DECEMBER / JANUARY 2014/2015
A GOOD YEAR
Industry heavyweights report on a healthy 2014
BIOMASSIVE
Our annual review of biomass technology
BRAGGING RIGHTS
Sawline suppliers compare 2014 orders
CUT DOWN IN THEIR PRIME
Felling heads reviewed for power and durability
CLEAN POWER
Engines of the future
TM
www.ewd.de
Mobility Wins!
Peterson 5000H Whole Tree Chipper, the all-in-one chipping solution!
New tracked Peterson 4810F Debarker paired with a Peterson Disc Chipper
Scan with your smart phone to watch us chip!
Peterson’s mobile chipping equipment provides innovative solutions for your in-field chipping requirements. Around the world, Peterson chippers and flails provide the highest quality chips produced at the lowest cost per ton. Let us know how we can help you grow your business! Visit us a www.petersoncorp.com today!
800-269-6520 • www.petersoncorp.com • PO BOX 40490 • Eugene, OR 97404
D EC 2 0 1 4 / J A N 20 1 5
26 USNR
28 PROLOGIC+
29 MiCROTEC
USNR is in the enviable position of developing many new technologies recently that are resonating with its customers all over the globe. Just as customers are busy developing new products and markets, USNR’s innovations are fuelling much of that activity
This project of importance is the second one for Prologic+ at Eacom Timber. For Eacom Ear Falls, choosing Prologic+ as the unique provider for retrofitting their scanners and axis controllers gave them many advantages
The first MiCROTEC CT.LOG scanner to enter the German market will be delivered to HIT Holzindustrie Torgau
Our 2014 PanelINDUSTRY VOICE
INDUSTRY VOICE
54 INDUSTRY VOICE
2014
The voice of optimism
Tigercat Industries International Factory
Springer Chief Executive, Gero Springer
Sales Representative, Gary Olsen
Rottne Sales Export Director, Jan Hennberg
Ellen Nelson, Lucidyne Technologies Chief Financial Officer
Martin Wilkinson, Vice
Larry Cumming, Peterson
President, Worldwide Forestry and Business
Corp President
Development, John Deere
2011 Three years ago, the response to this feature was depressing.
2012 Two years ago there were improvements but from a low base.
2014 This year, we’re pleased to report some genuine optimism and positive forecasts emanating with consistency across our respondents. And it’s about time
MiCROTEC Chief Executive, Federico
Jarmo Vidgrén, Ponsse Sales & Marketing
Giudiceandrea
Director
2013 Last year, the feeling was back to neutral with positive elements of the market contrasting against distinct challenges and volatility.
54 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Komatsu Forest Marketing Director, Ola Boström
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 55
LUMBER PROCESSING
Three years ago, the response to this feature was depressing. Two years ago there were improvements but from a low base. Last year, the feeling was back to neutral with positive elements of the market contrasting against distinct challenges and volatility. This year, we’re pleased to report some genuine optimism and positive forecasts emanating with consistency acrossour respondents. And it’s about time
18 News
23 World Markets
31 SPRINGER Springer will deliver a state-of-the-art log sorting and handling system to the US as part of Roseburg Forest Product’s decision to upgrade its Dillard mill
80 Advertising Index
COVER: EWD Circular Saw & Profiling Technology Over 20 Million pallets every year are produced with lumber sawn on modern EWD lines. Pallet and Case lumber producers rely on the use of cheap low grade logs for their products to stay competitive. VNK reducer circular saw system saws logs from 2,0 m length upwards into flitches for boards and timbers, handling logs up 50 cm
diameter. Fully automated resaw systems with optimized crosscuts saw the flitches into boards, with smallest double arbor saw kerf, producing boards from 0,8 m length upwards. Various concepts from 50,000 to 200,000 m³ log intake available. www.ewd.de
SAW MIL LIN
G | LOG GIN G | BIO MA SS
DECEMBER /
JANUARY 2014/2015
A GOOD YEA
R Industry heav yweights report on a heal thy 2014 BIOMA SSI
Our annual revie VE w of biomass tech nology
BRAGGING RIG
HTS
Sawline supp liers compare 2014 orders
CUT DOWN IN THEIR PRI
ME Felling heads reviewed for power and durability CLEAN POWER
Engines of the
future
TM
www.ewd.de
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 1
LOGGING • BIOMASS
CONTENTS DECEMBER / JANUARY 2014/2015
32 BIOMASS: Biomass producers and users are done with experimentation and are focused on refining dedicated biomass products, primarily chippers
72
66
72 Felling heads Forest entrepreneurs have called for durable equipment capable of delivering the knock-out blow in demanding conditions. The industry’s leading manufacturers of felling heads have answered the call
54 INDUSTRY VOICE
66 Engines
Three years ago, the response to this feature was depressing. Two years ago there were improvements but from a low base. Last year, the feeling was back to neutral with positive elements of the market contrasting against distinct challenges and volatility. This year, we’re pleased to report some genuine optimism and positive forecasts emanating with consistency acrossour respondents. And it’s about time
Two major engine manufacturers MTU and FPT outline new developments for 2014 and beyond
REGULAR FEATURES
6 Logging News
2 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
16 World Markets
80 Advertising Index
ON THE FAST TRACK
The 615C offers logging professionals a compact, light-weight, low ground pressure machine well suited to soft soil, steep terrain and tight spaces. Standard equipped with EHS, performance and efficiency reach new heights. EHS allows the machine to automatically achieve extremely high tractive effort and quick travel speeds, all while operating with maximum fuel efficiency. Powerful, fast, efficient. Get the best of everything with the EHS equipped 615C.
+1.519.753.2000
comments@tigercat.com
www.tigercat.com
www.facebook.com/Tigercat
ISSUE 43 DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
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 bi-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.
EDITOR’S COMMENT
More than just green shoots
T
he worst that can be said about the economic environment for forestry professionals at the moment is that some feel it’s still a little volatile, while others are concerned about the depressed Rouble and its effect of demand for machines out of Russia.
Many were going under and one of the major suppliers, steeped in history, Coe Newnes McGehee, was absorbed into fellow major, USNR. The plight of this portion of our world continued to be squeezed from both sides in the years to follow by depressed demand and persistently strong raw material prices.
That’s about it.
Last year, as the harvesting and biomass sector looked to new frontiers and, in many cases, returns to record profits, the sawmilling sector registered a return to genuine health. Yes, volatility was still an issue to counter, but this was seen by many as an opportunity rather than a threat.
All other aspects of the industry appear to be in good health and getting better. This is not my personal opinion, dreamt up in the International Forest Industries offices in the south of England. This is the result of our annual Industry Voice feature, which canvasses the thoughts and views of the industry’s major suppliers to the sawmilling, harvesting and biomass sectors from around the world. It is by definition a measure for forestry professionals that takes in the entire globe and indeed all aspects of the forest industries. There is no alternative metric to which the industry can turn. This feature speaks volumes of the health of the industry and in previous years – this magazine was launched into the economic crisis in early 2008 – it regularly spoke with, at best, a muted optimism about the potential for a recovery. In the years directly leading into the latest Industry Voice feature, the lifting dark mist of a depressed sector has been lifting. It started almost immediately with the harvesting sector in late 2009, by which point it was identifying reasons to be cautiously optimistic that a return in demand might soon be seen. The biomass sector was much the same. Still, sawmillers were doing it tough. Very tough.
4 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Those sawmillers that survived are largely those that had the heart and courage to invest in new technologies. These have paid back their investment and have started to show fatter margins. This is exactly what many predicted would happen six years ago – the current crop of sawn wood product merchants is a far stronger and robust crop than that which went before. This year, 2014, is the first in which IFI can reflect on the 12 months prior and say that the industry is in good health. Yes, there are areas that could be doing better and there are parts of the world that are causing concerns – Russia, identified by most as the most important future market, as mentioned has it’s issues – but the whole world rarely sings in concert even in the best of times. With Christmas upon us and the thoughts of the New Year’s opportunities foremost in our minds, it’s the right time for our industry to look back and pause for a moment’s thought on what we’ve been through since 2008. For most, this should be cause to celebrate. Enjoy, Chris Cann Editor
OF STRENGTH AND KNOWLEDGE
ROTARY DEBARKER
Batch
Electric or Diesel
NOW AVAILABLE ON THE EUROPEAN MARKET! The mobile continuous-feed and batch rotary debarker are from 10 to 30 feet long modules and are designed with a three-rotor system and remote control panel. Each rotor is driven independently by hydraulic motors coupled to heavy-duty speed reducers. The hydraulic system is powered by electric motors or diesel engine. The speed of all three rotors can be adjusted for the desired production. Stationary models of different lengh are also available.
LES ACIERS JP INC. PHONE : +1 819 947-8291 E M A I L : I N F O @ A C I E R J P. C O M
W W W . A C I E R J P. C O M
European Homologation
LOGGING NEWS
Greenpeace activists confronted French flagged ship with illegal timber destined for European markets Greenpeace activists recently confronted outside of a Rotterdam port a French flagged ship coming from a sawmill dealing illegal timber destined for European markets, environmental organisation wrote in its blog. Carrying banners that read,
“Amazon Forest Crime” they followed the ship as it entered the port to unload its cargo. According to Greenpeace, the ship is carrying containers with wood known as Ipe, to be unloaded and transported later to Belgium. They are headed for the timber
trading companies “Lemahieu” and “Omniplex”. This timber is sold to them by another company in Belgium, “Leary Forest Products”, on behalf of Brazilian sawmill and exporter “Rainbow Trading”, said Greenpeace.
Managing director of Ponsse’s Swedish subsidiary to change in summer 2015 The managing director of Ponsse’s Swedish subsidiary Ponsse AB will change next summer, company announced. Eero Lukkarinen (49), M.Sc. (For.), who has acted as managing director of Ponsse AB since 2012, will transfer to Ponsse Group’s exports and sales in Finland at the end of July 2015. The process for finding a new managing director will be launched immediately. “Ponsse wants to be a major player in the Swedish forest machine market. We develop the products continuously to respond to the requirements of local harvesting and forest industry. The managing director of Ponsse AB is responsible for the development
of sales and services in order to reach these objectives,” says Jarmo Vidgrén, Sales and Marketing Director of Ponsse Plc. Ponsse AB was established in 1994. The company’s headquarters are located in Surahammar, Västmanland County, Sweden. Ponsse AB is responsible for Ponsse’s sales and maintenance services in Sweden and Denmark. In addition to the company’s two service centres, the region’s maintenance service network comprises 37 local authorised service providers. Ponsse’s reseller, AN Maskinteknik AB, has been responsible for sales and maintenance services in Norrbotten County since 1989.
Indexator Rotator Systems XR-program launched
Innovation and product development is a natural ingredient within Indexator Rotator Systems daily operations. Now the XR-program has been launched for applications where extremely high demands are placed on rotator functionality. The XR-program consists of compact and powerful rotators with strong bearings. Thanks to the proven vane motor technology the XR-rotators are high torque, have good compliance and also have balanced braking. Their compact
and robust construction provides an ability to withstand heavy static and dynamic loads, both positive and negative forces as well as side forces. The XR-rotator provides high oil flow for grapple cylinders due to large channels – ensuring high productivity and overall economy. ”We will successively extend the XR-program with more models and variants. Currently we introduce XR 500 and XR 600, where variants with an extra channel for central lubrication is also avaliable.”, says Sales and Marketing Manager Erik Svensson. With XR-rotators, you have a complete solution for heavy work
6 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
within forestry, material handling, scrap handling, recycling and timber handling.
Versatility comes standard.
MODEL 3590
1/4” MICRO CHIPS
SHARE YOUR BANDIT STORY!
#INVESTINBANDIT
Serve Multiple Chip Markets with
ONE MACHINE
CARD BREAKER
Now available on Bandit Whole Tree Chippers, Bandit’s exclusive micro chip drum and card breaker system can be easily configured to produce consistent chips of virtually any size, including micro chips ideally suited for wood pellet production. All this, without sacrificing Bandit’s legendary throwing power and production, without the need for a chip accelerator. From wood chippers to stump grinders, horizontal grinders, forestry mowers, and specialty wood processing equipment, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t own a Bandit.
MICRO CHIP DRUM
THIS DRAWING AND IS THE EXC IT IS LOANED T PROPRIETARY DIVULGED OR O FROM BANDIT I
MODEL:
ASSM. DESCRI DRAWN BY:
NEXT ASSM NO
WATCH IT RUN!
www.banditchippers.com | 1.800.952.0178 | Remus, MI - USA
LOGGING NEWS
New biomass centre offers opportunities for demos, training In Ontario, Canada Confederation College recently opened the Ontario Power Generation BioEnergy Learning and Research Centre (OPG-BLRC). The OPGBLRC offers opportunities for demonstration, training and applied research related to biomass energy, including fuel quality, emission and combustion efficiency. Biomass energy systems use clean forest and agricultural sources to produce heat and electricity with less impact on the environment than fossil fuels. Through the centre, Confederation College is committed to developing a market for biomass in northwestern Ontario and other
farther reaching markets. OPG-BLRC BoilerFeaturing state-of-the-art Fröling biomass boilers, fuel handling and heating systems, the OPG-BLRC is estimated to also provide 80 per cent of the total heat load for the Shuniah/REACH Building at Confederation College this fall/ winter. Adopted and adapted from existing European technology, the OPG-BLRC is the first facility of its kind in Ontario. The team supporting the facility is currently working with regulators in Ontario to modernise guidelines governing the use of biomass. In addition, research and testing will focus on streamlining biomass energy
for community consumption, including those in remote areas. Communities that participate will also develop transferable skills
that could initiate additional projects and local investment including employment.
Rentech commences start-up of wood pellet plant Rentech recently announced that start-up of the Atikokan wood pellet facility has begun. During the next few weeks, the plant will undergo safety inspections, equipment testing and final commissioning. Sean Ebnet, senior vice president of Rentech’s wood fibre business, said, “I’m pleased to reach this important milestone at the Atikokan facility. Our Canadian team has done a superb job managing the construction of Rentech’s first two pellet plants, through one of the worst winters on record. We are excited about
beginning operations and bringing jobs back to these communities. The staff we have assembled at both facilities has deep experience operating large fibre mills, and includes the key members of the teams that ran the Atikokan and Wawa mills when they operated as fiberboard and oriented strand board facilities.” The company expects the Atikokan facility to produce pellets in the coming weeks. The existing arrangement of delivering thirdparty pellets to Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will be curtailed as the Atikokan facility ramps
up production. The total design capacity of the Atikokan wood pellet facility is 100,000 tonnes. Under the terms of the long-term contract, OPG will purchase 45,000 tonnes of pellets annually from the Atikokan facility at the plantgate. The remaining output will be available for sale to OPG or other customers. Commissioning and start-up of the Wawa facility are expected to begin in November and continue through the end of the year, with production to follow.
Sean Ebnet Senior Vice President of Wood Fibre
Stora Enso invests in quality and cost-competitiveness of Imatra Mills in Finland Stora Enso invests €27 million to improve the quality and costcompetitiveness and to increase the capacity of the consumer board machine 5 by 20,000 t at its Imatra Mills in Finland. The investment will focus on the coating part of the machine and on modernising the winder and reel packaging section. ”The investment is in line with Stora Enso’s transformation into a customer focused renewable
materials company. In addition to the capacity increase, the investment will enhance the quality and cost-competitiveness of our Tainionkoski unit in the global markets,” says Vesa Simola, Head of Consumer Board Business Unit. According to the plan, the modernisation of the reel packaging section will take place in the spring 2015 while the machine is running. The rest of the
8 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
work is planned to be carried out during the scheduled maintenance stoppage in September 2015. Imatra Mills consists of two units, Kaukopää and Tainionkoski. The annual capacity of the mills is over one million tonnes of board and paper. The mills employ approximately 870 people, about 90 of them work at Tainionkoski.
HIGH PRODUCTION FROM THE GROUND UP. Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. Š 2015 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
EQUIPPEDTODOMORE.com
LOGGING NEWS
LIGNA 2015 to promote use of drones in forestry According to a study conducted by the McKinsey Global Institute in May 2013, drones – as part of robotics – are already influencing important economic factors such as labour costs, productivity, flexibility and safety. Its efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ease of use open up major future potential for the multicopter. Powered by an environment-friendly electric motor, which results in low noise levels and low emissions, multicopters are an innovation that is perfectly in line with the requirements of contemporary technology. The topic will also be presented at LIGNA 2015 on openair demo site run by the German Forestry Council (KWF). Using unmanned aerial platforms enables inventories and surveys to be made of forest land with a hitherto unknown degree of accuracy and significantly extended scope. Their low flight altitude and
high degree of independence from weather conditions play a key role here. In addition, results from the flight can be directly incorporated into operational planning. One major application for drones is the mapping of forests and open fields. The images provided can be used in a timely manner for a wide variety of analyses and applications, such as a health check for plants and trees. This includes the early detection and assessment of pest infestation as well as the determination of moisture levels or the extent of dead wood. The condition of tree crowns, which could previously only be evaluated after a great deal of time and effort, can now be documented by drones in razor-sharp images within just a few minutes. The analysis of water, snow, hail, storm and fire damage is another area in which drones are set to play an increasingly
New chipper series HEM 583 Hydraulic blower as standard equipment
JENZ GmbH Maschinen- und Fahrzeugbau Wegholmer Strasse 14∙ 32469 Petershagen∙ Germany +49 5704 / 94090 ∙ info@jenz.de ∙ www.jenz.de
10 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
important role in future. Last but not least, the “eye” of the drone is able to quickly and easily locate the position and extent of damage caused by wildlife. The combination of infrared images and NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) photos produces images that can be used to measure plant growth, the extent of vegetation and the production of biomass. The simple capturing of forestry conditions also enables reforestation projects to be planned in detail, precisely defining how many plants should be planted in which location and how densely. In the mountains, on the other hand, the construction of skid trails or cableways often presents a major problem. From the bottom of the mountain, it is difficult to judge whether a rock, steep drop or protected tree is in the way. The drone immediately provides a clear result, facilitating
rapid decision-making. Unlike conventional image aircraft which can only look down vertically, the drone’s camera can also be tilted, allowing slopes to be recorded precisely. Another increasingly important field of application for multicopters is the observation of climate change. This is an area where forestry can make a key contribution – backed up by digital material – to political decisionmaking.
Potlatch completes timberland acquisition and board increases dividend 7% Potlatch Corporation (Nasdaq:PCH) has announced that it has closed the previously announced purchase of approximately 201,000 acres of timberlands in Alabama and Mississippi from affiliates of Resource Management Service, LLC for $384 m. The transaction was first announced on October 20, 2014. Potlatch also announced that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $0.375 per share payable December 31, 2014 to stockholders of record on December 16, 2014. This is a 7% increase relative to the prior quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share. The timberland acquisition was financed using cash and $310 m of new long-term debt. Moody’s confirmed our Baa3 investment grade debt rating with a stable
outlook earlier this week. “We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of high quality timberlands in Alabama and Mississippi,” said Michael Covey, chairman and chief executive officer. “Because we expect the acquisition to be immediately accretive to funds available for distribution and our performance continues to be strong, we are increasing our dividend a second time, or more than 20%, since the third quarter of 2013. Our goal remains to grow the dividend sustainably over time,” concluded Mr. Covey.
Proven Solutions for your Pulp and Paper Applications
Pneumatic & Mechanical Boiler Feeds
Chip Thickness Screening
Biomass Material Handling
Chip screening, air density separation and overthick chip conditioning or sizing for digester optimization.
Support for biomass energy generation from truck/rail receiving through metered infeed into the boiler.
Storage & Reclaim Equipment
Crushers, Feeders & Sizers
Unmatched Parts and Service
Open air or enclosed storage with circular or linear design solutions to fit your application.
Primary and secondary crushing as well as multiple feeder options to process wood and biomass.
Replacement parts, OEM rebuilds & retrofits, installation, start-up, training and repair.
Store, reclaim, convey and feed biomass and alternative fuels directly into boilers and kilns.
Visit our website, follow us on social media or contact us today for more information. Phone: +1
(864) 476-7523 § Email: info@terrasource.com § Web: www.terrasource.com/ifi
The brands comprising TerraSource Global (Gundlach Crushers, Jeffrey Rader and Pennsylvania Crusher) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE: HI) © 2015 TerraSource Global. All Rights Reserved.
Handling a World of Materials
LOGGING NEWS
Södra begins Värö expansion
The Board of Directors at Södra made a decision in February to invest four billion Swedish kronor in a massive expansion of the pulp mill in Värö, north of Varberg. The Land and Environment Court has
now given Södra permission to begin the actual construction work. Theexpanded mill is scheduled to start up in the autumn of 2016. This expansion involves increasing the current production capacity of
425,000 tonnes to 700,000 tonnes of pulp per year. This will make the mill one of the biggest in the world in terms of softwood sulphate pulp production. “The paper pulp market is growing globally, and now it will be possible for us to continue to grow together with our customers. The expansion at Södra Cell Värö is a measure which will reinforce our market position. We already supply high-quality pulp to a number of different customer segments, and we can now develop and underpin this. Our aim is to be the first choice for customers,” said Lars Idermark, Södra’s CEO. Valmet and NCC have been selected as the main suppliers for the project. Valmet will be supplying a new continuous
digester and upgrades to wood handling, the fibre line, evaporation plant, soda recovery boiler, causticisation, flashdryer, drying machine and baling. Pasi Laine, Group President of Valmet, took part in the ceremony. NCC has been commissioned to carry out the groundwork, civil engineering works and construction works, and was represented at the ceremony by Nils Bjelm, Civil Engineering Segment Manager at NCC Construction Sweden. The expansion of Södra Cell in Värö will create 400 FTEs over a period of ten years. The investment will also create new job opportunities at the mill and 220 job opportunities within surrounding businesses.
CatchMark acquires Timberlands in SW Louisiana for $38.5 million CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CTT) recently announced the purchase of approximately 21,300 acres of timberlands (known as the Beauregard properties) located in Southwest Louisiana from Hancock Natural Resource Group for $38.5 million. Year-to-date CatchMark has acquired approximately 121,500 acres of prime timberland throughout the Southern fiber basket, expanding its timberland holdings by 44% and increasing its projected annual harvest volume in the range of 49% to 55%, or 540,000 to 590,000 tons. The acquisitions have been in keeping with a company strategy of enhancing long-term value for
stockholders and providing durable earnings to grow its dividend by increasing harvest volumes and improving product mix. Beauregard transaction highlights include: • A cquisition of approximately 947,000 tons of merchantable timber inventory and enhancement of the company’s overall product mix–the Beauregard inventory comprises 76% convertible pine upland acres and 65% sawtimber by tons. • H igh stocking of approximately 44 tons per merchantable acre. • A ddition of approximately 90,000 to 100,000 tons (4.2 to 4.7 tons per acre) per year to
CatchMark’s harvest volumes over the next decade. • L ocation near CatchMark’s recently purchased East Texas properties (Panola) increases the company’s presence in locally strong mill markets, providing management and harvesting synergies with existing properties. • T he transaction was financed through CatchMark’s credit facility. Jerry Barag, CatchMark’s President and CEO, said: “This transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings during first quarter 2015. We plan to continue to actively seek excellent value in expanding
Jerry Barag President / CEO CatchMark Timber Trust
our holdings of extremely high quality timberlands, meeting our objectives for increasing our earnings and dividend.” The transaction closed on October 30, 2014.
New contract for German Pellets German Pellets has signed a further supply contract with a European power-plant operator. The contract has a term of ten years and makes provision for the supply of up to 5 m/t of wood pellets to a power plant in Europe over this period. It is projected that supplies will commence in mid-2016. “This supply contract emphasises
that, in the competitive environment of the industrial pellets market, German Pellets is a highly-regarded business partner for large-scale users of the product, such as European energy groups,” states Peter H. Leibold. Because of this course of expansion in the use of wood pellets in European power plants, German Pellets expects
12 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
that in future it will conclude more supply contracts of this nature. As a commercial hub for the industrial pellets’ market, throughout Europe German Pellets is marketing both its in-house-produced wood pellets and also other manufacturers’ merchandise. Peter H. Leibold, MD German Pellets GmbH.
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 13
A NEW DEERE SPECIES EMERGES
JANUARY 2015
These tracked beasts are about to change the game of logging as you know it. When they emerge, you’ll see the toughest, most productive machines we’ve ever engineered featuring powerful integrated solutions designed to help improve the proftability of your business. Because at John Deere, We’re For Loggers.
14 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
JohnDeere.com/Forestry DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 15
WORLD MARKETS – LOGGING
SERRA Maschinenbau assisting battle against Ebola in Liberia
I
n April 2014 before Ebola outbreak, the government of Liberia decided to make new railways. Sylvester Rogers, owner of two Serra Africa XE160 sawmills, started thinking about his ancestors who used to produce railway sleepers in the past. He contacted the government in order to secure a supply contract. That is when Rogers decided to visit his trusted supplier, Serra Maschinenbau in Germany, together with the Serra dealer for Norway, Arild Oygarden. Contract were signed, the machines were supplied, the installation and training in Liberia were done and they started cutting in the forest. Immediately, after the Ebola outbreak showed its potential to reach epidemic proportions, Rogers isolated all his workers in the forest with guards in order to avoid anybody with the disease getting into the camp. Anyone who left this camp was not allowed to come back.
Not only did he take the workers into the camp, he also took the relatives of the workers with him. Of course they had to build the camp and that included, church, school and lodging and all this wood was cut by the Serra sawmills. The food they had was supplied from outside of the camp
Sawmills
SERRA
High production! High accuracy! Made in Germany! call +49 8051 96 40 00 www.serra-sawmill.com 16 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
under hermetic conditions to ensure the health of the people in the camp Because it is so difficult to get a license to cut wood, this two sawmills are the only ones that are working in Liberia. Actually the United Nations are in need of wood for building hospitals and other facilities and they, together with the government of Liberia, have contacted Rogers in order to cut the necessary wood for building the hospitals they need for the Ebola patients. Although the production of the two sawmills was
already close to capacity, Rogers decided to accept the challenge in order to help the people in his country. The first order of 5,500 m3 for the United Nations is already being processed at the same time as the railway sleepers. Additionally, the woods of Liberia are extreme hardwoods with a weight of each log of some 7 t and 1.6 m in diameter. Diameter and all this weight add to a total length of only 3 m. They are extremely heavy and hard.
LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS
CatchMark Timber Trust reported 61% revenues increase in 3Q CatchMark Timber Trust’s revenues increased to $12.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 due to an increase in timber sales revenue of $5 million, offset by a decrease in timberland sales revenue of $0.2 million. Net loss improved to $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of a $1.3 million decrease in operating loss, a $0.2 million increase in interest income, and a $0.3 million decrease in interest expense. Revenues increased to $33.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $24.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to an increase in timber sales revenue of $9.8 million, offset by
a decrease in timberland sales revenue of $0.9 million. Net loss improved to $1.5 million for the first nine months of 2014 down from $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of a $4.5 million increase in operating income, a $0.2 million increase in interest income, and a $0.9 million decrease in interest expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, Adjusted EBITDA was $5.2 million, an approximately $4.4 million increase over the three months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to a $3.6 million increase in net timber sales, a $1.1 million decrease in general and administrative expenses, and a $0.2 million increase in interest income resulting from the cancellation of the interest rate swap, offset by a $0.2 million
decrease in net revenue from timberland sales and a $0.3 million increase in forestry management expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $12.1 million, an approximately $8.5 million, or 238%, increase from the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to a $7.6 million increase in net timber sales, a $2.1 million decrease in general and administrative expenses, and a $0.2 million increase in interest income resulting from the cancellation of the interest rate swap, offset by a $0.9 million decrease in net revenue from a decrease in timberland sales and a $0.6 million increase in forestry management expenses. Jerry Barag, CatchMark’s President and CEO, said: “The third quarter produced
Jerry Barag, President and CEO CatchMark outsized performance from our opportunistically exploiting favorable markets and integrating new acquisitions of high quality timberlands efficiently. These results help reaffirm our guidance for the year and reflect the high production levels we can sustain on our assemblages of well-stocked properties in healthy, welldiversified markets.”
Leadership changes at Weyerhauser Weyerhaeuser Company has recently announced the appointments of Cathy Slater as senior vice president, Cellulose Fibers, and Adrian Blocker as senior vice president, Wood Products. Both changes are effective Jan. 1, 2015. Slater, who currently leads the company’s Engineered Products and Distribution businesses and also has extensive experience in the Cellulose Fibers business, will succeed Shaker Chandrasekaran, who will retire early next year. Blocker will expand his current leadership of the company’s
Lumber business to include OSB, Engineered Lumber Products and Distribution. “Both Cathy and Adrian have proven their ability to drive operational excellence improvements to get results, and I look forward to the expertise and energy they will bring to their new roles,” said Doyle R. Simons, president and CEO. “I want to thank Shaker for the outstanding leadership he has demonstrated throughout his tenure in our Cellulose Fibers business, and we wish him well in his retirement.”
Adrian Blocker Senior Vice President
Cathy Slater Senior Vice President, Cellulose Fibers
Ville Huittinen appointed raw material manager at SCA Timber Ville Huittinen has been appointed Raw Material Manager at SCA Timber. Wood raw material is without comparison SCA Timber’s largest cost item and Ville will be working with developing the company’s raw material supply and capacity to make the best possible use of the sawlogs’ potential value. Ville will take on his new position
as of 1 January 2015. Katarina Levin has been appointed Sawmill Manager of Tunadal sawmill, succeeding Ville Huittinen. Katarina is presently Sawmill Manager at Bollsta sawmill. She will take on her new position as of 1 January 2015. Johan Olofsson has been appointed Sawmill Manager
18 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
of Bollsta sawmill, succeeding Katarina Levin. Johan is presently President of Gällö Timber. He will take on his new position when a new solution has been found for Gällö Timber. The recruitment of a new president for Gällö Timber is started.
Lucidyne Technologies, Inc.
Boost your productivity and your bottom line.
We Make the Grade
Stay ahead of the game with the best lumber scanner on the market. Lucidyne’s GradeScan® gives you: •
The fastest speeds – in excess of 4,000 ft/minute
•
Unmatched defect detection
•
Proprietary sensors (board fiber, color, grain angle, fiber mapping, plus more!)
•
Mark-free board tracking
•
Maximum fiber and value recovery
Many of our customers report a payback in less than eight months. Call Lucidyne to find out more about GradeScan, and how you can maximize your recovery.
GradeScan ® by Lucidyne
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 19 Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. | (541) 753-5111 | lucidyne.com/1501ifi
LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS
Western Forest Products announces sawmill consolidation Western Forest Products will consolidate its Nanaimo-area sawmill operations, as the company’s $10 million investment to modernize its Duke Point Sawmill nears completion. The consolidation will increase lumber production at both of the company’s Duke Point and Saltair sawmills, and will result in the closure of the Nanaimo Sawmill Division. Employees at the Nanaimo sawmill will be offered employment at the Company’s
other mills, along with severance in accordance with terms under the existing collective agreement with the United Steelworkers. The Company anticipates that the permanent closure of the Nanaimo sawmill will occur prior to the end of the year. This timing will coincide with the ramp up of production at Duke Point and Saltair. “The investments being made at Duke Point and the consolidation of our Nanaimo sawmill operations are expected to reduce costs,
improve our flexibility to produce different grades of lumber, and increase our recovery factors from log to lumber,” said Don Demens, Western’s President and CEO. “The announcement today is consistent with our strategy of building a globally competitive, sustainable business on the coast of British Columbia. This strategy involves the evaluation of new market programs and operating configurations designed to improve our operating results.”
“I am pleased we are able to improve our competitiveness and at the same time achieve a smooth transition for our Nanaimo sawmill employees. We will work collaboratively with the United Steelworkers to make this possible,” said Demens.
Pembroke MDF plant reopens The Pembroke MDF industrial plant is officially reopened and ready for business, thanks to an investment of up to $3 million. Increasing national and international demand for its range of Medium Density Fiber (MDF) products has led the plant to begin manufacturing again six years after stopping operations. Federal funding for Pembroke MDF Inc. is
to support upgrades to the facility, including buying new equipment, as well as repairs and structural improvements. The Pembroke plant is noted for its large customer base in Canada and the United States. Restarting the plant will allow the facility to produce high-quality panels with greater efficiency and at a greater capacity to meet market demands.
The project will help Pembroke MDF Inc. diversify its exports while strengthening the forestry sector in Ontario. Pembroke MDF expects to create up to 110 full-time jobs during the project and 50 jobs from post-project operational work. Additional jobs are also expected in the related forestry, local transportation and logistics
supply chain, and electrical and maintenance shops. Pembroke MDF’s project will allow the company to realize environmental benefits with the implementation of more environmentally friendly resins and operational efficiencies that will significantly reduce electricity consumption and associated emissions.
Rayonier appoints Douglas Long as Vice President of U.S. operations Rayonier Inc. has announced that Douglas Long, Director, Atlantic Region, U.S. Forest Resources, has been appointed to the newly created position of Vice President, U.S. Operations, effective immediately. In his role overseeing Rayonier’s U.S. Forest Resources operations, Long succeeds Lynn Wilson, Executive Vice President, Forest Resources, who has stepped down to pursue other opportunities. In his new position,
Long will oversee the Company’s Forest Resources operations across all regions in the U.S., reporting to David Nunes, Rayonier President and Chief Executive Officer. In connection with this management transition, Rayonier’s New Zealand operations and timberland acquisitions group will report to Nunes on an interim basis. “Over his 19 years at Rayonier, Doug has proven to be a dedicated
leader and true steward of our company’s core values, and I would like to welcome him to this new role,” said Nunes. “Doug’s promotion exemplifies the depth of talent within Rayonier. We look forward to his input as we work to ensure sustainable management of our timberland portfolio. I am confident that Doug will seamlessly transition into his new role and effectively help lead our company forward.”
“I want to thank Lynn for her contributions to Rayonier over the past four years and her agreement to provide transition assistance for the next two months. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Tenon invests in new optimised Edger line LIGNA 2015 11 - 15 May Hannover
Tenon Limited is investing in a new optimised Edger line for its major manufacturing plant at Taupo, NZ that will include automated grading of its green mill products derived from high value, Radiata Pine prune logs. Tenon is a global producer
20 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
based in New Zealand. Its focus is on a wide range of solid wood, appearance-grade products for its core markets in USA, Europe, Asia and New Zealand.
LUMBER PROCESSING – NEWS
The EYE of Your Sawmill We optimize all process in the wood industry using optoelectronic multi-sensor scanning technologies. As industry leader in innovation, we have provided personalized solutions for our customers for over 35 years.
• One Provider for all Sawmilling Processes • Global Leader in Optoelectronic Wood Grading Technology
• Over 1,500 satisfied customers Worldwide
Innovation is our drive. Wood is our passion!
Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for Lumber
High performance CT-scanning for Logs
Color Scanning Laser Scatter Scanning X-ray Scanning Grain Deviation Scanning
Full digital log reconstruction and virtual grading to determine quality at conveying speed of 120 m / min. Virtual sawing solutions to assess multiple break-down angles and cutting patterns for value optimization.
The GOLDENEYE Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner reliably recognizes wood defects, grades and classifies lumber with precision and optimizes boards for chop processing and sorting according to customer specific product quality requirements.
MiCROTEC srl . sales@microtec.eu . www.microtec.eu
Julius-Durst Str. 98 . 39042 Brixen . Italy . T + 39 0472 273 611 . F + 39 0472 273 711
B R I X E N
.
V E N E Z I A
.
L I N Z
.
M E L B O U R N E
.
VA N C O U V E R
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 21
LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS
Rougier’s revenues for the first nine months of 2014 up 6.1% Rougier is reporting Euro 108.3 million in revenues at 30 September 2014, up 6.1% on last year. Revenues for the 3Q 2014 came to €35.9 million, down 2.7%, reflecting the deep economic downturn in France and the lower level of business growth. The Rougier Africa International branch confirms its good performance on buoyant international markets. Over the first nine months of 2014, revenues climbed 10% compared with last year to reach Euro 90 million. In the third quarter, revenue growth slowed to +2.3%, with a total
of Euro 31.5 million. In Gabon, business has continued to improve. In Cameroon and Congo, shipments are picking up again, but have continued to be affected by the structural difficulties at Douala Port. The Rougier Sylvaco Panneaux branch has been affected by the contraction in the French building sector and the sharp drop in the number of new projects. Revenues for the first nine months of the year came to Euro 20.9 million, down 14.5% versus the previous year. Sawn timber sales (61.6% of the total for the first nine months
of 2014) are up 15.8% compared with the previous year. 3Q is in line with the 2Q: sales development has been driven by the positive trend for sales prices, boosted by the diversification of the range of products offered thanks to sourcing from outside of the Group. Log sales (21.2% of the total for the first nine months of 2014) are down 1.1% versus the previous year. 3Q continued to be affected by the significant shipping times for logs from Cameroon and Congo, as well as the seasonal slowdown in sales to local industrial operators in Gabon. Plywood sales
(17.2% of the total for the first nine months of 2014) are down 12.1% on the previous year. 3Q shows a clear slowdown, affected by unfavorable factors, including the deterioration in demand on the French market.
Canada’s forest industry supports European trade deal As a broad supporter of free trade, the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. The sector will benefit from the eventual elimination of European tariffs on some wood panels such as particle board, oriented strand
board and plywood of up to 10%. “The forest products industry has always relied on exports for its prosperity and growth and we certainly appreciate the federal government’s ongoing commitment to free trade,” says the President and CEO of FPAC, David Lindsay. “We are working hard to diversify markets and increase our trade to help reach the ambitious goals
22 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
of our Vision2020 initiative and as part of that we welcome closer trade relations with Europe.” Under Vision2020, Canada’s forest product industry is vying to generate an additional $20 billion in new revenue through new products and new markets by the end of the decade. Last year the Canadian forest sector exported more than $1 billion of
wood, pulp and paper products to the EU member states. This is 4% of total exports of Canadian forest products making Europe the 3rd largest international market for the sector. The largest importers of Canadian forest products in Europe are the United Kingdom followed by Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and France.
LUMBER PROCESSING WORLD MARKETS
Laila Rogestedt appointed Senior VP innovation & new business Laila Rogestedt has been appointed Head of Innovation and New Business at Södra. She will assume her position on 1 March, when she will also become a member of Group Senior Management reporting to the President and CEO Lars Idermark. Laila Rogestedt has a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, with a degree in Polymer Technology, and has held various positions in the international chemicals group Borealis since 1991. She is currently responsible for the Borealis Innovation Centre in
Stenungsund, and for product and technology development in polyethylene plastic. She has also held various functions in such areas as production, investment projects, HR and marketing. Prior to joining Borealis, she worked with materials development at Volvo Cars. “I am delighted that Södra has recruited Laila Rogestedt. Innovation and New Business are strategic future areas for Södra - in our work with product and process care for the existing pulp market, but also in the development of new products from wood,” said CEO Lars Idermark.
“In a rapidly changing world with major global challenges - resource supply and climate change to name but a few - it is critical that innovation is high on the agenda of successful companies. Against this background, and with Södra’s key role and clear ambition, I look forward to making a contribution to this effort,” commented Rogestedt. Rogestedt succeeds Karin Emilsson who, as previously announced, will be leaving Södra. Södra Innovation and New Business is located at Värö in southern Sweden in the same area as Södra’s pulp mill.
Laila Rogestedt
Södra invests more than SEK 100 million in Mönsterås pulp mill Södra will invest more than SEK 100 million in its pulp mill in Mönsterås. The investment will result in more efficient energy utilisation and enhanced productivity at the mill. The Mönsterås pulp mill is Södra’s largest with total annual production of 750,000 tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp.
Mönsterås is Södra’s oldest mill, founded in 1958, but is also one of the most modern of its kind in the world as a result of successive investments. This latest investment, now approved, relates to the expansion of the evaporation plant. Södra is undergoing an intensive expansion period and
the investment that is now being announced is a further step in improving production, assuring and enhancing the already-high quality of its pulps and optimising energy utilisation. Södra’s largest ongoing investment is the expansion of the pulp mill in Värö totalling in excess of SEK 4 billion. The project
will increase annual production at the mill from 450,000 tonnes to 700,000 tonnes. In addition, an investment of SEK 700 million is being made in Mörrum to increase pulp production. A new chip plant will be constructed and one of the two pulp lines will be upgraded.
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 23
LUMBER PROCESSING WORLD MARKETS
Brazil’s pulp production increased by 8.3% in January October 2014 Revenues from Brazilian exports of pulp, wood panels and paper from January through October 2014 totaled $6.2 billion, a 2% increase year-over-year. The industry’s balance of trade reached $4.7 billion, 4% higher than the same period in 2013. Pulp sales to China, which continues to be the second largest market for the Brazilian product, are still high and totaled $1.4 billion, which represents a 10% increase year-to-
date, as reported by the Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá). In all 8.8 million tons of pulp were exported, a 13.4% increase year-over-year, when 7.8 million tons were exported. For the wood panels segment, the amount exported YTD totaled 470,000 cubic metres, a 31% growth yearover-year, when exports totaled 359,000 cubic metres. In relation to paper, exports reached 1.6 million tons for the
first ten months of the year, a 0.6% variation year-over-year. For the first ten months of 2014, pulp production was 13.6 million tons, an 8.3% increase year-over-year, which was 12.6 million tons. Wood panel production was 6.6 million cubic metres, 1.7% higher yearover-year. In relation to the paper segment, production from January through October totaled 8.7 million tons, 0.3% lower than to the same period in 2013.
From January to October 2014, pulp sales in the domestic market increased 5% year-over-year, totaling 1.5 million tons. In relation to the paper segment, sales in the domestic market remained stable, compared to the same period last year, totaling 4.7 million tons. Wood panels domestic sales were 6 million cubic metres, 1.3% lower than to the ten months of 2013.
Brazilian plywood exports increased by 7.3% in January – October 2014 Demand for plywood (coniferous and tropical) across South America is high and production capacity is increasing. The main plywood producers and exporters in South America are Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, ITTO HAS reported.
In 2013, Brazil was the largest plywood producer and exporter as the country produced 2.57 million cubic metres and exported 1.25 million cubic metres earning $429.23 million. Between January and October this year Brazilian
plywood exports (coniferous and non-coniferous) totalled $381 million a 7.3% increase compared to the same period of 2013. The main markets up to October this year were the United Kingdom, (17%) followed by Germany
(14%), Belgium (13%) and USA (8%). Productivity has improved in Brazilian mills through the use of modern equipment that allows small diameter logs to be utilised.
Acimall considers Morocco, Algeria and Cuba as interesting export markets for italian woodworking technology
Acimall considers Morocco, Algeria and Cuba as interesting export markets for italian woodworking technology, the Italian association of woodworking technology manufacturers said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Acimall organizes three market surveys in regions that, in the medium term, might offer interesting opportunities. Acimall’s
analysts, therefore, will go to Morocco, Algeria and Cuba to check the potential and the situation of the respective industries. Acimall has approved the promotion plan for 2015, an agenda of events to support the Italian industry of woodworking and furniture production in the markets that offer the best opportunities now or in the future. “The calendar is less crowded than in the past,” Dario Corbetta, Director of Cepra-
Centropromozionale Acimall, said. “But it introduces interesting news. The lower availability of resources for the ‘made in Italy’ promotion system cannot certainly cancel the commitment of Confindustriamember association on the promotion side; on the contrary, it encourages us to design new strategies and to identify new tools to support the globalization of our businesses.”
Dario Corbetta, director of CepraCentro promozionale
Latvia’s forest industry exports up 11.3% in January - September From January to September 2014, Latvia’s forest industry exports increased by 11.3% from the figures of the same period of 2013. The export value reached Euro 1.53 billion, compared to Euro 1.38 billion in 2013, Baltic Course reported.
The value of wood and wood products exported in the first nine months of 2014 was Euro 1.32 billion, which is 11.2% more than in 2013. The largest export markets were Great Britain, Sweden and Germany. A total of 16.1% (Euro 247.009 million) of
24 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
forest industry’s exports went to Great Britain, 10.9% (Euro 167.293 million) to Sweden, and 10.6% (Euro 162.374 million) to Germany. Meanwhile, forest industry imports in the first nine months of 2014 reached Euro 513.18 million, which is 18.7% more than in the
respective period of 2013, when the figure was Euro 432.32 million. The largest part of imports came from Lithuania – 19.9% (Euro 101.99 million), Estonia – 11.8% (Euro 60.52 million), and Poland – 11.4% (Euro 58.68 million).
LUMBER PROCESSING WORLD MARKETS
Western Forest Products reports Q3 14 revenue of $262.1 million Western Forest Products has reported adjusted EBITDA of $20 million in the third quarter of 2014, its second best third quarter in company history. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $7.6 million in comparison to the same period in 2013 due to challenging markets in Japan and China and operational curtailments due to an extended fire season. Revenue grew to $262.1 million in the third quarter of 2014, an improvement of $22.7 million over the same period last year. Increased log shipments, an improved lumber sales mix and pricing, and the benefit of a weaker Canadian dollar contributed to these results. Third quarter lumber revenue increased 5%, compared to the same period in 2013, as continued strong demand from the North American repair and renovation sector led to increased volumes and pricing for western red
cedar (WRC) and our specialty moulding and millwork (niche) lumber products. These results were achieved through a log purchase strategy that increased sawlog purchases to drive higher production of WRC lumber in the quarter, and offset the impact of an extended fire season on the supply of fibre to the mills. In addition, our flexible operating platform made it possible to shift production volumes from Japan lumber to Niche products. In the third quarter of 2014, log revenue increased 22% on the strength of a 15% increase in log sales volumes as compared to the same period in 2013. WFP achieved a 4% increase in average realised log prices period over period as the company continued to internalise pulp logs, which offset the decrease in export log prices. Lumber production increased 4% in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter of last year, due to a log purchase
strategy that improved fibre supply to our mills and contributed to increased operating shifts period over period. Dry weather conditions forced the extended fire season and resulted in a 10% decline in log harvest volumes and an incremental $3.5 million in shutdown costs in the third quarter of 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. Log costs increased period over period due to an increase in heli-logging, relative to total log production, and higher stumpage rates.Net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $2.7 million, or $0.01/sh as compared to net income of $17.2 million, or $0.04/sh, for the same period in 2013. Reflected in net income for the third quarter of 2014 is a restructuring charge of $8.1 million, or $0.02/sh, taken for the consolidation of the Nanaimo-area sawmill operations. The closure of the Nanaimo
sawmill in the fourth quarter of 2014 is expected to improve margins without affecting production capacity, and was made possible through the capital investments at the Duke Point and Saltair sawmills. Our total liquidity position at September 30, 2014, has improved to $159.2 million, compared to $125.9 million at the end of 2013. The increased liquidity in 2014 has primarily resulted from cash generated by operations. In the third quarter of 2014, we continued to provide returns to shareholders through our dividend program, paying $7.8 million or $0.02/sh to shareholders on September 19, 2014. Total dividend payments in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 amounted to $23.5 million, or $0.06/sh.
EUROPE'S MOST INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR SAWMILLS
MACHINES AND CONVEYOR SYSTEMS FOR THE WOOD INDUSTRY - ALL OVER THE WORLD
SPRINGER MASCHINENFABRIK AG office@springer.eu | www.springer.eu Hans-Springer-Strasse 2 | A-9360 Friesach | T +43 4268 2581-0 | F +43 4268 2581-45
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 25
SAWLINES - USNR In 2014 USNR accepted orders for several major capital equipment lines
Customers clamour for new USNR products USNR is in the enviable position of developing many new technologies recently that are resonating with its customers all over the globe. Just as customers are busy developing new products and markets, USNR’s innovations are fuelling much of that activity. Following are the highlights of some of USNR’s achievements over the past year MillExpert-LASAR winning combination At the front end of the green mill, carriage optimisation is one of the earliest opportunities to recover value. USNR’s MillExpert optimisation in combination with 3D LASAR scanning is a very popular solution, with new orders and installations originating from British Columbia and Quebec in Canada, and Indiana, Ohio, New York, West Virginia, Vermont and Washington in the US. One recent installation of this technology took place at Bégin & Bégin located at Lots-Renversés, Quebec. It included a new threeknee USNR carriage, and MillExpert optimisation combined with front
and backside LASAR scanning. Primary goals were to increase production and flexibility in its recovery. The new system significantly expands the breakdown capability to include full log breakdown grade sawing solutions generated from dense 3D modelling. MillExpert generates not only the initial breakdown, but uses logic from downstream processes to generate solutions that will be used to further breakdown the piece into boards. “With the new line we have added another option, which is full log breakdown,” Frédéric Dubé, the mill’s General Manager, said. “This gives us a more optimum breakdown solution for the boards that are produced.”
26 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
A grade above Further downstream from the primary line, orders are streaming in for USNR’s advanced, visionbased grading technology for the green mill. In 2014 USNR accepted orders and started projects for this technology from customers in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Uruguay and the US. Pukepine Sawmills, located at Te Puke, New Zealand, has a strong history with USNR. Mill management was confident the mill would generate good value for the investment when the Transverse High Grader (THG) was ordered, configured for a green trimmer application. This is a new application based
on the THG system that is typically configured to detect and classify characteristics in dry, planed wood. The sensors are mounted off-axis to provide four-sided scanning with only two rows of sensors. This accommodates the types of defects encountered in Radiata pine, and the grades specified by Pukepine’s products. “We hoped to have a one-year payback,” David Sandford, who managed the project for Pukepine, said. “We haven’t gone a full year yet, but we are on course to exceed those expectations. “This project was based on recovery and grade improvement, and now it also allows us to increase production considerably.”
Clean and dry The dry kiln segment of USNR’s business is expanding with a new eight-grate Green Fuel Burner, with several North American projects underway. USNR’s innovative Green Fuel Burner eliminates
SAWLINES - USNR
common problems with direct-fired burners while increasing lumber value. The unit burns sawdust as an economical heat source, but employs a unique afterburner module that ensures complete combustion. This is proven to keep high value lumber in the kiln remarkably clean and free from ash. USNR’s eight-grate Green Fuel Burner produces approximately 40 MM BTUs/h of heat.
Handling precious cargo All that lumber USNR’s equipment is producing in mills around the globe needs to be transported through the process, and the company has introduced several new innovations that contribute to the ease for handling this precious cargo. USNR’s popular Multi-Track Fence was launched in 2010 and is now operating – or soon will be – on 75 lines. The first installation of our ElectraTong Lug Loader is underway in BC, targeted to run at 240 lpm. This all-electric machine readily handles mixed width, thickness and length products at very high speeds. MillTrak lumber
The automated grading system at Pukepine’s sawmill trimmer is based on USNR’s Transverse High Grader (THG) technology
flow control oversees the process to facilitate a smooth, continuous flow. The 30 MillTrak systems sold in 2014 contribute to well over 100 systems customers have ordered. And the MyMill mobile control is catching on as a time and laboursaving system that provides the tools needed to operate sawmill
equipment, all from the palm of the operator’s hand. USNR sold or installed MyMill to control 11 machine centres in 2014, with 18 sold to-date. In the US, Canada, Russia and New Zealand, 2014 saw USNR taking orders or commissioning major capital equipment lines for some of the world’s top producers.
And these lines feature more new products to be publicised in detail “soon”. “At USNR, 2015 is shaping up to be another stellar year,” the manufacturer told International Forest Industries.
The full log breakdown feature of USNR’s carriage optimiser is achieved with MillExpert in combination with front and backside 3D LASAR scanners. This system models downstream processes, generating a much more valuable solution than a minimum opening face solution is capable of achieving DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 27
SAWLINES - PROLOGIC+
Prologic+ concentrates on Canadian installation
At a glance, here are some details about Prologic+’s most important project in 2014 Prologic+ is proud to position itself as an official scanner and automation supplier for Eacom Ear Falls sawmill. Ear Falls is located in Canada in Ontario province, more precisely at 410 km east of Winnipeg, and 1870 km northwest of Toronto. This project of importance is the second one for Prologic+ at Eacom Timber. The previous one in 2011 was with HewSaw Canada at Eacom Gogama in Ontario. The project was to install an automatic log rotation scanner for the existing HewSaw R200 SE. This was another great success for both parties. The scope of work of this more recent Ear Falls project on a scanner side was to replace nine old generation scanners with new generation of Prologic+ scanners. All nine were to be equipped over six different systems. Those systems were two log sorters, two Comact sawing lines; one smaller line to process smaller logs, and one big line for bigger logs, one linear TBL Comact Edger and one trimmer. Moreover, on the control side, all panels with D-Set axis positioners for the items mentioned above have been replaced with new panels equipped with Delta Motion controllers.
ProLogSorter – one linear scanner per log sorting line Each log sorter is equipped with
one ProLogSorter 3D. This Prologic+ scanner is using 3 LMI Gocator sensors with dual cameras for a total of six cameras. The log sorters are used to sort the logs in order to feed each sawing lines with the proper size of logs and also identify the reject logs according to their shape.
ProTrimmer 10 – one transversal scanner with 305 cm (10 ft) of length readings
canter, with curve sawing on or off. The second scanner, located before the TBL, is the ProCantScanner and is equipped with LMI Gocator sensors with dual camera for a total of four cameras. They are mounted on each side of the feeding chain in order to provide a reading at every 12.7mm. One of the main challenges was to include the curve-sawing functional since it has been absent since the original installation.
ProLogRotator, ProLogScanner & ProCantScanner – three linear scanners for the big Comact line (DLI/CanterQuad TBL/Bull) For the big line, everything is similar to the small line except that there’s one more scanner located within the DLI. The first scanner, the ProLogRotator gives the optimal rotation according to the log’s shape and then, the ProLogScanner takes over and gives the final sawing pattern after the optimal rotation has been given by the first scanner. For all the linear scanners, the older scanner structures had to be replaced for new Prologic+ scanner structures in order to accept the new Gocators with dual cameras. For Eacom Ear Falls, choosing Prologic+ as the unique provider for retrofitting their scanners and axis controllers gave them many advantages such as a shorter delivery time compared to their initial scanner provider, a smaller outlay, given all the original PLCs were preserved, and a relatively short commissioning time considering the size of the project with 11 weeks for the whole start-up.
The old transversal scanner has been replaced with a Prologic+ ProTrimmer 10, itself equipped with 10 Chroma+Scan 3155B sensors (five on bottom and five on top), with high density readings at every 9.5mm. The original structure and substructure were kept due to the same sensor width and mounting slots. This being the case, the mill was able to save money with a shorter commissioning and mechanical retrofitting periods.
ProLogScanner & ProCantScanner – two linear scanners for the small Comact line (DLI-Canter-TBL-Bull) The first scanner, located before the DLI, is the ProLogScanner and is equipped with four LMI Gocator sensors with dual camera for a total of eight cameras. This scanner is used to give the optimal rotation and best sawing pattern according to the shape of the logs to feed the
28 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
One of the main challenges was to include the curve-sawing functional since it has been absent since the original installation
SAWLINES - MiCROTEC
HIT acquires 360° CT Scanner for logs
which it described as a “hightech solution for saw-infeed and sawline”.
360° X-Ray CT Large Cone-Beam technology, developed by Microtec, has for the first time facilitated a complete digital reconstruction of the internal characteristics of a log. The CT.LOG scanner captures all defects and quality features before
the breakdown and enables perfect sawing pattern optimisation. This in turn allows the evaluation of all sawing combinations that fit the quality of the final products. The optimisation software determines the sawing pattern that has the highest added value and the requirements of the final product are controlled in real time according to current production requirements.
The first Microtec CT.LOG scanner to enter the German market will be delivered to HIT Holzindustrie Torgau Microtec’s flagship scanner is the CT.LOG scanner, with the first true 3D quality analysis of the internal characteristics of a log. The scanner has impressed German company, HIT Holzindustrie Torgau, to the point where the sawmiller has committed to upgrading and optimising its sawline with the technology.
HIT has made the necessary preparations and has told Microtec it is ready to install the latest high-speed computed tomograph, CT.LOG. After 10 years of development, this is the fifth Microtec flagship scanner to be installed. HIT will improve the efficiency of its production using the CT.LOG,
The newly developed software for online sawing optimisation leads to the most precise results, and realises the profitability of the investment in a very short time frame - Federico Giudiceandrea, MiCROTEC
A schematic of the complete CT.LOG system DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 29
SAWLINES - MiCROTEC The internal structure as defined by CT.LOG
“This solution will considerably increase the productivity of the saw-line, which promotes a sustainable processing of the raw material and improves the yield and the quality of the final products,” HIT chief executive Günther Hilmer said. MiCROTEC chief executive Federico Giudiceandrea explained the technological development of the CT.LOG: “Computed tomography for logs, the CT.LOG, is becoming an indispensable part of the sawmill.
Full digital log reconstruction and virtual grading for true value optimization in the bucking and sawing process.
This solution will considerably increase the productivity of the saw-line, which promotes a sustainable processing of the raw material and improves the yield and the quality of the final products
“The trend of the wood working industry is moving towards an increase of value and quality, instead of quantity. The newly developed software for online sawing optimisation leads to the most precise results, and realises the profitability of the investment in a very short time frame.”
- Günther Hilmer, HIT
Logeye ‘Fingerprint’ tracking In this specific project, the CT.LOG computed tomograph is equipped with the Logeye ‘Fingerprint’ system for the recognition of each log and to determine the correct angle. The system reliably recognises each log at any point later on the sawing line, allowing full access of the original CT.LOG scan information for sawing optimisation. The software tool Maxicut supports the sawing optimisation. This solution maximises the added value of the sawing patterns
HIT HOLZINDUSTRIE TORGAU The company was founded in 1999 on the former MUNA area in Torgau. Next to the modern production site of short wood and thinnings, the company focuses on the production of pallets, which are produced according to many standardised variants. The diversity of its product range includes products for the packaging industry and wood for house, garden and landscaping. HIT currently has a capacity of more than 800.000 m3/y. Each day up to 120 truckloads of stems are delivered at three calibrated logyards, where the logs are classified and debarked. The production of the pallets is carried out on 8 fully automatic lines in four shift operation with a daily capacity of 40,000 pieces. 30 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
by examining all the possible combinations of the activate product lists.
MiCROTEC Chief Executive, Federico Giudiceandrea
MiCROTEC For over 35 years, MiCROTEC has been researching and developing solutions in the field of intelligent recognition of wood characteristics for optimisation in the wood working industry. All MiCROTEC solutions are created to optimise, speed-up and streamline each production process in the entire processing chain. The analysis of each work piece is optimised in order to gather the highest added value. Through continuous research and development of all MiCROTEC products to the highest technological standards, the company has become the global specialist in wood measurement and scanning systems. Today, MiCROTEC exports its products worldwide and has branch offices in Linz, Venice, Melbourne and Vancouver.
SAWLINES - SPRINGER
Springer to supply Roseburg Forest Products
Springer’s screw technology will slot into the Roseburg mill
Springer will deliver a state-of-the-art log sorting and handling system to the US as part of Roseburg Forest Product’s decision to upgrade its Dillard mill Roseburg Forest Products has decided to upgrade the company’s mill in Dillard, Oregon, USA. The upgrade will come with the help of Austrian sawmill supplier Springer Maschinenfabrik and its North American partner, Microtec. The project focuses on the optimisation of the log handling process implementing a state-of-the-art screw unscrambler with a short
buffer conveyor and stop-end feeder made by Springer. The system will be integrated into the current log handling equipment and is custom-designed for the length of Roseburg’s logs. The existing step feeder will be removed, and the new screw unscrambler will align and singulate the logs faster and more efficiently for the following
conveyor unit. “The screw technology turned out to be our favoured solution – a chainless system makes sense in terms of keeping maintenance costs low,” Barry Hutchins, Manager of Solid Wood Engineering at Roseburg, said. Revisions are easy and spare part requirements minimised. It is also equipped with a fully
automatic lubrication system. “We expect significant improvements in productivity as well as lower conversion costs as a result of the investment,” Hutchins said. “The new system will be delivered in May with installation starting June 2015.” Gero Springer, Chief Executive of Springer Microtec: “We know that our screw systems for log handling are a highly competitive technology. With Idaho Forest Products and Roseburg on board as new customers, we realise a fast growing interest in the North American market. “With our office based in Vancouver we are perfectly situated to work with our clients professionally and efficiently. “As one of the largest producers of sawmilling and secondary manufacturing equipment, Springer Microtec is active worldwide, with satisfied customers on all continents.” Current North American installations either running or in start-up consist of over 30 log and lumber scanners, two complete green field sawmills, and two new log merchandising yards.
Springer sorts out Idaho Forest Group Springer has delivered a state-of-the-art processing and sorting system to a major US sawmilling group
For its production site in Lewiston, the Idaho Forest Group has opted for a Springer log processing and sorting line with two sorting systems for short and long logs; and a double-sided butt-flare reducer Taylor 1200. The Screw Feeder, a machine of proven technical quality, will not only be installed downstream of the reducer but also downstream of the singulation unit and transfers the logs to the measurement line and the subsequent 90° log turner. The processing facility integrates the CT-LOG from Microtec, the most modern automated quality grading system with high precision 3D
The Idaho Forest Group installation of Springer technology reconstruction for the optimisation of cutting patterns to gain maximum value from each log. “Springer has provided a solution that has entirely convinced us in terms of machine integration and productivity,” Idaho Forest
Group Board Chairman Mark Brinkmeyer said. “The Screw Feeder works without chains and, therefore, requires very little maintenance,” Idaho Forest Group President, Scott Atkison, added.
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 31
Bedding down biomass technology Biomass producers and users are done with experimentation and are focused on refining dedicated biomass products, primarily chippers
The Bandit Model 3590 transforms logging slash, land clearing waste, whole trees and brush into a uniform, saleable chip product faster and more efficiently than ever before. Loggers, land clearers, and industry professionals know that hauling away logging slash, tops, and other tree waste is costly and inefficient. Capable of producing an excess of 100 tons of chips per hour and filling 45-foot vans in under 10 minutes, the Model 3590 quickly disposes of these unwanted materials onsite and produces valuable, demanded fuel chips for use and recovering those costs. With its solid steel welded construction, proven feed system, durable components, and chip throwing technologies, this chipper provides all of the production advantages you could ever want from a drumstyle chipper. 700 to 875 horsepower engine options are available.
32 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Biomass
I
n 2014, manufacturers have decided on what their customers want and are concentrating on making their existing offerings in the key product categories as efficient as possible. This essentially has meant large research and development budgets devoted to improving the hardiness of models, better product quality, along with enhanced accessibility for easy maintenance
“When it comes to biomass, Bandit Industries will always take that bet,” Bandit President Jerry Morey responded when IFI asked him about the future of biomass. “In fact, we’re all in.”
“That’s why we’ve refined our microchipper drum option for select drum-style Bandit whole tree chippers and developed a chipping drum for our Beast XP-Series horizontal grinders/ recyclers.”
Microchip drum Available on the models 2590, 3090, 3590 and 3590XL, Bandit’s microchip drum features twice as many cuts per revolution compared to a standard Bandit drum. The drum works in conjunction with a card breaker system designed to help filter out oversized chips exiting the drum. The result is a uniform wood chip about ¼ in in size. This is achieved without affecting the throwing power, production, and efficiency that customers expect. Should a standard-size chip
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 33
BIOMASS be required, Bandit’s microchip drums can be easily converted back to a standard style. “You can tell just by looking at the Bandits that they put some real thought into their design,” Joedy Cahoon, Owner of J&R Cahoon Logging in Bellhaven, North Carolina, told IFI. Cahoon is a third-generation North Carolina logger, having started in the woods with his dad as a 17-year-old. Over 37 years later, his operation is stronger than ever. This is due in part, he says, to a Model 3590 whole tree chipper with the microchip drum that he uses to supply Enviva – one of the largest manufacturers of processed biomass fuel in North America. He was among the first loggers to sign a contract with Enviva to supply one of its North Carolina pellet mills. With that contract secured, Cahoon immediately began looking at chippers to supply the mill with the microchips needed. “We were running another machine at the time; Bandit didn’t have a microchipper out yet when we started,” he explained. “I went and watched a friend with another machine run his, then I demoed some other microchippers. My local Bandit dealer got in touch with me, told me Bandit had its microchipper ready so brought a Model 3590 out to our job site, and I just fell in love with it.” The microchip drum has 16 knives, giving double the cuts per revolution compared to a normal chipper. Despite these extra cuts, Cahoon still packs chip trailers in about 12 minutes and generally throws 20 loads on a set of knives. Bandit’s whole tree chippers throw with “tremendous force” due to the special power slot design in the drum. That renowned throwing power means Bandit doesn’t need to add chip accelerators to the machines, which tend to sap HP and increase fuel consumption. “The result is a machine that can fill trailers in as little as 35 minutes and out produce competitive machines,” Morey said.
Beast chipper drum For companies looking to have the larger throat capacities and screening ability of a Beast with the
Bandit’s well regarded Beast 2680XP with chipper drum chipping power of a Bandit whole tree chipper, a dedicated chipping drum provides the desired solution. “Operators can get the best of both worlds – the larger throat capacities and the screening capabilities of a Beast with the chipping power of a Bandit whole tree chipper,” Morey said. The drum is available on all new models 1680XP, 2680XP, 3680XP and 4680XP Beasts, and it can be retrofitted to older units. The chipping drum is designed for operations that use the Beast exclusively for chipping, delivering an “exceptional” wood chip for use in a variety of fuel wood applications. For conventional Beast operations, the chipping drum can be swapped with a standard Beast cuttermill. “We have customers all around the world using Beast Recyclers, and there isn’t an application where the Beast won’t make a big difference in performance and production,” Morey said. “Beasts will easily handle everything from waste wood to shingles and plastic, and there isn’t a better machine on the market for turning bulky chunk wood into a quality, saleable product. Whether you are grinding or chipping, the new Beast XP-Series can make a big difference in your operation.” In 2014, manufacturers have decided on what their customers want and are concentrating on
34 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
making their existing offerings in the key product categories as efficient as possible. This essentially has meant large research and development budgets devoted to improving the hardiness of models, better product quality, along with enhanced accessibility for easy maintenance.
For Komptech, the new Multistar L3 is a further improvement of its line of Multistar star screens, apparently motivated by the idea that “even excellence can be made better”. As always, superior customer utility is at the centre of Komptech’s redesign. It is certainly no exaggeration to say that the Multistar L3 is one of the most successful star screens on the market and there are three primary factors behind this success. The first is the throughput, which is the best in its class and is based on Komptech’s specially developed “coarse before fine screening” concept. Along with top throughput, this also has a major influence on screening quality. The screen decks with their rubber stars and the patented Cleanstar cleaning system give the L3 an output quality that is difficult to match. And, finally, energy efficiency has become more and more
important in this day and age. All machine components are electrically driven. The power can come from the grid for the lowest cost, or from the on-board generator. “But Komptech wouldn’t be the technology leader it is if it didn’t continue to improve its machines, to make them more efficient and thereby ‘greener’ in line with the company philosophy,” the company said. “The ideas come from partners and customers who notice just what could be improved in the course of their daily work.”
Even more effective, even more flexible Higher flexibility, simpler maintenance, more toughness, intuitive operation, and a new design – these are the major features of the new L3. It has the same coarse and fine screen deck dimensions as its predecessor, and delivers exactly the same throughput but there is a key difference. The new cartridge design of the screen decks means they can be removed and switched in a very short time. This simple removal makes maintenance, conversion and particle size changes easier, and represents a major increase in the machine’s flexibility, especially in terms of grain size. Higher flexibility includes improved mobility. On the new L3, the towbar is now on the opposite
Maximize Profits with the Morbark MicroChipper ®
95% ½" Minus Create micro-chips vital to the pellet mill market with the new Morbark® Whole Tree MicroChipper. • Productive – Morbark’s exclusive enhanced Advantage 3™ drum creates uniform micro-chips, while the mechanically driven chip accelerator fully loads your truck. • Practical – The operator-friendly, slide-in forestry grate system reduces oversized chips for a consistent, high-quality end product. • Profitable – With an average fuel consumption of 2.25 tons of micro-chips produced per gallon of fuel used, the Morbark 40/36 MicroChipper allows you to reduce costs and maximize profits.
In customer tests, up to 95% of the micro-chips produced passed through a ½" grate, and an average of 65% passed through a ¼" grate.
The Morbark® MicroChipper is a new addition to our full line of heavyduty Whole Tree Chippers from the leader in the industry. Learn more about our machines and our extensive product support network at www.morbark.com.
Building EquipmEnt that CrEatEs OppOrtunitiEs
BIOMASS
With the new Multistar L3 Komptech has once again demonstrated its leadership in energy efficiency, throughput and screening quality. The new L3 has many innovations for even more flexibility, easier maintenance and longer life
side, where the oversize fraction is ejected. That frees up the medium grain discharge side, greatly simplifying in-line operation with a Stonefex stone separator or Hurrikan wind sifter. The oversize fraction can still be removed without problems, since the towbar folds up against the machine when in working position. The new design underlines the modern character of the L3 with its even easier maintenance access. The access doors are placed so that maintenance is simplicity itself. Also, the chain drives are now placed opposite the drive motors, so there is no longer any need to remove the motors to replace chains or chain sprockets. Slip-on gears and torque support the machine, which means it no longer needs clutches, and the motors no longer need to be aligned, making for faster and easier maintenance. “The service life of individual components likewise affects maintenance,” Komptech said. “So we gave it larger screen shaft bearing pins, larger and reinforced bearings, bigger chain sprockets and a duplex chain for the fine screen deck – refinements that show that we’re always thinking about the details.
“The sturdy feed hopper can be raised manually or hydraulically for maintenance purposes, another way we make things easier, since that gives full access to the lower run chain conveyor as well as the entire length of the fine screen deck.” The new fines discharge conveyor fulfils several requirements at once. The onepiece design prevents material trickle at transfer points, while also giving high capacity. As a result it can run at lower speed, requiring less power and much less wear. The new layout of the control panel is state-of-the-art. Its intuitive menu guidance and easily understood symbols make operation easier and safer.
Multistar: multifunctional as well as clean As before, the new Multistar L3 can be fitted with numerous options that expand its range of applications. This includes a longer coarse screen deck, wind sifter for the medium and coarse conveyors, hydraulic engine unit extension, magnetic and roller separator on the discharge conveyors, and much more. Komptech ‘green efficiency’ products are distinguished by their outstanding energy efficiency and minimal noise and exhaust emissions. Generator motors complying with the latest exhaust scrubbing regulations are available for the L3 and all other Komptech star screens. Accordingly, all will now bear the ‘green efficiency’ logo. “Proven, efficient, clean technology, further refined and improved – the new Multistar L3 will without doubt continue in the successful footsteps of its predecessor.”
Developed from Morbark’s popular 40/36 Whole Tree Drum Chipper and designed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing pellet market, the 40/36 MicroChipper offers the Morbark’s exclusive enhanced Advantage 3 high-performance chipping drum, which is designed to both create uniform microchips and reduce maintenance demands. An operator-friendly, slide-in 36 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
FD2600-4 Flail Debarker
WTC-2366-T Whole Tree Chipper
WWW.PRECISIONHUSKY.COM
New FD-2600-4 Flail Debarker improvements include: • • • • • •
Sauer Plus 1 program with complete system diagnostics Large HD color control screen providing complete machine control and real time data Multiple remote options for non-KBL units Debris containment system 200+ linear feet (61m) per minute feed speed Abrasion resistant steel in all major wear areas.
Proven
[adj - proo’ven] “shown to be true, tried and tested beyond any doubt.”
first 4 Flail Debarker in the Industry proven to provide the highest Possible Production While Maintaining the lowest Bark Content and COST PER TON in the Industry
In today’s economy, it is all about the bottom line - your PROFIT. Give us the opportunity to save you money. With more than six years experience with our 4 flail design and over 48 years experience in the forest industry, we will prove to give you the lowest operational cost/lowest COST PER TON than ALL of our competitors. DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 37
The 40/36 Microchipper is capable of delivering a superior product
38 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
High production and high quality are the hallmarks of Morbark’s MicroChippers
forestry grate system reduces oversized chips for a consistent, high-quality end product, while the mechanically driven chip accelerator fully loads the truck. “The Model 40/36 does an outstanding job on the microchip,” Jerry Sapp, Sapp’s Land & Excavating Owner, told IFI. “Right now we are running three chippers: two crews are using the 40/36
“With new biomass plants being built in the United States and the rapid expansion of wood pellet exports to Europe to meet the European Union’s mandate that 20% of its energy come from renewable sources by 2020, our customers need a cost-effective system for making microchips,” said John Foote, Morbark VP of Sales and Marketing. “This newly re-engineered 40/36 MicroChipper is the solution. We are able to produce a far superior product, producing up to 95% acceptable micro-chips at volumes of more than 70 tons per hour.” With an average fuel consumption of 2.25 tons of micro-chips produced per gallon of fuel used, the Morbark 40/36 MicroChipper allows owners to reduce costs and maximize profits. In customer tests, up to 95% of the micro-chips produced passed through a ½” grate, and an average of 65% passed through a ¼” grate. These micro-chips are vital for pellet mills, since micro-chips dry and grind faster than standard chips.
MicroChippers and one has a Model 40/36 fuel chipper. “We typically get about 110 loads of microchips a week between two crews. When conditions are ideal, however, I’ve seen a crew get more than 80 loads a week with a single chipper.” High production and high quality are the marketed hallmarks
of Morbark’s MicroChippers. “With new biomass plants being built in the United States and the rapid expansion of wood pellet exports to Europe to meet the European Union’s mandate that 20% of its energy come from renewable sources by 2020, our customers need a cost-effective system for making microchips,” John Foote, Morbark Vice President
of Sales and Marketing, told IFI. “The 40/36 MicroChipper is the solution. We are able to produce a far superior product, producing 95% acceptable microchips at volumes of more than 70 t/h.” With an average fuel consumption of 500 kg of microchips produced per litre of fuel used, the Morbark 40/36 MicroChipper allows owners
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 39
BIOMASS
to reduce costs and maximise profits. In customer tests, 95% of the microchips produced passed through a ½ in grate, and an average of 65% passed through a ¼ in grate. Morbark has a full line of heavy-duty Whole Tree Chippers in various sizes and configurations, from our 30/36 to the 50/48, that can be built as MicroChippers. All Morbark equipment is backed by an extensive dealer network and world-class parts and service support teams.
The Seppi M Midiforst Drago forestry discharge mulcher for biomass collection is a “universal powerful forestry mower with a
chute for collecting the mulching material”, as described by the manufacturer. The mulched material is taken by a conveyer belt up the chute and can then be collected and carted away in a trailer, leaving the soil clear of material. The Midiforst Drago collects wood up to 150 mm (6 in) from the forest floor for further use. Along with wood, various other materials such as grass, leaves and biodegradable waste can be mulched and collected. Efficient discharge is a feature of the Midiforst Drago
Midiforst Drago applications • Collection of material for energy production • Clearing of site for replanting •Collection of biomass for composting • Environmental clearing in urban areas
Midiforst Drago features • Aerodynamic chute transports dry and also wet material in large quantities to the top for efficient discharge • Hydraulic folding chute, chute deflector is hydraulically adjustable • Wear-resistant conveyor belt for high discharge • Height adjustable trailer hitch, e support roller to control cutting height, rear hood with variable rakes
Essential Midiforst Drago features are hydraulically adjustable
Along with wood, various other materials such as grass, leaves and biodegradable waste can be mulched and collected – Seppi M
40 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
BIOMASS
Continental Biomass Industries manufactures both upswing and downswing-style grinders. Upswings are generally higher speed for cleaner material with premium throughput. Downswing are generally lower speed with the ability to process a more contaminated waste stream and have the flexibility to accept multiple rotor options.
The tried and tested CBI Grizzly Mill
The CBI Grizzly Mill is the backbone of CBI biomass recovery systems and is recognised worldwide as one of the toughest and most productive wood grinders ever built. Introduced in 1991, the first Grizzly Mill that CBI manufactured is still in service with over 70,000 hours and counting. With multiple rotor options available, it can be configured specifically as a primary, secondary or tertiary grinder for waste wood such as stumps, logs, demolition debris, MSW, poles & ties, stringy
bark, yard waste, etc, for product sizes ranging from 15-500 mm. Following the success of the Magnum Force 5400, CBI has developed the Magnum Force 5400 Multiflex to meet the demands of European grinding contractors looking for a one-man grinding solution. Designed to be pulled by a truck that incorporates a log loader, CBI has delivered a machine that makes a one-man grinding operation more practical and efficient. The 5400 Multiflex is powered by a CAT C18, 765
hp engine and has a road legal width of 2.55 m (8.4 ft) and weight of 35,000 Kg (77,000 lb). SAF hydraulically steerable axles enable the machine travel the tightest of logging roads and permits, in most cases, are not required. The 5400 Multiflex is one of the latest offerings in the next generation of downswing grinders, where owners can select from four different field-swappable grinder and chipper rotors to accommodate changing materials and processing
DESIGNED FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE
DURATECH INDUSTRIAL GRINDERS • • • • •
Lower capital investment Lower operating costs Less downtime Less maintenance MORE PROFIT
“Clearing the way for a better tomorrow since 1966” Made in Jamestown, North Dakota USA Sales: +1 (701) 371-4444 info@chtrade.com
www.duratechindustries.net
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 41
This unbelievable versatility guarantees you will always have the right machine for the job when market demands change and opportunities come knocking on your door – Continental Biomass Industries
demands. This unique design provides the flexibility to process an “exceptionally” wide variety of materials and generate the products demanded with a single machine. To further its unique design, the infeed and grinding chamber rotate left or right 60° for ease of loading roadside materials from both sides. The radial discharge also rotates left and right 60° and features a variable speed discharge conveyor from 1.6-5.5 m
(300-1,000 ft/minute).
Grinding chamber and interchangeable rotors The design of the grinding chamber provides service-friendly, full access for easy daily maintenance by simply pushing a button. This feature offers a direct line to lift and remove screens, and greatly simplifies rotor removal through the top of the machine. The screen has been specially designed to
42 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
be easily removed by unbolting the support plate and pulling the screen out without having to remove the screen frame. The grinding chamber is a heavy-duty reinforced housing with 100% continuous welds for maximum strength and corrosion resistance. After fabrication, the hog box is line-bored for perfect fit of all components throughout the life of the machine, such as the bolt-in, Hardox 450 wear liners. An
extra heavy-duty screen frame with a bolt-in Hardox 450 screen and anvil are protected by four shear pins. A large diameter upper feed roller features an extreme hightorque Poclain hydraulic motor built into the roller. The downswing rotor design of the 5400 Multiflex cuts the material against a heavy duty anvil that allows it to process contaminated materials, while providing an overall extremely robust grinder.
The CBI 5400 Multiflex design for versatility and capacity
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 43
BIOMASS Electronic control systems The second-generation IntelliGrind control system by Parker IQAN provides increased monitoring, protection, and control of a significantly larger number of functions, moving the 5400 Multiflex closer to the ultimate goal of a fully-automated grinder. The radio remote control, with full mechanical backup, runs all functions of the machine. All set points are easily adjusted on the operator interface screen to maximise performance. “With the CBI Magnum Force 5400 Multiflex, you can go from making high quality mulch from trees and stumps, to chipping stem wood into chips in custom sizes ranging from a constant 2 mm fibre length to a constant 30 mm fibre length, to grinding highly contaminated C&D or railroad ties with the tie plates attached just by swapping rotors and screens,” the manufacturer said. “This unbelievable versatility guarantees you will always have the right machine for the job when market demands change and opportunities come knocking on your door. The CBI Magnum Force 5400 Multiflex ― giving you more bang for your buck and a better return on your investment.”
the main feed roller “With the extended saw bar housing incorporating a standard saw bar the LAKO 2-SERIES harvesting head can also be used for clearing of young forest stands,” Lastunen said. Because of the asymmetrical feeding unit and the additional arm attached to it, collection and loading of trees can be done efficiently without compromising the harvesting head’s normal cutting properties. Collecting and handling energy wood is possible as well.
After much consideration the high-tech Hydman-Hawe valve block, tailored for the harvesting head, has been chosen as the hydraulic valve. This valve features exceptionally low flow losses, and one valve package includes all the functions needed. There are individual pressure control valves for each arm cylinder with integrated adjustable port relief function, which follows continuously the working pressure of each individual arm cylinder. This feature gives the structure an optimal protection.
2-Series hydraulic efficiency
Technical solutions for the 2-Series
Much attention has been paid to the high efficiency of the hydraulic system. The main feed motors are high pressure piston motors with exceptionally high hydraulic oil flow rate. The shape and diameter of the feed rollers, as well as their locations in respect of the motor flange and bearings, have been optimised to minimise the external loads. Traditional hydraulic series connection is used between the upper and lower main motor, while the fastening of the motor to the roller arm is elastic, featuring a unique feed roller arm geometry. The Parker Power Boost F11 motor has been chosen for Lako sawing equipment because it has a significantly better efficiency and better cutting power than a traditional F11 saw motor.
The Lako 2-Series product family is intended to offer a comprehensive range of harvesting heads for the traditional range of operations – from the first thinning (LAKO 42) to final felling (LAKO 52) – but in a “modern way”. “The applicability of the Lako 2-Series can be best described using the ‘integrated cutting’ concept,” Turkka Lastunen from Lako told IFI. In brief, the new mid-sized LAKO 42 harvesting head can, for instance, efficiently handle single trees from 3-42 cm, and fell up to 60 cm trees in a single cross cutting operation. With the assistance of the upper collecting delimbing knife arm and the adapting main feed roller, simultaneous handling of several trees with smaller trunks can also be done efficiently, owing to the large contacting surface of
44 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
The hydraulic cylinders, used in the 2-Series harvesting heads, are of the HD model. The delimbing and collecting arm cylinders, as well as in the saw cylinder feature an integrated linear sensor for measuring positions. There are only three different size of cylinders in the Lako 2-Series harvesting heads. “Length can be measured simply with the built-in sensor of the feed motors, or with a separate measuring wheel fitted with an elastic frame or a combination of both,” Lastunen said.
Forest harvesting and use of energy wood In addition to harvesting of pulp wood and saw-timber, modern efficient use of forestry resources
BIOMASS PELLETS
Peterson disc chippers provide a more consistent chipping angle which results in more uniform chip thickness and length – Peterson Corporation
also involves use of biomass energy and by-products, with keen eye on environmental issues. On one hand, forestry management activities, such as mechanical clearing, warrant the use of cost efficient operating methods and appropriate equipment. On the other hand, harvesting methods are dictated by the harvesting ky4LakoForest_englanti.pdf conditions.
1
For more than 70 years, Amandus Kahl (Kahl) has built pelleting presses that have proven to be successful based on a sturdy construction, economic efficiency, and smooth running performance. Three years ago, the current US market leader in the field of wood pelleting had Kahl present them the modified wood pelleting press type 60-1250 with 600 hp and was convinced of its capacity (on average 6 t/h) and its sturdiness. Today, 37 Kahl flat-die pelleting presses are in operation in that group’s four facilities. Currently, about 60 KAHL pelleting presses produce a total of some 3 Mtpa of wood pellets in the USA – most of them industrial pellets used in power plants for co-firing. This year, Kahl has accepted an order for another 24 presses from the US market leader, which will be commissioned in 2015. Kahl presses also demonstrate their quality through details such as reinforced press bodies; robust cutting devices; breathing air 22.5.2013 8.13 filter preventing moisture in the
gear interior; oil filter with flow meter; and pan grinder head stop for optimum adjustment of rollers and die. As for energy efficiency, Kahl considers the complete plant, from the reception facilities to the finished product silos. With an improved press control, clear machine monitoring and the use of a so-called traffic light control system, downtime can be avoided and the service life is improved. “The long service life and the simple rework of the pelleting tools, such as die and pan grinder rollers, result in low operating costs and high overall efficiency,” the company told IFI. Furthermore, Kahl presses can also be used economically as a pan grinder mill for other applications, for example for crushing wood chips, torrefied wood, waste tyres, domestic and industrial waste, and many more. ‘White pellets’ are still on the upswing but could yet be replaced soon in popularity by so-called ‘black pellets’. These are pellets of torrefied biomass that have a
higher calorific value, a higher energy density and higher water stability. Kahl is also involved in some important projects for this technology. In the next few years, Kahl expected further growth in the broad field of pelleting of renewable raw materials, which management considers a contribution to sustainability.
Peterson Corporation has multiple solutions for biomass applications – from horizontal grinders, to disc and drum chippers – providing a processing solution for almost all conceivable feed stocks.
Drum chippers “If the application is just for making biomass fuel chips, few machines will beat the productivity of a Peterson 4300-series drum chipper,” the company stated. Processing tops, unmerchantable wood, and residues left over from a logging site is
product line for integrated logging
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Versatile harvesting head suitable for clearing, thinning, bio energy wood harvesting and final felling The advanced, energy-efficient hydraulic system of the head reduce operating costs
One head – several purposes
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 45
The Peterson 4300B producing valuable biomass
the drum chipper’s specialty and, depending on the way they are setup, can produce a chip from 3-31 mm (1/8-1¼ in). Peterson drum chippers use a heavy-duty knife that produces a clean, cut edge to the material and a more consistent product size compared to ground material. The 4300-series drum chippers offer secondary screens to process twigs or branches that may get missed.
These ‘spears’ can cause material blockages in a biomass plant’s augers. Product consistency is extremely important to biomass chip buyers, so it is very important for the biomass chips not to have too many fines or spears in the product. Like a disc chipper, Peterson drum chippers have adjustable knives that allow for a wide variety of chip sizes, depending on what
46 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
end product the company is looking for. Peterson drum chippers can be equipped with a top load or end load spout depending on how the truck fleet is configured. Chip accelerators are used to increase load density in the chip van. Peterson’s 4300-series drum chippers are equipped with a six-pocket drum in standard form, but for applications looking to make a 3-6 mm chip, Peterson
offers a 12-pocket drum to make ‘microchips’. “As more pellet producing plants come online, procurement buyers are seeing the advantage of a machine that can make 0.25 in chips which can go directly to the dryer,” Peterson said. “Many pellet plants today start with longer more conventional 1 in chips that need to go through a costly hammermill reduction stage before the dryer.”
The 4300B drum chipper is the latest in a long line of high quality chipping and grinding machines produced by Peterson. The 4300B drum chipper is suited for high volume biomass producers who have a wide variety of feed material, from logs up to 26 inches (61 cm) in diameter, to brush and small feed stock. Powered by a C18 Caterpillar engine, the 4300B is powered by 765 horsepower (570 kW). At 52,000 pounds (23,586 kg) and 8 feet 4-3/4 inches (255 cm) in width, the 4300B is a high production chipper whose dimensions do not require any oversize permits for road transportation.
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 47
BIOMASS Production from Peterson drum chippers will vary with wood species, chip length, and tree size. Typical production from a Peterson 4300-series machine with a six pocket drum making 22 mm (7/8 in) length chips will be about 80 t/h. Microchip production making 6 mm (0.25 in) chips with a 12-pocket pocket drum will be about 50 t/h. The fuel consumption will range from 0.76-1.9 litres/t depending on the wood species, size and moisture level. Fuel consumption of 0.76 litres/t) will be typical for fresh wood.
Disc chippers Though primarily used to make clean pulp and paper chips, Peterson disc chippers can also be used to reduce wood into short fibre chips. Disc chippers are the main type of chipper used to produce high quality wood chips for the pulp and paper industry. “Peterson disc chippers provide a more consistent chipping angle which results in more uniform chip thickness and length,” the manufacturer stated. The anvil gap, knife extension,
counter knife angle, and attack angle can all be readily adjusted with a disc chipper to produce the highest quality chips. A typical chip length specification for the pulp industry is between 16 mm (5/8 in) and 28 mm (1-1/4 in). Modifications must be made to the disc, counter knife and chipping speed to produce 6-9 mm (¼-3/8) in microchips. Peterson has developed a microchip configuration for the 5900E Disc Chipper and 5000H Whole Tree Chipper. Production with these machines will vary with wood species, chip length, and tree size. Typical production with a four pocket disc making 6-7 mm (1/4 in) length chips will be 50 t/h. Production making 9-10 mm (3/8 in) chips with a four pocket disc will be about 70 t/h. The fuel consumption will range from 0.76 to 1.9 litres/t) depending on the wood species, size and moisture level. Fuel consumption of 0.76 litres/t will be typical for fresh wood. The most common feedstock for direct fired wood boilers is 76
SCREENING WITH A STAR. THE MULTISTAR L3 | MOBILE STAR SCREEN New fine fraction discharge system giving high capacity and low wear
NEW
The cassette design makes it easy to pull out the screen decks
Perfect maintenace access via large doors and lifted feed hopper
Proven drive concept: efficient, quiet, easy
Reinforced screen deck drive for longer life
Simpler shunting and combining via hinged towbar
New Komptech designed intuitive operating panel
Of course we´re not the only people helping to make the world a greener place. But we´re still very proud of our solutions for handling waste and biomass! SHREDDERS | TROMMEL SCREENS | STAR SCREENS | WINDROW TURNERS
www.greenefficiency.com | www.komptech.com 48 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
The Peterson 4810F-5900E making clean chips
mm (3 in) minus ground wood. Low moisture and low ash content are desirable. Dry wood has a higher net heating value. Dirt in the wood may cause boiler damage and increase the amount of ash to be disposed. Minimum fines, particles less than 3 mm (1/8 in), may also be desirable for maximum boiler efficiency depending on the boiler type. Urban wood waste and forest residuals are common feedstock. Horizontal grinders are the most economical machine type to reduce wood for this application. They are more tolerant than chippers to any contamination in the feedstock.
Horizontal grinders For logging residuals, or other odd shaped feedstock, or lightly contaminated material, a horizontal grinder is probably the best tool for the job. Peterson manufactures grinders from 580-1,125 hp, with both wheeled and tracked versions “to make moving between jobs easy”. Peterson horizontal grinders can be configured to produce a wide variety of sizes of end product depending on what size grates and style of bit is used. Unlike a disc or drum chipper, the horizontal grinder will accept all feed stock from chunk wood, stumps, or odd shaped trees. While less refined than a biomass chip, the ‘hog fuel’ produced by a grinder is still common feed stock for biomass burning facilities all around North America. Peterson horizontal grinders’ robust design handles the rigours of biomass grinding day in, day out – their highly efficient design maximizes throughput and truck-
height discharge conveyor makes roadside loading quick and easy. Horizontal grinders are not limited to just producing hog fuel for biomass – they are used in composting, asphalt shingle grinding, MSW and C&D reduction, land clearing, and mulch operations. The wide-variety of potential jobs makes horizontal grinders attractive for many businesses.
Jenz is converting its large chipper truck models to the new Euro 6 exhaust emission standard. There are numerous detailed improvements and the 540 hp version has been subsequently discontinued.
Conversion to Euro 6 Hardly any other manufacturer has influenced the development of the HGV-mounted chipper as much as Jenz. The term ‘chipper truck’ is nowadays a synonym for all vehicles of this type. The bestselling Jenz model is the HEM 583 R chipper truck, which is effectively the grandson of the original chipper truck from 2006. The vehicle was first presented together with the new HEM 583 chipper series at the Agritechnica last year in Hanover. Before then, this chipper truck was available with two engine variations, with 480 hp and 540 hp. However, with the introduction of the new Euro 6 exhaust emission standard, HGV manufacturer MAN has decided to drop the 540 hp version from its program. For this reason the new Euro 6 chipper truck will be available only with a 480 hp
BIOMASS feature on the HEM 583. This technology offers many advantages: • T he ejection blower speed can be infinitely varied and controlled independently of the chipper rotor speed, which means it can always be adapted to the working conditions. This reduces the fines content of the chippings and also reduces wear on the machine • I f required, the blower can be centrally located between the HGV driver’s cab and the chipper. This gives the operator the facility to overload the chippings both to the front and to the rear without having to change the position of the vehicle
The most important innovation is a hydraulically-driven outfeed blower, which is now a standard feature on the HEM 583 engine. However, Jenz has fitted the vehicle with many new features to further increase efficiency.
Optimised chipper The new chipper truck now carries a new chipper on its back, the HEM 583. It replaces the most sought-after mobile chipper model to date, the HEM 582. In this case, the designers have launched a
completely new machine but the chipper has been optimised in only a few aspects. The counter cutter is now located higher in order to change the chipping angle on the HEM 583, which has enabled the chipping quality to be improved. Furthermore, Jenz has optimised the draw-in table. The structure is now more stable and the hydraulically-foldable cowl
is omitted. In the HEM 583 it is permanently integrated. This means that the material draw-in has been improved. The new tooth profile on the draw-in roller also plays its part in this.
Hydraulic blower as series The most important innovation is a hydraulically-driven outfeed blower, which is now a standard
• T he ejection flap on the blower tube is now conical so that the material flow is more bundled. This means that the chippings can be thrown more accurately and with fewer losses even over large distances • T he cowlings on the ejection blower are now omitted. This measure allows the accessibility
World’s Best Portable and Stationary Biomass Recovery Systems www.cbi-inc.com CBI machines are custom built to outproduce, outperform and outlast all others. New from CBI in 2015 - The Magnum Force 5400 Multiflex
Infeed grinding chamber and radial discharge rotates left and right 60 degrees for maximum flexibility in loading and stacking from both sides of the machine. Choose from four field-swappable grinding and chipper rotors to meet changing market demands.
Continental Biomass Industries, Inc. • 22 Whittier Street, Newton, NH 03858 USA • (603) 382-0556 • www.cbi-inc.com CBI_IFI_2015_Ad.indd 1
12/17/2014 5:24:39 PM
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 49
50 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
S
uitable for everything from large land-clearing jobs to green-waste recycling, the Vermeer Tier IVi (Stage IIIB) HG4000, HG6000 and HG6000TX horizontal grinders include a number of features that make them ideal for a wide array of operations.
Among the innovations that already make these horizontal grinders remarkable machines is the allnew chip drum, which allows the grinder to produce a consistent sized chip necessary for many applications, including biofuel chip production. “What we’ve found from customers is that power plants are transitioning from coal to fuel chips,” according to Vermeer’s Ryan Marshall. “This is increasing demand for chips within the biomass and biofuel markets. “This increase in demand led Vermeer to introduce the chip
drum. It’s a more robust, fully dedicated drum with knives, so you’re not switching back and forth as you would with a fuel chip attachment.” One of the premier enhancements is the ability to modify chip size. Operators can add or remove spacers to achieve the desired chip size. The chip drum can produce chip sizes ranging from 0.3 to 3.8 cm (0.125-1.50 in) with 0.3 cm (0.125 in) increment adjustments. “From fuel chips to playground base to fuel pellets, the drum design creates a more useful, higher quality chip,” Marshall said.
A major advantage of the new chipper drum is serviceability. A number of the high wear areas of the drum are protected by hardened steel parts providing longer life. These hardened steel parts are also replaceable via threaded fasteners to reduce labour costs and minimise downtime. Helping to minimise operator cost, screws have replaced the need for Babbitt on the knives. A user can now simply adjust the knife via thread fasteners quickly and safely rather than melting Babbitt.
Vermeer horizontal grinders are offered with the option of the chip drum, providing the flexibility to produce a more uniform chipped end product.
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 51
BIOMASS
Deere engines power Wüst forward
Wüst’s custom wood chippers are designed to help “power up biofuel production”, according to the family owned and run forestry equipment manufacturer. Wüst keeps its finger firmly on the pulse of its customers and believes its determination to deliver flexible and functional wood chippers has been the key to its success across Europe, especially amongst those nations prominent in the production of wood chips for biofuel.
“Some customers have up to five generations of our wood chippers, which shows their confidence in our technology,” Andreas Wüst, Project Manager, told IFI. “The more jobs a contractor can cover, the better a return he gets on his investment. So we start from a base model and then add on customer-specific features. For low overall running costs, we’ve engineered all models to require minimal maintenance, and use only fuel-efficient engines, such as John Deere.” Wüst wood chippers can be chassis or truck-mounted, or as a PTO version, from the smaller BBHK-85/100. “These machines offer 100% performance rain or shine – and even at temperatures of -20h°C. They handle frozen branches with no problem, always providing a clean, high quality chip, which is essential to the biofuel industry.” The BBHK-85/100 PTO model can reach speeds of 40-80 km/h (37-49 miles/h), allowing
52 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
contractors to move quickly between jobs. Its 300° rotating function and continuously variable in-feed speed help clear piles of trunk wood, treetops, and branches quickly and smoothly. In 2012, Wüst faced a new challenge. “A customer requested a Tier 3/ Stage III A engine, and our supplier couldn’t deliver,” Wüst said. “John Deere could, so we installed a 317 kW (425 hp) PowerTech Plus 13.5L engine. John Deere engine distributor Hamilton provided engine specifications, integration support and a cooling system that enabled us to easily connect the software to the engine’s ECU.” So far, this first John Deerepowered model has run over 600
hours and the customer is very pleased. “He uses the chipper for tough material and often has it rotating 300°. It processes everything in a constant flow, partly thanks to the engine’s torque. The customer is also happy with the fuel efficiency: generally 0.5 litres/m3 of fuel.” Wüst, too, has been sold on John Deere engines. “We’ve ordered three more 448 kW (600 hp) PowerTech Plus models,” Wüst said. “One is being installed in a prototype – the BBH120. A second will drive the larger HD810, and we are keeping one engine as a spare. After all, we want to offer maximum possibilities.”
INDUSTRY VOICE
2014
The voice of optimism
2011 Three years ago, the response to this feature was depressing.
2012 Two years ago there were improvements but from a low base. 2013 Last year, the feeling was back to neutral with positive elements of the market contrasting against distinct challenges and volatility.
54 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Our 2014 PanelINDUSTRY VOICE
2014 This year, we’re pleased to report some genuine optimism and positive forecasts emanating with consistency across our respondents. And it’s about time
Tigercat Industries International Factory Sales Representative, Gary Olsen
Springer Chief Executive, Gero Springer
Rottne Sales Export Director, Jan Hennberg
Ellen Nelson, Lucidyne Technologies Chief Financial Officer
Martin Wilkinson, Vice President, Worldwide Forestry and Business Development, John Deere
Larry Cumming, Peterson Corp President
MiCROTEC Chief Executive, Federico Giudiceandrea
Jarmo Vidgrén, Ponsse Sales & Marketing Director
Komatsu Forest Marketing Director, Ola Boström
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 55
INDUSTRY VOICE
Q. A.
How has the macro-economic situation affected your sales figures?
Rottne: The macro economy has been jumping up and down during 2014 and so have our sales figures. The first half was very optimistic and we saw markets that earlier had been quiet and in recession starting to ask for quotations – we even sold machines to markets that had been totally dead for several years. In the third quarter, suddenly the market turned and became restrained and most customers put on the hand break. But now in the final quarter the hand break has been released again. Lucidyne: The recovering economy has created a strong position for Lucidyne. In the past two years our sales have improved dramatically, and we are proud to have added a significant number of family-wage jobs to our staff. We look forward to continuing the work with our customers to promote the stability and longevity of the industry. John Deere: Economic conditions in many parts of the world have remained volatile and uncertain for several years. However, we have seen continued growth in the worldwide forestry industry over the last few years and John Deere has experienced the same. Experts do predict some continued positive movement in the years ahead with worldwide sales of forestry equipment forecasted to increase. These gains reflect further economic recovery and increased housing starts in the US as well as expected equipment sales increases outside the North American markets. Continued economic recovery and higher sales in European markets are expected. China continues to be a primary driver for several markets as they expand their timber consumption. We see a rising global population and more widespread economic prosperity, which in turn points to an increasing need for food, shelter and infrastructure. The forestry industry is sure to play a key role in providing that shelter and infrastructure. John Deere will be there, listening hard, and working even harder, to make the important work loggers do a little easier. Springer: We are seeing a constant increase in demand over the last three years. Komatsu: Europe is the main market for CTL machines and the existing recession in Central Europe has affected the entire industry. However, the market in Scandinavia is good and Russia and South America is growing as mechanisation increases. It’s well known that the basic industries in the world continue to grow, but with ups and downs, but there is always a demand for raw materials from
56 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
the forest. From a macro perspective, the forest industry economic activity goes in several different directions. A fall in global demand for newspaper affects the forest sector negatively. Demand for wood as an energy source in many parts of the world points in another direction. During last two years, Komatsu Forest has launched a new product program to keep up the interest in our machines even in a slower market situation. Moreover, an increased activity in used machine sales slightly counters weaker sales of new machines. Tigercat: Demand for forest products remains strong with only a few commodities being put under pricing pressure due to an oversupply situation. Tigercat does not yet have a full product range that is heavily targeted toward the mainland European market and is well-diversified worldwide, so the difficulties being experienced in Europe have not impacted the performance of Tigercat. With a stronger focus in the North American market and countries in the southern hemisphere, Tigercat is positioned within a strong domestic market and markets focused on exporting forest products to Asia. If anything, the macro-economic situation has affected Tigercat sales figures by improving them. Peterson: North America has recovered better than the rest of the world from the financial crisis. The improved US economic outlook in 2014 helped provide the confidence for US customers to invest in new and more productive equipment. Overall, 2014 has been a good year for chipper, debarker and wood grinder sales. The strong US dollar in 2014 has made European and South American sales more difficult for US-based manufacturers. MiCROTEC: Sales have become more and more international. There has been a shift from traditional markets to emerging markets. Nowadays, Microtec exports over 65% of its solutions outside Europe. This is a huge figure. This shift was necessary to compensate the revenue decrease in traditional markets and to ensure a stable growth. Ponsse: Even though the general economic situation in several of Ponsse’s important markets in the Nordic countries and Central Europe has been unstable, it has not had any significant impact on Ponsse’s sales. It is even reasonable to say that sales of Ponsse forest machines have flown crosscurrent in some markets in relation to the general market situation. In some market areas, such as in Great Britain, the sale of forest machines has even exceeded our expectations. Regardless of structural changes, the forest industry has done relatively well in many markets, such as in Finland.
INDUSTRY VOICE
Q. A.
Do you feel your forestry sector became more stable over 2014?
Rottne: Yes, definitely. The forest sector worldwide become more stable during 2014 and we see a completely different picture today than during 2012/2013. Instead of only negative comments in 2012/2013 from the industry, today we hear that the industry is quite optimistic about the future. There are more young entrepreneurs stating up or taking over businesses. Lucidyne: While there is always uncertainty and it is impossible to foretell the future, our experience has been that the industry has stabilised. We are seeing more confidence in the marketplace, and an increased emphasis on mills committing to the technological and process improvements that help them increase fibre and value recovery. John Deere: As mentioned earlier, our forestry business continued to grow in 2014. In certain markets, there may have been some pull ahead prior to the implementation of Final Tier IV machines in late 2014/early 2015. But, we still expect continued growth in both North American and European forestry markets in 2015. A recovering housing market is reason enough to be optimistic, but there is more. North American wood is seeing an increased demand abroad. Areas like China and Europe are looking to the United States and Canada for timber for construction as well as wood pellets for biofuel. Regardless of the economic environment, forestry customers have a difficult job. This is why John Deere continues to focus on ways to help our customers weather the storms and continue to be profitable. During difficult economic times, maintaining profitability is always most critical, and John Deere is making significant investments to differentiate us from the competition with innovative technology and solutions for our customers. We are always looking for ways to help our customers take cost out of their business, whether it’s through keeping their equipment running longer, more efficiently, or increasing production.
Regardless of structural changes, the forest industry has done relatively well in many markets, such as in Finland – Jarmo VidgrÊn, Ponsse
Springer: Yes we get the impression it is getting more stable. The investing mood of the companies at the Portland show in October in particular was very good. Komatsu: The uncertainty still exists in some markets, but we are starting to see more activity in the forest and in our sales, which indicates the beginning of a recovery. We expect to see a continued gradual recovery of the European forestry business in 2015 as the economy improves. Komatsu Forest sees positive signs in many places right now, particularly in North America and Australia. Another positive sign is that we have increased interest and through experience we know that the industry cannot lie low any longer. Investments in new machinery must come. We see an increase in 2015, but the true peak of the cycle is most likely to come in 2016. Tigercat: Tigercat did not view this period as one of uncertainty, but rather one of opportunity. Tigercat has established itself as a recognised leader in innovation within the forest harvesting sector. Tigercat focuses on sound products that constantly push the boundaries, bringing new levels of safety, productivity and efficiency. The forestry sector is by and large a necessity and if you have good people that produce quality products for such an industry, then there is no need to be uncertain. Peterson: Good pulp prices and improved demand from Asia helped stabilise the clean chip market and improve 2014 sales for portable disc chippers and debarkers. China is the growing market for hardwood pulp chips and will soon overtake Japan as the leading importer. The China market can be very volatile however since two customers make up a high percentage of the chip imports. When they slow down it affects chip suppliers from around the Pacific Rim. Biomass energy markets also grew in 2014 with the added wood pellet plants in the US south. Japan and Korea are also serious about renewable biomass energy. Russia is also a growing market for biomass energy chippers and grinders. MiCROTEC: Yes, it has definitively become a more stable business environment in 2014 from a worldwide perspective. There are signs of recovery in many parts of the world, also in the EU, although a little more slowly. Ponsse: According to our estimates, the forest machine market is not becoming more stable. The global economic situation is an interesting one and will remain unchanged next year.
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 57
INDUSTRY VOICE
Q. A.
Have you seen a shift in key markets or emerging markets over 2014? Rottne: North America started to move positively in the second half of 2013 and has continued being very active in 2014.
Lucidyne: The largest shift we have seen is the recognition by mills of all sizes that technology is a key ingredient for success. In the past the sometimes large capital projects were out of reach for smaller mills, but advances in technology have made once-complicated technology much more accessible, and driven prices for that technology that provide very attractive returns on investment for mills of almost any size. John Deere: As previously noted, market data suggests that global forestry sales are expected to increase due to general economic growth in many parts of the world, including higher sales in important European markets. China is becoming a primary timber buyer and that is also positively impacting the market. Russia and Brazil have also been strong markets for our equipment as customers in those regions continue to look for improved efficiency and support with our products and services. Springer: Not really, the distribution between key markets stayed the same. Central Europe is struggling a bit but all other markets are becoming more important. Komatsu: It is as before. Europe is Komatsu Forest main market, and it requires just minor improvements to affect the business positively. We see this improving trend continuing over the next year. For Komatsu Forest, the Russian market was quite active 2013 supported by a steadily increasing mechanisation trend and high motivation for investment. That continued in 2014 but in a slower pace, due to the geopolitical situation. The Oceanic market has recovered strongly in 2014 and is now enjoying one of the best business environments in its history following a long recession. In North America, the economy becomes increasingly stable and the forestry market in 2014 continued to recover thanks to increased demand for housing construction. Overall, we believe the traditional mechanised forest machine markets are recovering and maintain their importance, albeit at a historically reduced rate. The emerging markets such as China, Indonesia, and India will increase slowly.
58 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
We are seeing a constant increase in demand over the last three years – Gero Springer, Springer
Tigercat: Tigercat has not seen a shift in our key markets. Traditional Canadian and US markets have remained our bread and butter, while we continue to see strong markets in New Zealand and Chile. Australia has been the real surprise with a remarkable recovery for the industry given the Japanese tsunami and the TIMO debacle. Peterson: The US Environmental Protection Agency notice in November 2014 on proposed rules for biogenic carbon accounting was a key event to help remove uncertainty in the North America biomass energy market. The EPA Science Advisory Board study was thorough and came to the same conclusion as the rest of the world. Biomass energy from sustainably managed forests can be close to carbon neutral. This EPA study took a long time, however the results should help quieten environmentalists who were concerned about deforestation and pointed to the 2011 Manomet study as a reason to slow or stop biomass energy development. Another key event in 2014 was the Metsa Fibre announcement to build the first bio-product mill in Finland. This large investment will represent the future direction of the pulp industry where other bio-products are also important for profitability. The other value added products from wood will help to offset the decline in paper usage caused by electronic media. MiCROTEC: Generally yes. South America, for example, has become a very important market, especially Brazil. Ponsse: Ponsse still delivers some 40% of its forest machines to Nordic countries where the cut-to-length method has traditionally been strong. The significance of the Nordic countries has not decreased but its share from Ponsse’s annual turnover has. Instead, new growing logging markets, such as Russia and Latin America, have slightly increased their importance – also in terms of turnover.
we opTimize yoUr palleT aNd CaSe lUmber
TM
www.ewd.de
NKU CirCUlar Saw TeChNology
DECEMBER | International Forest Esterer WD GmbH I Estererstraร e 12 I 84503 Altรถtting, Germany I phone: +49 (0)86 71 -/ 5JANUARY 03 - 02015 I fax: +49 (0)86 71 Industries - 5 03 - 59 386
INDUSTRY VOICE
Q. A.
What are you key markets currently? Rottne: Sweden, Germany, and North America.
Lucidyne: We proudly serve a variety of markets, with emphasis on the planer mills processing southern yellow pine, SPF, and the myriad species of the Pacific Northwest. We also work with customers all over the world, with species, products and grades that span an entire spectrum. John Deere: Key forestry markets have remained largely unchanged for several years. North and South American markets as well as certain Asia-Pacific markets are experiencing economic growth, fuelling a demand for forestry products. These growing economies in turn help drive markets in other areas, even those that are experiencing economic uncertainty. Additional examples of emerging markets to watch include New Zealand/ Australia and Russia. It is expected that New Zealand and Australia will harvest 30 Mt or more of wood over the next few years. The forestry export market has seen sustained growth for the last three years, driven primarily by the export of logs to China. Exports are expected to increase further due to strong economic growth and infrastructure development in countries such as China and India, and continued rebuilding efforts in Japan after the earthquake. In addition, landowners expect loggers to be fully mechanized, including felling on steep slopes, which creates an opportunity for steep-slope mechanical felling. With increased demand and mechanisation, the future of the forestry industry in New Zealand and Australia is looking bright.
With the world’s largest harvestable forest area and untapped timber resources, Russia has enormous potential. Russia is very attractive in terms of long-term prospects for manufacturers of forestry machinery. The nation is home to 20% of the world’s forests, and has potential to be the largest producers of forest products. However, this potential is not being fully leveraged today as currently they have just 3.5% of global production. For the Russian market, there will need to be a continuation of modernisation and mechanisation. John Deere is playing an important role in helping Russia adopt the latest forestry innovation and technology and will continue our efforts in this important region. Springer: We are acting worldwide in Europe, Russia, Australia, South America – Canada and USA are becoming more important. Komatsu: Scandinavia is the main market for CTL machines. Central Europe is the next important market for CTL machines. Markets like Russia and South America are the third important markets when it comes to volumes and they have potential to grow as mechanisation increases and new investments are made within the industry. Tigercat: Currently, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South America are Tigercat’s key markets.
We see an increase in 2015, but the true peak of the cycle is most likely to come in 2016 – Ola Boström, Komatsu
Peterson: Peterson’s key forestry markets are clean pulp chips, biomass energy and mulch. Recycling urban organic waste and composting are also important markets for Peterson. MiCROTEC: Geographically speaking, there is no single market that is key. Ponsse: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany, France, North America, and Latin America
TM
a brand of FAE Group
60 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
INDUSTRY VOICE
Q.
Have international events surrounding Russian sanctions or the ebola outbreak affected your business or your business planning?
A.
Rottne: The Ruble has dropped quite a lot against the Euro and Swedish financing institutions are more restricted and not willing to take any risks in Russia. Since we do not have any business in Africa can I not see that the Ebola outbreak has affected us at all. Lucidyne: Our customers are predominantly concentrated in North America, and we have not been affected by these events. Springer: No, these effects have not had a big influence on our business, so far. Komatsu: As Europe is so important and a stable business in Europe is critical, of course the Russian sanctions affect us. The ebola tragedy has not affected our forest business since we are not doing much business in Africa.
Peterson: Economic sanctions have not affected our Russian customers or sales. So far our Russian business has been in biomass energy, however we see future business opportunities for in-field-chipping and portable debarkers and chippers working in wood yards and on docks. The ebola outbreak has not spread into any markets of significance for Peterson. MiCROTEC: Yes with regard to Russian sanctions, especially regarding financial transactions. Ponsse: The Russian sanctions have not had any impact on our sales in Russia. However, we are monitoring the situation closely. We have delivered some 1,000 forest machines to Russia, and the services offered to our local customers must be reliable. Our aim in all of our markets is to maintain comprehensive spare part stocks in order to guarantee instant deliveries in all situations.
Tigercat: The shipping of machines and spare parts to Russia has been adversely affected by the sanctions and Tigercat continues to work within the constraints to keep customers up and running. The way in which the Ruble has devalued will be watched closely as machines have become 35-45% more expensive in local currency virtually overnight. The ebola outbreak has not impacted our business at all as we do not have a large presence of machines in that region of Africa. HALCO AD:Layout 3
3/8/10
17:22
Page 1
Optimise your production plan...
Whatever your mill... Maximize profit by resolving trade-offs between recovery, production rate, and value
www.halcosoftware.com
Optimise your operations
HALCO
Software Systems
Vancouver, Canada • Tel: 1 604 731 9311 DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 61
INDUSTRY VOICE
Q. A.
Have your customers maintained, increased or decreased spending on new technology? Rottne: It varies a lot between different markets and customers. In Sweden we launched our new big harvester H21D and the first series was sold in record time, now we can also see an interest for H21D in other export markets.
Lucidyne: There has been a dramatic increase in spending for new technology. As the market recovers, mills of all sizes are recognising the critical role of technology in fibre and value recovery. Our M5 Grade Mark Reader and GradeScan® systems are integral parts of hundreds of mills all over the world, and we are proud to partner with these mills in making sure that their technology is leading-edge to help them meet that goal. John Deere: New technology has always been an area of focus for John Deere as our customers continue to be willing to invest in new technology, but only if it can improve their productivity, efficiency or profitability. One example is John Deere ForestSight. Loggers need solutions, not just data, and John Deere ForestSight is the answer. Now available exclusively from John Deere, this integrated suite of technology solutions brings the machine, technology and the dealer together to help loggers better manage their equipment and operations. With John Deere ForestSight, loggers can save time and money, and have a healthier equipment fleet and bottom line. John Deere ForestSight delivers three primary benefits. First, it optimises machines by letting loggers and dealers see machines that are idling excessively, inactive, running at high loads for long periods of time, or moving when it shouldn’t be. John Deere ForestSight also optimises uptime by integrating machine data, prognostics and remote diagnostic tools combined with dealer support. Finally, John Deere ForestSight optimises jobsites. From nearly any location, loggers and dealers can see when and where machines are working, how many cycles they are completing and how much time operators spend out of the cab. This up-to-the-minute data ensures an operation is as efficient as possible. Springer: Our customers have increased their spending on new technologies, especially our new trimmer solution, E-CUT 200, which had a huge response. Our Screw Solutions for log handling are getting more and more popular, too. Komatsu: Customers maintain a certain level of investments as in new emerging markets a basic demand for technology to increase mechanisation always exists. In established markets, there is a demand for new technologies to make harvesting more efficient but it fluctuates depending on business cycles.
62 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Tigercat: Customers continue to increase spending for products that add value to their operations by reducing the cost of harvesting. Tigercat customers absolutely see full value when purchasing a Tigercat purpose built product. The product comes at premium but with the knowledge that the technology in their machine is cutting edge and giving them an advantage. The logging industry is very competitive, therefore even a small machine feature can go a long way as contractors constantly attempt to drive down costs and improve efficiencies. Tigercat is unique in that it remains one of the few manufacturers that dedicate its entire organisation to the forest and logging industry and therefore we embrace new technology every minute of our existence. Peterson: Our customers are willing to invest in new technology if it can increase the value and yield from forest products and decrease operating costs, particularly fuel consumption. Remote machine monitoring, remote cameras and more efficient hydraulic and control systems are all of interest to our customers. The most modern kraft pulp mills also recognise the value of minimum chip size variation and bark content to improve their processes and are looking for contractors that can meet their specs. MiCROTEC: Increased. Ponsse: The majority of our customers have invested in new technologies. In particular, our completely new harvester model, the Ponsse Scorpion, the serial production of which started at the beginning of the year, has sold well. We have sold the machine to 12 countries in Europe and North America and, next year, we will deliver the very first machines to Russia, Latin America and Australia. The new Ponsse Model Series 2015 was launched this autumn, with machines entering in serial production in stages during 2015. From the forest machine manufacturer’s point of view, production development must always be active, regardless of the market situation. Customer feedback and new innovations are continuous by nature, meaning that uninterrupted product development is a necessity.
Australia has been the real surprise with a remarkable recovery for the industry given the Japanese tsunami and the TIMO debacle – Gary Olsen, Tigercat
INDUSTRY VOICE
Q. A.
What are your customers asking you to provide to assist their businesses?
Rottne: Productivity, flexibility and good after sales service are the keys to success. Other more specific items are: fuel consumption, which is important for the profitability; ground pressure, which is important for the environment; comfort ability (Comfort Line), which is important for the drivers. Lucidyne: Maximising profitability as quickly as possible, with the best technology available is the common goal. We help customers do that every day. Our GradeScan system provides that recovery typically over a weekend start-up, and returns its investment in eight months. This means our customers are meeting their fibre and value recovery goals, and every additional penny of that recovery is pure profit after an impressively rapid ROI. John Deere: What our customers value above all else is uptime, productivity and low daily operating costs and John Deere is dedicated to providing equipment solutions to meet these needs. However, best-in-class products alone are not sufficient. That’s where the unique strengths of John Deere and our network of dealers come together to deliver unrivalled solutions to meet the specific needs of our customers. The combination of a world class manufacturer and dealer channel, along with superior machines and targeted services, creates customer value that no competitor can match. Springer: Our customers ask for recovery uplift, new technologies like (CT.LOG, or E-CUT trimmer). Komatsu: We believe that it is important to develop products and technologies that give customers higher and higher quality in order to increase the product reliability. We have an exceptional understanding of our customers’ businesses and realise that technological development that gives easy service and prompt maintenance is important as well as efficient harvesting and high profitability. New technologies, new products and new services are always interesting for customers. An important focus area for us is helping our customers sustain profitable operations. A well-established service network is something we continue to develop. Parallel to this, we invest heavily in new information and communication technology (ICT) to provide our customers with both faster and better support, improve spare parts availability, shorten delivery times, and improve service capability. One example of ICT use is MaxiFleet, which visualises all operations-related forest activity and automatically sends the reports customers need to run profitable businesses.
The largest shift we have seen is the recognition by mills of all sizes that technology is a key ingredient for success – Ellen Nelson, Lucidyne
Tigercat: The age old request for reliability remains paramount, assuming that safety is a given. Product safety and being compliant with newly established standards seems to be gaining strong focus in Chile and Brazil and Tigercat is actively responding to this. The strong tendency to apply more ground based equipment on steep slopes in order to improve safety and drive down harvesting costs is also high on the priority list for customers. Customers also want meaningful telematics to add value to their operations. Peterson: Customers are all looking for ways to increase the value of their end products and reduce their operating costs. We partner with our customers to find solutions to their needs, and help them network with others in their industry. MiCROTEC: Our main theme is always to improve the value optimisation of our customers. This is our claim and we invest yearly 15% of our turnover to remain a leading solutions supplier for scanning and optimisation. Ponsse: Customers are increasingly outsourcing their maintenance activities to the machine manufacturer or service centres authorised by the machine manufacturer. This is affected, not only by the increase in company size, but also the increasing focus of forest machine entrepreneurs on their key competence and their aim to improve the efficiency of their operations. In some markets, such as in Latin America, outsourcing maintenance services is simply the general way of doing things in the logging industry. Full-service operations and comprehensive training services are regular requirements especially in new emerging markets.
The
Level Headed Approach to
Land Clearing
POWER TO PERFORM
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 63
JOHN DEERE FORESTSIGHT.™
YOU’LL NEVER SEE YOUR FLEET THE SAME WAY AGAIN.
With John Deere ForestSight, you can see through the woods, inside your machines, and straight into the future. Its true next-generation technology lets you remotely see exactly where your entire feet is any time of day, and also what’s happening inside each machine. Only John Deere ForestSight proactively suggests solutions to potential problems and allows technicians to diagnose and sometimes even repair machines from afar. Best of all, John Deere ForestSight is included in base on all our forestry equipment.
JohnDeere.com/ForestSight
INDUSTRY VOICE
Q. A.
How important is biomass to your organisation? Rottne: Rottne is not active in Biomass. We have different chassis that we sell to customers that want to build on different biomass equipment.
Lucidyne: Lucidyne is committed to environmental excellence, and we are proud of the green programs we promote in our company, including many bicycle commuters, an extensive recycling program, and an emphasis on using technology wherever possible. We are proud to participate and collaborate in research projects aiming at using wood materials for more commercial applications. While biomass is not an option available to us, we do see an increased interest from our customers in using their residual forest products to explore biomass options. We have supported customers in that exploration, and how we might help with integration projects for biomass processing. John Deere: At John Deere, we are always looking for ways to bring innovation to the forest in a way that is beneficial to forest health. Sustainable harvesting of forest renewables (woody biomass) is “preventive medicine” for our forests, helping limit the number and severity of forest fires, reducing the habitat of destructive insects to help ensure that the healthiest trees thrive, and promoting the growth of healthier, stronger trees. In addition, it can offer communities a much-needed, new revenue stream by creating new jobs in the forest. Springer: Biomass covers a relatively small percentage of our business. Komatsu: Forestry machines for traditional logging are mature products and we believe that new assortments like biomass, can be harvested and transported within the established methods. We see only minor adjustments of existing products. No revolutionary development step is needed at this point.
Tigercat: The US and Canadian market remains buoyant for biomass with strong wood pellet exports to Europe continuing. This market is expected to peak at double what is currently being delivered. There is a strong preference for slower growing softwood species so demand is expected to remain strong and that is important to Tigercat. We see less of an opportunity in the southern hemisphere in this regard, than originally expected. Without the overriding environmental criteria coupled with government subsidisation or tax relief, biomass for power generation will not be cost effective. When many of these support mechanisms cease it will be interesting to see where this biomass industry finds itself. Peterson: Biomass is an important and growing part of Peterson’s business. The demand for high-production biomass chippers is strong, and Peterson is well positioned to provide equipment that makes remarkably consistent biomass chips at the lowest cost per tonne. MiCROTEC: For Microtec, biomass is not important, but it is becoming more important to our customers, and is in line with our values of environmental sustainability. Ponsse: Our product range includes solutions for bioenergy harvesting, such as harvester heads suitable for multi-stemming, variable load spaces and loader scales. We are constantly monitoring our customers’ needs and any changes in the market situation.
The forest sector worldwide become more stable during 2014 and we see a completely different picture today than during 2012/2013 – Jan Hennberg, Rottne
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 65
ENGINES
© Eco Log Forestry specialist Eco Log relies on 150kW MTU 4R 1000 engines in its 546D forwarders
Two major engine manufacturers MTU and FPT outline new developments for 2014 and beyond
To meet the Off-Highway Emission Standards EU IV and EPA Tier IV final, Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG began offering the newly developed engines of the Series 1000, 1100, 1300 and 1500 this year. These MTU brand diesel engines (The MTU brand is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems within the Land & Sea division of RollsRoyce) deliver outputs ranging from 100-460 kW and are designed to power agricultural and forestry machinery and construction as well as special-purpose machinery. Based on the medium-heavy and heavy-duty commercial vehicle engine families OM 93x and OM 47x, Daimler AG was commissioned by MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH to further develop those families as off-highway engines. This engine platform is also the base for the Detroit engines DD13 and DD16 as well as the Fuso engine 6R10. The engine Series 1000 to 1500 supplements the established
Mercedes-Benz engines OM 924 LA, OM 926 LA, OM 460 LA, OM 501 LA and OM 502 LA. These engines were developed to comply with Emission Standards EU IIIB and EPA Tier IVi, which came into effect in 2011.
Emission requirements The diesel engine is the most economic drive for mobile machinery. This is why it is the preferred option in almost all commercial applications in the on and off-highway sector. At MTU, the product portfolio of diesel engines covers a range from 75-10,000 kW. MTU engines have a very wide range of applications as main engines in agriculture and forestry, in mining vehicles, construction machines, and other off-highway applications. The off-highway engines must perform to full capacity at all times – in spite of considerable temperature and altitude variations, on inclinations
Emission limits such as and under extreme operating these require the most modern conditions. Apart from low fuel exhaust gas after-treatment consumption, compliance with systems, in particular, for engines exhaust gas emissions regulations below 560 kW – a situation is one of the greatest challenges where both the manufacturers faced in the development of these of enginesisand vehicles newwith engines. exhaust gas emissions regulations one of the are greatest challenges confronted with complex tasks. From 1999 up to the faced in the development of these new engines. This includes the integration of introduction of the Off-Highway exhaust gas after-treatment in Emission Standards EU IV and the vehicle concept. The design EPA Tier IV final in 2014, the limit From upemissions to the introduction Off-Highway Emission Standards of of thethe catalytic converters used values for 1999 exhaust have is extremely effective reducing been reduced in 4several EU IV anddrastically EPA Tier final in 2014, the limit valuesinfor exhaust emission the exhaust noise so that the use stages. Since then, the emission have been reduced drastically inofseveral stages. Since then, the emissio an additional exhaust silencer of nitrogen oxides and particles in nitrogen oxides and particles in is industrial engines between usually not necessary. Apart 130 and 560k industrial engines between 130from exhaust gas after-treatment, 560kW has been reduced by more has been reduced by more than 95% in European exhaust gas legislatio the new engine generation uses than 95% in European exhaust gas (see Fig. 1).Fig.1.). cooled exhaust gas recirculation, legislation (See
Figure 1: Particle and nitrogen oxide limit values for off-highway engines Figure 1: Particle and nitrogen oxide limit values for off-highway engines from 130 from 130-560 kW (source: VDMA) 560 kW (source: VDMA)
66 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Emission limits such as these require the most modern exhaust gas
ENGINES the thermal load of which must also be taken into consideration for the vehicle cooling system. The exhaust gas legislations applicable as of this year will generally result in significant innovations to the engine and vehicle designs. Although the formulation of the future exhaust gas legislation beyond the Off-Highway Emission Standards EU IV and EPA Tier IV final has yet to be finalized, it can be safely assumed that emission limits will be even more stringent. The newly developed engine series 1000 to 1500 also laid the foundation to meet future emission requirements. However, engines not only have to comply with emission legislations but, from the customer’s perspective, also have to be suitable for everyday use and must be economic. The costeffectiveness of a vehicle for the operating company is determined both by the initial cost as well as the consumption of fuel and AdBlue – an aqueous urea solution for reducing nitrogen oxides. Added to this are costs related to maintenance and care of the engines.
Developing engines to meet customer requirements Just as the previous engines, the future engines of the Series 1000 to 1500 will also be used in agriculture and forestry and in the C&I sector (construction and industrial). Typical applications in agriculture and forestry include combine-harvesters, corn choppers, beet harvesters, forwarders, wood chippers and tree harvesters. Customers of such applications expect robust, reliable engines that are easy to service. Installation space, power-to-weight ratio and operating costs also play a decisive role – high demands that are met by the new engines. Many customers are still using engines compliant with old emission levels without exhaust gas after-treatment. With Emission Standards EU IIIB and EPA Tier IVi coming into force, exhaust gas after-treatment systems were implemented for the first time. Starting this year, MTU will be offering the new engines 4R 1000, 6R 1000, 6R 1100, 6R 1300 and 6R 1500 for
applications in agriculture and the series. All bosses on the engine Service network of MTU and forestry as well as C&I. have metric threads. The media Daimler AG, as well as the network They comply with the new Offcircuit requirements – for example, of OEMs and dealers. This also Highway Emission Standards EU IV fuel, coolant or charge air – are includes customer support from and EPA Tier IV final by combining harmonised in all series. MTU during the entire integration exhaust gas recirculation and Just as the mechanical process of the engine, from the exhaust gas after-treatment interfaces, as far as the electronics design of the power train to signwithout a particulate filter. are concerned customers also off of the system in the target Fuel consumption accounts demand simple integration of the application. for a large share of lifecycle costs drive in the vehicle. The electronic With the Series 1000 to 1500 in commercial applications. In interfaces of the individual (see Fig. 2), customers benefit from spite of more stringent emission engines are identical and facilitate fully developed technology. The requirements, the consumption the consistent application in engines are developed by Daimler of fuel and AdBlue in the EU IV vehicle families to a very high AG on behalf of MTU on the basis engines was reduced in comparison degree. This enables customer of commercial vehicle engines to the predecessor engines adaption of all engine versions already in use. Production takes compliant with Emission Standard to the corresponding off-highway place at the Mercedes-Benz plant EU IIIB. Since a particulate filter application and diagnostics with in Mannheim (Germany). is not used, regeneration with the same tools. The new engines The overall power density of additional fuel consumption is not are supplied with a comprehensive the engines in the Series 1000 to necessary, nor is expensive low-ash standard control unit, which is 1500 was increased, which makes oil required. equipped with the electronic them more compact than their Series 1000 is used as an standard interface for the offpredecessor engines and makes example in chapter 4 to show highway market – the J1939-CAN. downsizing possible. Even at 6a a comparison of the operating With regard to support, low speeds, the engines reach material costs (see Fig. 4). customers expect a tightly-meshed high torque which is maintained In this regard, however, service network as well as simple over a wide speed range. Further allowance must also be made and inexpensive maintenance. advantages of the new engine for the costs of integration of Important characteristics of generation are a favourable correspondingly such cast that aluminumsymmetrical for gearcases and the engines in agriculturallight and materials, the engines areas therefore weight distribution forestry vehicles. Thanks to their they have a modular design and and a power-to-weight ratio that camshaft frame or plastic for the oil pan and cylinder head covers. compact design, the engines can an easily accessible structure. is extremely low for the engine be integrated without complex Maintenance parts can thus be power class. This is achieved, adaptations. The mechanical replaced quickly and easily. among other things, by the use of interfaces for integration of the Customers receive spare correspondingly light materials, engines in the vehicle and the parts and corresponding services such as cast aluminium for gear power train are standardized in all promptly via the joint worldwide cases and camshaft frame or
Displacement Design
MTU 4R 1000
MTU 6R 1000
MTU 6R 1100
MTU 6R 1300
MTU 6R 1500
5.1 liters
7.7 liters
10.7 liters
12.8 liters
15.6 liters
In-line fourcylinder engine
In-line six-cylinder engine
Cooled exhaust gas recirculation Power
100 to 170 kW
180 to 260 kW
280 to 320 kW
Turbocharging
single-stage turbocharging up to 129 kW, twostage turbocharging for higher outputs
single-stage turbocharging up to 210 kW, two-stage turbocharging for higher outputs
single-stage turbocharging with asymmetrical turbine
Output of Premium exhaust brake
max. 170 kW @ 3,000 rpm
max. 250 kW @ 3,000 rpm
max. 340 kW @ 2,300 rpm
Altitude performance
no derating up to 2,500m above sea level
Cold-start capability Gear train
Belt drive
320 to 390 kW
400 to 460 kW single-stage turbocharging in combination with Turbocompound
max. 410 kW @ 2,300 rpm
max. 435 kW @ 2,300 rpm
no derating up to 2,000m above sea level
Up to -30 °C as standard Optional auxiliary PTO – 110 Nm / 600 Nm One- or two-cylinder air compressor
Optional auxiliary PTO – 110 Nm / 650 Nm One- or two-cylinder air compressor
Optional 2nd and 3rd belt level, high-mounted fan positions and high-powered fans
Figure 2: Technical data of MTU Series 1000, 1100, 1300 and 1500 engines
Figure 2: Technical data of MTU Series 1000, 1100, 1300 and 1500 engines
Development of the Series 1000
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 67
ENGINES Thanks to the innovatory system with maximum injection exhaust braking concept, it was pressure of 2,400 bar and solenoid possible to integrate a highly valve injectors allow pre-injection, efficient permanent brake in the main injection and post-injection, existing installation space. In which can be implemented comparison to the predecessor independently of one another series, it has over 50% more power per cycle. Fuel consumption and and brake power that amounts to exhaust gas emissions can thus be MTU Series 1000 up to 95% of the available drive reduced to the required amount. power. A special piston with stepped Even in the early design stages, bowl for optimum combustion all potential on- and off-highway management in the combustion applications were taken into chamber was developed. consideration. In this manner, a A further advantage of the plastic for the oil pan and cylinder the requirements of the exhaust standardized concept for the belt variable injection system is that head covers. gas legislation for on- and drive arrangement was found for preheating of the intake air is not off-highway applications were Development of the Series all applications. In the standard necessary even at very low outside clearly evident. Customer and 1000 version, the oil-water module temperatures. Also provided is emission requirements were met and generator as well as the exhaust turbocharging, which The MTU Series 1000 for offfrom the start by using numerous 8 optional refrigerant compressor was implemented for four- and highway applications were derived non-variable parts. The aim was are positioned on one belt level. six-cylinder engines in singleand from the new commercial vehicle to position the Series 1000 with Thanks to the free front face of two-stage versions respectively. engine family OM 93x from regard to torque and power above the engine, many fan positions This further optimises power, Daimler AG which was introduced the predecessor series OM 92x. 7 andand frontsolenoid power take-off shafts consumption and emissions. with the Euro VI. After 15 years, This requirement was injection system with maximum injection pressure of 2,400 bar can be shown. Further belt-driven The arrangement concept for this engine series will gradually determined by the customers’ valve injectors allow pre-injection, main units, injection and which auxiliary units, such as additional the auxiliary circuits andpost-injection, air replace the extremely successful demands for increased engine generators, A/C compressors or pipework was determined by the OM 92x engines. The new global power and the need to close the can be implemented of one another per cycle. Fuel operation of the familiar vehicle applications but also on the independently implementation hydraulic pumps can be positioned compact installation space of the engine platform was developed gap between the engine series application-specifically in-line four-cylinder. Transferring consumption and exhaust gas emissions can thus be reduced to the required on belt of further with applications sector. This was achieved, consistently regard to from the off-highway that existed up to now. The fulllevel two and three. the concept to the in-line six operating costs, a long service life load curves for torque and power among other things, by making a clear distinction between easilywith modifiable, amount. A special piston stepped bowl for optimum combustion The modular concept that cylinders meant that a large and reliability. From the outset, the are shown in Fig. 3. A further application-specific interface components and highly integratable, already proved its value with number of non-variable parts could focus was not only on the operation goal during development was to management in the combustion chamber was developed.
modules (for example, the oil-coolant module) that are used ofstandardized the familiar vehicle applications but also on the implementation ofutilize the modular concept of the OM 93x onfor different applications. To further applications from the offhighway engines for off-highway applications, the construction kit was highway sector. This was achieved, among extended by application-specific components and testing was other things, by making a clear supplemented by off-highway-specific requirements. distinction between easily modifiable, application-specific Right from the project’s start, the requirements of the exhaust gas interface components and highly legislation standardised for on- and off-highway applications were clearly evident. Figure 4: Operating costs comparison OM 926 LA (Tier 4i) / 240 kW and 6R 1000 (Tier 4) integratable, Figure 4: Operating costs comparison OM 926 LA (Tier IVi) / 240 kW and 6R 1000 (Tier IV)/260 kW at the best modules (for example, the oil/ 260 kW at the best operating point Customer and emission requirements were met from the start by using operating point coolant module) that are used for numerous nonvariable parts. The aim was to position the Series 1000 with
different applications. To use the regardconcept to torque andOM power aboveincrease the predecessor series 92x. This modular of the 93x onthe operational lifeOM in be used in the four and six-cylinder commercial vehicles A further advantage of the variable injection system is that preheating of thewas extended highway engines for off-highway comparison to the predecessor versions. The engine is clearly in the Series 1000 by off-highwayrequirement was determined by the customers’ demands for increased intake air is not necessary even at by very outside temperatures. Also These include applications, the construction series by 20%. divided the low cross-flow cylinder specific features. engine power and the need to close the gap between the engine series that kit was extended by applicationTo reduce operating costs (see head into a cold and a hot side, charge-air pipework provided is exhaust turbocharging, which was implementeddifferent for fourand existed up to now. The full-load curves torque and power in specific components and testing Fig. 4),for great importance was are shown whereby, among other things, all systems that can be integrated was supplemented off-highwaysix-cylinder engines inoperational single-fuel and two-stage versions This attached to thetooptimum design carrying components and therespectively. without new EGR tuning, or Fig. 3. A further by goal during development was increase the specific requirements. of the injection system and the engine control system are arranged different coolant nozzles that life in comparison to the predecessor series optimizes by 20%. further power, consumption and emissions. Right from the project’s start, combustion chamber. The injection on the cold side. provide device manufacturers and end users with simple and robust Solutions for increased The arrangement concept for the auxiliary units, circuits andinterfaces. air pipework current requirements and special was determined by the compact installation space of the in-line four-cylinder. oil pans were also taken into consideration. Transferring the concept to the in-line six cylinders meant that a large In combination with the wide-range offer of on-highway number of nonvariable parts could be used in the four- and applications, six-cylinder almost every offhighway application can be catered versions. The engine is clearly divided by the cross-flow cylinder head into a for. cold and a hot side, whereby, among other things, all fuel carrying As the sister engine OM 93x is basically designed for use in components and the engine control system are arranged on the cold side. commercial vehicles, it was tested Figure 3: Full-load curves of Series 1000 Figure 3: Full-load curves of Series 1000 extensively during trials for on-
Thanks to the innovatory exhaust braking concept, it was possible to
68To International Forest Industries DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 reduce operating costs| (see Fig. 4), great importance
was attached to the
integrate a highly efficient permanent brake in the existing installation space.
optimum design of the injection system and the combustion chamber. The
ENGINES highway application. This included 10 various test stand programs under concise conditions that correspond to multiple vehicle service lives, extensive vehicle tests in a road Development of Series 1100, 1300 and 1500 endurance test and the application inBasic specialconcept vehicles. The findings and measurements Similar to the Series 1000, the Series 1100, 1300 and 1500 engines are from numerous existing offderivedapplications from the familiar Mercedes-Benz Euro VI engines in the OM 47x highway were used to
MTU Series 1300
draft and test endurance Series. Thespecific success of this new engine family began with the introduction of tests together with the customer. the exhaust gas standard EPA07 in the USA and continued with the These endurance tests reflect the introduction of therequirements new emission specifications JP09 in Asia and in special off-highway off-highway applications and theEuro VIcontrolled and cooled exhaust ofEurope. the engines. this,were real specially The Parallel enginestothat developed forEU off-highway Emission Standards IV and gas recirculation system. This target applications were equipped EPA Tier 4 final are EPA thus built a areis supplemented by the newly applications and the Emission Standards EU IV and Tier on 4 final with the engines in Series 1000 in strong foundation. In this manner, developed injection system in thustime builttoon a strong foundation. In this manner, the engines benefit good prove the superior the engines benefit enormously which solenoid valves are used enormously from wide testing basis verytesting wide range of vehicle to increase pressure within the characteristics of thisthe new engine from in theawide basis in generation. a very wide range of vehicle injector from 800 bar rail pressure applications all over the world. applications all over the world. up to 2,100 bar injection pressure. Development of Series 1100, The basicisconcept of theto Series This concept allows the injection The basic concept of the Series 1100 to 1500 very similar the Series 1300 and 1500 1100 to 1500 is very similar to the process to be adapted individually 1000 to in the many respects, which offers many advantages both with regard to Similar Series 1000, the Series 1000 in many respects, in the different performance map Series 1100, 1300 and 1500as engines the vehicle integration well as service The Series 1100areas to by cutting in the pressure which and offersoperation. many advantages are derived from the familiar both with regard to the vehicle increase as required. 1500 are based on a highly integrated installed in-line six-cylinder engine. Mercedes-Benz Euro VI engines in integration as well as service and In the same manner as the The power spectrum ranges from 280 to 460 kW (see Fig. 5). the OM 47x Series. The success of operation. The Series 1100 to 1500 Series 1000, the system permits this new engine family began with are based on a highly integrated pre-injection, main injection and
exhaust brake system is controlled via additional cams and rocker arms on the exhaust side, can be regulated in three stages and generates up to 435 kW brake power at 2,300 rpm. The camshafts are connected to the crankshaft in the same manner as the HP pump and the air compressor via a gear train at the rear of the engine. The front side of the engine can accommodate up to three belt levels, which can be used for customer-specific attachments. The coolant pump, generator and A/C compressor can be driven on the first belt level. Different fan versions can also be driven on levels two and three. The challenge here is to adapt the engine to the different offhighway customer requirements. These application cases differ from those of commercial vehicles, above all, with regard to operating conditions, which are often in the high-speed and high-utilization range. To continue benefitting from
11
Figure 5: Full-load curves of Series 1100, 1300 and 1500 Figure 5: Full-load curves of Series 1100, 1300 and 1500
the introduction of the exhaust gas standard EPA07 in the USA and continued with the introduction of the new emission specifications JP09 in Asia and Euro VI in Europe. The engines that were specially developed for
installed in-line six-cylinder engine. The power spectrum ranges from 280 to 460 kW (see Fig. 5). In contrast to the predecessor series, to observe the new emission limit values the new Series 1100 to 1500 use a
post-injection. This permits, for the experience of on-highway example, an improvement in applications, the aim was also to In starting contrastbehaviour to the predecessor series, the new emission the in cold usetoasobserve many non-variable parts limit weather a targeted reduction possible in the off-highway values or the new Series 1100 in to 1500asuse a controlled and cooled exhaust emissions. Two camshafts located applications. The thermodynamic gas recirculation system. This is supplemented by the newly developed on top guarantee an exact gas design required the special injection The system in effective which solenoid valves are used to increase pressure exchange. highly adaptation of components within the injector from 800 bar rail pressure up to 2,100 bar injection
pressure. This concept allows the injection process to be adapted individually in the different performance map areas by cutting in the pressure increase as required. In the same manner as the Series 1000, the system permits pre-injection, main injection and post-injection. This permits, for example, an improvement in the starting behavior in cold weather or a targeted reduction in emissions. Two camshafts located on top guarantee an exact gas exchange. The highly effective exhaust brake system is controlled via additional camsDECEMBER and rocker arms on the| exhaust side, canIndustries be regulated in / JANUARY 2015 International Forest 69 three stages and generates up to 435 kW brake power at 2,300 rpm. The
catalytic converter, ammonia blocking catalytic converter and silencer (see
ENGINES Fig. 6). Only four sensors are required to monitor the emissions.
if, for example, rapid SCR heating is required after engine start. Corresponding performance maps are saved for each individual operating mode.
Summary & outlook When Emission Standards EU IV and EPA Tier IV final come into effect, MTU will offer Series 1000 and 1100, 1300 and 1500 for off-highway applications. These series continue the successful history of the Series OM 92x, OM 460, and OM 500 in all off-highway applications. The new Series 1000 to 1500 cover a power range from 100 to 460 kW and will observe the emission limit values by Figure 6: Diagrammatic illustration of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system means of exhaust gas recirculation Figure 6: Diagrammatic illustration of the exhaust gas after-treatment system and exhaust gas after-treatment without particulate filters. All of the such as injection nozzles or the very low, components of the Euro To optimise operating costs, engines are in-line engines with a turbocharger geometry. This V on-highway exhaust boxes different engine operating modes compact design. adaptation, in turn, made it are used. They have been used are used (see Fig. 7). The control The on-highway equivalents possible to limit exhaust gas aftersuccessfully in the field for many unit selects the appropriate mode of these series are the Daimler treatment for Emission Standards years and have been tried and as a function of ambient conditions engines of type OM 93x and OM EU IV and EPA Tier IV final to a tested over millions of kilometres. (among other things, altitude 47x, which meet the requirements 14 simple SCR system. The interface Advantage to OEMs: They can use and outside temperature), the of the more stringent exhaust gas to the exhaust gas after-treatment a matured system that does not temperature of the exhaust gas standard Euro VI with a combined system itself could thus be require an additional particulate after-treatment system and the SCR and diesel particulate filter standardised for all series. filter and is thus without active engine operating status. If the system. In the event of further Since the start of development, regeneration. This means that engine and catalytic converter tightening of the off-highway the engine and exhaust gas afteradditional fuel pipework is not in normal operation and exhaust legislation, a fully results in a performancearemap-controlled adaptation ofgasnormal operation. In treatment have been regarded necessary and there are no parameters such as coldness and developed system that has already as an integrated system. The potential hazards operating due to high altitude this resultsparameter in proven its value in large-scale transient status, anchange, additional (smoke) is added. The complete proprietary development temperatures during regeneration. a performance map-controlled production in the on-highway of the engine as well as exhaust Besides the more of normal operation. sector is alreadyis available as a control is compact also adapted adaptation if, for example, rapid SCR heating required after gas after-treatment software installation space, additional fuel In transient operating status, an basis. The Series 1000 to 1500 are ensured that they could be adapted consumption filter regeneration additional parameter (smoke) maps is thus equipped future enginefor start. Corresponding performance areideally saved for for each specifically for Emission Standards is also not required. added. The control is also adapted emission requirements. EU IV and EPA Tier IV final. individual operating mode. The basic idea during development of the exhaust gas after-treatment system was to provide the OEM with a robust, installation space-optimised system. The result is the combined after-treatment system ACATS (Advanced Combined After Treatment System). ACATS consists of an AdBlue processing reactor and an exhaust box, which combines the SCR catalytic converter, ammonia blocking catalytic converter and silencer (see Fig. 6). Only four sensors are required to monitor the emissions. As the engine emissions of the Figure 7: Operating modes for operating cost optimization with guarantee of Figure 7: Operating modes for operating cost optimization with guarantee of observance of exhaust gas emissions Series 1000 to 1500 are already observance of exhaust gas emissions
As the engine emissions of the Series 1000 to 1500 are already very low,
components of the Euro V on-highway exhaust boxes are used. They have
been used successfully in the field for many years and have been tried and tested over millions of kilometers. Advantage to OEMs: They can use a
matured system that does not require an additional particulate filter and is
thus without active regeneration. This means that additional fuel pipework is not necessary and there are no potential hazards due to high temperatures during regeneration. Besides the more compact installation space,
additional fuel consumption for filter regeneration is also not required.
To optimize operating costs, different engine operating modes are used
(see Fig. 7). The control unit selects the appropriate mode as a function of
ambient conditions (among other things, altitude and outside temperature), the temperature of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and the engine operating status. If the engine and catalytic converter are in normal
operation and parameters such as coldness and altitude change, this
70 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
ENGINES
FPT delivers Tigercat’s Tier 4 engine solutions
Courtesy of Continental Engines
For 2014 Tigercat and FPT Industrial announced an alliance for the supply of state-of-the-art FPT Tier 4 diesel engines. The FPT Tier 4i 6.7 L engine is the first to appear in Tigercat machines. The new E-series skidders, including the 620E, 630E and 635E will all be powered by this engine. In addition, the 726E feller buncher and M726E mulcher were equipped with the FPT Tier 4i 8.7 L engine effective late 2013. The engines supplied by FPT Industrial meet the stringent Tier 4 emission levels without the need for variable geometry turbochargers, an EGR system, a higher capacity cooling system, an intake throttle body or a diesel particulate filter. Furthermore, they offer improved reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs. Most of the new emission equipment is found in the exhaust
or after-treatment system. The key is the selective catalyst reduction (SCR) which converts the harmful components of the exhaust gas stream into water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. For the operator, other than refilling Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF tank, (DEF is commonly known as urea) no other action is required for the SCR system to function. The biggest benefit for Tigercat machine owners is that the FPT engine series is fully supported by Tigercat, including all parts, service, warranty and technical support. Thanks to its European roots, FPT Industrial has been able to gather significant know-how on emissions reduction, starting to work on this issue as early as 1995 and having produced over 350,000 engines equipped with its own patented SCR technology.
Industrial dedicated to the design, production and sale of powertrains for on/off-road vehicle, marine and power generation applications. The company employs approximately 8,000 people worldwide, in ten plants and six R&D Centres. FPT Industrial’s sales network consists of 100 dealers and over
1,300 service centres in about 100 countries. A wide range of products (five engine ranges from 31 to 740 kW and transmissions with maximum torque of 300 to 500 Nm) and a close focus on R&D activities make FPT Industrial a world leader in industrial powertrains.
About FPT Industrial FPT Industrial is a company of FIAT
620E Skidder DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 71
Heavy hitting felling heads Forest entrepreneurs have called for durable equipment capable of delivering the knock-out blow in demanding conditions. The industry’s leading manufacturers of felling heads have answered the call
The underlying theme for his year’s felling head review is durability. This is certainly at least partly driven by a persistent demand from customers for more uptime, but it is also perhaps a response to the inflated volumes coming out of southern hemisphere eucalyptus plantations, particularly in South American nations like Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, but also increasingly from Australia and an increasingly mechanised South African forestry sector. This market development has presented manufacturers with an opportunity that most are champing at the bit to make the most of. This has involved firstly setting up dealer or direct outlet presences in these new market centres, most notably Brazil, and of course redesigning existing felling heads or in the case of several manufacturers, producing
72 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
completely new models with a more rugged application in mind. Also repeating itself from last year’s review is the need for greater capacity. When one thinks of capacity, the mind automatically jumps to an image of a large head taking down large trees. But this is not necessarily the case. The ability to efficiently grapple large
volumes of biomass-class stems is growing in importance and is an issue tackled by more than a few manufacturers. And finally, entrepreneurs have reiterated their need for versatility, which is born of a requirement for multi-stream income in what continue to be particularly volatile times for forestry professionals.
3000L Series key features • U nique and exclusive saw stops to protect the saw drive system and the saw disc against impact and gyroscopic deflection, which increases the lifetime • U nique bolted saw drive system for easy maintenance and increased uptime • Easy access to hydraulic components for safe, fast maintenance • Wide front throat opening to accommodate butt flare • Unique conical base design to facilitate clearance for fast saw recovery • Ensure that the bunches are optimised for the skidder.
While volatility is off its peak of three-four years ago, it remains a factor and the lessons that have been learned over this period are unlikely to be quickly forgotten, thus we can expect versatility to remain a priority within research and development units for some time to come. For over 25 years, Gilbert’s forestry division has specialised in the design and manufacturing of logging equipment. The Canadianbased company produces felling heads, high rotation wrists, and a complete line of cutting tools such as saw blades and saw teeth.
3000L Series felling heads “The 3000L Series felling heads are well known for their exceptional accumulation,” Alex Gravel, Sales and Marketing Manager at Gilbert, told IFI. Gilbert manufactures a 22 cm, 24 cm and 28 cm cutting size
model, all equipped with a 350° high rotation wrist, which is a head feature that most industry professionals instantly recognise. With its new biomass type accumulator arms and wider throat
opening, this head can be used in almost any application. “Their innovative geometry allows an accumulation of more trees in tight, straight bunches without breaking any stems, no
matter the sizes,” Gravel said. “All three models – 3022L, 3024L and 3028L – excel in thinning, blown down, select and final cut applications.”
350° high rotation wrist
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 73
FELLING HEADS Model specifications 3022L
3024L
3028L
Cutting capacity
546 mm
597 mm
706 mm
Accumulating area
0.43 m²
0.47 m²
0.59 m²
Maximum front opening
1,461 mm
1,499 mm
1,578 mm
High rotation wrist (350°)
2,955 kg
3,431 kg
3,773 kg
Rotation wrist (40°)
2,636 kg
3,182 kg
3,545 kg
Saw blade
1,346 mm
1,422 mm
1,676 mm
Weight
High rotation wrist features • T wo hydraulic motors on a 6:1 gear ratio give a powerful 350° rotation • Hoses go in the centre of the rotator gear for better protection • Heavy duty ball bearing rotate gear Gilbert high rotation wrists, which the company has been promoting this feature since the early 90s, have become an industry standard in many parts of the world. The powerful 350° rotation wrist design allows the operator to gather more, regardless of the angle with which they’re faced.
Model specifications Model
S1
S1
Weight
864 kg
647 kg
Rotation
350°
350°
Wrist torque
61,013 ft/lb
48,300 ft/lb
Height
984 mm
851 mm
Width
1,181 mm
1,130 mm
Depth
724 mm
662 mm
Dimensions
“It saves so much time by reducing swing and travel cycles which will extend the undercarriage lifetime of the feller buncher,” Gravel explained. The company offers two models – S1 and V2. The V2 is a more
74 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
compact version and is adapted to fit smaller heads, while the S1 model is well suited for 600 mm and 700 mm (24 in and 28 in) size head with superior torque strong enough to handle any size of timber. These wrists can be retrofitted and are compatible with most felling heads on the market. “The high rotation wrist would be the first feature I would consider to add if my head was not equipped with it in order to increase my productivity,” Gravel said.
The Naarva EV28 felling head is suitable for energy wood harvesting, removing problematic trees, and clearing ditches and roadsides, according to the manufacturer. It is designed specifically for excavator carriers with plus 13 t capacity, with the felling head mounted directly in place of the digging bucket using only a two-directional valve. EV28 felling head can be equipped with any bucket coupling type eg. NTP10 or S60 and all the functions of the felling head are operated with a single valve from the base machine. Trees are cut with a strong guillotine, which can handle diameters of up to 280 mm. “The head grips squeeze the tree against a solid, durable knife that cuts the tree cleanly,” Narva told IFI. “When cutting the trees, they push into an accumulating
FELLING HEADS Narva EV28 specifications Model
EV28
Weight
950 kg
Height
90 cm
Grapple/grippers opening
54 cm
Cutting diameter
280 mm
Cutting force
214 kN
Cutting time
1.8 seconds
Maximum pressure
250 bar
Required oil flow
80 litre/minute
Warranty
12 months or 1,000 hours
pocket, which enable several cuts before unloading to make felling much faster.” The accumulating pocket unloads by opening the grips. Once the registered pressure reaches a critical point, a sequence valve releases the latches and accumulating pocket releases its load. Narva has built the EV28 felling head for heavy duty work, ensuring the underlying structure of the unit is extremely durable through a frame constructed entirely of high-
strength steel. Maintenance of the EV28 is largely accomplished by simply greasing the joints. “The EV28 is a simple, durable piece of equipment for felling with excavators.”
The Komatsu Forest XA233-2 Bar Saw felling head, which fits Komatsu’s new XT-3 Series track feller bunchers and other tracked carriers, delivers what the manufacturer describes
as “superior multi-function performance”, achieving highproduction in 2the most demanding of forest environments”. The XA233-2 bar saw adapts to nearly any carrier and provides bigtree directional felling capabilities. “The dependable unit is an ideal attachment for cutting and handling high value hardwood timber,” Komatsu said. Komatsu has made engineering refinements and standardised many components in a head design that has already proven itself over
many years. The head is designed to work well with track carriers in the 20-30 ton class. The XA233-2 is rugged, yet lightweight (from 1,792 kg [3,950 lb]), which makes it very easy to manoeuvre. Its compact frame provides the operator with excellent visibility to the tree. The highly productive saw unit is fitted with a ¾ in (19 mm) chain and provides fast cutting cycles. The unit has a standard cutting capacity of 711 mm (28 in). Automatic chain lubrication
The XR-pRogRam is ready for the market
NEW
The XR-program consists of compact and powerful rotators with strong bearings. Thanks to the proven vane motor technology the XR-rotators are high torque, have good compliance and also have balanced braking. Their compact and robust construction provides an ability to withstand heavy static and dynamic loads, both positive and negative forces as well as side forces. The XR-rotator provides high oilflow for grapple cylinders due to large channels – ensuring high productivity and overall economy.
indexator.com
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 75
FELLING HEADS
said. “Tigercat is known for its customer-driven innovation with collaboration constantly occurring between design, fabrication, dealers and end users.” This past year, Tigercat has witnessed its felling heads being used in a variety of different applications, including 5300 saws cutting eucalyptus in Brazil, 5195 directional felling saws working on steep slopes throughout the world, and 2000 bunching shears cutting in the sandy plantations of Florida.
5300 bunching saws in Brazil
and chain tensioning systems improve cutting performance and reduce maintenance time. The grapple arms hold the stem tightly to control trees and there is an optional accumulator for improved multi-stem operation. The XA233-2 harvests both standing and storm-damaged timber with remarkable efficiency. There is an optional 30° lateral tilt capability (15° left, 15° right) to allow greater head positioning. There is also an optional hydraulic diverter valve to operate either the accumulator or lateral tilt using oil flow from the top clamp arms.
optimised strength to weight ratio. “The saws and shears our customers require for their everdiversifying applications, is what drives felling head development at Tigercat,” the company
Tigercat’s line of patented dual-post saws and shears are the industry’s most productive, according to the manufacturer. “Felling heads that can cut and carry a great number of trees improve the productivity of the entire harvesting system,” Tigercat told IFI. High capacity Tigercat saws and shears ensure that bunches are optimised for the skidder. Larger, tighter bunches also reduce wear and tear on the drive components of the buncher and skidder. Tigercat dual post bunching heads have a large offset accumulating pocket, better forward visibility, straight parallel bunches and an
76 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Most in the felling industry would be familiar with the impressive productivity rates of Tigercat’s full-tree felling systems in Brazilian eucalyptus plantations but the company claims to have raised the bar again with its new 5300 bunching saw. “Demand for the 5300 came from Brazil,” Tigercat Attachment Product Manager Duane Barlow told IFI. “The customer, International Paper, asked for an extra two trees per bunch cycle.
“The 5600 bunching saw would have accomplished this and more but would have added too much weight to the end of the boom and we could not effectively gain the extra accumulation with the existing 5000 design.” The 5300 saw is best suited to small diameter plantation wood under 405 mm (16 in), making it well suited for southern hemisphere eucalyptus plantations.
Tigercat 5195 directional felling saws for steep ground and oversize timber The Tigercat 5195 bar saw is a multi-purpose directional felling head suited to large and small trees, shovelling, loading and bucking. Designed with simplicity and reliability in mind, the valving is simple. There is no electrical wiring to the head and no accumulators are required. The unit is equipped with 360° rotation with “through the link” central hosing for enhanced hose protection and extended hose life;
FELLING HEADS
oversized twin grapple cylinders for high performance grab capacity when felling cutting and shovelling; fast and powerful saw cutting performance; and is fully matched to the Tigercat base unit. The fully fabricated chassis and grab arm design provides “supreme strength and added longevity”. Demand for the 5195 directional
felling saw has been growing in New Zealand, Chile, the Pacific Northwest and even in steep hardwood tracts in the eastern US and Australia. The saw is being used mainly in large timber final fell operations on steep, wet and challenging terrain with what Tigercat described as “unparalleled durability and shovelling capability
not seen previously in this type of head”.
2000 bunching shears in Florida Shears are a very specialised attachment, suited mainly to pulpwood or biomass harvesting and smaller, relatively consistent stem diameters. For pulpwood applications, the bunching shear is a simple, low maintenance, low cost alternative to disc saw felling heads and preferable in rocky terrain conditions. The 2000 bunching shear is designed for drive-to-tree and track feller bunchers and is best suited to pine and eucalyptus plantation final fell applications where the maximum diameter is under 510 mm (20 in). However, Tigercat shears have recently been impressing in north Florida. There is a subtle difference in the way the shear cuts a tree as opposed to a saw. When a hot saw drives through a tree, the cut stem is loose and sitting on the butt plate for an instant. With a shear, the operator wraps the grab arm around the trunk as it is severed, creating a constant positive lock on the tree. Many operators feel that this difference allows them to pack more trees into the head than an equivalently sized saw, eliminating a significant amount of machine travel over time. Another advantage is that they get the tree not the vine. Disc saws tend to pick up the vines to a much greater extent than the shear heads and they remain
entangled in the trees through the skidding process, eventually winding up on the landing. With the recent Tigercat shear enhancements, cycle times are approaching the speed of a disc saw head with far less cost and maintenance. “It is now a common occurrence in the area to see other manufacturers brand new feller bunchers with rebuilt Tigercat shear heads, demonstrating the consensus that the Tigercat shear, in any of its incarnations, is the ultimate head for sandy plantations,” Barlow said. All Tigercat heads and machines are sold, serviced, and supported by the factory trained and experienced team at Tigercat and a dealer network that spans across the globe, covering the forestry regions of North America, South America, Australasia, southern Africa, Europe and Russia. “Tigercat looks forward to discovering more applications for its felling heads and will continue to engineer premium quality bunching saws and shears, specially designed to match the high production rates of Tigercat feller bunchers,” the company stated.
The felling head is one of the most vital components impacting a wheeled feller buncher’s efficiency and value, industry leader John Deere told IFI. “When choosing the right felling head for a wheeled feller buncher, the key is to try to match the model carrier to the feller buncher head based on the application, tree type and condition,” Deere said. “This will not only help improve productivity, but also extend the life of the carrier. Using the wrong head for the application could drastically reduce the life of a machine. On the other hand, if the carrier is too large for the felling head, the operating costs may be too high, decreasing profitability.” From small stems to big timber, softwood to hardwood, level or
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 77
FELLING HEADS
sloped ground, John Deere has a disk saw felling head that’s designed for every harvesting need. Several felling head options are available to enhance loggers’ overall harvesting capabilities and productivity.
FD22B felling head FD22B is compatible with the 643K and 843K wheeled feller bunchers. This head can handle any harvesting operation – from thinning to final cut of up to 559 mm (22 in), in softwood or hardwoods. When working on sloped ground or with big timber, the increased tilt-back angle of the FD22B saw head will give operators better load transfer capabilities and stability. The FD22B also benefits from large accumulation capacity, strong clamping force for better tree control, and “workhorse” gathering arms – all of which enhance productivity and uptime.
FD45 felling head FD45 is compatible with the 643K wheeled feller buncher. The head has best-in-class size and productivity, with an offset pocket to gather multiple stems. The FD45’s single-side accumulating and gathering arms reliably gather and move stems to the pocket cut after cut, providing operators with the productivity harvesting operations require. The twin-post design gives the operator a clear view of the cutting process, thereby increasing both confidence and uptime.
FD55 felling head The latest addition to John Deere’s line up of felling heads is the FD55 disc saw felling head (DSFH), which delivers versatility and durability for loggers when harvesting various tree diameters. The FD55 is best paired with the 843K wheeled feller buncher in hilly or muddy applications and the 643K wheeled feller buncher in flat conditions. “The head is ideal for fulltree timber operations, from thinning, to final harvests and anything in between,” Deere said. “It’s twin-post design gives the operator superior visibility to the cutting zone, thereby increasing confidence and uptime. Boasting larger bore cylinders, a taller horn, and clean bunch release, loggers’ productivity will go up while the low operating costs will keep you up and running.” Engineered with extensive customer input, the FD55 delivers best-in-class accumulation capacity. Because it has more usable space than similar disc felling heads, the innovative pocket design enables the head to collect trees of all diameters and species. The pocket area is an industry leading 0.63 mh6 (6.8 ft2) from the accumulation area to the edge of the blade. The ergonomic head can handle anything from smalldiameter thinning to cutting large single stems up to 584 mm (23 in) for maximum versatility. An efficient arm design allows for strong grab arm force for tree manipulation and placement. Engineered with one harvesting
78 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
arm and one accumulating arm, the arms ensure tight tree alignment and clean bunch release. The simple arrangement translates to quicker and easier cuts for the operator. John Deere also designed the felling head to increase ease-of-use as a means to improve productivity. The FD55 was engineered with a compact and streamline design for superior visibility around the saw motor to the cutting zone. The saw motor and modified slope on the top of the head were positioned to reduce debris. These slight adjustments result in improved operator and machine productivity and an ability to work better with multiple-tree harvesting. Operators should also appreciate increased control and stability when harvesting large trees because of a tall horn
structure aligned to position the centreline of sizeable trees over the machine. Engineers created the head with protective features to increase uptime and improve efficiency. For one, the FD55 has Technodur wear plates to protect critical areas of the saw housing for maximum durability, making heavy-duty blades and rugged components easy to maintain. Designers also moved the grab arm cylinder higher on the frame and away from the housing area. This movement better protects the cylinder from debris and makes it easier to access for servicing. A proven chip management system that is only offered by John Deere makes the FD55 simpler to maintain than many similar disc saw felling heads. Longer wear components and innovative design of the FD55 keep loggers’ daily operating costs to a minimum. The improvements in versatility and productivity are a key element of the new felling head, leading directly to cost savings. The FD55 also shows an improvement in serviceability and endurance, further enhancing the cost savings benefit. The removable saw housing design allows for easy replacement of wear components, which should save loggers time and money in the long run. Additionally, heavy-duty blades and rugged components are easy to maintain. The simple arm arrangement with one grab arm and one accumulating arm pinned opposite the pocket also allows for easy maintenance.
FELLING HEADS
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015 | International Forest Industries 79
ADVERTISERS INDEX SALES OFFICES UK, Europe, South Africa, US East Coast
ADVERTISERS INDEX AJP ������������������������������������������������������� 5 www.acierjp.com
Lucidyne Technologies Inc ���������������� 19 www.lucidyne.com
Bandit ������������������������������������������������� 7 www.banditchippers.com
MiCROTEC �������������������������������������������� 21 www.microtec.eu
Barko ������������������������������������������������13 www.barko.com
Morbark ����������������������������������������������35 www.morbark.com
CBI ���������������������������������������������������� 49 www.cbi-inc.com
MTU ������������������������������������������������������ 17 www.mtu-online.com
CLEANFIX ���������������������������������������� 69 www.cleanfix.org
Peterson �������������������������������������������� IFC www.petersoncorp.com
Email: ishihara@media-jac.co.jp
DuraTech ��������������������������������������������41 www.duratechindustries.net
Precision Husky ����������������������������������37 www.precisionhusky.com
Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT) Australia, & New Zealand
EWD ����������������������������������������� FC / 59 www.ewd.de
Prologic+ ��������������������������������������������23 www.prologicplus.com
Fecon ������������������������������������������������ 53 www.fecon.com
SFPA ��������������������������������������������������� 80 www.SFPAexpo.com
Halco Software Systems ������������������61 www.halcosoftware.com
Serra ���������������������������������������������������� 16 www.serra-sawmill.com
Indexator ����������������������������������������� 75 www.indexator.se
Springer ����������������������������������������������25 www.springer.eu
Jenz Gmbh ����������������������������������������10 www.jenz.de
Terra Source ���������������������������������������� 11 www.terrasource.com
Email: bob@internationalforestindustries.com
John Deere ����������������������������������14/15 www.deere.com/forestry
Tigercat ��������������������������������������������������3 www.tigercat.com
US Mid-West, Central & Mountain
John Deere ��������������������������������������� 64 www.deere.com/forestry
USNR ������������������������������������������������ OBC www.usnr.com
Komptech ����������������������������������������� 48 www.komptech.com
Vermeer ������������������������������������������������9 www.vermeer.com
Lako Forest OY ��������������������������������� 45 www.lakoforest.fi
Wood-Mizer ��������������������������������������� 22 www.woodmizer.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 or david@internationalforestindustries.com
Japan 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
CONTACT: George Roman Roy McDonald Associates, Inc 4779 Luna Ridge Court, 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
CONTACT: Kevin Lapham J.P.Media Inc 1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville IL 60563, USA Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752 Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763 Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com
South America CONTACT: Ricardo Cortés Editec S.A. 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
80 International Forsest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2014
June 10 - 12 Atlanta
IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY
FORESTRY
The
Level Headed Approach to
Land Clearing
Manufactured to endure the most extreme & demanding terrains POWER TO PERFORM
Terra
Grouser
Rocky
TXL
TXCL
CLARK TRACKS
Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.
www.clarktracks.com
E: clarktracks@clarktracks.com T: +44 (0) 1387 722370
high performance for maximum work life
a brand of FAE Group
Flotation
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
a brand of FAE Group
PT-175: the most compact and manoeuvrable PrimeTech model.
Breaking new ground with PrimeTech’s PT-400
Equipped with a Cummins QSB4.5, 4.5 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 4 in-line cylinders and 160 hp, PT-175 is the most compact and lightweight vehicle of the PrimeTech range of tracked carriers. PT-175 is designed to perform light to medium duty work in the forestry sector. One of its strong points lies in its dimensions, which enable it to work on sites with width restrictions (<= 1750 mm). PT-175 is mainly used for vegetation management, for cleaning undergrowth, cutting and eliminating bushes and shrubs and for cutting seismic lines. The PT-175 is also an impressively innovative mulcher, built around cutting-edge technology with easy access to all components, thanks to a fully tilting engine hood, hinged side doors and swing-out rear winch that opens effortlessly for daily maintenance of the vehicle.
The exceptionally high productivity of the PT-400 is provided first and foremost by the perfectly synchronized engine and hydraulic system that reaches a high level of efficiency. The 12.5 l CAT C13 engine with 415 hp below the bonnet caters for the necessary reserves of power. The oscillating undercarriage and the perfect distribution of masses reduce strain to the structure and provide better control of the vehicle. The spacious and soundproofed cabin helps the operator to work better and with greater precision. It has a series of comforts including the ergonomic position of the seat, the ease use of joysticks and an efficient air conditioning system. Reliability, low maintenance costs and consumption, high performance, low ground pressure, comfort and safety: these are the reasons for choosing PT400 for land clearing/mulching!
PT-300: PrimeTech’s top-of-the line unit for forestry mulching and more
PrimeTech PT-600: Power, performance, productivity for land clearing/mulching!
The flagship PT-300 model, powered by a John Deere 6068HF485, 6.8 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 6 in-line cylinders and 275 hp, recently underwent a major design overhaul. Key technical improvements included: A brand-new cab “more head room” (fully tilting and equipped with LED headlights and a flatfaced front windshield instead of the curved windshield of previous models); New Berco-quality D4 oscillating undercarriage with ground clearance increased by 6cm/2”: from 40cm/16” to 46 cm/18”; Optimized easy access to all components for easy maintenance and more.
The PT-600, equipped with a Cummins QSX15 turbocharged in line 6 cylinder diesel engine producing 600 hp, has been designed to work in the most extreme and severe of working conditions and for the toughest jobs, guaranteeing maximum productivity and high performance. Like all the other PrimeTech models, the PT-600 guarantees the same exceptional levels of manoeuvrability and agility even on extremely difficult terrain thanks to its oscillating undercarriage, to the low ground pressure and to the machine’s exceptional load distribution and balance.
www.prime-tech.com
Terra
Grouser
Rocky
Flotation
TXL
TXCL
CLARK TRACKS
Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.
www.clarktracks.com
E: clarktracks@clarktracks.com T: +44 (0) 1387 722370
high performance for maximum work life
Clark Tracks Ltd - Forest Machine Tracks. Boggiband. Bogieb채ndern
Clark Tracks Ltd specialise in providing a wide range of Forest Machine Tracks to an ever expanding market. We provide designs and sizes to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve. This short video will give you an insight to our tracks being used on John Deere, Ponsse, Komatsu and Tigercat forwarders and harvesters.
www.clarktracks.com
RAYCO C260 Mulching
The C260 is a mid-sized mulcher that delivers 260 hp in a compact, low ground pressure package. This mulcher is suited for clearing small trees, underbrush, and a variety of unwanted vegetation across a wide range of environments. The heavy-duty steel undercarriage and powerful final drives allow operators to tackle difficult terrain with confidence. Raycoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive elevated cooling design keeps engine and hydraulic temperatures within their limits in the harshest of environments. To minimize maintenance, a reversing fan can be activated from the cab to clear the limbriser debris screens. This helps to extend service intervals even when operating in hot, debrisfilled environments. When manual cleaning of the debris screens is necessary, they are easily removable and the rear door opens to allow unrestricted access to the debris screen and engine radiator. The cabs are climate controlled and sealed from dust and debris to maintain operator comfort. Operators appreciate the high-backed, heated seat with adjustable armrests and air-ride suspension. For safety, the cab is certified to meet ROPS, FOPS, and OPS specifications and is equipped with a roof-top escape hatch. LED lighting facing front, sides and rearward. A backup camera enhances rearward visibility.
www.raycomfg.com
FAE Forestry Mulcher Kubota KX 80
FAE forestry mulcher in action 1
The DML/HY from FAE is the best of its category, this mulching head can be mounted up to a 10 ton excavator. G.B Equipment inc is the Canadian distributor for FAE, contact us via our website www.gbequipment.ca to know your local dealer.
FAE Forestry And Mulching Heads
FAE forestry and land clearing heads. Forestry Mulchers, forestry tillers, rock crushers. Mulching machines.
www.fae-group.com/
Les Aciers J.P.inc Rotary debarker REV2
Démêleur rotatif | Rotary unscrabbler - Les Aciers J.P. inc (ONE by ONE wood logs Machine)
www.acierjp.com
IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY
LUMBER PROCESSING
TM
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
-H igh-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
TM
EWD Reducer Quad, First logs
Today we cut the first 5 logs on the new EWD sawmill. first the sides of the logs are chipped off, then four bandsaws go to work cutting the log into the desired sizes.
www.ewd.de
Wood Processing Industry: Springer System Fitness Check
SPRINGER - a step ahead through productivity
When correctly serviced and controlled, a system ensures reliable and efficient operation. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why a steadily increasing number of customers is opting for our system fitness check. Following inspection of the system, measures for improving state and performance are suggested. These activities form the basis for a successful and complete system checkup during summer or winter breaks. For that reason, the inspection should ideally be carried out 2 or 3 months before the scheduled system check in your plant.
SPRINGER is well known for machines and conveyor systems and produces innovative wood processing solutions worldwide.
Innovative CLT production lines
SPRINGER - automation of layer press @ Tilly (A)
To optimize the production of natural wood panels with multi-layer technology, SPRINGER was commissioned with the design and construction of an installation, enabling automation of its existing layer press at Tilly Plant I in Althofen, Austria.
Excellent ease of handling, low maintenance effort and, most of all, minimized material input â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are the key characteristics of the innovative CLT production lines made by SPRINGER. We develop CLT production lines that take cut-outs and chamfers into account early on in the process, specifically during the provision and automatic positioning of lamellas. This means minimized material consumption thanks to solutions that are tailored to the requirements of our customers.
www.springer.au
In 2015 IFI will be attending the following shows:
LIGNA 2015 11 - 15 May, Hannover
13 - 12 June 2015 iUme책 Sweden
June 10 - 12 Atlanta
10th - 14th October 2015 Istanbul
16 - 18 September 2015 Zizin, Transilvania
INTERNATIONAL FIBER/WOOD-BASED PANELS CONFERENCE 2015 November 11-12, 2015 - Chicago, IL, USA
Millwide. Worldwide.