International Forest Industries Magazine April May 2019

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LOGGING • SAWMILLING • EWPS • BIOMASS LIGNA SHOWCASE CHIPPERS REPORT FELLER BUNCHERS CTL - PONSSE TAR HEEL - JOHN DEERE WOMEN IN LOGGING TIGERCAT

APRIL / MAY 2019

WHAT WILL YOU GRIND? New from Peterson, the 1700D Horizontal Grinder.

Small, and mobile, but packed with the features that make Peterson grinders the most productive machines on the market—producing materials at the lowest cost per ton.

1700D Specifications Operating Length Operating Width Operating Height Machine Weight Engine

1344 cm 296 cm 427 cm 18 597 kg Caterpillar C9.3B Tier IV, 339 kW Caterpillar C9.3B Tier III, 309 kW Rotor pinned or drum rotor available Feed Opening (width x height) 137 x 69 cm Wheeled, Tracked, & Stationary Electric Options

Blower Trucks

•

Chippers

•

Grinders

•

Screens

•

Stacking Conveyors

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS 66

42 CHIPPERS: 66 CTL - PONSSE

Suppliers have refocused on their core areas of optimal performance to provide the market with a complete selection of premium performing units

The cut-to-length method is a modern, nature friendly logging method.

70 FELLER BUNCHERS:

70 TAR HEEL - JOHN DEERE North Carolina logger Wayne Sugg reflects on growing up in a small town, loblolly pine, and Deere’s latest L-Series II machines.

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54

74 TIGERCAT - WOMEN IN LOGGING

Capacity gives way to operability as suppliers seek to make feller bunchers a smoother experience

From conducting safety audits to running forwarders to sourcing parts, Theresa Lonergan is hands-on when it comes to the family business.

APRIL / MAY 2019

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News 80 Advertising Index

LUMBER PROCESSING

CONTENTS SH

LOGGING • SAW

Transverse High Grader offers proven defect detection that meets automated grading requirements by employing machine learning (AI) capability and integrating multiple sensing technologies. These include GrainMap grain angle measurements, ultra-high-density color vision, laser profiles, and end-grain pith sensing to deliver precise and consistent grade solutions in a wide variety of species.

USNR’s Grade Projector is an innovative way

NASUE LIGOW IS

COVER: USNR - Transverse High Grader to display lumber grades on boards without marking them. A projector mounted above the flow projects piece numbers and optimizerdetermined grades directly onto each board, and tracks it as it passes by check graders.

Your freshly planed lumber remains clean, bright, and mark-free.

MILLING • EWP S

LIGN A SHOW CASE CHIP PERS REPO RT FELLE R BUNC HERS CTL - PONS SE TAR HEEL - JOHN DEER E WOM EN IN LOGG ING TIGER CAT

• BIOMASS

APRIL / MAY

Visit us at LIGNA Hall 25 Stand D65. www.usnr.com

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 1

2019

LIGNA 2019 SHOWCASE

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26

LUMBER PROCESSING

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22 COMBILIFT

26 DELTA COMPUTER SYSTEMS

27 AUTOLOG

Combilift will be putting its best foot forward at the biggest forestry show of the summer in Germany.

Delta Computer Systems Inc. is continually upgrading its family of motion controllers

Autolog introduces the next generation in log optimization at Ligna

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32

28

28 HEINOLA

30 LIMAB

32 LUCIDYNE

Heinola delivers a full-profiling sawline to Japan

Yield improving and easy upgrades of the edger at your line

GradeScan is delivering a quantum leap development in automated scanning & optimization

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34

35

33 DYNALYSE

34 HEINOLA

35 JOESCAN

Dynalyse is leading the quest for smarter measurement systems with more sensors

Four automatic HEINOLA HFB progressive kilns now running in Stalowa Wola

New JS-50 JoeScans start to make a splash

36

39

40 36 USNR

39 RESCHE & 3

40 WOOD-MIZER

Mercer Timber decided to invest in USNR’s Transverse High Grader for its Friesau mill in Germany

Saw supply company continues its standards of excellence with its latest ES Compact stationary band saw

At LIGNA 2019 Wood-Mizer will display horizontal resaws, board edgers, and new sawmills

2 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

GradeScan®

with Perceptive Sight™ Intelligent Grading

Perceptive Sight uses deep learning artificial intelligence, revolutionizing how lumber is graded.

GradeScan Delivers: • • • • • • •

Unparalled Defect Detection Unrivaled Grading Accuracy Splits Close-Coupled Installation Optimize for Cut-in-Two QCAssist Tablet PLC Controls also available

Perceptive Sight grades lumber using Deep Learning AI.

Now proudly represented by Wolftek in Canada!

Lucidyne Technologies Inc. lucidyne.com | 541 - 753 - 5111 | Corvallis, Oregon USA

ISSUE 68 APRIL / MAY 2019

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) Mr Kim Carstensen Director General Forest Stewardship Council 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.

4 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

EDITOR’S COMMENT Forest education put first UN drives home the importance of forests to the world on International Day of Forests The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) within the United Nations recently celebrated another International Day of Forests, which each year takes on a fresh theme or campaign.

On March 21, the FAO chose to dedicate its efforts to education and, here at International Forest Industries, we could not be more supportive.

Practically speaking, we have never known more about our forests. The mapping of global forests has long been established and, more recently, how these forests are changing, growing and shrinking has become more accurate, with information delivered in real time.

We understand more about how trees react to climate sensitivities or fauna-related threats, and how we treat the soils in which plantation forests grow with various combinations of nutrients has become a fine art.

climate change and conserving biodiversity as reasons to care more.

“The positive impacts of forests and trees are fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – and to our existence on the planet and are also not widely known.”

The FAO has recognised the need to educate the world about the necessity of global forests and therefore their protection: “We first need to raise awareness of young and old, those who make decisions today and those who will tomorrow.”

As both wards of the forest and dependents on its wealth as forestry professionals, we should view support of this campaign as a duty, a necessity and also an opportunity to promote the use of wood in sustainable building practices and carbon neutral energy production.

At an industrial scale, we use scanning technologies to see into the wood for product quality, which also delivers an unprecedented stockpile of data, while a greater understanding of how wood reacts to heat and chemical treatments can enhance the qualities of wood products.

The FAO is tackling this at the grassroots and focusing on delivering awareness campaigns into our schools the world over, including through excursions into forests to establish that physical connection and appreciation.

Though the focus on the young is logical, the FAO is not stopping there, with equivalent programmes in play for all ages.

But this understanding is held by a shrinking number of forestry professionals, while the importance of forests is lost on communities in which individuals find themselves increasingly distanced from the forest.

Where appropriate, forestry professionals should follow suit by not only allowing, but facilitating and advertising opportunities to visit working stands with modern equipment and sawmills with cutting-edge technologies.

Children grow up exposed to technologies that take another step away from primary industries each day. Children grow into graduates who see tech industries as exciting and primary industries as dated and of little relevance.

“We shouldn’t need to be reminded, but we do – we need to take care of our forests,” the FAO said. “Not only because they are beautiful.

Not only because research demonstrates that they make us healthier and happier. We need to take care of our forests so that they can take care of us.

As the FAO points out, this is also in part due to urbanisation as more than half the people on the planet now live in towns and cities. By 2050, that figure is expected to rise to 70%.

“As a global population, we are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature and lack the awareness and understanding of forests and their benefits,” the organisation said.

The FAO cites the key role forests play in tackling poverty and hunger to mitigating

“We will not survive without forests, so learning to love them and to look after our forests is lesson number one in a lifelong learning curve.”

Enjoy Chris Cann

OUTRUNª L O G G I N G I S F U L L O F O B S TA C L E S .

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Deere Board elects John May as President, Chief Operating Officer Deere & Company has announced that its Board of Directors elected John C May, 49, as President, Chief Operating Officer, effective from 1st April 2019. May will be responsible for leading Deere’s efforts to maximise operational excellence throughout the company.

May has been with Deere for 22 years and joined the senior

management team in 2012 as President, Agricultural Solutions and Chief Information Officer. Last year he was named President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, with responsibility for the Americas and Australia, the Global Harvesting, Turf & Utility and Crop Care Platforms, and the Intelligent Solutions Group. Earlier in his

career, John headed the company’s China operations, served as factory manager at the Dubuque Works in Iowa, and was Vice President of the Turf & Utility Platform.

“John’s record of success and proven leadership skills make him highly qualified for this broader role,” said Samuel R Allen, Chairman and Chief

Executive Officer. “In addition, his leadership of the company’s precision agriculture initiative and experience as chief information officer will serve him well as Deere moves ahead on its digitalisation journey.”

Milestone for John Deere Production of its 5,000th forestry swing machine Achieving yet another manufacturing milestone, John Deere commemorated the production of its 5,000th forestry swing machine, a 2656G Log Loader, with a special ceremony at the John Deere-Hitachi Specialty

Products (DHSP) factory. Held on the morning of Jan. 31 2019, John Deere invited the customer who purchased the milestone unit, Bighorn Logging, for a unique presentation and factory tour during a signature Gold Key event.

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6 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 TIMBER-2019-04-V1.indd 1

03.04.2019 11:58:01

Jarvis de Groot, DHSP Product Marketing Manager “This is a paramount moment for the DHSP factory and our employees,” said Jarvis de Groot, DHSP product marketing manager, forestry swing machines.

“As a company, we are committed to producing highquality, reliable equipment, and the achievement of this milestone is a nod to our hardworking, dedicated committees, both in the DSHP factory and worldwide.

Our customers are the heartbeat of the company and the reason we are able to do what we do every day. It is an honour to open our doors and celebrate with Bighorn Logging.”

For the event, the DHSP factory hosted Bighorn Logging president, Harve Dethlefs, and vice-president, Mark Standley, as well as their dealer, Papé Machinery.

The event started with an overview of the storied history of the DHSP factory, followed by a question and answer session.

During the session, which was held in front of the factory employees, Dethlefs and Standley discussed their business and the critical role equipment plays.

Following the interview, Bighorn Logging was presented with a plaque and the 5,000th swing machine was revved up for the very first time in celebration. The day

concluded with a factory tour and small reception.

Harve Dethlefs, President, Bighorn Logging

Mark Standley, Vice-President, Bighorn Logging

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• Cooling capacity increased 44 percent for trouble free operation

• Larger hydraulic pumps allow the engine to operate at a lower rpm increasing efficiency and improving your bottom line

• Larger pitch, 336 HEX HD size track links provide greater life in variable forestry working conditions

Look to your Cat dealer for financing and all the machines you need for sustainable harvesting and land management, forestry road construction, hauling and millyard. Total support from one source. www.cat.com/forestry

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Tigercat releases largest machine in forestry line-up

Tigercat continues to set the bar high with the introduction of the new 890 logger – the largest machine in the Tigercat forestry equipment line-up – a heavy duty, purpose-built forestry carrier that can be configured for loading,

shovel logging or processing.

Weighing 47 900 kg (105,600 lb), it is the largest, highest capacity machine in Tigercat’s purpose built forestry product line. The Tigercat FPT C87 engine delivers 245 kW (330 hp) at 2,000

rpm for Tier 2 and Tier 4 emission compliance.

The large swing bearing provides increased capacity and swing torque. The twin swing drive system reduces gear tooth loads, and a massive single-piece,

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8 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

Plantagenet ON CANADA

forged pedestal strengthens the undercarriage and improves durability.

A new, longer F7-172 heavyduty10 roller track frame with a wide stance carbody gives the 890 exceptional stability. Track components are co-designed with Berco to provide maximum durability in forestry applications.

The 890 logger shares the modular main hydraulic valve with all other Tigercat 800 series carriers for improved parts commonality. With the ability to easily swap out a valve section, the modular design simplifies maintenance. New larger capacity valve sections are used for main and stick boom circuits to provide higher flow rates and improve efficiency.

The 890 has plenty of cooling capacity with an automatic variable speed fan for improved fuel efficiency and an automatic reversing cycle to clean the heat exchangers. Another fuel saving feature is the energy recovery swing system. A closed loop drive feeds power back to the engine when swing decelerates, reducing fuel consumption and recovering energy for other machine functions.

Service access is outstanding with the power operated side engine door and overhead roof enclosure. The entire upper assembly is designed for extreme duty. Heavy wall side bumpers and a solid cast counterweight protect the upper assembly from impacts when swinging.

Convenient walk-up access to the rear entry door leads to a generous interior cab. The cabin is quiet and comfortable with excellent visibility. The full-length front window and additional floor windows provide clear sightlines.

The high output climate control system keeps the operator comfortable even in temperature extremes. LED lighting and the new rearVIEW camera system improve operator visibility.

DEDICATED TO CUT-TO-LENGTH LOGGING PONSSE PLC is one of the largest CTL forest machine

Ponsse Plc

manufactures in the world.

Ponssentie 22

For over 45 years Ponsse has led the evolution of rubber wheel CTL forest machines. Ponsse’s product development is always based on a deep collaboration with its customers leading to extensive product offering suitable for harvesting operations all around the world.

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Tigercat - additional factory support for New Zealand Tigercat has announced that Warren Nolan has been appointed to the position of product support representative for New Zealand.

Based in Papamoa Beach on the North Island, Warren is joining Tigercat with over thirty years of experience in the forestry industry.

Warren started his career working for his fathers logging business then continued his career as a harvester owner-operator for 18 years.

“Along with Aaron Gregan, I am excited to add Warren to the

support team for New Zealand. We continue to have many new and exciting opportunities for Tigercat machines in this area. As the field population continues to grow so does the importance of a top-notch support team,” explains Glen Marley, Tigercat District Manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Warren has experience in all aspects of logging, previously working for Satco Logging Attachments for six years as an operator trainer, applications specialist and product support

representative. Warren has strong technical knowledge of Dasa 5 control systems based on his extensive work experience with these programs.

“Tigercat is one of the superior brands in the forestry world. If changes need to be made on a product Tigercat acts on it and always takes customer feedback to the highest standard. That is why I am excited to work for Tigercat,” Warren states.

Warren will be primarily involved with product support

Warren Nolan

for Tigercat’s growing customer base on the North Island of New Zealand.

Dojus Group agreement with Komatsu Forest Komatsu Forest Oy and Dojus Group have made an agreement about Komatsu forest machine dealership including new and used machine sales and also spare part and service sales. The agreement is valid from April 1st 2019.

Dojus group employs 340 people in Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus and Kaliningrad. Komatsu

forest machine agreement covers Lithuania.

“To start the Komatsu forest machine dealership with Dojus Group in Lithuania is an important part of Komatsu Forest’s long-term strategy in the Baltic market area,” says managing director of Komatsu Forest Oy Jari Alahuhtala in Kaunas.

“Our realistic goal is to raise our

share in machine sales and after sales products in the Lithuanian market and the agreement with Dojus Group will already in short term raise Komatsu Forest’s ability to answer to modern technology requirements and improve serving forest machine customers also in longer term perspective,” continues Alahuhtala.

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DEALERSHIP INQUIRIES 10 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Komatsu announces purchase of TimberPro

Komatsu America Corp. a leading global heavy equipment

manufacturer, today announced it has entered into a definitive

agreement to acquire TimberPro, Inc. The acquisition is expected to close on April 1st 2019, subject to completion of the closing conditions.

Established in 2002, TimberPro is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of purpose-built forest machines and attachments, offering tracked feller bunchers and harvesters, forwarders, wheeled harvesters, and felling heads.

“Acquiring TimberPro will strengthen the company’s position in the full-tree-length market and enables us to offer a highly

Rod Schrader, CEO, Komatsu America Corp

competitive range of products for professional logging,” said Rod Schrader, CEO, Komatsu America Corp.

ARAT Group acquires Hedlund AB Renholmen AB is part of the ARAT Group together with AriVislanda and Almab. Now, Ingenjörsfirma Gösta Hedlund AB also has been acquired to the group.

“We see it as something positive. It is a strength to have more strong companies in the group, even though we work independently from each

other,” says Per Jonsson, CEO of Renholmen AB. Hedlunds is a company that manufactures timber handling equipment and bioproduct management equipment for sawmills and cellulose industry.

ARAT Group supplies hightech equipment for sawmills and processing industry. The four

companies that are part of the company are run independently and have a combined turnover of nearly SEK 400 million ($44.4 million) and 120 employees.

Per Jonsson, CEO of Renholmen AB

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SMART CONTROL The prototype boom tip controller by PALFINGER EPSILON.

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12 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

John Deere appoints AFGRI to market construction & forestry equipment in Western Australia As outlined recently John Deere Construction & Forestry and Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd had announced they were ending a successful 29year distribution arrangement of Deere branded and manufactured construction, forestry, and compact machinery in Australia. In line with this change, AFGRI Equipment has been appointed by John Deere to distribute its construction and forestry equipment in Western Australia.

According to Patrick Roux, Chairman of the Board of AFGRI Australia, this is thanks to the exceptional relationship that AFGRI has established with John Deere, spanning 56 years. “The success we’ve enjoyed with the John Deere agricultural range in Western Australia, combined with our outstanding service levels and ethos, as well as excellent customer relationships and our extensive retail network in Australia, encouraged John Deere to approach us to manage its construction and forestry equipment retail network in the region.”

Effective 1 May 2019, AFGRI Equipment will be a fully-fledged John Deere construction and forestry equipment dealer in Western Australia. It will initially operate across five strategically placed branches in the state, namely Geraldton, Albany, Esperance, Boyup Brook and Perth.

Roux added that he was confident that AFGRI Equipment’s deep retail knowledge and experience in the agricultural sector could easily be transferred to the construction and forestry space. “We have become the ‘go to’ company for many Australian farmers, and we’re truly delighted to extend our services to local construction and forestry companies, we are sure we will earn this same reputation.”

Roux concluded by saying, “With the contract now signed, we are very enthusiastic to prove ourselves worthy of this appointment and have already

actively started to recruit and appoint specialist staff, so we can get off to a cracking start come 1 May 2019.

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International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 13

New equipment for Hanwha’s pellet plant in South Korea Italian IMAL-PAL Group has signed an important project with the Korean company Hanwha for a new pellet plant of 40 t/h capacity, a production of approx. 320,000 t/year. Delivery is scheduled for October 2019.

PAL to supply: • S creening and cleaning system of the chips feeding stream by Dynascreen and dry cleaning machines.

• W et and dry wood milling system by 8 Hammermills of the Falcon

type in its high-performance configuration, complete of screw metering, metal and contaminant removing system through magnetic drum and air selection system.

• A fter the dryer, a screening and cleaning system by Superscreen and wind sifter is to provide for the reduction of energy consumption in the milling area and at the same time ensure the

wood quality having removed all residual contaminants in the wood mix.

Rotochopper appoints Tosh Brinkerhoff as CEO Rotochopper, Inc. has appointed Tosh Brinkerhoff as the company’s next chief executive officer, effective immediately. Brinkerhoff has more than 20 years of industry leadership experience with an impressive track record in heavy equipment manufacturing.

“Tosh’s personal values, supportive family, collaborative leadership style, professional management experience, heavy equipment marketing and manufacturing expertise and Central Minnesota home base all make for an excellent fit with Rotochopper’s continuing opportunity to grow and sustain the company from its roots in St. Martin, Minnesota,” says Jody Parker, chair of Rotochopper’s

board of directors.

Rotochopper’s board of directors, along with business partner, Granite Equity Partners conducted a comprehensive search which led to the selection of Brinkerhoff to lead Rotochopper.

“We were delighted to contribute to this all-important leadership decision,” shared Rick Bauerly, Granite Equity Partner’s CEO. “Tosh is an ideal complement to the highly-experienced leadership team at Rotochopper.

The company’s future is very bright.”

“I am excited to join Rotochopper and I look forward to building on the legacy of leadership, innovation and customer service that has been

established at the company,” shared Brinkerhoff.

Brinkerhoff holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University, and an MBA from Duke University. He was hired into a leadership program at John Deere, where he gained experience in operations, business development, public affairs, and marketing. His breadth of experience widened when he joined Geringhoff North America as President and CEO in 2015; there he managed operations, procurement, logistics, customer support, marketing, sales and finance.

Involved in the community, Brinkerhoff volunteers at church, coaches youth sports, and serves on committees with the Boy Scouts

High-Throughput and Customizable Sawlines

program. A resident of Sartell, MN, he and his wife Amy, are the parents of five boys who all attend Sartell schools.

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14 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Debarking

Renewable, Recyclable & Biodegradable Stora Enso is investing Euro 5 million to build a new production line and related infrastructure to manufacture formed fiber products at Hylte Mill in Sweden. The formed fiber technology enables manufacturing of products that are designed for circularity, meaning that they are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable and do not contain any plastic.

The formed fiber investment further strengthens Stora Enso’s opportunities to replace fossil-based products and contribute to combatting the global problem of plastic waste. First products are expected to be on the market by the end of 2019.

Formed fiber products are manufactured from various chemical pulps and chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP) by pressing it into a desired shape in a molding machine.

The raw material is pulp made from wood from FSC and PEFC certified, traceable sources in Sweden and Finland. Stora Enso

will manufacture the raw material at its mills in Sweden and Finland and do the converting at Hylte Mill.

The initial annual capacity during the pilot stage will be approximately 50 million units of product with the intention to expand.

The production line will be operated by a new business unit for formed fiber which will also conduct research and development of new formed fiber materials and technologies.

Hylte Mill produces newsprint based on thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) and recycled fiber, and has experience from taking new production technologies into use, as Stora Enso’s biocomposite granules production line was inaugurated at the mill in 2018.

Random sized logs Continuous & Batch styles Low whitewood loss & HP No de-icing or washing required

Chipping & Resizing

• • •

Bracke Forest at Ligna for 4th time Held biennially in Hannover, Germany, Ligna is the world’s largest woodworking trade show that attracts over 90,000 visitors from all over the globe. For Bracke Forest it is the fourth time in a row the company exhibits.

Although there is small forestry part in the outdoor area, Ligna is not really a forestry show. However, forestry related visitors can be divided in two groups: German forestry people who operate close to Hannover and forest industry people who are handling the whole chain from the seed to the wooden product or component.

It’s mainly from markets abroad that we meet people who purchase forestry equipment as well as sawmilling- and other woodworking equipment, says Per Jonsson, marketing manager at Swedish Bracke Forest.

Russia is a good example of such a market, Jonsson continues. Most people we meet at Ligna have never heard of Elmia, KWF or Interforst that are the normal meeting points for forestry. That is why it´s important for us to be here.

At this year’s Ligna show Bracke Forest will show the planting head Bracke P12.a that was developed for South America. Lately, however, there has been an increasing interest also in Europe for the P12. The first one in Europe was recently sold in the Czech Republic.

Apart for the P12, the “classic” Bracke C16

• • • •

For chips, logs, residuals & veneer Slant & Vertical Disc styles Chippers, Crackers, Rechippers & Slicers

Screening

• • • • • •

For bark, chips, flakes, strands, particles, pellets, ...

DiamondRoll® Thickness & Fines Screens Welded Disc Thickness Screens Suspended Rotary (shaker) Screens Trillium™ OSB Strand Screens Air Density Separators

Distributing

SEE US ON STAND P5

will be present on the stand. This accumulating felling head for biomass is used by quite a number of contractors to take out biomass from field- and roadside clearance operations and railway verges.

• •

Air Density Separators Screws, Star feeders, Conveyors

Chip Processing Experts since 1892 Web: acrowood.com Phone: (425) 258-3555 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 15

Major brands on show at Ligna 2019 Hall 25, Stand B33

Open-air site (FG), Stand M62

Hall 25, Stand D50

Hall 25 - Booth F25

Hall 25, Stand C25

Hall 25 - Booth F26

Hall 25, Stand A56

Open-air site (FG), Sawmills Avenue, Stand K44 Hall 25 - Stand L06

Hall 25, Stand G46 MPM Ad 04.2013_Layout 1 09/04/2013 19:50 Page 1

Hall 26, Stand D08

Hall 25 - Stand N09

Hall 25, Stand G39

Open-air site (FG), Stand P45

Hall 27, Stand J28

Hall 26 - Stand H28 (9)

Hall 25, Stand J45

Open-air site (FG), Hermes Tower, Stand P61

LIGNA ▪ 27 – 31 May 2019

Open-air site (FG), Sawmills Avenue, Stand K52

SERRA

Exhibition program Tools and Machinery for Custom and Mass Production (Halls 11 – 15, 27, Pavilions 36) Themed displays: LIGNA Trainings (P11); Scientific Research and education (Hall 11); RFID-Factory (Hall 11); Tischler Schreiner Deutschland TSD (Hall 12); German Timber Construction Award (Hall 13); PPC-Processing of Plastics & Composites (Hall 27)

Eingang Entrance

Haus der Nationen House of Nations

Informations-Centrum Information Center

Presse-Centrum Press Center

Convention Center

Freigelände Open-air site

Surface Technology (Halls 16, 17) Themed displays: Surface (Hall 17); International Associations (Hall 17)

Wood Based Panel Production (Hall 26) Sawmill Technology (Hall 25) Energy from Wood (Halls 25, 26, Open-air site/FG, Pavilions 32, 33, 35) Themed display: Wood Industry Summit (Hall 26)

Machine Components and Automation Technology (Halls 15, 16) Forestry Technology (Open-air site/FG, Pavilions 32, 33, 35) Themed displays: Wood Industry Summit (Hall 26); Forestry and Energy from Wood (FG, Pavilions 32, 33, 35); Forest Demonstration Area (FG)

12/2017 ▪ Modifications reserved ▪ 171201

16 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

ligna.de

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May 27 - 31, 2019 Hall 25 - Booth F25

June 26 - 28, 2019 Booth 849

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Canadian investment in A&E Leading Canadian Sawmill Machinery Manufacturer TS Manufacturing has recently acquired a majority shareholding in Automation & Electronics NZ Ltd and its AEUSA division based in North Carolina. The acquisition strengthens TS Controls division in the North American market by adding additional controls support combined with AE Optimization technology.

A&E is a well-established company with a 33-year history in the Australasian wood processing market combined with AEUSA having a ten-year presence in the US market. The acquisition consolidates A&E’s position

in the US market enabling significant growth and further R&D investment.

For A&E in New Zealand it means business as normal and continuing to support existing clients along with traditional engineering partners in Australia and New Zealand.

Brian Smith founding Director of Automation & Electronics says “this is an exciting time for the business that enables us to expand our North American presence, increase our global engineering capability and at the same time be able to better support our Australasian and OEM clients with the added value of TS support in

behind.

The other exciting factor in the negotiation is we have retained our valued twenty-fiveyear association with Windsor Engineering Group who remain as a shareholder within the company which further consolidates the company’s position.

There is also opportunity for a Windsor and TS manufacturing combination and we already have one major project on in Alabama where both companies are suppliers to the same mill.

Brian Smith - Managing Director (middle) Glenn Purcell - Engineering Director (right) Rainer Ansorge - Project Manager (left)

Bergs Timber reorganises its sawmills

Peter Nilsson, CEO of Bergs Timber Laesti, owned by Bergs Timber, with two facilities in Pärnu, Estonia (Savi sawmill and Sauga sawmill), will cease all sawmilling and planing at Savi plant, leaving Savi site as drying center of Sauga production.

At the Sauga plant, at the same time about SEK 10 million ($1.1 million) will be invested in new, capacity-increasing log intake and the production will increase to 95,000 cubic metres annual output production.

After the closure of Savi, Bergs Timber’s Estonian sawmilling capacity will reduce by 15,000 cubic metres. Savi has today about 70 employees out of about 20 will be offered to move to Sauga site and the total reduction will be about 50 employees.

“After the implementation our profitability in the sawmill business is improved while we are increasing the processing operations.

Unfortunately, many employees are affected in Estonia and we will do our best to handle the situation in the best possible way,” says Peter Nilsson, CEO of Bergs Timber.

18 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Gilbert’s mass timber planer

Building on the success of its highspeed equipment, Gilbert last fall added to its product line a planer for mass timber lumber.

Built to the same high-quality standards which established

its reputation for its planing equipment, the Mass Timber Planer is designed to meet the high expectations of the engineered wood industry for the production of glulam timber, CLT timber and all types of beams.

The equipment has a heavyduty frame and is designed to plane mass timber up to a thickness of 16 inches and a width of 36 inches.

Furthermore, the Gilbert Automatic Positioning System which controls the cutterheads and

axes ensures optimal operating precision allowing for the production of high-quality lumber.

“Our clients are breaking new ground in engineered wood products and we are pleased to offer Gilbert expertise to support them in their projects with our high-quality equipment which will, without a doubt, respond to their expectations”, states Heidi Danbrook, sales director at Gilbert.

Gilbert soon had it’s first planer running in a high class glulam operation in Arkansas USA.

Heidi Danbrook, sales director at Gilbert

Hall 25 - Stand L06

Wolftek to represent Lucidyne in Canada Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. of Corvallis, Oregon, and Wolftek Industries, Inc. of Prince George, BC have announce Wolftek’s representation of Lucidyne’s products in Canada.

Lucidyne’s flagship product, the GradeScan Automated Lumber Scanner, uses Deep Learning artificial intelligence to grade

lumber. With Perceptive Sight, defect detection and classification take a quantum leap in accuracy and results. And now, GradeScan is scalable so we have a GradeScan that is right for every mill, from a stud mill to a high-volume/highspeed planer mill with multiple products, grades, and species.

GradeScan delivers unparalleled

defect detection, for maximum optimization, and an ROI that makes GradeScan the only choice for your mill. Wolftek’s long relationship with Canadian mills makes them the ideal partner to represent Lucidyne’s products.

Their knowledge of the unique needs and challenges of the Canadian market positions

Wolftek to help mills understand how automated grading, and the advantages of Perceptive Sight Intelligent Grading, can help them maximize value and fiber recover.

ED 3000

the fully automatic wrapper for lumber packages

View the ED 3000

We are looking forward to your visit!

27.– 31.05.2019 | Hall 25 | Booth F26 Hannover/Germany

Springer Maschinenfabrik GmbH | office@springer.eu | www.springer.eu | Hans-Springer-Strasse 2 | A-9360 Friesach | T +43 4268 2581-0 | F +43 4268 2581-45 Springer Microtec Inc. | office@springer-microtec.com | www.springer-microtec.com | 201, 1847 West Broadway | Vancouver, V6J1Y6 | Canada | T 604.879.4628

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 19

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

New Technology - Williams and White SMARTGuides Williams and White has partnered with the innovative scientific solutions provider, FPInnovations, to offer new and exciting technology to the sawmill industry.

Williams and White SMARTGuides, powered by the SAWSense performance monitoring system accurately measures, in real time, the performance of the saw when in the cut for both circular and band saws.

This patented technology

provides real-time feedback of saw performance, enabling the mill to monitor the effect of varying sawing parameters. Real time feedback on saw performance will reduce your operating costs and increase your mill profits.

Benefits to the sawmill • R educe oil usage by up to 40% (major cost savings)

production • Predict saw performance issues • H igher chip quality - reduce unscheduled saw changes • I mprove the efficiency of your guide lubrication system by monitoring the temperature and performance of your saws in real-time

• I ncrease mill speeds, resulting in higher profits through increased

Delta motion stacks up faster.

Smart Saw Guides Powered By SawSense Performance Monitoring System

SCA Wood France merges with Groupe ISB

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Jerry Larsson, President SCA Wood

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20 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

1-360-254-8688 or visiting deltamotion.com

SCA Wood France and the French company Innovation Solutions Bois, Groupe ISB, have merged their operations in wood processing and distribution of wood products in France.

SCA’s contribution is the company’s operations in wood processing and distribution in Rochefort, France. SCA’s Bonneuil-Matours site will not be part of Groupe ISB, but will be closed after the fire in 2018.

“The French building materials sector is growing and is of great importance to SCA. With the merger we create a large and resourceful supplier serving demanding customers all over France”, says Jerry Larsson, President SCA Wood.

SCA’s contribution amounts to SEK 300 million ($33 million) and contains SCA’s wood operations in France and procurement of shares in ISB. SCA will have a 38.5% share in Groupe ISB and will become the largest shareholder. SCA will not consolidate the company.

Innovation Solutions Bois is France’s largest supplier of wood products to the building materials market.

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Heinola Sawmill Machinery names Jan Räsänen as MD Jan Räsänen will be Heinola Sawmill Machinery’s new Managing Director. The current Managing Director, Kari Kiiskinen will continue on the company’s Board of Directors and as an advisor to the management until autumn 2019.

Kari Kiiskinen has worked for Heinola Sawmill Machinery for more than 30 years, the last 10 years of which as Managing Director. He felt the time was right for a controlled change in the company’s operational management.

Jan Räsänen has experience working in the mechanical forest industry, most recently as a plant manager at Metsä Wood. He joined Heinola Sawmill Machinery in 2014, and worked as Head of the Project Department before his post as Managing Director.

Jan Räsänen

MPM Engineering on show at Ligna and SFPA Increase your factory’s production and yield Custom Engineering

Optimization Systems Over the past 30 years MPM have been designing and implementing software and systems that will optimize your wood processing operation. They have developed a variety of proprietary software

solutions for log and board optimization, along with lumber sorting and wood size control systems. All of their software solutions are custom tailored to fit your specific process. No matter how you cut it, they can optimize it!

MPM’s design team incorporates their extensive experience with the daily operation of sawmills into their engineered systems. They use their technical expertise and equipment knowledge to increase throughput and improve client productivity. Their engineering services include the design, manufacturing, testing and on-site start-up of automation systems, electrical control consoles and much more.

See us at Ligna Hall 25, Stand N09

EFFICIENT solutions with reliable technology

SAWLINES • EDGING • LUMBER HANDLING • DRYING KILNS • CHIPPERS • AUTOMATION • HEINOLA CARE

Come and meet us at Ligna!

Heinola Sawmill Machinery Inc. P.O. Box 24, 18101 Heinola, Finland Tel. +358 (0)3 848 411 • www.heinolasm.fi

Hannover, 27.–31.5.

Hall 25, Stand C25

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 21

Combilift shows off at Ligna Combilift will be putting its best foot forward at the biggest forestry show of the summer in Germany, where the Combi-SC Straddle Carrier will be the centrepiece of its display

C

ombilift, the Irish specialist manufacturer of materials handling solutions, will have plenty to show at Ligna on its extensive stand at the heart of the outdoor area, as well as on its stand. The company’s product range, which encompasses small pedestrian stackers, multidirectional forklifts and large straddle carriers, will be well represented at this year’s event.

Around 18 models will be on show, all of which have been designed for the safe, space saving and productive handling of the various loads that the timber sector needs to lift, transport and store.

Sawmills, furniture manufacturers, timber suppliers and joineries

for example can all benefit from Combilift’s innovative products to keep things moving on the premises.

Centrepiece on the outdoor stand will no doubt be the CombiSC Straddle Carrier. This imposing machine, which is available with lift capacities of up to 100t, handles oversized loads such as modular buildings and containers. It has a very light footprint in spite of its size and is a cost-effective alternative for heavy handling forklifts and cranes and works on poor terrain without the need for costly ground reinforcement.

Combilift continues to add to its range of electric models and this is evident at Ligna – around half of the exhibits are electric powered and include a Combi-ST stand on truck, the Combi-WR4 multidirectional pedestrian stacker, a Combi-CBE counterbalance design 4-way truck and the AisleMaster VNA articulated forklift.

The majority of electric products from other manufacturers are designed for indoor use only but Combilift has answered the market demand for more versatile forklifts by incorporating rubber tyres into its electric range to enable them to

offer good traction on a variety of surfaces so that they can transition easily from inside to outdoors.

C-Series models on display include the C5000XL, a robust diesel-powered truck with high ground clearance, large operator cab and a host of features which cope easily with harsh operating environments and tough ground surfaces.

Combilift aims to entertain as well as inform at Ligna, so the usual line up of dancing forklifts and Guinness will be available for visitors to enjoy. You can find Combilift at Outdoor Area M61 and Hall 13, Stand G25.

See us at Ligna Open-air site (FG), Stand M62

International Forest Industries half horiz ligna logo Ad Liz.pdf 1 21/03/2019 11:50:55

V I S I T U S AT

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SAFETY | STORAGE | EFFICIENCY Built to tackle both the harsh environment of the sawmill and the tight spaces of a narrow aisle warehouse with confidence, Combilift’s multi-directional and sideloader forklifts deliver the safety and flexibility required to manage and store more timber in less time, using less space - allowing manufacturers to focus on meeting the needs of their customers more effectively, and delivering wide-ranging cost efficiency.

22 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

+353 47 80500

combilift.com

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Pölkky Oy to invest Euro 30 million in its sawmill in Kajaani, Finland Pölkky Oy has announced a major investment program, targeting its production facilities in northern Finland. The value of the first phase in the investment program is Euro 30 million.

In the first phase, Pölkky will modernize the production technologies at its sawmill in Kajaani, enabling more effective usage of the high-quality raw material in the Kainuu region.

As new technologies create the need for new kinds of competence, Pölkky Oy is also investing in its people. Pölkky has initiated extensive programs for recruitment as well for the development of its employees’ wellbeing at work.

In addition to modern technology, the company believes that employee wellbeing is a significant competitive advantage in today’s market.

“The global growth trend in timber construction is increasing the need for high quality processed wood products in all markets.

Meanwhile, the value of raw timber in the forest is growing. With our new investment program we aim to significantly increase the use of raw timber, generating new jobs in all phases in our production chain in northern Finland,” says Petteri Virranniemi, CEO of Pölkky Oy.

Petteri Virranniemi, CEO of Pölkky Oy

Canfor completes acquisition of Vida Group in Sweden Canfor Corporation has completed the purchase of 70% of the Vida Group of Sweden for a purchase price of SEK 3,990 million (approximately C$580 million).

“We are excited to welcome the Vida team to Canfor and we are looking forward to working with Vida to develop our business on a global scale,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO of Canfor. “We respect Vida’s team, the quality of the wood products they produce, their strong customer relationships, and most importantly the value of the Vida brand worldwide.”

Don Kayne, President and CEO of Canfor

Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition Expo 2019, June 26 – 28 Atlanta, GA International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 23

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Holtec to supply new log sorting line for Hasslacher in Preding, Austria Hasslacher plans to invest Euro 30 million in expansion of its Preding site in Austria. Holtec to supply new log sorting line for Hasslacher’s mill in Preding, The project will be realised in summer 2019.

Hasslacher Preding Holzindustrie operates a sawmill

with a cutting capacity of 250,000 solid cubic metres and produces finger-jointed solid construction timber, planed goods, pellets as well as special pallets and packaging solutions. In the course of the new investment, the saw line will be modified and the cutting

Recap from 2018

In recent years, the HASSLACHER Group has grown to one of the biggest timber industries

in Europe. Since taking over Nordlam in Magdeburg last July, HASSLACHER is now amongst

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24 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

capacity will be increased to 600,000 solid cubic metres logs.

Furthermore the log yard will be extended. For the first time in the company’s history a Holtec log yard is installed. Hasslacher relies on the tried and tested chainless technology from Holtec as well as

Europe’s biggest producers of glued laminated timber. After finishing their investments of 30 million in January 2018 in the Carinthian production sites Sachsenburg, Hermagor and Stall im Mölltal, HASSLACHER NORICA TIMBER is now additionally investing 30 million in the expansion of the Preding site.

With the planned investment volume, the sawmill in Preding will be modernised; the cutting capacity will be expanded to 600,000 cubic metres of round timber.

The necessary drying capacity will be expanded through drying chambers from Wiesenau, which were purchased last year. As next step, the construction of a heating plant is planned, which will deliver 7 MW in additional energy.

In 2019, the extension of the round timber, sawmill and another sawn timber sorting plant will follow. The investments of around 30 million Euro should be completed by beginning of 2020.

“In the meantime, the group has progressed from a net sawn timber producer to a net sawn timber consumer, which made the expansion a necessity” says Christoph Kulterer, CEO of the HASSLACHER Group. “Preding is an ideal site, because the further processing capacities are already there and the infrastructure is right.

In future, the saw mill will also process strong timber, so we will be able to take on the entire round timber accruing in the region.

Additionally, Slovenia has established itself as reliable supplier for round timber and we will receive about half of our timber from there.”

on the new milling disc for making pre-cuts.

The Valon Kone type debarker is fed with a max. speed of 130 m/ min. By means of the control GapControlTM the log gap is optimized for an ongoing feeding.

Christoph Kulterer, CEO of the HASSLACHER Group

About HASSLACHER PREDING timber industry The HASSLACHER PREDING timber industry operates a saw mill with a cut of about 250,000 cubic metres in Preding, produces 115,000 m³ structural finger jointed solid timber, 90,000 m³ surfaced timber, 70.000 t pellets as well as more than 1,3 million pieces of special pallets and packaging solutions.

With this, the company secures about 220 jobs on site and indirectly creates additional value added for regional suppliers. In the previous two years, more than 7 million Euro has been invested in the modernising and expansion of the plant and in the infrastructure, and 40 new jobs were created.

Award for sustainability One of the core elements is the new post-processing plant, which offers finished joined building timber sets for e.g. roof structures, timber construction elements or carports to timber construction companies. From the Preding site, the processed products are delivered not only to the region and European countries, but also as far as Japan and Korea. In addition, the timber industry enterprise is also the ideal partner of the domestic industry for the production of custom-made special pallets, packaging solutions and heavy load packaging.

MPM Ad 04.2013_Layout 1 09/04/2013 19:50 Page 1

Saw sharpeners from SchĂśtz sharpen sawmills so surely

Swiss sharpening specialists from ISELI are at LIGNA 2019 in Hannover to unveil their brand new fully automatic three-axis-controlled profile grinding machine for bandsaws with a wet grinding design - the BNP 200/210.

ISELI, based in the Swiss Canton of Lucerne, develops and manufactures grinding machines, complex processing machines and automation solutions. Its portfolio is squarely aimed at the efficient saw shops of tool manufacturers, service providers working with sharpening technology, and sawmills - in short, pretty much anywhere that wood, aluminum, plastic and metal need to be cut to perfection.

ISELI designs its system technology for maximum ease of use and application flexibility, and aims to impress with just how adaptable it is to customer requirements. One particular development that seems to tick all these boxes is being unveiled at LIGNA 2019 in Hannover - the new BNP 200/210.

The BNP 200/210 is a fully automatic, threeaxis-controlled profile grinding machine for band saws in a wet grinding design. One of the highlights of the BNP 200/210 is that the entire work sequence can be programmed via the threeaxis CNC controller.

The third axis ensures that the tooth face and tooth top can also be ground separately. What’s more, the drive for the grinding wheel on the BNP 210 is powered directly by a water-cooled spindle motor.

This process, which has been patented by ISELI, allows users to perform new toothing, i.e. grinding directly into the steel. Added to that, the grinding wheel diameter of 350 millimeters also ensures a long service life and impressive profile stability. All in all, the machine is very much geared toward ease of use, with a state-of-the-art touchscreen keeping programming times short and giving companies flexibility when it comes to deploying staff.

See us at Ligna Hall 25, Stand N09

See us at Booth 1052

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 25

SAWLINES - DELTA COMPUTER SYSTEMS

LUMBER PROCESSING

Delta Computer Systems Updates Motion Control Software RMC200 PROFINET Support announced With the motion control needs of automated multi-axis manufacturing lines in mind, Delta Computer Systems Inc. is continually upgrading its family of motion controllers.

Delta Computer Systems is committed to supporting our customers through continuous improvement of our software and firmware giving our users best-inclass fluid power motion control.

F

or example, Delta’s newest and most capable motion controller, the 32-axis RMC200, was recently certified by PROFIBUS/PROFINET International (PI) as a PROFINET device, joining the RMC75 (1 or 2-axis) and RMC150 (up to 8-axis) motion controllers with PI certification.

In other news, Delta has announced that it has made updates to its RMC200 controller firmware and RMCTools software

Control, enabling the precise control of complex non-linear systems.

Users can easily access this control through drop-down menu selections and straightforward interactive expression boxes.

“Delta Computer Systems is committed to supporting our customers through continuous improvement of our software and firmware giving our users best-inclass fluid power motion control,” said Steve Nylund, Delta Computer Systems CEO.

Delta Computer Systems expands In 2018 Delta Computer Systems, Inc. announced 5 new hires as the industrial motion controller supplier expands its product line and its global business footprint.

The new employees include Aaron Heinrich, Motion Products Marketing Manager, David McNichol and Paul Huumala, Application engineers, Wade Nylund, Quality/Project Manager, and Don Turrentine, IT Specialist/ Programmer.

Previously, it was announced

Steve Nylund, Delta Computer Systems CEO

www.deltamotion.com +1 360-254-8688.

to include preloaded address support for a wide variety of popular HMIs and PLCs, speeding up installations.

Other powerful firmware/ software features include support for building control algorithms using active damping and acceleration control.

These features can produce very accurate, repeatable moves with difficult-to-control systems, or to allow the use of smaller-thantypical (and hence less expensive) cylinders, valves, and power units.

Another advanced control capability set up via Delta’s free RMCTools software is Model-based

New Delta people - David McNichol, Aaron Heinrich and Paul Huumala. Heinrich holds Delta’s new RMC200 motion controller product.

26 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

that Tim Gessner has moved from Engineering to the position of European Regional Sales Manager and Phil Lin was hired as Asia/ Pacific Regional Sales Manager.

The Delta personnel growth has been happening as the company completed a 2,500 sq.ft. expansion of its Battle Ground headquarters, adding 6 offices plus more training lab and warehouse space.

Also, over the past year Delta has continued to expand its product offering. The company’s flagship RMC200 motion controller has been augmented with new expansion products, enabling it to handle up to 32 axes of synchronized motion control.

This means that a single motion controller can handle the control of an entire sawline or metalforming production line – tasks that required multiple controllers in the past.

“We’ve diversified our customer applications while growing total sales geographically,”

said Delta CEO Steve Nylund.

“Wood- related applications (e.g. sawmill equipment) remain our single largest application area, but now account for just 35% of motion sales, while automotive, aerospace, metals, and plastics are all growing.”

In 2017, just 55% of Delta’s motion control sales were in the USA. While USA sales grew by 6% from the previous year, sales in the rest of the world grew by 30%, led by a doubling of sales in China.

In order to continue to drive International sales, Delta’s European Sales Manager (Tim Gessner) relocated to Europe in March, 2018 in order to better serve customers there.

Delta is also working to develop sales in Japan and other countries in that part of the world, with an expectation that 50% of Delta’s motion sales will be outside of the USA by the early 2020’s.

SCANNING & OPTIMISATION - AUTOLOG The GEN3 software will be demonstrated at the Autolog stand at Ligna

LUMBER PROCESSING

GEN3 hits the market

Autolog introduces the next generation in log optimization at Ligna

A

utolog, a leader in vision, optimization and automation, recently launched its GEN3 Log Optimizer solution to the sawmill industry.

“GEN3 is more than just a new buzz word, it is a new way to build software,” the manufacturer stated.

GEN3 software is built on a state-of-the-art architecture using

all the best practices in software development: agile development with sprints and scrum, design and design review, code and code review, continuous integration, unit testing, latest programming language and tools. The foundation of Autolog’s new GEN3 product is better performance, enhanced tools and simulation features as well as a rich user interface.

GEN3 software can boost the performance of their product because it uses the full possibilities of new computer technology. High scan density and better true-shape modelling are two examples.

Autolog’s independency from mechanical manufacturers gives them the ability to optimize any type of primary log breakdown and to replicate any curve sawing from downstream machine.

“Better performance also means better control on your process by offering the possibility to select a solution based on a risk factor or to force minimum opening face on all four faces,” Autolog said.

See us at Ligna Hall 25, Stand G39

Log rotation is an example of how their new GEN3 software can mitigate a mechanical constraint due to wear and tear. In fact, based on the known log-rotation error, the optimizer will determine if the selected solution is still viable or change for the next optimal solution.

Autolog will be on stand G39 in hall 25 at Ligna in Hannover, Germany, and will be running live demonstrations. Autolog’s team will also be onsite to present other key products such as their Trimmer and Edger transverse optimizers.

TRUST THE PLANER EXPERTS

COME SEE US Hall 25 - Stand L06

Stand 1345

T 1 418.275.5041 info@gilbert-tech.com www.gilbert-tech.com

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 27

SAWLINES – LIGNA PREVIEW - HEINOLA

LUMBER PROCESSING

Heinola delivers a full-profiling sawline to Japan

HEINOLA Scala 250 sawline in operation on Matsumoto sawmill in Japan

After an intense international competition, Matsumoto Lumber in Arao, Japan commissioned Heinola Sawmill Machinery to manufacture a full-profiling Scala 250 sawline for its new sawmill. Log sorting and debarking equipment will be supplied by a Japanese machinery manufacturer. The supplier of the lumber handling equipment is also Japanese.

M

atsumoto Lumber processes the local Sugi tree, and their lumber is sold to the Japanese construction material market. Their sawmill byproducts go to the pulp and energy industries.

The new sawmill saws two log lengths 3.1 m and 4.1 m with top diameters between 150 and 350 mm. The production capacity of the line when cutting these logs is approximately 50 m3 output per hour. The smallest and largest logs are processed using the mill’s old Japanese sawing machines.

The full-profiling sawline will be equipped with Heinola automation and a Siemens PLC control system.

The sawline will feature two HEINOLA chipper canters and four HEINOLA profiling units, allowing for profiling of the sides of logs and cants whilst skew cutting 1+1 or 2+2 side boards.

The actual primary and secondary breakdown will be performed by their own saw units, which both use the new HEINOLA Syncro Cutting System.

In this method, both sawing axes are installed on top of one another and the blades allow for more active curve sawing, resulting in an improved yield from the logs

28 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

HEINOLA Scala 250 sawline user interfaces

that are always slightly curved. The sawline’s log and spar scanning equipment with sawing pattern and side board optimisation will be provided by their partner Lisker Oy of Vääksy, Finland.

Heinola Sawmill Machinery Inc. has been supplying sawlines and sawmill equipment to Japan for nearly 30 years.

Their latest project continues this tradition as they join with their Japanese partner to build a new type of HEINOLA Scala 250 fullprofiling sawline for our Japanese customer. At this point the commissioning of the line including the training of the personnel is proceeding on site.

See us at Ligna Hall 25, Stand C25

SAWLINES

GP invests $30m in Rome Lumber Mill To invest, whether personal or business related, is to recognize the importance of the future.

GP proves its commitment to the future of the Rome Lumber mill with a $30 million investment.

The dimensional lumber facility, which currently employs 163 people, will use the investment to purchase and install new equipment in the coming months.

This new equipment includes a new planer, grader and trimmer.

Along with a new sorter that will serve 65 bays, a significant increase from the current 26 bays.

GET THE MODULAR EDGE

Ken McDonald Plant Manager at Georgia-Pacific LLC

200 Series

Thanksgiving. The facility will then shut down briefly to initiate and test the new equipment with plans to reopen in early December.

This is the largest investment since GP acquired the facility in 2013 as part of the purchase of International Paper’s TempleInland Building Products division. Additional significant

3D for Shape

What does this increase mean to the facility? Well, bays are where the lumber “lands” after it’s sorted and with this increase, there is less backlog which results in better product value.

“A capital investment such as this means Georgia-Pacific believes in this site and is committed to it for the long haul,” said plant manager Ken McDonald. “Our employees, our customers, and the community will benefit from these improvements.”

The company says preparations for new structures and equipment is beginning now, with concrete work to be underway by June.

Equipment installation will begin the following month and is anticipated to be completed by

investments in Georgia include Warrenton Lumber, which will be a brand-new 340,000 square foot, $135 million softwood lumber facility opening this spring and a new $150 million technologically advanced lumber production facility in Albany.

Tracheid for Knots

Color for Visible Defects

Smart and Flexible 3D Scanners for the Modern Mill Gocator 200 series multi-point profile scanners allow you to create a scanning system based on a modular design.

Easily mix 3D profiles, tracheid detection, and color vision, running at up to 300 feet per minute in transverse board applications.

Start out with profile data for volume recovery and upgrade to add color for grade-based recovery. Or leverage profile and tracheid scanning for excellent grain angle and knot detection, and then add color for further defect recognition. » Gocator 210 Basic profiling » Gocator 230 High performance profiling » Gocator 250 High performance profiling and tracheid » Gocator 205 Bolt-on color vision

Optimization

www.lmi3d.com/wood-scanning

LIMABs measurement system, the BoardProfiler 3D-TE, at Setra

LIMAB BoardProfiler 3D systems for transverse or longitudinal processes Yield improving and easy upgrades of the edger at your line

T

he BoardProfiler 3D system measures the block and board from any direction to provide data for optimization, dimensional and geometrical defects and shapes for cutting or sorting. The advantage of the system is its high thickness accuracy.

When defining a cut decision in an optimization or sort out of tolerance the most important factor is to find where the thickness defect is. A correct and accurate cutting decision based on the thickness will result in yield improvements.

Edger History

See us at Ligna Hall 25, Stand G46

In early 2015 one plant of Setra Wood Products took the decision to upgrade its edger to obtain a higher yield. The edger line was equipped with an older measurement system from Saab WOOD. The choice was between building a new edger or to do an upgrade.

“In terms of investment cost, the decision to upgrade was pretty easy,” said Hans Liljeström, Site Manager. “With the suppliers LIMAB, and technical

30 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

machine solutions from Höga Kusten Teknikresurs we found a competitive and interesting solution.”

In the summer of 2015 LIMAB got the order for the measurement system, and Höga Kusten Teknikresurs for control and mechanical solutions. The requirement was 97% yield, but the target was set to 98%.

Simultaneously, the demand for the production rate was set to 25 pcs / minute, with a goal of 30 pcs / minute. The installation was made in autumn 2015.

LIMABs BoardProfiler 3D-TE fits perfect. The system scans with 3D

laser technology the whole board in a cross conveyor and demands a very limited space.

LIMABs measurement system, the BoardProfiler 3D-TE, at Setra “During the takeover a verification (Harp test) test was made to verify that the yield requirements were met, says Hans Liljeström.”We found that the requirements were achieved and that the yield was actually higher than expected”. This also applies to capacity, which is now consistently around the target of 30 pcs / minute. See below.

In 2017 we finalized a similar transverse edger solution for

SCANNING & OPTIMISATION

LUMBER PROCESSING

LIMABs measurement system, the BoardProfiler 3D-LE, for lineal conveyor edger optimization

With the suppliers LIMAB, and technical machine solutions from Hรถga Kusten Teknikresurs we found a competitive and interesting solution Hans Liljestrรถm, Setra Mill Manager

Derome in Southern Sweden with the same good Harp test result 98-99%.

In 2019 two completely new edger lines with new mechanics from Hรถga Kusten Teknikresurs are planned for commissioning before end of this summer.

The first one is a full 3D, 6000mm board system for a line speed of 30-35 boards/min in South America. The second one is for a high speed line of 60-65 boards/min.

BoardProfiler 3D-LE/LR/LC software for Edgers also handle Rip-Saws up to six blades and Cross-cut appllications.

The ProfiCura sensors are developed and manufactured by LIMAB and uses the latest laser technology to measure accurately in high speed lines. The sensors are mounted on a specially adapted measuring frame with scanning from two sides.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 31

SCANNING & OPTIMISTATION - LUCIDYNE

LUMBER PROCESSING and upgrades of existing systems to Perceptive Sight. This boom in sales included projects that were on a very tight timeline, requiring the company to manage multiple simultaneous installations.

Lucidyne’s team of engineers and field technicians has the flexibility and elasticity to meet the demands of these multiple projects, and each one has been delivered a successful, seamless, on-time start-up.

GradeScan has a number of additional capabilities including: • Re-Run • Close-Coupled Installations • C ut-In-Two Optimization without mechanical changes

Lucidyne GradeScan & On-Grade Lumber

W

hen lumber packages are produced on-grade, buyers know they are getting the most consistent, highest-quality, best value product available. Finding those suppliers who can deliver consistently on-grade is critical to the lumber buyer.

GradeScan by Lucidyne Technologies, Inc., is delivering a quantum leap development in automated scanning and optimization that is breaking records for on-grade lumber production. The new software, Perceptive Sight™ Intelligent Grading, uses Deep Learning (artificial intelligence) to dramatically improve lumber grading results.

The first GradeScan system with Perceptive Sight was installed in February of 2017, and since then more than two dozen additional GradeScans with Perceptive Sight have been commissioned, with another eleven scheduled in the next several months. This new platform is delivering powerful results that are fueling not just new sales, but record requests

for upgrades to Perceptive Sight.

One customer was so impressed with the results from their newly purchased GradeScan with Perceptive Sight that they fasttracked the purchase of a second system for their sister mill, and are now in the process of upgrading a legacy GradeScan to the new platform.

Because Perceptive Sight uses Deep Learning techniques, new characteristics in a mill’s wood basket can be quickly incorporated into the software, delivering fast, high-quality results, including finding Diesel Rot and other defects previously undetectable.

Recently introduced is Lucidyne’s new QCAssist Tablet, a now-standard component of GradeScan. The tablet is a Surface Pro loaded with proprietary software that allows mills to collect and evaluate lumber data on the go, without having to return to the computer room and re-enter data to a spreadsheet.

New characteristics appearing in the lumber are immediately and automatically uploaded to Lucidyne for further evaluation and updates are automatically downloaded back to your system, and active by the mill at their convenience. The QCAssist tablet:

32 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

• Optional PLC controls

• D isplays board images for verification • D isplays the GradeScan solution and grade failure reasons • I dentifies grader override boards • C aptures corrected board data and notes • F acilitates evaluation of multiple, consecutive units of lumber without returning to the computer room • I mmediately uploads board data to Lucidyne for further evaluation • A utomatically populates and update package data and board files Lucidyne’s customers who have not yet upgraded to Perceptive Sight are finding the QCAssist tablet a powerful tool for evaluating the uplift they can expect from the upgrade.

With QCAssist, customers can automatically upload packs of millrun data to Lucidyne to run on the in-house Perceptive Sight platform, and compare the results from the legacy software to those from Perceptive Sight. Even before any additional training is done on those samples, most customers see the immediate value of upgrading to Perceptive Sight.

Lucidyne reports a surge in orders for new GradeScan systems,

In addition to GradeScan, Lucidyne is re-introducing its ChopScan product line, using the same powerful artificial intelligence software that GradeScan delivers, coupled with leading edge highresolution sensors.

Perceptive Sight on ChopScan delivers results for a wide variety of products, sizes, species, grades and speeds.

An impressive reports package includes reoptimization and cutbill pricing, and reports detail board width, category, run, shift and total value. The software provides access to underlying data so mills can configure their own data extraction, and perhaps most powerfully, the Supplier Database archives board data by source and grade. This gives mills the power to evaluate suppliers to negotiate prices and identify best-quality suppliers.

Lucidyne continues to raise the bar in the lumber industry for innovative mill solutions that maximize fiber and value recovery, and deliver consistently highquality, on-grade, best-value lumber to the marketplace.

See us at Ligna Hall 27, Stand J28

SAWLINES – LIGNA PREVIEW - DYNALYSE

LUMBER PROCESSING

Precigrader sets speed record

The Precigrader has been clocked at record speeds for strength grading

Dynalyse is leading the quest for smarter measurement systems with more sensors

rader

See us at Ligna Hall 25, Stand A56

D

ynalyse will be at Ligna as usual this year and plans to show off measurement systems from density grading in green sorting to further transformation such as for painting lines. Dynalyse has installed well over 200 systems in 12 countries and has proven itself as a reliable partner for more than 20 years.

The Precigrader is built for strength grading and is the most well known of the Dynalyse range.

New features added to this standout model will be displayed.

Many Dynagrade systems have been updated to the current version. Some clients have also upgraded from Dynagrade to Precigrader, in order to gain yield in more demanding strength grades.

One example is major producer Södra Wood Mönsterås in Sweden, which has used Dynagrade since it’s inception start.

Michael Ericsson, Quality Control Manager, is satisfied with the transition: “Our grading results

varied before from one batch to another, while we are now seeing high and stable yield numbers for all timber sizes.

“Dynalyse believed we could increase our yield with 4-5% units in TR26 [for UK], which also has been verified, and sometimes we see even better yield. Today we have 5-9% better yield in TR26 than before.

“Also when producing the common European grade C24 we note high and stable results.”

Regarding the relationship with Dynalyse, Ericsson says the “Dynalyse team is reliable and always forthcoming when we ask for advice or support”.

The Precigrader approval has recently been updated for grading according to the American standard for MSR lumber by the ALSC to strength grade at 260 bd/minute, which is a record speed.

Dynalyse will also show its Densigrader and Kiln Scout, two products that focus on kiln drier

efficiency. Densigrader is used to sort timber into moisture classes, while Kiln Scout from the American company Finna Group (SCSFP) is a wireless moisture meter system for use in a chamber or tunnel kilns to monitor the actual wood moisture continuously during drying.

Other products on display will be various types of moisture meters from Finna Group for different wood products and materials. One example is the MC Pro 2400 for transfer lines. At Vida Borgstena in Sweden, this product has been running in the planer mill for several years.

Jimmie Bergkvist, Processing Manager at Vida Borgstena, says the moisture meter is “definitely the best on the market”.

A relatively new product on display at Ligna is Paint Control, which is used in industrial paining lines to control the process and document results. Anyone interested in what the range is capable of should visit hall 25, stand A56 at Ligna.

The Kiln Scout wireless sensor

planer mills sawmills

Strength grading - moisture meters dry kilns bioenergy plants painting lines Hall 25, Stand A56 27 – 31 May 2019

Dynalyse - sales@dynalyse.com - www.dynalyse.com Innovative solutions for more than 20 YEARS

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 33

WOOD DRYING TECHNOLOGY – HEINOLA

LUMBER PROCESSING

Four automatic HEINOLA HFB progressive kilns now running in Stalowa Wola

I

n February 2019, HEINOLA put two new, fully automated HFB Progressive Kilns into operation in Stalowa Wola, Poland. Two HFB Kilns had already been delivered to the plant in 2015, and the Swedish furniture manufacturer’s production plant has been extremely satisfied with HEINOLA’s capacity, drying quality and technical support.

The special features and ease of use of HEINOLA’s Drying Kiln Control System, were the deciding factors in choosing the supplier of the two new progressive kilns.

The new control system includes advanced kiln load map system and an automatic timber dimension switch program. The Control System display shows the

following information for each kiln load: package number, timber dimension, chosen drying scheme and exit time from the kiln.

An in-built kiln load map software helps in production planning and inventory accounting.

The new HFB Progressive Kilns increase the plant’s annual drying capacity by approx. 60,000 m3 when drying of 50 mm pine to 9 % final moisture content.

HEINOLA kiln load map system and automatic timber dimension switch program

The 2-zone HFB Progressive Kiln supplied to Combimill Reopalu OÜ Estonia has been put into production

T

he new 2-zone HFB Progressive Kiln is equipped with a Heat Recovery unit. The new kiln building was constructed so that it utilized the

existing wall of the old progressive kiln. By building this way, it takes up less space, reduces energy consumption of the kilns and made the installation work faster.

34 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

The sawmill’s three existing two-zone progressive kilns were also connected to HEINOLA’s new, advanced Drying Kiln Control System. The new HFB Progressive

Kiln, which increases the plant’s annual production capacity by roughly 35,000 m3, started up in the second week of March 2019.

SCANNING & OPTIMISTATION - JOESCAN

LUMBER PROCESSING

New JS-50 JoeScans start to make a splash

J

oeScan continues to deliver on their “made for sawmills” motto. Their newest JS-50 scanner, which has been turning heads at industry conferences, is now making its way into the testing process for a variety of optimizers and equipment manufacturers across North America.

“Everyone is really excited about the speed, the smaller package size, and the binocular cameras’ ability to see steep wane and eliminate flight occlusion,” says JoeScan president Joey Nelson. “The single cable powerover-ethernet is also a big hit with sawmills wanting to simplify their scanning systems.”

The Vancouver, Washington based company has also announced the first JS-50 sale to

Pollard Lumber of Appling, Georgia, for an upgrade to their bucking system.

“This is really special for us,” Nelson adds. “Our very first scanner was installed on a bucking system over sixteen years ago, and it won our Longest Running JoeScan contest because it’s still delivering great results today.”

Sawmills can expect the same reliability in this latest line of JoeScans to hit the market. But where the JS-50 really shines is in its performance and ease-of-use.

It’s fast, with up to 4,000 scans per second, and data densities of 60 points per inch. The JS-50 also brings an entire suite of usability features, from a unique quick mount system to the single cable interface.

With applications ranging from lineal log scanning to transverse trimmer sorters, the newest JoeScan model could be the one scanner for your entire mill Joey Nelson sums it up nicely.

“We’re confident that this is the best sawmill scanner the wood products industry has seen yet.”

JoeScan Debuts Next Gen Scanner JS-50 prototype turns heads at TP&EE JoeScan gave visitors a glimpse at the future of sawmill scanning during TP&EE in Portland, Oregon.

The 3D laser scanning leaders brought a pair of interactive demos to their booth, showcasing a variety of innovations exclusive to their latest JS-50 prototype devices.

By leveraging sixteen years of sawmill industry engineering, as well as the latest advances in hardware technology, JoeScan has built their best 3D scanner yet. The new JS-50 scan heads bring twice the speed, resolution, and data density, all in a package ¼ the size and weight of earlier models Performance benefits were demonstrated on a log supported by two flights that visitors pushed through a towering scan arch. The on-screen visualization laid bare the improvement in data density.

Visitors also commented on how

the dual camera design produced data around the flights that would be missed by single camera scanners.

The second demo offered a hands-on test of the JS-50’s new dovetail snap-mount and single cable connector. Untrained visitors were able to remove and replace scan heads in less than ten seconds with this intuitive new system.

Using a power-over-ethernet architecture cuts the number of cables needed in half. For instance a large system would go from 48 cables down to just 24. This cable uses a single industry-standard RJ45 ethernet plug, making for extremely tidy junction boxes.

It also removes the need for a dedicated power supply, reduces cable management complexity, and dramatically improves

troubleshooting time.

“Our inspiration for the snap mount was the repeatability of picatinny rail systems used by the military for rifle optics,” says mechanical engineer Vadim Kovalev. “We wanted to create something that was very easy to use, and that would allow for heads to be swapped without recalibration.”

But perhaps the most visually stunning feature of the new JoeScan is its size and shape. The

JS-50 comes in at a slender 19 inches by 3 inches by 1½ inches and sports a sleek, bow-like style.

This makes it significantly easier to handle and install than earlier models. The smaller package also opens it up to applications without much room for scanning hardware.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 35

Maximizing European export capability with THG’s tailormade grading

The THG accurately grades lumber to meet North American grading agency requirements, allowing Mercer to market its products in that region.

Most investments in the industry aim to increase production volume, but this wasn’t the primary reason when Mercer Timber decided to invest in USNR’s Transverse High Grader for its Friesau Mill in Germany

T

he mill has a relatively limited range of commodity products compared with typical European processors. It was focused on the North American market right from the start. Today, the production of US dimensional lumber (2x4”) is about 30-40 percent of the total production.

Mill Manager Dr. Carsten Merforth explains the motivation for the investment in new grading technology. “Exporting dimensional lumber to the US calls for an accurate grading system that’s able to sort the products according to the grading agency rules in this market.”

Dr. Merforth continued to explain that to increase production capacity wasn’t the primary reason for the investment: 1: P roduct confidence, since no more than 5% off grade is allowed; 2: C onsistency, it is risky to rely on manual grading. Training graders is a laborious task, and even for the best graders visual grading is a tough and exhausting job. Moreover, the human eye can only estimate the relevance of a defect while an automatic grading system can precisely measure and therefore grade accurately to the allowed parameters, and reduce the above and below

36 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

grade pieces to a minimum; and, 3: F uture increased production throughput.

First installation in Europe The Friesau mill was the first facility in Europe to install a Transverse High Grader (THG), but USNR’s BioVision grading systems were already familiar to some in the mill’s staff. Technical Director Jan Kiesewetter had experience with USNR’s Lineal High Grader (LHG) when he worked at a sawmill in Florida. He felt comfortable with USNR’s expertise with scanning and grading systems, and the performance of the software.

Jan also knew many of USNR’s technical personnel involved in the project from his time in Florida.

Discovering THG The first steps in the process toward implementing a Transverse High Grader were undertaken in 2017. Dr. Merforth and Technical Director Jan Kiesewetter met with USNR at the Ligna trade show, where USNR displayed and operated a demonstration system.

As discussions continued, Mercer sent sample boards to USNR’s facility in Söderhamn, Sweden where a fully-operational THG system is set up to conduct

customer tests for grading evaluation. These tests showed that, once tuning took place, the system was capable to detect and classify the critical defects, and accurately grade for the products the mill wanted to produce.

Implementing THG Jan Kiesewetter is impressed with the service USNR provides. Upon arrival at the mill, it was discovered that the system had been damaged during shipping. Mercer made a call and a service technician from Canada showed up in less than 24 hours and solved the problem.

The on-site commissioning took place over three periods of 4-6 weeks each. The Mercer team remains very satisfied with the excellent level of support and communication with the USNR team in North America, and the support closer-by from USNR’s Söderhamn team.

Proven capability Dr. Merforth succinctly summarized the team’s experience to date. “The THG has solved a lot of problems.”

He continues, “It is a really smart solution with the spike knot detection, utilizing the end grain sensor and pith locator. We are happy with the product, the THG can calculate internal knots which is important. We want to be the

SAWLINES - USNR

Exporting dimensional lumber to the US calls for an accurate grading system that’s able to sort the products according to the grading agency rules in this market

the Friesau facility will operate two Transverse High Grader (THG) lines.

The second THG will be installed during the summer of 2019 and will feature the new occlusionless transfer and scanning system. This capability will completely eliminate all obscuration caused by transport belts, and 100% of the board surface will be scanned, without need for turning.

The new planer mill will be faster, at 1200 m/min. The new occlusionless THG with its high speed capability will play an important role.

European vs. North American markets

Dr. Carsten Merforthr, Mill Manager, Friesau Mill technical leaders in the industry, and I think we are, together with USNR.”

Second THG on its way The mill is currently involved in two investment programs. It is upgrading the sawline and also building a new planer mill. After the completion of the planer mill, HALCO AD:Layout 3

LUMBER PROCESSING

3/8/10

Dr. Merforth has a lot of experience with both the European and the North American lumber markets, and he explains the main differences.

“Compared to the European market, there is a limited range of products in the US. Most of the lumber is sold in pre-defined dimensions and lengths. In Europe, there are almost no standard dimensions, many customers want their own particular dimensions.

It results in many thousands 17:22

Two rows of BioLuma 2900 LVG+ sensors are configured off-axis to scan all four sides of the board to detect defects. An additional sensor scans the ends of the boards to determine the location of the pith, and calculate inner knots.

of different products a mill has to produce. For the US market, grading is much more ambitious because of the strict grade rules that are required by the grading agencies in that market. There are of course threats and opportunities with both systems.”

USNR was pleased to be a part of this important project for Mercer Timber, and to help this company achieve its goals. The second THG will be installed following its display at USNR’s stand at Ligna this spring.

See us at Ligna Hall 26, Stand D08

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Vancouver, Canada • Tel: 1 604 731 9311 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 37

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Wood-Mizer to expand its manufacturing facility in Batesville, Indiana

Wood-Mizer plans to expand their manufacturing facility in Batesville, Indiana. The expansion project scheduled to begin in March of 2019 will consist of 53,000 additional square feet dedicated to manufacturing the company’s world-leading range of sawmill and

wood processing equipment.

With a scheduled completion date of October 2019, the expanded facility will include a total of 132,000 square feet with 124,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing Wood-Mizer’s wide range of wood processing

equipment.

“Wood-Mizer is dedicated to providing our customers with a wide range of equipment to satisfy their wood processing equipment needs,” shared Wood-Mizer North America President Darryl Floyd. “This facility expansion in Batesville will allow Wood-Mizer to continue to meet the global demand of our growing range of products that are built right here in Indiana.”

Darryl Floyd, North America President, Wood-Mizer LLC

See us at Ligna Open-air site (FG), SAWMILLS AVENUE, Stand K44

Metsä Wood puts into operation upgrading lines at its Pärnu mill in Estonia All production lines at Metsä Wood’s Pärnu birch plywood mill in Estonia have now been started.

More workforce has been recruited for the new lines, the mill currently employs some 170 people in production.

The factory is expected to reach its full production capacity by the end of 2019. As a raw material, the mill uses high quality Finnish birch veneer, which is produced at Metsä Wood’s veneer mill in Central Finland.

With its investment, Metsä Wood is responding to the growing demand for birch plywood worldwide, especially in the construction and light transport industry.

The mill makes use of latest technology and it is also Metsä Wood’s first production facility utilizing digital modeling.

The construction of the Pärnu mill began in April 2017 and was completed one year later. The building comprises a production hall with social facilities and an office. The total area of the building is 29,300 m2, which is roughly the same size as four football pitches.

The project’s lead design office was the Finnish company Sweco.

Project manager Aare Uusalu says this was the first time for him to work with wood in such an

extensive way. “We designed the building using wood because of the green thinking of Metsä Wood.

Kerto LVL was also a cost-effective material, as the lightness of the elements made assembling fast”, he says, capturing the essence of wood element construction – fast, light and green.

Fast and easy installation The load-bearing structure combines glulam, steel beams and wooden roof elements. Kerto LVL S-beams were used for the loadbearing structures of the wood elements. The 2.5 metre wide, 18 metre long and 400 millimetre thick roof elements were made by the Estonian company Timbeco Woodhouse.

Marek Sööt, the Project Manager at the main contractor Nordecon, says that using prefabricated elements sped up the building process. According to him, using timber elements with concrete structures for the roofing of large buildings significantly improves the pace of the project as well as reducing the budget: “The main benefit was that installation is essentially twice as fast compared to common solutions, like steel or concrete beams and steel profiles.”

According to Sööt, it was

38 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

Metsä Wood is one of the leading European producers of engineered wood products. Metsä Wood is part of Metsä Group

Metsä Wood’s new birch plywood mill was inaugurated in Pärnu, Estonia in October 2018. With a tight construction schedule, the use of prefabricated elements was the best option. The advantages of using Kerto® LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams and wooden roof elements combined with other materials were clearly visible in the speed and cost of the construction a natural choice to use wood materials for a mill that processes wood, and aesthetic and green values also play a part in this. In the mill’s offices, timber is used both in the facade and the exposed parts of the interiors: “Of course,

there is also the aesthetic point of view. It is certainly nicer than any standard solution”, he concludes.

The new birch plywood mill has a production capacity of 50,000 cubic metres. Full capacity will be reached by the end of 2019.

SAWLINES – LIGNA PREVIEW – RESCH & 3

LUMBER PROCESSING The automatic guidance system allows the operator to focus attention on the cut

• D ual pre cutters: The pre cutters provide clean entrance and exit faces for the saw blade. That’s important especially when there is dirty timber or in winter when sand and stones are frozen in the bark – even on the cut side of the bark is cleaned. This dramatically increases the maintenance interval for the saw teeth

Resch & 3 proves concept in Netherlands Saw supply company continues its standards of excellence with its latest ES Compact stationary band saw

See us at Ligna Hall 25, Stand J45

O

ver its 60-year history, Resch & 3 mainly produces stationary band saws but has also developed a range of mobile horizontal band saws for Profiline. Orders have always been tailored to the needs to the specific client so mass production has never been considered.

Since July last year, a new ES 1200 Compact stationary band saw has been running in Netherlands with Inlands Hout Van Leersum, a company founded about 30 years ago as a depot for knuckle timber for antique wooden ships. For the past five years it has steadily grown to its current size. Father and son run the business together.

With the new band saw, the company can cut logs up to 1.5m in diameter and 7m length.. Each plank can be pushed back to a roller table. An automatic plank turner has been integrated, along with a double-side brushing machine.

During the pushing back, the operator can decide whether the plank should be turned over, or/ and if it should be brushed and in which box it’s automatically stored.

“As for all our clients, also for the sawmill Inlands Hout Van Leersum, the plant was designed and manufactured individually for its existing hall, according to his wishes,” Resch & 3 stated.

The band saw is equipped with the following extras: • P ressure guides: Hydraulic pressure guides give the saw blade extra support and reliable guidance. They are retracted during reverse travel to avoid heating the saw blade. At entrance, the saw blade doesn’t vibrate and the feed can be increased

• A utomatic adjustment of the saw blade guides: The saw blade guides are placed automatically as close as possible to the log on both sides. This has the advantage that the operator does not need to pay attention to the saw blade guide and can focus more on the cut • G entle depositing of the sawn timber: During the way, back a hydraulic arm pushes each plank back on a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt positions itself exactly to the cutting height even before being pushed back. From there, the board arrives on a driven roller table • S uction device: For an optimal suction power, the movable saw head was installed with a pipe equipped with an integrated lip seal and shuttle.

A new ES 1200 Compact stationary band saw has been running in Netherlands with Inlands Hout Van Leersum International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 39

LIGNA PREVIEW - WOOD-MIZER

LUMBER PROCESSING

Wood-Mizer is dedicated to providing sawmillers and woodworkers throughout the world with the necessary wood processing equipment to efficiently process timber into finished wood products

WB2000 wideband sawmill

Wood-Mizer to present new sawmilling & woodworking machinery at Ligna 2019 At LIGNA 2019 Wood-Mizer will display a new range of woodworking equipment, horizontal resaws, board edgers, and new sawmills for both entry-level and high-production operations

Darryl Floyd, North America President, Wood-Mizer LLC

W

ood-Mizer has a longstanding presence at the LIGNA woodworking show held every other year in Hannover, Germany. At the event, Wood-Mizer Industries showcases a broad range of wood processing equipment available through their established distribution network.

Visitors to their stand (FG K44) at LIGNA 2019 will be presented with new high-volume sawmilling equipment and new woodworking machinery alongside the company’s well-known professional sawmill models.

“Wood-Mizer is dedicated to providing sawmillers and woodworkers throughout the world with the necessary wood processing equipment to efficiently process timber into finished wood products,” said Darryl Floyd, Wood-

HR250 twin band resaw

Mizer North America President.

“LIGNA is an excellent opportunity for our European headquarters to showcase our broad equipment range at one of the world’s largest trade fairs for the sawmilling and woodworking industry.”

See us at Ligna Open-air site (FG), SAWMILLS AVENUE, Stand K44 Wood-Mizer EG800 High Volume Multirip 40 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

Wood-Mizer’s TITAN line of high-volume sawmilling equipment will be represented at LIGNA with several individual units including the WB2000 wideband sawmill, the EA3000 optimizing board edger with scanning capability, and a high capacity EG800 multirip edger.

A new line of 4-sided planer/ moulders for woodworking companies will also be demonstrated. These products enable small to medium workshops to affordably plane and mould finished timber products with minimal investment.

Additional products including the LT15WIDE sawmill, that bring increased log capacity to customers as well as new horizontal resaws including the HR250 twin band resaw and other equipment not yet publicly released will be displayed at the event.

According to LIGNA, the event held in Hannover, Germany is the world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and timber processing industry. The biennial event is well attended by more than 1,500 exhibitors, 93,000 visitors, and 42,000 international guests in the industry.

Best foot forward

Chippers The 3300B-series has been repackaged, to significantly reduce the size of the machine, while not compromising performance

Suppliers have refocused on their core areas of optimal performance to provide the market with a complete selection of premium performing units

P

revious chipper technology reviews have tended to wax and wane between focuses, presumably based on what the market has demanding. Some years it has been a push for power, other years has been agility and transportability, a focus on chip output has been a regular features, while every now and then manufacturers put the emphasis on ergonomics to help entrepreneurs in times of peak competition for skilled operators.

More recently, we have noticed the introduction of flexibility and versatility as suppliers look to be all things to all people. This has, however, not endured as operators have preferred to refocus on what they are best at.

That does not mean, as one might think, this year’s feature will have a set tone. Rather, suppliers appear to settled into areas where they aim to dominate, whether that be on power, chip quality, or

whatever.

The result is a review that offers specification over a wide variety of functions. This is, after all, a natural market evolution and should work in favour of companies that know what they want and demand the highest quality.

In processing biomass and waste wood, it takes efficient purpose-designed machinery to get the best results from varying feedstocks..

Peterson has concentrated their business on high-volume, easy to move machines, which have been popular in both land clearing and traditional biomass applications.

Peterson believes their focus on chip quality and superior knife life has made a significant difference for customers utilizing their products.

They continue to evolve their biomass chipper product line, with significant changes to their smallest drum chipper, the 3300-series machines.

“In 2018 we introduced both the 3310B tracked drum chipper, and for those who need an option with traditional wheels, we have introduced the 3300B drum chipper” said Michael Spreadbury, Marketing Manager for Peterson.

“The 3300B-series was repackaged again, to significantly reduce the size of the machine, while not compromising performance”.

“Peterson also added a retractable powered feed deck for short wood applications (less than 3-meter wood), and that has been a popular option for machines for export markets” said Spreadbury.

Peterson 3310B Drum Chipper Peterson 3310B Powered Feed Deck

42 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

Superior Product Sizing

Innovative Anvil Design

4- or 8-Pocket Drums Available

Heavy-Duty Knife Assemblies

Peterson’s grate system provides ultra-consistent chip sizing; twigs and small stems which can be difficult to size are easily fractured through our innovative system.

The robust, two-sided anvil is easily serviced through an access panel from ground level. Adjusting the anvil position can be completed by one person in a matter of minutes.

Featuring durable AR400 wear surfaces, the 3310B comes standard with a 4-pocket drum rotor with one Babbitt knife per pocket. An 8-pocket drum rotor is available for chipping microchips.

Produced from the highest quality alloy chromium steel, heavy-duty Peterson knife assemblies achieve uniform production of wood chips with high accepts and minimal losses.

The 4300B-series machine is suited for high volume biomass producers who have a wide variety of feed material

In 2018 we introduced both the 3310B tracked drum chipper, and for those who need an option with traditional wheels, we have introduced the 3300B drum chipper

Michael Spreadbury, Marketing Manager for Peterson

The 3300-series is loaded transversely, a feature not seen on traditional North American biomass machines. “The transverse loading option allows for a much smaller landing, and with the rotatable spout, the 3300-series machines can load trucks either with a traditional top load or end load spout, up to 240 degrees without needing to reposition the machine—so now we can parallel load, or position several trucks for loading depending on the size of the landing, or the contractor’s needs.”

Light and maneuverable, the 3300-series machines are easy to transport from job to job.

With a 540 hp (402 kW) Caterpillar engine, the 3300-series machines have the power to handle up to 24-inch (61 cm) diameter logs. The fully enclosed engine compartment keeps things clean,

but is easily serviced by large access doors on both sides of the machine.

Using the proven drum and knife design used on the larger 4300-series drum chippers; the 3300-series’s main components are robust and offer long life. The 3310 is available with a four-pocket drum for typical biomass applications, or an 8-pocket drum for microchip applications.

More Power, More Applications 4300-Series For applications needing more production, Peterson’s popular 4300-series machines pack a Caterpillar 755hp (563 kW) engine to get the job done. Popular with both biomass and land clearing applications, the Peterson 4300B-series machines are being

used in a variety of terrain and feed stock jobsites. “Peterson has had a tremendous amount of success with the 4300B-series for pipe-line right of way contractors who need the extra mobility in tough terrain” said Spreadbury.

The 4300B-series machine is suited for high volume biomass producers who have a wide variety of feed material from brush and small feed stock to logs up to 24 inches (61 cm) in diameter.

At 58,500 pounds (26 535 kg), the track mounted 4310B Drum Chipper is designed for operations requiring high production and frequent moves between jobs. The 4300B, which comes on wheels, weighs in at 52,000 lbs. (23,586 kg.)

The chipper utilizes a 36 inch diameter by 44¾ inch (91 by 114 cm) wide drum with either 6 or 12 knife pockets. Traditional

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 43

The 4310B Drum Chipper comes equipped with a wireless remote transmitter Babbitt type knife systems are standard equipment. Chip length can be set from 1⁄8 to 1¼ inch (3 to 32 mm) depending on rotor and knife configuration.

Other key features include a hydraulic clutch, sloped feed deck for ease of feeding the chipper, and wear resistant AR 450 wear

and an optional chip accelerator helps with loading.

The 4310B Drum Chipper comes equipped with a wireless remote transmitter, putting control in the palm of your hand.

The end load spout is standard, and an optional top loading spout

6300-series drum chippers are an industry-leading solution.

Available in both wheeled and tracked options, the 6300-series drum chippers can get the job done. “The 6300-series machines performance is really inspiring—we have seen these machines utilized on land clearing jobs in orchards,

Spreadbury.

The 6300-series drum chippers are suited for high volume biomass producers who have a wide variety of feed material, from logs up to 36″ (91 cm) in diameter, to brush and small feed stock.

The 6300-series machines are powered by a 1050 HP (772 kW) C27 Caterpillar engine. At 85,000 pounds (38,555 kg), the 6300B was designed for operations requiring high production and frequent moves between jobs. The tracked 6310B weighs in at 86,000 lbs.

(39,010 kg).

The 6300-series drum chippers have two drum configurations, an 8-pocket drum to make standard biomass chips, or a 16-pocket drum to make microchips. An optional grate system has been redesigned to allow for adjustment from a microchip to a 1¼” chip with the same grates. Traditional Babbitt type knife systems are standard equipment, or an optional Key Knife system is available.

Peterson’s chip accelerator system, adds load density, or throws chips well away from the machine for land clearing operations.

The chipper utilizes a 50″ (127 cm) diameter by 60″ (152 cm) wide drum. Other key features include a sloped feed deck for the ease of feeding and wear resistant AR450 wear surfaces on the drum pockets and shell. The feed chain has been upgraded to WDH120 for improved strength and long life.

Additional Information For those looking for more information about biomass drum chippers, visit www.petersoncorp.com. Also, check out Peterson’s Chipperpedia pages for even more detailed explanations about details specific to drum chipping operations and technical explanations of machine parts and operations: www.petersoncorp.com/chipperpedia

Peterson 6310B Drum Chipper

Peterson 6300B Drum Chipper

is available.

surfaces on the drum pockets and shell. Optional material sizing grates further reduce oversize twigs and branches in the chips,

6300-Series For those needing even higher production, or have large diameter feedstock, the C27-powered

44 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

or just making biomass microchips, and their throughput is amazing.

We always advise our customers to have plenty of trucking lined up with these machines, as they fill up a traditional chip van fast!” said

Ufkes Greentec b.v. is a young and dynamic company specialized in the making of wood chippers, stump grinders, forestcutters and more.

Their machines are developed for the professional market and meet the highest standards.

The entire process from design and engineering till producing and delivery of the machine, takes place within the company.

Their machines can easily be adjusted to meet the expectations of their customers. The enthusiastic team does not only sell and produce the machines, but also takes care of service and maintenance.

Greentec 942 drum chipper with its own engine The Greentec drum wood chippers are characterized by the wide entry, allowing easy entry for branches and splits.

The chopping drum of the Greentec Venturi wood chipper

Ufkes GT 952MEGA VC20 is equipped with an integrated blower system.

This in combination with the venturi nozzle, results in a lot of blowing and disposable power.

The large chopping drum (960 mm diameter) continues to shred well in thick wood, even when the knives become a little more obtuse.

The special design counter knife

cuts fine branches at a different angle, resulting in better shredding quality, so higher yield.

The lower roll is placed high so that it pulls in fine branches much better, the upper roll also runs much easier on thick logs.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 45

“What do a firefighting boat from the Hamburg harbour and a Jenz HEM 820 DL have in common?” the company asks. “The answer: both are fitted with Caterpillar diesel engines of type C18.”

Both the HEM 820 DL mobile chipper and HEM 700 DL are designed for large-scale use.

Over 500kW of power allows both machines to be used in continuous operation. Regardless of whether it is on a cogeneration or chipboard plant or on chipping sites, both machines function as highperformance chippers.

the big brother, the HEM 820 DL, is 400 lcm, because it can process shrubs and logs up to 800 mm diameter.

Thanks to the Clean-Fix reversing fan, both the Mercedes and the Caterpillar engine can easily withstand the difficult conditions of large-scale operations. Due to the 1,000 litre diesel tank, the HEM 700 DL and 800 DL remain constantly operational for many hours.

Accessible from all sides Especially useful for industrial customers who use Jenz chippers

for large-scale operations, working with chippers with transverse draw-in is aggravating and cumbersome. Chippers of this size therefore focus on a continuous and fast feed. Thus, the enormous performance potential of the machines can be exploited in the best possible way. For the same reason, the Jenz large chippers have a draw-in table up to 5 m long in the longitudinal direction.

In order to fully utilize not only the HEM 700 DL but also the 820 DL, loading with large wheel loaders or handling dredgers is a good idea, as the large draw-in

pulls the material apart and it is fed evenly to the chipper cell. The advantage: a continuous flow of material and optimum machine utilization.

In order to work comfortably with the machines even in cramped conditions, the units are equipped with a turntable. The slewing ring makes it possible to turn the machine 260° without the need for a tractor-unit to move or manoeuvre.

This makes working with large wheel loaders especially easy as the machine can be turned into the right position to allow short

Power On large log collection areas, where the high continuous output is explicitly a requirement, it needs a correspondingly resilient machine. For this reason, the HEM 700 DL and HEM 820 DL mobile chippers offer two powerful construction motors. Some 625 hp is available to the customer thanks to the Mercedes OM 473 LA engine.

If that’s not enough, it can increase the power by 151 hp to a total of 776 hp and rely on the enormous power of the Caterpillar engine type C 18.

Thanks to these significant achievements, the HEM 700 DL is emphatic with a throughput of 330 lcm. The performance potential of The HEM 700 DL is designed for large scale-use and can be used in continuous operation 46 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

HEM 820 DL – the Jenz high-performance chipper with a high throughput of 400 lcm

It is your choice: The material can be dispensed via a conveyor belt or via a blower

loading cycles. A tractor-unit is used only when switching between locations.

Both, the HEM 700 DL and the HEM 820 DL, can be transported at a speed of up to 80 km/h thanks to a tractor-trailer. If the change of the job site is not necessary or the terrain conditions are difficult, the chipper cells can be mounted on a caterpillar track instead of on a semi-trailer.

These so-called ‘Tiger’ machines are particularly suitable for rough use in large clearings of forest land, since there are nearly no limits for the caterpillar track.

Input and output Shrubs and logs can be fed through a draw-in of up to 5 meters on both machines. In addition, the hydraulic flap hopper, which can be controlled remotely, simplifies loading.

With the HEM 700 DL it is

possible to dispense the material via a conveyor belt or via a blower.

The same applies to the HEM 820 DL. This not only makes both highperformance chippers extremely economical, but also allows them to be optimally adapted to a wide variety of operating conditions.

Control and error analysis The operation of both large machines is made via the Easygreen control. If one decides additionally to use the telematics system, error analysis can be

carried out by remote control.

Likewise, the machine data can be used to offer individual operator training. So it is possible that machine, operator and material are optimally adjusted to each other.

This further increases efficiency and productivity and reduces operating costs per cubic meter.

If both machines are visually very similar and have been designed for large-scale use, then the differences are in the details.

Whether the machines have a 625 hp or 776 hp engine, the HEM 820

DL can produce about 70 lcm more throughput per hour than the HEM 700 DL due to its larger and higher draw-in and its significantly larger screen area.

Nevertheless, both mobile chippers are absolute professional machines for the highest demands.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 47

Even after half a century, industry leader Precision Husky never stops innovating its line-up of whole tree chippers, flail debarkers and knuckleboom loaders.

“Most of us came up in the logging industry and we know what it takes to win at this game.

Customers all over the world recognize this commitment in the equipment we sell,” Smith said.

The latest achievements in Precision’s quest for forest industry perfection are accomplished with the remarkable design experience

Plus, through messagebased CAN bus platform with its easy to use three wire system, a remote operator can monitor infeed through the HD colour control panel. The operator can see production from the top or at insertion in real time and adjust

The new 2366 chipper brings 25% more anvil control

sub frames.

“With its 3-axle spring suspension, our Precison chippers are tough to beat,” Smith said.

“Choose the engine strength that suits your operation – up to 1,200 hp. We also offer a popular new radio remote controlled trackdriven chipper that goes where the big rigs can’t and are favoured by many of our international recycling operations.

generate over 100 t/h of clean chips.

The 2600-4 is also highly flexible. Because it allows for multiple individual solutions, it

Precision is more than our name. It’s our number one goal Scott Smith, Precision Husky

and application of ever-changing technology in the digital age.

From the top down, the Precision line is better engineered, built heavier, smarter and stronger for more fruitful logging and less costly downtime than previously.

“Precision is more than our name. It’s our number one goal.”

Precision Husky did not invent the whole tree chipper but it does make one of the best chippers available today as the more than 5,000 crews that use Precision products every day and have access to an unbeatable parts inventory and service technicians would likely attest.

The latest generation of Precision-built chipper pushes the envelope of technology to include a 66 in, five-knife option, which allows the chipper disc to operate at a slower rate. This not only saves wear and tear, it produces the most valuable chip quality available.

Year after year, Precision chippers, operating with the 2600-4 flail debarker gives operators the highest production, lowest bark content and cost per tonne in the industry.

accordingly. That’s like having an extra man in the crew. Complete system diagnostics come at the touch of a button, making trouble shooting simple when it used to take hours of downtime.

The new 2366 chipper brings 25% more anvil control to the table to prevent slapping and turning.

This results in smoother slicing and more uniform chips, with less horsepower.

The unit comes with a fully adjustable hydraulic system, which provides limitless control of feed rate. The patented PT Tech HPTO Hydraulic Power Take-Off is a totally enclosed wet hydraulic clutch that requires no adjustment through its wear life. During a torque spike, the clutch will act as a torque limiter by slipping to absorb the shock load. A microprocessor controller provides remote operation.

The industry-leading XL-175 knuckleboom loader comes standard in the 2366 Precision chipper. They are professionally engineered to be highly responsive and balanced with a smooth, powerful swing. These workhorse loaders have central hydraulic pressure checks and are the largest available with super heavy-duty

48 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

The new FD 2600-4 debarker can easily process logs from 3-26 in (76-660 mm) in diameter with a feed speed of up to 200-plus linear ft (61 m)/minute. An operator can

The Precision Husky chipper line

consistently receives the highest efficiency rates in the world. It can operate along with our mobile chipper or as a stand-alone debarker.

Bark and limbs are removed in enclosed housing, protecting the system from damage. The 2600-4 flail removes waste with an oversized hydraulic pusher, keeping the chamber clean.

Komptech has studied different processing methods very closely with regard to output quality and operating costs.

In tests of high and low-speed shredders, throughput and energy consumption were measured, and the granular size composition was determined by screening.

To evaluate operating costs, the company compared single-stage processing with high and lowspeed shredders, and two-stage processing with a combination of low-speed shredder and screener to return overlengths.

The two-stage version with screener returning overlengths turned out to be the most economical setup, taking due account of various conditions.

In this context it is naturally important that the low-speed shredder have a certain “resistance” to metallic contraries, as are often present in used wood.

Effective and economical: Crambo and Multistar One In these tests, biomass and

The Multistar One makes treatment of waste wood and biomass even more efficient. It sends overlengths back to the Crambo while screening out the useful fraction waste wood processing was most effective when a Multistar One star screen was used. Shredding is done by an upstream Crambo. The Multistar One then separates out a defined useful fraction and returns the overlengths to the shredder.

With a feed hopper for precise material transfer to the generously dimensioned screen deck, a

rom bulky branches and cuttings to rootstocks of any size, to used wood contaminated with contraries, the Crambo shreds all types of material effectively

discharge conveyor with four metre discharge height and a return conveyor that can pivot through 220°, the Multistar One provides a throughput of up to 200m3/h.

The current for the electric motors can come either directly from the grid or from a combination of additional hydraulic pump on the shredder and hydraulic generator on the star screen.

With its compact crane lift frame and variable conveyors for flexible setup, plus electric drive, the Multistar One is a very efficient as well as economical star screen.

The drive train of the Crambo direct shredder combines the functionality of hydraulic drive with the efficiency of mechanical drive.

That means top economy while retaining all benefits like overload protection, reversibility and adaptation to the material.

Two 2.8m counterrotating toothed drums in the extra-large

shredding chamber ensure positive feed. From bulky branches and cuttings to rootstocks of any size, to used wood contaminated with contraries, the Crambo shreds everything down to a set granular size.

The degree of shredding can be adjusted flexibly, either by changing the screen basket, or even more conveniently by changing the entire screen basket cartridge. The shredder is quickly ready for the next job.

Flexibility A combination of mobile shredder and screener like this has great flexibility. For example, the screener can be used alone to separate previously shredded material to get the desired granular size. Flexible and robust, the combination of Crambo and Multistar One is simply unbeatable.

SHREDDING AND CHIPPING MADE EASY. Axtor 4510

Universal wood shredder

NEW

- 2 IN 1: SHREDDER AND CHIPPER - CONTRARY-RESISTANT - HIGH THROUGHPUT - MAINTENANCE-FRIENDLY www.komptech.com International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 49

At West Salem Machinery’s size reduction and screening test facility in Salem, Oregon, customers and prospective customers, can have feedstock tested. The testing and refining of processes (and sometimes equipment) often result in improving the customer’s operations or help them to make informed, confident machine purchases.

“Whether your business involves green or dry wood fibre preparation; biomass fuel preparation; fibre prep for pellets, briquettes, or co-firing; converting ag-residuals for bio-fuels; mulch processing; animal bedding; or other fine-grind materials – WSM’s lab can simulate various size production settings and volumes, as well as provide detailed screen analysis,” the supplier stated.

Depending on the amount of detail required, WSM can supply complete reporting, including sieve analysis and energy usage.

The test facility is equipped with a horizontal grinder, primary shredder, high-speed hammermill, full air discharge capabilities, disc screen, oscillating screen, and screening equipment for sieve analysis. One of its key features is a Variable Frequency Drive

system, allowing machines to be run at different speeds to simulate different operating conditions.

“We invite those interested to come see the testing in person and tour our plant, or we can film the test. Either way, you’ll get WSM’s expert analysis and recommendations on the type and size of equipment will get the results you need.”

50 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

With over 40 years of experience in the forest and sawmill related industries, Rawlings has a proven track record in some of the toughest wood grinding applications that exist.

“We assist our customers with every aspect of designing, manufacturing and supporting a complete materials processing system,” the supplier stated. “We offer a complete line of stationary, portable, diesel or electric powered vertical and horizontal grinders in a full range of sizes and models.

“Each customers operation is unique with its own challenges with this in mind our design team treats each system specific to the customers operation and specifications. Add a wide variety of available options such as work platform decks, choice of belt, chain, vibrating in-feed and outfeed conveyors, metal, or magnet protection, product screening and separation, and you’ve got the flexibility to customize the perfect wood grinding system.

The 460 stationary electric system

“Our HZX Horizontal model is ideal for processing logs, railroad ties, construction and demolition debris, urban wood waste,” the firm continued.

The Rawlings HZX Horizontal grinders features dual electric drive motors and a fully proportional feed system for efficient processing of diverse feed stocks. Sizing screens insure a consistent sized finished fuel product. Machine capacity ranges from 40-100 t/h, depending on feed stock and finished product size.

The powered feed mechanism insures a metered and controlled feed to the grinder producing a consistent finished product, while the slow speed, high torque cutting action means lower hp and lower noise. The horizontal models are available in stationary, portable, diesel or electric-powered units.

“Our PXZ Vertical model is the back bone of our company and is recognized as the as the toughest and most productive wood hogs available,” the supplier stated.

This machine can handle really tough-to-grind materials like cedar, black spruce, lily pads and log ends. The Rawlings machine has

Our PXZ Vertical model is the back bone of our company

a massive solid steel rotor that supplies more than enough kinetic energy to power through the largest feeding surges.

The hog upper case is clam shell opened hydraulically for quick and easy service access. Simple design reduces parts inventory and is easy to maintain, while it operates one third lower RPMs than other types of hogs, reducing both mechanical wear and fines generation.

And, to complete the machine

line up, the firm has introduced the VRM Vertical Wood Hog. “No cookie cutter machine can meet everyone’s space constraints or challenges,” the supplier stated.

“We have had several customers over the years that did not have the overhead clearance in their existing footprint to allow for a clam shell opening type of machine.”

The VRM hog opens hydraulically from the rear of the machine allowing full access to the hog’s internal wear components and rotor for ease of maintenance.

All models in the Rawlings equipment are equipped with the patented Super Hi-Inertia solid steel rotor that powers through feed surges with ease.

“Our machine is tolerant of contaminants, rocks, and metal without catastrophic maintenance costs if metal enters the grinding chamber. Simple design reduces parts inventory and is easy to maintain. Rawlings Super Hi Inertia hogs are the most productive and efficient hogs available with proven track records in some of the toughest applications that exist.”

Rawlings Portable Wood Grinders are heavy duty portable grinders that are capable of producing valuable wood fiber products in a single pass

Rawlings vertical Wood Hogs

FOR OVER 40 YEARS RAWLINGS HAS OFFERED A COMPLETE LINE-UP OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE AND COST EFFICIENT WOOD GRINDERS AVAILABLE

VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL MODELS AVAILABLE WWW.WASTEWOODHOGS.COM 1-866-ROCWEAR (762-9327)

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 51

From countries adopting policies to help reduce greenhouse gases to people looking for more natural, sustainable solutions for heating their homes and feeding their plants, quality processed wood material is in high demand.

Capitalizing on the growing number of revenue streams for wood chips requires more than just a connection with customers — forestry and logging companies

equipment that delivers more sizing options.

According to Vermeer applications specialist for Recycling and Forestry Brad Van Rheenen, the design of Vermeer whole tree chippers gives contractors the ability to produce a broader range of chip sizes. “We offer two different drum options on Vermeer whole tree chippers — a microchip drum to produce a range of smaller

make quick adjustments between jobs or in the field is important,” Van Rheenen added. “Making a few small adjustments can help reduce the amount of regrinding that has to be done to fill an order with different material size requirements.”

Selecting the right drum The Vermeer microchip drum produces chip sizes between

We offer two different drum options on Vermeer whole tree chippers — a microchip drum to produce a range of smaller sized chips, and a macrochip drum that can also be easily adjusted to produce different, larger sizes of chips Brad Van Rheenen, Applications specialist for Recycling and Forestry, Vermeer should be to create a size that most closely matches the needs of the customer.”

Making adjustments

Microchip and Macrochip drum options provide greater range of wood chip sizes

also have to be able to produce a variety of material sizes to meet the needs of the end user.

A common issue forestry companies face is not having the ability to produce the appropriate size of material to meet the needs of their wide variety of customers.

For example, the biomass industry usually prefers smaller or microsized wood chips to accommodate pellet stoves, wood burning plants and so on, but the chippers that crews use in the field are not able to produce the appropriate size, resulting in the need to regrind material.

Regrinding material multiple times can significantly impact a business and requires additional equipment.

Manufacturers like Vermeer have recognized the market demand for wood chips of varying sizes and have developed

sized chips, and a macrochip drum that can also be easily adjusted to produce different, larger sizes of chips,” he explained.

Two drum options The main difference between the Vermeer microchip and macrochip drum options is the number of pockets. “The microchip drum has two full width pockets, while the macrochip drum only has two,” Van Rheenen said.

“Producing smaller chips requires more cuts per revolution, so by doubling the pockets and knives on the microchip drum, we are able to produce smaller chips in one pass.”

Operators can add spacers under the knives for each drum size to make additional sizing adjustments. “Whether a company selects the microchip drum or a macrochip drum, the ability to

52 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

1/8” (3.2 mm) to 5/8” (15.9 mm), which is suited for producing wood pellets for residential and wood fuel plants, as well as chips for landscaping, gardening, animal bedding, composting and playground applications. The macrochip drum can produce chip sizes between 5/8” (15.9 mm) and 11/4” (31.8 mm). Applications for wood chips in that size range include silt socks, erosion control, capping landfills, mulch, wood fuel plants and land clearing.

To determine which chipper drum is right for a company, Van Rheenen recommends contractors evaluate how the processed material is being used and which markets are they being sold to.

“If the chips are simply going back to the forest floor as part of a land clearing project, it may be more efficient to use a macrochip drum and a large depth of cut,” he said. “Larger chips will not decompose as rapidly as smaller ones. However, if a company is selling the chips to an end user, the drum type will depend on the needs of customers. The goal

While having different drum types provides companies with a lot of flexibility, the ability to easily make size adjustments to the drum is equally important. On many chippers, making adjustments or performing routine maintenance can be time-consuming and laborintensive because the process of babbitting requires working with molten lead. Vermeer developed a new approach with its patented pusher bolt knife design.

“Knives on Vermeer whole tree chippers can be positioned quickly with just a wrench,” Van Rheenen said. “We use threaded holes in the end of the knives where pusher bolts take the place of babbit. This design makes it much easier to make adjustments and sharpen knives. Our unique pusher bolt system helps prevent knives from sliding outward toward the shear bar.

“Another unique feature of the Vermeer microchip and macrochip drums is that they are completely threadless,” Van Rheenen added.

“Instead, we use a replicable hex nut for knife retention, which makes it much easier to replace a knife if it gets damaged.”

The design of Vermeer chipper drums makes it easier to efficiently make adjustments, which is beneficial for forestry and logging operations that cater to a wide range of customers. It also helps reduce the need for regrinding.

INNOVATION

JDPS Hybrid Products surpass 1 Million field hours in John Deere loaders Utilizing John Deere Power Systems technology, the John Deere 644K and 944K Hybrid Wheel Loaders have collectively logged more than 1 million operating hours in the field

T

his level of real-world experience is key as more OEMs look to John Deere Power Systems for technologies to reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, and enhance machine performance and reliability.

This milestone follows the announcement that the John Deere family of Stage V engines received official certification.

John Deere was among the first to introduce electric drive technology in off-highway equipment, as it produced the 644K hybrid loader in 2013 and the 944K hybrid loader in 2015.

John Deere Power Systems joined forces with John Deere Electronic Solutions to successfully design and implement fully integrated electric drivetrain systems — a concept first introduced at bauma 2016.

Integrated solutions expertise While off-highway equipment manufacturers continue to explore and evaluate hybrid and electrification solutions for their respective markets, the demands of the end customer for reliability and productivity continue to increase.

In response to this, John Deere is developing technology to meet manufacturers at various phases of implementation and development.

“In this emerging market for electrification technology, we are working closely with our OEM customers to understand their application needs,” says

Darren Almond, Drivetrain Product Planning Manager for John Deere Power Systems. While the off-highway industry continues to grow and adapt, its demands remain the same. And to that point, a rugged market requires a product that can meet expectations in a variety of applications — whether diesel, hybrid or electric.

“Exceeding 1 million operating hours shows that John Deere has an in-depth understanding of how to make hybrid drivetrain systems work in the field,” says Almond. “We can use our expertise to discover innovative ways to develop reliable, efficient, costeffective alternatives to traditional drivetrain systems.”

Accounting for the entire system solution will be vital to the successful development of this emerging market. The OEM electrification approach of John Deere seeks to offer integrated solutions that address the interfaces between the electrical generator and/or motors, power electronics, and mechanical interfaces.

A complete, innovative lineup To accompany its proven hybrid solutions, John Deere Power Systems will showcase new, innovative engine options at bauma 2019.

The new 13.6L engine from John Deere will be part of the Stage V lineup for industrial and generator set markets. In addition to the 13.6L engine, John Deere will display its 4.5L EWS engine for the first time. The 4.5L EWS engine serves both the 80 kVA and the 100 kVA markets and expands the nonEGR engine generator drive lineup for Stage V from John Deere.

Because John Deere has experience managing these interfaces and developing a fully integrated system, OEMs can place their confidence in these solutions.

To learn more about new electric solutions, the new 13.6L and 4.5 EWS engines, and the Stage V lineup from John Deere, visit the Power Systems booth at bauma, Hall A4 — Stand 139, 8-14 April, 2019.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 53

Optional auto-tilt and levelling cab features maximize operator comfort for the M-Series

54 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

Feller Bunchers

Operators put first Capacity gives way to operability as suppliers seek to make feller bunchers a smoother experience

O

perator comfort is again at the forefront of manufacturer minds, combined with the need for a stable work station. This combination of ergonomically enhanced and smooth operations, it is logically concluded, will increase productivity.

Adding to this adjustments in the serviceability of the units and there seems to be very much

a continued focus on the areas of operability as suppliers find it harder and harder to make genuine gains on power and capacity as engine regulations tighten.

John Deere M-Series tracked feller bunchers and L-Series II wheeled

feller bunchers raise the industry standard by providing loggers with powerful and dynamic solutions to tackle the toughest jobs, according to the supplier.

Both line-ups are equipped with efficiency-boosting features to ensure reliability. Hardworking loggers from all over the world have tested the John Deere wheeled and tracked feller bunchers and have relied on them

as a proven source time and time again.

M-Series tracked feller bunchers The 800M- and 900M-Series tracked feller bunchers incorporate a variety of features to meet customer needs. The longer, wider undercarriage on the M-Series tracked feller bunchers increase machine stability and traction.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 55

The simplified L-Series II models have been revamped due to a number of part changes to reduce complexity

Optional auto-tilt and levelling cab features maximize operator comfort, even in the steepest applications.

“There’s no rocking on the machine, which is real nice,” said Dustin Clauson, Clauson Logging.

“It’s better on the terrain.

“And the configuration of where the boom is placed, you can get your head in closer and further out with more reach, which helps you on tough terrains, steep slopes, things like that. And more The wheeled feller bunchers improve efficiency with the simple push of a button to release trees in a single, smooth motion

The longer, wider undercarriage on the M-Series tracked feller bunchers increase machine stability and traction 56 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

production, wider swaths, less walking. All of the above. It just really makes it much safer.”

One of the most favoured features on the M-Series feller bunchers is the ergonomically designed operator station.

Workstations are equipped with adjustable armrests with fingertip controls, an air-conditioned seat, and a climate-controlled cab for optimal comfort during long days in the cab.

Additionally, the floor-toceiling front and side windows and overhead skylight provide 44% more visibility to the cutting area, providing an additional layer of safety.

“The guys in the cab, they can see so much better off of the visibility,” said Cory Isley of D&J Isley and Sons. “And that visibility should equate into better productivity. if the guy can see better, he can do a better job.”

Equipped with dominant Final Tier 4 engines, M-Series machines deliver premium performance, fluid efficiency, economical operating costs and reliability. The 900M-Series machines feature a redesigned engine enclosure to improve structural strength while maintaining the convenient serviceability.

The 900M-Series bunchers boast 330 HP, while optional Rapid Cycle System (RCS) combines automated felling-head arm cycling with simple boom control. RCS can be tailored to operator skill levels

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Optional auto-tilt and levelling cab features maximize operator comfort for the M-Series

There’s no rocking on the machine, which is real nice Dustin Clauson, Clauson Logging

and specific harvesting conditions, thus, reducing operator fatigue and increasing efficiency and productivity.

“The rapid cycle system makes training a new operator pretty easy,” said Kip Smith, Kip Smith Forest Services, LLC. “And what I mean by that is you’ve got the machine performing all those functions for you. That allows us to take a new operator and teach him more fundamental things. If he can focus on those things while the tractor does the rapid cycle on its own – we can always come back and do that.”

L-Series II wheeled feller bunchers The newest addition to the John Deere feller buncher family, the L-Series II line-up offers customers a streamlined, reliable, and

58 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

powerful solution. Still boasting the productivity-enhancing features of the original L-Series, the L-II’s have been reworked under the hood to offer decreased downtime and increased serviceability.

The simplified L-Series II models have been revamped due to a number of part changes to reduce complexity. Changes to the electrical and hydraulic systems and improvements to component placements enhance the logger experience when servicing the machines.

“The two-piece wiring harness makes it easier to work on the machines,” said Wayne Sugg of Sugg Logging. “Wiring is re-routed so it is not bunched up in the machine, which reduces rubbing wear.

“The cylinder guards protect the hoses from falling limbs. These

changes help make the machine more reliable, which saves time and money on maintenance.”

Featuring the one-button Quick Dump feature, the wheeled feller bunchers improve efficiency with the simple push of a button to release trees in a single, smooth motion. The head-tilt and arm functions are combined to help minimize fatigue while increasing productivity.

In addition to the new changes, the L-Series II Wheeled Feller Bunchers retain the favourite features from the original models.

Features such as a comfortable operator station and durable axles offer loggers what they need to tackle tough jobs and endure long work day.

The work station was designed by loggers, for loggers. It is equipped with large windows for excellent visibility, an efficient HVAC system, ergonomic controls, and optimal storage space for increased comfortability. The new models also retain notable weight distribution, tire options, and increased hydraulic speed that current machine owners commend.

“Tough, dependable and strong; tracked feller bunchers from Barko Hydraulics are designed with precision and built for serious work,” the supplier explains. “We consulted experienced forestry professionals on every design feature during the engineering process to create an intuitive, operator-focused feller buncher that increases efficiencies on any job site.

Barko designed the hydraulic system for smooth controls and features a dedicated attachment pump that delivers optimal performance. The enhanced operator cab is described as the envy of any job site because it reduces operator fatigue during long shifts. It was created to help operators work more comfortably by providing increased visibility, enhanced lighting, polycarbonate windows, programmable controls and a large touchscreen display.

Barko tracked feller bunchers are powered by a 225 hp Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 4 Final diesel engine, which provides sufficient power for

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Barko designed the hydraulic system for smooth controls and features a dedicated attachment pump that delivers optimal performance the task at hand while delivering superior fuel economy.

Barko feller bunchers feature high-quality components from industry-leading suppliers and

are designed to work under the toughest conditions.

“Our patented forward-sliding cab, gullwing door, and removable access panels make Barko tracked

feller bunchers easy to service, so they’ll keep working hard year after year,” the supplier stated.

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International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 59

60 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

Tigercat offers one of the broadest ranges of both track and drive-totree feller bunchers in the industry.

Along with innovative features like the ER technology and WideRange, Tigercat’s feller bunchers offer long service life, high machine availability rates, excellent service access and the clear operator sightlines.

855E and L855E feller buncher For plantation eucalyptus applications, Tigercat offers the 855E carrier equipped with the 2000 series bunching shear. This combination is a low cost-pertonne solution for harvesting eucalyptus pulpwood on account of the fast shear cycles and extremely efficient carrier hydraulics.

The 2000 shear accumulates large parallel bunches, improving skidder productivity. In addition, the shear is a lower cost, lower

maintenance alternative to a disc saw felling head. In rocky or abrasive soil types, the maintenance and wear benefits are even more pronounced. The shearequipped feller buncher also burns less fuel compared with a disc saw.

The 855E can also be mated to the Tigercat 5185 directional felling saw for an extremely fuel-efficient machine to fell and shovel large, high value timber. A full range of Tigercat felling heads are available, including a bunching saw or shear for smaller diameter timber or the single post 5702 felling saw for larger trees and mixed diameter stands.

The L855E features Tigercat’s patented forest-duty levelling undercarriage, providing exceptional stability on steep slopes. It uses two massive hydraulic cylinders and heavy steel sections for a solution that is simple, robust and reliable.

An important advantage common to Tigercat track feller bunchers is ER boom technology. ER technology provides increased production compared with conventional boom systems –especially in high cycle applications.

The patented ER boom system allows the machine operator to extend and retract the boom on a horizontal plane smoothly and

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 61

The 724G delivers high productivity

quickly using a single joystick. The introduction of the new 3-mode ER boom control allows the operator to choose between ER, semi-ER and conventional.

The new semi-ER function allows the operator to extend the boom on a horizontal plane using a single joystick, but retracts the boom with the increased power of both cylinders, doubling the pull force. The stick boom or ‘reach’

The new 845E with longer, tight tuck boom

62 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

joystick controls both the main and stick booms simultaneously, resulting in the attachment moving either away from or toward the operator. The main boom and tilt functions operate in the traditional manner to adjust the height and angle of the attachment.

Key to this technology is reduced energy consumption. The ER system transfers energy back and forth between the main and

the stick boom functions, reducing the total energy needed to move the boom system. This translates to reduced demands for power, pump flow and system cooling.

Competing solutions do not offer the simplicity and fuel savings of Tigercat’s design.

845E and L845E feller buncher The 845E and L845E track feller buncher takes the popular 845

platform and adds all of the latest features found on Tigercat track carrier models. This new model incorporates the updated cab, more boom options, a larger main hydraulic pump and more – all to increase productivity and improve operator comfort.

The 845E and L845E share the same cab as the 855E which is designed to optimize ergonomics and improve sound reduction.

Redesigned hinge geometry allows the front door to be closed with less effort. The new IQAN MD4 electronic control system interface includes an easy to use large colour touch screen for machine monitoring and function adjustment. The new skyVIEW and rearVIEW camera systems eliminate the need for a skylight while improving operator visibility.

The Tigercat 845E offers more boom options including a longer reach boom and a tight tuck boom to better match your machine to your attachment and application requirements.

The 845E model can be equipped with a range of Tigercat felling heads including a bunching saw or shear for smaller diameter timber, or the single post 5702 felling saw for larger trees and mixed diameter stands. In addition, the 845E can be equipped with the 5185 fixed felling saw for felling, bucking and shovel logging high value and oversize timber. A larger hydraulic pump on the E-series model provides more power and faster function to the clamp and accumulator arms to maximize productivity.

With a fuel-efficient engine and Tigercat’s unique ER boom technology, the 845E feller buncher achieves maximum tree felling productivity with minimal fuel burn.

Drive-to-tree feller bunchers Tigercat builds three models of drive-to-tree feller buncher models for the full range of thinning and final felling duties. The 720G and 724G are designed for thinning and clear fell applications and the large capacity 726G fells large diameter timber in tough terrain.

The G-series machines cabs are designed for productivity and operator comfort. Visibility is enhanced with a larger front window and larger rear quarter

windows. The view over the back tires is the best in the industry – an asset in thinning applications.

Only Tigercat offers WideRange, the infinitely variable transmission for drive-to-tree feller bunchers.

Drive-to-tree feller bunchers spend a great percentage of the total duty cycle driving – to the next tree or to and from the bunch pile.

WideRange allows the operator to travel more quickly than conventional two-speed

transmission equipped feller bunchers. Quicker travel boosts productivity and reduces cost per tonne in high production thinning and final fell applications.

Tigercat’s unique WideRange drive system is standard on all G-series feller bunchers. A two speed transmission is optional on the 720G and 724G Tigercat drive-to-tree feller bunchers are often equipped with bunching saws and shears

for plantation applications with smaller diameter timber. In high cycle, multi-stem bunching applications, Tigercat bunching saws and shears contribute to significant productivity gains by increasing the number of stems per cycle.

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International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 63

Industry-leading debarking done with Precision

Precision Husky believes in reliability, performance and the latest innovations

F

or 50 years, Precision Husky has been known for building top quality forest products, a reputation of which the company is truly proud.

“But we aren’t satisfied with what happened yesterday,” Precision President Scott Smith told International Forest Industries recently.

“We never stop improving the toughest, most tested forestry equipment in the world. We design it for the payout and we mean for it to work as hard as our client do, and for years to come.”

The company’s heavy-duty, enhanced-technology flails for mills and woods are prominent within the industry for many reasons, including some that might surprise even the most knowledgeable woodsman.

In fact, Precision flail debarkers/delimbers are nearly “flawless”, according to the manufacturer, with efficiency by reducing bark content to as low as 0.3% on average. That’s the lowest

64 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

bark-per-tonne and cost-per-tonne in the industry.

“If you’re using any other machine, you’re simply paying too much,” Smith said, who implores the market to review the company’s line-up of flail and rosserhead debarkers.

“Like every single piece of our world-class forestry equipment, our flails and rosserheads are better engineered, built heavier and stronger and offer you more overall production with far less down time,” he said.

“We’re the heavy weights of the logging industry and have no plans to go on a diet.”

Flail Debarker 2600-4 The large capacity four-flail debarker can process multiple logs from 3 in up to 26 in in diameter (76-660 mm) and now, thanks to recent upgrades, operators are able to adjust the feed rate based on a dual wireless CAN+ link and camera system linking the flail with a whole tree chipper.

Operators of the 2600-4 are able to adjust the feed rate based on a dual wireless CAN+ link and camera system linking the flail with a whole tree chipper

We never stop improving the toughest, most tested forestry equipment in the world. We design it for the payout and we mean for it to work as hard as our client do, and for years to come Scott Smith, Precision President

The operator sees the action on monitors. They see the feed coming in and going out into the truck.

The touch of a button can vary the speed of either end for smooth, continuous flow.

Flail Debarker 2300-2 The other member of Precision’s in-woods flail debarker family is smaller but just as tough. The 2300-2 can process multiple logs from 3 in up to 23 in in diameter (76-584 mm) and with the same exceptional efficiency as the 2600-4.

Recently equipped with Sauer Plus 1 technology, the 2300-2 is undergoing a top-to-bottom overhaul with the latest hydraulics

that allow for easy and instant control of infeed, flail drum and outfeed speeds. Improvements to the 2300-2 include the addition of a hydraulic bark pusher, which keeps the debarking chamber clean.

Rosserhead Debarkers For precise work in the mill, Rosserhead debarkers ensure clean, adjustable-length convenience and “tough-asnails” durability, according to the manufacturer.

“We engineered them to exceed expectations and they do on a daily basis in cutting-edge operations around the world,” Smith said.

Low cost, low maintenance and clean-running, Precision Rosserheads are flexible, with adjustable barking head size, hydraulic power and overall machine dimensions to suit the size and specific needs of the mill. Diesel-powered engines are available, as are motors suited for 380/3/50 operation overseas.

committed to bringing our customers the latest, most advanced equipment in the world.

We never rest because today’s technology won’t allow it.”

To maintain this standard, Precision employs more than 100 experienced, highly dedicated and motivated professionals. To ensure efforts remain on track, many of these people are former loggers and wood processors with first-hand experience using the technology the company develops.

“Precision Husky is showing the industry just how outstanding

Debarkers manufacturing facility in Leeds, Alabama.”

Smith is a second-generation innovator like his father, company founder and CEO Bob Smith.

Together they have overseen Precision’s growth from a small regional provider to a worldwide

Innovation at work Smith says the bottom line at Precision is its clients’ profitability.

This simple yet often-overlooked principle drives all innovation spending and development at the manufacturer.

“After all, Precision is more than our name,” he said. “It’s our number one goal.

“With this in mind, we’re

Precision Rosserheads are flexible, with adjustable barking head size, hydraulic power and overall machine dimensions to suit the size and specific needs of the mill

one company can be,” Smith said. “From humble beginnings, we now work from a 165,000 ft2

leader in timber processing technology, with customers in 120 countries.

The large capacity four-flail 2600-4 debarker

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 65

CTL is responsible forestry The cut-to-length method is a modern, naturefriendly logging method. In the cut-to-length method, trees are harvested in the forest with equipment developed for the purpose, which makes the method effective and environmentally friendly

T

he cut-to-length method is often thought of as a Nordic logging method. The cutto-length method was originally developed based on the desire to optimize the efficiency of the production chain of logging and wood processing by removing overlapping work stages. In cutto-length, trees are processed in the forest according to use, which enables high value yield and an effective logistic chain. This enables the flexible application of different thinning and regeneration felling models in accordance with good forestry practices, because the machines are easy to manoeuvre and trees are processed efficiently one by one.

Equipment and costs In the cut-to-length method, the harvesting equipment usually consists of a team of two machines, i.e. the harvester and the forwarder. The harvester fells, delimbs and measures the trunks, and cuts them into assortments ordered by the mill. Assortments refer to logs extracted from trunks for different uses, including different sawlogs, veneer logs, bolts, pulpwood and material for bioenergy use. The automatic system of the harvester takes care of the optimal usage of the trunks into most valuable assortments.

This is called automated bucking.

The forwarder transports the trees to the roadside and makes a separate pile for each assortment.

Long-distance transport to the mill

is taken care of with a timber truck featuring a crane for loading.

In the tree-length method, correspondingly, the harvesting equipment consists of a feller for felling the trees, a skidder for pulling the intact trunks to the roadside, and a delimber or a processor. The delimber removes the limbs and cuts the tops of the trunks. Often, a slasher or a processor is also needed by the roadside if the trunks are so long that they must be cut for long distance transport. Loading into the timber truck is carried out with a crane transported in the truck or with a separate loader. In hilly terrain, the tree-length method can also be carried out by a cable yarder team. In this method, the trunks are hoisted up steep hills with specifically developed winches.

The tree-length method requires more machines than the cut-to-length method In the cut-to-length method, two machines are typically needed for work requiring three or four machines in the tree-length method. Fuel consumption per harvested cubic meter is lower with the cut-to-length method than with the tree-length method because one tree is only processed by two machines: the harvester and the forwarder. Other running costs of machines are also lower in the cutto-length method.

The cost structure of cut-tolength is different from the tree-

66 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

Ponsse specialises in forest machines designed for the cut-to-length method and in related information systems

Cut-to-length method needs only small space for landings because wood is not processed at the landing site.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 67

Ponsse 10 wheel forwarder is a solution specially developed for soft grounds (Buffalo model shown) length method because logging circumstances such as slopes, long forest haulage distances and soft ground have a significantly lower effect on the productivity of the machines than in the tree-length method. Therefore, the overall productivity of the machine chain is more level and easier to manage.

Why is the cut-to-length method more responsible?

Today bioenergy is mostly collected from harvesting residues. Even in case that Bioenergy is collected, the nutrients from the leaves and needles remain in the forest.

Ponsse Buffalo Dual machines have been developed to function as both harvesters and forwarders

68 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

The machines used in the cut-tolength method feature a crane reaching up to approximately 10 metres, and the trunks can be cut in the forest, which enables efficient selective thinning’s. In selective thinning, a dense forest stand is thinned and its best trees are left to grow in accordance with forestry recommendations. This guarantees that the value of the forest will increase and it will yield high-quality wood in later thinning or final felling. Properly carried out thinning prevents the forest stand from becoming too dense and the trees from drying out, as well as keeping the forest viable.

This significantly reduces the risks of insect damage and fire, among other things.

In the cut-to-length method, the trees are delimbed and bucked in the forest. This means that the nutrition-rich top and limb slash consisting of leaves/ needles, branches and tops are left in the forest. In nutrient-poor soil in particular, this ensures that the trees left growing or the regeneration seedlings draw enough nutrients from the soil.

Alternatively, part of this slash can be collected for bioenergy use, but even in that case, the nutrients from the leaves and needles remain

in the forest. Top and limb slash is also used to even up the machine driving paths in the forest to reduce the strain caused by the machines on the terrain. This has a massive impact on the formation of ground damages and possible erosion.

If the cut-to-length method is carried out properly, the surface pressure on the ground caused by the machine is comparable to a human footprint. In the treelength method, these nutrients are carried to the roadside and out of the forest, and because the trunks are transported with limbs intact, the slash cannot be used on the machine driving paths.

In the cut-to-length method, the space requirement for landings is small because the wood is not processed at the landings. In the cut-to-length method, wood transport takes place as soon as possible after the wood has been brought to the roadside. Thus, stockpiles will not grow too large.

Quick turnover decreases the amount of bug infestation. The tree-length method requires a large roadside landing since that is where the delimbing and part of the bucking take place. In the treelength method, if the top slash is not used as bioenergy, the landing must be cleaned after harvesting because the large amount of limb/ top slash creates an uncontrollable risk of fire. This cleaning is often carried out by burning, which releases a large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The cut-to-length method makes it possible to harvest even small logging areas cost-effectively, since there are fewer machines to move to the work site and they are relatively easy to move due to

their light weight. For small sites, special Dual machines have also been developed that can function as both harvesters and forwarders.

In this case, just one machine is sufficient for carrying out the work.

For the above reasons, the cut-to-length method enables responsible forestry that greatly intensifies the growth of the forest.

A growing forest is an excellent carbon sink because as trees grow, they bind a great amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Along with low terrain damage, this is one of the most important environmental issues relating to responsibility.

The cut-to-length method gives a higher yield from valuable wood material and a lower wood wastage The cut-to-length method allows significantly more bolts to be produced in initial thinning than the tree-length method. This is because the harvester optimises each trunk accurately before cutting it. Therefore, visual estimation is not used for cutting the trunk.

Additionally, when using the cut-to-length method, even a small amount of special wood can be separated and transported costeffectively to the mill. Examples of this include different log qualities, veneer log and poles. Due to this, the cut-to-length method enables better volume and value yield because the whole tree is utilized effectively. In tree-length, wastage is often higher.

Logistics in a key role When implemented correctly, the long-distance transport of wood to the mill can be carried out at a lower cost and more effectively in the cut-to-length method than in the tree-length method.

For example, in the cutto-length method, logs are transported directly to the sawmill, veneer logs directly to the plywood mill and pulpwood directly to the

paper or pulp mill. For this reason, the transport distance is shorter than in the tree-length method, in which the entire trunks are typically first transported to the sawmill, where they are unloaded and the part suitable for sawing is cut off.

The rest becomes pulpwood and is chipped, loaded into a truck and transported to a paper or pulp mill. Thus, in the tree-length method, there are more processing stages for pulpwood than in the cut-to-length method and, for example, the transporting distance of pulpwood is nearly always longer than in the cut-to-length method.

In addition, round trips can be utilized in the transportation for the cut-to-length method. This means that, for example, when sawlogs have been picked up at the logging site and taken to a sawmill, a load of pulpwood can be picked up near the sawmill and taken to a paper mill. With efficient logistics, unnecessary empty running can be avoided to reduce carbon dioxide releases.

Cut-to-length method needs only small space for landings because wood is not processed at the landing site. In picture landing is in forest and basically no earth moving is needed (Buffalo model shown)

Further processing is quick In the cut-to-length method, logs are cut in the forest. Therefore, they can be sorted at the sawmill into batches with similar diameters before the sawing process. A batch like this can be sawed with a high line speed because all the logs are approximately of the same diameter. The settings of the saw do not have to be adjusted between logs.

In the tree-length method, logs are typically sawed in the order in which they are removed from the trunk. Therefore, the top diameter is different for each log, and for this reason, the settings of the saw must be adjusted for each log. This, in turn, leads to lower line speed and lower efficiency.

Ponsse specialises in forest machines designed for the cutto-length method and in related information systems.

CUT-TO LENGTH METHOD (CTL) VS TREE LENGTH (TL) There are two dominant mechanised logging methods in the world: the cut-to-length method (CTL) and the tree-length method.

In the tree-length method, trunks are delimbed in the forest and transported to the mill whole or almost whole.

At the mill, a section suitable for each purpose is separated from the trunk. These sections include e.g sawlog and pulpwood.

With the cut-to-length method, the trunks are cut in the forest into various log assortments for different uses. Typical assortments are sawlogs, veneer logs, bolts and pulpwood. There are also many other types.

Cut-to-length harvesters are also widely used in debarking operations because of their efficiency (Scorpion King model shown) International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 69

TAR HEEL STATE OF MIND North Carolina is known

days, the tar was an

term referring to barefoot

soon embraced Tar Heel

as the “Tar Heel State”

important export used

workers who produced

as a badge of pride, and

after the substance

to cover the bottoms of

the tar in the hot summer

today it is the nickname

created out of the sticky

British naval ships. After

sun — and no doubt

for the University of

sap from the state’s vast

the Civil War, “Tar Heel”

got some on their feet.

North Carolina’s athletic

pine forests. In colonial

became a disparaging

But the state’s residents

teams. Wayne Sugg,

RIDING THE PINE

Carolina’s timberland are loblolly pine plantations. That accounts for around 4.3 billion cubic feet of the softwood inventory in the U.S. “There’s a lot of loblolly pine around here,” says Sugg. “That’s what I really like to cut. We stay fairly busy cutting loblolly pine.”

Ellerbe has a population of just over 1,000. “It was a nice place to grow up,” recalls Sugg. “It’s

North Carolina logger Wayne Sugg reflects on growing up in a small town, loblolly pine, and Deere’s latest L-Series II machines Ellerbe is located about a halfhour drive from the historic golf resort of Pinehurst in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina.

Pinehurst is aptly named. Loblolly pine covers 80 percent of the softwood plantations found in Piedmont as well as the coastal area of the state. Over 2.5 million acres, or 14 percent, of North

70 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

STORY: KEVIN ORFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW CARROLL

owner of Sugg Logging, Ellerbe, North Carolina, certainly would be proud to be called a Tar Heel, as harvesting pine is his business.

a quiet, small town with a lot of logging and farming going on. I helped out on my cousin’s farm a bit, but he was getting up in age, so he sold it when I was 14.”

When Sugg was 17, he began helping a local logger, running a skidder and felling trees using a Franklin feller buncher with a shear head. The shear was better suited for cutting pulpwood than logs and not as efficient as the saw on today’s feller bunchers.

“We used the shear a lot, but it’s not near as productive as what you can do now.”

BUILDING A FUTURE After working for the logger for over a decade, Sugg started his own

logging business and has been on his own now for almost a decade.

Sugg’s first customer was a timber merchant in nearby Laurinburg.

He started out with a John Deere feller buncher, a skidder, and a loader. “I was very busy at the time, and Deere machines helped keep downtime to a minimum, so I’ve stuck with them ever since,” he recalls. “We hardly ever have any breakdowns. Deere has been exceptional for me.”

Reliable machines are important to Sugg, but support is just as critical. “Our local Deere dealer was very helpful in getting me started. They’ve been very good to me. I can always count on them to come out right away

to make sure I’m up and running again. Because if the wood is not going out on trucks, I’m not making money. We need to stay busy.”

Sugg hasn’t had too much trouble filling his calendar.

Recently the market has been strong, with more mills coming online in the area. Today he logs for a mill, Jordan Lumber. The company hauls a weekly average of 80 loads of mostly pine logs and pine pulpwood. Sugg also hasn’t had difficulty finding young loggers to keep up with the mill’s demands: “I haven’t had much turnover, but I do get quite a few calls from younger people who want to learn how to do it.”

We hardly ever have any breakdowns.

Deere has been exceptional for me.”

Wayne Sugg, Owner, Sugg Logging

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 71

The logging business changes all the time.

Some days the mills don’t want your wood, or they’ll pull you off one tract and put you on another so you can cut the wood they do want.

That includes his children. His 10-year-old son is very interested in the feller buncher and likes to come out to the logging site to watch it work. His 19-year-old daughter also helps out during the summer, running errands. “She’s very interested in logging, too.”

MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF Currently the company runs a John Deere 843K Feller Buncher. “It’s got great power for clearcuts and balance for working on hills, as well as good maneuverability for thinnings,” says Sugg. “It does a nice job.”

He has also been demoing an L-Series II Feller Buncher — which he liked so much that he

bought one. When the L-Series Skidders and Feller Bunchers were introduced three years ago, they were Deere’s most powerful and comfortable machines ever. Since introducing the L-Series, Deere has continued to collect input from customers and incrementally refine these machines. Over 1,600 part changes have been made to the L-Series II machines, including more robust harnesses, fittings, and cylinder guards. Deere also improved component placement

If the wood is not going out on trucks, I’m not making money.

We need to stay busy.

72 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

and reduced the complexity of the electrical and hydraulic systems.

“The two-piece wiring harness makes it easier to work on machines,” observes Sugg.

“Wiring is rerouted so it’s not bunched up in the machine, which reduces rubbing and wear. The cylinder guards protect hoses from falling limbs. These changes help make the machine more reliable, which saves time and money on maintenance.”

JDLink, John Deere’s machinemonitoring system, also helps Sugg Logging control costs and keep the machines up and running.

“We use JDLink to monitor fuel use for skidders pulling wood in different terrain. By changing how and where we drag wood, we can save fuel.” Sugg also monitors machine idle time to help ensure he’s getting the most out of his operators and equipment.

Theft has been a problem with loggers in the area. JDLink allows Sugg to keep tabs on his machines’ exact locations. He can also set

up geofences and receive alerts if a machine is moved out of a designated area after hours.

JDLink also sends Sugg and his wife Tina alerts on their smartphones about any issues with a machine, so they can contact operators about a clogged air or fuel filter. “By blowing out or replacing a filter, they can save an engine. If it’s a more serious issue, we receive trouble codes we can share with the technician back at the dealership. They can remotely diagnose the problem and pull the right part the first time, saving an additional trip to figure out what’s going on.”

Deere machines and technology have helped Sugg keep up with a rapidly changing environment.

“The logging business changes all the time,” he reflects. “Some days the mills don’t want your wood, or they’ll pull you off one tract and put you on another so you can cut the wood they do want.”

Logging is a challenging job, but Sugg loves challenges. “They keep me going. I just enjoy being around the machines and seeing the progress we’ve made. We have a very good crew, and we all try to do a good job. When I look at where we were when we started, I’m amazed at how far this company has come. I’m proud of us having established a good name at what we do.”

We use JDLink™ to monitor fuel use for skidders pulling wood in different terrain. By changing how and where we drag wood, we can save fuel

Sugg Logging LLC is serviced by James River Equipment, Charlotte, North Carolina.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 73

HANDS-ON with THERESA LONERGAN Theresa operating their 1075C forwarder, “I hop in to operate the forwarder whenever needed,” says Theresa.

T

From conducting safety audits to running forwarders to sourcing parts, Theresa is hands-on when it comes to the family business.

– SAMANTHA PAUL

I love being out here in the bush. I’d be happy to stay in the forwarder all day.

Theresa Lonergan, P & T Lonergan Pty Ltd

74 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

heresa Lonergan proudly owns P&T Lonergan Pty Ltd along with her husband Peter – a two crew clear fall logging company based in Tumbarumba, New South Wales, Australia. The couple has owned the logging business since 2007, happily celebrating the company’s ten-year anniversary last year. Growing up on a farm with three older brothers, Theresa was very familiar with hands-on hard work.

However, she never imagined she would be owning a logging business with her family. “My husband Peter has been in logging for thirty years but it’s something I never would have thought of getting involved with,” she says.

Now, Theresa is involved in all aspects of the business, checking up on the crew, operating the forwarder, conducting safety audits, sourcing parts, and catching up on office paperwork.

“I love being out here in the bush.

If I didn’t have to do everything else, including housework and office paperwork, I’d be happy to stay in the forwarder all day,” says Theresa.

Theresa and Peter have been married 25 years. They have three kids – Callum, 23, Benjamin, 19 and Zoe, 17. Callum operates a

Tigercat LH822D harvester and Benjamin operates an older model LH830C harvester. “It’s always got challenges [working with family], but we’re a close family and it keeps you close,” Theresa explains. “But you never get away from it. Our vacation is going over for factory tours. It’s hard to sever the two. But we love it,” she laughs.

When the family isn’t working in the bush, they go four-wheeling in the NSW high country, up through the mountains. They also love clay target shooting – Theresa and Zoe won the Junior and Ladies High Gun Championship for the Cooma/ Tumut Gun Clubs in 2018.

“Everyone laughs because we work all week together and then we’ll go shooting, camping or off-roading together on the weekends,” she smiles.

A lot of logging contractors in the area are comprised of a husband and wife team. However, Theresa is notably hands-on and operates equipment whenever the need arises. “It’s not a shock around here that I own a logging company and can operate forestry equipment but when we go away to forestry related events, the women are surprised at how involved I am in the daily operations,” Theresa

WOMEN IN LOGGING

Theresa Lonergan with husband and co-owner of P & T Lonergan Pty Ltd, Peter Lonergan. On the day BTB visited, Peter and Theresa celebrated 25 years of marriage. “From when we first got married to where we are now, I just never would have pictured it,” says Theresa.

Nineteen-year-old son Ben operating the LH830C harvester.

A band of curious brumbies roaming the harvested hills.

explains. Theresa only knows of one other female operator in the area. “I think forestry and logging has always been perceived as a dangerous industry and that is what scares people away from it.”

Gear and operations P & T Lonergan Pty Ltd started with Tigercat gear in 2007 with an H845 harvester and a 1014 forwarder. In

2008, the company purchased a 1075B and in 2012, a used LH830 harvester, which was then replaced with a new model in 2014. In July of last year, the company purchased a 1075C and a new LH822D harvester.

P & T harvests primarily for Hyne Timber, a sawmill in Tumbarumba. Both crews clear fall in mature pine forests with a small

component of second thinning.

Production averages approximately 700 tonnes per day between the two crews. “Average tree size varies between 0,8 cubic metres up to 1,5 for the mature sites,” states Theresa.

Peter and Theresa were pretty confident in the decision to start their own business when the opportunity came up. Peter knew the operational side of the forestry world being in the industry for over thirty years. “I had been around it for a while so I had an idea, but there is a lot of extra work that goes into owning and running your own business,” says Peter.

Theresa worked in the banking industry for fifteen years and did casual work at vineyards and service stations when their kids were little. “It was a nice change getting out of banking and doing odd jobs. But then to start our own logging business, it was a huge learning curve for me.”

The Tigercat relationship Theresa and her husband have visited the Tigercat factories in Canada in 2009, 2016 and 2018.

“It blew my mind how big the

words from THERESA

I

would encourage younger or older females to go on and

have a go. Learn about the safety concerns, be aware, and there is nothing to be scared about. Look, the machines are big and heavy, and when you’re doing maintenance on them, it can be challenging. But look, if you’ve got a good crew you will get the job done together.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 75

When we go away to forestry related events, the women are surprised at how involved I am in the daily operations Theresa Lonergan

Callum (23) operating the Tigercat 1185 harvester on a machine trial day.

company had gotten when we were back in 2016. And a lot more mechanized with robots, it was just amazing. It was like a happy success story coming back after the downturn in 2009,” she expresses.

“It is amazing going back to the factory and going to different shows, you see the same staff, the same people. And I don’t know how Ken [MacDonald] remembers everyone but he does. He always walks right up to us and says, ‘Hello Theresa, Hello Peter.’ And it blows my mind.”

“We have run our machinery to high hours and we have never had a big problem,” says Theresa.

The company had to replace an engine on its first H845 harvester.

“We were happy to do that. The machine already had 30,000 hours on it.”

The company’s first fourteen tonne 1014 Tigercat forwarder was reliable but not the right capacity for the operation, so they decided to purchase the twenty-tonne 1075B after AusTimber in 2008.

“At that time, we could justify the price because we knew Tigercat’s productivity and reliability,” she explains.

Theresa’s boys Callum and Benjamin have a friend in Sweden operating another brand of forwarder. He recently came back to Australia for a visit and tried out the Tigercat 1075C. “Want to have a go?” asked Theresa. “Now

he keeps telling us he hates us because he’s had a taste for the best.”

Both boys have always wanted to work with their parents in the bush. They finished school at sixteen, completed their Certificate III Training in harvesting and hauling and didn’t want to do anything else. P & T Lonergan Pty Ltd currently has a six-year contract with five and a half years left. The end goal is to have the boys take over the business when they are ready to retire.

Theresa’s daughter’s role in the family business is just as important as her sons. “She may not come out here but she gets home from school at 3:30 pm. She’ll do a load of laundry for us and she’ll put tea [dinner] on,” Theresa says, “She’s a big help. If I am in the machine all day, we wouldn’t get fed if it wasn’t for her.”

Theresa and Peter are happy with the two crews they have now. They have thought about expanding to a third crew but staffing is a problem. There is

a shortage of operators in the area. “For people that love being outdoors, it is a good gig. You make a good living. Women need to be more involved. If their partner is in the business, get out and have a go at it, even if it is just understanding the machinery and trying to be a bit more hands-on. There is no need to hide in the office,ˮ says Theresa.

WOMEN NEED TO BE MORE INVOLVED. THERE IS NO NEED TO HIDE IN THE OFFICE

Theresa and daughter Zoe love clay target shooting and won the Junior and Ladies High Gun Championship for the Cooma/Tumut Gun Clubs in 2018.

76 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

SKOGSNOLIA PREVIEW – INDEXATOR

INNOVATION

The rotator-HX hard at work

HX rotators are suitable for use with the strongest machines Johnny Karlsson, Area Sales Manager, Indexator Rotator Systems

New technology in tomorrow’s harvester rotators Indexator will be talking customers through the rotatorHX at the industry fair in Sweden

I

ndexator will preview its next generation harvest rotators – HX – at Skogsnolia 2019, from June 13-15, in Sweden.

Visitors taking part will experience the current product range with rotators, links and K100-swivels but the Indexator stand will also showcase major, ongoing product developments.

“HX rotators are suitable for use with the strongest machines,” says Indexator Area Sales Manager Johnny Karlsson.

The new generation harvest rotators are based on a new principal, specially adapted for

Next generation harvest rotator-HX- from Indexator Rotator Systems

use on applications in tough environments and demanding jobs.

“We are using a patented torque transfer solution, meaning that external forces acting on the bearings do not affect the motor inside the HX rotator. This extends the rotator’s service life significantly,” says Johnny Karlsson.

This technology has already been successfully applied to Indexator’s largest compact rotators, the XR-series, and a similar solution is now being transferred to the upcoming new generation harvest rotators.

Skogsnolia: Sweden’s most important forestry industry fair in 2019 In 2015, Skogsnolia attracted more than 200 exhibitors, including all the large forest machine manufacturers.

Industry news was presented at a carefully chosen area of more than 57,000m2.

Here more than 14,000 participants could learn about the latest news, innovations and products developed.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 77

LUMBER PROCESSING - WORLD MARKETS

Canada’s Jan-Feb lumber exports rise 65% In January-February 2019, Canada increased its lumber exports to China by 65% ​​to 906 thousand m3, according to Woodstat. Ukraine has become the fourth largest supplier of lumber to China, beating the exports from Sweden, Germany, Chile and the United States. Lumber exports from Ukraine to China grew by 223% to 152 thousand m3. Russia is the

largest lumber supplier to China with volume in January-February of 2.16 million m3 (+ 15%). However, the country’s share in the Chinese market for imported lumber declined from a maximum of 63% last year to 56% in JanuaryFebruary 2019.

The United States had the largest reduction in lumber supplies to China in January-

February by 57%, shipments from Sweden decreased by 39%, and from Finland by 28%.

Softwood lumber import in China during January-February 2019 totaled 3.82 million m3 (+16% compared to 2018). Of softwood lumber, China imports mostly pine.

The import of pine increased by 8% during January-February (compared to 2018). The import of spruce increased by 26%. The import of other lumber (mostly larch) increased by 31%.

Launch of Queensland forestry network More than forty state parliamentarians joined over 100 industry stakeholders in March to launch the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Forest and Timber Industry Network at Parliament House in Brisbane.

Timber Queensland’s Chair James Hyne said this landmark event provided industry an opportunity to showcase its diversity and for MPs to gain a greater appreciation of its bright future. “Queensland’s $3.2 billion forest and timber industry delivers 25,000 direct and indirect jobs predominately in rural and regional communities,” said Mr Hyne.

“We gathered last night to

celebrate our contribution and to show we’ve got room to grow.

There are exciting trends in timber innovation and we have significant forest resources that can play a greater role in the state’s economic future,” he said.

“This growth potential strengthens our position as Queensland’s third highest value agricultural industry, with significant downstream processing and manufacturing that supports the state’s $44 billion building and construction industry.”

The event was co-hosted

by Labor MP for Maryborough Mr Bruce Saunders and Liberal National MP for Gympie Mr Tony

78 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

Perrett, who are both co-chairs of the new network. They were joined by the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mr Mark Furner, and the Leader of the Opposition Mrs Deb Frecklington.

James Hyne said he was pleased with the overwhelming response from industry participants and members of parliament who attended the event. “The wide attendance from all sides of politics was a clear demonstration of their support of our renewable and carbon friendly industry,” said Mr Hyne.

The Parliamentary Friends of Queensland’s Forest and Timber

Photo: James Hyne, Timber Queensland Chair, Bruce Saunders MP, Member for Maryborough, Tony Perrett MP, Member for Gympie, and Mick Stephens, Timber Queensland CEO, officially launch the Network at Parliament House.

Industry Network will strengthen the industry’s engagement with parliamentarians and state policy makers, and build awareness of the multiple economic, social and environmental benefits it delivers for Queensland.

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY

Forestry apprentices use cutting-edge technology Cutting-edge technology is being used to log SRUC students’ progress on forestry machinery simulators, so that their readiness can be assessed before they are ‘thrown the keys to a £400,000 machine’ reports Gordon Davidson, for the The Scottish Farmer.

At the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2019, four forestry apprentices have been using simulators at the Barony campus in Dumfries to work their way through a TimberSkills training course, developed by the machinery giant John Deere to monitor the progress of trainee foresters as they hone their skills before moving to real forest machines.

After gaining the basic skills and knowledge to start work on forwarders – the vehicles used to carry felled logs – apprentices Gemma Brown, 30, Jack Marshall, 17, Kris Faulder, 22, and James Thomson, 24, are now putting their training into practice on site in Galloway Forest District.

“We are the first college in the UK to use this training course and it is proving to be a great success,” said SRUC senior instructor in forestry, Paul Fotheringham.

“Some of the key advantages of the TimberSkills course, over the previous use of simulators, is that there is a structured learning programme, it measures the progress of students and quickly identifies aspects of the student’s work that needs to be worked on.

“Importantly, it prevents the development of bad habits from the outset, meaning that time doesn’t need to be spent ironing these out later on.”

Country Manager at John Deere Forestry, Jock McKie, said: “It is great that we are using this cuttingedge technology here in Scotland to benefit the student learning experience – it is an integral part of their development before we throw them the keys to a £400,000 machine.

“We are delighted to continually support SRUC through the provision of the simulators and machines as we strive to find the operators of the future.”

The trainees were the first to be accepted onto the pilot Forest Machine Operator Modern Apprenticeship scheme – developed by the Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Industry Leadership Group, in partnership

with SRUC and other public and private organisations – which trains young people to operate the hi-tech machinery used in the harvesting and primary processing of timber.

They will spend their first year working for Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES), with training carried out at Barony and in Galloway Forest District.

Two will remain with FES for the second year and two will be employed by forestry contractors Treetop Forestry and Elliot Henderson Timber Harvesting.

The pilot is being funded through the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Modern Apprenticeship programme, with additional employer support

provided by Forestry Commission Scotland.

As part of the scheme, four harvesting machines have been provided by John Deere and Komatsu, with other companies providing fuel and ancillary equipment. The pilot scheme will be reviewed after one year with a view to offering more apprenticeship places to young people in the future.

Wood properties and uses of Scots Pine in Britain A new research report highlighting the qualities of timber from Scots pine and promoting its greater use has been published by Forest Research (FR) and the Forestry Commission reports Tilhill Forestry.

Authored by FR’s Dr Paul McLean, who specialises in functional biomechanics of trees, biometrics and the growth of trees for forest products, the report is aimed at forest scientists, engineers, wood processors and end users of wood products. It covers distribution of Scots pine, wood properties and uses of Scots pine, and suitability for different end products.

The report collates and synthesises research into the silviculture, the mechanical properties and use of Scots pine timber in Great Britain, and intends to promote greater use of the only

UK-native conifer species that is grown for timber.

Andy Leitch, Timber Development Policy Advisor with FCS said; “Scots pine is the second most abundant conifer grown in the UK. Around 600 000, m3 of Scots pine is harvested annually in Great Britain, approximately two-thirds of which is in Scotland.

“It can thrive on dry sites, it has more durable heartwood than other conifers and its clearwood mechanical properties are better than those of Sitka and in some cases can match those of Scandinavian grown Scots pine.

It’s unique properties and qualities make it a highly versatile and adaptable timber that can be used in a wide range of applications.

“As a home-grown timber, it’s one of our best and the report

details its qualities and strengths - but it also notes the weaknesses and highlights the fact that there is potential for us to both improve and make much more of our Scots pine resource.”

Scots pine has more favourable mechanical properties than some other conifers and, because of its durability and dimensional stability can be enhanced through industrial processes. It has the potential to be a utilised effectively to manufacture added value engineered wood products.

Although its relatively higher resin content makes Scots pine less desirable for pulping than spruces, it could potentially make it a desirable feedstock for biorefining.

International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019 79

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80 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2019

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FORWARDING TRANSFORMED. Standard equipped with Tigercat’s innovative hooked crane and low-wideŽ bunk system, Tigercat forwarders deliver unmatched productivity. Innovations like these set Tigercat apart from the crowd. And careful engineering, along with bulletproof construction ensure that Tigercat forwarders are the best choice for the toughest logging conditions.

Contact your Tigercat dealer today for more information.

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