International Forest Industries Magazine October November 2015 digital version with video

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

G SERIES LAUNCH! 1270G harvester - test driven In Finland

DEFT AND ADAPTABLE Supple solutions lead prime movers & mulching attachments

BENT OUT OF SHAPE CTL heads handle crooked stems

SCOREBOARD PRESSURE

USNR has a winning team for sawmill product transport

MOVER & SHAKER

Holtec state-of-the-art cutting system

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

SAWLINES Mill Transport & Sorting

24 26

28

24 USNR

26 HOLTEC

28 SPRINGER

USNR solves various issues with better, quicker handling

Holtec on deck in modern mill

Low maintenance for higher productivity

Operation Focus

Scanning & Optimisation

32 30

34

30 USNR

32 MiCROTEC

34 USNR

Drying upgrade improves production

Tregoweth Sawmills increases recovery with new Goldeneye 300

Above and beyond

LUMBER PROCESSING

18 News

22 World Markets

80 Advertising Index

COVER: John Deere G Series

G SERIES LAU

NCH! 1270G harve ster test driven In Finla nd DEFT AND ADA

John Deere is rolling out its first G-Series

event in Scotland. The new series models

forest machine models. Compliant with Final

combine excellent fuel economy and higher

Tier 4 / Stage IV emissions requirements, the

productivity. The innovative new solutions in

1270G and 1470G harvesters and the 1910G

the G-Series machines bring uncompromising

forwarder are making their debut at a launch

reliability and added customer value.

OCTOBER / NOVEM BER 2015

PTA

BLE Supple solut ions lead prime movers & mulching attachments BENT OUT OF

SHAPE

CTL heads hand le crooked stem s

SCOREBOAR D PRE SSURE

USNR has a winn ing team for sawm ill product trans port

MOVER & SHA

KER

Holtec state-of-th e-art cutting syste m

www.deere.com/en_US/industry/forestry/forestry.page 2253 IFI Mag

Oct Nov Cover.indd

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20/10/2015

12:09

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 1

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

36

54

36 HARVESTER HEADS

54 PRIME MOVERS & MULCHING ATTACHMENTS

Cut-to-length harvesting head manufacturers have been asked to supply options that can handle crooked stems with greater efficiency without sacrificing power

Suppliers of prime movers and mulching heads have learned that contractors don’t just need power and efficiency, they also demand versatility and flexibility

65

70

65 FECON’S SUCCESS FUELS FURTHER EXPANSION

70 NEW JOHN DEERE 1270G ON TEST IN FINLAND

For over 20 years, Fecon has been a leading manufacturer of vegetation management and wood-to-energy equipment

From the outside, the new G-series harvester very much resembles its predecessor, but looks can be deceiving: virtually everything inside is new

72

78

72 VERSATILE MACHINES THAT ARE UP TO THE JOB

78 CHAINED TO THE WHEEL

The Vermeer FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head gives contractors a powerful machine

US distributor Wallingford’s takes great pride in bringing a US tyre chain manufacturer Babac to market

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News

2 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

16 World Markets

80 Advertising Index

Uptime. Productivity. Fuel efficiency.

Convincing performance and excellent fuel economy combined with uncompromising high quality are the distinctive features of the new John Deere G-Series forest machines. G-Series machines combine major upgrades in the control system and transmission with increased power and torque levels. The new John Deere engines include the strengths of both EGR and SCR systems resulting in unforeseen fuel efficiency. In addition, our unique ForestSight service solutions secure the high uptime and ensure cost savings. G-Series is more than a machine.

Take a sneak preview.

JohnDeere.co.uk/Forestry

ISSUE 48 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 583 emma@internationalforestindustries.com Annual Subscription UK and Europe £160, €230 Rest of the world US$270 EDITORIAL T: +44 (0)1442 877 583 F: +44 (0)1442 870 617 www.internationalforestindustries.com 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK Editorial Director John Chadwick john@internationalforestindustries.com Editor Chris Cann chris@internationalforestindustries.com Editorial Board Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit (Canada) Darren Oldham – Managing Director Söderhamn Eriksson (UK) Professor Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz – Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland) 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.

EDITOR’S COMMENT

From where will the next harvest come?

I

t was highlighted to me when speaking to a long running sawmilling operation recently just how important it was to bring through the next generation of forestry professionals.

It is something that is regularly highlighted by those with a vested interest such as forestry specific educational facilities, which are particularly prolific in Scandinavian centres, but can we honestly say that as an industry we have concentrated enough over the recent decade on the talent that will inherit the leadership roles in our industry?

From the puzzled noises at the other end of the line after a few phone calls to ask that direct question, the answer was clearly: no.

That is not to say that as an industry we don’t see our future leadership as important. Far from it. Once recovered from the initial shock of the question, those International Forest Industries quizzed about this issue expressed genuine concern.

The basic truth of the matter is: we’ve been battling so long to ensure the safety of our businesses, that now we are enjoying greener pastures most companies, whether they be sawmills or logging contractors, are looking to consolidate rather than invest in new talent.

Of course when making a living in the forestry sector was at its toughest, those young and inexperienced were first to be shown the door.

They are likely to have sought employment in less volatile industries not so reliant on raw material prices. The cost of losing many potential life-long forestry professionals during this period will never be known.

But that cost will manifest itself in three ways.

Firstly, there will be a cost to individual businesses. I spoke with a small wood working firm recently that has been doing its best to keep its head above water through a difficult period. This was achieved largely by shedding non-core business units, investing in the retention of key employees and the retrenchment of what was considered “fat” in the business. It is not a family business but is almost run as such, and employees have been close and generally loyal.

Almost needless to say, the average age of the company workforce increased significantly over that period. The directors are looking to retire and though they have a ready crop of staff poised to assume more senior roles, they are

4 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

devoid of individuals to step into the vacuum that will be created at the middle-level of the company.

Had the company been able to find the money to invest in the next generation 10 years ago, this would not have been the case.

Secondly, there is a cost to industry. This takes a similar form but the outcome is on a far greater scale. Without the investment in a fresh generation of forestry professionals, we are potentially depriving ourselves of the kind of individuals who delivered the best breakthroughs in scanning technology or in harvesting head communication systems, for example, over the last decade. Those people would have provided the breakthroughs to take our industry forward into the future.

The knock on effect is of course the stalled delivery of crucial building materials (and green fuels) into our wider society and economy.

Some reading this will say, rightly: ‘This was inevitable for most industries following a global economic set-back.” And they’re right. But that doesn’t alter the challenge that our industry now faces.

We are in competition to restock our talent pool to ensure we have a generation of forestry professionals coming through that is capable of delivering the kinds of success that the current generation has had, and the generation before that.

Whereas the problem necessarily started with grassroots businesses cutting back on youth employment and training programmes, I would argue that the solution must come from society (read: government) to provide the incentives necessary to make hiring young staff and running training schemes affordable for forestry businesses.

This is not a gamble. This is a matter of cause and effect, much as the destocking of our talent was delivered through under-investment. With or without assistance, the forestry sector must take up the challenge of finding our future champions.

Enjoy, Chris Cann Editor

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LOGGING NEWS

Cleanfix® launches intelligent new hydraulic cooling fans

Haegele GmbH - CLEANFIX® announced the launch of its intelligent new hydraulic cooling fans used in a wide range of agricultural, forestry, construction, waste and recycling equipment to prevent problems associated with overheating and inefficiency of the engine. The key benefits to customers are more power on the PTO shaft and on the wheels, fuel savings, and noise reduction as engine speed can be reduced. Ben Haegele, CEO of Haegele GmbH CLEANFIX®.: “We invested a lot in research and development and are very pleased to add the hydraulic equivalents of our successful reversible fan series to our existing product offer.” He added that the complete range of reversible fans (from 320mm to 1300mm) is now available as a hydraulic version.

They now offer the standard reversing fan with hydraulic

actuation (HSC-Series) in addition to the standard reversing function, the thermal-controlled variable blade pitch controlled fan (HVPSeries with wax elements) plus a fully electronically controlled CLEANFIX®-Hytronic fan (HTSeries). The latter controls the exact blade angle and thus the cooling performance by using CAN bus or the CLEANFIX® electronics with an integrated Hall sensor. The electronics can also be replaced by the vehicle or engine electronics.

Customer support is provided by an experienced team of engineers and its global partners during the installation process. With regards to the many control and switching cycles of the engine, special attention was paid to the longevity of the fans.

Keeping the system free of leaks in particular at high speeds, high temperatures and pressures up to 50bar is a challenge that the CLEANFIX® Smart-Seal System (patented) meets in the new reversible fans. This intelligent sealing system ensures maximum operating safety through the new integrated leakage oil recirculation - both for the piston seal as well as for the rotary intake. Thus, the system remains tight should

leakage occur.

The comparison is worthwhile!

The reversible fans promise maximum efficiency. To reach this objective, the control range has been extended downwards and upwards in recent years. For CLEANFIX® customers, this means that either more fuel is saved or that the air flow rate is further increased.

Many comparative measurements of customers and manufacturers as well as tests by independent institutes, such as the Karlsruhe Institute

The new hydraulic cooling fan with Smart-Seal System of Technology (Germany), certify that the CLEANFIX® reversible fans save up to 30% of the drive power in comparison to electronically controlled standard viscous fans

.ORG

Reversible engine cooling fan

while delivering the same cooling capacity. This can be very easily measured for tractors equipped with a dynamometer. Another focus was on small installation space and minimum weight.

Maximum customer orientation!

CLEANFIX® always offers the right solution, no matter how complex and diverse the demands of offhighway vehicles. For all regulation and control requirements there either is the thermostatic control, an electro-pneumatic or an electronic-hydraulic solution.

Whether the customer wants to activate the cleaning mode by pressing a button or at timed intervals, CLEANFIX® will have the best solution. But innovative products alone are not enough.

Absolute customer satisfaction and perfect service are part of the philosophy.

Visit CLEANFIX® at AGRITECHNICA in Hanover, Germany: November 8th – 14th 2015 Hall 17, Stand D51

Successful debut for Forest Romania Professional forestry in Romania has gained a longed-for meeting place and the exhibitors are thrilled with the first edition of the Forest Romania forestry fair in Transylvania.

The exhibitors praised the trade fair’s concept of focusing exclusively on the professional primary forest industry. Having such a highly targeted industry fair is a totally new approach for the Romanian market.

“During my four years at this company we’ve never before participated in a trade fair that has given us so many valuable customer contacts,” said Ovidiu Stănciulescu, Product Manager at Terra România. The company sells machinery and equipment for timber transport and handling but

also operates in the construction sector.

Lightweight skidder “I believe in this fair as being an important one for the future,” said Anders Strömgren, who is in charge of John Deere’s independent dealers in the European market.

John Deere’s Romanian distributor Elmas presented the new log skidder, Timberhawk, which is designed by Haas Maschienenbau in Germany. The skidder is not part of John Deere’s own product range but was shown at the request of its distributors.

Timberhawk’s nine-tonne weight makes it considerably lighter than American skidders and it has a winch. Its measurements and weight are based on the Timberjack 240C.

6 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

“It was developed to suit the southern European market, so the timing to exhibit it here at Forest Romania was perfect for us,” Strömgren said. “We believe this is a good way to complement the range of machines we offer via our distributors.”

Much-appreciated demonstrations One of the fundamental concepts behind Forest Romania is that new technology should be shown in operation so that visitors can see with their own eyes how it works.

“The visitor interviews done during the fair reveal that this aspect was greatly valued,” said Forest Romania Project Manager Anamaria Deliu. “The visitors gave the fair high marks across the

board and gave the very highest marks to the demonstrations on the forest trail.”

Forest Romania 16–18 September 2015 brought together 60 exhibitors who together represented more than 130 different organisations and producing companies. Just over 1,600 visitors attended the fair Forest Romania was organised

by Elmia AB of Sweden and DLG of Germany. The next fair will be held in September 2017.

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LOGGING NEWS

RusForest to develop harvesting operations in Ust-Ilimsk RusForest AB, a Swedish forestry company with operations in Russia, announces plans to develop harvesting operations in its UstIlimsk forest lease areas.

The Company has been reviewing the best options for its Ust-Ilimsk forest lease areas after the divestment of the old sawmill and certain forest leases in the UstIlimsk area in 2013. The Company has recently been subcontracting forest lease areas in Ust-Ilimsk for harvesting by third party. While the subcontracted volumes have been successfully increased, pricing levels limit the level of profitability on such activities.

The Company has therefore decided to develop its own harvesting operations in the northern areas of the Ust-Ilimsk unit. The current strategy will be to invest in own harvesting operations with a long term potential of up to approximately 200,000 m3 in own annual sawlog harvesting, while

also subcontracting some parts of the northern areas, for up to 140,000 m3 of continued annual subcontracted log harvesting. The southern areas of the Ust-Ilimsk unit covering about 206,119 hectares and an annual allowable cut of 341,000 m3, the Company will consider divesting.

The development of the Company’s own harvesting operations in Ust-Ilimsk, with sawlog volume potential as described above, has an estimated total CAPEX of approximately USD 5 million, mainly for investments in new harvesting and hauling equipment.

The development and investments will be done in stages, with approximately USD 3 million to be invested in 2015 and the remainder in 2016. Developing own harvesting will increase the long term profitability of the Ust-Ilimsk assets and add strategic value to the Rusforest group.

Ponsse operating in France since 1995 Ponssé SAS, Ponsse’s French subsidiary, was established in 1995 in Gondreville, in north-eastern France, where its head office is still located. The company celebrated its 20th anniversary with 200 customers and partners.

The company started operations with a small key team: During the first years, Heikki Tallgren, managing director responsible for sales, was only accompanied by a secretary, storekeeper and accountant. Currently, Ponsse’s French operations are run by Clemént Puybaret, together with 27 employees. In addition to Gondreville, the company provides services for its 300 customers from PONSSE service centres in Peyrat le Chateau in central France and Labouheyre in north-eastern France, as well as through eight contractual service partners.

The company is responsible for sales, not only in France, but also in Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland (French speaking) In 1995 when the company was established, only one Ponsse

forest machine was sold in France.

The French Ponsse pioneer was Mr. Arnaud, a harvesting company based in Limoges, which has been a customer of Ponsse SAS ever since the company’s establishment.

The company operates in Limoges with eight PONSSE machines.

The company also has faith in the future in the logging business: in addition to Mr. Arnaud and his brother, the company is nowadays owned also by his son Christophe.

Changing conditions challenge the forest machine manufacturer Ponsse has gained a foothold on the highly competed forest machine market, particularly thanks to its machine range suitable for the changing conditions of France. “At the most challenging sites, wood is still being harvested partly manually.

However, current machines are excellent on slopes and in soft terrain and, therefore, the degree of mechanical harvesting will inevitably increase,” says Clement

8 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

Puybaret, Managing Director of Ponsse SAS. According to Puybaret, the French forest sector is doing fairly well, albeit entrepreneurs need to keep a close eye on their costs.

“In order to ensure profitable harvesting, entrepreneurs are constantly in need of more efficient and economical machines. This is an area where we are strong,” Puybaret says. The most popular PONSSE models in France are Ergo and Buffalo, and the majority of harvesting companies are small, having only 1–3 machines.

Every year, some 50 million cubic metres of wood is being harvested in France, with forests covering one-fourth of the country’s surface area (17 million hectares). Traditionally, harvesting has focused on hardwood, but the mechanical harvesting of softwood is also increasing because of extensive softwood planting. More than half of all harvested wood, particularly of hardwood, is used as timber. Climate conditions change heavily from oceanic to

continental and, as a result, the country offers a wide variety of tree species. The most common species include the fir, spruce, maritime pine, Douglas fir, oak, poplar and birch. In addition to the abundance of tree species, harvesting operations are challenged by the varying terrain, including steep slopes and wet areas. The largest uniform forest areas are located in the mountains and in areas not suitable for cultivation. In recent years, the harvesting of energy wood has increased in France.

In addition to presenting the new model series, the 20th anniversary celebrated Sylvain Gillet, Vincent Lacombes, Pekka Terävä, Franck Martinet, Patrick Siscard and Philippe Gouy who received a trip to Finland as a recognition of their 10 years of service.

Feed and Continuous Production

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7

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LOGGING NEWS

The UK plans to build the world’s largest wood-burning power The United Kingdom has announced plans to build the world’s largest biomass powerplant. The Tees Renewable Energy Plant (REP) will be located in the Port of Teesside, Middlesbrough and it will have a capacity of 299 MW. While the plant is designed to be able to function on a wide range of biofuels, its main intended power sources are wood pellets and chips, of which the plant is expected to use more than 2.4mt a year. The feedstock will be sourced from certified sustainable forestry

projects developed by the MGT team and partners in North and South America, and the Baltic States, and supplied to the project site by means of ships.

A biomass power plant of this type is referred to as a combined heat and power (or CHP) plant. It will generate enough renewable energy to supply its own operations and commercial and residential utility customers in the area.

Investment in the renewable project is estimated to reach £650m ($1bn), which will be partly funded through aids from

the European Commission, and construction works would create around 1,100 jobs. Environmental technology firm Abengoa, based in Spain, along with Japanese industry giant Toshiba will be leading the project for their client, MGT Teesside, subsidiary to the British utility MGT Power.

The feedstock will be burned to generate steam at 565°C that will drive a steam turbine, which will rotate the generator to produce electricity. The generated power will be conveyed to the National Grid.The exhaust steam generated

by the steam turbine plant will be condensed by the ACCs and reused, whereas the flue gases from theCFB boiler will be discharged via the exhaust stack.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions will be minimized by using capture technology, fabric filters will reduce emission of particulate matter or dust and check the sulphur content of the fuel feed, while sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions will be reduced through limestone injection into the boiler.

3rd Annual Western Forest Industry Conference, January 28, 2016 Wood Resources International LLC have announced the 3rd Annual Conference organized by Wood Resources International and the Western Forestry and Conservation Association on January 28, 2016 titled:

threats and issues in Western North America for 2016 and beyond. Industry experts and analysts from the US and Canada will address topics such as:

“Mapping the Course – Timberlands, Forest Products Processing and Energy Issues for 2016”

• US Northwest Timber Inventory and Projected Growth.

The conference will be held at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, WA, located close to Portland, Oregon’s airport.

Please join us for this one-day conference for in-depth discussions and analysis on forest products market challenges, opportunities,

• The British Columbia Shrinking Wood Supply Base.

• Outlook for Log and Chip Prices in Western North America.

• Emerging Pellet Markets in Asia

• Investments in West Coast Port Infrastructure for Log and Lumber Exports

• Southern US Sawlog Prices and Lumber Production - a Comparison to the Northwest

• Key Competitors to US and Canadian Log and Lumber Exporters in the Pacific Rim.

• Navigating the Changing Fiber Sourcing by the Pulp industry

• Strategic Issues for Timberland Owners in the PNW in 2016.

• Log Exports, Softwood Lumber Agreements and Other Strategic Issus in British Columbia.

• US Northwest Lumber Sector: Will the Industry Benefit from the Surge?

German Wahlers selected as the PONSSE dealer of the year Wahlers Forsttechnik GmbH has been selected as the PONSSE forest machine dealer of 2014.

Established in 1935, the familyowned company has acted as a Ponsse dealer in Germany since 1993.

“Wahlers is a traditional company committed to its longterm customer relationships and partnerships. At the same time, they are always looking ahead – they are actively developing their functions and investing in their future. The family company’s passion for the forest industry and

commitment towards customers are reflected in the high level of quality of their everyday operations,” says Jarmo Vidgrén, Ponsse’s Sales and Marketing Director.

Ponsse uses sales and services results as a basis when selecting its dealer of the year. Another factor in the selection process is feedback received on R&D, administration and finances, as well as production and service.

In addition to the development of sales, the dealer of the year received thanks for actively

10 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

providing constructive feedback to the factory. Wahlers was also merited for its ESW (Effective and Safe Workshop) results in Ponsse’s development and auditing system for maintenance services.

Wahlers Forsttechnik has two service centres in Uffenheim in southern Germany and in Stemmen in northern Germany, as well as five smaller service centres. The company employs more than 80 professionals in harvesting technology. Recently, the company has invested particularly in the development of its service range

and become renowned for its extensive selection of spare parts.

Jarmo Vidgrén says that, in Germany, demand for PONSSE forest machines has been positively affected by, not only the excellent dealer, but also by general requirements for environmentally friendly harvesting. ”Wahlers has succeeded in the extremely competitive forest machine market,” says Jarmo Vidgren.

CLEAR THE WAY BETTER SOLUTIONS. BETTER EQUIPMENT. BETTER ENVIRONMENT. • Shorter Rotation • No Burning

• Erosion Control • Improve Habitat

LOGGING NEWS

Fecon introduces mid-sized mulching tractor with new rotor technology

Fecon advances the forestry mulching industry with the addition of the FTX290 mulching tractor. The FTX290 is a low ground pressure (3.4 psi) tractor with an oscillating

steel track undercarriage, providing balanced traction for rough or soft conditions.

Like other Fecon tractors, the FTX290 features a spacious

cab, operator comfort and ergonomic control layout as well as maintenance friendly service access. Powered by a Cummins QSC8.3 290 hp diesel, the hydraulic flow to the mulching head peaks at 100 gpm. The FTX290 features the Fecon BH120 Forestry Mulcher with variable speed motors and three optional rotor systems including Fecon’s new Depth Controls Rotor (DCR) technology.

Fecon DCR rotors feature the reversible Samurai Knife. The Samurai is incorporated into a depth control design that provides fast cutting in all materials and the

most efficient use of horsepower.

The cutting, slicing and splitting action of the Samurai Knife as it chips is far more productive than straight edge tools or saw teeth. This productivity is further enhanced by the Fecon DCR, depth control rings providing fast cutting durability unlike other knife based rotors.

The new FTX290 mid-sized crawler with the BH120 DCR forestry mulcher is the right combination of power, durability size and production capability for the larger jobs in R.O.W., urban interface and land improvement or development.

Lumber exports from Russia increased by 8.4% in January-August For the first eight months of 2015 total volume of lumber exports from Russia increased by 8.4%, to 9.44 million tons year-over-year, Federal Customs Service of Russia reports.

The volume of Russian exports

of roundwood for the reporting period amounted to 12.07 million cubic metres, (9.9% less than in the same period last year).

Export value of roundwood decreased by 26.5% to $867.2 million; export value of lumber

12 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

decreased by18.1% to $2.1 billion.

11.66 million cubic metres of roundwood (-10.2%) worth $849.5 million (-26%) were shipped to other countries in January- August 2015; to CIS countries - 416.2 thousand cubic metres (+2.3%)

worth $17.7 million (-35.9%).

7.38 million tons (+17%) of lumber worth $1.79 billion (-9.6%) were shipped to other countries; to CIS countries – 2.052 million tons (-14.5%), worth $309.1 million (-47.6%).

LOGGING NEWS

Forest storm resilience improved with latest software

Software to help protect forests from storm damage is being released today by Forest Research, the research agency of the Forestry Commission.

The latest version of the computer-based tool ForestGALES uses data about the trees and the

site (species, soil type) then works out the ‘windiness’ of the location to estimate the level of risk to trees from uprooting or stem breakage.

The information will help forest managers to create more resilient woodlands, reducing the heavy economic cost of timber damage.

Defra Minister Rory Stewart commented: ‘Major storms in the UK not only damage our forests and woodlands, but impact on local economies and communities in those areas. This software is an excellent example of how the latest technologies and use of data can help us to protect our natural environment’ Forest Research estimates that over 11 million cubic metres of timber has been lost over the last 50 years as a result of storm damage. Using ForestGALES, managers can adjust the type of cultivation, timing of thinnings and the age at which trees are felled to make woodlands as wind resistant as possible.

ForestGALES 2.5 predicts most forest stands to be more stable than the previous versions and

the accuracy of its estimates was verified against damage caused by a major storm that crossed Scotland in 2012.

Forest Research’s head of tree stability research, Dr Bruce Nicoll said: ‘ForestGALES is a world-leading forest wind risk tool and this new release is a major step forward in its development. The storm which passed through central Scotland in January 2012 was an opportunity to verify the predictions of ForestGALES 2.5 and confirm its accuracy. This will provide forest managers with increased confidence that ForestGALES provides realistic estimations of wind risk that they can use to guide their forest management decisions.’

Norvik Timber invests in a new boiler

WOLF CLAW Norvik Timber Industries’ Estonian subsidiary Laesti is investing in a new boiler, a dry sorting line and starting the kilns at its Sauga sawmill in Pärnu, Estonia.

“These investments will enable us to develop our sales and command better sales prices for our products,” says Olavi Tang, Managing Director of Laesti.

“This investment is part of a 5-year development plan we have for Laesti,” says Sampsa Auvinen, CEO of Norvik Timber Industries.

Laesti has two sawmills in Pärnu, Savi and Sauga. The total production in 2014 was 103,000 cubic meters of sawn timber.

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 13

LOGGING NEWS

California Bandit dealer Cal-Line Equipment expands into southern California Bandit authorized small equipment dealer Cal-Line Equipment has expanded its operation to cover Southern California, bringing its knowledgeable sales staff and service technicians to the Southern California city of Santa Fe Springs, southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

The grand opening event is scheduled for Sept. 25-26 at the new location at 13030 Firestone Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA.,

90670. The event will feature the latest Bandit® equipment, live demonstrations, and more.

“This new location brings 30 years of tree industry service to Southern California,” said Denny Knoll, the owner of Cal-Line Equipment. “Cal-Line specializes in arbor industry products, and we remain dedicated and true to our customers 100 percent of the time. Along with the full Bandit line, Cal-Line will be offering new

chip trucks to tow your new Bandit machines home!”

Cal-Line Equipment has been a Bandit authorized dealer since nearly the beginning, offering high-quality Bandit equipment and unbeatable service.

“Cal-Line is a trusted leader among tree care professionals in California, and we’re extremely pleased to be their partner to serve the hard working men and women in California,” said Bandit

Marketing Manager Aaron Sorrels.

“This new store is going to help them reach many new customers, and give them that same high level of support.”

To learn more about Cal-Line Equipment visit them online at www.cal-line.com, or call them at 1-800-654-8749.

Modern technology in a new swivel from Indexator Indexator Rotator Systems AB has launched its new K100 hose swivel aimed at today’s modern hydraulic hose systems in forestry and construction machines The new hose swivel is the fruit of several years’ research and development where

many tests and long field trials gave extremely positive results.

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the K100 thanks to our unique, newly developed seal solution and a new type of surface treatment with excellent wear and corrosion resistance,” design engineer Julia Rönnberg reports. “I believe we really are at the leading edge of development. The entire swivel structure has undergone a major upgrade and copes well with bending loads while torque resistance is also low. This will mean a lot fewer hose ruptures,” declares Julia.

Many swivels have major problems with higher pressures greatly increasing swivel torque resistance, which leads to twisted hoses and dramatically shorter service lives for both hoses and swivels. In the many tests, Indexator noted that the K100 only has half the torque resistance as other swivels on the market, even at low pressures.

“With the new technology, the swivel rotates easily even at extremely high pressures; the K100’s torque resistance is lower than the next best swivel on the market by a surprising amount,” says Julia.

Additional advantages are the new swivel’s compact design and small external diameter, which make it easy to build into various applications.

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Julia Rönnberg, Design Engineer at Indexator Rotator Systems AB

global leader in the manufacture of rotators, swivels and accessories.

Today, Indexator is an extremely strong brand in the forestry, material handling and recycling industries all over the world. The company conducts world-class R&D that includes a dedicated, in-house test lab that international equipment manufacturers also turn to to develop new products and functions. They currently have 140 employees and annual sales of around SEK 230 million.

A high proportion of their sales go to export, with around 80% of production being sold to more than 40 markets around the world.

For further information, contact Marketing Coordinator Camilla Waara on +46 (0)933 149 15 or at camilla.waara@indexator.com

LOGGING NEWS

Plum Creek’s Rick Holley wins SFI President’s award for leadership Rick Holley, Chief Executive Officer of Plum Creek Timber Company, has won the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) President’s Award, for consistently showing leadership on behalf of working forests that support habitat and rural communities. Holley is known for his leadership on market transformation, sustainable communities and responsible forestry.

The President’s Award specifically recognizes how Holley is helping to move the conversation about working forests in ways that will ultimately benefit people around the world. Tall wood buildings, for example, with their carbon sequestration and related climate change benefits, are a focus for Plum Creek.

“We are pushing forward on the next generation of green buildings to help create the cities of the future. Wood’s inherent properties - as a sustainable, natural, and renewable resource make it an excellent environmental choice for any new construction or renovation,” said Rick Holley, Plum Creek Timber CEO. Holley is also championing the

idea that many of wood’s positive attributes depend in large part on whether the forest resource is renewed.

“Only 10 percent of the world’s forests are certified so we are seeking to expand sustainable forest certification broadly around the world. SFI has already come a long way, and it would not have happened without the tremendous support and dedication of past leaders, staff, our industry, the NGO and conservation community, and our customers. You know, the term, ‘It takes a village,’ is really appropriate as it relates to the founding and evolution of the SFI standards,” Holley said.

Holley’s leadership has also helped make Plum Creek a model SFI Program Participant when it comes to conservation and community building.

SFI Program Participants must engage in forest research. Two recent Plum Creek projects include following innovative ways to help brook trout by improving stream habitats and building new mapping tools for identifying vernal pools - temporary pools of water that provide habitat for plants and

animals.

A high-profile community project saw a team from Plum Creek help the Michigan SFI Implementation Committee work with The Greening of Detroit to improve Detroit’s urban forests and revitalize the city through tree planting projects. The projects are job opportunities for city kids and adult workforce trainees, which in turn support sustainable communities. The Greening of Detroit has helped place almost 80 percent of trainees in full-time jobs.

Under Holley’s leadership since 1994, Plum Creek has grown into one of the largest and most geographically diverse landowners in the nation. Holley has ensured that Plum Creek has long conducted its business with a strong commitment to the environment. The company’s sustainable forestry practices support this commitment. All of its forest ownership is certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standard. SFI Principles and Plum Creek’s manufacturing standards embed sustainability in the company’s activities in its working forests and in its

Rick Holley, Chief Executive Officer of Plum Creek Timber Company manufacturing facilities.

“Rick Holley is an innovator and his support for tall wood buildings is a perfect example of his forward thinking. He was one of the early adopters of SFI and has served as our Chair. His support since the early 1990’s has helped make SFI a proof point for responsible forestry in the supply chain,” said Kathy Abusow, SFI Inc. President and CEO. “Rick’s enthusiasm and unwavering support for SFI is shared across Plum Creek. This award is just a small token of our deep appreciation for everything Rick does.”

Holley was presented with the SFI President’s Award for Leadership at the SFI 2015 Annual Conference.

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LOGGING NEWS - WORLD MARKETS

Brazil mills benefit from lower sawlog prices Sawmills in Brazil have become much more competitive in the export market the past few years because of substantially lower sawlog costs. In the second quarter this year, average log prices were down to their lowest levels in 10 years, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. This downward trend may rebound later in 2015 as the export market for lumber is likely to improve

S

awlog prices in Brazil fell to their lowest level since 2005 in the June quarter this year, after having been in a falling mode for about four years. Current prices for pine logs, in US dollar terms, are almost 40% below their all-time high in 2011, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ).

Over the past 20 years, sawlog prices have fluctuated quite substantially with a period of slowly declining prices from 1995 to 2003, followed by a dramatic increase from 2003 to 2008 when prices increased almost fourfold.

The global financial crises of 2008 hit Brazil hard, as with most other countries in the world,

resulting in log prices falling substantially in just a few quarters.

After the global recession came a period of price recovery, which lasted almost three years until the all-time high was reached in 2011.

Subsequently, there was a long period of declining prices.

The price fluctuations in Brazil have, to a large extent, tracked the Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) over the past 20 years, although the GSPI price swings have been less dramatic. However, there is one exception, the period from late 2012 to early 2014, when the GSPI increased while prices in Brazil continued their downward trend, reports the WRQ (www.woodprices.

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com). This came during a period when the Brazilian currency continued to weaken against the US dollar, whereas many other currencies in Europe, Oceania and Asia were unchanged or in recovery mode.

The sharp price swings in Brazil over the past ten years can mostly be attributed to the fluctuation in the value of the Brazilian Real. A closer look at the price trends for sawlogs in the local currency paints a very different picture than the price history in US dollar terms.

Average prices in the Real from 2007 to early 2014 have actually been quite stable. However, since the first quarter of last year, prices

have taken off and reached an all-time high in the second quarter this year – an increase of about 10% in 18 months.

Exportation of softwood lumber from Brazil has been increasing in 2015, with June quarter shipments reaching their highest levels since 2006. With the lumber export market improving, particularly in the US, there is likely to be upward price pressure on pine sawlogs in the coming 12 months.

Bracell’s revenue declined by 9% to $221 million in 1H 2015 Bracell’s 1H 2015 revenue from continuing operations declined by 9% to $221 million despite a 5% increase in the sales volume, owing to a 13% drop in the ASPs of both rayon-grade DWP and specialtygrade DWP. Cost of sales declined notably by 11%, while gross profit declined by 6% to $75 million with an improved gross profit margin of 34% from 33% in 2014.

The EBITDA of the Group’s continuing operations dropped slightly by 2% to $92 million with an improved EBITDA margin of 42% from 39% in 2014.

Profit from continuing operations for the first six months of 2015 was $32 million, representing a 18% decline from the same period in 2014. Profit attributable to shareholders increased by 32% to S$32 million, as there were losses from

discontinued operations for the same period in 2014.

Earnings per share increased by 29% to $0.9 cent from $0.7 cent in 2014.

Bracell Limited is one of the largest specialty cellulose producers in the world. Bracell’s operations in Brazil consist of a secure renewable plantation that grows eucalyptus trees on its 150,000 hectares of freehold land, and a state-of-the-art mill to produce both specialty-grade and rayon-grade dissolving wood pulp.

LOGGING NEWS - WORLD MARKETS

Global timber and wood products market update In July 2015, prices for overseas traded hardwood chip were 14% below their peak four years ago, according to the latest FOEX Chip Price Indexes Prices for hardwood chips traded overseas have been in steady decline since November 2011. In less than four years, the FOEX hardwood chip price index (PIXHCG) has fallen almost 14% to reach US$178.34 per oven-dry metric ton (odmt) in July 2015. The

downward trend of the index has partly been the result of lower prices for hardwood chips, in US dollar terms, imported to Japan from Australia, Chile and South Africa.

Global overseas trade of hardwood chips has slowed down

in 2015 with the total trade for the first six months of the year being almost 14% lower than the same period in 2014. The FOEX softwood chip price index (PIX-SCG) has fluctuated more than the PIX-HCG the past two years and has been on an upswing for the past three

months after having declined since last summer. In July, the Index was up almost four percent monthovermonth to US$173.20/odmt, the highest level since December of 2014. The increase in the price index was due in part to higher import prices in Japan and Turkey.

ANDRITZ to deliver logyard circular crane to Domtar’s paper mill in South Carolina, USA

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 17

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Holzindustrie Schweighofer starts operations in Reci sawmill

Holzindustrie Schweighofer has started the operation in its newest sawmill in Reci, in Covasna County, after receiving all the permits required to function, this being an important project for the local

wood industry, as well as for the local community.

With an area of around 70 hectares and a cutting capacity of 800,000 cubic meters of round wood per year, sourced from

sustainably managed forests, the new factory will represent a 150 million euro investment.

Continuing the tradition of being a top employer in the industry, the sawmill in Reci will employ around 650 workers at full capacity, with capabilities to train and qualify employees on-site. Moreover, we expect this new sawmill to create other 2,000 jobs in related industries, based on our experience from the other factories.

Thus, Holzindustrie Schweighofer re-affirms its commitment to contribute to the

development of the markets and communities in which it operates by generating professional opportunities for the local labour force and supporting diverse economic activities in these areas.

Key facts and figures – Reci sawmill: • EUR 150 million investment; • 650 workers at full capacity; • 2 ,000 jobs created in related industries; • 8 00,000 cubic meters of wood cutting capacity per year.

Valutec invests in North America – forms Canadian subsidiary Valutec is taking the plunge into the North American market. The investment has begun with the formation of the subsidiary Valutec Wood Dryers Inc., which will be headquartered in Vancouver in Western Canada.

“We see great opportunities to expand into the world market, especially since the interest in our new generation of continuous kilns continues to rise,” says Robert Larsson, Valutec CEO. The investment means Valutec steps into a market that has a long tradition of wood processing.

This is an advantage, according to Larsson: We will encounter customers who regard technology and new working methods as a good way

of making full use of the raw material’s value, just as they do in Europe. We share their point of view,” says Larsson.

Valutec, with its long history of lumber drying, is today the market leader in Europe. Over the years, the company has delivered more than 3000 batch kilns and 1000 continuous kilns, primarily to the Nordic countries, but also many deliveries to major sawmill markets like Germany and Russia.

“Our industry knowledge, experience and unceasing efforts to develop lumber drying means we feel well prepared to take the step into a new market,” says Robert Larsson.

Valutec is the world leader in the continuous kiln segment. The

company has consolidated this position through the launch of a new generation of continuous kilns known as TC kilns that offer the quality and time efficiency improvements for many different types of raw material demanded by customers.

“Wood drying is an important part of a sawmill’s value creation and Valutec’s offer is perfectly suited for tomorrow’s demands.

So I chose to work with this investment together with them,” says Ingo Wallocha, who has been appointed CEO at Valutec Inc. He has many years’ experience working with wood drying and the sawmill industry. He has worked primarily in the North American market for the past five years.

Robert Larsson, CEO, Valutec Valutec’s executive management will travel to North America in the weeks ahead to meet with representatives for Canadian and American sawmills on their home turf.

“This is truly inspiring and a mile marker in the company’s development,” says Robert Larsson.

ARAUCO to build largest particleboard mill in North America The single largest continuous particleboard press in North America is going to be built in northern Michigan. ARAUCO North America, based in Atlanta Georgia, have announced their plans to build a new particleboard mill. The $325-million investment will be

the largest particleboard on the continent, and one of the highest capacity presses in the world.

Ground-breaking is estimated for late 2016, with the roll out of the first panel in late 2018.

ARAUCO says the investment will generate around 250

permanent jobs, and is expected to yield important economic and community development benefits to the Crawford County region. ARAUCO North America offers unparalleled access to a wide range of sustainable forest products including mouldings,

plywood, lumber, pulp, particleboard, MDF and thermally fused laminate panels produced in nine mills in North America, and 29 mills in South America.

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Barlinek Rus to build Euro 80 million woodworking plant in Vologda region, Russia The head of the Vologda region, Russia, Oleg Kuvshinnikov and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Barlinek Rus Wojciech Michalowski have signed a cooperation agreement.

The company plans to build a factory producing large format plywood (about 100,000 cubic metres per year), parquet flooring

boards (2 million square metres), and pellets (30,000 cubic metres) in Cherepovets, Vologda region.

Barlinek Rus intends to invest about Euro 80 million in a new production site until 2018. The company will create 500 new jobs.

“We were going to start this project in Cherepovets about 7-8 years ago, but due to the global

economic crisis couldn’t to realize this project. Now our company expresses determination to finally realize it. There are several contributing factors such as level of supply of raw materials, and logistics: geographical position in close proximity to St. Petersburg, Moscow and Europe,” said Wojciech Michalowski.

In the near future the company and the local government will be engaged in the selection of allowable cut necessary for implementation of the project; and will start negotiations with major processing plants in the region for the long-term contracts for the supply of raw materials.

Hekotek to deliver sawmill equipment to Uruguay

As a result of long-term sales process AS Hekotek has completed contracts for the delivery of sawmill to Uruguay, where in the Northern part of this country, in a town Tacuarembo, a modern sawmill complex is planned to be started-up in 2016. Tacuarembo is a

town with about 55 000 inhabitants – it is the 8th largest town in Uruguay, situated ca 400 kms North from Montevideo, capital of Uruguay. From around the town starts a region of planted forests with rich wooden resources, which is sufficient also for supplying of

this new sawmill with raw material.

In this project Hekotek cooperates with Finnish partners known from several of their earlier projects – Veisto OY, producer of HewSaw sawlines and Valon Kone OY, producer of wood debarkers.

Within this project Hekotek is installing a log sorting line, a log in-feed to the sawline, a combiline for sorting of wet and dry lumber and a conveyor system for collecting, chipping and storaging of sawing residues.

Most of the equipment is already ready for delivery at the production site of Hekotek and in the autumn of 2015 they will send out about 90 sea-containers

with goods, that on arrival at the destination, under the guidance of their installation specialists will be erected into a modern production line. The start-up of the new sawmill complex is planned for the first half of 2016 and the planned production capacity is 150 000 m³ of ready sawmaterial from pine (pinus radiata).

Comact thinks big and moves to Mirabel

The Optimization division of the well-established wood processing equipment company moves into 30,000 sq ft new facilities Comact, one of North America’s leader in the design and manufacturing of equipment for wood processing plants, has announced the opening of new facilities in Mirabel, in the greater

Montreal area, an important investment that will allow its people to operate and provide services in world-class facilities to its customers.

The new workplace will provide Comact, a Quebec subsidiary of British Columbia’s BID Group of Companies, with a dedicated space for testing as well as training for

20 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

the company’s clients. The talent and technologies of Boisbriand, QC, will be relocated to the new premises in Mirabel, enabling better customer service and the optimization of working methods.

“The project became a priority in June 2013” says Brian Fehr, Chairman and Managing director of BID Group of Companies, about the relocation. “We wanted to be able to offer our customers an experience that matched the quality of products and services delivered by Comact,” adds Mr Fehr.

The new offices will house over 110 people in state-of-theart spaces. The Optimization services, the after-sales service team and calling center as well

as the administrative staff will settle there. “With these new developments, our working environment will be better suited for the preparation of equipment and it will facilitate teamwork, inducing change in our methods of work and, ultimately, will be a great added-value for our customers.

Furthermore, our new area fully dedicated to customer tests will allow them to validate the potential of our products in a comfortable, realistic and safe environment” says Stéphane Desjardins, Vice President - Optimization.

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Eugene Wengert, industry expert, joins the KilnDrying.org forum Wagner Meters’ Forest Products Division has welcomed Dr. Eugene Wengert to its panel of industry experts on KilnDrying.org’s forum.

Dr. Wengert brings a unique perspective to the forum as a hardwood expert who is the author of eight books and over 400 articles relating to the wood products industry. A former professor and extension specialist at Virginia Tech and researcher at the U.S. Forest Products Lab, he teaches more than 30 practical wood processing classes and seminars a year for the wood products industry, including

sawing, edging, grading, drying, machining and gluing. Currently, he is President of The Wood Doctor’s Rx in Madison, Wisconsin, and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

KilnDrying.org offers a unique opportunity for kiln personnel and other industry experts to meet, ask questions, and to share expert insights. The site also offers a list of upcoming events and job opportunities for those in the kiln drying community. The experts on the forum add to the discussion from their wealth of knowledge

and experience to provide insight, technical recommendations and the latest in kiln drying practices for professionals focused on drying wood, kiln optimization, grade recovery, and other lumber dryingrelated topics.

Dr. Wengert’s expertise as a hardwood expert will be a welcome addition to the panel of industry experts at the KilnDrying.org forum.

To learn more about this unique resource, and to welcome the forum’s newest expert, Dr. Eugene

Wengert, visit www.kilndrying. org and become part of the conversation.

Record Crown Timber cargo shipped from Hamina, Finland The Crown Timber Group, who acquired the assets of the former Haminan Veitosaha (Havesa) sawmill in the port of Hamina, Finland back in 2013, have set a new benchmark in the volume of loaded timber in a single day.

Investment in the plant has enabled the team to increase production, culminating in a record load of 5,809 cubic metres

comprising of planed, graded and kiln dried, packaged to length structural white wood covering the TR26, CLS, C24 Carcassing and Glulam range.

The timber was loaded aboard the Isidor vessel capable of taking 3,950 metric tonnes with a hold capacity of 5,770 cubic metres and bound for Crown Timber’s UK terminals in New Holland and

Sheerness.

Crown Timber was founded in 1983 and operates as a specialist just in time distributor of strength graded softwood and engineered wood products to the roof truss and timber frame manufacturing industries, as well as to timber and builders merchants.

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 21

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS - WORLD MARKETS

2014 woodworking data paints decent picture The Italian woodworking machinery body has finally released its long-awaited review of 2014

I

n a period of “economic confusion”, collecting final figures to outline the trends in machinery and technology for wood and wood-based materials in 2014 was not easy, according to Italian industry body, Acimall.

“Ups and downs during the year caused delays and had an impact on surveys, forcing analysts to extend the period of evaluation,” the group said. “But finally, the last pieces of information have been collected, all doubts removed and a full picture of the situation has been drawn, which has turned out to be better than preliminary reports had announced”

In 2014, the Italian woodworking machinery and tools industry recorded an 8.6% increase from the previous year, reaching a production value of €1.669 billion.

“The year under scrutiny closed with moderate satisfaction, as results were definitely more interesting in the second half,” Acimall stated. “An excellent trend was recorded both in Italy and in several international markets, with few exceptions due to the significant shrinkage of important destination markets for ‘made in Italy’ (and not only) like Russia and Brazil.

“It is hardly necessary to stress

Italian Woodworking Machinery and Tools Industry: 2014 Final Figures 2014 (€m)

∆% 2014/2013

Production

1,669

+8.6%

Export

1,255

+5.7%

Import

124

-13.3%

Trade balance

1,131

+8.3%

Domestic market

414

+8.4%

Apparent consumption

538

+9.1%

Export/production

75.2%

Source: Acimall Studies Office, July 2015 HALCO AD:Layout 3 3/8/10 17:22

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Maximize profit by resolving trade-offs between recovery, production rate, and value 22 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

that, once again, Italian wood technology is strongly oriented to export, with a 75% share of sales across the borders on total production, with many companies well beyond 90%.”

Italy shipped €1.255 billion worth of technology all over the world, up 2.7% on 2013.

Conversely, the Studies Office of Acimall – the Confindustria member association that represents the industry – indicates that the domestic market is “attracted” by the rich and leading-edge technology offered by Italian manufacturers. As a result, imports from abroad dropped by 13.3% versus 2013, to €124 million.

“We remind you that imports in 2013 had recorded a positive trend, which was not repeated last year: a small benefit for Italian production.”

Apparent consumption in 2014 topped €500 million, with a 9.1% increase over the previous year.

There are currently 270 significant enterprises with about 9,000 employees. The market has three major industrial districts in Lombardy, Veneto and EmiliaRomagna.

Industry report The final analysis of 2014 figures allowed the completion of the annual report that the Acimall Studies Office publishes every year, illustrating the figures for the previous twelve months.

Published online a few weeks ago (http://www.acimall.com/ upload/blocchi/X128allegato11X_rapporto_annuale_2014. pdf ) and available in print as of September, the Annual Report 2014 provides all the national and international stakeholders for the Italian woodworking machinery industry with a lean and detailed source to illustrate the situation of the industry.

After a quick review of the main macroeconomic variables and the events that characterised the year 2014 in Italy and in the world’s major economic regions, the report focuses on the Italian woodworking machinery industry.

It illustrates the trends of foreign trade based on the import-export data published by Istat. Production figures for foreign countries, as well as other indexes, are processed by the Studies Office of the association.

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS - WORLD MARKETS

Raw material prices fall in Q2 Wood Resource Quarterly has published highlights from its second quarter review, which shows a fall in sawlog and wood fibre prices and a mixed bag for lumber markets Global pulp markets • Despite the recent slowdown, global market pulp production during the first five months of the years was up 3.7% as compared to the same period last year • Prices for NBSK have fallen much of the first eight months of 2015, while BHKP prices have gone up. The price premium for NBSK in Europe has shrunk from over $200/t last fall to only about $35/t this summer.

Global Lumber Markets • T here have been mixed signals in the global lumber market during the first half of this year.

Of the major lumber-importing countries in the world, China, the US and the United Kingdom have increased importation the most during the first half of 2015 • Japan and most countries in Europe have imported less lumber this year as compared to 2014 • Exporting countries that have taken advantage of the scattered bright lights in the international lumber market have included Canada, Finland, Russia and Sweden • Although the good news for lumber producers in the Nordic countries has been higher export volumes in 2015, the bad news has been that the average export

price has declined by over 20% this year • I mport volumes to China were 2.4% higher during the first seven months of 2015, with Russian shipments to China having increased 18% and supply from North America and Chile having declined over 10%.

• B oth domestic and import prices for softwood lumber in Japan moved slightly lower during the summer months, and were close to their lowest levels in over seven years • D espite substantially lower export prices in Russia, total export volumes have not seen a dramatic increase. Shipments in April and May were practically the same in 2014 and 2015.

Global Biomass Markets • B ritish Columbia’s overseas pellet exports in the 1Q/15 fell by over 6% quarter-on-quarter.

Pellet exports from the US South also fell back, breaking a four-year continuous increase in overseas shipments • U nusually warm weather, low costs for fossil fuels, and plenty of pellet supply drove the pellet prices in Europe downward during the spring and summer to their lowest levels in over three years.

14th International exhibition of logging machines, equipment and technologies for woodworking and furniture production

24 - 27 November 2015 Russia, Moscow, Crocus Expo, pavilion 1 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 23

SAWLINES

Mill Transport & Sorting – USNR

USNR solves various issues with better, quicker handling Cut-n-two handling “When presented with a challenge our teams strive to come up with a solid solution that will not only resolve the issue, but go one better,” USNR told International Forest Industries.

Case in point is a new process for handling cut-n-two lumber that was implemented as part of a recent project. Along with a new planer mill trim/sort/stack line, USNR introduced a cut-ntwo configuration that does not require the need to skip a lug.

This allows the mill to expand its range of products, put more wood in the sorter without a throughput penalty, and without increasing planer speed or labour.

“A conventional system demands that for every board that is cut-n-two, a lug space must be created to accept one half of the board. That requires the line to run faster to handle the additional boards that are produced. This new design allows the line to run at a consistent speed while cutting longer products in two,” the manufacturer explained.

“After the board is cut in half

24 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

at the trimmer both halves remain in the same lug space. The far end half of the cut-n-two board is diverted up an elevator where it is even ended to the clear line.

Meanwhile the near end board remains on the lower deck and even ended to the lumber line, it travels up an incline and the two boards are merged again into the same lug space at the top, just prior to entering the sorter.

“At the sorter, the clear line cut-n-two boards are diverted into the first sort bins along the clear line. All the full length boards and lumber line cut-n-two boards are diverted into downstream bins along the lumber line. Once the clear line cut-in-two boards reach the stacker infeed, a long rollcase shifts them to the stacker lumber line for stacking.”

This configuration provides an opportunity for mills to make two short length boards from one lower value long length board, without sacrificing line speeds or throughput volumes.

The improvements implemented at this mill removed significant bottlenecks, allowed it to expand

its range of products, and reduce its operating hours.

Other configurations similar to this concept have subsequently been developed, such as sideby-side or tandem bins where each half of a cut-n-two board goes into a tandem bin fitted with independent bin floors.

Electratong lug loader A recent addition to USNR’s board feeding systems is the ElectraTong (E-Tong) lug loader. The E-Tong truly shines in high speed, random thickness sawmill applications. It does not require incoming backlog pressure to deal the board; it has the ability to pick up a piece off the infeed belts with no backlog forces.

It handles feathered edge material well, and is typically coupled with MillTrak control.

The infeed belts index on a board-width basis, allowing E-Tong to provide optimum board control at high speeds. E-Tong is also tolerant of variable thicknesses down the length of a piece, and easily handles feathered boards and waned-out pieces.

It will tolerate a wide range of

Mill Transport & Sorting – USNR

SAWLINES

E-Tong will reliably deal a wide range of board widths and thicknesses allowing it to excel in green mill applications at high speeds

VLL is fitted with a series of belts that progressively adjust their speed to separate, then feed the boards into lugs. The belts are controlled via a MillTrak control sensor mounted above the flow thicknesses between boards (1-4 in) allowing it to excel in random thickness green mill applications.

It is reliable at high speeds (250+ lugs/minute).

E-Tong features all electric actuation, with no hydraulics, no air, and no rubber bands. The E-Tong uses five electric servo drives to rotate through-shafts that actuate the claws. Electric drives are controlled through modern slip ring communication. Programmable clamp and unclamp positions are easily adjusted through USNR’s WinTally or a standalone controller.

For planer mill applications clamp and unclamp positions can be configured by product. The E-tong is operating in several mills in both stud and dimension lumber applications.

Virtual lug loader USNR’s Virtual Lug Loader (VLL) is an all-electric board feeding solution that uses a system of belts in combination with MillTrak control to quickly and efficiently load boards into lugs.

The simple design requires no overhead feeding apparatus; VLL

is fitted with a series of belts that progressively adjust their speed to separate, then feed the boards into lugs.

“The first set of belts creates a gap by running faster than the chains on the upstream storage table,” USNR explained. “The second, third and, if required, fourth sets of belts successively correct the board’s skew. Each of these skew correction belts has its own motor for independent actuation, which allows them to collectively straighten each of the skewed boards. The final set of belts (phasing belts) time the board to the lugged transfer, depositing each board into a separate lug.”

The VLL lug loader can be setup to run each of the mill’s product widths at the optimum speed and timing to minimise user intervention. In a typical VLL application two MillTrak sensors are mounted above the flow; the first controls the backlog to the VLL, and the second controls each successive sets of belts. The VLL operates at speeds up to 200 lugs/ minute.

The two ends of the board are merged again into the same lug space at the top of the elevator, just prior to entering the sorter

When presented with a challenge our teams strive to come up with a solid solution that will not only resolve the issue, but go one better USNR

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 25

SAWLINES

Mill Transport & Handling – Holtec

Holtec on deck in modern mill A specially developed control GapControl in connection with the Holtec v-rollerway, has reduced log gaps dynamically

German specialist, Holtec, was brought into a Swedish mill to assist with the handling of through the sawline following the installation of EWD technology that pushed production to breakneck speeds

O

ne of the most modern sawlines is running at Bergkvist, Insjön, which is a leading Swedish sawmill.

The cutting line is especially designed for a curved cut.

Over 2005-2006, the greatest investment in the company’s history so far was made – a significant milestone for the longterm business strategy with the target of increasing the yield, the product quality and the system’s capacity.

The so-called ArcoLine technology by EWD did not only

increase the yield related to the main product by 58-62%, but also the cutting volume to more than 500,000 solid m3/y. Today about 290,000 bars are processed with the sawline each month. This corresponds to 33,000 running meters of sawn timber.

Currently the sawline runs at a speed of 70-200 m/minute based on the cutting pattern. A significant increase compared to the past seems impossible middle-term.

Nevertheless, Bergkvist did not say goodbye to the original business strategy. Internal analysis showed

In combination with the corresponding mechanics, the log gaps on a single cutting pattern can be reduced by more than 50% compared to the gap previously Benny Langberg, Bergkvist

26 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

Mill Transport & Handling – Holtec

Bergkvist made a huge investment in line speed over 2005-2006

that the gap between the bars is of great importance. Related to the feed rate of the cutting line, the share of the log gap is sometimes 10%.

Holtec spent a great deal of time on this problem over the last few years and determined that a specially developed control GapControl in connection with the Holtec v-rollerway, would reduce log gaps dynamically – in longitudinal feed with separately controlled drives – and limit them to a defined extent.

Last summer saw the exchange of the existing chain conveyor against a v-rollerway with the corresponding control system. The result is good.

SAWLINES

“In combination with the corresponding mechanics, the log gaps on a single cutting pattern can be reduced by more than 50% compared to the gap previously,” Benny Langberg, Project Manager at Bergkvist, said.

“The performance degree of the sawline as well as the output capacity are therefore clearly increased.

“A good side effect the v-rollerway, driven by v-belts, is a much quieter process compared to the previously employed chain conveyor.”

About Bergkvist • The nine main units of the sawline and the associated conveying technology are executed with 400 electric motors and 245 servo valves, which are connected by four PLC systems • 60 screens for controlling and visualising the production process are installed in the operation stand and along the sawline • Six 3D scanners monitor the complete log optimisation during the processing • The line is operated with a speed of 70-200 m/minute based on the cutting pattern. The installed capacity is 6.5 MW.

rights: EGGER

Some 290,000 bars are processed with the sawline each month

Solutions for your

logyard:

Expertise in all levels of capacity HOLTEC logyards are tailored to the needs of our customers. This allows precise selective investment which hits the ideal economic balance between optimum economy and the demands of the job. Depending on requirements, our products are available in three different performance categories. For us, innovation is also absolutely essential. However, it is important that

www.holtec.de

customers also operating smaller sawmills can profit from the innovations. Therefore every innovation is transferred across all of the product lines, as far as possible. An example is the v-belt driven V-rollerway, which has proven itself extremely well in the area of log acceleration. It helps to reduce the maintenance costs for smaller operations as well.

innovative | reliable | trusted.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 27

SAWLINES

Mill Transport & Sorting – Springer

The Springer screw conveyor transfers logs without the need of chains and it is fitted with a rigidcoated stop wall

Low maintenance for higher productivity Springer has released screw technology that bypasses nasty bottlenecks in the sawline and facilitates the handling of crooked logs while discarding debris and waste

P

roven technology is the basis for the reliable operation of every production line.

Springer screw technology is suitable for high-speed feeding of log sorting and sawlines and for the smooth transfer to the receiving conveyor.

The Springer Screw unscrambler is designed to improve this process with a simple low maintenance concept, avoiding double-ups and empty lugs, handling crooked and broken logs, and allowing debris and broken pieces to fall through the gaps between the screws.

“The system combines the functions of singulation, alignment and acceleration in the longitudinal direction, while at the same time ensuring lower maintenance and dramatically lower power consumption,” the company explained.

The Screw technology works reliably with all species, including SPF, Intermountain species mix,

28 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

southern yellow pine and radiata pine.

Screw unscrambler The unscrambler with helical screw rolls singulates the logs and can be fitted with an integrated stop-end chain on the zero end that ensures smooth even ending of the logs.

Screw feeder “The screw feeder is the heart of the line – a patented log allocation unit that aligns, singulates

and accelerates the logs in the longitudinal direction as they are loaded onto the receiving conveyor,” Springer said. It has a modular design so individual modules can also be incorporated in existing lines.

Screw conveyor The screw conveyor transfers logs without the need of chains and it is fitted with a rigid-coated strop wall.

More than 80 installations have been set up worldwide including

The screw feeder is the heart of the line – a patented log allocation unit that aligns, singulates and accelerates the logs in the longitudinal direction as they are loaded onto the receiving conveyor Springer

Mill Transport & Sorting – Springer

SAWLINES

This three-unit combination by Springer Microtec presently offers the most productive and cost-effective lumber production solution on the market

various projects in USA, Australia and Russia.

Complementing Springer’s screw technology are its E-Cut 200 and E-Feeder 200 board trimming and trimming technologies.

The E-Cut 200 Springer has developed a wellthought-out new trimmer concept with central drive, electrically actuated saws, beltless and therefore low-maintenance swinging arms and an absolutely new dust-shielding case.

Thanks to electrical actuation, the swinging crosscut saw arms attain higher efficiency levels than all existing alternatives. A controlled and accurate actuation curve allows optimum control of the crosscut saws and high precision positioning of the saw blades in the cross-cutting process.

Cutting deviations are within a tolerance of +/- 1.25 mm. Moreover, the E-Cut 200 is the first trimmer to be equipped with saw blades that are set in rotation without a belt.

This has a tremendously positive effect on maintenance costs as no belt means no parts exposed to wear and tear. Furthermore, the saw blades can be changed rapidly at any time as the linear opening mechanism guarantees ease of access to the maintenance walkway.

The externally positioned centre

drive, trouble-free elimination of waste pieces and optimal dust suction with ‘Chip and Dust Control’ – this enables the user to achieve highly adaptable and costeffective lumber production. The system can process all common board thicknesses and lengths and can be employed for all types of softwoods.

E-Feeder 200

optimisation of sawmills producing different dimensions on the same production line.

“The efficiency of the process is increased substantially with the E-Feeder simultaneously handling all products produced in the sawing line,” Springer said.

The E-feeder matches with

E-Feeder precision • Controlled acceleration of the boards along the entire allocation process • Board surfaces and edges remain intact • Simultaneous and reliable allocation of boards of different dimensions

E-Feeder flexibility • Can be retrofitted into all existing lumber processing lines

Microtec’s Goldeneye 900 and the E-Cut 200 trimmer. The single modules are perfectly geared to each other and can be integrated into all production lines, either separately or as a complete threemodule system.

“The three-unit combination

by Springer Microtec presently offers the most productive and cost-effective lumber production solution on the market,” Springer said. “The mechanical and electronic interfaces are predefined, guaranteeing perfect integration into the existing sawmill, supplied from one source.”

• Small installation footprint • Fast installation times The E-Feeder 200 is an innovative lug loader for mixed board dimensions that can be integrated in all existing lumber processing lines. With this new feeder concept, Springer has placed particular focus on the

E-Feeder reliability • Reduced downtime • Increased lug fill rate • Careful material handling • Reduced maintenance costs as wear is kept to a minimum within the entire system • Precise and dependable operation with both square and wane edge lumber

The E-Cut 200 is a revolutionary beltless machine concept for minimising maintenance costs, which can be integrated in all existing lumber processing lines OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 29

SAWLINES

Operation Focus – USNR

Drying upgrade improves production

Leveraging existing relationships has delivered a successful outcome for one Canadian plywood business and its supplier “

W

hen you’ve built strong relationships with customers and they have come to depend on you for specialty products they just can’t source anywhere else, your obligated to meet that demand,” USNR said.

“Not only will it ensure you keep your existing customers, but it will also allow you to entertain new ones and grow your business accordingly.”

That was the situation for a Canadian plywood producer when it chose to invest in a new state-ofthe-art veneer dryer from USNR. Richmond Plywood was experiencing bottlenecks in its drying process, and determined that it needed to invest in a new, highly efficient veneer dryer to keep up with demand for its products.

Drying had previously been accomplished with two older longitudinal dryers, and a third relatively new dryer. The three dryers did not provide the throughput that the plant needed.

The company chose a new steamheated USNR 6-deck, 14-section veneer dryer with advanced technology features to accomplish its goals.

Richmond Plywood Corporation Limited, located at Richmond, British Columbia, manufactures

high quality softwood plywood products from locally-sourced logs. The company has a unique ownership arrangement; it is a cooperative that is 100% Canadian owned by many of the company’s workers. It was founded in 1956 by 300 shareholders that today numbers 277, while company management are nonshareholders.

Richmond Plywood’s manufacturing plant is located on the banks of the Fraser River, where logs arrive by tow. Manjit Sihota is President and Chairman.

He explained that the operation handles the raw logs from the time they are extracted from the river through to finished plywood ready for market.

The plant’s operation uses two high-speed lathe lines, three dryers, three presses and assembly to produce panel products for walls, floors, concrete forms, boats, furniture and more.

The plant produces a wide range of panel products and thicknesses from balsam, spruce, hemlock and fir. Structural panel products make up 30-35% of the output, Ultraform (concrete forming) and sanded plywood make up 45-50%, with the remainder a variety of products and values.

The company doesn’t like to

30 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

keep large inventories on hand, and primarily manufactures its products based on orders. It has developed a unique niche market for specialty products that many larger operations forgo in favour of more mainstream production.

The company’s products are sold under the brand Richply and marketed throughout North America, with some high value products exported to overseas markets.

To add capacity to its two older dryers, several years ago Richmond Plywood installed a competitive dryer, which it discovered was not capable to achieve the necessary production to fulfil its order demands.

The company investigated recent USNR installations and became convinced the USNR dryer would meet its operational and production targets.

“We talked to other plants that used the Coe jet nozzles and felt they were a superior design,” Sihota said. “We also thought the USNR technology was better, and so we went with USNR.”

New supply The supply included a 6-deck, 14-section veneer dryer heated with steam. The Automatic Dryer Exhaust Control (ADEC), Cooler Pressure Balance control and

insulated floor all significantly add to the dryer’s excellent record for efficiency and productivity.

USNR has sold 30 dryers with similar efficiency features over the past several years. As part of the project, one of the old dryers was dismantled, and subsequent floorplan reconfiguration made way for the new USNR veneer dryer.

The dryer is configured with 6 decks of rolls on 1 ft 6 in (46 cm) vertical centres, and 15 ft (4.6 m) in length. It consists of 14 heated sections and 3 cooling sections.

The heated and cooling sections are equipped with heavy stainless 3/16” plate seal welded insulated floor panels, and each floor panel is 4 in (10 cm) thick.

The jet nozzles extend horizontally across the dryer above and below the path of veneer travel on each deck. The jet nozzles are rectangular and tapered; they are flanged and connected to the air supply chamber such that all of the recirculating air passes through them. They have special orifices through which high velocity air is uniformly impinged in a vertical direction against the veneer.

Managing the project The biggest issue the plant experienced throughout the project was the fact that it did not have a general manager in place

Operation Focus – USNR

SAWLINES

Dry veneer exits the new dryer

Efficiency is what we were after, and this new dryer is a lot more efficient than competitive dryers Manjit Sihota, Richmond Plywood at the time, so relied heavily on USNR for the engineering and project management for both the production flow reconfiguration and the new dryer supply.

The project was approved by the board in the fall of 2013, and construction started in May of 2014 when Sihota was appointed to his current roles within Richmond Plywood.

“Our major challenge was to get a handle on this big project with no general manager in place,” he said. “But everything went well, and I was pleased with how USNR managed the project.”

Tim Fisher, Account Manager for the project: “From USNR’s perspective, our biggest challenge was fitting the new dryer into the existing mill flow with minimal interruption to routine operations.

In the end Manjit said he was very happy with the outcome.”

end. Sihota is pleased with the production since the new dryer has started up.

“We have already achieved 95% of our target production through the new dryer, and as a result we expect to increase production capacity by 10%,” he said.

“We are getting ahead on drying veneer, so now we don’t have to wait and make something that is not on our order file.

The additional drying capacity is helping us to make the right products at the right time.”

Sihota also explained that the company produces many products that are unique to this operation, so it is critical that the plant be able to fill its specialty orders to maintain its strong customer relationships.

Sihota was also very complimentary about the technology features such as the ADEC and Cooler Pressure Balance systems.

“Efficiency is what we were after, and this new dryer is a lot more efficient than competitive dryers,” he said, adding he was extremely pleased working with the USNR team on this project.

Team effort Richmond Plywood personnel who were involved with the project included John Olsen, mechanical; Fernando Barroqueiro, electrical; York Jung, steam; and Richard

Johnson, Energy Manager. On the USNR side were Alan Knokey and Tim Fisher in sales; Ben Whitaker, Project Manager; Clint Spangler, engineering; Steve Antwine, Chris Thompson and Ed Simmons, installation and start-up.

Richmond Plywood is looking forward to a promising market, and Sihota said he expected it to continue to improve through 2015-2016. Now that the drying bottleneck is removed he hopes to invest further in other automated processes throughout the plant to increase production and reduce the manpower resource requirements.

“It is customers like Richmond Plywood who continue to put their trust in USNR that makes it possible for us to provide these advanced technology solutions to the industry,” the manufacturer stated.

Increased capacity During construction the plant did curtail some of its production as it didn’t have enough dry veneer to keep up with order demand.

However, it was worth it in the

The 6-deck dryer

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 31

SAWLINES

Operation Focus – MiCROTEC The Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner increases lumber utilization featuring next generation technology

Tregoweth Sawmills increases recovery with new Goldeneye 300

I

n the past decade T. H. Tregoweth has installed a full range of modern facilities, keeping the production site up to date on the latest timber processing technology to improve efficiency and customer service.

The products include sawn timber, finger joint blocks, cut to length components, kiln drying, machining and chips.

In this challenge for modernization, a brand new Multi-Sensor Board Goldeneye

300 Scanner has been installed in April 2015 at the Te Kuiti site of Tregoweth Ltd. The scanner application provides automatic quality grading of the lamellas by scanning all 4 sides in longitudinal feeding, in a single cross cut line from Dimter. The application is a full profile scanning and grading of raw lamellas for components and finger jointing, which are produced using sawn timber from pruned radiata logs. The in feed and out feed unit of the scanner is

provided by System TM. The boards are dry and planed and ideally possess clear wood sections. Kevin Tregoweth, managing director, states with satisfaction: �We

We are impressed with the grade recovery increase provided by the Goldeneye scanner and re-ripping application - Kevin Tregoweth, Managing Director

Goldeneye 300 offers the best value and performance for chop processing and sorting 32 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

Operation Focus – MiCROTEC

SAWLINES

Within a range of 200 km Microtec on the North Isle of New Zealand, Microtec has installed 7 Goldeneye Multi-Sensing Scanners, which is a great milestone for us Microtec CEO, Federico Giudiceandrea

are impressed with the grade recovery increase provided by the Goldeneye scanner and re-ripping application”.

Goldeneye Scanner for full profile scanning The Goldeneye scanner features all state-of-the art 3D board information from the different scanner signals and the equalized color map from the camera RGB signals. The detection of board properties and wood defects is implemented through computer vision algorithms. The real time visualization of the detected board properties and wood defects is managed by high-speed data

Meet Microtec at

transfer to the optimization process.

The Goldeneye-300 optimization system provides outstanding functionality such as the acquisition of radiata pine board properties and wood defects, like knots, bark, cracks, resin pockets, wane, damaged edges, glue and brown stain etc., including their relative positions on the board. The optimization maximizes the value of the obtainable product by considering all possible combinations from the active product list.

“Within a range of 200 km Microtec on the North Isle of New Zealand, Microtec has installed 7

— Woodex 2015 Moscow, Russia, Hall 3 #C519

Full profile scanning and grading of raw lamellas for components & finger jointing Goldeneye Multi-Sensing Scanners, which is a great milestone for the market leader in wood scanning

solutions worldwide”, comments Federico Giudiceandrea, Microtec’s CEO.

— Mokkiten Wood EcoTec 2015 Nagoya, Japan, Hall 3 #A206 and #B101

World leading wood scanning solutions.

The ultimate lumber grader. Goldeneye scans, grades and classifies your lumber to optimize chop processing, trimming and sorting to increase quality output and resale value. Award winning design and functionality is combined with the most accurate scanning results achievable. For 35 years Microtec’s Multi-Sensor Quality Scanners have been the driver of the wood processing industry, with innovation, experience and more than 1,500 systems installed worldwide. More world leading scanning solutions at www.microtec.eu

Goldeneye Multi-Sensing: ⤬ Color ⤬ 3D laser triangulation ⤬ Laser scattering ⤬ Grain deviation ⤬ X-ray Brixen

Venezia

Linz

Vancouver

Melbourne

microtec.eu

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 33

SAWLINES

Scanning & Optimisation – USNR

Above and beyond

IFI ran this article with the wrong sub head. Here is the corrected version.

USNR’s MyMill platform provides a wide range of system controls and information access

USNR is expanding its MyMill capabilities to deliver a more rounded product

U

SNR’s MyMill is expanding its boundaries – it is moving beyond machine control into the realm of optimisation and millwide automation. MyMill will soon become a window into the operation and inner workings of the manufacturing process. USNR aims to offer sawmills more ways to make the job easier, and make the process more efficient.

MyMill has successfully bridged the gap from stationary HMI interface to mobile device access for on-the-go machine control in several applications, most commonly used to control bin sorters. Since its launch in 2012 USNR has installed over 20 MyMill systems, and customers have been enjoying the benefits.

Concurrently, USNR engineers have been busy expanding the capability of the MyMill platform.

This new capability is ready for prime time, encompassing control for the machine, scanner and optimisation components of any – or all, USNR processing centres.

of the functionally of scanning, optimisation and PLC control systems, and allows access via web-browser-enabled mobile devices.

Now, sawmill managers can take the tools of their trade with then as they travel around the millsite.

“Imagine the ability to not only control a machine’s functionality, but also control scanner functions and diagnostics, monitor and analyse your optimisers’ solutions, view production reports, and more,” the company said.

“All this is available on any hand-held device with a browser, as you move around the mill. You hold the controls that unlock the process.

“You’ve made the transition to mobile connectivity in your

personal life, now USNR is bringing that ability to interact with your environment at your workplace.

The future is here.”

New functionality Here is new functionality you will unlock with the expanded MyMill Millwide Mobile Automation platform: system functions; sensor calibration; alarms and notifications; performance metrics; data tracking, logging, monitoring, analysing; diagnostics; and graphical solution diagnostics for ease of analysis.

This new capability will network all USNR systems together, whether they are on the MillExpert, Newnes Sawmill Suite, or automated grading platforms. Managers will no longer be required to travel from

Features and benefits • Real time data in the palm of your hand • No need to travel from one computer room to another to monitor data and access reports

Imagine the possibilities

• Powerful information and communications capability

MyMill is a software suite developed by USNR that enables mill personnel to interact with their equipment on the go, using mobile devices. MyMill replicates much

• Easier troubleshooting and maintenance • Reduces downtime • Dedicated wireless infrastructure, on secure in-plant network • Available as an option to PLC control and optimization with new USNR installations.

34 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

one computer room to another to monitor data and access reports.

Case study: early focus on value Chris Kalesnikoff, Operations Manager for Kalesnikoff Lumber of Thrums, British Columbia, Canada, was an early adaptor of the MyMill mobile machine control technology, with a system installed with the mill’s new bin sorter in 2013.

“The MyMill system suited us very well, as we understand and relate to mobile communications technology,” he said. “This is the way the world is moving.”

Kalesnikoff related that the mill had previously used a largely manual lumber sorting process. He recognised the value of going to an automated system and quickly saw the benefit of the MyMill technology.

“The MyMill system suited us very well as the mill employs a young generation of sawmillers, and we understand and relate to mobile communications technology like using iPads and iPods,” he said.

Kalesnikoff explained that the mill runs a tight operation with a single 12-person shift, and every member of its lean crew is versatile.

Selecting the MyMill system

Scanning & Optimisation – USNR

SAWLINES

seemed an obvious choice.

Kalesnikoff explained that installing the mobile system required much less time and expense than a traditional sorter control system. There is no need to purchase and install multiple consoles, and no need to route the associated cables and wiring.

“A big thing for us was the reduced cost,” he added.

Embracing technology

Data tracking, logging, monitoring, analysing are all available at the manager’s fingertips, from any location on your mill floor

“Our crew has all been trained on the mobile devices, and we all use them,” Kalesnikoff said. “Our guys are very hands-on, but our trimmer operator is the one who is primarily chasing the bins.”

He went on to explain a recent scenario. The operator at the canter can see some of the sort bins, and when he noticed a bin didn’t index all the way down he called the trimmer operator with his radio to tell him about it. The trimmer operator simply lowered the bin using his mobile device instead of having to travel to the bin console to manually press the button.

Kalesnikoff said it is nice to be able to scroll through the mobile screen, and the bin information is all right there.

“It’s great for troubleshooting.

The operators can tell which photoeye is covered, and with the sorter being 300 ft long it saves a lot of time. It makes so much sense to have the control in the palm in your hand.”

Already running with a minimal crew, Kalesnikoff said, “We are using the same number of people, but we are using them in different places than we would have without the benefit of mobile technology.

We planned on not having anybody chasing bins full time, and that’s definitely a nice feature.”

New horizons USNR recognised with the early success of the mobile machine control functionality, that expanding this platform could offer much more to improve the day-to-day operation for mills.

The company introduced this new capability at the recent Ligna and SFPA Expo events in Hannover and Atlanta, and is receiving much interest from the industry.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 35

Head manufacturers tackle Cut-to-length harvesting head manufacturers have been asked to supply options that can handle crooked stems with greater efficiency without sacrificing power

36 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

T

he world is not always a perfect place and things don’t always go our way at work.

This is no less true for loggers, who know better than most that Mother Nature generally doesn’t provide a uniform working environment.

Crooked stems are therefore a way of life in many parts of the world and have for centuries in hand-held and then mechanised

cause sore heads for those charged with cutting them.

Thankfully for loggers, their cries for help have finally been heard and there have been a handful of suppliers that have answered the call.

Both Lako and Caterpillar, two suppliers from different sides of the Atlantic have made it their mission to deliver harvester heads

awkward customers for cut-to-length operations that are able to feed and cut crooked stems.

Lako in particular boasts that its 95-4 head is large and tough enough for any conditions with crooked stems, while Cat cites its well-established power systems as the driving force behind its ability to work with difficult timber. AFM’s answer to the issue has been to

design a complete range of heads so to be sure one of its models will meet almost any application.

In contrast, Rottne has decided to stick with what has been so well for so many years and, rather than delivering an entire new series of heads, it has made significant improvements and fine-tuned its successful model EGS 706.

Principally, the manufacturer has

improved accuracy and lower friction on the infeed.

Hakmet meanwhile continues to build its heads for simple installation and ease of operation.

Lako Forest has launched a new Lako 95-4 head, the largest in

the LAKO 5 product range. The large, high capacity head has been designed for the biggest trees and the toughest conditions with a processor suited to handling crooked stems and a head structure robust enough to take on large, heavy trees.

Its cross cutting capacity is 950 mm (38 in).

The Lako 95 power-to-weight

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 37

HARVESTER HEADS consumption as well as low oil temperature levels, which increases the life of components and seals, enhancing the overall durability of a Lako head.

The length, size and shape of the detachable front knives can be selected according the operational application. Extended arms are available for crooked stem handling projects.

“The biggest benefit of the Lako 5 series product family for the dealer and end user is the commonality of its components,” the manufacturer said. “Most of the components and parts are alike between all the LAKO 5 series sizes.

“This is very important when thinking about the spare parts business, training and service procedures. Also installation and maintaining of the product is much easier for the entire Lako team.”

Other Lako 5 series models

The Lako 95 equipped with 4 delimbing knives and top saw unit on an Atlas 340 base machine

The Lako 75 working in Canada with a Tigercat base machine

ratio claims to be the best in the large processor head class.

It is available with four moving delimbing knives and powerful piston feed motors. There is an optional top saw and robust ¾-in butt saw with a long 113 cm (45 in) saw bar to ensure the LAKO 95 produces high quality timber.

A suitable base machine for this particular head would be a tracked carrier or a large wheeled harvester from a 27 t operating weight or

upwards.

All the heads with the Lako 5 series are productive units for heavy, strong timber owing to the synchronised three-roller feeding system. The new cushioned timing link between the moving roller arms helps even crooked stems feed smoothly and productively with minimal tree surface damages.

An advanced LAKO hydraulic valve bench increases the system’s efficiency and ensures low fuel

38 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

The Lako 65 is a fast and durable harvesting head for cut-to-length and tree-length operations cutting trees up to 65 cm (26 in). A version for eucalyptus and acacia debarking and processing is also available.

The most common base machine for Lako 65 is a 20 t class of hydraulic excavator.

The Lako 75 is the allrounder for large-sized trees.

Several options include a top saw for efficient processing and a version for eucalyptus and acacia debarking and road side processing.

“The key elements of the Lako 75 increase your logging profitability,” said Turkka Lastunen, (Managing Director, CEO of Lako Forest oy Ltd).

The Lako 85 is the lightest and most capable harvesting head in the company’s large harvester class. The optimum tree size for 85 head is between 300-600 mm trees (12-24 in). It is available with

3-4 moving delimbing knives and powerful piston feed motors.

Smaller Lako 2 Series The Lako 2 Series product family is intended to offer a comprehensive range of harvesting heads for the traditional range of operations – from the first thinning to final felling – but in a “modern” way.

“The starting points for developing the 2 Series have been the needs of modern forest harvesting and customer feedback,” Lastunen said.

“Anticipating future requirements is the benchmark for designing Lako’s innovative modular structure; the solutions incorporated in the new 2 Series differ considerably from previously known solutions and models with an asymmetrical feeding unit with only one moveable feeding roller arm and one fixed feeding roller.”

Naturally, there are similarities, too, with the Lako models, designed over the decades. The 2 Series combines the advantages of the 4-roller, 3-roller, and 2-roller feed system in a truly innovative way that adds to its efficiency with a very lightweight implementation.

The new mid-sized Lako 42 harvesting head can, for instance, efficiently handle single trees from 3-42 cm (1.5-19 in) and fell up to 60 cm (23 in) trees in a single cross cutting operation.

A typical fuel consumption for a Lako 52 on a wheeled-base machine is less than than 7.5 litres per operating hour. Modified excavator-based harvesters with a Lako 52 head records fuel consumption of 10-11 litres/h, which is a remarkably lower level than typically recorded in the 21 t class machines.

The Lako 2 Series has proven to be a very effective and reliable harvesting head in both thinning and also final felling. The 2 Series harvesting head is very suitable for wheeled platforms due to its

The key elements of the Lako 75 increase your logging profitability Lako - Turkka Lastunen, Managing Director & CEO

JOIN THE ADVENTURE ROTTNE H21D IS PERFECTION - for really heavy forest H21D is a well established, effective and powerful harvester. The chassis, loader and harvester head are designed to cope with demanding forest year after year. The swivelling and levelling cab with its fantastic visibility is designed to give the operator superb comfort.

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HARVESTER HEADS low weight, that is for example, the Lako 52 with a 80 cm (31.5 in) saw bar is capable of cutting 65 cm (25 in) trees, but the actual weight is only 950 kg (2,100 lb).

Lako has also updated the collecting device located in the tilt arm for multi-stemming. This single arm accumulation kit was designed to be an option that could be fitted to a new or used head.

This unit allows the harvesting head to be used conventionally or with multi-stemming for thinning or in late brush cuttings. This optional unit improves the productivity by allowing for trouble-free collection of stems.

Caterpillar sells and supports the full line of SATCO harvesting attachments for cut-to-length and processing operations, described by the manufacturer as “robust attachments that fell and process trees at the stump or roadside”.

SATCO, with over 30 years in the forestry industry and headquartered in New Zealand, designs and manufactures a wide range of attachments built for rugged logging conditions around the world. The company is known for its durable, high-performing harvesting attachments that are designed and built for big, heavy wood.

Caterpillar has been selling and supporting the complete line of SATCO harvesting attachments since the two companies signed an agreement in 2013. Caterpillar is the exclusive SATCO distributor in the United States, Canada and globally except Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. Through Cat dealers worldwide, Caterpillar provides support and stocks genuine service and maintenance parts for the complete line of SATCO heads. All SATCO products are backed by Caterpillar warranties.

The robust SATCO harvesting heads are built with high-grade materials and feature leading-edge technology. Depending on the

model, they feature two, three, or four feed rollers.

The SATCO attachments are dangle heads, providing 340° or 360° (continuous) rotation, noted Glenn Brown, a Caterpillar product application specialist who is based in Ontario, Canada. Generally, dangle heads are “easier on the carrier”, he said, because they swing freely, which reduces some of the stress on the carrier as well as the boom.

Although SATCO manufactures a complete line of attachments for various applications, three of the company’s heads are particularly suited for logging operations in northern North America, according to Brown.

He recommends the SAT214 for harvesting small diameter timber on the region roughly comprising central and eastern Canada as well as the Northeastern US. The small diameter timber may nonetheless be “very limby” trees, he noted, and the SAT214, with four delimbing arms, is a good choice for that application.

Within the same region, for

The SAT318T is recommended for loggers working predominantly in hardwood or crooked timber 40 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

loggers working predominantly in hardwood or crooked timber, Brown recommends the SAT318T. “The arm configuration is good for hardwoods and good for working in crooked trees,” he said.

The SAT318T also is known for high tractive power.

In western Canada and the northwestern US, a region known for its tall timber, a good choice would be the SAT323T, which features heavy-duty piston roller drives and larger roller arm cylinders.

“It’s good for heavy, long wood,” Brown said.

The SAT323T features the SATCO TRI-KNIFE system, which improves measuring because it holds the tree better than two single knives. There is another benefit, noted Brown. The TRIKNIFE system “is more like a grapple”, which makes it more adept at picking a log out of a pile and re-stacking cut logs.

The SATCO line includes harvesting heads for cut-to-length felling and processing. The heads range from a weight of 2,618 lb

SP 761 LF - compact and heavy duty all-rounder

The SP 761 LF is a compact, heavy duty and high performance harvester head, designed according to SP´s Low Friction principle for minimum friction and maximum productivity. The high capacity in combination with the compact, protected and heavy duty design makes the SP 761 LF able to handle a variety of different demanding harvesting applications with great performance. Regardless if the task at hand is in large diameter soft wood, crooked and limby hardwood or dense mixed wood stands you can count on the SP 761 LF to get the job done. The SP 761 LF truly is a compact and heavy duty all-rounder.

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HARVESTER HEADS

The SATCO line of harvesting heads deliver the kind of performance and reliability that loggers require in the demanding conditions in which they work Glenn Brown, Cat

The SAT318T

(1,190 kg) with a maximum cutting diameter of 25 in (635 mm) to 8,500 lb (3,850 kg) and a cutting diameter of 32 in (800 mm).

SATCO also offers debarking configurations in addition to a specifically designed debarking harvester head. All heads are designed to be matched with Cat Forestry Machines (FMs), Cat Track Feller Buncher carriers and the Cat 501HD Harvester.

With the SATCO ‘hose through centre’ system, hydraulic hoses are configured through the centre of the boom linkage attachment system to encase and protect the hoses. In addition, the hoses are routed through the centre line of the pins, which means the connecting hoses can be made as short as possible. The system eliminates over-bending and rubbing of the hoses, which can cause premature failure.

The SATCO TRI-KNIFE system is a unique grapple type design for the delimbing knives featured on the SAT323 and SAT325 head families. In addition to the benefits mentioned above by Brown, the system enables the head to hold the log straight during processing for best alignment of the measurement wheel.

The SATCO dead-lock pin retention system incorporates large pin sizes and adds strength to the chassis. It locks the knife and

roller arm pins in place to provide increased structural support along with improved bushing life and extended service intervals.

Oversized components provide powerful, durable, reliable performance. Drive roll motors have enlarged bearings for high radial load capability and reinforced shafts to withstand high torques. Main valves are rated at 6,100 PSI (420 bar) and can easily handle carrier pressures. Roller arm pins are 3-plus in (80 mm.) The heavy duty ¾-in main saw system features a 45 cc saw motor and large diameter bearing for smooth and reliable felling and bucking of large diameter trees.

SATCO provides control systems to meet the requirements of all applications, a simplified system with “go to logic” that can even operate the head without the monitor, and another system that offers more advanced bucking optimization and optional mapping and monitoring capabilities.

“The SATCO line of harvesting heads delivers the kind of performance and reliability that loggers require in the demanding conditions in which they work,” Brown said. “They can expect a powerful tool that will keep them working productively and to be fully supported by the Cat dealer network.”

INTERNATIONAL FAIR FOREST, PULP AND PAPER

The SAT318T is known for high tractive power 42 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

Concepción, Chile November 18 - 20, 2015

HARVESTER HEADS

“Tree properties and appearances vary greatly throughout the world,” Komatsu Forest told IFI recently.

“This is an important basic assumption in modern harvesting head development, which shows a clear trend for more specialised heads with more customisation options.”

In recent years, Komatsu Forest has launched several new heads and now has an exceptionally broad head offering. This is the result of long-term efforts to develop heads that are as specialised as possible to be effective in different types of forest environment. Increasingly specialised customer needs are another reason that heads do not look the same. Instead, they are based on three different principles, with two, three, or four feed rollers.

These three different design principles can be seen in the head designation. A ‘C’ means that the tree is held or carried by the feed rollers, which provides good trunk grip, good traction, and high measurement accuracy.

An ‘S’ in the head designation means that the tree is squeezed by the rollers and held by the knives and crooked trees are handled well.

The third design principle is a combination of ‘C’ and ‘S’, where the tree is held by the feed rollers and delimbing knives together.

Another clear trend in head development is increased flexibility with several alternatives, for both standard models and optional extras. These can include, for example, a choice of feed roller type, different delimbing knife designs, an additional saw unit, saw bars, feed roller motors, multitree accumulation, colour marking, or stump processing.

The C-heads consists of Komatsu C144, Komatsu C93, Komatsu C202/C202E and Komatsu C283. The Komatsu C144, a 1,400 kg head with 4 WD feed, can handle demanding harvesting, where the need for a powerful feed is great and measurement accuracy must be world class. The Komatsu C144 has rapid feed thanks to four hydraulic motors and feed rollers.

The fourth feed roller is set in the

head’s feed path, and is linked via a drive segment. This ensures a strong feed with broad diameter trees that are difficult to delimb.

Another head with good trunk grip and good traction is the smaller, from 970 kg, Komatsu C93.

A centred frame roller enables the C93 to handle crooked trees very well. Other important features of the Komatsu C-style are a saw unit, saw motor, and bar mount with high reliability and productivity, due to fast cutting.

The Komatsu C283 is the heaviest, most powerful and most robust of all the heads. It is a new head based on a well-proven design with a sturdy chassis and

components developed to handle large and heavy trees. The head can be used as both a harvesting head and a processor for pre-felled trees. Suitable carriers for the Komatsu C283 include forestry excavators from 27 t and upward and XT model tracked forest machines.

“The head has all the components necessary for truly demanding conditions,” Komatsu stated.

Komatsu’s C202 is for the biggest wheel harvester, tracked machines and forest excavators weighing 20 t or more. The head is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure the highest

The S92 is a tremendously dependable head and easy to maintain with easy-access service points and well-considered hose routing Komatsu

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 43

HARVESTER HEADS

The Komatsu C144 is ideal for applications where a powerful feed is great and measurement accuracy must be world class

possible productivity. The Komatsu C202 weighs from 2,060 kg and is also offered as the Komatsu C202E (where E stand for eucalyptus), which is a debarking head. In eucalyptus plantations, many forest companies want to debark the trees at the logging site to reduce transport cost and to minimise bark storage at the mill.

The Komatsu S132, Komatsu S92 and Komatsu S172 are, for now, the S-heads.

The new Komatsu S172 head is the largest two-wheel feed head in the S series and is well proven and designed for heavy, crooked trees. The Komatsu S172 is a strong, reliable head with well positioned guards and hoods to protect components and hoses from wear and damage. The head is also simple to maintain with easily accessible service points.

It is flexible, as seen in the broad range of optional equipment that includes variable twospeed feed motor, two different saw units, three different feed rollers, and alternative measuring systems. The Komatsu S172 can even be equipped for processing by choosing the hydraulically controlled vertical knife, the electrically controlled measuring wheel, and knives specially designed for processing.

The S132 weighs from 1,365 kg and is a “reliable and extremely flexible and adaptable” head. The key factors are the advantages provided by the head’s twowheeled feed, along with fully automatic knife pressure that enables trunks to rotate in the head. The Komatsu S132 can be equipped with three different feed roller types.

The Komatsu S92 is a highly productive and reliable all-round harvesting head. The key is a unique trunk grip and effective feed. The head weighs from 950

kg and is a two-wheel drive head based on a well-proven, sturdy, and rugged design that results in high reliability. The head has two hydraulic-powered feed rollers fitted directly to the motors. The dual-roller feed allows the trunks to twist in the head, even if they are very crooked.

“The S92 is a tremendously dependable head and easy to maintain with easy-access service points and well-considered hose routing,” Komatsu said.

The other heads are under what Komatsu calls the V-class, essentially because they have angled feed rollers. These heads are all based on decades of experience.

The two seniors in the range of harvesting heads, Komatsu 360.2 and Komatsu 370.2, are standard choices on the biggest wheel harvesters and sold all over Europe. This also applies to Komatsu 365.1, which is a highly productive and reliable all-round harvesting head. The 370E is a well-proven head designed for use on tracked forest machines and forest excavators. The 370E (E stands for excavator application) is a tough, reliable harvester head that is based on time-tested technology.

“The head has been used in Brazil for many years in really hard operations, very often 24/7,” the manufacturer stated.

The Komatsu 340 is a small 760 kg head that combines low weight, smart design, and compact size with high performance. These qualities make this an effective head for demanding thinning in dense forests.

“In the end it is obvious – with 12 different harvesting heads there is always a Komatsu harvesting head to fit the task, regardless of the logging mission.”

14th International exhibition of logging machines, equipment and technologies for woodworking and furniture production

24 - 27 November 2015 Russia, Moscow, Crocus Expo, pavilion 1 The S132 is reliable and extremely flexible and adaptable 44 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

HARVESTER HEADS

There are several additional important improvements for the new Rottne EGS 706 head.

Swedish manufacturer Rottne has made a series of upgrades to its cut-to-length harvesting heads, none more impressive than those made to the EGS 706.

For starters, there is a new robust system for length measuring, which senses without mechanical coupling. Different types of measuring wheels are available and all have higher pressure against the stem than previous systems.

“Several tests have shown that the quality of the measuring within ± 2 cm has increased by 10%,” Rottne said.

Diameter measuring in the upper knifes is also improved with help from a new, more robust design for the sensors, delivering a 10-15% improvement in measurements within ± 4 cm – a material improvement.

A pendulum arm with protected cylinders has external tanks for colour marking, while a connecting block reduces stress to increase the lifetime of couplings and hydraulic hoses. Couplings are 24° metric and soft sealed, while ports are also soft sealed.

The rotator function has changed to a valve.

Feed rollers are now 391 mm and spikes can be 12.5 mm or 20 mm. The alignment between the outer feed rollers and the internal feed rollers is optimised for lower

Diameter measuring in the upper knives

Saw motor rpm is controlled electronically by the pump displacement

friction, while chain lubrication is an option with oil or grease (the pump unit is mounted on the base of the machine). There is a new profile on the lower delimbing knifes for better cantering.

Saw motor rpm is controlled

Pendulum arm with protected cylinders

electronically by the pump displacement. It is generally set at 1,700 rpm on the diesel engine and the same oil flow is maintained, even if the engine rpm increases.

There is a constant LS signal when cutting.

The new L90LS valve has separate drainage from the pressure controlled sections for knifes and feed wheel clamping and comes with a reinforced

bracket. It has a new type of hydraulic hose with much better wear resistance.

There are accumulators on the wheel clamping for smoother feeding.

Meanwhile, the high pressure line, return line and drainage line have swivels integrated in the connecting block at the tilt arm and there is a reinforced main frame.

Several tests have shown that the quality of the measuring on the EGS 706 within ± 2 cm has increased by 10%” Rottne Length measuring system 46 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

HARVESTER HEADS

SP was founded in 1978 and presented the world´s first single grip harvester head in 1980. They have the longest experience of all in the field of development and manufacture of harvester heads for the professional forestry.

2015 has been a great year for SP both in terms of sales numbers as well as regarding product development. All four harvester heads in the current lineup has undergone important further developments based on customer requests from various markets around the globe. With these improvements in place they are very well positioned for the expected increase in demand for SP harvester heads for the year 2016.

major update to further increase uptime, reliability as well as measuring accuracy. The most important updates includes new and improved hose routing, non touching magnetic encoders for length - and diameter measuring together with an updated main frame.

Main specifications Weight Max cutting Max feed roller opening Delimbing

700 kg 530 mm 420 mm 30-350 mm

SP 561 LF The SP 561 LF is an all-round harvester head that is used for both thinning and light clear fell operations. New features include a new length measuring unit with heavy duty bearings, non touching magnetic encoders for length and diameter measuring as well as an updated frame for increased life.

SP 561 LF different demanding applications.

The SP 761 LF was released 18 months ago and has been extremely well received all around the globe. It is a very versatile head that through a large offering of options can be built to perfectly suit both cut to length, road side processing or debarking eucalyptus operations. During 2015 the SP 761 LF has been trialed and demoed in eucalyptus debarking operations in Brazil with very good results. The fine tuning of debarking efficiency has been very successful and a number of small but important updates have been implemented resulting in extremely good debarking with a minimum fiber damage.

Main specifications Weight

1710 kg

Weight with top saw 1870 kg Max cutting

800 mm

Max feed roller opening 700 mm Delimbing

40-550 mm

SP 591 LX G2

crooked eucalyptus and acacia.

Since the launch in 2007 it has gained a very good reputation on various global markets for its simple and robust design in combination with its high production. During 2015 a couple of important changes has been made to further increase the reliability and uptime such as improved routing and protection of hoses.

The latest feature on the SP 591 LX G2 is the addition of a separate length measuring arm which is now offered as an option. With this option the SP 591 LX G2 is not restricted to pulp harvesting only and is now also able to harvest logs with higher demand for length accuracy. The separate length measuring arm can be retrofitted on older versions of the SP 591 LX as well.

Main specifications Weight

1800 kg

Max cutting

600 mm

Max feed roller opening 630 mm Delimbing

30-430 mm

The SP 591 LX G2 is purpose built for debarking of difficult and

SP 461 LF

SP 461 LF

Main specifications

The SP 461 LF is designed for first and second thinning jobs but is also capable of handling larger tree sizes from time to time.

Due to carriers getting larger and stronger and measuring accuracy are becoming more and more important also in thinning applications, the SP 461 LF has recently undergone a

Weight

990 kg

Max cutting

600 mm

Max feed roller opening 500 mm Delimbing

30-430 mm

SP 761 LF The SP 761 LF is a compact and heavy duty harvester head designed to handle a variety of

SP 761 LF OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 47

HARVESTER HEADS

AFM-Forest has accumulated more than 20 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing harvester heads for cut-to-length operations. Nowadays, AFM offers a broad range of models that covers all the main types of base machines and harvesting operations, starting with thinnings on small 5 t excavators and ending with clear fellings on heavy 40 t tracked harvesters.

AFM White Line Last year AFM updated its model range with White Line series of harvester heads. This series

The AFM 35 works perfectly on small excavators, forwarders and wheeled harvesters.

The AFM 45 is an effective harvesting head for thinning and final felling done with small and medium-sized forest machines. The high delimbing accuracy of head is achieved with the help of four delimbing knives and a non-sliding four motor feeding system. Tree handling capacity of the AFM 45 is optimised for small and middle sized stems. The unit is well suited for 9-16 tons wheeled harvesters and excavators.

The AFM 55 meanwhile is an optimal solution for clear felling and later thinning operations

AFM White Line heads have been designed especially for wheeled based harvesters and small excavators, offering an optimal ratio between their weight and capacity includes the following models AFM 35, AFM 45 and AFM 55. AFM White Line heads have been designed especially for wheeled based harvesters and small excavators, offering an optimal ratio between their weight and capacity.

The AFM 35 is a powerful and versatile thinning head, which is suitable for conventional harvesting as well as energy wood processing, multi stemming and loading. Optional multi tree handling cassette and the cutting blade on the AFM 35 are designed to speed up the cutting and handling of the small diameter energy wood. The high feeding power and feeding speed of the unit ensure a profitable harvesting even of small wood.

made with middle sized wheeled harvesters. It has a large capacity and “perfect” holding geometry for the stems.

“High flow hydraulic valve together with proportional pressure adjustment exploits perfectly the base machine power,” the manufacturer said. “The three roller feeding system together with four delimbing knives ensures high quality production.”

AFM 55 fits efficiently on 12-18 t forest machines.

Both, the AFM 45 and AFM 55 can be equipped with a multi tree handling device, which allows easy collecting of small or energy wood.

48 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

John Deere is the world’s leading manufacturer of forestry equipment, with the most comprehensive range of attachments, including Cut-toLength (CTL) harvester heads. Even in stands with trees of varying diameters, the right harvester and harvesting head can give forestry professionals the versatility and productivity they need. John Deere harvester heads offer that versatility. Specially designed for mid-sized wheeled machines, they feature an excellent powerto-weight ratio and compact size — making it highly maneuverable even in dense thinning stands as well as in early regeneration.

John Deere harvester heads are known for outstanding productivity, reliability and measuring accuracy.

The H200-Series product family of two-wheel drive harvester heads with optional equipment is ideal for processing both hardwood and softwood, enabling solid feeding of even crooked trees. The four-wheel drive H400-Series Harvester Heads continue the same high-quality standards for product design and manufacturing that logging professionals worldwide trust to get their toughest jobs done.

H270 Series II Harvesting Head John Deere’s H270 Series II is a powerful, high-capacity harvester head built for superior performance in regeneration harvesting.

Designed for use with large wheeled harvesters, the H270 Series II harvester heads provides excellent delimbing quality in all diameter ranges.

Improvements to the H270 Series II harvester head include new steel rib rollers and top knife options and new stump treatment options. Simple and intuitive to operate, long knives and wide-opening rollers easily grab tree stems. The floating front knife and roller arms along with the geometry of the four moving knives facilitate the feeding of both crooked and straight tree stems.

The angle of the saw box top plate has been changed to avoid snow

from packing inside the saw box.

In the frame, a stronger valve cover gives better protection and is easy to open and close.

The H270 Series II harvester heads offer accurate length and diameter measuring. Additionally, the head is equipped with an efficient multi-tree-handling system option, increasing productivity.

H215E Harvesting Head Ideal for eucalyptus harvesting, the powerful John Deere H215E is a high-capacity new-generation harvester head. Purpose-built for eucalyptus debarking, the H215E harvesting head is designed for use on large wheeled harvesters and excavators.

Four moving delimbing knives, one fixed top knife and one fixed back, together with fixed debarking tools in the frame and two rotating rollers ensure debarking large to small top diameters. Long component life, durable hose routings and ease of daily service add to the high reliability of the H215E. Additionally, the H215E provides accurate length and diameter measuring.

H413 Harvesting Head John Deere’s H413 harvesting head was designed to carry out a wide range of harvesting jobs, from early to late thinnings, to light regeneration harvesting. The H413 harvester head optimizes delimbing coverage and quality.

The harvester head has been enforced with a new frame structure and new hydraulics boost productivity. Daily maintenance of the harvester head is now simpler and more effortless than ever. The frame structure is slightly longer, which enhances control when felling trees. The new hydraulic valve solution streamlines hydraulic cylinders and motors, which will extend the life of the hoses.

The powerful and well positioned saw unit of the H413 masters fast and precise felling and crosscutting. The H413 features four feed rollers that form a circle around the stem. This unique continuous four-wheel drive with hydraulically connected feed rollers and mechanical differential lock ensures strong, fast feeding.

HARVESTER HEADS

The John Deere H270

The John Deere H413 The H413 harvester head delivers superb delimbing performance, thanks to a short frame and optimal placement of the one fixed delimbing and four moving knives.

Additionally, the H413 excels when paired with multi-tree-handing equipment.

H415 Harvesting Head The John Deere H415 harvesting head is ideal for use on wheeled harvesting machines. Boasting strength and stamina for large timber, the H415 combines large timber cutting power with excellent delimbing quality, offering

unprecedented tree-processing performance. New feed-roller-arm geometry ensures feed rollers grip solidly and reliably carry trunks in all diameter ranges. Thanks to its three different trunk type settings – one for normal trunks (narrow stem), another for dealing with large butt-flare (wide stem), and a top saw for pile processing and hardwood – the H415 is well suited for different types of regeneration harvesting.

The frame of the H415 is higher than usual, which helps control the felling process. A new hydraulics solution makes the hoses more durable. Feeding is handled efficiently, due to excellent grip and trunk management features as well as the location of the delimbing knives.

The H415 harvester head works seamlessly with the new CH9 boom that is tailored to suit the largest 1470E IT4 harvester in particular.

Additionally, daily maintenance of the harvester head is easier and faster than ever. Equipped with unprecedented tree-processing performance, the H415 is hard to beat when it comes to productivity, uptime and low daily operating costs.

Waratah is a world-leading manufacturer of forestry

attachments with a comprehensive range of products, including cut-to-length, tree-length and processing harvester heads.

The 200-, 400- and 600-Series heads can be fitted to a variety of carriers ensuring the right combination for any environment and extensive head options enable customization depending on the application. Regardless of the job, Waratah harvester heads provide outstanding durability, productivity, and measuring accuracy.

New & Notable In June 2015, Waratah introduced an updated FL85 Series-II felling head, improving its durability, uptime, and capabilities in steep slope and felling applications.

Boasting a greater cutting capacity and improved saw performance, the FL85 head features a heavier gauge steel chassis structure and expanded component guarding.

Additionally, the updates offer improved durability during all felling, shovel logging, topping and storm damage cleanup applications.

Waratah announced a new H415X model in November 2015, complementing the popular H415 harvester head. The H415X is adapted for tracked harvesting applications in mixed timber stands, offering a durable solution for tough logging operations. New updates include a purpose-built

THE XR-PROGRAM is ready for the market The XR-program consists of compact and powerful rotators with strong bearings. Thanks to the proven vane motor technology the XR-rotators are high torque, have good compliance and also have balanced braking.

Their compact and robust construction provides an ability to withstand heavy static and dynamic loads, both positive and negative forces as well as side forces.

The XR-rotator provides high oilflow for grapple cylinders due to large channels – ensuring high productivity and overall economy. indexator.com

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 49

HARVESTER HEADS wheel drive heads have multi-stem log shuffling ability increasing productivity, and all heads come standard with thumbnail steel drive wheels or, for sensitive applications, Waratah also offers other non-aggressive wheel options.

The 600-Series’ hydraulic engineering utilizes high performance valves with commonality in components and a serviceability focus, so there is no need to keep an abundance of spare parts on hand. The 360-degree continuous rotate, available for all 600-Series models, keeps hoses and electrical cable from twisting and increases uptime.

Delimbing

The Waratah H415x robust main saw box with a heavier steel plate, integral structural components for demanding tracked harvester applications, and an optional integrated topsaw for increased productivity. Other features include expanded feed motor guarding and focused component protection. Additionally, the TimberRite measuring system controller has new updates to increase operational productivity for the H415X head model.

Waratah recently introduced the new WaratahMate™ smart phone application for all TimberRite™ controller systems. The Android and IOS application assists operators in transferring needed data from the on-board controller to the office using wireless and cellular technology. Utilizing a simple and easy-to-use interface, operators can quickly and reliably send production information, work statistics, and other data from logging sites, eliminating the need for transfer from USB flash drives.

Feeding The adaptable 200-Series tworoller harvester heads are ideal for sensitive applications. The small-profile head is excellent

for tighter areas and thinning applications, while the lighterweight construction allows for use with smaller carriers and longer reach booms. The wide-feed rollers allow for multiple diameter applications, while high-feed force and speed ensure productivity for multiple stem sizes. These twowheel drive harvesters provide a large contact area with reduced friction, allowing efficient feeding and highly effective processes.

The 400-Series build on the features of the 200-Series, increasing power with additional feed rollers. Synchronized fourwheel drive rollers allow slipfree, fast feeding for additional delimbing capability with greater traction. The 400-Series heads combine maneuverability and excellent stem control for safety.

The Waratah 600-Series harvesters are tough machines with superior grab arms and body design to make them an effective head for processing decked wood, TL felling or CTL harvesting applications.

The 600-Series three and four-wheel drive systems provide traction without slipping damaging valuable wood fiber. The four

Waratah harvester heads feature enhanced knife profiles, shaped for quality delimbing of various-sized stems, reducing the delimbing effort required. The shape of the knife and long-cutting edges provide a superior cut while minimizing damage to the stem.

State-of-the-art proportional hydraulic control quickly adapts the positioning of the knives to the diameter of the stem. Hydraulic pressure adjustments can easily be made from the cab with the

The Waratah FL85 50 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

Waratah automation and control system, ensuring fuel efficient and precise hydraulic control at all times. The wide opening of the knives allows fast grabbing for the felling cut, reducing processing time and improving productivity.

Cutting Waratah harvester heads can be equipped with either a ¾ inch pitch auto-tension saw or SuperCut 100 saw. Both options efficiently manage the frequent crosscutting of stems required in CTL logging. The latest sensor technology combined with the TimberRite control system provides outstanding pressure control and an array of settings throughout the tree-diameter range. The saw unit’s automatic chain tensioning reduces maintenance efforts and prolongs the life of the bar and chain improving productivity while extending the life of the components. Fully integrated chain lubrication is economical, ensuring low operating costs. The patented chain catcher is a standard safety feature of all Waratah harvester heads. The saw unit can be customized with a variety of options, including Parker or Bucher saw motors, bar and chain kits and several types of lubrication pumps.

Multi-Tree Handling

Our unique heat treatment process makes the bars extremely rigid and durable.

Waratah is a pioneer in multi-tree handling (MTH) and provides superior bundle feeding and precise delimbing with its MTH option.

Available on many models, the MTH ability increases productivity and can easily be installed between the rotator and hanging bracket – even on existing heads. This MTH configuration can be especially useful in thinning and regeneration, as well as in energy wood harvesting applications.

Productivity is increased even further when used in conjunction with optional MTH feed rollers.

Riveted joint in highalloy boron steel.

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

Last year Ponsse’s harvester head range was extended with a new size class. They introduced its new harvester head models, PONSSE 10 and PONSSE H8 with a top saw, at the Oregon Logging Conference in the USA. The harvester heads are designed for the demanding harvesting conditions of North America.

The new PONSSE H10 opens up a new market for Ponsse: the H10 is a heavy-duty processing and harvesting head for trackbased machines weighing over 25 tonnes.

With the new size class of harvester heads, Ponsse is responding to the harvesting needs of local harvesting entrepreneurs.

“Our local customers are primarily harvesting logs using the cut-to-length method and forest machines with rubber tyres.

However, sometimes the trees are so thick that track-based machines with processing heads are required. The fact that PONSSE Bear harvesters and PONSSE Elephant forwarders are even used for thinning gives a good idea of the conditions in the USA. In other industrial harvesting markets, these models are used for regeneration felling,” says Jarmo Vidgrén, sales and marketing director at Ponsse Plc. “We have a lot of long-standing customer relationships in the USA, dating back to the early 90s. Cooperation with customers has always been good, which is also evidenced by the positive results of our product development.”

The PONSSE H10 processing head has also been tested in the USA. Its durable body structure, good grip and powerful feeding ensure good productivity and a long service life.

Thanks to the Opti control system, the H10 is dimensionally very accurate. The product development work performed in cooperation with customers has focussed on the easy controllability and maintenance of the harvester head. The PONSSE H8 with a

MADE IN SWEDEN.

We are Sweden’s largest manufacturer of harvester bars.

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EVO-SOFT ™ The EVO track with extended and curved cross members that provides improved load capacity on sensitive ground and good traction in hilly terrain.

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HARVESTER HEADS

The PONSSE H10 top saw is designed for harvesting and processing difficult deciduous and coniferous trees in North America.

The PONSSE H8 is a supremely robust and powerful harvester head for demanding work on large tree stands. It has superior performance relative to its size; a powerful feed and excellent geometry capable of supporting even large trunks ensure extremely high rates of productivity.

Accurate automatic control ensures good cutting precision and the wood is always fed at maximum speed to the right length. The controlled feed acceleration and deceleration also reduce feed damage and pressure peaks, and increase the machine’s efficiency.

The grip pressure of the delimbing knives and feed rollers adjusts freely according to the trunk’s size, and the feed rollers support the wood from below. This ensures minimal friction and a solid grip on the wood during feeding.

The sawing performance of the PONSSE H8 harvester head is outstanding. The easy-to-use automatic features control the

saw motion according to the tree diameter, and guarantee fast cutting. While the features increase sawing efficiency, they also increase the service life of the saw blade and the chain. The strong and smooth tilt motion speeds up work while reducing the stress

The PONSSE H8 52 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

placed on the harvester head.

The PONSSE H8 harvester head is also suited for multistemming.

The geometry of the rollers and delimbing knives is ample enough to allow for the collection and bucking of larger trunks as well.

The product family of PONSSE

harvester heads has been totally reformed over the last few years.

All harvester heads in the different size categories are well suited for thinning, regeneration felling and multi-stemming, and multistemming with PONSSE harvester heads is possible without any

HARVESTER HEADS additional equipment. Ponsse has been developing harvester heads since 1986.

Educational cooperation with the University of Oregon started A cooperation agreement was also concluded with the University of Oregon during the Oregon Logging Conference. The university was supplied with a PONSSE Simulator designed for the modern training of forest machine operators.

“The University of Oregon is one of the leading universities providing forestry training in the USA,” says Pekka Ruuskanen, managing director of Ponsse North America, Inc. The US market is handled

by Ponsse North America Inc., a subsidiary of Ponsse established in 1995, together with a local retailer and contract maintenance network.

Hakmet’s Arbro-Stroke 400 and ky4LakoForest_englanti.pdf 1000 are cut-to-length stroke

1

harvesters that are known for their easy installation.

The Arbro-Stroke 400 is meant for thinning operations and, compared to other same size heads, has a lot of delimbing power, according to Hakmet.

The Arbro-Stroke can easily be connected and disconnected on the rotator of the loader and most common farm tractors have enough hydraulic power to operate the model 400.

The harvester has an accurate measuring device as standard and can be programmed for various pre-selected lengths, with diameter measuring optional. The harvester is equipped with a reliable Volvo saw motor.

The cutter bar is available in as either 14 in or 16 in for the model 400 and 20 in for the model 1000.

“The harvester head is easy to operate with an automatic stroke and the tree can be delimbed with a one-button function,” the manufacturer said.

The delimbing knives and grip arms can be opened separately.

22.5.2013

8.13

The Hakmet Arbro 400 and 1000 models are built for simple installation and ease of operation

The harvester head is easy to operate with an automatic stroke and the tree can be delimbed with a one-button function Hakmet

product line for integrated logging

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Versatile harvesting head suitable for clearing, thinning, bio energy wood harvesting and final felling The advanced, energy-efficient hydraulic system of the head reduce operating costs

One head – several purposes

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 53

Staying nimble

V

ersatility has been at the top of the contractor’s wish list in recent times, if this year’s Prime Movers and Mulching Attachments review is anything to go by. The focus is well and truly on providing machines that are easy to use and capable of providing a variety of functions.

54 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

Caterpillar said its versatility was a key feature and was made possible largely because of its PowerDirect Plus system, which allowed Cat engineers to oversize all the hydraulic systems. The supplier explained that a full range of functions is only possible with full power and mulching

heads munch power like no other attachment.

Prinoth has been adapting to meet a diverse range of customer requirements but it too rated versatility at the top. The modular design of the Raptor units mean that they are uniquely customisable to the application.

Prime Movers & Mulching Attachments

Suppliers of prime movers and mulching heads have learned that contractors don’t just need power and efficiency, they also demand versatility and flexibility

Exciting times are ahead for customers of the new BRON 490 and BRON 590 Mulchers, with improved stability & operator comfort, longer operating between fuel filling, and lower noise with increased heat rejection capabilities, the new machines have been in high demand for 2015 delivery and beyond.

The

Level Headed Approach

North American manufacturer to Land Clearing Bandit said its focus on skid-steer attachments meant just about any contractor was able to access a flexible and versatile solution for any mulching requirements. It also boasted of a unique anvil bar that regulates the bite when chipping solid material to produce a finer

end product and maximis tooth life.

POWER TO PERFORM

Earlier this year BRON launched their newest series of Mulcher Models, the 490 & 590 replacing

the previous generation of 475 & 500. Both new machines are powered by a fuel efficient Cummins QSX15 Tier-3i 15-litre engine.

The 490 is rated at a 480hp peak at 1,800rpm. The 590 is rated at a 589hp peak at 1,800rpm.

The increased speed rating over

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 55

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS mulching machine that’s purposebuilt from the ground up to be the most productive and reliable in a mulching application – the C100 is that machine.”

The C100 is equipped with a 99.2 hp Kubota engine and Rayco’s exclusive Super Flow closed loop, hydraulic system, providing 39 gallon/minute (177 litres) at 5,500 psi to the Predator mulcher head.

To extend service intervals, the C100 features an advanced forestry cooling system, which is easy to maintain and will extend service intervals, even when operating in the most extreme conditions. High capacity coolers allow operation in the hottest ambient temperatures.

Debris screens filter out most of the contaminants that plug The Bron 590 the previous models provides additional range for the engine to operate, and results in improved efficiency by using less fuel per horsepower.

Hydraulic power comes from proven closed-loop pumps for both track drives and mulching head, providing awesome performance and control for high productivity Purpose built frames unique between the two models incorporate new oscillating track frames with D4 as standard on the 490, with optional D5; the 590 comes standard with D5 tracks. These tracks are powered by heavy-duty planetary drives that are matched to the size of the selected undercarriage.

Two specially designed extreme service heat exchangers are designed for improved cooling in even the hottest climates.

Optimally positioned to draw cool/ clean air in from the rear of the tractor, then directed alongside the engine, maximizing air-flow efficiency, reducing wasted horsepower and excessive noise.

The open area between the heat exchangers also provides ample room for service to the front of the engine.

Exciting times are ahead for customers of the new BRON 490 and BRON 590 Mulchers, with improved stability & operator comfort, longer operating between fuel filling, and lower noise with increased heat rejection capabilities, the new machines

have been in high demand for 2015 delivery and beyond.

When you go into the woods, you need a machine you can count on Rayco meanwhile has focused almost entirely on durability and maintenance as one of the suppliers who emphasised the importance of building a purposebuilt machine from “the ground up”.

“When you go into the woods,

Rayco

you need a machine you can count on,” the manufacturer told International Forest industries.

“You need a loader-style

Rayco’s C100 has excellent maintenance features

56 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

radiators and are easily removed for routine cleaning.

The C100LGP model features a higher ground clearance and

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS a heavier undercarriage. The C100LGP’s larger chain and wider pads provide extra floatation and traction and a longer service life.

When you go into the woods, you need a machine you can count on. You need a loader-style mulching machine that’s purpose built from the ground up to be the most productive and reliable in a mulching application. The C100 is that machine. It’s equipped with a 99.2 hp Kubota engine and Rayco’s BOLD exclusive Super Flow closed loop, hydraulic system, providing 39 gal/minute at 5,500 psi to the Predator mulcher head.

To extend service intervals, the C100 features an advanced forestry cooling system which is easy to maintain and will extend service intervals, even when operating in the most extreme conditions. High capacity coolers allow operation in the hottest ambient temperatures.

Debris screens filter out most of the contaminants that plug radiators and are easily removed for routine cleaning.

The C100LGP model features a higher ground clearance and a heavier undercarriage. The C100LGP’s larger chain and wider pads provide extra floatation and traction and a longer service life.

Caterpillar offers the 586C Site Prep Tractor, a powerful, multipurpose machine that can be paired with a mulching head or brush cutting attachment to perform a variety of land management tasks.

Applications include residential

Anyone who needs an effective, cost-efficient machine for land management or any other high demand application should strongly consider the Cat 586C Site Prep Tractor Matt McDonald, Caterpillar

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 57

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

Maintenance has been prioritised on the Cat 586C

The power-hungry Cat mulching attachments are fed by the PowerDirect Plus system and commercial development, land management, right-of-way construction and maintenance, wetlands and wildlife habitat management, plantation reclamation and management, and clearing for flood control and firebreaks.

Powered by a Cat C9 ACERT 261 kW (350 hp) engine, the 586C Site Prep Tractor was introduced by Caterpillar in 2014. The Cat HM825 Mulcher, which can tackle trees up to 40.6 cm (16 in) in diameter, and the Cat BR624 Brushcutter, capable of cutting through single stems up to 20 cm (8 in), are available from the factory and supported by Cat dealers.

The Cat HM825 Mulcher is essentially a powerful grinding tool that was developed and customised in tandem with the 586C Site Prep Tractor and integrated with it for all research and testing. It can process vegetation into mulch at rates ranging from ¼ -acre/h to nearly 3 acres/h, depending on the desired end product, vegetation and density, ground conditions, and operator experience.

Applications include virtually any need for removing vegetation ranging from brushy material to trees and processing it into mulch.

Other examples of applications include creation of access trails and roads, maintenance of golf courses, and managing wildlife habitat and hunting land and other landscapes.

“The real heart of the Cat 586C is the PowerDirect Plus system,” Matt McDonald, a Caterpillar Production Application Specialist said. “That allows us to over-size all the different hydraulic circuits.”

Each machine hydraulic system – attachment, hydrostat, main and fan – has more capability than ever before. The PowerDirect Plus system monitors what the attachment is demanding, what the operator is commanding the machine to do, and the available power from the engine. This system puts power where it is needed to maximise productivity while optimising engine performance, fuel efficiency and durability by maintaining a consistent load on the engine.

The system is an important feature, noted McDonald, because the mulching tool probably has the highest power requirement of any tool in the forestry industry.

For example, a hydraulic pump powering a harvester disc saw may run at about 41 gallons/minute.

The Cat mulching tool gets about

58 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

100 gallons/minute and also operates at a higher pressure than saw head pumps.

In addition to a refined cab for the comfort of the operator, the Cat 586C Site Prep Tractor features “a lot of flexibility in various functions”, McDonald said. For example, with the adjustable creep control, engaged with a control on the joystick, the operator does not have to ‘feather’ the pedal and can leave his foot on the floor; the speed is easily adjusted with the buttons on the joystick. Similarly, the attachment float control allows the tool to follow the contours of the ground for uniform, consistent mulching; it also reduces operator fatigue because it eliminates the need for continual adjustments in rough conditions.

Debris management is a key consideration in site prep machines since they generate so much pulverised wood material, dirt and dust. The Cat 586C Site Prep Tractor design features pressurized compartments that keep debris out of the rear-mounted engine, hydraulics, and cooling system.

That translates into reduced downtime and maintenance – time spent blowing out debris – and enhanced performance. Plus, the pressurised air flow keeps electronics, sensors and other components cool.

“We’ve got some unique things that are integrated with the air cleaning system that differentiate us,” McDonald added.

Beyond the location of the engine air intake, a dust ejector chute is integrated into the precleaner, which eliminates recycling dust and debris into the precleaner. A scavenger system also sucks out large debris significantly improves air filter life.

The high capacity cooling system and on-demand reversing fan keep the machine running cool.

Special attention was given to cooling the case drain oil from the

HM825, ensuring a cool running machine.

The oversized, hydraulically driven fan spins at a slower speed overall and only turns as fast as needed to maintain proper hydraulic and engine temperatures.

In colder weather or when the machine is first started, for example, the fan spins more slowly to conserve power and fuel and reduce noise.

The Cat 586C Site Prep Tractor also is known for its easy serviceability.

“One big thing is the fuel fill is at ground level as well as the electric hydraulic oil fill, which forces oil through a filter before entering the system,” McDonald said. The Cat 586C Site Prep Tractor is the only machine of its type in the industry with the fuel fill at ground level. Panels around the engine compartments open for full, easy access for preventive maintenance, and a tilting cab provides additional access.

With the engine in the rear, the weight of the tractor is distributed evenly over the axles for rock-solid stability.

“Anyone who needs an effective, cost-efficient machine for land management or any other high demand application should strongly consider the Cat 586C Site Prep Tractor,” said McDonald.

“Just about everybody in the tree business uses a skid steer loader.

Now, that skid steer can become a powerful forestry mower with our cost-effective skid-steer attachments,” Bandit Industries told International Forest Industries.

Ideally suited for contractors operating skid-steer loaders on land clearing projects, these attachments deliver all the capability and durability people

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

Bandit attachments are suitable for anyone using a skid-steer loader expect from the Bandit name. They are also “perfect” accessories for rental stores looking to enhance the capabilities of their skid-steer fleet, or to attract new rental customers who occasionally have clearing needs, according to the manufacturer.

Powered by the skid-steer’s hydraulic systems, the Model 60FM and Model 72FM are easy-to-use and even easier to maintain.

The heart of the mower head is the balanced rotor with a tooth pattern that aggressively turns

smaller-diameter trees and brush into mulch. These heads have plenty power coming from a 112cc variable speed hydraulic motor.

Each motor adjusts with the load on the head, providing torque when encountering solid wood and speed when encountering brush.

A unique anvil bar regulates the bite when chipping solid material, which produced a finer end product and maximises tooth life.

Model 60FM attachment The Model 60FM features a 60 in

(1,500 mm) mulcher head, powered by a single 112cc hydraulic motor to easily clear small trees, brush and ground cover. This highpower mowing and mulching head features an overall width of 73 in (1,825 mm) and a mowing width of 60 in (1,500mm), making it

manoeuvrable for selective land clearing in narrow areas.

“The 60FM is perfect for taking down smaller trees, and then aggressively mulching that material back into the ground,” Bandit Industries.

RAPTOR 300

Productive. Flexible. Powerful.

The Bandit mulcher heads are easy to use and maintain

The 60FM is perfect for taking down smaller trees, and then aggressively mulching that material back into the ground Bandit Industries

With various options and a modular design, this mulching carrier can be customized to perfectly answer your needs. Maximum flexibility, power and reliability for every Job. www.prinoth.com

E-Mail: ahwi@prinoth.com

Fon +49 7557 9212-0

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 59

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

Model 72FM attachment The larger 72 in (1,800 mm) cutter width increases production, while retaining manoeuvrability for selective land clearing in narrow areas, while remaining nimble enough to clear dense undergrowth while leaving larger trees.

Prinoth has achieved yet another innovation in the area of vegetation management with its Raptor 300 carrier vehicle. The expanded new generation of carrier vehicles includes the Raptor 800 and the RAPTOR 300 Little Brother in the 275 hp class.

Tried-and-tested attributes have been further developed here, and the benefits of the new generation of Prinoth mulching carriers have been incorporated as well.

Maximum efficiency and service life Aside from the key unique selling points offered by all Prinoth vehicles, such as maximum efficiency and service life, this model places particular emphasis on adapting to meet a diverse range of customer requirements.

Further development of the Prinoth modular system

The modular design makes the Prinoth units exceptionally versatile

The modular design has been further developed, allowing the Raptor 300 to be fitted with two different mechanical drive systems for the attachment. Customers can choose here between a highly flexible power take-off (PTO) drive with a CAT 3 interface and a robust Powerband drive that allows for a “virtually unlimited” lifting height.

With three different types of undercarriage available, the vehicle can be customised to suit any possible requirements in terms of ground pressure, traction, and overall width. Like the Raptor 800

Tried-and-tested attributes have been further developed here, and the benefits of the new generation of Prinoth mulching carriers have been incorporated as well

with 640 hp, the 275 hp Raptor 300 features a ramped-up delta undercarriage on the rear.

Easy service and maintenance

Prinoth

The whole vehicle’s modular design allows service and maintenance

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60 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

costs to be cut significantly.

Development work focused especially on providing easy access to maintenance components in response to requests from our customers.

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

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

“In addition to its emphasis on durability and reliability, Tigercat also focuses on operator comfort, visibility and ergonomics, recognising the importance of a comfortable working environment to attract and retain the best operators,” the company stated.

“Daily service routines are made to be as painless as possible to encourage proper machine maintenance.

and isolation mounted with a high output heater and A/C and a comfortable, extreme duty suspension seat. The cab affords excellent visibility in all directions and ergonomic armrest mounted joystick controls.

M726E mulcher Tigercat’s M726E is a 300 hp class mulcher based on the extremely

durable and reliable 726 series feller buncher, a machine that Tigercat has been manufacturing and refining for over 20 years.

The machine is well suited to heavy duty land clearing and ROW clearing applications with heavy brush, post-harvest debris or standing timber.

The M726E has the largest attachment pump in its class,

boosting productivity. It is also available with a quick attach boom adapter and multi-function hydraulic package to quickly convert the machine to a feller buncher if required.

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

“Contractors like reliability and

M718E mulcher The compact and agile M718E is a 170 hp class mulcher ideal for smaller scale land clearing applications and light duty ROW maintenance projects such as transmission lines. It is light, compact, agile and easy to transport, yet it is a purpose- built, severe duty off road carrier with extremely durable construction throughout and a heavy duty front chassis and boom system.

The hydraulic system is optimised for the high duty cycle application of mulching with a large attachment pump and high flow to the head. The high capacity cooling system, essential in mulching applications, uses a variable pitch fan with reversing cycle for improved fuel economy and better performance in high ambient temperatures and extremely dusty conditions.

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

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

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

The quiet, climate controlled operator’s station is insulated OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 61

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS high uptime characteristics of the machine and consequently the high production that the machines achieve in what are often time sensitive land clearing jobs.

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

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

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

470 mulcher Tigercat recently added a new model to its line of mulcher carriers. The track-driven 470 mulcher is equipped with the Tigercat FPT C87 Tier IVi 245 kW (328 hp) engine. It is narrow and agile with extremely low ground pressure, rated at 20.9 kPa (3 psi).

The 470 is best suited to tough terrain and sensitive site ROW, pipeline maintenance and oil and gas exploration projects. Weighing just over 12,000 kg, the machine is also easy to transport The 470 is equipped with an efficient, high capacity cooling system and an efficient closed loop track drive system. Inside the cab, the operator has ergonomic electronic joystick steering and excellent sightlines.

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

All structural components are designed for full time forest duty.

480 Mulcher The 480 is a 500 hp class mulcher suitable for tough terrain, sensitive site applications for high production pipeline ROW, exploration, commercial land

The Tigercat 480 carrier works through heavy brash

clearing and other high duty cycle clearing projects.

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

The machine is compact and manoeuvrable with a narrow overall width and a light footprint for soft soil conditions.

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

The machine incorporates highlift boom geometry for improved performance on uneven terrain.

The 480 is also standard equipped with the counter-rotate function (CRF). All functions including the joystick steering are electronically controlled allowing for operator customisation.

“As always, Tigercat has strived for the best possible access to daily service points and major

62 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

components with large swing-out engine compartment doors and a tilting cab.”

For over 20 years, Fecon has been a leading manufacturer of vegetation management and wood-to-energy equipment.

See full report Pages 65 - 69

FTX600 mulching tractor. This big red machine is quite simply a force in nature. Innovation and experience set the design. And, from inside the cab, you set the pace.

• Cummins 600hp QSX15 Tier III engine • Sauer Hydraulic Pumps controlled

by Fecon’s Power Management System • IQAN Machine Operating System • High Reach Lift

MULCHING TRACTOR Clear the way to a job well done with the commanding 600hp Fecon Fecon - FTX600

Mulcher TFV

Mulcher TFVJMFH

Mulcher TFVMFD

Mulcher TFVD

The Seppi M Maxisoil 350

Following a request from our North American operators, we developed a mulcher-

Mulcher TFVJH

tillercrusher with extreme dimensions Seppi M

Seppi M recently lwaunched its Maxisoil 350 to great acclaim.

The Italian manufacturer Seppi M has launched its Maxisoil 350, said by the company to be the biggest forestry tiller and stone crusher in the world.

“Our clients are already familiar with this latest forestry tiller and stone crusher model, manufactured with an operating width of 225 cm,” the company told IFI. “Following a request from our North American operators, we developed a mulcher-tillercrusher with extreme dimensions.

Following successful tests, we can now present the Maxisoil 350 tiller-crusher with unprecedented dimensions.”

CASTOR 1320 Seppi’s industry experience – Seppi has 45 years of experience in the mulcher sector – has helped to develop a sturdy, powerful, safe and reliable machine with top operating efficiency levels.

The patented rotor has an optimised combination of new ‘anti-wear’ tools Super Mono Protect and Super Mono Extrem with additional tungsten carbide inserts in areas with greater exposure to wear.

The machine is fitted as standard with a transmission cooling system integrated with the remote temperature control device that eliminates the risk of the transmission overheating if work is interrupted.

Also, the standard version of Maxisoil 350 is, for the first time, fitted with the liquid injection system with relative nozzles to mix the soil with a stabilising agent.

NEW WEBSITE www.venturamaq.com with new image, more content and more manageable Crta. Vilablareix, 18-20 – POL. IND. Mas Aliu 17181 Aiguaviva GIRONA (Spain) Tel. +34 972 401522 · Fax: +34 972 400163 E-mail: export@venturamaq.com

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

Power and robustness are priorities of the Vermeer FT300 forestry tractor

The Vermeer FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head gives contractors a powerful machine with the features they need to complete tough land-clearing jobs, according to the manufacturer.

“The power and features of the FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head, along with innovations like the self-positioning deflector, helps increase productivity so contractors can more easily meet the stringent deadlines they’re given.”

See Full report Pages 72 / 73

FAE Group’s Land Clearing Series encompasses a diverse range of mulchers, tillers, stump cutters

and stone crushers for agriculture and forestry applications. The PTO driven mulching heads for threepoint tractor mount are used for various types of land clearing such as, vegetation management, brush cutting, underbrush, branches, canals, rivers, fire breaks, ponds, fence lines, wild fire prevention, food plots, roadside maintenance, R.O.W., pipelines, gas lines, power lines, seismic lines. The PTO driven forestry tillers are suitable for grinding stumps and roots, deep underground in uncultivated lands.

Various models of stone crushers are ideal for land restoration and reclamation for crushing any type of stones up to a diameter of approximately 50 cm deep underground.

The Land Clearing Series also includes various hydraulic mulching for excavators, skid steer loaders, backhoes and prime movers, used for vegetation management, brush cutting, underbrush, branches, canals, rivers, railway maintenance and all types of land clearing.

Last year FAE Group presented a complete restyling of the universal forestry mulcher range. The main innovation across this range is the improvement of the transmission - stronger gearbox and increased size of PTO shaft for tractors with higher power (up to 500 HP). The machine frame was completely reviewed to improve accessibility to the internal components, thanks to special doors for emergency and routine maintenance.

Interchangeable counter blades (up to 3 lines), forestry type, and inner bolted plates, made of various antiwear steel alloy according to their position and screwed from outside, ensure a greater resistance to

plate. The guard frame is improved with stronger and protected hydraulic cylinders with protected hoses and new double function ripper teeth, which can be used also as guide pins and is available in mechanic and hydraulic versions.

The restyled adjustable skids avoid the front dragging effect.

Skid wearing plate is made of anti-wear clad plate. The guard frame is improved with stronger and protected hydraulic cylinders with protected hoses: new double function ripper teeth, which can be used also as guide pins. Mechanic and hydraulic versions available.

Two new models complete the series: UMH/S/HP for tractors between 230 and 450 HP and UMH/MEGA for tractors between 350 and 500HP.

At EIMA 2014 FAE introduced the new UMH/MEGA This high production mulcher for professional contractors and larger jobsites represents the excellence of the wide range of forestry mulchers produced by FAE. It is designed and built to work with increasingly powerful tractors in the market, to optimize all land clearing operations. Thanks to an innovative technical solution, it can work the soil both on the surface

SFM Forestry Mulcher

FAE UMH MEGA 64 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

wear and keeping the ordinary maintenance costs low. The restyled adjustable skids avoid the front dragging effect. Skid wearing plate is made of anti-wear clad

and up to 30 cm in depth. This model can shred trees up to 60 cm in diameter and ensures low power consumption

Fecon’s success fuels further expansion

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 65

Company Profile

THE FECON COMPANY

F

or over 20 years, Fecon has been a leading manufacturer of vegetation management and wood-to-energy equipment.

They have built a long-standing reputation on durability, reliability

and service across equipment lines, meeting the needs of their customers in the construction, oil and gas, vegetation management, and environmental sectors.

Their forestry equipment line

has expanded from their original, signature Bull Hog® masticating forestry mulcher head to what is today an extensive array of heavyduty and severe-duty tractors and attachments. No matter if you’re

in the market for a 600 hp forestry mulcher, or a Bull Hog for your skid steer or excavator, they have the hard-working, dependable equipment you seek to give you a solid return on your investment.

FECON EXPANDS WITH PURCHASE OF NEW BUILDING Fecon, Inc. Lebanon manufacturer and International supplier of the Bull Hog® Forestry Mulchers, FTX Track Carriers and Grapples, Tree Shears and Stump Grinding Attachments for Vegetation Management has expanded once again with the purchase of 9.25 acres of land and a 40,000 sq. ft.

building across the street. This addition will complement Fecon’s 111,000 sq ft facility. In addition to providing more room for engineering and tractor production, the new building will also offer an expansive research & development department.

NEW - RTF230 MULCHING TRACTOR - COMING SOON! New to Fecon, the 4x4 traction of our RTF230 with all wheel steering (AWS) provides agile handling and power to the ground for right of way maintenance, oil field clearing, and vegetation management. A key benefit is that rubber tire carriers are configured to travel at up to 24 mph down roads. Operators have no difficulty at all crossing occasional roads to continue forestry clearing work on the other side. And Rubber Tire Carriers can be outfitted with a wide variety of heavy duty Fecon Forestry Attachments so you can clear the way to a job well done.

• Large Cab with 360 degree Visibility • Road Speed up to 24 mph • Three Mode All-Wheel Steering

NEW - FTX290 The FTX290 is a low ground pressure (3.4 psi) tractor with an oscillating steel track undercarriage, providing balanced traction for rough or soft conditions.

Like other Fecon tractors, the FTX290 features a spacious cab, operator comfort and ergonomic control layout as well as maintenance friendly service access. Powered by a Cummins QSC8.3 290 hp diesel, the hydraulic flow to the mulching head peaks at 100 gpm. The FTX290 features the Fecon BH120 Forestry Mulcher with variable speed motors and three optional rotor systems including Fecon’s new Depth Controls Rotor (DCR) technology.

Fecon DCR rotors feature the reversible Samurai Knife. The Samurai is incorporated into a depth control design that provides fast cutting in all materials and the most efficient use of horsepower.

The cutting, slicing and splitting action of the Samurai Knife as it chips is far more productive than straight edge tools or saw teeth. This productivity is further enhanced by the Fecon DCR, depth control rings providing fast cutting durability unlike other knife based rotors.

The new FTX290 mid-sized crawler with the BH120 DCR forestry mulcher 66 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

is the right combination of power, durability size and production capability for the larger jobs in R.O.W., urban interface and land improvement or development.

Company Profile

FTX128L MULCHING TRACTOR The FTX128L offers exceptionally high performance in a compact tractor for any mulching job, big or small. Fuel economy, lower operating costs, and unmatched productivity means higher ROI than all other tractors in this class.

The FTX128L is designed, cab to undercarriage, with the operator in mind.

• In-Cab Hydraulic Flow Adjustment • Rugged Loader Arms with Skid Steer Quick Attach • Work High, Low, or Over Banks with Great Reach and Tilt • Aggressive Track Power and Cutting Power • Lighter Footprint

FTX400LGP MULCHING TRACTOR The Fecon FTX400LGP is configured to deliver higher horsepower for large jobs or large material, yet offers a lighter footprint and lower ground pressure for sensitive conditions. The FTX400LGP features a 403 hp Cummins QSM 11 engine, powerfully oscillating track frames, and twin hydraulic circuits to the forestry attachment for impressive performance and production. With the FTX400LGP, Fecon offers a tracked carrier with high performance and productivity that fits into the tighter job sites and offers a lighter footprint.

• 3.8 PSI Ground pressure (SAE J1309) • Exceptional access to all service components • Onboard diagnostics in cab

FTX600 MULCHING TRACTOR Clear the way to a job well done with the commanding 600hp Fecon FTX600 mulching tractor. This big red machine is quite simply a force in nature.

Innovation and experience set the design. And, from inside the cab, you set the pace.

• Cummins 600hp QSX15 Tier III engine • Sauer Hydraulic Pumps controlled by Fecon’s Power Management System • IQAN Machine Operating System • High Reach Lift

BULL HOG HYDRAULIC MACHINE ATTACHMENT Hydraulic driven Bull Hogs are configured to provide the best combination of cutting tools, width, weight, and driveline options for operation on openloop, load sense, or closed-loop hydraulic systems up to 600hp! Whether you prefer tracked or wheeled prime movers, big or small, to climb slopes, cross wetlands, or drive down paved roads, you can count on the proven reliability and performance of the Bull Hog. • Pin-on or quick-attach mounts (or custom mounts upon request) • Heavy-Duty, Severe-Duty Models • Up to 600 HP Hydraulic Systems • Available FGT, HDT, and DCR Rotor Configurations • Versatile Tooling Options

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 67

Company Profile

CONTACT SALES - USA

68 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

Company Profile

CONTACT SALES - WORLD

We look forward to displaying our forestry equipment a the upcoming TCI EXPO Pitsburgh November 12-14.

Please look for us in Booth 217

OUR TEAM Fecon is made up of a diverse, dedicated, and skilled workforce.

Our talented people have, through their skills and dedication, propelled Fecon to a leadership position in the forestry and drilling industries. We are a tight-knit

organization in southern Ohio that can feel, at times, like a family. We share the same values and commitment, and that cohesiveness and sense of team shows in the end product.;

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 69

NEW JOHN DEERE G SERIES ON TEST

Improved output, more precise boom control, significantly decreased fuel consumption Jari Rantanen had the opportunity to test drive the 1270G harvester for more than 200 hours. The improved output, the more precise boom control, and, above all, the significantly decreased fuel consumption convinced the seasoned forest machine operator

70 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

A

grove of spruce trees in Orivesi, Finland, soaks up the early summer sun. The wet spring weather that makes forest work difficult is over and the sounds of work now carry between the trees.

A John Deere 1270G harvester can be seen in the grove, making quick work of felling and delimbing trees. Sitting at the controls in the cabin of the harvester is Kuljetusliike Juhani Tuominen Oy’s operator Jari “Jallu” Rantanen, a 26year veteran in the industry.

Jallu has spent more than 200 hours operating the 1270G test

machine – the first machine of the new model series that has been dispatched for real work in the forest. The new harvester has been used mainly for felling spruces at a few sites around Pirkanmaa and Häme in Finland.

“The new model is significantly more economical. And it really shows in practice,” Rantanen says.

Rantanen compares the 1270G model to the similar sized E-series harvester, which he has operated for more than 4,000 hours. The E-series had the IT4 engine, but at the heart of this new harvester is a 9-litre, 200-kilowatt FT4 (Final Tier

“The IT4 achieved 0.35 liters per cubic meter – and that was a good result! But this one runs on very little fuel.”

Rantanen and John Deere’s test engineer Pekka Saloranta together calculated what the fuel savings means on an annual level compared to the E-series model.

“All we had to do was to check Timbermatic for the average consumption. Based on the average fuel consumption, we calculated that the annual savings in the fuel bill is approximately 15,000 euros. If you operate one machine for three or four years, that adds up to big money. And that’s tax-free income!”

Much of the technology is new

4), which has 30 kilowatts more power than the previous one. And the torque has also improved – by almost 17 percent. At the same time, fuel consumption has been dropped significantly.

“The best result achieved during the test run was 0.21 liters per cubic meter,” Rantanen says.

From the outside, the new G-series harvester very much resembles its predecessor, but looks can be deceiving: virtually everything inside is new.

In addition to the engine, the machine’s control modules and wiring harnesses have been totally redesigned. The wiring connectors are now more robust, which reduces system disruptions.

A new component is the Machine Electronics Common Architecture (Meca), which increases the efficiency of the base machine’s control system. The processor speed and the CAN speed have increased, and the CH7 boom offers more precision than before.

“The boom was already good in the predecessor, but this one is even better: faster, but also precise. The boom doesn’t make any unnecessary movements,” Rantanen says.

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) introduced with the emissions standards can be found in their dedicated places under the engine cover. The urea tank is located in the back bumper.

The internal components of the machine are well protected and don’t hamper the work.

“You need to add 20–30 liters of urea once a week, which is effortless in conjunction with fueling the machine.”

A number of different solutions have improved serviceability. For example, it takes half the time to adjust the diesel engine’s valves compared to the IT4. This saves up to 2.5 hours compared to before.

Despite the many technical changes, the machine Rantanen operated during the test period functioned flawlessly. Even though this is the first test machine dispatched from the factory, there wasn’t a single interruption in the work process.

New cabin is worthy of praise The G-series machine features the renewed rotating and leveling cabin introduced last year. The cabin has a number of significant improvements that make the everyday work easier. The upper part of the window area in the cabin improves visibility to the tree tops. “Sometimes you have to do thinning work with these, so it’s helpful to be able to see the top of the trees,” Rantanen says.

The experienced operator also appreciates the increased legroom and the fact that it’s easy to clean grease and other dirt from the

Jari Rantanen, a 26-year veteran in the industry.

cabin interior’s plastic material.

Overall, Jari Rantanen seemed to be pleased with the changes done to the machine at the factory.

And while comfort is naturally an important factor, more important – especially for an entrepreneur – is the bottom line at the end of the day. The 1270G would seem to succeed very well also in that respect. The decreased fuel consumption combined with the increased power make the new harvester a real work machine.

“When you don’t have to spend any time on extra things and the technology functions, the work process is efficient. Any time that is spent without a tree in the grapple is time that is wasted.”

Rantanen’s best performance has been 127 cubic meters per hour. With the older E-series model, it was 104 cubic meters per hour. So the 20+ cubic meter improvement adds up to a significant volume of wood over the course of one day.

“Productivity has improved by at least 10–15 percent,” estimates Jallu, who has been working in the forest since he was 11 years old.

Kuljetusliike Juhani Tuominen Oy

The best result achieved during the test run was 0.21 liters per cubic meter Jari Rantanen

• Personnel: 30 employees + 5 subcontractors • Established: 1966 • Machine fleet: 6 forwarders, 7 harvesters, 8 logging trucks • Annual felling volume about 300,000 m3

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 71

PRODUCT PROFILE - Vermeer

Versatile machines that are up to the job Power and robustness are priorities of the Vermeer FT300 forestry tractor

The Vermeer FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head gives contractors a powerful machine with the features they need to complete tough land-clearing jobs, according to the manufacturer.

“The FT300 mulcher head is a cut above the competition,” Vermeer said.

A ringed rotor design helps guide material to the 23 cutting tips for a cleaner cutting path, while also controlling the depth of cut. To customise cutting performance based on jobsite needs, contractors can choose from sharp planar, clad-faced planar or impact-resistant interchangeable tip options.

Also, a patent-pending selfpositioning deflector helps direct thrown material at a consistent angle regardless of head position, helping enhance jobsite safety and allowing the operator to focus on productivity.

The FT300 features a 300 hp (223 kW) Cummins QSL9 diesel engine that meets Tier 4 Final (EU Stage IV) emissions standards. It 72 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

includes a horsepower ‘bulge’ that allows an increase to 320 hp (238 kW) when the engine drops from 2,200 rpm to 2,000 rpm under load, helping to increase performance and productivity. With a 137-gallon (518.6 litre) fuel tank, the machine has ample fuel capacity to allow the operator to work longer without interruption.

The mulcher head hydraulic components are designed to operate below their rated capacity, which helps extend their life and reduce stress on the machine.

“Land-clearing work is the first step in timely and expensive projects, such as land development and pipeline installations,” Jeff Bradley, Product Manager for the Recycling and Forestry Segment at Vermeer, said.

“The power and features of the FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head, along with innovations like the self-positioning deflector, helps increase productivity so contractors can more easily meet the stringent deadlines they’re given.”

To meet contractors’ jobsite

With the demands faced by these contractors, they are looking for an equipment supplier that stands behind its products and provides machines that are up to the job Jeff Bradley, Vermeer

PRODUCT PROFILE - Vermeer

The 223 kW Cummins QSL9 diesel engine in the FT300 meets Tier 4 Final (EU Stage IV) emissions standards needs, the FT300 offers the flexibility of two track options. The 76.2 cm wide (30 in) single-grouser steel tracks provide superior

Vermeer believes maintenance and support are valued by the contractor and therefore should be valued by the manufacturer

tractive effort, while 83.8 cm (33 in) low ground pressure (LGP) tracks are ideal when working in soft ground conditions.

With all service points accessible from the ground, maintenance is convenient on the FT300. The engine compartment is easily accessible with two large doors that swing open to expose the engine, hydraulic pump, cooling system and other maintenance points.

Operator comfort was another top consideration in the design of the FT300. It is equipped with airride seating, ergonomic controls, optimal sightlines and a rear-view camera. A 17.8 cm (7 in) colour display provides real-time machine performance data to help the operator maximise productivity.

The FT300 also accommodates an optional 13,607.8 kg (30,000 lb) rear-mounted winch.

In the competitive land-clearing market, the FT300 forestry tractor

The 17.8 cm colour display provides real-time machine performance data to help the operator maximise productivity with mulcher head offers the features, reliability and support contractors need.

“With the demands faced by these contractors, they are looking for an equipment supplier that stands behind its products and provides machines that are up to

the job,” Bradley said. “We know of no competitor in the marketplace that can match the reliability and the quality of service of Vermeer and its independent dealers.”

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 73

Operation Focus – Liebherr

The R914 Compact with a standard 3.73 m long undercarriage sitting on 500 mm track pads

Dagg steps returns to forestry A Scottish contractor has invested in a Liebherr crawler in a bid to diversify the business back into the forestry sector

A

M Dagg based in East Lothian, Scotland, has recently taken delivery of a new 15 t crawler excavator from Liebherr.

The company, run by veteran plant man Adam Dagg, undertakes a wide variety of contracting and earthmoving works across Scotland and the Borders. Using equipment from a variety of manufacturers it has recently invested in the new Liebherr to undertake its traditional operations along with a return to Dagg’s roots, forestry.

The recent foray into the foresting work was taken on behalf of the company’s prestigious client base and has been offered as an addition to the more regular work of opening up forest tracks

74 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

for other harvesting contractors.

While the 914 Compact has been specified as an almost standard machine, the list of extras carried out under Liebherr’s control has almost doubled the base machine’s cost.

The R914 Compact is one of the latest generation of Liebherr excavators to enter the UK market.

Aimed squarely at the general hire market and with a price to match, the Liebherr, as with its larger family members, doesn’t skimp on specification.

The machine has been delivered with a standard 4.6 m mono boom and 2.45 m stick affording the machine an excellent all round reach for both general excavation and timber harvesting operations

and has been outfitted with a wide variety of auxiliary hydraulic pipework for the Keto head.

Additional plating has also been fitted to the dipper foot for added protection. The superstructure of the excavator has also been protected with the fitment of a tubular framework fitted with large opening mesh panels in an attempt to preserve the looks and protect the valuable components from damage.

Along with the additional protection made and fitted by Jas P Wilson from Dalbeattie, the Liebherr was also fitted with factory specification demolition cab guards, upper body side guards and belly plates. Extra lighting was also installed allowing the machine to work in the darkest of forestry environments.

Regular operator and company director Scott Gordon has been well catered for with the inclusion of an almost full sized cab on the R914 compared to many rival machines where cab space has been reduced to enable the machine to become a compact tail swing offering.

“We liked the size of the Liebherr cab and although we have lost some of the storage behind the seat, there is still a feeling of space in the cab.” Gordon said.

Wilsons also retrofitted the joysticks in the cab, removing the original Liebherr units and replacing them with a more standard affair as found on many harvesting machines. Capable of controlling all functions of the Keto 100 harvesting head, the joysticks have been integrated into the Liebherr CanBus electrical system with the full approval of factory technicians.

The cab benefits from large windows offering un-paralleled views from the operator seat and with air conditioning as standard, necessary for some of the midge infested location the machine will

Operation Focus – USNR

work in, Gordon has a working environment second to none in the excavator world.

A 7" full colour touchscreen provides real time information of the machine and its operating status and shows the picture from the counterweight mounted camera. Mounted above the Liebherr screen is the computer screen for the Keto head which again has been incorporated into the Liebherr system to the full approval of the factory.

Power to the R914 Compact comes in the form of a TierIIIB Deutz four cylinder diesel engine delivering 109hp at a leisurely 1800rpm. The fuel efficient engine is turbocharged and afterwards cooled to reduce emissions without the need for any costly engine additions.

Automatic central lubrication has been fitted as standard as has an electric refuelling pump. Service access points are one of the best in its class, with wide opening doors and a large lift up canopy to the offside. Although the machine is a compact tail swing version, there is room to access all major service points with ease within the engine bay.

The standard Liebherr hydraulic system with its maximum flow of 300 litres/minute and 350 bar is more than capable of providing the hydraulic power needed for the Keto head. Capable of processing trees with a diameter of up to 450 mm, the Keto head was purchased as a used unit after recommendations from D&D MacDonald Timber Contractors and

The standard Liebherr hydraulic system with its maximum flow of 300 litres/minute and 350 bar is more than capable of providing the hydraulic power needed for the Keto head

The Liebherr 15 t crawler has allowed Dagg to return to forestry G&A MacDonald Forestry Services whom the company has a close working relationship with.

Dagg has specified the R914 Compact with a standard 3.73 m long undercarriage sitting on 500 mm track pads in order to

We liked the size of the Liebherr cab and although we have lost some of the storage behind the seat, there is still a feeling of space in the cab Scott Gordon, AM Dagg

use the machine efficiently in all ground conditions. Unlike many specialised timber harvesters that require extra wide pads to offer a low ground pressure machine, the Liebherr still only exerts 0.41 kg/cm2 enabling it to cross most ground conditions that the company expect to encounter.

The risk of throwing a track in the forest is far greater than on a construction site and to alleviate this potential problem, Dagg has fitted three additional lower chain guides. Unlike dedicated forestry machines where a larger grouser is

fitted, the R914 Compact has been shod with standard triple grouser pads.

Both Gordon and company founder Dagg are very happy with their latest purchase and have high praise for their Liebherr salesman Derek Davis.

“Derek worked very hard on this sale and the end result is fantastic,” Dagg said. “The engineering works carried out by Wilsons, along with the fitting of the Keto head is simply amazing.

“Although it is early days, we are very happy with the Liebherr.”

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 75

INNOVATION

Komatsu punches out Next-Generation Tier 4 Final harvester line-up

Komatsu 931 Harvester with C144 Harvesting Head

Komatsu is blazing a trail in T4 harvester technology

K

omatsu America Corp recently became the first forestry OEM in North America to offer a complete line of Tier 4 Final wheeled harvesters.

These new Komatsu 901, 911, 931 & 951 harvesters represent a “new” generation of harvesters, with breakthrough improvements in operator comfort, convenience, performance and productivity.

The operator comfort and convenience transformation begins with a new cab design and operating environment. The modern design features first-class ergonomics, high-end automotive fit and finish, and a MaxiXplorer control and information system with new software options and a more powerful computer.

“This first-in-the-forest line-up is Tier 4 Final and a whole lot more,” Steve Yolitz, Manager, Marketing Forestry, Komatsu

America, said. “From operator comfort and convenience to machine performance and productivity, these harvesters are the new benchmark in the category.”

New cab design dramatically increases front line-of-sight visibility

76 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

These next-gen harvesters also include “game-changing technology” to improve performance and productivity, according to the manufacturer.

The line-up features powerful, yet more fuel-efficient Tier 4 Final low emissions engines, new higher lift capacity H-series parallel cranes with 360° cab/crane rotation, and four-way cab/crane levelling.

An innovative 3PS threepump hydraulic system design produces significantly higher hydraulic working flows, and a new hydrostatic transmission (HST) generates higher torque.

“The result is a new design, generating higher productivity and lower fuel consumption per processed timber volume, compared to prior models,” Yolitz said.

Operator comfort &cConvenience The new harvesters build on Komatsu’s proven design of a centrally-placed cab/crane and a pendulum swing axle that, together with the cab’s tilt cylinders, offer high operator comfort and maximize reach and the effective working area.

This first-in-the-forest line-up is Tier 4 Final and a whole lot more Steve Yolitz, Komatsu

INNOVATION The new modern cab design increases the front line-of-sight visibility by +62% upward and +17% downward, and features 360° cab/crane rotation, four-way cab/crane levelling, improved climate control, and lower noise levels. Storage has been improved including two new food/beverage cooling & warming boxes.

The advanced MaxiXplorer control and information system now has seven new software options for improved productivity and reporting. An AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system with USB, Bluetooth and hands-free microphone is standard, and the optional MediaZone media hub provides the operator with an audio/media system.

Outside the cab, up to 15 powerful LED lights provide double the illumination to the harvesting head. All daily maintenance checks and fills can be performed at ground level or from inside the cab.

The harvesters feature a highly functional and sleek new design including a one-piece hood that opens rearward to fully expose the entire engine compartment for easy service access. All filters are vertically mounted and easy to change.

Performance & productivity

are split into two circuits that can be operated separately or together at different pressures, depending on the working function and oil requirements.

This 3PS System enables the operator to use high working flow rates at low engine speeds while the transmission circuit is always available to manoeuvre the machine. The operator can perform several crane and head functions simultaneously with maximum power to, for example, rotate the crane, feed a log and manoeuvre the machine.

This unique “multi-function” interaction between the crane, the head, and the transmission is automatically controlled by the advanced MaxiXplorer control and information system.

The harvesters feature the new intelligent HST, which outperforms previous hydraulic transmission design technology.

The HST works seamlessly with the Komatsu Comfort Bogie axles to generate high torque (tractive effort) when improved rough terrain performance is needed. The Komatsu Comfort Bogie axles use a “portal” design, which protects the final drives and contributes to excellent ground clearance.

The new 200H, 230H and 270H parallel cranes have higher

The engines for the Komatsu harvester line-up are the first in North American forestry markets to fulfill Tier 4 Final requirements.

“These powerful, low-emission engines feature high torque backup, high capacity cooling systems, lower noise levels and reduced fuel consumption,” Yolitz said.

Heated batteries, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), engine coolant and hydraulic oil allow easier coldweather starting.

The new harvesters feature Komatsu’s new 3PS three-pump hydraulic system, which provides significantly higher hydraulic working flows (+48% on the 901, +29% on the 911, +68% on the 931 & +52% on the 951) at low engine speeds for greater productivity and lower fuel consumption.

One hydraulic pump and circuit is dedicated solely to the transmission for manoeuvring the machine. The other two pumps are for the hydraulic working flow and

Easy access for all daily maintenance checks/fills and service

360° cab/crane rotation with 4-way cab/crane leveling lifting torque and are fast and easy to operate. A new hydraulic motor-slewing design provides smooth, powerful rotation with minimal noise and maintenancefree performance. All feature 360° rotation and four-way levelling to

maximise both crane performance and the size of the working area.

Each harvester model can be equipped with a variety of Komatsu harvesting heads to meet specific application needs.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 77

TYRES & CHAINS – WALLINGFORD’S & BABAC Seeking Distributors Worldwide BABAC® offers a full line of tire chain patterns for

harvesters and forwarders, as well as skidder, tractor, and heavy equipment applications.

Go deep in mud or snow with BABAC 1-1/4 in Multi-Grip skidder chains, the largest on the market

U-Form® Studs - Developed and invented by BABAC®, U-Form® studs are designed to stay upright for better wear and superior traction.

Made in the USA and marketed worldwide by Wallingford's, Inc with warehouse locations in Alberta, Canada; Hoofddorp, Netherlands; and Maine, USA.

Phone: +1.207.465.9575 800.323.3708 (USA/Canada) Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST Fax: 207.465.9601 info@wallingfords.com

Chained to the wheel

www.babactirechains.com

www.wallingfords.com

Seeking Distributors Worldwide BABAC® offers a full line of tire chain patterns for

A US distributor takes great pride in bringing a US tyre chain manufacturer to market that is leading the way in technology advancements and general product durability and performance

D

istributors all across the world continually seek new and improved products to procure and therefore to improve their position in the global market. It is no different in the US, where one international distributor continues to seek the highest quality products for their customers and to identify critical areas where loggers require better products for this evolving industry.

Wallingford’s has been serving the logging community since 1975 as the wholesaler for tyre chain, logging and industrial supplies; the largest of its kind in North America.

“Brands like, BABAC Traction

harvesters and forwarders,

Products keep customers returning to Wallingford’s year after year,” Daniel Kissinger from the company’s marketing told International Forest Industries.

In 1986, Wallingford’s introduced to the global market this new brand of tyre chains a quickly became a “game changer” for how individuals shop for tyre chains on their wheeled forestry and heavy equipment.

This partnership allowed for the introduction of new concepts like the patented U-Form stud on ice chains – a design several other manufactures have since attempted to duplicate. The two

as well as skidder, tractor, and heavy equipment applications.

companies went on to develop a first of its kind through hardened Boron alloy steel and BABAC continues to produce this exclusive material not found anywhere else.

BABAC Traction Products are U-Form Studs - Developed and invented by made in the and quickly BABACUS , U-Form studshave are designed to stay upright for better wear and superior traction. become the industry leader in Made in the USA and marketed worldwide by Wallingford's, Inc with warehouse locations in Alberta, Canada; Hoofddorp, Netherlands; and Maine, USA. producing only the best American Phone: +1.207.465.9575 made800.323.3708 product.

BABAC products (USA/Canada) Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST Fax: 207.465.9601 offer ainfo@wallingfords.com full line of tyre chain patterns for skidder, forwarder, www.wallingfords.com www.babactirechains.com harvester, tractor, and other heavy equipment applications through Wallingford.

BABAC® includes a full line of tyre chains ranging from 9/16 in all the way up to a 7/8 in Diamond ®

®

®

Ponsse Beaver harvesting on BABAC Triple Diamond Euro chains for tyre protection and constant traction 78 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

TYRES & CHAINS – WALLINGFORD’S & BABAC pattern studded ice chain, as well as a 9/16 in to 1-1/4 in ring style chain. BABAC also offers computerised custom design capability and specialises in custom tyre chain applications for odd tyre sizes.

Recently, BABAC upgraded its ¾ in Ring chains to include an oversized half-link, which is manually welded directly to the ring thereby adding increased strength and durability to one of the most critical wear points.

In 2015 Wallingford’s introduced within its line of BABAC Traction Products the latest in aggressive chain production. This Made in the US product line now includes an extremely aggressive 7/8 in MultiRing and 1 in Multi-Ring, as well as 7/8 in Single Diamond, Diamondand-a-half, and Double Diamond ice chains.

“Designed with today’s larger machines and rugged terrain in mind, BABAC Forestry and Heavy Equipment tyre chains are made to withstand extreme conditions and deliver unmatchable results,” Kissinger said.

BABAC has an exceptional manufacturing process wherein each critical component undergoes a unique heating process called continuous induction that yields the hardest possible test result; the result is called through hardening. The process provides a uniform hardness and tensile strength all the way through to the core of the steel. By using only the

Tigercat 615E six-wheel skidder outfitted with heavy duty BABAC 7/8 in 1.5 Diamond Chains and Clark Tracks finest and highest quality boron alloy steel available in today’s market, BABAC through hardened materials consistently deliver an HRC45 +/- 2 test rating.

This American product is built by hand in Winslow, Maine.

The process of manual welding provides the best possible controlled results in quality and customer satisfaction. Manual welding ensures a personal touch of quality and allows for each welder to check the work done before them.

“That means that each chain produced in the BABAC

Brands like, BABAC Traction Products keep customers returning to Wallingford’s year after year Daniel Kissinger

manufacturing facility is not only double checked, but triple checked and further as it goes through production,” Kissinger said.

Other unique products that set

John Deere grapple skidder not afraid to go anywhere with BABAC Double Diamond U-Form stud chains

BABAC apart from others are the unique Square Grip and Euro Style tyre chains. Square Grip offers a unique open chain pattern for ease of self-cleaning. Euro Style is available in a Triple Diamond pattern that provides constant traction and protection. Euro Style chains have non-studded outside rails allowing for tighter clearance and reducing ground disturbance.

As BABAC and Wallingford’s continue to remain the leader in innovative new concepts, comes another first as they introduce the largest ring chain of its kind to the global market. Multi-Grip Ring Chain, a 1-1/4 in tag ring chain designed for the largest skidder applications with the heaviest payload and roughest terrain. Multi-Grip Ring Chains offer superior traction through the addition of lugs on each connecting ring.

This new technology is currently under extensive research and testing and is expected to be available for purchase in 2016.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 79

ADVERTISERS INDEX SALES OFFICES UK, Europe, South Africa, US East Coast CONTACT: Phil Playle or David Lansdowne Lansdowne Media Services Ltd

ADVERTISERS INDEX Bandit ��������������������������������������������������� 5 Morbark ������������������������������������������9/13 www.morbark.com www.banditchippers.com

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: phil@internationalforestindustries.com or david@internationalforestindustries.com

Japan

BABAC Traction Products ������������������14 Norwood ����������������������������������������������12 www.norwoodsawmills.com www.babactirechains.com BRON ��������������������������������������������������61 Olofsfors ����������������������������������������������51 www.olofsfors.com www.rwfbron.com

CONTACT: Yuko Ishihara Japan Advertising Communications, Inc. Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

CAT ������������������������������������������������������� 7 Peterson �������������������������������������������� IFC www.petersoncorp.com www.CAT.com/forestry

Tel: 81-3-3261-4591 Email: ishihara@media-jac.co.jp

CLARK TRACKS ���������������������������������� 43 Prinoth ����������������������������������������������� 59 www.prinoth.com www.clarktracks.com/en/home

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT) Australia, & New Zealand

CLEANFIX ������������������������������������������ 73 Rottne ������������������������������������������������� 39 www.rottne.com www.cleanfix.org

Fax: 81-3-3261-6126

CONTACT: George Roman Roy McDonald Associates, Inc 4779 Luna Ridge Court,

FAE Group ������������������������������������������� 57 Seppi M ��������������������������������������������� 60 www.seppi.com www.fae-group.com

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

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

Fecon ��������������������������������������������������� 11 Serra ����������������������������������������������������16 www.serra-sawmill.com www.fecon.com Halco Software Systems ������������������� 22 SP Maskiner ����������������������������������������41 www.spmaskiner.com www.halcosoftware.com Indexator ������������������������������������������� 49 Söderhamn Eriksson AB /USNR ��������17 www.se-saws.com www.indexator.se

Email: bob@internationalforestindustries.com

US Mid-West, Central & Mountain CONTACT: Kevin Lapham J.P.Media Inc 1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville

Holtec ������������������������������������������������� 27 Springer ����������������������������������������������21 www.springer.eu www.holtec.de Iggesund Forest ����������������������������������51 Tigercat �������������������������������������������� OBC www.tigercat.com www.iggesundforest.se

IL 60563, USA Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752 Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763 Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

South America

John Deere ������������������������������������������� 3 ÜSTÜNKARLI ������������������������������������� 23 www.ustunkarli.com www.deere.com/forestry Lako Forest Oy �����������������������������45/53 Ventura ����������������������������������������������� 63 www.venturamaq.com www.lakoforest.fi

CONTACT: Ricardo Cortés Editec S.A. Avda del Cóndor 844 Of. 205, Cuidad Empresarial Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile Tel: +56 2 757 4200 Fax: +56 2 757 4201

Lucidyne Technologies Inc ����������������19 Wood-Mizer ����������������������������������������15 www.woodmizer.com www.lucidyne.com MiCROTEC ������������������������������������������� 33 WOODEX ��������������������������������������� 18/23 www.woodexpo.ru www.microtec.eu

Email: rcortes@editec.cl

80 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

FORESTRY

The

Level Headed Approach to

Land Clearing

Manufactured to endure the most extreme & demanding terrains POWER TO PERFORM

Terra

Grouser

Rocky

TXL

TXCL

CLARK TRACKS

Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.

www.clarktracks.com

E: clarktracks@clarktracks.com T: +44 (0) 1387 722370

high performance for maximum work life

a brand of FAE Group

Flotation

POWER TO PERFORM

BRON Mulcher

BRON 475 Mulcher with SEPPI Mulching Head

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

Richardson Service_Frances Marion tree thinning

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

BRON 275 Mulcher with Seppi Midiforst Mulching Head

www.rwfbron.com

Can Your Tractor Do This in 10 mins?

Fecon, Inc FTX600

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

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

FTX148L Forestry Mulcher - Mulching Machine - Fecon - Bull Hog

RTC22/500-8 - Pine Trees

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

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

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

www.fecon.com

Bandit visits R.J. Nathe & Sons

Parker Kligerman visits Bandit 2013

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

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

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

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

Revolution Cutter Wheel

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

www.banditchippers.com

848H Skidder

King of the Hills

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

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

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

Road Map to Success

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

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

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

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

www.deere.com

John Deere G-series (1270G and 1910G)

Improved output, more precise boom control, significantly decreased fuel consumption.

www.deere.com

6600 Track Wood Hog

Morbark 5048 Drum Chipper

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

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

Morbark, Inc. I Make America

3200 Wood Hog Demo Days May 2013

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

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

www.morbark.com

4300B Drum Chipper Making Micro Chips

s5710C horizontal grinder with Terra Select S6 E Star Screen

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

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

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

6700B Mid-Speed Grinder

5710C Pallet Grinding

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

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

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

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

www.petersoncorp.com

Tigercat TH575 mixed stand in Nova Scotia

KBM, Chile: Infield chipping

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

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

880 logger in Pacific northwest

Bull Creek: LH822C

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

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

www.tigercat.com

ROTTNE SKÖRDARE

Skotare ROTTNE F13C

Rottne F18

www.rottne.com

Vermeer BC700XL Brush Chipper

HG6000 Horizontal Grinder

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

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

HG8000TX Horizontal Grinder

HG4000TX Horizontal Grinder

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

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

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

www.vermeer.com

a brand of FAE Group

PT-175: the most compact and manoeuvrable PrimeTech model.

Breaking new ground with PrimeTech’s PT-400

Equipped with a Cummins QSB4.5, 4.5 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 4 in-line cylinders and 160 hp, PT-175 is the most compact and lightweight vehicle of the PrimeTech range of tracked carriers. PT-175 is designed to perform light to medium duty work in the forestry sector. One of its strong points lies in its dimensions, which enable it to work on sites with width restrictions (<= 1750 mm). PT-175 is mainly used for vegetation management, for cleaning undergrowth, cutting and eliminating bushes and shrubs and for cutting seismic lines. The PT-175 is also an impressively innovative mulcher, built around cutting-edge technology with easy access to all components, thanks to a fully tilting engine hood, hinged side doors and swing-out rear winch that opens effortlessly for daily maintenance of the vehicle.

The exceptionally high productivity of the PT-400 is provided first and foremost by the perfectly synchronized engine and hydraulic system that reaches a high level of efficiency. The 12.5 l CAT C13 engine with 415 hp below the bonnet caters for the necessary reserves of power. The oscillating undercarriage and the perfect distribution of masses reduce strain to the structure and provide better control of the vehicle. The spacious and soundproofed cabin helps the operator to work better and with greater precision. It has a series of comforts including the ergonomic position of the seat, the ease use of joysticks and an efficient air conditioning system. Reliability, low maintenance costs and consumption, high performance, low ground pressure, comfort and safety: these are the reasons for choosing PT400 for land clearing/mulching!

PT-300: PrimeTech’s top-of-the line unit for forestry mulching and more

PrimeTech PT-600: Power, performance, productivity for land clearing/mulching!

The flagship PT-300 model, powered by a John Deere 6068HF485, 6.8 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 6 in-line cylinders and 275 hp, recently underwent a major design overhaul. Key technical improvements included: A brand-new cab “more head room” (fully tilting and equipped with LED headlights and a flatfaced front windshield instead of the curved windshield of previous models); New Berco-quality D4 oscillating undercarriage with ground clearance increased by 6cm/2”: from 40cm/16” to 46 cm/18”; Optimized easy access to all components for easy maintenance and more.

The PT-600, equipped with a Cummins QSX15 turbocharged in line 6 cylinder diesel engine producing 600 hp, has been designed to work in the most extreme and severe of working conditions and for the toughest jobs, guaranteeing maximum productivity and high performance. Like all the other PrimeTech models, the PT-600 guarantees the same exceptional levels of manoeuvrability and agility even on extremely difficult terrain thanks to its oscillating undercarriage, to the low ground pressure and to the machine’s exceptional load distribution and balance.

www.prime-tech.com

Terra

Grouser

Rocky

Flotation

TXL

TXCL

CLARK TRACKS

Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.

www.clarktracks.com

E: clarktracks@clarktracks.com T: +44 (0) 1387 722370

high performance for maximum work life

Clark Tracks Ltd - Forest Machine Tracks. Boggiband. Bogieb채ndern

Clark Tracks Ltd specialise in providing a wide range of Forest Machine Tracks to an ever expanding market. We provide designs and sizes to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve. This short video will give you an insight to our tracks being used on John Deere, Ponsse, Komatsu and Tigercat forwarders and harvesters.

www.clarktracks.com

RAYCO C260 Mulching

The C260 is a mid-sized mulcher that delivers 260 hp in a compact, low ground pressure package. This mulcher is suited for clearing small trees, underbrush, and a variety of unwanted vegetation across a wide range of environments. The heavy-duty steel undercarriage and powerful final drives allow operators to tackle difficult terrain with confidence. Raycoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive elevated cooling design keeps engine and hydraulic temperatures within their limits in the harshest of environments. To minimize maintenance, a reversing fan can be activated from the cab to clear the limbriser debris screens. This helps to extend service intervals even when operating in hot, debrisfilled environments. When manual cleaning of the debris screens is necessary, they are easily removable and the rear door opens to allow unrestricted access to the debris screen and engine radiator.

The cabs are climate controlled and sealed from dust and debris to maintain operator comfort. Operators appreciate the high-backed, heated seat with adjustable armrests and air-ride suspension.

For safety, the cab is certified to meet ROPS, FOPS, and OPS specifications and is equipped with a roof-top escape hatch. LED lighting facing front, sides and rearward. A backup camera enhances rearward visibility.

www.raycomfg.com

FAE Forestry Mulcher Kubota KX 80

FAE forestry mulcher in action 1

The DML/HY from FAE is the best of its category, this mulching head can be mounted up to a 10 ton excavator. G.B Equipment inc is the Canadian distributor for FAE, contact us via our website www.gbequipment.ca to know your local dealer.

FAE Forestry And Mulching Heads

FAE forestry and land clearing heads. Forestry Mulchers, forestry tillers, rock crushers. Mulching machines.

www.fae-group.com/

Aciers JP - Installation belge 2015

Mobile rotary log debarker is a portable system is installed on a three-axle trailer for easy transport. It consists of three rotors that ensure contact between the debarking plates and the surface of the logs over a 10-foot length.

The system is designed to debark various types and diameters of wood year-round. European Homologation.

Mobile rotary log debarker http://www.acierjp.com/en/new-releases/products-details.cfm?ProduitID=8 Les Aciers J.P. inc.

15, 3rd Avenue East La Reine, Quebec, Canada J0Z 2L0 Phone: 819 947-8291 Fax: 819 947-6321 E-Mail: info@acierjp.com Owner: RenĂŠ Perreault

www.acierjp.com

TFVJA - Semi-Forestry Mulcher With Oscillating Hammers

TFVMF - Forestry mulcher with fix vidia hammers

Semi-forestry mulcher for tractors from 40 - 130 hp. Best Suited for mulching bushes and trunks up to 140 mm diameter. Suitable for working on all kinds of wood, gardening and agricultural uses.

Forestry mulcher best suited for trunks up to 300 mm diameter. Suitable for all types of wood, gardening and agricultural uses.

TFVMFD - Forestry mulcher double traction with fix vidia pointed hammer

TFVJH – Hydraulic Forestry Mulcher With Swinging/Oscillating Hammers 360º

Forestry mulcher best suited for trunks up to 300 mm diameter and for all types of wood, gardening and agricultural uses.

Forestry mulcher for excavators 7 – 16 Tn. Best suited for trunks up to 200 mm diameter. Suitable for all types of wood, gardening and agricultural uses.

www.venturamaq.com

Doppstadt Expo 2015 - a Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye View

50 years of Doppstadt: More than 5,000 guests from the environmental and recycling sector experienced two unforgettable days: on 24 and 25 June 2015.

Environmental technology company Doppstadt staged what was arguably the largest European trade show of 2015 in this field on its 220,000 sq.-metre works site (Saxony-Anhalt). On show were over one hundred machines for the shredding, sorting and treatment of waste and biomass. What was unique thereby

was that more than half of the machines could be seen in action. In two-hour live demonstrations, the guests saw how coarse shredders, screening machines and exact hackers shredded tree trunks into sawdust, separated waste from recyclables and sorted pebbles from sand heaps. In doing so, Doppstadt demonstrated its problem-solving skills through combined processes: material collected by machines was initially shredded, then separated into its various components by means of separation processes such as screening, washing or air separation.

Doppstadt AK 510 BioPower

Doppstadt AK 510 BioPower high speed shredder showing awesome power in wood applications

www.doppstadt.com

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

LUMBER PROCESSING

TM

Comact GradExpert

Comact Stacker

Comact Log 3D Scanning

Comact Transverse 3D Board Scanner

www.comact.com

Integrated Log Loader

MyMill™ - Changing the way you work

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

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

6-Deck Jet Veneer Dryer - time lapse construction

Murray Timber 4-sided canting log breakdown line

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

This mill is located in Ireland.

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

www.usnr.com

Sweep reducing

Log positioning

The importance of cant positioning is often overlooked.

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

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

System Edger - versatile and reliable Bandsawing technology edger optimizer

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

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

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

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

www.se-saws.com

Microtec CT Log 360° X-ray CTSawing Optimization

Microtec Goldeneye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner

CT Log optimized sawing • 100% optimum cutting solution based on highest value of final products • Increased value in every sawn log compared to any other breakdown solution • Maximization of lumber recovery quality that significantly increases revenues & resale value

Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for lumber Grading, Chopping and Sorting for joinery and wood component manufacturers – doors, windows and wood furniture, high performance planer mills and manufacturers of glulam and lumber construction products Goldeneye 300 advantages • Worldwide-accredited strength grading Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner • Increased lumber utilisation while reducing labor costs • Optimal utilization of your machinery capacity •N ext generation sensors, state-of-the-art cameras and components with Full HD resolution, faster image acquisition and on-chip image processing • Including X-ray technology • Award winning design and functionality, long product life thanks to a smart design • Fast return on investment • I ntegrates seamlessly with all cross and chop saws as well as sorting and packaging lines

Microtec CT Log Virtual Grading

Microtec Logeye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for log grading

High-speed 360° X-Ray industrial CT-Scanning for high added-values sawmills by the industry leader Microtec.

• Full digital log reconstruction and virtual grading to determine quality at conveying speed of 180 m / min.

• Virtual cutting solutions to asses multiple break-down angles and cutting masks for value optimization.

• For all types of logs • World leading scanning solutions Microtec is the global leader in optoelectronic wood grading technology.

As one source solutions provider for all sawmilling processes, we optimize, automate and streamline all processes for the wood working industry using optoelectronic Multi-Sensor Quality Scanning technologies. We have provided personalized solutions for our customers for over 35 years.

Innovation is our drive. Wood is our passion!

Microtec Logeye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for log grading at the log & merchandising yard and saw infeed for optimised log breakdown, bucking and sorting Logeye 300 Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner features • Grades logs for subsequent breakdown, bucking and sorting • Provides a true 360° panoramic photo image of the log • Accurately determines log density and volume over and under bark • Provides log description including wood defects • Determines the strength of the log for subsequent sorting • Increases throughput, productivity and resale of final products

www.microtec.eu

Industrial Sawmill Business Spotlight SLP2 at LIGNA - Ohio Valley Veneer

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

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

WM4000 ENG

WM1000 with new hydraulic system

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

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

www.woodmizer.com

Grade Scan 2013/2014

The Westervelt Story

True-Q Patented Board Tracking System

www.lucidyne.com

TM

EWD Reducer Quad, First logs

Today we cut the first 5 logs on the new EWD sawmill. first the sides of the logs are chipped off, then four bandsaws go to work cutting the log into the desired sizes.

www.ewd.de

Wood Processing Industry: Springer System Fitness Check

SPRINGER - a step ahead through productivity

When correctly serviced and controlled, a system ensures reliable and efficient operation.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why a steadily increasing number of customers is opting for our system fitness check. Following inspection of the system, measures for improving state and performance are suggested. These activities form the basis for a successful and complete system checkup during summer or winter breaks. For that reason, the inspection should ideally be carried out 2 or 3 months before the scheduled system check in your plant.

SPRINGER is well known for machines and conveyor systems and produces innovative wood processing solutions worldwide.

Innovative CLT production lines

SPRINGER - automation of layer press @ Tilly (A)

To optimize the production of natural wood panels with multi-layer technology, SPRINGER was commissioned with the design and construction of an installation, enabling automation of its existing layer press at Tilly Plant I in Althofen, Austria.

Excellent ease of handling, low maintenance effort and, most of all, minimized material input â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are the key characteristics of the innovative CLT production lines made

by SPRINGER. We develop CLT production lines that take cut-outs and chamfers into account early on in the process, specifically during the provision and automatic positioning of lamellas.

This means minimized material consumption thanks to solutions that are tailored to the requirements of our customers.

www.springer.au

Wagner L60 Logstacker

Wagner is proud to introduce the revolutionary, purpose built, 60,000 lb, L60 Logstacker. Perfect for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cutto-length loads, Wagner has taken our customers years of experience and devised answers to day-to-day, year-to-year operational challenges. From fuel consumption to ease of maintenance and operator comfort, Wagner offers the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. The Wagner L60 Logstacker is in it for the long haul!

www.alliedsystems.com

OPERATION FOCUS - TIGERCAT

Wheels are cost effective at the head of tide

(L-R) William Olson and son, Josh Olson with Frank Martin sales specialist Kris Lepage

Frank Martin Sons retailed the first Tigercat drive-totree feller buncher, a 718E, in the state of Maine, US

B

ill Olson, owner of Olson Inc. is a second-generation logger who works with his son, Josh for a land management company, Wagner Forest Management in Bangor, Maine, cutting a mix of typical Maine hardwood and softwood for the lumber and pulp industry.

With logging operations south of the Penobscot River watershed, at the edge of the Appalachian Mountains and close to the coast, Bangor is at the head of tide (between the rapids and the ocean) making its location historically ideal for lumbering. Logs were floated downstream with the Spring thaw to waterfall-powered sawmills just above Bangor. The sawn lumber was then shipped from the city’s docks to the Atlantic coast.

Due to the rocky and steep topography in this region, harvesting with track machines is the obvious choice, making it very rare to see a driveto- tree machine working in the northeastern United States. However, in May of last year Bill pondered the idea of purchasing a Tigercat 718E wheel feller buncher to replace his previous Tigercat H822C track harvester, which he owned for three years.

Bill states, “I am getting old and I wanted to downsize on my next machine purchase. I believed in the machine and the time was right so

I bought it.” Instead of investing in another harvesting machine, Bill took a risk and thought to try out a wheel machine on the rocky and hilly terrain he operates in.

Thankfully, the risk is paying off. “I am getting 70-80% of the production tonnage out of the wheel machine compared to my previous track harvester, working in the same terrain, with the same contractors,” Bill asserts. “It is half the money and uses half the fuel.

That is all I hoped for.”

Bill was the first to call Tigercat dealer, Frank Martin Sons Inc., expressing interest in the 718E wheel machine and now the dealership is getting many more calls with interest in drive-totree machines for this area. Four different contractors have come to see Bill’s 718E wheel feller buncher in action, since he purchased it in

May, 2013.

With 600 hours on it, Bill indicates to his visitors, “I don’t lie. Everything is good with this machine and I am saving money.”

Frank Martin Sons Inc. has more wheel feller bunchers on order, and already took delivery in late October of another 718E equipped with a Tigercat 5500 saw.

Bill further explains, “Someone from Lincoln, a three hour drive away, called me today wanting to see the 718E working in the fi eld this Friday!” Bill is happy to continue showing off his wheel machine to other potential Tigercat customers.

This article originally appeared in Between the Branches, November 2014, the official publication of Tigercat Industries Inc.

I am getting 70-80% of the production tonnage out of the wheel machine compared to my previous track harvester, working in the same terrain, with the same contractors – Bill Olson

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2015 | International Forest Industries 81

LOAD FAST, UNLOAD FASTER

Tigercatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive low-wide bunk system combined with the powerful hooked crane introduces efficiency and performance gains for the high capacity 1075 and 1085 series forwarders.

Designed for quicker loading and unloading times, this innovative configuration provides clear sight lines to the top of the load and substantially increases the working range of the crane.

Contact your Tigercat dealer to find out how the low-wide bunk system and hooked crane can improve the efficiency of your forwarding operations.

+1.519.753.2000

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