will have only a minimal impact on export log supply.

The continuing upward trend in log demand is in turn supporting steadily increasing CNF prices. While the upcoming holiday period will take some heat out of this situation, market fundamentals are looking good currently.

While reports indicate China’s economic growth is slowing with a current GDP rate of 7.5%, demand for housing is strong, with prices rising due to ongoing urbanisation and also a lack of alternative investment options.

A steady increase in the number of domestic forests being locked up for conservation measures is limiting domestic log supply, with this impact primarily benefiting radiata imports with these being the lowest cost import option for sawmillers looking to substitute dwindling domestic log availability. As the actual domestic harvest levels are very hard to gauge, any reduction is equally hard to measure, and is only recognised through increased demand for imports. This is the case in South China currently where radiata is the only imported softwood species and is in increasingly strong demand.

Aggregate Chinese demand for imported softwood is forecast to increase by around 5% for 2014, which equates to circa 3 million m3 in roundwood equivalent.

Supply of SPF lumber from Canada remains strong at more than 700,000m3/

some upward movement in lumber prices. month despite talk of reduced volumes due PNW douglas fir in Japan is in strong to beetle damaged forest harvest levels demand from an upturn in construction reducing. The reality is the average price activity with upward price pressure of SPF has increased due to a dwindling continuing from the US domestic side due supply of the lower quality grades and to a recent rally in US domestic log pricing. lower priced beetle damaged lumber.

In Korea, initial data for 2013 indicates The reduction in these ‘economy’ grades, that total imported softwood volume especially in the preferred 2x4 dimension increased about 400,000 JAS from 2012. is helping to maintain log prices and The increase is spread by approximately demand at levels at current high levels.

300,000 JAS from New Zealand and In Japan, the packaging market 100,000 JAS from USA. The increase in continues to struggle with the ongoing volume was driven from the packaging depreciating Japanese Yen. However sector, and corresponds with the strong increased domestic Sugi prices and Rayco ad febmar 11:33 Page manufacturing/export sector.1 reduced seasonal supply2014_Layout may allow for 1 20/02/2014

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Changing of the guard at EWD EWD Board Chairman André Fey has moved away from the operational side of the business after 14 very successful years at the helm. Herbert Oppenborn, who joined the EWD board as Director of Engineering in November 2011, has taken on the role of Managing Director.

“Oppenborn will continue working hard to expand the market position of EWD with innovative new products and further improvements on customer focus,” the sawline company stated. “This applies specifically to EWD’s position with forward

The advantages of the Flying Bandsaw technology • Relieving the saw blade of stress through conventional pressure guides allows introduction of higher saw strain and higher saw speeds • The exact tracking of the bandsaw blade as it passes through the lumber is achieved by the magnetic forces of the FBS technology • This allows for substantially higher feed speeds • The results are constant accurate sizing and notably higher production • The FBS Technology achieves excellent production results in summer and winter operation.

Herbert Oppenborn (right) will be the Managing Director of EWD as from 1st of February 2014. André Fey, the current chairman of the board, will be available as advisor to EWD in the future

looking medium sized sawmills, [that] are relying more and more on a partner providing custom made solutions for their quite often individual and complex tasks.”

André Fey will continue advising and supporting the company.

Meanwhile, EWD had been certified as a ‘Bluecompetence’ company.

‘Bluecompetence’ stands for the “innovation and technology leadership of the machinery and plant engineering companies, providing sustainable solutions”. The label honours members,

participants and partners of the initiative on the basis of verifiable criteria as a provider of life quality improving, environmentally friendly, energy and resource efficient, as well as market conforming, solutions.

“As member of this initiative we provide our contribution to the optimum utilisation of saw logs,” the company said. “The Flying Bandsaw technology, the active saw guide system with intelligent magnets, plays an important role.”

Canfor to sell Daaquam Sawmill in Quebec Canfor Corporation has entered into a letter of intent with Groupe Lebel Inc. to sell the Daaquam sawmill located in Saint-Just-deBretenières, Quebec, Canada. The transaction is expected to close at the end of March, 2014 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the execution of a formal agreement. The Daaquam mill produced 120 million board feet of lumber in 2013.

Don Kayne, CEO of Canfor said, “Daaquam was sold because it was not core to our Western Canadian operations.

Groupe Lebel is a well respected company and Daaquam is a good strategic fit for it. We wish Groupe Lebel and all the employees of the Daaquam mill good luck in the future.”

The proceeds of sale of the Daaquam sawmill and working capital combined with the sale of other associated properties related to Daaquam to other third parties are expected to amount to approximately $25 million.

Don Kayne, CEO of Canfor

Canfor is a leading integrated forest products company based in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) with operations in BC, Alberta, North and South Carolina and Alabama. Canfor produces primarily softwood lumber, and also produces bleached chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp and specialized wood products.

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Patented Board Tracking System Lucidyne’s True-Q tracks boards using no ink or paint — it uses the board’s unique fingerprint to confirm identification!

After going through GradeScan, this board (#209850) was out of order by 5 boards when it got to the lug chain.

True-Q was able to match it with a confidence of 99.9%, even though the board was also upside down!

Learn more: www.Lucidyne.com

GradeScan True-Q

Idaho Forest Group was pleased with their first two Lucidyne GradeScan installations and bought two more! These will be installed in other Idaho mills to grade Dimension and Appearance lumber of multiple species. Each of these mills will also take advantage of Lucidyne’s patented True-Q... their Lewiston plant uses two True-Qs to track lumber from one GradeScan to two separate sorters!

Lampe & Malphrus Lumber Co. just finished its GradeScan start-up (early February 2014) and is expecting improvements in recovery and value. They too, are relying on True-Q to track boards—without the use of ink or paint!

Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. phone: 541-753-5111 • fax: 541-766-8444 • e-mail: info@lucidyne.com 155 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis, OR 97333 • www.lucidyne.com

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Söderhamn Eriksson racks up one-and-a-half centuries

I

n 2014, one of Sweden’s leading manufacturers of sawmill machinery celebrates its 150th anniversary. Since 1864, Söderhamn Eriksson has designed, built and delivered individual machines and complete systems for sawmills.

Today, it is a global supplier with customers all over the world.

In 1864, CF Jäderberg established manufacturing facilities and a foundry in the Swedish town of Söderhamn and delivered its first framesaw sawmill soon after. Thirty years later, AK Eriksson started his manufacturing of saw benches in the south Swedish village of Mariannelund. The two businesses evolved in parallel and began a close cooperation during the 1970s.

In 2000, the then Söderhamns Verkstäder and AK Eriksson merged to form Söderhamn Eriksson. The group is headquartered in Sweden and has subsidiaries in Canada, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Poland

and Russia. Its focus lies on tailor-made processing plants with high availability and yield from every log processed.

“Söderhamn Eriksson is a technology-driven company,” Söderhamn Eriksson’s Chief Executive, Henrik Lefvert, said.

Our aim is to increase customer profitability by implementing solutions for optimum raw material utilisation. Finding solutions for our customers’ needs is – and always has been – our first priority.”

Investment has intentionally been aimed at product development and is one of the main reasons for Söderhamn Eriksson’s successes. The company is behind many technical solutions that have developed the sawmill industry worldwide. Historical landmarks include the reducer bandsaw and the chipper canter.

The Cambio debarker was launched in 1951 and remains a very strong and well known trademark. To date, Söderhamn Eriksson has delivered 6,500 Cambio systems around the globe.

CEO Henrik Lefvert

Söderhamn Eriksson keeps investing heavily in product development. A strategic decision to retain its manufacturing operations at its own facilities ensures complete quality and process control.

“Another success factor is our global presence with local competence and service,” Lefvert said. “We are a long-term partner who is always at our customers’ side.

Söderhamn Eriksson has a stable, reliable ownership, and our activity is characterized by optimism.

“We believe in the future of sawn timber.”

Setra Invests in Nyby Sawmill Setra has decided to upgrade the existing trimmer at Nyby sawmill in Sweden. The investment includes brand new machinery, a new cutting system and installation of automated sorting. The investment is part of the efficiency improvement programme underway at Setra designed to further strengthen the wood products company’s competitiveness.

“With this investment we will be able to raise our

productivity while adapting to future demands for the product we work with,” says Karl Pontus Larsson, Mill Manager at Nyby sawmill.

“We will rebuild large parts of the trimmer with new machines and control systems at the same time as we convert to automated sorting. The equipment we have today dates from the mid-1980s and has done us well but this investment will provide a significant improvement,” says

Larsson.

The work will be carried out in cooperation with ScanWare which will supply a BoardMaster NOVA and CGV (C. Gunnarssons Verkstads AB) which will deliver the machinery and control system.

The investment is planned to go into operation in the 4Q 2014.

“Here at Nyby sawmill we are very pleased to be given this opportunity. Once this investment is completed we

will be able to supply an even better product for many years ahead,” says Larsson.

Setra Nyby, which is located in Björklinge just north of Uppsala, Sweden, is a specialised redwood sawmill with approximately 70 employees. The Setra Group has a total of nine sawmills, three processing units and two modular building factories.

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

CatchMark makes a Mark in Georgia and East Texas CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. announced an agreement to purchase 36,340 acres of timberland (known as the Waycross-Panola properties) located in Southeast Georgia and East Texas from Hancock Timber Resource Group for approximately $74 million.

The transaction, CatchMark’s first acquisition since its successful initial underwritten public offering last December, is expected to close during the second quarter and is anticipated to be accretive to cash flow for calendar year 2014.

Under terms of the Springer ad _feb_mar2014_Layout agreement, CatchMark would 1

acquire approximately 1.45 million tons of merchantable timber inventory and increase the share of higher value chip-n-saw and sawtimber in its product mix. The inventory comprises 84% pine plantations by acreage and 54% sawtimber by tons.

The Georgia properties, located near Baxley (Waycross), and the East Texas properties (Panola) combined are expected to add approximately 180,000 to 200,000 tons per year to CatchMark’s harvest volumes over the next decade.

The Waycross-Panola 14/02/2014 07:05 Page 1 properties are situated

exclusively in the core U.S. South timber region in highly competitive wood markets, accessible to some of the best mill markets in the country, which will diversify CatchMark’s customer base.

The properties feature above-average productivity characteristics -Waycross, in particular, registers inventory growth rates approximately 50% higher than average U.S. South timberlands.

The transaction will be financed through CatchMark’s credit facility. Jerry Barag, CatchMark’s President and

CEO, said: “The pending transaction is indicative of expeditiously implementing our strategy to make selective and accretive acquisitions of prime forest land with substantial harvest inventory, which will grow the company’s cash flow and enhance our ability to increase dividends over time.”

The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions and approval by the investment committee of Hancock Natural Resource Group on or before March 20, 2014.

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MIcro

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS – APPOINTMENTS

SCA Timber Supply UK Holmen names Fredrik Holgersson new mill manager appoints Tony Kenny as at Braviken paper mill in new director Sweden Tony Kenny has joined SCA are delighted Fredrik Holgersson will be the new mill manager at Holmen Paper’s Braviken Paper Mill outside Norrköping, Sweden.

He will replace Rikard Wallin, who is moving on to a new role in the marketing department.

The changes will apply from 1 April.

Fredrik Holgersson is currently responsible for Operations & Logistics in Holmen Paper’s marketing department. He will be taking over the helm of Braviken Paper Mill in an exciting but challenging period. “Braviken has undergone major organisational changes as it adapts to a tough market climate. At the same time we are carrying out proactive product development work to improve profitability. I’m really looking forward to becoming

part of the skilled team that will take the mill into the future,” says Fredrik Holgersson. “In Fredrik, Braviken gains not only one of our most experienced and analytical people at the helm, but also a skilled leader with the ability to see to that the people around him achieve their full potential,” says Holmen’s incoming President and CEO Henrik Sjölund.

Fredrik Holgersson replaces Rikard Wallin, who will take over responsibility for Holmen Paper’s increasingly important International Sales. Rikard is also taking over responsibility for Market Intelligence.

Södra appoints Annica Gerentz as Director of Communications Annica Gerentz has been appointed as Sodra’s new Director of Communications and will be taking up her post on 1 May. She will be a member of Södra’s Group Management team and will report to Group President and CEO Lars Idermark.

Annica Gerentz has an MBA from the University of Stockholm and wide-ranging communication and leadership experience. She joins Södra from Neuman & Nydahl in Stockholm, where she has been working as a management consultant. Before that she spent eleven years at construction and property development company NCC

as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Group Management member 2004-2011. Annica Gerentz also worked in the media for many years, principally as a business journalist. She has worked for Dagens Industri, Nyhetsbyrån Direkt and Börsveckan, where she was also Managing Director.

Magnus Berg, who is Södra’s current Director of Members and Communications, will continue in his role as Director of Members and Group Management member.

18 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

Timber Supply UK as Group Procurement & Supply Chain Director. Tony has been with SCA on an interim management basis since early November and will now take up his new position on the UK Board.

Tony will be responsible for Procurement, Quality, Safety, Distribution and Operations at the office in Stoke-on-Trent.

He brings with him 25 years of experience in diverse supply chain. SCA Managing Director John Griffiths comments: “We

to have secured someone of Tony’s experience who will assist us in making efficiency improvements to our entire supply chain.” SCA Timber Supply’s operations include a distribution centre in Stokeon-Trent, a planing facility in Welshpool and wholesale operations in Hull.

Jarle Roth nominated as new chair of the Board of Directors in Norske Skog The members of the electionand remuneration committee of Norse Skog unanimously recommend that Jarle Roth takes over as new chair of the board of Norske Skog.

Eivind Reiten has informed the committee that he will not seek re-election. Mr. Reiten has been chair since 2009.

“Jarle Roth has extensive leadership and board experience from Norwegian and international industrial and financial companies.

Through his position as CEO of Eksportkreditt, and former positions as deputy CEO in the Umoe group and CEO of Unitor, Roth has played a central role in strategy development, portfolio management and operational improvement processes. Jarle satisfies the election- and remuneration committee’s requirements for a new chairman who will continue and strengthen the positive development of Norske Skog,” said the committee’s chair Dag J. Opedal. Jarle Roth is currently a board member of

Multiconsult AS and Enova SF. Roth has previously been a board member of companies including Kvernland ASA, Awilco Offshore ASA Grieg Shipping Group AS and Aibel AS. The election- and remuneration committee in Norske Skog recommend, in addition to Jarle Roth as chair of the board, Karin Bing Orgland as a new member of the board. Karin Bing Orgland is chair of the board and senior partner in Berghammeren AS. She has extensive management experience from the DNB Group, where she has been part of the corporate management and held positions including executive vice president with responsibility for retail and corporate customers in Norway.

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LUMBER PROCESSING - WORLD MARKETS

RusForest sells Boguchany Forestry RusForest AB recently announced the sale of the non-core Boguchany Forestry sawmill in Eastern Siberia for $8 million. The Company has also agreed to sell the related Boguchany harvesting company for $5.8 million. After repayment of the Boguchany harvesting and sawmilling debts, RusForest expects to receive a total net amount of $4 million in cash.

RusForest has sold the Boguchany sawmill, Boguchansky LPK, in the Krasnoyarsk region for $8 million. The Boguchany sawmill has an annual capacity of 120,000 cubic meters of

sawnwood. The net cash received by RusForest after repayment of the sawmill’s debts will be approximately $1.5 million. The Company has already received a cash prepayment of $1.5 million from the buyer.

RusForest has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to sell the related Boguchany harvesting company, RusForest Angara LLC, to the same buyer for $5.8 million. The harvesting company holds forestry leases with 748,400 cubic meters of annual allowable cut (“AAC”).

The sale of the harvesting company is expected to close

on or around September 30, 2014. The net cash received

by RusForest after repayment of the harvesting company’s debts is expected to be approximately $2.5 million.

The Boguchany operations continue to operate at a loss due to the lack of adequate rail logistics in the area and the absence of a nearby pulp mill for the sawmill’s residual products.

The sale of the Boguchany unit reduces RusForest’s loss-making operations and allows management to focus on improving the Company’s remaining core operations.

Following the sale, RusForest

has total sawmilling capacity of 210,000 cubic meters of sawnwood and forestry leases with approximately 2.6 million cubic meters of AAC. Matti Lehtipuu, the Company’s Group CEO, commented, “We are very pleased to sell the Boguchany forestry assets in order to stop burning cash there and to increase our likelihood of achieving positive cash flow later this year.”

The sale of the Boguchany unit is expected to result in an impairment of approximately $35 million in the 2013 yearend financials to be released on March 31, 2014.

Stora Enso enjoys sales boost The Finnish company Stora Enso is relishing slight improvement in the sales figures in its Building and Living division. The figures obtained in the sales figures in the fourth quarter of 2013 resulted to 1.203m m3.

At the same time, turnover increased year on year to roughly €466m. Significantly

brisker demand resulted in the main product segments in steady, and in some cases slightly higher, selling prices.

As a result, both the operating EBITDA, at €30m, and the EBIT, at €19m, improved substantially.

This revival in the sales figures will definitely help Stora Enso back its plans of the

current investment in Murow Sawmill. The company plans to invest Euro 28 million in modernising and developing Murow sawmill in Poland to increase its capacity and improve its competitiveness.

Stora Enso is rethinking its geographical mix as part of its transformation into a renewable materials company.

The investment in Murow sawmill will develop Stora Enso’s wood product offering in the growing Central and Eastern European markets.

Stora Enso will also utilise the platform in Poland to support growth in selected overseas markets.

Interfor completes Tolleson acquisition International Forest Products Limited (“Interfor”) has completed the acquisition of Tolleson Lumber Company (“Tolleson”) of Perry, Georgia, from Ilim Timber Continental, SA. Immediately following the closing, Paul Herbert, who retired recently as the CEO of Ilim Group, a company indirectly affiliated with Ilim Timber, was appointed to Interfor’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Herbert will stand for

election as a director of the Company at Interfor’s Annual General Meeting in May. The addition of Tolleson’s two sawmills in Perry and Preston and a remanufacturing facility in Perry makes Interfor one of the five largest lumber producers in North America, and the largest in Georgia.

To accommodate its growth in the US Southeast, Interfor has appointed George T. Georgiev, the President of Tolleson since 2012, as

Regional Vice President, Georgia. He will report to Joe Rodgers, Interfor’s Senior Vice President, US Operations, and will provide leadership for Interfor’s six mills in Georgia, including wood procurement.

The Company also announced plans to open an office in Peachtree City, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, to serve as a hub for its operations in the US Southeast.

Total consideration paid by

Interfor for Tolleson amounted to $129.9 million in cash and retained liabilities plus 3.68 million of the Company’s Class A Subordinate Voting Shares.

Interfor is a growthoriented lumber company with operations in Canada and the United States. The Company has annual production capacity of 2.6 billion board feet.

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LUMBER PROCESSING - WORLD MARKETS

Comact ad feb_mar 2014_Layout 1 21/02/2014 17:18 Page 1

West Fraser acquires Travis Lumber Company’s sawmill operations in Mansfield, Arkansas

Ted Seraphim, President and CEO

West Fraser has acquired Travis Lumber Company’s sawmill and lumber manufacturing operations based in Mansfield, Arkansas. Travis Lumber has operated at the site since 1988 and the mill produced more than 100 million board feet of lumber in 2013. West Fraser plans to invest additional capital in the mill to expand annual production capacity to approximately 150 million board feet.

“We are delighted with this growth opportunity in the U.S. South and we welcome our new employees to the West Fraser organization,” said Ted Seraphim, West Fraser’s President and CEO. West Fraser currently owns and operates two sawmills in Arkansas as well as sawmills in neighbouring Texas and Louisiana. West Fraser is an integrated wood products company producing lumber, wood chips, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp and newsprint.

The Company has operations in western Canada and the southern United States.

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LUMBER PROCESSING - WORLD MARKETS

SCA: Swedish timber exports to China will continue to increase Around 40% of the timber volumes 2013 delivered to China from Sweden came from SCA’s sawmills. Companies from Russia or Canada are still the biggest suppliers of timber to China but the forecast is that timber volumes from Sweden to China will continue to increase. . “We want to be more than just a raw materials supplier.

We’re now focusing more and more on long-term relationships and future value development than on volumes,” says Mathias Fridholm, Managing Director of SCA Timber China & S.E. Asia. In

four years, China has gone from a minor position to being one of SCA Timber’s largest markets.

To handle this growth SCA has set up a company in Hongkong, SCA Timber China & S.E Asia.

From this base all sales and administration is handled for the Chinese market and other interesting territories in Asia including Vietnam and South Korea. Today the export of sawn solid-wood products to Chinese wood industries is seeing the most interest.

Super-size sawmill needs wood-first policy Sawmill argues for wood first policy - A $120 million “supermill” is waiting on whether political opinion endorses a “wood-first” policy for government buildings. Red Stag Timber, the country’s largest independent sawmill, near Rotorua, wants to build and own what would be New Zealand’s first super-mill, but says the policy would be crucial to its success.

A wood-first policy would encourage the use of wood as a primary material in new government buildings of up to four storeys. In supporting documents, wood-first advocates estimate the policy could attract $500m of investment, create 2020 new

jobs and boost annual exports by $275m.

Pro-wood policies have already been embraced in Canada, Japan, France and Finland and are being pushed by forest contractors in Australia.

Labour’s forestry spokesman Shane Jones has previously flagged support for a woodfirst policy, and the party is expected to release its forestry policy at the industry’s Forestwood conference this week in Wellington.

But Associate Minister for Primary Industries Jo Goodhew says at present a preference for wood above other materials is not on the Government’s agenda.

Italian woodworking continues to work its way back in Q413 com). The fourth quarter of last year consolidated the moderate trend of improvement recorded in previous quarters. Once again, the trend differs between foreign markets (expanding) and domestic market (shrinking), though a positive element across all segments is improved confidence, suggesting that 2014 might be a better year after so many years in decline. However, it is still evident that to achieve significant structural growth domestic consumption must necessarily expand.

Such remarks emerge from the trend survey carried out by the Italian woodworking industry body, Acimall, based on a statistic sample that represents the entire industry of wood and wood-based materials technology sector. In the last three months of 2013, the Italian industry achieved a 4.8% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Foreign

orders grew by 7.3%, while the domestic market decreased by 5.7%. The book of orders is at 2.2 months, while prices have been growing by 1% since the beginning of the year. In the October-December 2013 period, turnover increased (plus 0.4% versus the same period in 2012).

Based on the indications of the sample companies, the quality survey gave the following results: 36% indicated a positive production trend, 41% stable and 23% decreasing. Employment is considered stationary by 91% of the sample and falling by the remaining 9%. Available stocks are stationary according to 55%, decreasing according to 41% and growing according to the remaining 4%.

The forecast survey outlines possible short-term industry trends. There is moderate optimism about foreign markets, supported by order figures. The attitude towards Italian customers is “wait-and-

see”: foreign orders will record growth in the next quarter according to 36% of the sample, while they are expected to stay at the same level according to 59%. The remaining 5% expects a drop (balance is plus 31).

The outlook on the domestic market indicates a decline according to 13% of the sample, while 73% expect domestic sales to remain stable. Fourteen percent of companies predict short-term growth (balance is plus 1).

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Mobile bandsaw users will benefit from professional and reliable lumber volume data

SAW TECHNOLOGY

Adding value

Buying a saw that takes care of the wood and minimises waste to produce an end product that fetches the maximum value is crucial in today’s market and tight margin environment

T

his year’s review of saw technology has taken a true cross-section of innovations that make the sawmill go round.

The technology includes mobile equipment and electronics to help mill managers stay on top of processing optimisation, cutting edge saw maintenance and strengthening, as well as heavy duty, high power processing units.

With margins so tight, millers are making sure they have the right mix of saw technology to produce the greatest yield of high quality sawn wood products. This equipment is not cheap but anecdotal evidence suggests it is worth the investment.

Innovative portable sawmill technology and new mobile-device tools help sawyers, both professional and amateur alike, achieve production and quality levels unimaginable even 10 short years ago, according to Norwood Sawmills. Norwood, a leading global portable sawmill and forestry equipment manufacturer, recently introduced a new mobile

There is no question: Norwood owners get the most productive, the most reliable and the most versatile portable bandsaw mills on the market today – Ashlynne Dale, Norwood Sawmills app specifically developed for band sawmill owners and operators. It quickly calculates lumber volume in board feet or cubic meters, estimates log weight, and computes the board content of logs, allowing users to simultaneously scale logs with all three standard log rules: Doyle, Scribner and International.

“We are always developing new tools to help Norwood owners be even more successful,” Norwood President, Ashlynne Dale, said “The new Norwood Sawmills Calculator mobile app gives band sawmill owners, of all stripes, quick, professional and reliable data.”

The Sawmills Calculator performs three useful functions:

24 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY 2014/MARCH 2014

• Log scaling: swipe sliders to input log dimensions and immediately get board-feet or cubic meter estimates. Because the calculator gives board content estimates according to all three log rules, at the same time on the same screen, users get complete information instantly • Lumber scale: input board dimensions to instantly and accurately calculate volume.

Swipe the “quantity” slider to tabulate the board-feet of a stack of sawn lumber. Sawyers can quickly tally-up production at the end of a custom-milling project or at the end each sawmilling day • Log weight estimator: estimate

A screenshot of the Norwood Sawmills mobile app for calculating lumber volumes the log weight of common tree species. Select the species and swipe sliders to input log dimensions. Displays in kilograms or pounds.

The calculator app can be set to function in metric or imperial and is available for both Android and Apple iOS devices.

On the equipment side of the equation, Norwood is similarly advancing the boundaries of portable sawmill technology.

Thirty years ago, narrow-blade band sawmills were revolutionary

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SAW TECHNOLOGY

as compared to their industrial, wide-blade predecessors and traditional circle mills. But, after that big revolutionary step, few players in the industry showed much inclination to take portable band sawmills to the next level.

Norwood is one company that has placed a strong emphasis on innovation and has invested heavily in research and development for many years.

Norwood’s main focus is to cut the time it takes to mill a log into lumber. To that end, it develops new technologies that eliminate operator functions, speed-up cycle times and increase capacity.

Milling with a mobile bandmill involves a lot of repetition.

Therefore, Norwood has devoted a sizable portion of its design team’s time to finding ways to eliminate, or speed-up, operator actions. For example, for each board cut, most sawmills require that you unlock the sawhead, adjust the depth-of-cut, and then relock the sawhead. Norwood’s auto-locking sawhead eliminates two out of three of those functions – that adds up to serious time savings at the end of the day.

The complete and comprehensive knowledge that Oleson Saw Technology has in forest industry products allows OST to remain a top choice and single source for customers’ saws and saw filing room supplies – York Saw and Knife

Norwood has developed dozens of similarly efficiency-boosting innovations.

“Norwood now holds over 50 patents, which is more than all of the other portable sawmill companies around the world combined,” Dale said. “We incorporate these technologies into our bandmills.

“There is no question: Norwood owners get the most productive, the most reliable and the most versatile portable bandsaw mills on the market today.”

Oleson Saw Technology (OST), a division of York Saw and Knife, is an acknowledged leader in saws and saw filing room equipment for the forest products industry. York

Saw and Knife considers itself the premiere expert in machine knife technology and manufacturing, having established its reputation over more than 100 years. In addition to being the only North American distributor of the most modern line of saw filing equipment available, Iseli of Switzerland, OST uses the equipment in the manufacturing of its bandsaws.

The fully automated Iseli line features a benching station, swaging and shaping, sharpening, stellite tipping, levelling, and side grinding machines. These machines replace what was once done by hand, allowing mills to be more effective as well as creating a better end-product. The

machines have a short set-up time and allow programs to be saved for efficiency. The programming allows for one person to operate multiple machines simultaneously, instead of only doing one operation at a time.

Additionally, the automation of the equipment ensures a consistent, repeated quality of machining. Bandsaws are produced with a precise and accurate profile every time as human error is virtually eliminated. Mills have better and increased output due to the advancement of Iseli saw filing machine line.

With help from Iseli and its state-of-the-art equipment, the quality of finish and sharpness on Oleson saws are “unparalleled” in either ready-to-tip, swaged tooth or stellite-tipped saws. North American mills can purchase Iseli of Switzerland machines for their saw filing rooms directly from Oleson Saw Technology.

“The complete and comprehensive knowledge that Oleson Saw Technology has in forest industry products allows OST to remain a top choice and single source for customers’ saws

DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014 | International Forest Industries 25

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SAW TECHNOLOGY The RZ 1

and saw filing room supplies,” York stated. “Oleson bandsaws are manufactured in our Pennsylvania, USA facility.”

The prototype double arbor circular saw from German manufacturer Linck, the model MKS, has a fixed saw sleeve and was presented at the Ligna trade show in 2013. With its large clamping length of 560 mm, the machine can process four-sided cants of up to 600 mm total width.

The cutting height of 350 mm allows the processing of large cross sections.

The saw arbors can be positioned in height independently from each other using servo-hydraulics with linear

The possibility of moving the saw arbors in their outer end position clears the whole working space and allows easy trouble-shooting if necessary – Linck

guides. The saw arbors can therefore be positioned for different saw blade diameters.

“The possibility of moving the saw arbors in their outer end position clears the whole working space and allows easy troubleshooting if necessary,” Linck said.

The saw arbor bearing is a completely new design for speeds of up to 3,900 rpm. This high speed in combination with the

26 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY 2014/MARCH 2014

high cutting speed allows the use of saw blades with smaller saw kerfs.

The use of counter bearings for the saw arbors with higher speeds reduces the bearing load to a minimum and the saw arbor units are suitable for robust and continuous operation. The counter bearings are hydraulically pulled off the saw arbors and moved upwards on a carriage. The saw arbors can easily be accessed for a comfortable, safe and fast tool change. Partly mechanised and fully automatic systems are available for changing the tools.

The maximum drive power is 1,000 kW. Two three-phase asynchronous motors drive each saw arbor, which are installed and offset by about 180° to allow the use of marketable standard

motors. Another advantage is the nearly complete compensation of the driving forces to minimise the bearing load.

“The high drive power makes it possible to split multiple products and to process large cross sections with high feed speeds,” the manufacturer said. “The machine is therefore suitable for saw lines where the existing split saw is reducing capacity.”

The single components of the machine produced by Linck are of high quality and precise design to ensure “excellent lumber surface quality and exceptional dimension accuracy”. This accuracy is also achieved by the optional use of guide plates being installed at the in and/or outfeed side, depending on the application.

A saw blade spraying device is available for processing resinous wood such as larch, protecting the saw blades against resin.

Additional advantages are the increased life time of the saw blades as well as reduced power consumption.

“The double arbor circular saw MKS has already successfully

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SAW TECHNOLOGY The model MKS, has a large clamping length and can process four-sided cants of up to 600 mm in total width

We would claim to have the widest portfolio of any manufacturer of wide bandsaws and cover most resawing requirements in both the green mill and dry mill environments – Syd Mather, Stenner

passed its first test,” Linck revealed. “Shortly after its presentation at Ligna, it was installed in an existing sawline where it met expectations.”

UK-based saw products specialist, Stenner, has a long history in the production of wide band resaws. The company has

been in existence for over 135 years, with bandsaw machinery featuring for at least 80 years.

“We would claim to have the widest portfolio of any manufacturer of wide bandsaws and cover most resawing requirements in both the green mill and dry mill environments,” Stenner

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SAW TECHNOLOGY The Stenner ST100R from the radial arm range

Managing Director Syd Mather said.

There are three core product ranges.

The ST radial arm resaw encompasses entry level machines starting with pulleys (all high quality cast iron) from 850 mm diameter to 1,200 mm diameter.

These machines are designed to process input material that is of a varying dimension and the feed system consists of a hob and fixed fence. The STs are an extremely flexible machine and often provide a company with a single resaw that satisfies their total resawing requirement.

The VHE/VHF range of centre cutting resaws are available in single or twin format with pulley diameters ranging from 915 mm up to 1,370 mm. The feed systems are designed to handle boards of the same dimension in large batches. The benefit of centre cutting is that any variation on the incoming board is equalised

within the sawn products, providing significant advantages when further processing through a planer/moulder providing a reduced level of reject material and improved tooling life. Some of the smaller machines are hand fed but the vast majority are included in high speed semi-automatic or fully automatic handling systems maximising production throughout with the minimum of labour.

The third area of expertise is in the manufacture of horizontal resaws. Most are sold in lines of multiple heads giving a large number of finished boards in a single pass. They can produce pallet boards, fencing components, fish and fruit box lamellas and flooring components.

Single machines are used in the processing of laminated beams up to 1,000mm wide as well as providing a horizontal cut in a sawmill line reducing the requirement for resawing “ off line”.

Stenner Sales Director Fred Harding has been with the company for over 40 years and has seen a lot of change.

“I think the most satisfying development I have seen in my time is how we have expanded the MHS horizontal range into such a wide variety of applications providing successful solutions that most other companies have shied away from,” he said.

“Responding to this wide range of demands constantly provides fresh and stimulating challenges.”

The Stenner business continues to go from strength to strength in terms of new machine manufacture and the provision of spare parts and machine upgrades, and professional on-site service support. IFI

The Stenner MHS9 horizontal resaw

28 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY 2014/MARCH 2014

www.linck.com sales@linck.com made in Germany

Success by competence and experience • more than 140 profiling lines in operation worldwide • Sawlines with sideboard optimisation since 1983 • Sawlines with curve sawing since 1989 • Sawlines processing sorted and unsorted logs

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20/03/2014 14:13

SAWLINES – SÖDERHAMN ERIKSSON

The world’s fastest edger optimizer delivered to Norway

Edging has often been considered a bottleneck in the sawing process, but this belongs to the past. Söderhamn Eriksson’s newly developed edger optimizer operating at Bergene Holm in Nidarå, Norway has now reached a continuous capacity of 64 boards per minute. No other edger optimizer in the world comes even close to this figure. What is more, the line is unmanned and equipped with board quality measurement

W

hen Söderhamn Eriksson in 2010 bought its competitor Catech Saw Equipment, two companies’ expertise and excellence merged, which further accelerated the development of edger optimizers. Söderhamn Eriksson reached its target to produce a really fast highperformance edger optimizer after just over two years. It has opened up entirely new possibilities of operating bandsaw lines at high speed with the highest possible timber recovery.

“The difference in timber recovery between a reducer bandsaw line and a profiling line is as much as 10 percent, which amounts to enormous values when you think of the valuable raw material,”

says Jan-Eric Dahlberg, Sales Manager at Söderhamn Eriksson.

The new edger optimizer is module-designed and comes in different capacity versions. The champion among them, Catech 4000, features a guaranteed peak capacity of 75 boards per minute and a one-shift continuous capacity of 60 boards per minute.

“At Bergene Holm we obtained very quickly a surge capacity of as much as 78 boards and a continuous capacity of 64 boards,” states Ulf Bodare, who has been leading the development of the new edging program. “The Catech 4000 is extremely reliable, and the capacity levels we’ve seen so far can be called without hesitation a world record in edging”.

30 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

Thanks to its module design, the machine can be adapted to each sawmill’s individual needs. Today there are 14 models to choose from, six with longitudinal and eight with crosswise measurement.

The Catech edger can be completed with systems for quality measurement that determine how a board is to be sawn in relation to knots and cracks. In this way, each board will be value-optimized already in the edger optimizer.

The two first Catech 4000’s were part of new saw lines delivered to Bergene Holm in Norway and Volwood in Russia during 2013. At the onset of this year, one more plant is now ready for shipment to Maderas Martin in Chile.

Since the mid-1990s, highperformance Catech-type edger

Jan Erik Dahlberg

Ulf Bodare

optimizers have been delivered to sawmills in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe. The name Catech is an abbreviation of “Computeraided technology”. The very first machine was delivered in 1989, and Söderhamn Eriksson acquired the company in 2010.

For more information, please contact Mr Jan-Eric Dahlberg, Sales Manager: jan-eric.dahlberg@se-saws.com Telephone: 0496-218 28

IFI_PG31_33 Sawlines Springer_HR 19/03/2014 20:27 Page 31

SAWLINES – SPRINGER

New sorting plant for Schwaiger sawmill The Springer plant opens up new opportunities for German company, Schwaiger

A

“

fter more than 30 years, in the end we were having to work three shifts just to be able to remove the boards from the sawmill produced during two shifts,” Johann Niedermeier, General Plant Manager at the Schwaiger sawmill, explained. This was the driving reason for investment in state-of-the-art Springer technology.

The aim was to eliminate the production bottleneck as efficiently and quickly as possible. Schwaiger opted for Springer Maschinenfabrik, the business partner and machine supplier from Austria: “We’d looked at a few plants and really liked Springer’s equipment,” Niedermeier said, explaining the reasoning behind the decision.

Trimming and measurement cross conveyor with board-turning device

Difficult conditions Timber cut for specific cutting lists makes up around 40% of the Schwaiger sawmill’s total processing capacity. Raw materials for SST or glulam are also manufactured in Hengersberg.

Therefore, the cross-sections are also generously sized. “The sorting plant has to cope with approximate sizes of up to 171 mm x 171 mm,” Niedermeier said.

As the Springer plant is also used for postsorting dry timber, it must also ensure the safe transportation of small cross-sections. The cross-sections range from 17 mm x 75 mm to 160 mm x 296 mm.

“The constantly changing sizes are a real challenge to us as plant manufacturers”, Gero Springer, Springer Director, said. “The sorting plant also had to be adapted to the structural conditions.”

The plant above the planing mill is difficult to access. The solar power installation on the roof made it impossible to open up the roof to install the plant, forcing Springer’s planners and assembly technicians to deal with difficult conditions. In addition, the client also required the sorting plant to be installed while the sawmill was operating at full capacity.

Smooth operation The centre boards now arrive directly from the sawline and are sorted into four trays. These already existed and were integrated into the Springer plant. At the same time, the trays also serve as a buffer for post-sorting the dry timber.

The sawn timber now runs through the singulation, grading and moisture measurement systems and the 14-level tray sorting plant at a rate of 180 pieces/minute.

“If we operate the plant at full capacity, it is no longer possible for one operator to manage on his own,” Niedermeier said.

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SAWLINES – SPRINGER

Stick-laying for dry kiln sticks in the operating position Facts & figures Name:

Schwaiger sawmill

Site:

Hengersberg, Germany

Owner:

Josef Schwaiger

Employees:

150

Processing capacity:

800,000 m /y

Products:

Timber cut for cutting lists (40%), SST/glulam raw materials, all sawn timber dimensions, planed timber and pellets.

Springer stick station for dry kiln sticks and small dimension sticks At present, a second operator is called in if necessary. However, the company has already made arrangements to ensure that the plant can be retrofitted with a

Microtec Goldeneye 900 scanner at any time. Layer-forming and trimming take place after the trays have been emptied. After that, the timber goes through a dipping

Outfeed at Schwaiger sawmill 32 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

We’d looked at a few plants and really liked Springer’s equipment – Johann Niedermeier, Schwaiger

The Springer Pascal package press enables cost-effective and efficient packaging of sawn timber

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SAWLINES – SPRINGER

The constantly changing sizes are a real challenge to us as plant manufacturers – Gero Springer, Springer

pool. During packaging, the magazine is automatically filled with sticks for the dry kiln and then unloaded again. The semiautomatic magazines for the small dimension sticks are filled manually.

The finished packages measure between 800 mm and 1,260 mm in width and are strapped using Springer’s tried and tested Pascal package press. Stack dimensions range up to 2 m in width and 2.5 m in height. Lengths measure between 3 m and 5 m. As far as its

external infeed is concerned, Schwaiger attaches great importance to a large buffer.

“We have very little storage space for dry timber. The packages arrive directly from the dry kiln for post-sorting before moving on to the finished goods warehouse,” Niedermeier said.

“We now have a lot more options and can be much more flexible.” IFI

Springer film sorter

Stack outfeed

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 | International Forest Industries 33

IFI_PG34_35 Sawlines Hewsaw_HR 19/03/2014 14:33 Page 34

SAWLINES – HEWSAW

Flagship sawline destined for Idaho

The HewSaw line at Idaho Forest Group was positioned at the millsite in-mid November

The Idaho Forest Group’s new HewSaw line is ready for installation

A

s is tradition at the HewSaw factory in Mäntyharju, Finland, cake was served to the staff in late September to celebrate the departure of another HewSaw machine. This time, it was one of the company’s flagship SL250 3.4 lines, which was heading to Lewiston, Idaho, USA for a major upgrade to one of Idaho Forest Group’s five sawmills.

With an array of tests successfully completed and many of the major components carefully wrapped in heavy duty plastic, the final shipment of the Idaho line was secured for the journey. In total, this latest shipment included seven flat racks and seven containers, which all went by truck from the factory to Kotka Harbour in Southern Finland, where they were loaded onto a ship for the journey to Hamburg, Germany. In Hamburg, the shipment was transferred to an ocean going vessel for a 12-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in New York on the East Coast of the USA. Next was trip through America’s heartland by rail for the containers and road for the flat racks before the final delivery to the mill, which is in northern Idaho. This second and final shipment is expected to

Special levelling tools will be used by HewSaw’s technical staff to make sure this critical step is completed correctly arrive at the millsite in time for an end of the year installation, which will start in mid-November.

The first order of business will be placing the components on the sub-structure and concrete foundations that have been prepared by the mill. The components must be positioned in exactly the right place to ensure correct alignment of the sawline, both horizontally and vertically.

Special levelling tools will be used by HewSaw’s technical staff to make sure this critical step is completed correctly. Once the line is placed, the new building erection will be completed and then the HewSaw team will start connecting the many components.

Although some of the electrical work and plumbing had been done at the factory, the HewSaw line has to be connected to locally supplied hydraulic power units (HPUs), machine control centres (MCCs), dust extraction systems, chip and waste conveyors, power sources and many other systems.

34 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

To get the job done, HewSaw will use a combination of local technicians from their North American office and technicians from the factory in Finland. Marko Järvinen from Finland will head the installation team with Tyler Levy from the HewSaw North America office in Abbotsford, BC, Canada taking care of much of the local coordination and project management. Both Marko and Tyler have extensive experience working on SL250 sawlines in other countries, including Scotland, Finland and Australia.

The new HewSaw line, which is expected to be operational by April 2014, will be showcased in a brand new building that will feature abundant natural light and wood accents. Logs will be fed into the new line from a new bucking and sorting system in the log yard, while new log decks and debarkers will also be featured in the project.

Located on the banks of the Clearwater River, the mill was

originally built in the early 1920s and was part of a pulp and tissue mill. The existing sawmill and planer mill facility, which currently has an annual capacity of 210 mmbf (500,000 m3), was last upgraded in the late 1980s, while new dry kilns were installed in 2005.

The new HewSaw line includes four processing units, including a cross saw, a HewSaw login log positioning system, two sets of separating sonveyors for sideboard extraction, and scanning and optimisation technology from Canadian supplier MPM Engineering.

Other significant features of the line include HewSaw’s telescopic saws for increased flexibility in sawing patterns, walk-in access to the chipper canter and dual openings on the cant saw and ripsaw with slide-out sawing units for easier saw changes and maintenance.

HewSaw’s new maintenance walkways on the line will provide safer and easier upper machine access. The project in Idaho will mark the first time a HewSaw SL line will be installed in North America will be installed in North America. Over 70 HewSaws have been sold in the USA and Canada, but up until now, they had all

IFI_PG34_35 Sawlines Hewsaw_HR 19/03/2014 14:33 Page 35

SAWLINES – HEWSAW

Components of the Idaho Forest Group’s HewSaw SL250 3.4 line at the factory in Finland just prior to departure been the smaller single pass ‘R’ Series machines.

Idaho Forest Group is a successful sawmilling company based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The company operates five sawmills in Idaho, including the Lewiston mill.

Idaho Forest Group was formed in

2008 when Riley Creek Lumber and Bennett Forest Industries merged. The company continues to expand in facilities and market share, and is now one of America’s top producers of wood products. IFI

The new HewSaw line will be showcased in a brand new building that will feature abundant natural light and wood accents

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 | International Forest Industries 35

SAWLINES – LUCIDYNE

GradeScan’s first day in production behind Collum’s planer at Allendale

Vibrant Lucidyne ready for 2014-2015 opportunities North American scanning technology group Lucidyne Technologies had bolstered its team and its technology suite ahead of an anticipated uptick in the sawnwood sector

T

he future for lumber manufacturers looks more desirable than ever in 2014.

Housing starts are consistently increasing and research shows that trend will continue. According to US Census Bureau, privately-owned housing starts were at an adjusted rate of 891,000, which is 0.9% above the revised July estimate and 19% above August 2012 rate.

In addition, single-family housing starts were at an adjusted rate of 628,000, which is 7% above the July revised estimate. This growth has Lucidyne Technologies moving quickly to adjust and adapt.

Lucidyne has maintained a “steady position” over recent years of economic struggle. The company made several tough changes to become increasingly efficient but was still able to retain its entire engineering staff.

Thanks to a strong focus on providing good service with its products, some of Lucidyne’s customers still kept the company busy with challenging projects.

Developing an optimiser to grade

36 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

shop lumber was one good example – this is a first for the industry and has the potential to benefit several mills in the west US. But the primary focus for Lucidyne is scanning technology.

It makes sense that the company continues with its successful lineof grade mark readers and control systems because both are valuable elements for a complete scanning project. On the flip side, staying away from building other machine centres has kept the company from being distracted or diluted by trying to master too many areas. Still, adapting to the increasing demand for scanning systems and taking on even more technologies can put a strain on any company, no matter how efficient.

Growth The positive financial impact of increased business has finally allowed Lucidyne to leverage the momentum and grow its staff.

Besides adding technicians and

fabricators, some of the most recent hires are experts in their field, with Masters and PhD degrees. For some, the opportunity is like having all their dreams come true – it presents the challenges of applying a variety of technologies to real-time applications, and working on a medium (wood fibre) that is never the same. Each one of these new hires is dedicated and focused on wood science. In addition, they are young and up-to-date with all the latest tools and techniques, and excited to use their talents to partner with the experienced staff at Lucidyne.

Some of these new faces include Scott Fairbanks, Ian Lawson, John Elliot, and Ryan Shear. They are diversely experienced, well-educated and provide unique advantages to different facets for Lucidyne.

Technology Lucidyne’s staff is not the only thing expanding. New methods are being explored for looking at

IFI_PGXX Sawlines Lucidyne_HR 19/03/2014 14:30 Page 37

SAWLINES SAWLINES––LUCIDYNE LUCIDYNE

Scott Fairbanks is Lucidyne’s new Senior Sensor Design Engineer.

Scott holds a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of California, Santa Barbara. In addition to his BSc, Fairbanks has a PhD in Computer Science from Cambridge University. His achievements include 16 US Patents, 13 of which he was the primary inventor. He joined Lucidyne having 15 years in the computer industry at Sun MicroSystems, Oregon State University, and IBM Labs.

Ian Lawson is Lucidyne’s newest Mechanical Engineer. Lawson holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and a BA in Liberal Arts from Oregon State University and Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. While finishing up his Mechanical Engineering degree, Ian worked at Cooper Bussman as an engineering intern. As a more recent college graduate, Lawson brings a fresh perspective for Lucidyne

wood fibre, specifically in the context of lumber grading. This past year saw an increase in the resolution in Lucidyne’s GradeScan sensors. This highresolution improvement shows up as a positive contribution to amill’s bottom line by capturing more value from the wood.

For example, take the case of a board with a two-inch knot.

Without high-resolution capability, a typical scanner would have to be configured to slightly oversize a knot to keep borderline knots from causing below-grade lumber.

The alternative is to not be conservative and end up with

inconsistent results of both above and below grade. This is expensive and risky when it comes to grade checks or potentially offgrade lumber finding its way into the market.

GradeScan’s ability to more accurately measure knot sizes results in a more consistent product, which in turn provides more opportunities for a mill to create and maintain custom products. At the end of the day, more borderline boards get into higher-grade packages because they can be more accurately identified as ‘on the line’ but not‘ over the line’.

John Elliot is Lucidyne’s new Optical Physicist and Sensor Design Engineer. Elliot holds a BSc in Physics from Oregon State University. While at OSU, Elliot held positions as a researcher and lab assistant for the physics department. In addition, he worked as a development engineer for OSU and as an Area Manager for Country Coach. His unique background in physics brings additional depth to Lucidyne. Elliot is focused on wood science research

Ryan Shear is Lucidyne’s newest Software Engineer. Ryan holds a BSc in Computer Software Engineering from Oregon Institute of Technology. His employment experiences include Kiln Manager for Craftmark, where he was responsible for wood drying, and Software Engineer for Maxcess International. Shear was also a Control and Automation Engineer for Forest Grove Lumber Company.

His extensive mill background and wood science knowledge make him a valuable asset for Lucidyne

The positive financial impact of increased business has finally allowed Lucidyne to leverage the momentum and grow its staff

Other benefits of highresolution scanning include identification of timber breaks and Low Resolution other very small horizontal cracks, and being able to better scrutinise the grain of a board. Lucidyne achieved what it refers to as “the Timberbreak milestone” once it was able to also increase its resolution along the length

direction of the board. This improvement, in combination with an increased understanding of Accuracy of a typical grain characteristics has resulted grading scanner in quite accurate pith location when multiple estimates,measuring plus certification by the2" knots ALSC to strength grade lumber.

Lucidyne is quickly closing in on some other challenging defects.

Two of its most recent

1.9" 2.0" 2.1" Histogram of knot measurement accuracy for 2" (50mm) knots

Low Resolution

Accuracy of a typical grading scanner when measuring multiple 2" knots

High Resolution

GradeScan Accuracy

1.9" 2.0" 2.1" 1.9" 2.0" 2.1" Histogram of knot measurement accuracy for 2" (50mm) knotsHistogram of knot measurement accuracy for 2" (50mm) knots Histograms of knot measurement accuracy for multiple 50 mm knots

Histograms of knot measurement accuracy for multiple 50 mm knots

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 International Forest Forest Industries Industries 37 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 || International 37

High Resolution

GradeScan Accuracy

SAWLINES – LUCIDYNE

GradeScan’s ability to more accurately measure knot sizes results in a more consistent product, which in turn provides more opportunities for a mill to create and maintain custom products developments have to do with characterizing a board’s absolute grain angle and classifying decayed fibre. Its patented Grain Angle sensor is capable of measuring both surface and dive angle directions of the grain.

Consider knowing the threedimensional make-up of a board, to the point where what is happening inside the board is known – this has direct

implications for estimating strength and use applications for specific boards.

Example installations Lucidyne is taking advantage of its staff and technology changes to generate an immediate value increase to its own bottom line. Its customers are also responding to the increasing health of the economy. Lucidyne has seen its GradeScan installations jump from

High resolution Timberbreak images from colour (left) and tracheid sensors

Much of what IFG produces is cedar, which meant that Lucidyne’s GradeScan had to be trained to grade the material – a first for the industry

a few systems a year during the slow times to triple that amount last year, with the market gearing up to potentially even double again in 2014.

One of Lucidyne’s most recent installations was at Collum’s Sawmill, located in Allendale, South Carolina. Collum’s had been plagued by the challenge of producing excessive above and below grade lumber for the past few years. Last July, Collum’s decided to install Lucidyne’s GradeScan in hope that the new scanner would be able to eliminate the problems.

Much of the lumber produced at Collum Sawmill includes high quality appearance grades with very little wane or small knots.

Because of this, a small measurement variation in knots or some other defect can change the lumber from one grade to the next. Collum’s found that its new GradeScan has the ability to see what is needed to do for the task at hand. The results thus far have been excellent: no below grade problems and proven consistency in other products. Collum now GradeScan looking sharp in Lewiston, Idaho 38 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

looks forward to its inspector’s visits as the mill continues to ‘dial in’ its new scanner to continually increase its grading accuracy and is pleased with the consistent results.

Another Lucidyne customer is Idaho Forest Group, located in Lewiston, Idaho. IFG made a bold decision to switch its mill from two complete planer lines each feeding a trimmer/sorter line to using a single planer and feeding both sorters. This required IFG to step up from a geometric-only grading system to Lucidyne’s GradeScan automatic grading system. Much of what IFG produces is cedar, which meant that Lucidyne’s GradeScan had to be trained to grade the material – a first for the industry.

The Lewiston mill was quite satisfied with the results of its conversion and IFG installed a second GradeScan this past fall at its Laclede, Idaho Plant. Both of these mills require GradeScan to process a large cross section of appearance grades and dimension

SAWLINES SAWLINES––LUCIDYNE LUCIDYNE

One of two True-Q units (left) and grade mark readers at IFG’s Lewiston plant grades. Each mill carries very different product assortment, but GradeScan is flexible enough to be configured specifically for the preferences of each plant. The mill recently purchased two more GradeScan systems for their Chilco and Grangeville plants.

Yet another new system is scheduled for installation this April at Scotch Gulf Lumber Company in Mobile, Alabama.

Scotch Gulf’s recent purchase by Canfor did not slow the mill’s continuous process improvements. The decision to buy a GradeScan was formulated from the need to improve production volume while not sacrificing quality. The GradeScan will be installed in early summer 2014.

Much of the lumber that Scotch Gulf produces includes high quality appearance grades with

very little wane and small knots.

Included in the purchase were Lucidyne’s Strength Grading Module that will be integrated with the existing Metriguard HCLT, Lucidyne’s new T3 sensor for decay detection, and its Planer Merchandiser to help manage some of the ‘business’ aspects of producing lumber. Grading rough lumber is also an important requirement at Scotch Gulf.

Thanks to the increase in housing starts, the market is looking better every month.

Lucidyne is acutely aware of the opportunities ahead and is making aggressive yet conservative moves to position itself as the expert for lumber scanning.

The company plans to continue its development efforts, building on staff and technology, but contrary to what many companies

Lucidyne plans to continue its development efforts, building on staff and technology, but contrary to what many companies in the industry do, refrain from providing other types of lumber manufacturing equipment

in the industry do, refrain from providing other types of lumber manufacturing equipment.

Throughout the challenging years, Lucidyne stayed committed to its expertise in scanning technology and remain focused on improving scanning and the technology that supports it. Lucidyne is excited for the years to come. IFI

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 | International Forest Industries 39

HARVESTERS

At your service Improving the accessibility and serviceability of new harvester models is one of the major trends that has emerged from International Forest Industries’ 2014 review of harvester technology

The new Rottne H21D is built for the toughest clearing tasks

40 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

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T

ime is money. Or so the saying goes. Most foresters would agree having likely been on the wrong end of a break down at some point or purchased a machine that needs 120 minutes of maintenance each day before the money making exercise of harvesting even begins.

The good news is: the manufacturers are listening.

Recent years have seen the steady increase in focus on ease of maintenance and general durability. This year’s IFI Harvester review has more than ever seen advancements in this field.

There are two main aspects of maintenance that are being tackled. The first is making maintenance easy through more and better access points. The second is

making maintenance a minor undertaking by ensuring harvesters are strong, robust machines that don’t break down. To this end, one supplier has even increased the hours needed between major servicing, such is the confidence in the new range of machines.

For the latest in all things harvesters, read on.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 | International Forest Industries 41

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20/03/2014 14:13

HARVESTERS The Rottne H21D is a big harvester with entirely new dimensions built for the toughest clear cutting. Even though the harvester looks similar and fits into the family of Rottne’s harvester program, the H21D has actually been totally reengineered.

Improvements have been made in all fields, but the primary focus when developing the new H21D has been stability, reliability, comfort and capacity.

The prototype Rottne H21D was displayed at Elmia Wood last summer and there has since been a great deal of interest from domestic (Sweden), European, North American and Australian customers.

After a series of tough test runs, some changes and adjustments were made but now the H21D is ready for production. Rottne has pushed the button on this and the first H21D will roll out from the factory in the third quarter of this year.

H21D features CHASSIS • H21D is one of few big harvesters that can be ordered with either six or eight wheels. There are dual hydraulic cylinders for mid-joint to guaranty stability even when working with the biggest trees. The machine can be equipped with a balanced bogies, which is suitable when working in steep terrain.

ENGINE • The 227 kW (305 hp) strong engine provides “fantastic” tractive force of 230 kN. Exhaust emission control with particle filter (EGR) and catalytic converter (SCR) ensures the machine lives up to the highest standard, Tier IV. HYDRAULIC TRANSMISSION and HYDRAULIC SYSTEM • The hydrostatic transmission is controlled by the Rottne D5 machine control system with load regulation. The system is completely separated from other hydraulics with separate oil tank, oil coolers and filters. Gearbox with three steps, manual differential lock front and rear, as well as disengageable AWD • The hydraulic system has two inline mounted axial piston pumps, each with capacity 175 cm3. One pump is for the basic machine and loader and the other pump serves the head.

CAB • Anti-vibration safety cab equipped with Comfort Line II with separate hydraulic valve • The cab is automatically levelling +/- 15°/14° front/back , 11°sideways

The Rottne H21D

• The cab will automatically follow the loader from side-toside (+/- 90°), but can also be operated manually by using the joystick.

INFORMATION SYSTEM • The bucking system is the Rottne/Dasa Forester with improved software that adheres to the new standard StanForD 2010 • 15 in touchscreen is used both for the Rottne Forester bucking system as well as the D5 machine control system.

LOADER - The H21D is equipped with a completely new loader, the Rottne RK250.

• Tiltable loader swing base, 21° forward and 20° backwards, with automatic or manual tilt function • Relieved turntable with a 1,060 mm slew bearing and dual rotary motors • Lifting capacity, 280 kNm • Slew torque of 62.4 kNm • Electric end position damped in both directions on the slew and parallel- functions. Lift function damped in top position.

HEAD The Rottne EGS 706 is a new harvester head for the toughest delimbing conditions for diameters up to 700 mm.

• Inductive sensors for length and diameter measurements providing longer life

The H21D is a big harvester with entirely new dimensions cutting

• There are several types of measuring wheels that are optimised for different tree types and seasons

42 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

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Barko

HARVESTERS H21D features • The sensors for diameter measuring are integrated in the upper knives • F eeding is operated with five-feed roller motors, with two mounted in the wheel arms and three mounted in the main frame. All five feed rollers are differentially interconnected. The wheel motors in the wheel arms are geared for higher speeds and better traction. Feed rates from 0-5.2 m/second, tractive force of 37 kN • F ully automatic ‘Super Cut’ saw unit with encoders for cut control, integrated chain lubrication and hydraulic tensioning of the saw chain •B ucher saw motor 20 cc, maximum cutting diameter 750 mm and a maximum chain speed of 45 m/second.

SERVICE ACCESSIBILITY Service accessibility has always been a standard for all different Rottne machine models and the H21D is not any exception.

Rottne has again added features that assist in daily servicing.

• The hydraulic driven variable fan for the cooling system is automatically reversible to ensure sufficient cleaning of the cooler • There is a water filter for the engine cooling system • Winches for the belly plates •S everal different accessible storage compartments for bars, chains, oils hoses, tools etc • Vacuum pump on the working hydraulics • Electric air compressor kit • Central lubrication system • El/hydraulic tilting of tanks and engine hood • Working platform over the rear left bogie.

OTHER AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT dditional extra 225 litre tank in the front frame for diesel or •A stump treatment liquid •P article and moisture measurement of hydraulic oil, presented on the control screen • Orbitrol steering for road transport • Sun blinds • Prepared for GPS

There has since been a great deal of interest in the H21D from domestic (Sweden), European, North American and Australian customers – Rottne

Finnish CTL specialist Ponsse offers a comprehensive and versatile selection of premium forestry technology for all harvesting challenges. The company introduced new and innovative forest machine technology for productive and environmentally friendly logging at Elmia last year called the Scorpion harvester.

The Scorpian will join a harvester product family that has been thoroughly renewed in the past few years with the new 8-wheel harvester models, a new harvester head model selection and the completely new crane model selection including both parallel and sliding boom cranes.

The Ponsse product range includes both six and 8-wheel harvesters in all size categories from thinning to heavy duty regeneration felling. All machine models are designed for a general size category in terms of their size and performance, whereby the work is not narrowly restricted to certain types of work sites due to the equipment.

Versatile product solutions allow harvesting of both energy wood and industrial wood productively. All heads have multi-stemming as a standard feature.

“The Scorpion is a totally new kind of a forest machine,” Ponsse stated. “Its advanced technical solutions and user friendly design take harvesting productivity and driver comfort to a new level. The crane’s position and movement geometry, patented stabilising and levelling solutions and the triple-frame structure are totally new product solutions.

The development work of Scorpion was launched in 2009 with the goal of manufacturing a forest machine with no compromise in regard to machine operability, productivity or maintainability.”

This latest model is a general-purpose harvester with a powerful and eco-friendly Euromot 4F-level 6-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engine, and a large 210 cm3 working pump.

For the maximum power, the ScorpionKing has the same

• Geoinfo software • Mobile phone • Computer calliper ‘Haglöf Digitech’ • Mobile broadband • Xenon lights • Diesel engine and cab preheater, Webasto obile phone remote control of preheater by a digital timer of •M the repeating type, maximum nine days pre-setting • Grease instead of oil lubrication of saw chain • Stump treatment • Colour marking equipment (two colours) •E nvironmentally approved hydraulic oil, Rottne Biohydraul 32-68 • Sprinkler system (Fogmaker).

The Ponsse Scorpion has won awards for its innovative structure, design, and stabilising and levelling system

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Barko ad febMar 2014_Layout 1 19/02/2014 12:06 Page 1

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HARVESTERS

The Ponsse Scorpion has a totally new design

ergonomics with two-circuit hydraulics.

“Incredible visibility and steering, unbeatable stability, power and productivity – bearing the environment in mind and with minimum surface pressure,” is how the manufacturer describes the machine.

Benefits of the new engine technology include, along with a cleaner environment, a better response to sudden needs for power and better fuel economy.

The driver of Scorpion has unrestricted visibility to the working area when the crane boom does not obstruct visibility. This makes the driver’s work easier, improving harvesting quality – it is easier to choose the trees to be removed, the machine need not be moved from place to place for no reason, and remaining trees are not damaged.

Scorpion is very steady to drive and difficult locations can be reached more easily.

The product development of

the Scorpion was guided by environmental friendliness, the significance of which is emphasised on an increasing number of industrial harvesting markets. Scorpion is more environmentally friendly as a result of its maintenance intervals, which are longer than usual (less waste oil and other maintenance waste), the new, low-emission Euromot 4F engine technology and the harvester’s low surface pressure levels, which are reached as the harvester’s weight is divided evenly onto eight wheels. The service points have been positioned to keep cost-efficiency and comfort of the work in mind.

The new 4F engine and improved hydraulics have enabled extending the service intervals from 600/1,200 hours to 900/1,800 hours.

In January this year, the Scorpion received the Quality Innovation of the Year award for the new machine structure and was granted the Fennia

The Scorpion is a totally new kind of a forest machine – Ponsse

Prize Grand Prix of industrial design for its new design solutions and user input in the product development (see Logging News). In October last year, the harvester received the ‘Viva Automation!’ prize for the development work for the stabilising and levelling system.

Komatsu Forest has one of the widest ranges of harvesters on the market.

With four wheeled harvesters, four tracked harvesters/ feller bunchers and a range of forestry excavators, Komatsu aims to provide an “effective harvester solution for any market need regardless of where in the world it is located”.

“For all harvester types, performance and productivity are important key design criteria at Komatsu Forest when designing harvesters,” Tobias Ettemo, Komatsu Forest Product Manager for Harvesters, told IFI. “Our harvester designs are focused around high productivity, low operating costs, innovative technology and a superb operator environment.”

On wheels The red Komatsu wheeled harvesters have been developed to be effective where the cut-to-length method is used. A distinctive feature for all Komatsu wheeled harvesters is the

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HARVESTERS requirements for 2014-2015.

SCR technology effectively treats and reduces NOx levels which are the focus of the 2014/15 regulations.”

Another feature on Komatsu wheeled harvesters is the Komatsu Comfort Bogie. It delivers a smooth, responsive ride while providing superb mobility and maneuverability.

The Comfort Bogie also provides even ground pressure and “unbeatable operator comfort”.

All Komatsu wheeled harvesters feature soft-seal ORFS seals, which are good for both the environment (leaks are minimised) and for productivity (reliability is improved). In order to further improve service access and simplify machine maintenance, hose routing has been modified in the machine’s articulated joint.

The Komatsu range of wheel harvesters are continuously being improved

crane in relation to the cab and operator. Both cab and crane are on the same frame, rotating and levelling together, which provides a clear and unhindered forward view for the operator.

“For 30 years, this has been our unique solution that provides the operator many advantages,” Ettemo. “The ergonomic benefits are obvious and have since been copied by others. Levelling sensors provide automatic crane and cab levelling to reduce operator fatigue when working on slopes. The cab always seeks a level position.

“The Komatsu 901TX.1, Komatsu 911.5, Komatsu 931 and Komatsu 941.1 wheeled harvesters are continually being improved upon. One example is the new E3-Power engine design that uses the simple and proven Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions

reduction technology.

Advanced combustion design is an important aspect of the E3-Power engine design, which also helps to lower fuel consumption. With SCR technology we will be able to meet the final emission

More examples of innovation and continuous improvements can be found in the cab.

The work environment and ergonomics are decisive factors in optimising forest machine productivity. All Komatsu wheeled harvesters offer a high-performance work environment. The refined cab is ergonomically designed down to the smallest detail; the

interior offers plenty of space in all directions, it provides extremely low noise levels, and has excellent visibility.

On tracks Komatsu further extends harvesting zones into include steep slopes, difficult terrain and larger timber with its line of purpose-built track harvester models. These include the XT430-2, and the cab-leveling XT430L-2, XT445L-2 and XT450L-2 models.

The Komatsu XT-Series track harvesters set a worldwide standard for manoeuvrability, high-production harvesting and superior multifunction performance. Machines feature 300 peak hp Tier III engines, closed-loop hydraulic track drives, zero-tail swing and are sized in machine weights ranging from 27-37 t.

The MaxiXplorer control system provides smooth control, accurate measurements and tracks all harvesting data.

In addition, the series has a reengineered robust design and improved serviceability.

Each model offers easy-access grease fittings to provide simple maintenance to extend bearing life, and engine oil changes are quick with an

The Komatsu harvesters also have a track series for difficult terrain and steep slopes

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Ponsee ad feb_mar 2014_Layout 1 04/03/2014 12:48 Page 1

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HARVESTERS

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easy-to-access engine oil filter location. Each model features a high capacity cooling package with a thermostatically controlled auto-reversing fan to improve engine and hydraulic cooling performance, reduce maintenance and improve fuel economy.

is designed primarily for plantation forestry. Most common heads are 370E, 378 and 378E. The PC200F is very reliable and provides tremendous utility and value. It has a reinforced undercarriage, stronger cab protection and fire suppression equipment.

“Komatsu track harvester cabs are quiet, spacious and designed for efficient operation,” Ettemo said.

“Ergonomic control layout, climate control and large tinted windows improve operator comfort during long shifts.”

Following more than a year of engineering, market research and industry input, Barko Hydraulics is hitting the forest with an all new track harvester aimed at filling a void in lightweight-class machines.

Also within the track harvester range, Komatsu offers the PC200F, which is a reinforced excavator with forestry-guarding that

The new Barko model 240 is a 45,000 kg machine that’s purpose built and “packed full of features”, according to the manufacturer.

Komatsu track harvester cabs are quiet, spacious and designed for efficient operation – Tobias Ettemo, Komatsu

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We feel confident this machine has the best balance of power, performance and efficiency in its class and we’re anxious for people to see it first-hand

PREMIUM

STABLE HARVESTER SWORDS

– Bruce Enstrom, Barko Our unique heat treatment process makes the sawbar extremely rigid and durable

“From class leading power, to unmatched performance, Barko is delivering what forestry professionals have been looking for,” Barko Director of Forestry Sales and Marketing, Bruce ‘Sparky’ Enstrom, said. “We’ve looked at the requirements for this machine from every angle and acquired input from leading industry professionals to design a machine that loggers will love.

This machine not only has great performance, we’ve made servicing the machine amazingly easy as well with a gullwing service platform and forward sliding cab.”

The unique cab service feature is a patent pending design that allows the entire cab to slide forward, revealing unobstructed access to primary hydraulic components. Additionally, a gullwing service platform hydraulically lowers on the engine side of the machine allowing service personnel easy access along the entire length of the machine. Another unique service feature is an on-board air compressor and storage tank that allows service personal the ability to run air powered tools without the need for additional service vehicles.

The Barko 240 is powered by a class leading 220 hp Cummins engine that drives a custom designed IQAN hydraulic control system. This electronic control system provides operators with complete flexibility in machine setup and operation. An

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The nose sprocket has 12 teeth, which reduces the sprocket speed resulting in less friction and wear.

The special alloy R-series is the Sword exceptional strength properties.

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automatic reversing engine fan increases cooling and fuel efficiency while keeping engine temperatures low and swing torque comes from an oversized heavy duty bearing and dual drive motors that “generate unmatched power”.

Having a machine that’s manoeuvrable is also important. The Barko 240 easily moves across varied terrain in the woods and also

makes transport out of the forest easy with an overall width of under 3.05 m (10 ft).

The highest priority at Barko has always been safety.

That’s why the new 240 comes with a factory installed fire suppression system, high output LED work lights and industry leading cab visibility to not only increase productivity but increase safety at every job-site.

“ From class leading power, to unmatched performance, Barko is delivering what forestry professionals have been looking for,” Barko Director of Forestry Sales and Marketing, Bruce ‘Sparky’ Enstrom, said. “We’ve looked at the requirements for this machine

“We feel confident this machine has the best balance of power, performance and efficiency in its class and we’re anxious for people to see it first-hand,” Enstrom said.

The machine was debuted at the 2013 Great Lakes Logging Congress in September last year and was made available for sale shortly afterwards, with a choice of fixed, dangle and feller/buncher cutting heads.

from every angle and acquired input from leading industry professionals to design a machine that loggers will love. This machine not only has great performance, we’ve made servicing the machine amazingly easy as well with a gullwing service platform and forward sliding cab.”

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HARVESTERS Tigercat’s zero tail-swing harvester range includes the H822C and LH830C. These 224 kW (300 hp) harvesters are extremely capable in row thinning and final fell applications. The LH830C is equipped with a super-duty R7-150L levelling undercarriage with FH400 components for steep terrain applications.

The H845C and LH845C models are 194 kW (260 hp) class harvester carriers. With limited tail-swing, these machines strike a good balance between manoeuvrability, machine stability and component access.

The H855C/LH855C series is purpose-built and well suited to infield clear felling and processing applications.

Based on Tigercat’s flagship 860C series carriers, the H855C uses the same forest duty upper frame structure, cab and cooling system as the feller bunchers that are field proven in demanding applications.

These full tail-swing machines are best suited to larger timber, poor terrain and around the clock operations. Field reports indicate that the H855C is

The Tigercat H855C with TH575 harvesting head in northern Canada

20-25% more productive than similarly sized excavator conversions equipped with the same attachment.

The Tigercat 875 and 880 loggers can both be configured as a processor and matched to the largest

sized harvesting heads on the market for oversize processing applications typical of western (coastal) Canada and New Zealand.

The H845C in-depth Both H845C and H855C series harvesters are available with two-piece or telescopic ER boom systems. The patented ER boom system allows the machine operator to extend and retract the boom on a horizontal plane smoothly and quickly using a single joystick. The stick boom or ‘reach’ joystick controls both the main and stick booms simultaneously, resulting in

the attachment moving either away from or toward the operator. The main boom and tilt functions operate in the traditional manner to adjust the height and angle of the attachment.

Key to this technology is reduced energy consumption.

The ER system transfers energy back and forth between the main and the stick boom functions, reducing the total energy needed to move the boom system. This translates to reduced demands for power, pump flow and system cooling.

ER technology is unique to Tigercat.

The 8-wheel drive machine is specifically designed to manoeuver between forwarding rows in tightly spaced first thinning stands, dramatically increasing forwarder row spacing and residual stand quality – Jon Cooper, Tigercat The Tigercat 880 in action in New Zealand 54 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

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HARVESTERS The engine and hydraulic system are specifically designed to achieve maximum performance and minimum fuel consumption in harvesting and processing applications. High horsepower allows the H845C to maintain hydraulic flow as the pressure increases, maintaining quick feed speeds and significantly boosting productivity. A dedicated attachment pump supplies oil to the primary head functions, delivering flow and pressure to match the demands of the head without interference from other machine functions.

With a high performance ‘valving’ and control system, the machine is optimised for harvester performance and fuel efficiency. Under high flow conditions like feed or saw operation, additional oil is supplied from the main load sensing system.

The 1135 in-depth The 1135 falls into a specialised harvester class. According to CTL Product Manager Jon Cooper, the 8-wheel drive machine “is specifically designed to manoeuver between forwarding rows in tightly spaced first thinning stands, dramatically increasing forwarder row spacing and residual stand quality.” The machine’s unique characteristics result in high production rates and the lightest possible impact in managed forests.

The operator’s cabin has been carefully designed with emphasis on comfort, ergonomics and visibility. The curved windshield provides unimpeded upward visibility and extended side and rear windows create a clear sightline to the wheels and the ground, all-important when operating in-stand. The cab is well appointed with high quality, customisable controls that are ergonomically positioned to minimise operator fatigue. Constant temperature climate control and isolation mounting further contribute to the quiet, comfortable working environment. The 270° rotating seat provides ease of entry and exit.

The 1135 is powered by the high performance 170 kW (228 hp) Mercedes 906 with dedicated pumps for the drive, harvesting head and crane functions.

The cooling system uses a hydraulically driven automatic variable speed fan for optimal fuel efficiency in cold operating environments.

As with all Tigercat machines, the 1135 is designed and built for high uptime and long service life with strong frames,

cylinders and pins throughout. The articulation joint is equipped with tapered roller bearings.

Since its introduction in 1996, John Deere’s 1270 harvester has been a worldwide best seller. At Elmia Wood last year, John Deere made headlines again with the debut of an 8-wheeled version of the 1270E. Its “unprecedented stability and climbing ability” was praised by customers in the UK that emphasised its “excellent climbing ability with unbelievable downhill stability”, saying the “machine simply doesn’t give up”, and that it’s “simply the best machine yet”.

The 8-wheeled option was designed for steep slope and soft soil conditions and is capable of climbing and operating in previously unimaginable terrain. Its 8-wheel drive keeps the ground in grip and gives the machine stability even in the most difficult of conditions. This new option features more power, higher ground clearance, a large approach angle and strong Duraxle bogie axles with customised balancing gear units for excellent climbing ability and traction.

The 8-wheeled 1270E harvester shares the same IT4 engine unit as John Deere’s 1470E harvester. This increase in power delivers level of production previously unseen in this size-class. Operator comfort is also guaranteed in the levelling and rotating cabin.

Protected hose routing

Processing Power Control (PPC) PPC is a standard feature in all new Interim Tier IV platform John Deere harvesters. Created to improve harvester productivity and fuel economy, PPC is a software-based control system that delivers three different power levels depending on workload. An operator can simply select one of the power levels to meet his desired balance between productivity and fuel economy depending on what is needed at any given time.

The three PPC levels range from an energy saving mode to a boost mode, with a middle level in between. While in Level One energy saving mode, machine performance is optimized with regard to maximum fuel economy. Operators can use this first level when full machine power is not needed, such as during operator training or thinning. Level Two adjusts machine performance for high production and good fuel economy, which is ideal for operating at its nominal timber size. Finally, Level Three shifts to

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HARVESTERS

Extended maintenance intervals offer our customers a significant maintenance cost reduction with less maintenance interruptions to the logging work – Timo Ylänen, John Deere

allow them to maintain lower daily operating costs.

full power performance for harvesting exceptionally large and heavy timber.

“These solutions arise out of a genuine desire to know our customers’ business needs,” Timo Ylänen, Director, Worldwide Wheeled Cut-ToLength Products & Forestry Europe, said. “John Deere has always been the market leader in providing intelligent product solutions that give our customers the best possible

performance, and our new Harvester options are no exception.”

Productivity and power converge in John Deere’s E-Series Interim Tier 4 wheeled harvesters John Deere’s 1270E and 1470E IT4 platform harvesters are equipped with new features and enhancements that give loggers more power, greater productivity, higher uptime and

The new 1270E and 1470E Harvesters feature an advanced twin-pump hydraulic system that uses two open-loop pumps, one for harvester head and transmission control and one for head and boom control.

These features give operators highly efficient, simultaneous steering and increased boom and wood-processing control.

This hydraulic power solution also includes a new power management feature that observes the engine load and responds with an appropriate power surge for improved fuel economy and total productivity, which ultimately helps to reduce daily operating costs.

The latest 1270E IT4 from John

Deere is the most powerful and productive yet. With a large 9 litre engine and CH7 harvester boom, the 1270E offers levels of performance normally reserved for larger size class harvesters. The 1270E offers the ultimate in versatility and provides tremendous power and production for even the most demanding clear fell operations, yet is manoeuvrable enough to operate in final thinning operations. Its big brother 1470E IT4 is built for the most demanding of applications.

Powered by a 9 litre Deere engine, the 1470E also boasts an 11 m reach boom and an extreme duty transmission to push the big machine where others can only dream.

The John Deere 1270E 8-wheeled harvester negotiates steep Finnish terrain 56 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH

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HARVESTERS Operator comfort in all John Deere wheeled harvesters is guaranteed in the levelling and rotating cabin, while the Timbermatic control system provides the intelligence to enable forest entrepreneurs to optimise their businesses.

wood harvesting, harvester heads can be optionally equipped with multi-tree handling devices.

The agile and powerful John Deere 1070E IT4 and 1170E IT4 harvesters are equipped with bigger work pumps for more power and torque in comparison to the corresponding Tier-III models.

The 1170E IT4 harvester is equipped with a 175 cm3 pump and the 1070E IT4 harvester has a larger 160 cm3 pump for increased oil flow, which enables efficient use of the new PPC feature. Both of these new models are powered by John Deere 6068 PowerTech Plus series turbo-charged 6-cylinder 6.8 litre engines.

John Deere introduced the industry’s longest maintenance intervals for the E-series IT4 models. Instead of the previous standard of 500, 1,000 and 2,000 hour maintenance intervals, John Deere now offers 750, 1,500 and 3,000 hour maintenance intervals under certain conditions.

Extended maintenance intervals for E-series IT4 models

“Extended maintenance intervals offer our customers a significant maintenance cost reduction with less maintenance interruptions to the logging work,” Ylänen said.

Cat harvesters are designed In terms of durability, with the best combination precision handling and of lift capacity, swing torque speedy processing, John and tractive effort-to-weight Deere harvester booms and ratios to boost productivity harvester heads are top-ofin the woods. Five models class. For even faster and more available to06:54 suit diverse JaspWilson ad feb_mar 2014_Layout are 1 14/02/2014 Page 1 productive pulp and energy-

The Cat 541 Series 2 harvester logging applications and environments.

The Cat 541 Series 2 and the Cat 552 Series 2 are full tail swing track machines designed for high production clear or select cut in rough terrain. The 552 is a levelling machine for more comfort on steep terrain.

The Cat 521 and 522 B Series machines are zero tail swing harvesters. The 522B is a levelling machine for select or

clear-cut logging, while the Cat 521B is a non-levelling model best for plantation thinning, swamp logging, medium production select or clear cut and high production biomass applications.

The Cat 501HD is a zero tail swing machine that is easy to manoeuver in select cut operations and well balanced for stability in final felling applications.

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HARVESTERS Series 2 and B Series With market leading blend of lift capacity, reach and tight stick tuck-in capabilities, both the Series 2 and B Series harvesters deliver high performance. “These machines perform well in lift capacity over competitors in their size class,” Jared Dunn, Caterpillar Forest Products Product Performance Engineer for the Series 2 and B Series machines, said.

The swing capacity is another advantage of the Cat track harvesters when working on steep slopes. “The strong swing torque gives the operator the ability to swing big loads up slopes,” Dunn said.

The Series 2 and B Series machines are equipped with the 226 kW (303 hp) Cat C9 ACERT engine. The C9 is a common engine design with a proven track record of reliability and durability in the woods. A high capacity cooling system and ondemand reversing fan keep the harvesters debris-free and running at the proper operating temperature, optimizing performance, durability and fuel efficiency.

Two hydraulic pumps power the hydraulics to give loggers smoother multi-functioning.

“The combination of swing and lift capacity with improved multi-functioning will reduce cycle times and increase production. And the balance between lift and tipping load capacity, along with the wide track gauge, gives the machine the stability loggers need to be safe working in steep conditions,” Dunn said.

Large structures such as swing bearings and booms provide for longer life and durability. The tracks and all undercarriage rolling components are high-grade components that extend track life, cut repair costs and increase stability.

Both the B Series and Series 2 machines have a full 889 mm (35 in) of ground clearance from front to back. “Strong drawbar pull, along with this ground clearance and the ‘open tunnel’ undercarriage design make for a highly manoeuvrable machine that easily climbs steep slopes,” Dunn said.

Both lines also feature the only two-way simultaneous levelling system in the industry.

This unique three-cylinder design significantly reduces stress loads into the leveller structure, lower frame and track frames, and lasts longer than two-cylinder levelling systems.

501HD Visibility is one of the primary advantages of the 501HD. “The operator doesn’t have to swing the carrier around to get a look to the left or right because

nothing blocks the view. The engine is in the rear and the cab sits forward of the boom,” Glenn Brown, Caterpillar Forest Products Product Performance Engineer for the 501HD, said.

“The rear-mounted engine also helps with stability and is an effective counter balance for better lift at full reach.”

The 501HD is equipped with the 117 kW Cat C6.6 Tier 3 Stage IIIA engine with ACERT Technology. The engine generates more torque in the lower rpm ranges for more power. This also maintains higher hydraulic flow under load for faster processing.

The engine also includes cold mode start strategy, automatic altitude compensation and electronic diagnostics and fault monitoring.

A side-by-side radiator, hydraulic and charge air cooling package efficiently

The combination of swing and lift capacity with improved multi-functioning will reduce cycle times and increase production – Jared Dunn, on the Cat Series 2 and B Series machines

prevents heat build-up. The cooling package is away from the front of the carrier to minimize exposure to debris and dust so less cleaning is needed.

Designed for efficient and reliable operation, the harvester’s axial piston hydraulic pump meets stringent requirements for noise reduction, efficiency, controllability and durability.

The valve system has proven reliability in forestry applications with its fuelefficient, load sensing and pressure compensated technology. Each section is designed for the flow and pressure of a specific function.

Ramped and proportional carrier functions reduce stress on the structures for a longer life.

Vimek is a leading manufacturer of small scale forest machines with some 2,000 forest machines produced. Today Vimek has four different models of forwarders in serial production and one unique small scale, debarking, thinning harvester.

“The Vimek 404T5 is the most efficient small scale harvester on the market today,” the manufacturer stated. “[This is the result of its] unique features like dual steering function, low fuel consumption, low ground pressure, high capacity and an overall low investment cost for good total economy.”

This is the fifth generation of Vimek 404, equipped with a strong front axle that provides an alternative width of the machine (1.8 m or 2.15 m); a 60 hp CAT engine, and hydrostatic transmission from Bosch Rexroth. Mini joysticks are standard equipment for the cabin.

The Cat 501HD harvester

The Vimek 404T5 is equipped with a Mowi 2046 crane with a maximum reach of 4.6 m.

The machine is also equipped

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HARVESTERS TECHNICAL SPCIFICATION VIMEK 404T5 ngine: CAT C2,2T, 44 E kW/2700 rpm Turning angle: 80° T ransmission: Hydrostatic Bosch Rexroth Ground clearness: 40 cm Axle width: 2,10 m Width: 1,80 m or 2,15 m eight incl. harvesting head: W 4 400 kg Tyres: 405/70-24 Crane: Mowi 2046 • Max reach, 4,60 m • Turning angle, 250° arvesting head: Keto Forst H Silver • Weight 300 kg

The Vimek 404T5 is a fifth generation machine

• Max diameter 30 cm with a unique and patented Brake Link system from Vimek; a Keto Forst Silver harvesting head with a cutting diameter of 300 mm; and 6.5 in screen and computer from Motomit IT.

Computer: Motomit IT

The cabin can be equipped with an air conditioning system and any number of other optional accessories.

• Stump treatment

Vimek 404T5 can also be equipped with different crane tip attachments, such as clam shell bucket for ditch cleaning and/or a felling head for brush cleaning of, for example, road sides and under electric power lines.

• Call Start GSM for diesel engine

The Vimek 404 harvester has been produced since 2006 with close to 100 units sold so far in more than 10 different countries.

Extra accessories: • Air condition • Sprinkler system • Wheel chains • Radio with Bluetooth • Crane damping system

• Callstart for diesel engine • Sun blinds Comfort and efficiency are features of the 404T5 cabin

• Roof frame • Xenon lights • Pneumatic chair • Printer

The Vimek 404T5 is the most efficient small

• Vimek clam shell bucket

scale harvester on the market today

• Vimek felling head

– Vimek

• Mini joysticks • Wheels 500/60-22.5

30% less power consumption

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when compared to a viscous fan drive.

(Uni Karlsruhe, Germany / 2013)

More power at the PTO

Reduced fuel consumption

Less noise under full load

Reversible engine cooling fan

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

The Rayco C100R has more power than most small mulching machines

Building the road to success Providing access to the timber stand can be a time consuming task but a necessary evil before the important work of harvesting can be tackled.

Thankfully, there are suppliers that specialise in making that process that little bit easier

P

ower in a small package is at the top of the list for many forestry entrepreneurs pushing for a quick and efficient way to maintain the access ways to the stand. This is easier said than done.

Small and manoeuvrable is easy to achieve and the latest engines and integrated power systems mean that the maximum power achievable goes well beyond the needs of most operators. But putting that speed, agility and power into one package is difficult.

A few suppliers are working on just that and taking significant steps toward achieving their goal. Rayco has led the charge on this front, though at the smaller end of the Bandit range there is interesting

progress being made.

There are also a host of high power, robust and durable machines capable of powering through tough jobs while keeping the operator in relative comfort. These machines are more suited to large scale maintenance jobs and for the initial construction of the access road.

All are covered in the International Forest Industries review.

Rayco’s new C100R forestry mulcher provides a solution for foresters looking for a purpose-built mulcher with the versatility of rubber tracks. “Our customers demanded a mulcher that was capable of crossing roadways and sensitive turf but still had the power and in-woods

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND characteristics of a dedicated forestry machine,” Rayco said.

“The C100R answers that call.”

It rides on a 450 mm (17.7 in) wide steel-imbedded rubber track. A reliable, 99 hp Kubota diesel engine supplies power, while Rayco’s exclusive Super Flow, closed loop hydrostatic system delivers mulching power not found in ordinary compact track loaders. Purpose-built for mulching, the C100R features a heavy duty rear door, hydraulic winch, and Rayco’s exclusive elevated cooling design, which places engine radiators in both the rear of the engine compartment and in the limbriser for maximum cooling performance in the harshest climates. The cab is certified ROPS/OPS/FOPS with escape hatches in the roof and rear window.

The new Caterpillar 586C Site Prep Tractor is a multi-purpose, heavy-duty machine with the muscle to run power-hungry mulchers and brushcutters.

“The tractor runs cool and doesn’t collect debris, so you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time working,” Matt McDonald, Caterpillar Forest Products Product Specialist, said. “Plus, you can tackle a

C100R features • 99 hp Kubota diesel engine • Super Flow, closed loop hydrostatic mulcher head drive • Rubber tracks, 450 mm wide, steel imbedded • 2-Speed ground travel • Rayco Exclusive elevated cooling design • Hydraulic rear winch • ROPS/FOPS/OPS certified cab • Rooftop and rear window escape • Predator mulcher head. variety of projects with one machine, lowering your owning and operating costs.”

Applications apart from forestry road development include residential/ commercial development, land management, right-of-way construction and maintenance, wetlands and wildlife habitat management, plantation reclamation and management, and clearing for flood control and firebreaks.

New Cat work tools have been developed to match the powerful capability of the 586C. The Cat HM825 mulcher and the Cat BR624 brushcutter will be available from the factory and supported by Cat dealers. Other attachments, such as buckets and rakes, are offered by Cat dealers.

Powerful Performance The PowerDirect Plus system optimises performance by

Our customers demanded a mulcher that was capable of crossing roadways and sensitive turf but still had the power and in-woods characteristics of a dedicated forestry machine – the C100R answers that call – Rayco

The Cat 586C has the power to operate with heavy duty attachments

monitoring operator and attachment hydraulic demand and delivering power where and when it is needed. The 350 hp engine and oversized hydraulic system push more flow to the attachment for faster recovery without slowing other functions.

“You’ll see strong performance in all applications.

Simultaneous lift-tilt and liftsteer functions and attachment recovery are significantly faster than major competitive machines,” McDonald said. PowerDirect Plus also helps with fuel efficiency by maintaining a consistent load on the engine.

Clean, cool operation “This tractor is often working in hot, dry and dusty environments, so it’s important to have a machine that runs cool and doesn’t collect debris,” McDonald said.

The high capacity cooling system and on-demand reversing fan keep the machine running cool. The oversized, hydraulically driven fan spins at a slower speed overall and only turns as fast as needed to maintain proper hydraulic and engine temperatures. In colder weather or when the machine is first started, for example, the fan spins more slowly to conserve power and fuel and reduce noise.

The machine is segmented into separate compartments that are pressurised to prevent debris from entering. The pressurised airflow also keeps electronics, sensors and other key components cool during long workdays.

HJM Forest Resource Management in Mississippi ran a pilot machine to provide feedback for fine-tuning the tractor. One of the company principals, Jimmy Wayne McGowen, reported that the radiator and air filter stayed clean and the pressurised engine compartment kept debris out.

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND “We have to blow out our older machines like crazy,” McGowen said. “We don’t have to with this machine. That’s a big thing for us, because we were spending a lot of downtime keeping our older tractors up.”

He also said he never saw the hydraulic oil temperature get to medium even on 41°C (105°F) work days. “The cooler your machine runs, the better it’s going to perform and the longer it’s going to last,” McGowen said.

Comfortable cab The cab is positioned between the axles for a stable, smooth ride. A clean three-piece front windshield, standard back-up camera and skylight provide a 360° view. The standard air suspension seat with neck and back support and high capacity HVAC system add to operator comfort.

“We never could run the air conditioner on high – it blows good on low,” McGowen reported.

Operator controls are fully adjustable. Special functions that enhance operation and

reduce operator fatigue include Creep mode, Terrain Selection mode, Road Steer mode and optional Attachment Float Control. Creep mode gives the operator the ability to adjust speed up or down on the fly with joystick buttons, instead of with just a foot pedal.

“Pushing through thick vegetation or mulching and back dragging can be hard on the operator if speed is controlled strictly with the foot pedal,” McDonald explained.

“Creep mode makes it a lot easier on the operator.”

Stays in the field Robust box section frames and a field-proven centre hitch design with large dual-tapered roller bearings and 76.2 mm (3 in) diameter pins provide a solid foundation. The control valve, pumps and cylinder seals were “torture tested” to ensure reliability. Steering cylinder mounts and chrome plated lift arm and tilt link pins are two more examples of structural features built into this tractor to increase uptime and machine life.

The engine is at the rear of the unit for ‘stuck-to-the-ground’ balance and stability

586C specifications Engine power

261 kW (350 hp)

Attachment power

378 litre/minute at 37,921 kPa (100 gpm at 5,500 psi)

HM825 width

2,900 mm (114.2 in)

HM825 optimum hydraulic requirement

378 litre/minute at 37,921 kPa (100 gpm at 5,500 psi)

BR624 width

2,474 mm (97.4 in)

BR624 power requirement

246 litre/minute at 37,921 kPa (64 gpm at 5,500 psi)

‘Stuck-to-the-ground’ stability With the engine at the back of the machine, the weight of the tractor is distributed evenly over the axles for rock-solid stability. The rear engine also acts as a counterbalance for heavy mowing and mulching attachments. The centre hitch is positioned between the front and rear axles to facilitate tyre tracking.

Easy maintenance Daily service points are in easy reach. Hydraulic oil is added at ground level with the standard electric hydraulic oil fill pump

and a quick coupler hose stored on the machine. Oil is pumped through the filtration system before it enters the tank, safeguarding the hydraulic system. The fuel fill is also at ground level. Other components are easy to reach with the tilting cab, hinged panels and three-sided access to the engine and hydraulic pumps.

Attachments Both the HM825 mulcher and the BR624 brushcutter are durable and reliable. Rugged structures, reinforced skids and internal abrasion-resistant plating minimize downtime and repairs. All daily service points are at ground level and adjustments are easy to make.

The operator has clear visibility around the attachments. Discharge is directed down and away from the tractor. When the attachments are turned off, the tractor’s hydraulics slow the attachments’ moving parts to a safe stop.

The pilot machine operated

by HJM Forest Resource Management was equipped with the HM825 mulcher.

McGowen said the tractor and attachment’s ability to handle big timber was an advantage when they were clearing standing timber to widen power line right-of-ways.

“The attachment is equipped with a hydraulic push bar and that’s a big plus,” he said.

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND In response to increasing demand for specialty land clearing equipment, Bandit Industries has enhanced its line of track carriers. Leading the charge is the all-new Model 3750.

Designed to operate with extremely low ground pressure, this all-new machine can be equipped with either a mulching forestry mower head, or a hydrostatic stump grinding head. The Model 3750 combines the smaller size and lighter weight of the Model 3500 with the larger cab and forestry mower head of the Model 4000, and it rides on a CAT 315 undercarriage with 800 mm-wide pads. This gives the Model 3750 a ground pressure of just 3.9 PSI. “We’ve had requests from numerous customers for a high-powered forestry mower that can better traverse soft and sensitive ground,” Jason Morey, Bandit’s Large and Small Equipment Sales Manager said. “The Model 3750 was built precisely for this purpose, but it’s also proven to be an excellent machine for general-purpose land clearing thanks to the wide tracks and lower weight.”

The Model 3750 is available with up to 275 hp and features a 2,100 mm-wide (84 in-wide) Bandit-designed forestry mower than can mulch up to a height of 1,800 mm (72 in). Like all Bandit track carriers, the Model 3750 features a deluxe operators cab that includes a six-way adjustable seat, electronic controls with stateof-the-art monitoring systems, rear-view cameras, on-board audio systems, and full climate control for operator comfort in all environments.

The Model 3750 cab tilts forward for convenient access to vital hydraulic systems, allowing for easy maintenance.

An interchangeable 1,000 mm (40 in) diameter stump grinder wheel is also available. The Model 3750 joins an expanding

line of dedicated land clearing machines from Bandit Industries. After an extensive period of field evaluation, the compact Model 3000 is also gaining considerable popularity as a lightweight, highly mobile land clearing machine ideally suited for construction site and right-of-way clearing where space is limited. Featuring up

to 142 hp, a dedicated 1,800 mm-wide (72 in-wide) forestry mower and a CAT 307 steeltrack undercarriage, the Model 3000 can easily power through material while reaching areas difficult to access with larger machines.

“What we’ve been hearing most on the Model 3000 is its usable power and capability

compared to its size,” Morey said. “Most machines using a mulching head of this size have less horsepower. With the CAT undercarriage and available power, there really isn’t any other clearing machine in the same category as the Model 3000.”

The Model 3000 and Model 3750 join the Model

The

Level Headed Approach to

Land Clearing

POWER TO PERFORM

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

The Bandit Model 3000

3500, Model 4000 and Model 5000 in Bandit’s track carrier lineup. All are ROPS/FOPS/ OPS certified and feature CAT steel-track undercarriages.

Intermediate-scale land clearing operations are ideal for the Model 3000 and Model 3500, while the Model 4000

and Model 5000 specialise in large scale clearing operations.

The Model 3750 fits neatly in the middle, delivering a perfect combination of power, productivity, manoeuvrability and class-leading flotation to land clearing professionals.

With the CAT undercarriage and available power, there really isn’t any other clearing machine in the same category as the Model 3000 – Jason Morey, Bandit Industries

Tigercat has four machines in the mulcher carrier line-up, two wheel driven carriers and two track driven carriers. In addition, Tigercat builds other site preparation, material handling and specialised severe duty carriers used in a variety of niche applications.

“In addition to its emphasis on durability and reliability, Tigercat also focuses on operator comfort, visibility and ergonomics, recognising the importance of a comfortable working environment to attract and retain the best operators,” the company stated. “Daily service routines are made to be as painless as possible to encourage proper machine maintenance.

M718E mulcher The compact and agile M718E is a 170 hp class mulcher ideal for smaller scale land clearing applications and light duty ROW maintenance projects such as transmission lines. It is light, compact, agile and easy to transport, yet it is a purposebuilt, severe duty off road

carrier with extremely durable construction throughout and a heavy duty front chassis and boom system.

The hydraulic system is optimised for the high duty cycle application of mulching with a large attachment pump and high flow to the head.

The high capacity cooling system, essential in mulching applications, uses a variable pitch fan with reversing cycle for improved fuel economy and better performance in high ambient temperatures and extremely dusty conditions.

The M718E is equipped with boom float system that allows the the mulching attachment to automatically follow terrain contours.

The component arrangement provides quick access to daily service points for quicker and more effective maintenance routines.

Hydraulic pumps and filters are easily accessed through the swing-out rear door. Operators find that they are able to perform daily service quickly and easily because all service points are easy to reach.

The quiet, climate controlled operator’s station is insulated and isolation mounted with a high output heater and A/C and a comfortable, extreme duty suspension seat. The cab affords excellent visibility in all directions and ergonomic armrest-mounted joystick controls.

M726E mulcher

The Model 3750 combines the smaller size and lighter weight of the Model 3500 with the larger cab and forestry mower head of the Model 4000

Tigercat’s M726E is a 300 hp class mulcher based on the extremely durable and reliable 726 series feller buncher, a machine that Tigercat has been manufacturing and refining for over 20 years. The machine is well suited to heavy duty land clearing and ROW clearing applications with heavy brush, post-harvest debris or standing timber.

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The M726E has the largest attachment pump in its class, boosting productivity. It is also available with a quick attach boom adapter and multi-function hydraulic package to quickly convert the machine to a feller buncher if required.

“There are a number of M726E feller bunchers working in Texas and Louisiana oil and gas applications,” Tigercat stated.

“Contractors like reliability and high uptime characteristics of the machine and consequently the high production that the machines achieve in what are often time sensitive land clearing jobs.

“Another important advantage is the optimal airflow and high capacity cooling system, essential in the typically high dust levels and extreme ambient temperatures experienced in the southern US during summer.”

Other standard options include a rear camera system and the automatic boom float system to reduce operator input and fatigue.

“Owners and operators of the M726E cite a number of important advantages. Operators find that they are able to perform daily service quickly and easily because all service points are easy to reach. Great care has also been taken in arranging and positioning components, making major servicing quicker and easier.”

470 mulcher Tigercat recently added a new model to its line of mulcher carriers. The track-driven 470 mulcher is equipped with the

Tigercat FPT C87 Tier IVi 245 kW (328 hp) engine. It is narrow and agile with extremely low ground pressure, rated at 20.9 kPa (3 psi). The 470 is best suited to tough terrain and sensitive site ROW, pipeline maintenance and oil and gas exploration projects.

Weighing just over 12,000 kg, the machine is also easy to transport.

The 470 is equipped with an efficient, high capacity cooling system and an efficient closed loop track drive system. Inside the cab, the operator has ergonomic electronic joystick steering and excellent sightlines.

The counter-rotate function (CRF) allows the 480 to pivot about its centre axis at the touch of a button for quick, effortless ‘on a dime’ turns at the end of a row. The heavy duty steel engine enclosure and precleaner guard eliminates the requirement for a rear canopy. All structural components are designed for full time forest duty.

480 Mulcher The 480 is a 500 hp class mulcher suitable for tough terrain, sensitive site applications for high production pipeline ROW, exploration, commercial land clearing and other high duty cycle clearing projects.

High production and extremely low ground pressure combine to offer exceptional performance in the most demanding mulching jobs. The 480 is a powerful machine with 440 hp available to the mulching attachment.

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND

The Tigercat 480 carrier works through heavy brash

and manoeuvrable with a narrow overall width and a light footprint for soft soil conditions.

A highly refined closed loop track drive system propels the carrier and a dedicated pump powers the attachment. The 480 uses heavy duty track frames and a robust mounting system for the oscillating tracks. The efficient, high capacity cooling system uses a variable pitch fan with an automatic reversing cycle.

The machine incorporates high-lift boom geometry for improved performance on uneven terrain. The 480 is also standard equipped with the counter-rotate function (CRF). All functions including the joystick steering are electronically controlled allowing for operator customisation.

“As always, Tigercat has strived for the best possible access to daily service points and major components with large swing-out engine compartment doors and a tilting cab.”

up for periodic scheduled maintenance, according to the manufacturer. All service checks can be made from ground level within an easy reach.

The swing out hydraulic cooler design allows for complete cleaning of both sides of the cooler. The FTX128L offers more efficient maintenance to reduce service time and increase production on the job.

Meanwhile, the FTX600 remains the flagship of the Fecon tractor fleet. “With an advanced blend of innovation, technology, power and performance, the FTX600 is the tractor for high demand, high production work,” the manufacturer states. “To stay ahead of the pipeline crews,

The Fecon FTX128L is the latest release in the Fecon mulching fleet and features “unmatched service and accessibility” for daily service checks and cleaning, as well as opening

the power line crews and the tightest industry schedules, power, performance and reliability are keys.” Power from the 600 hp Cummins QSX15 Tier III engine – combined with Sauer hydraulic pumps controlled by Fecon’s Power Management System and an IQAN machine operating system – makes this tractor a leader in its field.

The production level achieved by combining an oscillating allsteel undercarriage and selectable float control, along with the Fecon BH300 hydraulic Bull Hog mulching head, sets an extremely high standard.

The operator’s cab is designed for long, high production days. An airride seat and the filtered

The Fecon FTX128L

and pressurised climate controlled cab keep the operator’s performance and comfort at a high level. Tinted polycarbonate windows all around and a rear view camera with a large screen, maximise the visibility on this primary ROW performer.

Features of the FTX600 service oriented design include easy reaching service points (all from ground level), large compartment doors, and field service designed component positioning. “Keeping downtime and PM service time to a minimum and top production performance in a mulching tractor, is how we define reliability.”

Fecon hydraulic attachment Fecon recently introduced the FMA8039 hydraulic powered milling attachment rated at 260-550 hp, to process soil, stumps, and roots up to 500 mm (20 in) below grade. A massive weight of approximately 5 t (11,000 lb) keeps the attachment engaged as carbide tools cut through a 2 m (80 in) wide path of material.

The 8039 is ideally suited for treating land already cleared of standing vegetation, often through logging, mulching, or traditional land clearing methods. Applications include pipeline construction, commercial tree farm construction and preparation planting, converting land into tillable acreage, or land clearing for new construction.

A 975 mm x 2 m (39 in x 80 in) large diameter rotor has an innovative structural design and abrasion resistant steel for durability and performance across a wide range of soil conditions.

Sixty-four carbide cutting tools provide a balance of performance, wear life, and impact strength in sub-soil applications. Dual hydraulic motors deliver power to the belt-over-gear box driveline to slow the rotor speed, reduce

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND abrasion, and multiply torque to power through material.

The standard trap door can be used to help contain and direct material downward, or an optional compacting roller can smooth out and compact the finely milled material. The FMA8039 milling attachment can be configured with custom mounts, hydraulic motors, and belt ratios to fit many brands of track or wheeled carriers including Fecon’s FTX400 and FTX600 track carriers.

The RWF Bron 275 is the newest in a large line up of Mulchers.

“Bron builds mulchers up to 700 hp,” explained company President Robert Hall. “Our customers love the performance power of our 300, 440 and 540 hp mulchers on dry soil conditions, however, we saw a need for contractors working on soft, wet ground needing powerful mulching at lower ground pressure.

The Bron 275 mulcher was designed for this purpose.” The 275 mulcher has an oscillating front axle that promotes a longer undercarriage life and improves stability while maintaining a constant ground pressure, according to Sales Manager Mark Odorico. “ The cab also tilts to allow full access for servicing, which is an important feature to our customers. The 275 has been in production for three years and it has been received very well

with our mulching contractors.”

Designed specifically for low ground pressure and easy transportation, the new Bron 275 gives contractors all the strength of a Bron mulcher in the smaller, compact size they need. Built on aD3 undercarriage, the 275 has a low ground pressure rating (3.5 psi). For rocky ground conditions,contractors have the option to upgrade to a D4 sized undercarriage.

Fully hydrostatic, Bron’s 275 mulcher is powered by a Cat C7 engine, producing 275 hp, from which it takes its name.

Even working at a fast pace, it provides plenty of power to the mulching head, easily grinding trees and undergrowth into fine mulch. “The Bron 275 helps keep transportation costs low and the operating weight and size make it possible to haul two power units together on one trailer,” Odorico said.

While running the machine the operator is kept safe in an engineered cab, providing ROPS, FOPS and OPS certification. The cab is also climate controlled, improving operator comfort that increases productivity.” The Bron 275 offers all the features and benefits of Bron’s reputation for heavy duty and powerful mulchers at a size built to maximise efficiency where low ground pressure is a must.

Bron mulchers are used for site preparation as well as power line maintenance,

pipeline right-of-ways, fire fighting and seismic line applications. Bron will supply or custom fit any manufacturer’s head to fit.

Barko 930 Industrial Tractor The Barko 930 Industrial Tractor delivers far more power (hydraulic HP) to the mulcher head than any other product on the market. From day one, this BEAST was built to “tear-it-up”, ripping its’ way through the most demanding right-of-way land clearing and site prep.

With a highly maneuverable carrier built to withstand extreme stress and tough terrain, the 930 is the top mulcher for large commercial and municipal applications.

It also provides the best fuel

• Left hand joystick for steering with 5 push buttons • Right hand joystick for lift and tilt with 5 pushbuttons • Buttons for horn, front differential lock, low lock, float on/off, float override, gate, push bar, plus 1 extra

The Barko 930

efficiency, increased work productivity, and the lowest total cost of operation than any other product on the market. Equipped with more standard features and higher quality components than its competitors, the Barko 930 Industrial Tractor lasts longer, performs harder, and delivers the results you expect, all while using less fuel and providing more comfort. Nothing performs like a Barko. Demo one! You can actually feel the difference.

Operators Cab

The Bron 275

insulation, defroster, air conditioning, deluxe adjustable bucket seat with 4 point harness, tinted lexan windows, three front mounted cab lights, two front side mounted cab lights, two rear mounted cab lights, two rear side mounted cab lights, AM/FM radio, cd player, and fire extinguisher. Air Knife on front windshield for dust and debris removal. Sealed and pressurized with cyclonicfilter

• Excellent visibility, ergonomically designed layout for operator comfort and ease of control, sound

button can be arranged to suit the end user • Pilot operated double foot pedal for travel • Foot operated hydraulic service, emergency brake • Electronic hydraulic pressure diagnostics on the cab instrument panel Service Features • Grouped single point remote grease fittings for steering cylinders and axles • Side panels are lockable and removable • Brake and transmission side, front and bottom covers are removable for ease of service • Weight without attachment 30,000 lbs

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND – OPERATION FOCUS GHANA

PrimeTech takes to clearing Ghana

APSD Ghana is currently undertaking a major project for the development of a biomass plantation area in Ghana that will engage the company for the next 20 years

After contacting several leading global manufacturers of for forest-land clearing vehicles, APSD Ghana chose PrimeTech as the ideal partner for this project.

The extensive expertise PrimeTech has developed over the years throughout the world was a decisive factor, the supplier said. Across five continents, PrimeTech prime movers operate under extreme weather conditions (from -40° in Russia and Canada to +40° in Brazil, Panama and Venezuela) and on any type of terrain.

“In fact, PrimeTech movers stand unparalleled for mulching and land clearing operations in wet and marshy zones as well as in muskeg,” PrimeTech continued.

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ACCESS TO THE TIMBER STAND – OPERATION FOCUS GHANA

• Hot and dusty environment: the units are expected to operate efficiently in temperatures of 40° and higher.

To address this issue – and on the basis of APSD’s previous experience in hot climate operations – PrimeTech implemented some key changes to the cooling and air-intake system to improve the already strong cooling capacity of the PT-400 model.

Changes included: - Use of a larger, oversized oil cooler to further increase cooling capacity - Outer installation of the oil cooler atop the rollbar to improve the cooling process and simplify oil cooler cleaning and maintenance procedures - Use of reversible fans for both radiator and engine oil coolers to ensure thorough cleaning of radiators and screens

The PrimeTech PT-400s are adapted to suit the specific requirements of the Ghanaian climate

- Implementation of an engine airintake system with cyclone type prefilter and integrated dust ejector to optimise air filtration and reduce filter service intervals - Application of a white colour finish to reduce sunlight impact on units –

white reflects up to 60% of sunlight compared to other colours • Special needs and requirements: to meet APSD’s specific needs, PrimeTech introduced additional features on the PT-400 units: - Q RS (quick reaction system): a system designed to protect lift cylinders in case of sudden impact with obstacles unseen by the operator - S RS (stall rotor system): cab-based warning system to alert the operator in case of rotor stall, thereby increasing productivity - G EO-fencing system: the operator will be alerted and the rotor will stop working when the unit is about to cross the boundaries of the territory allocated for mulching.

• Spare parts availability and product support: together with the four PT-400 units, PrimeTech delivered a full and comprehensive package including spare parts, wear parts and service. Also, as part of this project, Primetech set up a continuous training and support program to ensure uninterrupted support to APSD during the whole first year of operation.

APSD decided to purchase four PT-400 HCs attached to four FAE 300/U mulching heads with customised overall width of 275 cm.

The main reasons for the purchase were listed as follows: • L ow ground pressure: the soil on the working site is sandy and turns to swamp during the rainy season. The PT-400 exerts a low ground pressure of 4.95 psi (0.35 kg/cm2) – the best in its class. This feature, found on each PT model, makes it possible for the PT-400 to retain excellent mobility at all times, particularly while operating on marshy land, in muskeg, or on especially uneven terrain

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CUTTING EDGE

Long boom option on Deere FBs With John Deere’s 903K and 909K tracked feller bunchers new long boom option, more trees can be harvested with less travel. The new long boom delivers increased productivity by stretching maximum reach to more than 9.82 m (32 ft), a 10.6% increase over the standard boom, when used with John Deere’s field proven FR21B disc saw felling head.

Designed to maximise productivity, the new long boom also provides a best in class cutting swath of 5.18 m (17 ft) to handle more trees from one location.

“Each new enhancement to John Deere’s forestry equipment is designed with our customers’ needs in mind,” John Deere Construction & Forestry Product Marketing Manager, Cliff Caudill, said. “The new long boom option on tracked feller bunchers is ideally suited in areas with specific restrictions to limit ground impact on the forest.”

John Deere’s optional Rapid Cycle System (RCS) is also available with the new long boom to further enhance productivity. The RCS allows the operator to control the boom, stick and felling head trajectory with

The 909K now has a long boom option

a single joystick. Simply push the joystick forward and the felling head moves away from the machine while staying level with the ground. The result is a smoothness and speed that improves machine productivity and the overall quality of the cut.

The new long boom is now available and joins the recently updated standard boom.

Both the 903K and 909K can be equipped to maximise productivity for a wide variety of conditions with its standard and long boom options. www.deere.com

Bandit card breaker system expanded Bandit Industries has expanded its card breaker system into hand-fed and whole tree drum-style chippers. The card breaker works similarly to a screening system, restricting oversized material from exiting the machine. The system is optional for most Bandit drum-style chippers, creating an even higher quality wood chip that is well suited for use in expanding biomass energy markets.

“Chips of relatively uniform size and shape are much preferred for use in biomass fuel wood applications,” Jason Morey, Bandit Industries Sales Manager, said. “By creating a better chip, our customers can have a better product to sell on the biomass fuel market.”

Bandit’s card breaker doesn’t subtract from Bandit chippers’ legendary throwing power – in fact, it benefits from it. Chips leave the drum at an incredible speed, with larger sized chips hitting the card breaker installed in the discharge. This breaks the chips down further, resulting in a more uniform chip ready for biofuel applications.

The card breaker system functions without the need for additional chip accelerating devices, and overall machine production is unaffected.

At the most basic level, wood chips are being used in biomass boilers to produce both heat and power. These facilities can range in size from large regional power plants to small, single-home heating systems. Outside this scope, several companies are converting wood chips into a petroleum product that could one day be a commercially viable alternative to fossil fuels. All around the globe, people are turning to wood chips to either supplement energy production, or to outright replace it. The result is an industry that is rapidly expanding.

Many professionals using hand-fed chippers aren’t selling chips for biomass use. Just the opposite – they often have to pay to dispose of their chips.

“Bandit is already a leader when it comes to quality and uniformity of its chips,” Christopher Smith, Bandit Industries Marketing and Communications Director, said. “With our card breaker system, producers can make a higher quality product that can open up new revenue streams. Instead of paying to dump their chips, they could be getting paid for a valuable end product.” www.banditchippers.com

Springer CLT production lines maximise efficiency “Excellent ease of handling, low maintenance effort and, most of all, minimised material input.” That is how Springer describes the key characteristics of their innovative CLT production lines.

“We develop CLT production lines that take account of cut-outs and chamfers already during the provision and automatic positioning of lamellas,” the company stated. “This means minimised material consumption thanks to solutions that are tailored to the requirements of our customers. We deliver the corresponding machine linkages or the whole plant as a general supplier.”

Springer collaborate with Microtec on control solutions for all its industrial systems. Springer’s control systems offer remote tracking of items and fully automated machine adjustment to reach the highest possible degree of automation.

Springer services •C onveyor systems for finger-jointing plants • Cutting to length and provisioning of lamellas • Infeed to the CLT positioning zone • Intelligent handling and fitting of lamellas by the CLT positioning crane according to the desired openings • Infeed to the adhesive application station and the CLT press • Individually adapted mechanising concept for press, joinery zone and grinding machine • CLT packaging solutions • Complete solutions with well thoughtout high frequency presses. www.springer.eu

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CUTTING EDGE

Eco Log continues to evolve with forwarder line The evolution of Eco Log’s product range continues in 2014 with the launch of four 8-wheeled forwarders. These 2014 models integrate the latest technology to provide the utmost in power, low fuel consumption and extreme performance for forwarders.

Eco Log’s forwarders are now, like the harvester range, stamped with the appendix ‘+Blue’ – indeed all new forwarders now have the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system and fulfil future emissions regulations.

To recap, the SCR is based on the injection of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the exhaust gas in the catalysor. In the SCR system, a chemical reaction reduces nitrogen oxide to harmless nitrogen and water vapour.

The 14 t 574D and 19.5 t 594D, are powered by Mercedes Benz six-cylinder OM926LA engines with an output range from 261 to 301 hp, and compliant with Euromot 3B emissions regulations. The 554D and 564D, respectively 10 t and 12 t loading capacity models, are available with a Mercedes Benz four-cylinder OM934 engine offering 173-205 hp. ¬The latter OM934 is, technological

The four new D-Series forwarders include: Model

Engine kW

Loading capacity Pulling force

554D +Blue 129 kW (opt. 150 kW) 10 t

146 kNm

564D +Blue 150 kW

12 t

174 kNm

574D +Blue 195 kW

14 t

195 kNm

594D +Blue 225 kW

19.5 t

245 kNm

speaking, the most advanced engine, combining the SCR mentioned above together with EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), in order to comply to Euromot IV emissions regulations. In brief, EGR involves recirculating a portion of an engine’s exhaust gas back into the intake air and then to the engine cylinder – therefore fewer oxides are formed as exhaust gas.

One of the possible drawbacks with installation of SCR is that it takes space around the engine assembly – with the general consequence of reducing accessibility. Nevertheless, on Eco Log’s side, and because one of the main features of Eco Log machines has always been ease of serviceability, designers have achieved remarkable success by drawing a D-Series forwarder which is compact

yet still highly accessible for maintenance. Thus, most parts are easily and quickly removable and/or tiltable to get access to the diesel engine.

For customers wanting a versatile forwarder, the D-Series provides a highly desirable range with optional configuration meeting a wide variety of operations. The new 554D four-cylinder is available with 173 hp or optional 205 hp, making it as powerful as its precursor 554C ‘Limited Edition’ with six cylinders. The 554D is an appealing combination, mixing mighty performance together with tiny dimensions.

Indeed, the 554D is 2.56 m wide with 600 tyres.

The Eco Log 564D engine, delivering 205 hp, is as powerful as its C-predecessor with six cylinders. The Eco Log 564D is enhanced by both lighter and stronger bogies contributing a tractive force gain of about +15% vs 564C. Eco Log 564D and 574D are sharing the same extendable bunks: 2.57 m retracted, up to 2.97 m when fully extended. The redesign of the bunks enables a narrower machine vs C-series without losing the versatility of the loading area. The 564D can be mounted with two rim sizes, either 6,125 mm (24.5 in) or 6,625 (26.5 in) and can be delivered with a minimum width of 2.59 m with 600 tyres.

Another important new feature is that 554D, 564D and 574D can be equipped with optional front bogie lift. Furthermore, on all forwarders, bogie stoppers are now mounted with shock absorbers, reducing the stress when the bogie fully tilts and hits the stopper, which contributes to better comfort for the operator.

The transmission remains hydrostatic-mechanic. The hydrostatic part is powered

by Bosch Rexroth pump and motor; the mechanical side is guaranteed by reliable NAF components. A significant setting concerns the maximum driving pressure provided by Bosch Rexroth’s new highpressure series, which can be set at 475 bar, offering an impressive tractive force.

Indeed, the tractive pulling forces are 146 kNm, 174 kNm, 195 kNm and 245 kNm, respectively, for 554D, 564D, 574D and 594D. Note for all machines, the bogies can be either floating (standard) or balanced (optional).

Cranab loaders remain the premium choice for Eco Log forwarders. An interesting option is the possibility of mounting a Cranab FC16 (165 kNm) on Eco Log 574D and including an implement pump upgrade to 180 cc. 564D can be delivered with tiltable crane base either with Cranab FC10 (100 kNm) or with Cranab FC12 (120 kNm).

The D-Series forwarder hydraulic circuit is now cooled by the same fan assembly as Eco Log harvesters, i.e. with a Multi-wing three-speed clutchcontrolled fan. The oil tank capacity has increased by about 20% for each machine versus previous C-Series. www.eco-log.se

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ADVERTISERS INDEX SALES OFFICES UK, Europe, South Africa, US East Coast

ADVERTISERS INDEX Bandit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.banditchippers.com

MTU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 www.mtu-online.com

Barko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 www.barko.com

Norwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.norwoodsawmills.com

or david@internationalforestindustries.com

Bron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 www.rwfbron.com

Olofsfors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 www.olosfsfors.com

Japan

Comact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 www.comact.com

CONTACT: Phil Playle or David Lansdowne Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: phil@internationalforestindustries.com

CONTACT: Yuko Ishihara Japan Advertising Communications, Inc. Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051 Tel: 81-3-3261-4591 Fax: 81-3-3261-6126 Email: ishihara@media-jac.co.jp

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT) Australia, & New Zealand CONTACT: George Roman Roy McDonald Associates, Inc 4779 Luna Ridge Court,

CLEANFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 www.cleanfix.org EWD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/C / 23 www.ewd.de Fecon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 www.fecon.com Halco Software Systems. . . . . . . . . 35 www.halcosoftware.com Indexator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 www.indexator.se

Las Vegas NV 89129, USA Tel: +1 (702) 515 7247 Fax: +1 (702) 515 7248 Email: george@roymcdonald.com

Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada CONTACT: Bob Warren Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617

Jaspwilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 www.jaspwilson.co.uk Iggesund Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 www.iggesundforest.se John Deere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.deere.com/forestry Linck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 www.linck.com

Email: bob@internationalforestindustries.com

Lucidyne Technologies Inc . . . . . . . 15 www.lucidyne.com US Mid-West, Central & Mountain CONTACT: Kevin Lapham J.P.Media Inc 1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville IL 60563, USA Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Microtec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 www.microtec.eu Morbark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.morbark.com

Peterson ���������������������������������������� IFC www.petersoncorp.com Ponsse.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 www.ponsse.com Rayco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 www.raycomfg.com Rottne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 www.rottne.com Select Saw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 www.selectsawmill.com seppi m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 www.sseppi.com Springer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 www.springer.eu Stenner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 www.stenner.co.uk Tigercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.tigercat.com USNR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC www.usnr.com Ventura. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 www.venturamaq.com Wood-Mizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 www.woodmizer.com

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763 Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

IFI SHOW DIRECTORY

South America

MAY 21 – 23, 2014

CONTACT: Ricardo Cortés

Mogi Guaçu | São Paulo State, Brazil

Editec S.A.

Join us at Expo Forest 2014

Avda del Cóndor 844 Of. 205, Cuidad Empresarial Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile Tel: +56 2 757 4200 Fax: +56 2 757 4201 Email: rcortes@editec.cl

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IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

FORESTRY

The

Level Headed Approach to

Land Clearing

POWER TO PERFORM

POWER TO PERFORM

BRON Mulcher

BRON 475 Mulcher with SEPPI Mulching Head

Leveling everything in their paths are BRON mulchers - grinding trees, brush and stumps into fine mulch, quickly and easily. Low ground pressure and powerful hydraulics are standard on all models, ranging from 275 hp to 700 hp.

Richardson Service_Frances Marion tree thinning

Seppi Midiforst dt 225 Mulcher on the Bron 275 was a perfect combination on a tree thinning project in the Frances Marion National Forest in Huger, SC. The Bron handled flawlessly on the saturated ground while the Seppi Midiforst dt 225 is an easily manueverable and very efficient mulching head. This video was brought to you by Richardson Service and Seppi Partners LLC

BRON 275 Mulcher with Seppi Midiforst Mulching Head

www.rwfbron.com

Can Your Tractor Do This in 10 mins?

Fecon, Inc FTX600

Introducing Fecon’s all-new “FTX 128L High Performance” forestry mulcher! Visit http://fecon.com or call 1-800-528-3113 for more information. This 128 horsepower mulching machine was designed and built from the ground up right here at our Lebanon, Ohio, USA factory to deliver the highest performance and greatest fuel efficiency in its class.

The FTX600 is Fecon’s flagship tractor. This tractor brings the best combination of cutting performance, track power, ground pressure and serviceability in the 600hp class of mulching machines.

FTX148L Forestry Mulcher - Mulching Machine - Fecon - Bull Hog

RTC22/500-8 - Pine Trees

Attached to a Fecon FTX148 Mulching Machine, the Bull Hog Forestry Mulcher is perfect for clearing trees and brush. Bull Hog attachments excel at clearing right-of-way, lines of site, invasive species and fire breaks as well as many other in Forest applications.

Fecon’s® RTC22 is a purpose built mobile chipping system like no other. This dedicated carrier is specifically designed for chipper weight, center of gravity, and serviceability. The high mobility of the RTC22 is welcomed on remote jobsites that could be hard to get to with other vehicles. With a top speed of 12 miles per hour, the RTC22 is three times faster to the job.

You will find unmatched versatility, power, and durability from the FeconFTX 148 Mulching Machine. Jobs normally requiring 2 or 3 pieces of equipment can now be completed with just one due to the machines’ high versatility and rate of production.

www.fecon.com

Bandit visits R.J. Nathe & Sons

Parker Kligerman visits Bandit 2013

Bandit visits R.J. Nathe & Sons on a job site near Ocala, Florida to see how their Bandit Whole Tree Chipper Model 3590 is working for them.

NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Parker Kligerman visits Bandit Industries and gets behind the wheel of a few other machines.

Bandit Model 2400 XP (24” Disc-Style) Whole Tree Chipper

Operations looking for a high production chipper with a large chipping capacity should take a look at the Model 2400. The Model 2400 is designed for those land clearing operations whose main goal is production, and those loggers looking to produce a high quality, dimensional chip. Like the Model 1900, the 2400 features a five feed wheel system that gives this unit unmatched crushing and pulling power. To aid in this capability, the 2400 features a Caterpillar or Cummins 700 horsepower engine.

Revolution Cutter Wheel

The Bandit Revolution stump grinder cutter wheel is now standard issue for all new Bandit stump grinders, and it’s available as a retrofit for older machines. Don’t have a Bandit stump grinder? No problem—this amazing wheel is also available for a wide range of other stump grinder makes and models so you too can be part of the Revolution.

www.banditchippers.com

848H Skidder

King of the Hills

With industry-leading axles, super sturdy frames, and innovative options like dual-mode steering, the H-Series skidders continue John Deere’s unwavering dedication to being the leader in the woods.

Neiman Enterprises has emerged to become the leading forest products company in the Black Hills region.

2013 John Deere 843K Feller buncher at Forestry First 05-02-13

Road Map to Success

This 2013 model Deere 843K is working in Pine Plantation.

We filmed this cutter working on a second thinning job where the stems are 6 inches or so average, many less. This feller buncher is very impressive. The owner has been pleased with fuel consumption and the speed and power of this feller buncher is more than adequate in his thinning and logging operations.

The operators are also making positive comments about the cab interior which has recently been much improved. The old steering column is gone and it opens everything up in terms of visibility and space for your legs. If you have not sat in one of these you should do yourself a favour and hop into one.

Fleet management systems have put Mid Atlantic Tree Harvesters “on the map�.

www.deere.com

6600 Track Wood Hog

Morbark 5048 Drum Chipper

Morbark 6600 Track Wood Hog. Footage taken at the 2013 Morbark Demo Days.

Morbark 5048 Drum Chipper equipped with a 10 knife Advantage 3 drum and a Cat C-27 1050hp diesel engine. Footage taken at the 2013 Morbark Demo Days.

Morbark, Inc. I Make America

3200 Wood Hog Demo Days May 2013

Aimed at wood and green waste recycling applications, the Morbark 3200 Wood Hog is a compact and aggressive unit. A smaller, lighter, and more affordable unit with all of the benefits of our larger grinders, the 3200 can handle green waste, regrind, sawmill residue, pallets, and logs up to 14� in diameter ease.

Available as a tracked unit for greater mobility or with electric power, the 3200 can be built with Morbark’s most popular options.

www.morbark.com

4300B Drum Chipper Making Micro Chips

s5710C horizontal grinder with Terra Select S6 E Star Screen

The new Peterson 4300B drum chipper has been updated for 2014 with new features that high-volume biomass chippers demand. The 4300B can be equipped with either a 6-pocket (to make standard biomass chips) or 12-pocket (to make microchips) drum depending on your material needs.

A Peterson 5710C horizontal grinder feeds ground wood pallets into a Terra-Select S6-E star screen. The three fraction Terra Select S6-E sorts the ground material into fines, accepts and overs.

Both machines are ideal for processing mulch, compost, or other organic material.

6700B Mid-Speed Grinder

5710C Pallet Grinding

This Peterson 6700B horizontal grinder is equipped with our new Mid-Speed C&D package, and is doing primary grind in surplus railroad ties. The second grinder (a Peterson 4710B) is processing the material to meet the product spec which is being used for energy production.

This Peterson 5710C horizontal grinder is grinding pallets for mulch production in Indiana. The machine uses a cross belt magnet to pull the nails from the material (watch for a follow-up video on this process soon!)

The Mid-Speed C&D package is designed for highly contaminated material and features several new innovations that have not been seen on high-speed horizontal grinders before. This operation is seeing consistent 300+ tons per hour of production in this material.

The 5710C is Peterson’s latest generation of high production track grinders. Powered by the Caterpillar C27 or C32 engine at 1050 horsepower, this grinder provides the highest power to weight ratio of any Peterson grinder. At approximately 83,000 pounds (37650 kg) the 5710C was designed for operations requiring high production and frequent moves between jobs.

www.petersoncorp.com

Tigercat TH575 mixed stand in Nova Scotia

KBM, Chile: Infield chipping

Tigercat TH575 harvesting head on a Tigercat H855C carrier in a mixed stand in Nova Scotia. E&R Langille Contracting Ltd. owns four TH575 heads. The company cites long-term durability and multi-stemming capability as primary advantages. E&R Langille’s original TH575 was purchased in 2007 and has over 21,000 operating hours.

KBM, Chile infield eucalyptus chipping operation featuring a Tigercat 860C feller buncher, two Tigercat 630D skidders and a Peterson-Pacific flail/chipper. Get the full story in Between the Branches, November 2013. BTB is available online, by subscription or at your local Tigercat dealer.

880 logger in Pacific northwest

Bull Creek: LH822C

The Tigercat 880 logger in a high production shovel logging (hoe chucking) application in western Washington.

Montana-based Bull Creek Forestry operating a new Tigercat LH822C harvester in a selective felling application. Get the full story in the July 2013 issue of Between the Branches.

www.tigercat.com

ROTTNE SKÖRDARE

Skotare ROTTNE F13C

Rottne F18

www.rottne.com

Vermeer BC700XL Brush Chipper

HG6000 Horizontal Grinder

Vermeer continues to respond to the demands of the rental, landscape and tree care professionals with the BC700XL brush chipper. The smallest machine in the Vermeer brush chipper line, the BC700XL design is based on operator feedback and focuses on productivity advantage and ease-of-use. The brush chipper features a centrifugal clutch system, 25 horsepower (18.6 kW) Kohler EFI engine, bottom feed stop bar and Vermeer exclusive SmartFeed feed-sensing control system. The new member of the chippers line offers the compact size operators are looking for and the performance they want to achieve a job efficiently.

Process wood waste efficiently with the HG6000 horizontal grinder. Get started with the touch of a button to activate the microprocessor-controlled HPTO clutch. Fifth-wheel towing configuration provides mobility, and the openended, extra-wide feed table allows you to load wood waste over the side. State-of-the-art wireless remote lets you operate the machine from up to 300’/91 m away.

HG8000TX Horizontal Grinder

HG4000TX Horizontal Grinder

The HG8000TX horizontal grinder from Vermeer boasts the largest infeed opening in its class, helping to increase your productivity and expand job possibilities. Powered by a 950-hp (708.4 kW) CAT Tier 2 engine, this unit handles big diameter wood and large, brushy debris with ease. Plus, its innovative design incorporates several features to help reduce material spillage and jobsite cleanup time.

The HG8000TX is equipped with a tracked undercarriage with 28” (71.1 cm) wide double or triple-grouser track pads. Designed to tackle tough jobs, the HG8000TX enables productivity for the long-haul.

Take the self-propelled HG4000TX horizontal grinder to tough jobsites. With its 20”/51 cm double grouser track pads, high ground clearance and sealed rollers, it can get into remote areas easily, without material building up in the track system. A fully enclosed engine helps reduce noise. Infeed over-pressure/auto-reverse function reduces jams. Extra-wide, 48”/122 cm V-cleat discharge conveyor neatly discharges processed material from the machine.

www.vermeer.com

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

LUMBER PROCESSING

Comact GradExpert

Comact Stacker

Comact Log 3D Scanning

Comact Transverse 3D Board Scanner

www.comact.com

Integrated Log Loader

MyMill™ - Changing the way you work

USNR’s Integrated Log Loader is positioned at the last step in the log feeder, and precisely manages the gap between logs.

MyMill is a new software suite developed by USNR that enables mill personnel to interact with mill equipment using mobile devices, such as iPads and iPods. This new mobile functionality will change the landscape of today’s modern mills.

6-Deck Jet Veneer Dryer - time lapse construction

Murray Timber 4-sided canting log breakdown line

This new 6-deck jet veneer dryer, located at Martco, Chopin, LA, is the largest dryer to date in the southern yellow pine region. This dryer will accomplish the equivalent production of two dryers, reducing labor costs by one-half. At the same time it will reduce thermal energy consumption by 10%, and exhaust fugitive emissions by 15%.

This mill is located in Ireland.

The dryer was erected off-line, and once complete it was towed into place and connected to all services under a projected expedited schedule. This allowed Martco the advantage of choosing the optimum time to disrupt its production schedule to install the additional capacity, and allowed the plant to utilize the existing building structure to house the new dryer.

www.usnr.com

Sweep reducing

Log positioning

The importance of cant positioning is often overlooked.

Only one infeed position will result in maximum product value. Deviation from this position will result in lower output. With a True Shape optimization system the best position is accurately determined.

Söderhamn Eriksson´s positioning system ensures the correct rotating position is maintained and carries out the side positioning which is calculated by the optimising system.

System Edger - versatile and reliable Bandsawing technology edger optimizer

Söderhamn Eriksson´s edging systems with high capacity and maximum yield generates the most valuable product out of each board.

Söderhamn Eriksson´s bandsaws offer the highest accuracy, very thin kerf, short built-in length, easy to set and efficient curve sawing of cants.

- Systems for all capacity requirements - Highest capacity on the market - Designs for unmanned operation - High resolution scanning on both sides of the board - Unlimited edging options - Split and reject modules

- High-strain bandsaws with high accuracy at highest feed speed - Saw kerf 3 mm or less - Reducer band saw combinations with 2,3 or 4 bands - Resaw combinations with 1 to 4 saw bands - Feed speeds up to 180 m/min

www.se-saws.com

M3Scan

MiCROTEC CTLOG Virtual Grading

Inline Moisture Meter: - Determines accurately moisture content of lumber - Works in lineal and in transversal transport - Measures contactless and independently of environmental influences and conveyor speed - Sorts automatically lumber based on individual quality parameters - Fits in any production line - Features open interface standards for transparent data exchange - Enables easy and intuitive control on touchscreen

Full digital stem and log description 3D analysis of wood defects virtual breakdown virtual grading value optimisation

ViScan-Plus

CT.LOG and Viscan.XL - Full value optimisation

First class Strength (Stress) Grading integrated with inline density meter: - Determines accurately and reliably MOE/MOR of lumber - Grades lumber non-destructively, optically and independently of interfering ambient conditions such as noise - Works at a repeat accuracy of over 99 % - Grades at your production pace in transversal transport - Is a worldwide accredited stress grading solution - Maximizes recovery in combination with other MiCROTEC systems, such as GOLDENEYE - Complies already to the main grading standards

Published on Oct 4, 2012 Highspeed Computer Tomography (2m/s) For Stems and Logs Diameter up to 650mm Digital stem and log description Continuous, qualitative and 3D log reconstruction Virtual breakdown and grading Value optimisation

www.microtec.eu/

Industrial Sawmill Business Spotlight SLP2 at LIGNA - Ohio Valley Veneer

For six years, Ed Robbins struggled to make his high grade lumber mill profitable. Finally he turned to Wood-Mizer industrial thin-kerf headrigs and his employees thought he was crazy... See what happened in the video.

Wood-Mizer debuts the SLP2 (Small Log Processing system) at Ligna 2013, in Hanover. Thin-kerf blades and higher automation result in a profitable combination.

WM4000 ENG

WM1000 with new hydraulic system

WM4000 – Wood-Mizer’s latest thin-kerf headrig.

WM1000 – Break down big logs accurately and efficiently with a 1.7 metre (67”) center capacity cut.

www.woodmizer.com

Grade Scan 2013/2014

The Westervelt Story

True-Q Patented Board Tracking System

www.lucidyne.com

CUTTING EDGE

John Deere announces 2014 Gator™ product updates

T

he 2014 John Deere Gator line-up features updates that enhance the quality and improve the utility experience in the field, on the trails or around the jobsite. Utilizing customer feedback and market-driven research to improve the lineup, the updates focus on operator side retention, winch enhancements, and specific performance tweaks to each model category.

operation, provide great visibility and allow for accessible ingress and egress from the utility vehicle. The stylized poly doors feature automotive style handles, color-matched panels, and a 90 degree opening for easy entry and exit.

825i, 855D) features digital display and operator station updates. The new digital display now includes a glow plug indicator light (diesel), a flashing water temperature icon, and a power steering indicator (if equipped). New illuminated dash switches provide better nighttime visibility.

A new Warn® ProVantage 3,500 or

An ag management solutions system (AMS) integration kit is also available for the heavy-duty models. This kit allows a customer to mount a StarFire receiver and GS display (both sold separately) to the Gator to assist with boundary mapping, flagging field obstacles, and soil sampling.

“The growth of the John Deere utility vehicle portfolio allows us to collect customer feedback from trails, farms, jobsites, and other applications where the Gators are used,” said David Gigandet, John Deere marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles.

“Understanding what our customers need and want allows us to build a better utility vehicle year after year.”

Operator Side Retention (OSR) is now standard on all Operator Protective Structure (OPS) equipped Gator utility vehicles. A net OSR is part of the base configuration for the HPX, XUV heavy-duty, and midduty models. Stylized poly doors can be ordered in lieu of nets for certain models.

The nets allow for easy one-handed

The highlight of the midduty line of XUVs (550, 550 S4) is an improved braking system that delivers 26 percent reduction in brake pedal effort and improved operator feedback while maintaining superior braking performance.

4,500 lb. winch increases pulling capacity up to 1,500 additional pounds over previous models to provide the reliability and grunt needed when tackling the trails or work around the land.

All Gator XUVs are available in Realtree® Hardwoods™ HD Camo, olive and black or John Deere green and yellow color schemes. There are also more than 100 factory and dealer-installed attachments available for customization. www.deere.com/forestry

The heavy-duty line of XUVs (625i,

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