International forest industries oct nov 2014 digital with video

VERSATILITY FOR FORESTERS

Head manufacturers provide flexibility

TRIM & TAUT

Springer’s beltless trimming concept

THE ROMANOVS

Ponsse helps contractor etch a place in history

CHURN & BURN

Mulching suppliers up their game

THE SWEDISH GUARD

The simplistic solution to chain slippage

TAKING ON THE CROOKS

An SP head to defeat crooked stems

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24 SPRINGER

26 SPRINGER

27 MiCROTEC

Austrian sawmill supplier, Springer Maschinenfabrik, has developed a trimmer concept with beltless swinging arms and a tight cutting tolerance

The Pascal 1200 strapping press for lumber

MiCROTEC’s Multi Sensor Quality Scanner Goldeneye 702 and Goldeneye 706 as well as MiCROTEC’s Stress Grading System ViSCAN has received the certification to grade Boards for glulam according to the new standard in T-classes

28 LIMAB

29 SAMUEL STRAPPING SYSTEMS

Swedish technology supplier, Limab, has impressed the sawmilling sector with its latest offering for high definition board scanning

Samuels Strapping Systems has provided the technology to allow this southern US sawmill improve its efficiencies and fatten up margins

LUMBER PROCESSING

LIGNA 2015 11 - 15 May Hannover

17 News

OCTOB ER / N OVEMBE R 2 0 1 4

21 World Markets

72 Advertising Index

COVER: Springer – E-CUT 200 Trimmer E-CUT 200: Springer has developed a well-thought-out new trimmer concept with central drive, electrically actuated saws, beltless and therefore low-maintenance swinging arms and an absolutely new dust-shielding case.

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.

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 crosscutting 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

The externally positioned center drive, trouble-free elimination of waste pieces and optimal dust suction with “Chip and Dust Control” – this enables the customer to achieve highly adaptable and cost-effective lumber production. The system can process all common board thicknesses and lengths and can be employed for all types of softwoods.

For more information watch the YouTube video or visit www.springer.eu

VERSATILIT Y FOR FOREST ERS Head manufac turers provide flexi bility

TRIM & TAU

Springer’s beltl T ess trimming conc ept

THE ROMANO

VS Ponsse helps contractor etch a place in history CHURN & BUR

Mulching supp N liers up their gam e

THE SWEDISH GUARD

The simplistic solution to chain slipp age

TAKING ON THE CROOKS

An SP head to defeat crooked stem s

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 1

LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

30 Harvester Heads: Tackling a range of contracts from clear felling to thinning is the key to the modern forestry business

61

48

48 Prime Movers & Mulchers

61 Innovation – Iggesund

Mulching has become an increasingly important source of income for forestry professionals

Iggesund Forest, part of the Olofsforst Group, has developed an incredibly simple solution for the issue of chain slippage during energy harvesting

68

64

64 Operation Focus – SP Maskiner

68 Romanov machines

A 14-year search for the right harvester head ended for Weldon Hershey when he was introduced to the burgeoning 761 LF from SP Maskiner

The saga of harvesting company OOO Komi Lesnaja kompania’s 45-year-old Managing Director, Juri Mikhailovich Romanov, is an interesting one

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News

2 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

13 World Markets

71 Cutting Edge

72 Advertising Index

HEAVY DUTY DUO

Tigercat has a new heavy duty duo for the 1075B forwarder that is built to take on anything a demanding CTL logging operation can throw at it.

The new Tigercat F195T85 crane is capable of lifting significantly heavier loads and has more slew torque than any competing forwarder crane. The Tigercat 530 series grapple has a notably larger load capacity that only the F195T85 crane can handle - a great advantage in smaller diameter log applications.

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ISSUE 42 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

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

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

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Testing times Geopolitical tensions are a constant influence on any internationally traded commodities and their associated industry sectors – forestry raw materials such as roundwood, biomass and chips, along with finished wood products and energy wood pellets are no exceptions.

international transport of people and products.

This carries its own costs and extra measures will also cost time, which has a clear monetary value. The effect on trade in first world and developing nations would be acute and have a knock-on effect.

In truly international markets such as ours, prices are influenced by a variety of factors across a number of regions and countries, moving this way and that on domestic events.

World markets are unlikely to notice a small event in a small country in terms of forestry, though they might register a large event in a small country. International markets would certainly take note of even a minor disruption or increase in production within a major forestry market, such as Canada or Scandinavia.

The emergence of these threats over the middle of this year is a truly unwelcome cloud over what has been a hard-earned recovery for forest industries, particularly for the sawn wood sector.

Last edition, I speculated on the fallout from a major political event in a major forestry country – the process of sanctions on Russia and its tit-for-tat response.

As discussed, if roundwood supply out of Russia, referred to accurately as the ‘Timber Bank’, was severely disrupted, it would have wide ranging consequences for forestry professionals. Roundwood suppliers elsewhere would enjoy an uncapped period of higher prices, whereas already squeezed sawmill owners would be again pushed to the wall, having spent most of the past three years inching their way back to profitability.

More recently, the far more serious threat of the Ebola virus has shown itself to be a potentially crippling event for forestry professionals the world over.

This is obviously not because of its effect on West Africa’s burgeoning forestry sector – disruption there would hardly be felt by the international forestry space – but rather because a further spread of the disease would mean disaster for many international businesses.

Not only does the virus have the ability to cut off a country’s productivity at the knees, but there are likely to be rising restrictions on the

4 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

As regular readers would have seen from tracking our World Markets section, signs of better times have been with us for a while. There are still major challenges but there are at least as many opportunities and, more importantly, we are seeing some areas of the forestry world reporting revenues that reflect opportunities already taken.

Pulpwood prices have reached a level of stability over the past two years, according to reports in this edition, while sawlog prices in general are at three year highs. More encouragingly, our friends at Italian woodworking mouthpiece, Acimall, reported a strong second quarter and a rising base of orders – we’ve barely heard a positive word out from this group in seven years of publishing International Forest Industries.

For the moment, neither politics in Russia or the health of West Africa have shaken the forestry industry, but both factors are equally unpredictable. Forestry professionals would be wise to take half-an-hour to consider what a decline in circumstance on either of these fronts would mean for their businesses in order to put in place some sort of response plan to hopefully keep our recovery on track.

Enjoy,

Chris Cann Editor

Kevin Harrison Harrison Logging Incorporated Grenada, Mississippi

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LOGGING NEWS

APF implies UK strength

The success of APF showed that the UK forestry sector is strengthening APF 2014, the UK’s largest forestry, woodland, trees and timber show, was recently held over September 18-20, attracting the largest number of visitors in its 40-year history.

A record 16,500 people came through the gate, an 11% increase in numbers from the 2012 event at the same venue at Ragley Estate,

Alcester. The total number of exhibitors, 268, was also a record, and demonstrated the value the industry places on the show as an excellent trading platform.

Exhibitors brought a “huge amount of machines and equipment” to the show, demonstrating the investment suppliers are prepared to make into the UK market.

“We are delighted with the numbers of both visitors and exhibitors who attended,” Exhibition Secretary, Ian Millward, said.

“Apart from a wet Friday morning, the rest of the three days were bright and sunny [and] it was great to see so many happy faces from everyone there.

“It is a credit to the hard work of all our team that the show, which we started to build on September 8, was such a success. It has firmly positioned the show as the place for the forestry, woodland, trees and timber industry to meet, network and sell machinery and equipment to a very targeted audience.

“We have already been deluged with requests from exhibitors to book their same site for 2016 – something that has never happened before.”

A highlight of the event

included a visit from Defra Forestry Minister, Dan Rogerson, who took part in a panel discussion in the Confederation of Forest Industries marquee on ‘Securing the future of the UK’s forestry & timber industry’.

The discussion was chaired by Sir Harry Studholme, Chairman of The Forestry Commission, and included other panel members representing the forestry and timber processing sectors.

The discussion explored the importance of the forest timber industry to the overall economy of the UK and the necessity for a long term and stable policy for the industry to encourage investment in new woodland and timber processing and reflect the 60 years or more the average forest takes to mature.

The exhibition is returning to the same site at Ragley Estate in 2016.

Tigercat introduces first G-series Drive-to-Tree Feller Buncher Tigercat has introduced the 724G, the first drive-to-tree feller buncher powered with the high performance Tigercat FPT N67 Tier 4f engine. The 724G made its debut appearance at the Mid-South Forestry Show in Starkville MS. The 724G wheel feller buncher has more power, a newly designed engine enclosure and improved component layout, providing superior access and serviceability.

Best of all, the Tigercat FPT engine meets Tier 4 final emission standards using the simplest possible technology.

Design enhancements to the 724G feller buncher focused on improving the operator experience, productivity and service access.

Engine power has increased from 220 to 247 hp with a newly designed engine enclosure roof profile for improved visibility.

Detailed information is provided to the operator through a large colour display screen for accurate engine and machine monitoring. The enclosure access panels and doors have been redesigned for easier

access and increased strength. The engine, hydraulic and electrical component layout has also been designed with easy access and serviceability in mind.

Most importantly, the Tigercat FPT N67 Tier 4f engine is fully supported by Tigercat, including all parts, service, warranty and technical support, significantly

6 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

benefiting 724G feller buncher owners.

About the Tigercat FPT engine series Tigercat FPT engines meet Tier 4 emission levels without the need for variable geometry turbochargers, an EGR system, a higher capacity cooling system,

an intake throttle body or a diesel particulate filter. Furthermore, the engine series offers improved reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs. The key is the selective catalyst reduction (SCR) which converts the harmful components of the exhaust gas stream into water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

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LOGGING NEWS

Canadian PrimeTech customers get more support a brand of FAE Group

The new PrimeTech shop in Canada PrimeTech, part of Italian based FAE Group and a global leader in the production of self-propelled tracked carriers for forestry, has cited Canada as one of its “key markets” – a claim it has supported with a new Canadian-based headquarters.

Since 2006, the year of its foundation, the Canadian branch office PrimeTech Shredding Equipment has worked to ensure a solid commercial presence in Canada. Among all FAE Group branch offices worldwide, PrimeTech Shredding became the foremost branch, both for turnover and service for PrimeTech carriers.

July 25 this year marked the unveiling of the new Canadian headquarters in Spruce Grove,

Alberta, a strategically ideal location in Western Canada.

Customers and dealers from all over Canada, including some flying in on purpose from Ontario, took part in the opening ceremony, presided by the Spruce Grove Alderman, in attendance with local authorities. The ribbon was cut

by Diego Scanzoni, President of FAE Group, with Alderman Rothe, Alderman Kesanko, and the Chief Executive of PrimeTech Shredding, Andreas Lambacher.

In the course of the ceremony, PrimeTech Shredding was presented with a Spruce Grove City plaque, while PrimeTech awarded a plaque to its dealers, in appreciation for the work done and the significant role the company played to promote the PrimeTech brand in Canada.

Thanks to an investment of more than $2 million, the new PrimeTech Canadian headquarters in Spruce Grove covers a total area of more than 2,100 m2 (7,000 ft2) – more than 600 m2(2,000 ft2) of which are offices and the balance dedicated to shop and warehouse space. The expansion in size compared to the previous headquarters will allow PrimeTech Shredding to meet the demands of its growing Canadian customer base with proactive efficiency,

through an enhanced and more thorough service for spare-part distribution and sale of new and used vehicles.

“PrimeTech Shredding will continue to provide technical support and training services to both historic and new dealers,” Lambacher said. “We intend to be present throughout Canada through a stable and widespread sales and support network.

“To our Canadian customers this investment is an important sign. It proves that we are committed to this market and we are here for the long run”.

During his speech, Scanzoni emphasised that “investment in a new facility in Canada is part of the strategy that FAE Group has been pursuing on an international level”.

“We aim to strengthen its visibility and presence in the world, and want to do so by setting up new sales offices within strategic markets,” he said.

“Besides the new Canadian headquarters, this year as FAE Group we have opened a sales office in Russia (Moscow). And today, as FAE Group we are present in more than 100 countries worldwide through branch offices abroad (in Germany, France, USA, Australia, Russia and Canada) and through distribution agreements

The opening party for PrimeTech’s new facility with partners in nearly all other countries.”

Financial and economic results confirm that the internationalization strategy implemented by FAE Group is very successful, with FAE Group’s exports now representing 98% of its turnover.

Silvatec grane chipper harvester delivered to Alstrup Skovservice Alsrtup Skovservice is a forest contractor owned by Gert Alstrup that has 11 employees and carries out different jobs in the forest.

Alstrup Skovservice and Silvatec have been cooperating since 1989.

One of the services Alstrup Skovservice performs is wood chipping in connection with thinning of the forest. To maintain and improve competitiveness within this field, the company has just been supplied with a new Silvatec grane chipper harvester.

The grane chipper harvester is a self-propelled chipper, which produces coarse wood chips that the biomass heating plants use.

The chipper is equipped with

a chip box with capacity of 20 m3 and, according to Alstrup, the Silvatec machine can produce between 60-90 m3/h of chips from lumber that has been processed by a feller buncher.

The chipper is designed and produced for production of chips on site and is, as all machines produced by Silvatec, built on a strong base frame suitable for rough terrain.

“To produce the chips directly in the forest is the most environmentally and sustainable way to do it, as the nutrients is kept in the forest,” Alstrup said. “In addition to this fact, it is also the most economical solution.”

8 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

The chips produced in the forest are reloads directly into containers for transport to the heating plants.

“Comparing the Silvatec chipper with other chippers, the Silvatec

machine is, due to its eight wheels and very low ground pressure, extremely agile and very gentle towards the forest soil,” Alstrup said

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LOGGING NEWS

Forest Energy Corporation announces qualification into Pellet Fuels Institute Standards Program Forest Energy Corporation announced its qualification into the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) Standards Program, a third-party accreditation program providing specifications for residential and commercial-grade pellet fuel.

Forest Energy Corporation (FEC) is the sixth company to qualify for the PFI Standards Program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Forest Energy Corporation into the PFI Standards Program,” said Jennifer Hedrick, Executive Director of the Pellet Fuels Institute. “It takes time, effort and dedication to qualify for the program and we are proud to see how much the Standards Program has grown in a year and a half. We thank these companies for leading the way and we look forward to many more program members.”

In qualifying for the Standards

Program, Forest Energy Corporation joins existing program members New England Wood Pellet, Curran Renewable Energy, American Wood Fibers, Lignetics Inc. and Marth Peshtigo Pellet Co. With the addition of Forest Energy Corporation, nearly half of the pellets manufactured for residential heat consumption within the United States are produced under this program.

Rob Davis, owner of FEC stated, “Although we have always had an extensive in-house testing program to provide our customers consistent quality product, now it is overseen by an independent third party, providing everyone that extra level of confidence in the products from Forest Energy.”

To meet the criteria of the PFI Standards Program, participants work monthly with an independent

accredited auditing agency and testing laboratory. Random monthly audits are performed at production facilities to ensure qualified companies are following a quality assurance and control program. Pellets are tested according to the program specifications, also on a monthly or more frequent basis. By taking these steps, participants ensure that their pellet quality meets the standards and remains consistent.

The Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) is a North American trade association based in Arlington, Virginia, that represents a range of contributors to the pellet industry, including companies that manufacture wood pellets and pellet manufacturing equipment, or provide other products and services to the densified biomass industry at large.

Jennifer Hedrick, Executive Director of the Pellet Fuels Institute

Rob Davis – owner Forest Energy Corporation

Wood-pellet manufacturing plant for Guyana Pinnacle Green Resources Ltd. (Guyana) plans to begin cultivation of an energy plantation on 5,000 acres of land in the Pomeroon Region 2, Guyana. Pinnacle, which has its headquarters in Singapore, is hoping to cultivate Leucaena leucocephala which is already present in Guyana and known as Jumbie Bean.

The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding

with Guyana Office for Investment (GOINVEST) for the lease of the land. Additionally, in the period before harvesting the leucaena, the company plans to establish another facility utilising the bio mass available in Guyana to produce electricity.

Significant quantities of sawdust and other off cut materials are currently available and these, along with other agricultural

residues and by-products will be used as fuel for the gasification plant.

The plantation investment is expected to produce 200 tons of wood pellets per day which would be exported to Europe. The European Biomass Association estimates that wood-pellet consumption in Europe will reach 50 milliontons per year by 2020.

John Deere 1110E forwarders now equipped with Intelligent Boom Control Intelligent Boom Control (IBC) is now offered as an option on all of John Deere’s 1110E Forwarders.

This technological breakthrough significantly increases forwarder productivity and efficiency, while providing best possible fuel economy and boom lifetime.

Intelligent Boom Control has been praised for its ability to operate the boom with more precision, making it easier for

the operator, and easier on the equipment as well. Using the IBC system, the operator controls the boom tip directly instead of controlling each of the independent boom joint movements manually.

This makes boom operation accurate, fast and easy. By eliminating extra movements, this system also increases the durability of boom structures and hydraulic cylinders. These features

10 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

significantly improve an operator’s working speed, resulting in higher overall productivity and lower costs.

The IBC system can also accelerate the learning curve for operators. Intuitive and easy to learn to use, the technology reduces the amount of time it takes to become a skilled operator, resulting in less training time.

John Deere’s 1110E Forwarder with the IBC option is now available in North America. IBC is also offered as an option on all of John Deere’s 1210E and 1510E Forwarders.

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LOGGING NEWS

John Deere names Max Guinn next president of Construction & Forestry equipment John Deere has named Max A. Guinn as the next president of its Worldwide Construction & Forestry equipment division.

Guinn, who is currently the senior vice president of human relations, communications, public affairs and labor relations at Deere, was also named president of the company’s Labor Relations and Security division. The move comes as part of a larger transition in leadership at the company due to

the retirement of James A. Israel, president of John Deere Financial.

Current Construction & Forestry president Michael J. Mack Jr. has been tapped to become the president of the financial group as well as Global Human Resources and Public Affairs. Israel was with Deere for 35 years and held a number of management positions.

He was appointed president of financial services in 2006 and the company credits his leadership

in doubling the size of its credit portfolio to approximately $40 billion. “Over the course of his career, Jim Israel has shown a keen business intellect, dedication and commitment to employees, and a passion for excellent customer service and business leadership,” Samuel R. Allen, Deere chairman and chief executive officer, said in a prepared statement.

Tigercat adds two new faces Tigercat has appointed Aaron Gregan to its product support team as Factory Sales and Support Representative for New Zealand.

Based in Geraldine New Zealand, Gregan will focus on providing after-sale technical and commercial support to Tigercat’s New Zealand dealer, AB Equipment, and customers. He will work closely with Tigercat’s Sales Representative for Australasia & Southeast Asia, Glen Marley, and for Australasian Product Support Representative, Steve Green, to further grow Tigercat’s market share in New Zealand.

Gregan has over five years of experience working with AB Equipment where he has quickly built a reputation amongst his customer base as an extremely motivated and committed support representative.

Being a third generation mechanic, Gregan brings exemplary

technical skills, an excellent work ethic and sound diagnostic skills to the Tigercat team.

“Aaron joins Tigercat with a wealth of experience in the service and repair of a wide range of heavy-duty equipment including equipment used in the industrial, mining, construction, environmental and forestry industry,” Marley said.

“He looks forward to further enhancing Tigercat’s relationship with AB Equipment and the New Zealand customer base.”

Tigercat has also appointed Uziel Batista Dos Santos to the Tigercat product support team as South American Factory Support Representative.

Based in Londrina, Paraná State, south of Brazil, Batista will focus on providing after sales technical and commercial support to Tigercat’s growing customer base in South America. he will

work closely with Tigercat’s Factory Sales Representative for South America, Frans Misdorp to further grow Tigercat’s market share in this territory. Initially, Batista’s efforts will focus on the Brazilian customer base and then broaden throughout the region over time.

Batista has five years of experience working in the forestry industry including with Tigercat machines in many different locations in the vast market of Brazil. He previously worked for former Tigercat dealer, Latin Equipment do Brazil and most recently as a contract technician to Continental Biomass Industries (CBI).

He brings excellent handson and technical skills to the Tigercat team, being certified in General and Automotive Electrical Systems by the National Service of Industrial Learning Institute.

Aaron Gregan

Uziel Batista

Potlatch signs purchase agreement for 201,000 acres of Alabama & Mississippi timberlands Potlatch Corporation has signed a purchase agreement to acquire 201,000 acres of timberlands in Alabama and Mississippi from affiliates of Resource Management Service, LLC for $384 million. The transaction is expected to close late in the current quarter and is subject to the satisfaction of

customary closing conditions.

“We are pleased to add these very productive timberlands to our southern portfolio,” said Michael Covey, chairman and CEO of Potlatch Corporation. “The timberlands have been managed intensively and are well stocked.

This transaction will expand our

12 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

southern ownership by almost 50% into two new states contiguous to our existing Arkansas holdings and will increase our total acreage under management to nearly 1.6 million acres,” concluded Mr. Covey.

Upon closing, the acquired timberlands are expected to be

immediately accretive to funds available for distribution per share, which would support the company’s ability to grow its dividend over time. The company plans to finance the acquisition with new long-term debt and cash.

WORLD MARKETS – LOGGING

Wood consumption in Japan up 6 % in first half of 2014 With Japan’s importation of softwood and hardwood chips up by 17 % and 14 % during the same period Wood Resources International (WRI) reports that pulp production in Japan has picked up in 2014 as compared to 2013, with wood fiber consumption being six percent higher during the first six months of this year as compared to the same period in 2013, according to the Japan Paper Association.

The increase in demand was practically the same for softwood fiber as for hardwood fiber, but the overall volume of the total virgin fiber consumption is still split at approximately 68% hardwood and

32% softwood fiber.

To meet the higher wood fiber needs, domestic fiber sourcing from the domestic sawmills has increased by two percent and import volumes have gone up nine percent year-to-date. In the 2Q/14, importation of softwood and hardwood chips was up by as much as 17% and 14%, respectively, as compared to the same quarter last year, WRI said.

Despite the substantial increase in import volumes, average prices for imported hardwood chip prices in Japan declined by about 17 dollar per odmt from 2Q/13 to 2Q/14, as reported WRI’s report Wood Resource Quarterly. Average prices

for softwood chips were one dollar higher in the 2Q/14 as compared to the same quarter in 2013, but as much as 13 dollars higher than in the first quarter this year.

The general trend the past four years has been that prices for imported chips have gone up in the local currency due to a weakening Yen against the US dollar, and that prices for domestically sourced chips have fallen slightly. In the 2Q/14, prices for imported softwood chips were on average 65% higher than residual chips from domestic sawmills, while imported hardwood chips were just over 20% higher than locally sourced hardwood chips, WRI said.

WRI noted that the biggest change in fiber sourcing this year has been a sharp increase in softwood chip imports from the US and record high import volumes of hardwood chips from Vietnam.

Other developments include higher volumes imported from South Africa, Brazil and Indonesia, while shipments of hardwood chips from Chile and Australia have continued to decline in 2014. With the recent pick-up in hardwood fiber imports to Japan, the total import volume for this year could very well reach its highest level in six years.

AMCEL has purchased Savcor Zenith System to manage its eucalyptus forests in Brazil Japanese owned company Amapá Florestal e Celulose S.A. (AMCEL) has purchased Savcor Zenith Forest Management Information System to improve the efficiency of its forestry operations and business

transparency for the shareholders.

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market.

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operations. AMCEL has chosen Savcor Zenith for the management of its forest operations due to the high levels of technology and forest expertise, which are the core of Zenith.

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WORLD MARKETS – LOGGING

Forestry strong in weaker Deere results John Deere’s third quarter results have shown net income of $851 million compared with almost $1 billion for the corresponding period last year – a fall of almost 15%.

Income for the first nine months of the year was $2.5 billion against $2.7 billion last year – a drop of almost 7.5%.

Worldwide net sales and revenues were down 5% to $9.5 billion for the quarter and 4% to $27.1 billion for the first nine months. Net sales of equipment operations were $8.7 billion for the quarter and $24.9 billion for nine months, compared with $9.3 billion and $26.4 billion for the same periods last year.

“Deere’s third-quarter performance reflected moderating conditions in the global farm sector, which have negatively affected demand for farm machinery and contributed to lower sales and profits for our agricultural-equipment business,” Sam Allen, Chairman and Chief Executive, said. “At the same time, our construction and forestry and financial services divisions had higher profit, showing the benefit of a broad-based business line-up.

“Overall, it was a quarter of solid performance, with income exceeded only by last year’s record for the corresponding period.”

Summary of operations Net sales of the worldwide equipment operations declined 6% for the quarter and nine months compared with the same periods a year ago. Sales included price realisation of 2% for the quarter and nine months. Additionally, sales included an unfavourable currency translation effect of 1% for the nine months.

Equipment net sales in the US and Canada decreased 8% for the quarter and 7% year-todate. Outside the US and Canada, net sales were down 4% for the quarter, including favourable currency translation effects of 1%, and down 3% for nine months, including unfavourable currency translation effects of 1%.

Deere’s equipment operations reported operating profit of more than $1.1 billion for the quarter

and almost $3.4 billion for nine months, compared with a little over $1.4 billion and more than $3.9 billion last year.

The decline for the quarter was due primarily to the impact of lower shipment volumes, higher production costs primarily related to engine-emission requirements, and the unfavourable effects of foreign currency exchange.

The year-to-date decline was largely due to the impact of lower shipment volumes, unfavourable foreign-exchange effects, higher production costs, and a less favourable product mix. Declines for both periods were partially offset by price realisation.

Net income of the company’s equipment operations was $680 million for the third quarter and $2.1 billion for the first nine months, compared with $846 million and $2.3 billion in 2013. In addition to the operating factors mentioned above, a lower effective tax rate benefited both quarterly and year-to-date results.

Company outlook and summary Company equipment sales are projected to decrease about 6 percent for fiscal 2014 and to be down about 8% for the fourth quarter compared with the yearago periods.

14 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

Included is an unfavourable currency-translation effect of about 1% for the year. For 2014, net income attributable to Deere & Company is anticipated to be about $3.1 billion.

Although Deere’s full-year earnings are forecast to be somewhat lower than in 2013, Allen said the company is looking forward to completing another successful year and continues to believe the longer-term outlook for its businesses holds considerable promise.

“For the balance of the year, the company will be scaling back production in line with demand for our agricultural products,” he stated. “These actions illustrate our commitment to responding with speed and decisiveness to changes in market conditions.”

Allen pointed out the company’s plans to expand its market presence throughout the world are on track and continuing to move ahead.

“We remain confident the company is well-positioned to earn solid returns throughout the business cycle and to realise substantial benefits from the world’s growing need for food, shelter and infrastructure well into the future,” he said.

Specific to the construction and forestry division, sales increased

19% for the quarter and 8% for nine months mainly as a result of higher shipment volumes and price realisation. Increased sales for both periods were partially offset by the unfavourable effects of currency translation.

Operating profit was $194 million for the quarter and $420 million for nine months, compared with $107 million and $259 million last year. Quarterly operating profit improved primarily due to higher shipment volumes and price realization, partially offset by a less favourable product mix. Yearto-date results increased mainly due to higher shipment volumes, lower production costs, and lower selling, administrative and general expenses.

Deere’s worldwide sales of construction and forestry equipment are forecast to increase by about 10% for full-year 2014.

The gain reflects further economic recovery and higher housing starts in the US as well as sales increases outside the US and Canada. Global forestry sales are expected to be up for the year due to general economic growth and improved sales in European markets

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WORLD MARKETS – LOGGING

Export log market update NZ log exports NZ log exports to China decreased in August, to 885,000m³, which was 20% below a year ago. This is the fourth consecutive month of exports to that country being lower than year ago levels, but it is yet to offset the increases seen in the first four months of the year, meaning that total exports to China for the year to August are up 7% year-on-year.

Exports to India at just over 100,000m³ were the lowest since January during August, but for the full year are up 8% on a year ago. Exports to South Korea for August were the highest since April 2011, but this is not indicative of an upward trend there, rather a peak in monthly fluctuations. The market there has been very steady, and looks to be on track for similar volumes to 2013 this year.

Log prices are up significantly at the wharf-gate, which is almost entirely driven by foreign exchange movements. Average unpruned log export prices are up 9%-11% for the month. Pruned log price movements are closer to a 6%

rise. At wharf-gate prices have had almost $7/t added through foreign exchange movements this month.

A-grade log prices are now back over $100/t at the wharfgate in the Northern North Island, which historically is a high price, but not in comparison to the past 12 months. In the past this level of prices, especially when combined with the high domestic demand seen currently, would lead to increased harvesting levels.

However, indications from large forest owners are that intentions are not to wind up harvests this summer at the moment, due to wariness about China’s ability to consume logs. There are indications that small forest owners will also be wary after some were caught out by the rapid decline in prices this year, and many will also be holding out for higher prices before committing to harvesting given what has been seen in the market in the past 12-18 months.

China

decline in August to 2.29 million tonnes, the lowest since February 2013. The major sources, NZ, Russia and the Pacific Northwest all showed decreases in supply from a month ago, and year on year. This meant that although NZ supply dropped 20%, it remained the largest supplier of logs to China. Log supply from other sources increased, and for the three months to August were up 16% year-on-year while the top four suppliers had a 12% decline.

This is likely to be a structural change as more and more log suppliers look to export to China.

China’s construction industry is still slowing, with house prices coming down and total area of real estate sales down 8.3% for the year to August compared to 2013.

The decline in new house sales is larger than for existing homes, with sales down 9.1%. Processors in China are reporting a 30% decline in demand for construction grade lumber which potentially means that log imports will have to come back further.

Russia and the Pacific North West Russian supply typically starts to slide towards the end of the year, while Canada and US supply is normally steady out to the end of the year, but slow in the first half due to their winter. Russian log supply has continued to fall this year, despite appearing to arrest the decline at the start of this year.

Indications are that big increases are unlikely, mostly due to high transport costs, and difficult harvesting terrain. The low hanging fruit has been harvested in Russia, and as a consequence there are more remaining harvesting options on frozen ground and distant forests.

US housing starts are not meeting expectations yet, but it’s expected that in the next 12 months there will be less wood exported from the US and Canada as the US housing market increases. Canada’s lumber exports to the US have already increased 10% this year.

China’s log imports showed a large

F&W Forestry Services buys stake in French forestry firm Market F&W Forestry Services, Inc. has acquired an interest in a French forestry management firm that will provide both companies with expanded opportunities for growth - notably in Europe and Frenchspeaking North Africa.

Marshall Thomas, president of Albany, Ga.-based F&W, said

his company had acquired an interest in Cabinet Coudert, a full-service forestry management firm based near Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne region in the heart of the forested area of south central France. Cabinet Coudert is headed by Sylvestre Coudert, grandson of the firm’s founder.

The company currently provides forest management services to European forest landowners, largely in France. Under the link-up with F&W, service is expected to be extended to forested areas throughout Europe and North Africa. Cabinet Coudert maintains four offices, all in France, but

provides forestry services through France, Europe, and forested French-speaking regions of northern Africa. Established in 1962, F&W Forestry Services, Inc., of Albany, Ga., is one of the nation’s oldest and largest forest consulting and management firms.

New Forests acquires hardwood plantation estate in Australia’s Green Triangle region New Forests acquires 7,000-hectare blue gum plantation estate, which will be managed as part of Limestone Plantations, a hardwood estate previously acquired by New Forests’ Australia New Zealand Forest Fund 2 (“ANZFF2”). The acquisition includes 28 properties with approximately 5,500 hectares of net planted area located across

south-western Victoria.

ANZFF2 closed in March of this year with more than AU$700 million ($620 million) of capital from institutional clients. Since then New Forests has completed three Australian and three New Zealand transactions on behalf of the ANZFF2 investment fund. This includes the acquisition of the

16 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

original 21,000 hectare Limestone Plantations in March and purchase of a 175,000-hectare Tasmanian forestry estate in September of this year.

“These are attractive, highproductivity forestry properties,” said New Forests’ CEO David Brand.

“The Green Triangle is a premier forestry region, with low operating

costs, proximity to processing and ports, and excellent forestry management capacity.”

The combined estate of Limestone Plantations now comprises 28,000 hectares and offers high-quality forestry land with a mix of leased and unleased properties.

LUMBER PROCESSING – NEWS

Stora Enso appoints new Executive Vice President Stora Enso has strengthened its Group Leadership Team with sourcing.

Stora Enso has appointed Johanna Hagelberg as Executive Vice President Sourcing as of 1 November 2014. This is a new role in Stora Enso’s Group Leadership Team.

Johanna Hagelberg joined Stora Enso in November 2013 as SVP Sourcing of the division Printing and Living. Prior to joining Stora Enso she held leading positions within sourcing at companies including Vattenfall, RSA Scandinavia and NCC. “Johanna Hagelberg is a

result-oriented professional and team-spirited manager. Her solid experience in procurement and operational excellence will strongly contribute to developing Stora Enso’s partner relationships while building a competitive cost base,” says Stora Enso’s CEO Karl-Henrik Sundström.

Johanna Hagelberg

Interfor to market Ilim Timber’s lumber products in North America Interfor Corporation and Ilim Timber have reached an agreement under which Interfor will market Ilim Timber’s European lumber products in North America. The first shipment of European spruce and red pine will arrive on the eastern seaboard of the US in the second half of last month.

The sales agreement builds on the relationship between Interfor and Ilim Timber and follows Interfor’s acquisition earlier this

year of two sawmills in the US South from a subsidiary of Ilim Timber.

“This agreement allows Interfor to offer North American customers more choice,” said Steven Hofer, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Interfor. “We already have one of the broadest ranges of lumber products in the world, and Ilim Timber’s European spruce and red pine lumber is a perfect complement to our existing

whitewood program.”

“Ilim Timber welcomes the opportunity to market quality sawn goods from our German mills under the Interfor brand,” said Carsten Doehring, CEO, Business Unit Germany. “As one of the biggest German exporters, Ilim Timber sees good potential in cooperation with Interfor, a strong and proactive player in the North American lumber market.”

Interfor is a growth-oriented

lumber company with operations in Canada and the United States. The Company has annual production capacity of 2.4 billion board feet and offers one of the most diverse lines of lumber products to customers around the world.

Ilim Timber is a leading global export-oriented volume manufacturer of sawn goods and softwood plywood, with operations in Germany and Russia.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 17

LUMBER PROCESSING – NEWS

Stora Enso names Gunnar Brock as Chairman of nomination Board of Directors Stora Enso’s Nomination Board has been appointed.

The composition of the Nomination Board is as follows: Gunnar Brock (Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stora Enso), Juha Rantanen (Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stora Enso), Pekka Ala-Pietilä (Chairman

of the Board of Directors of Solidium), and Marcus Wallenberg (Chairman of the Board of Directors of Foundation Asset Management).

Pekka Ala-Pietilä is the Chairman of the Nomination Board.

According to the register of shareholders, Stora Enso’s two largest shareholders on 30

September 2014 were Solidium Oy and Foundation Asset Management (FAM).

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Gunnar Brock

Södra merges its timber and interior business areas Södra has mobilised resources within sawn and planed wood with interior wood by merging business areas Södra Timber and Södra Interior. The merger strengthens Södra’s market presence and to realize synergies in management, engineering, logistics and sales.

“By merging Timber and interior, we take a strong position in the sawn and planed wood and

interior wood. We will strengthen our market presence and industrial structure, which makes it possible to realize the synergies of the entire flow from raw material to customer. We will thus be able to give better offer to our clients and thereby strengthen their competitiveness”, says Lars Idermark, CEO of the Södra.

The merger strengthens the

forest owners’ offer of timber and interior wood and hence forest farm profitability. The merger is a natural step in Södra’s strategy to become a more cohesive and profitable group.

“It is in line with increasing internal efficiency, something that we work with on all fronts”, added Lars Idermark.

The decision to start

negotiations on a merger between the divisions was taken by Södra’s board on Tuesday, 7 October.

Head of the merged business area has been appointed Håkan Svensson, currently head of Södra Timber, has been appointed head of the merged business area.

Valutec delivers progressive kiln to Ziegler Holzindustrie Europe’s largest sawmill, Germany’s Ziegler Holzindustrie, has invested in a progressive kiln from Valutec. This will be Valutec’s second delivery to the sawmill, with the investment increasing the sawmill’s drying capacity by 51,000 cubic metres per year.

The progressive kiln is of a type that is among the new generation of progressive kilns from Valutec.

The model, which has been patented by the company, is called OTC and is based on the airflow

direction being opposite to that of a traditional progressive kiln with two drying zones.

The kiln supplied to Ziegler Holzindustrie will be used for side boards in smaller dimensions. One reason for Ziegler’s investment is increased quality demands from customers, but requirements at the sawmill also played an important role.

“Previously we could deliver side boards freshly sawn, but now many customers are asking for

the timber to be delivered dried.

The progressive kiln is also the best logistical solution for us and it yields a significantly more even load on our furnace than new batch kilns,” explains Kai Matthies, Production Manager at Ziegler Holzindustrie.

In addition to the progressive kiln that will be up and running in January, Ziegler also chose to invest in Valutec’s Valmatics control system and Valusim simulator.

Valutec has already concluded

several major deals in Russia, Finland and Sweden earlier in 2014. The single largest delivery is the eight progressive kilns and four batch kilns to be supplied to Russia’s AsiaLes, which is based in Khabarovsk.

New trimmer inaugurated at Setra Nyby Recently, a new trimmer at the Setra Nyby sawmill in Sweden was inaugurated. New machinery, a new cutting system and installation of automated sorting have adapted the sawmill to meet the demands of the future.

Hannele Arvonen, President and CEO of Setra, formally inaugurated the trimmer at lunch time together with Karl Pontus Larsson, Manager of Setra Nyby. More than 80 people

– including employees, media and industry representatives – attended the inauguration which ended with a tour of the sawmill.

“We are extremely pleased that the new trimmer is in place.

Now we will be able to supply even better products for many years to come. Productivity will rise, flexibility will improve and quality will become more consistent,” says Larsson.

18 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

Work with the new trimmer was carried out in cooperation with ScanWare, which supplied a BoardMaster NOVA, and CGV (C. Gunnarssons Verkstads AB) which delivered the machinery and control system. The investment in the sawmill is part of the efficiency improvement programme underway at Setra designed to further strengthen the wood products company’s competitiveness.

Hannele Arvonen, President and CEO of Setra

LUMBER PROCESSING – NEWS

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LUMBER PROCESSING – NEWS

Springer - Microtec opens a new sales and service office in Vancouver Wood processing equipment manufacturer Springer-Microtec has opened a new sales and service office in Vancouver, Canada.

“We are proud that we can now offer our wide range of products to the Canadian and American wood processing market. Our products include everything from mechanical equipment, automation and controls all the way to scanners and optimization”, says co-owner and CEO Gero Springer.

The team of Springer-Microtec consists of technicians and service engineers with extensive experience in the North American industry. Together with Federico Giudiceandrea, CEO of MiCROTEC,

Gero Springer will take the reins of the original North America division and direct the company locally from Vancouver, BC. “The goal is to generate as much excitement as possible about the new products and services we now offer in the North American market”, says Gero Springer.

Springer-Microtec offers virtually every piece of equipment that exists in wood processing plants, from log and lumber handling to the most sophisticated scanners and optimizers available in the market today, and all of the automation and controls in between. All products are built to interface with existing equipment,

making upgrading specific machine centers easy and fast. Available as either single pieces of equipment, or entire turn-key plants, SpringerMicrotec’s products and services can fit any size requirement.

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Current North American installations either running or in startup consist of over 20 log and lumber scanners, 2 complete green field sawmills, and a new log merchandising yard.

Federico Giudiceandrea, CEO of MiCROTEC

Gero Springer CEO Springer Microtec Inc.

EPAL launches a new half pallet on the market The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) has introduced a new EPAL half pallet with three skid boards. The independently quality assured 800 x 600 mm EPAL half pallet has been developed under the remit of being more robust and longer lasting than the current “Düsseldorfer” half pallet used on the market. The new EPAL half pallet came into being as the result of active discussions with trade and industry users and has been field tested. The use of wood as the raw material makes the EPAL half pallet particularly sustainable.

“The new, four-way EPAL half pallet is tailor made to meet the needs of the users and combines the flexibility of the half pallet with the advantages of the EPAL system,” says Martin Leibrandt, EPAL CEO. Half pallets are

particularly popular in the drinks and food industry, as well as with discount stores and the retail trade.

“In addition to the high quality and loading capacity, the ability to access the pallets on all four sides with materials handling equipment – in other words, from the 600 mm side as well – is important for the users. With the new EPAL four-way half pallets, goods are easy to manoeuvre within the sales areas and different articles can be displayed on the same sales area,” explains Martin Leibrandt.

The new EPAL half pallet is half the size of an EPAL euro pallet and can be exchanged without restrictions as part of the world’s largest open pallet exchange pool.

EPAL has succeeded in achieving the greatest possible insertion width on the 600 mm side, thereby

providing optimum conditions for handling with forklift trucks. It is produced from wood and steel only. The load capacity of the EPAL half pallet is more than 500 kg, with a net weight of less than 10 kg. The seven upper edge boards as well as the six stringer and lower edge boards are 21 mm each. Six 3-mm thick steel angle brackets provide additional stability and protect the four-way pallet against damage in daily use. The new EPAL half pallet, which is ideal for automated warehouses, complies with the ISPM-15 standard and is marked on the steel angle brackets with the established EPAL logo.

The wooden “Düsseldorfer” half pallets currently used on the market are not independently quality assured. This had led to them not being accepted by the

users. “Up until now, it has not been necessary to have a license to produce the “Düsseldorfer” half pallets. This is why cheap imports are often of poor quality,” acknowledges CEO Martin Leibrandt. With its new half pallet, EPAL can now offer the users this quality assurance, since the pallet is produced and repaired by EPALlicensed operations. EPAL ensures the uniform high quality of its pallets by means of unannounced audits of producers and repairers carried out by the independent inspection company Bureau Veritas.

Slovenia: Value of purchased roundwood down 31% in August Slovenia’s total value of roundwood purchased in August 2014 amounted to Euro 2.2 million, which is 31% less than in the previous month. The value of purchased sawlogs and veneer logs was lower by about 34%, of other industrial roundwood by about

32%, and of pulpwood by about 26%, while the value of purchased wood fuel was higher by about 2%, as the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia has reported.

The total value of roundwood purchased in August 2014 was about 22% lower than in August

20 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

2013. The value of purchased sawlogs and veneer logs was lower by almost 30%, while the value of purchased wood fuel was higher by almost 19%, of pulpwood by about 11%, and of other industrial roundwood by about 3%.

LUMBER PROCESSING – WORLD MARKETS

China’s plywood exports rose 15% in January-August 2014 The international demand for Chinese plywood has improved since the beginning of 2014. In the period January to August 2014 China’s plywood exports rose 15% to 7.81 million cubic metres, up around one m3 from the same period of 2013, ITTO reports.

The USA remains the main destination for China’s plywood

exports growing 28% to 1 million m3 or 13% of the national total up to August. China’s plywood exports to Japan rose 2% to 563,200 cubic metres, exports to the UK rose 0.7% to 446, 300 m3 and exports to UAE 465,200 m3.

In addition, China’s plywood exports to Hong Kong amounted to 132,600 m3, to Thailand 211,300

m3, Vietnam 161, 800 m3, to Saudi Arabia 365,400 m3, to Canada 125,600 m3, to Russia 113,300 m3 and to Chile 49,700 m3.

Manufacturers in Shandong and Jiangsu provinces produce around 75% of the national plywood output for export. Plywood exports of Shandong Province rose 18% to 3.76 million m3 between January

to August (48% of the national total) while plywood exports from Jiangsu Province rose 16% to 2.20 million m3 (28% of the national total).

Proteak signed $10 million investment agreement with Finnfund Proteak Uno, S.A.B. de C.V. signed a $10 million investment agreement with Finnish Fund of Industrial Cooperation Ltd. (Finnfund). The entire investment will be made directly to Proteak’s MDF project, the largest forestryindustrial project in Mexico.

Finnfund delivered the first tranche of its capital injection for $7.6 million.

Finnfund, established in 1980, is the Finnish development finance company. Its mandate includes providing long-term risk capital for private projects in emerging markets. Sustainability in

economical, ecological and social aspects is key criteria in Finnfund’s investee company and partner selection process. Forestry and Energy, two distinctive components of Proteak’s integrated project, are focus sectors for Finnfund.

“We are very proud to have such an experienced, world-class Partner”, commented Hector Bonilla, President of Proteak’s Board of Directors. “The addition of Finnfund to our team validates, once more, the strength of our MDF Project and of Proteak as a reliable, trustworthy Partner”, he added.

Finnfund’s ample international

experience and its adherence to strict social and environmental standards will be a valuable element in the successful development of the first high-tech MDF plant under construction in Huimanguillo, Tabasco.

Proteak’s is the largest forestryindustrial company in Mexico and Central America. With 18,000 hectares of plantations in Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia, Proteak exports its products to over 15 destinations in North America, Europe and Asia.

Hector Bonilla

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 21

LUMBER PROCESSING – WORLD MARKETS

Global softwood trade rises Global trade of softwood lumber was up 7% in the first six months of 2014, with Russia, Germany and Sweden increasing shipments the most, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

D

emand for softwood lumber has been steadily increasing on a worldwide basis since the great recession. The higher consumption of lumber has resulted in a rise in the global trade of lumber with shipments in 2014 on pace to be the highest since 2006 and 36% higher than five years ago, which was the bottom of the decline in lumber trade, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ).

About two-thirds of the world’s lumber production is consumed domestically, while the remaining third is traded internationally, either to countries that consume large volumes of wood products

such as the US, China and Japan, or to countries with limited domestic forest resources, including Egypt, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

During the first half of 2014, global lumber trade was seven percent higher than during the same period in 2013. Most major exporting countries have shipped more lumber this year than last year, with only New Zealand bucking that trend.

Russian exporting sawmills have ramped up production to record levels this year and the export volumes are up almost 15% as compared to the same period last year. Much of the rise

in shipments has been to China, Egypt and the CIS countries.

Lumber producers in both Sweden and Germany have also shipped more lumber in the first half of this year than they did in the first half of last year. Export volumes for these two countries may in fact reach their highest levels in at least seven years if lumber demand in particularly Egypt, China and countries in Western Europe continues to stay strong.

Lumber importation volumes to China, the largest softwood lumber importer in the world, have zig-zagged their way upward so far this year, starting from as low as 1.1 million m3 in February

and reaching the highest monthly import volume on record in July, according to the WRQ (www. woodprices.com).

Russia and Canada are still the two dominating suppliers, accounting for 77% of the total import volume. This share was unchanged from 2013. Other supplying countries, including Chile, the US and Sweden continue to keep about the same share of the market this year as they did in 2013.

Study to reveal economic impact of Scotland’s forest industries Scotland’s forest industries are being urged to take part in a survey that aims to establish an updated picture of forestry’s contribution to the Scottish economy.

The two part study will look both at the economic contribution of the forest industries (including forest based tourism) as a whole, and at the economic contribution of the National Forest Estate, including non-forestry activities such as renewables developments and agriculture.

The survey will be carried out in late September and early October, with a sample of forest owners, businesses and other organisations being asked to complete a questionnaire.

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for the Environment & Climate Change, said, “These are important economic indicators for the Scottish Government’s Forestry Strategy and help to inform debate around forestry policy. The last assessment

was carried out six years ago and much in the world of forestry has changed since then.

“It is vital that businesses working in the forest industries complete the questionnaire to produce credible, up to date figures that demonstrate the economic value of the industry and employment supported.

“The study will also look at the economic contribution of the National Forest Estate, managed

by Forestry Commission Scotland, which in itself will be an important piece of work to inform policy.”

CJC Consulting has been commissioned to undertake the study on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland, in conjunction with Confor, the UK Forest Products Association, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Land and Estates.

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of CONFOR, added; “It is vital the sector has accurate and up-to-date

22 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

information on the contribution it makes to Scotland’s economy.

I would encourage everyone to respond to the survey.”

The study will help assess the jobs supported and economic value generated in all elements of the sector (planting, management, harvesting, haulage, processing, woodfuel, forest tourism) and in areas such as community forestry, conservation, education and research.

David Sulman, Executive Director of the UK Forest Products Association (UKFPA), said: “Scotland’s forestry and forest products sector makes a significant economic contribution to Scotland and we urge all businesses in the sector to participate in this important study.”

The last assessment was carried out in 2008 and it is anticipated that the findings of this new survey will be published in 2015.

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for the Environment & Climate Change

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of CONFOR

LUMBER PROCESSING – WORLD MARKETS

Georgia-Pacific plans to invest $37 million at its Gurdon lumber operations Georgia-Pacific plans to invest $37 million at its Gurdon, Arkansas, lumber operations to expand the production capacity of the lumber mill by approximately 60% and position the facility for long-term success. Improvements at the lumber mill include the installation of a new continuous dry kiln and a state-of-the-art planer mill, along with related infrastructure improvements. Project completion is expected by the 3Q 2015.

“As the housing market continues a slow, but steady improvement, our plans to invest at Gurdon ensure our ability to meet the growing needs of our customers and become their

lumber supplier of choice,” said Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager for GeorgiaPacific’s lumber business. “This is an opportunity to broaden our product offerings, enhance quality and improve our cost competitiveness.”

The company is also evaluating additional investments totaling approximately $20 million at the nearby Gurdon plywood mill that would increase the mill’s efficiency and capacity, as well as further reduce air emissions.

Based in Atlanta, GeorgiaPacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of

Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance Chairman Eric Hughes congratulates Georgia-Pacific Plant Manager Ryan Daniels on the plans to invest at the Gurdon, Ark., lumber mill. bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, office papers, cellulose,

specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals.

Plum Creek Timber Company to sell 165,000 acres of forestland in Montana and Washington Market Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. has reached an agreement to sell approximately 165,000 acres of Montana and Washington forestland to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for $134 million.

“Plum Creek has a strong history of conservation and is HALCO AD:Layout 3 3/8/10 pleased to partner in the sale

of these lands to accommodate the public interest in securing permanent conservation that protects ecological and recreational values,” said Rick Holley, CEO for Plum Creek. “This is an important conservation project that recognizes the highest benefit 17:22 Page 1 these lands offer - protecting

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ecological values and helping to maintain public access. We are pleased that we were able to work with TNC to conserve some of the nation’s most important forest areas,” said Holley. The property will be acquired by The Nature Conservancy in two phases, the first closing in the 4Q 2014 and

the second closing by end of the 1Q 2015. The transaction is subject to various customary closing conditions, including but not limited to the buyer’s due diligence review of the lands to be purchased and approval by each party’s board of directors.

www.halcosoftware.com

Optimise your operations

HALCO

Software Systems

Vancouver, Canada • Tel: 1 604 731 9311 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 23

Sawlines - Shifting & Sorting

Springer beltless trimmer limits maintenance Austrian sawmill supplier, Springer Maschinenfabrik, has developed a trimmer concept with beltless swinging arms and a tight cutting tolerance

SAWLINES - SHIFTING & SORTING - SPRINGER

T

he sawmilling industry relies on manufacturers to continue with innovations that will help them keep up with the high demands of international wood markets. Springer consistently meets these requirements and has recently chalked up another successful development through its latest trimming solution.

E-CUT 200: innovative trimming Springer has developed a well thought out trimmer concept with central drive, electrically actuated saws, beltless (and therefore low maintenance) swinging arms, and a completely new dust-shielding case.

“Because of the electrical actuation, the swinging cross-cut saw arms attain higher efficiency levels than existing alternatives,” Springer told International Forest Industries.

“A controlled and accurate actuation curve allows optimum control of the cross-cut saws and high precision positioning of the saw blades in the cross-cutting process.”

Cutting deviations are within a tolerance of +/-1.25 mm (0.05 in).

“Moreover, the E-CUT 200 is the first trimmer to be equipped with sawblades that are set in rotation without a belt,” the manufacturer pointed out.

“This has a tremendously

Detail: Edge protector 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 because the linear opening mechanism guarantees easeof-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’ – more than 100,000 m3 (350,000 ft3/h) of air circulation –prevents up to 99% of contamination inside the unit and enable the customer to achieve highly adaptable and cost-effective lumber production.

The system can process all common board thicknesses and lengths and can be employed for all types of softwoods.

Springer Pascal 1200 strapping press for lumber Packaging systems need to be ergonomic and efficient. To meet these demands, Springer has delivers what it describes as “reliable transport and packaging systems of distinguished quality”.

The strapping press Pascal is the core of these systems.

The strapping press Pascal

Pascal 1200 Strapping press 26 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

Capacity:

9s/cycle

Stack size minimum:

Width 800 mm (32 in); Height 400 mm (16 in)

Stack size maximum:

Width 1,325 mm (53 in); Height 1,325 mm (53 in)

Option:

Edge protector

SAWLINES - MiCROTEC

ViSCAN laser dot and pneumatic hammer different wood species and growth areas (for ex. Scots pine, Douglas pine, European larch, Sitka spruce, Black pine) than for T-classes and L-classes.

Knock on wood: non–destructive strength grading at Rubner, Austria

Optimized T-Classes for glued laminated timber MiCROTEC’s Multi Sensor Quality Scanner Goldeneye 702 and Goldeneye 706 together with MiCROTEC’s Strength Grading System ViSCAN have received certification to grade boards for glulam according to the new T-class new standard With the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union 2014/C 259/1 on 8.8.2014, the new harmonized standard (EN 14080:2013) for glued laminated timber and glued solid timber can now be implemented using MiCROTEC machine grading systems.

MiCROTEC received the approval for optimized machine settings in March 2014, which are available for immediate use in: -S pruce (Picea abies) and fir (Abies alba) from Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, Poland, Romania, Sweden,

Slovakia, Ukraine - Pine (Pinus sylvestris) from Finland, Poland, Sweden

1) Glued laminated timber: Boards for glulam are graded according to the new standard in T-classes. The approved machine settings apply to the following MiCROTEC grading systems: - ViSCAN - ViSCAN-COMPACT - ViSCAN-PLUS - GOLDENEYE-702 - GOLDENEYE-706 For the production of glued laminated timber, L-classes and C-classes are still allowed. The use of C-classes is recommended in the following cases for glulam production:

ViSCAN vibration measurement system featuring laser interferometry

- A wider range of machine settings for C-classes is available for

- For visual grading, some species do not yet have available assignments to strength classes.

According to EN 1912:2012 only lamellas graded according DIN 4074-1 “as joist” are currently assigned to C-classes. For the more economic visual grading of the lamellas for glulam “as board”, only private reports are available for spruce with assignments to T-classes.

2) Glued solid timber With the introduction of this new standard EN 14080:2013, it is now possible to mark glued solid timber (Duo/Trio/Quattro) with the CE mark.

For glued solid timber the lamellas are graded according to the new standard in C-classes.

ViSCAN in a nutshell The ViSCAN non-destructive stress grading system sorts timber optically in strength classes by using laser-interferometer technologies for roundwood, logs and sawn wood in transverse feed orientation.

ViSCAN measures the vibration on the end of the board using a laser and operates completely independent of environmental influences, such as noise. This means that ViSCAN achieves a repeated measurement accuracy in excess of 99%.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 27

SAWLINES - LIMAB

Limab unleashes high definition board scanning Swedish technology supplier, Limab, has impressed the sawmilling sector with its latest offering for high definition board scanning

L

imab has many years of experience in the manufacture and development of high precision laser-based measuring systems. The company started in 1979 and has since the early 1980s been a leading producer of measurement systems for the wood, board and steel manufacturing industries.

The company’s sensors and products are produced and engineered in Gothenburg, Sweden, drawing on its extensive industry experience to ensure high accuracy and quality with very low maintenance in all measurement systems.

The Limab ProfiCura sensor The BoardProfiler-3D system incorporates Limab’s latest ProfiCura-600 sensor that measures every millimetre of the board for the best accuracy at high speeds. With a high scan rate of 1,000 profiles/s, the system is ideal for high speed scanning of boards for optimisation and grading applications in the harsh sawmill environment.

The ProfiCura sensor is adaptable to varying applications and providing accurate readings regardless of the product structure, colour or moisture. The ProfiCura sensor is supported by a three year warranty.

BoardProfiler 3D The BoardProfiler-3D is Limab’s system for high definition scanning of boards on transversal conveyors, providing high accuracy board measurement for grading, sorting or trim saw optimisation. The system can easily be retrofitted on an existing line or can be specified

for equipping a new process line.

The LIMAB ProfiCura-600 sensors are used for scanning, with each sensor scanning 600 mm of the board. To scan a board of length 4.2 m, seven sensors are needed above and below to scan both sides of the board.

Applications Optimisation for trimmers: The high measurement density of the LIMAB ProfiCura-600 sensors ensures the entire board is scanned even on high speed lines. Knowing the precise 3D model of each board, the BoardProfiler-3D will calculate the best trimming position based on the mill’s rule tables. This ensures the best possible trimming and will maximise production yield whilst maintaining the best quality product for customers.

Deformation measurement: The BoardProfiler-3D accurately measures overall shape of the board and will determine side-bow, twist and flat-bow and classify according to the geometric rule tables. The system is normally used in classification lines to provide correct geometric deformation to the superior system.

Thickness and width sorting: The overall dimensions of the finished board are scanned with high scan density. This data is used by the BoradProfiler-3D to accurately determine the overall dimension size of the boards. This information is used for dimension and quality grading. Dimensional statistics are produced that are available for quality assurance or process analysis purposes.

28 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

The Limab display at the company’s local tradeshow in Sweden, Tra and Teknik, and then in Atlanta at IWF

SAWLINES – SAMUEL STRAPPING SYSTEMS

Samuel Strapping Systems installs new system for HW Culp

Samuels Strapping Systems has provided the technology to allow this southern US sawmill improve its efficiencies and fatten up margins

S

ince the milling company started in 1925, diversified forestry group HW Culp has been producing high quality lumber, with annual production exceeding 100 Mbdft, for wholesale customers at competitive prices.

With this in mind, the need for a fast and reliable lumber strapper has always been important to the company and buying the right system has always therefore been a priority. Recently, changes to the HW Culp business model meant that the previous machine, which had served the company well, was no longer up to the job.

“The lumber strapping equipment we had in place

previously was unable to place the baton where we required,” David Richbourg, General Manager at HW Culp, said. “This resulted in a lot of downtime and ‘starting-stopping’ of the machine in order to fulfil requirements.”

Towards the end of 2013, Richbourg reached out to Dave Gagnon and Terry Evans of the Samuel equipment division to begin sourcing a new lumber strapper for the business.

Working alongside both Gagnon and Evans, as well as with assistance from the engineering, sales, and start-up teams, the transition to the new Samuel machine was flawless.

The lumber strapping equipment we had in place previously was unable to place the baton where we required - David Richbourg, HW Culp

“Everybody involved including the start-up team, engineering team, sales team, and everyone in the office that we dealt with performed to a level beyond my expectations,” Richbourg said.

Through a thorough and open communication process, it was determined that Richbourg was not only looking for a system that would be much more reliable, but also one had the ability of placing the ‘baton’ on the bottom, something his previous system was incapable of handling.

Since installation (January 1, 2014), Richbourg reports that he, and everyone else with HW Culp, is very pleased with the performance of the Samuel equipment.

“We started up a new Samuel lumber strapping system in January and we couldn’t be more pleased with the equipment,” Richbourg said.

In terms of the effectiveness of the new machine in meeting the requirements of HW Culp, Richbourg said it had more than met the requirements.

“The new equipment is better

than I thought it could be, running quicker and with less interruption and maintenance than we expected,” he said.

HW Culp in a nutshell HW Culp is a third generation, family owned company that has been producing high quality, certified lumber since 1925.

Not only a Sawmill, HW Culp also maintains trucking, wood procurement, and logging operations and boasts a state-ofthe-art planermill. HW Culp also produces a wide array of lumber by-products, such as sawdust, shavings and chips.

SSS in a nutshell Samuel Strapping Systems is one of Canada’s leading suppliers of industrial packaging supplies and solutions. The company’s products cover multiple industries, including forestry, metals, container, and print, and feature a full range of packaging solutions such as strapping, stretch wrapping, coding and labelling, and baling.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 29

Harvester Heads Tackling a range of contracts from clear felling to thinning is the key to the modern forestry business

T

he key to harvester head development, if this year’s International Forest Industries review of the sector can be trusted, is versatility. Not necessarily versatility within one particular model, but versatility within a product range that an operator can trust.

There is plenty to be said for innovation and technology breakthroughs, but outweighing that for head users seems to be the reliability of a name they can rely on.

This had been reflected by the number of manufacturers that have either increased their range of heads on offer or are looking to press

home the presence of an already extensive range.

No company shows this more than Komatsu, which has both adaptable heads and an extensive range. But that particular manufacturer is not on its own.

Swedish harvester head manufacturer Log Max has a product line comprised of 13 head models and an “endless possibility of variations� of saws and feed roller motors to cover an array of

30 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

Variety is the spice of life

The Log Max 7000 Twin

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 31

HARVESTER HEADS

Log Max heads are renowned for reliability

The Log Max 7000 Twin applications.

The smaller heads are best suited for thinning and multistemming, whereas larger heads are needed for felling heavy timbers or processing at the landing. These are generally mounted on excavators or other band carriers.

For specific tree species, Log Max has developed heads such as the E6 for eucalyptus or the 6000Twin and 7000Twin for low branched trees. The 7000XT fixed head can perform controlled falling and bunching as well as effective processing up to 710 mm (28 in) in diameter.

Log Max’s latest harvesting head, the Log Max 7000Twin, features a double bottom knife solution suited for heavy low branched trees found in the forests of Scotland. The felling link is casted to withstand the forces when mounted to a larger tracked carrier. With a cut capacity of over 700 mm and variable roller motor displacement, this head provides great force, high feeding speed, and reliability.

“When it comes to reliability and performance Log Max is the harvesting head manufacturer that clearly stands out as being above the competition,” Log Max Marketing Manager Jesper Löfgren told IFI. “Increasing technical demands of modern forest industry have brought Log Max heads, control system and head accessories to an unprecedented level of reliability and comfort of use.

“By continually improving our extensive range of application specific harvesting heads and accessories, the trust and confidence our customers can lie upon their equipment has grown stronger. This success is achieved thanks to close relations with our engineers out on the field and all the teams working closely together at the production site.

“Last year’s record sales allowed us once again to realise a growing interest for Log

32 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

Max products. Technological advancements such ‘active friction control’ combined with Log Mate 500 or the new multi-stemming accumulation kit available for the Log Max 6000 are some of the latest upgrades for which our users have been waiting.”

Active friction control One of the keys of Log Max 35 years of success is the patented knife control. The top knife reads the stem using a sensor which then controls the rest of the delimbing knives. This prevents the delimbing knives to press the stem against the harvester head but rather floats just outside of it. Using this method Log Max is available to reduce friction, which reduces heat generation and fuel consumption.

The advantage with active friction control is that the adjusting of the knives can now be done

directly from the harvester computer. Different settings depending on the type of wood, type of job and season results in the best wood quality and the smoothest operation.

Active friction control is available to all Log Max heads and markets.

Multi-stemming increases the productivity Log Max introduced multistemming many years ago. Since then it has grown to be more-orless a standard accessory for heads sold in Scandinavia. The multistemming unit, mounted between the felling link and the crane of the machine, holds the trees in place when the operator cuts the next.

This has shown to increase the productivity by 20% in the right conditions.

Increasing technical demands of modern forest industry have brought Log Max heads, control system and head accessories to an unprecedented level of reliability and comfort of use – Jesper Löfgren, Log Max

JOIN THE ADVENTURE OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS - beyond the ordinary ROTTNE H11C harvester with articulated steering works smoothly and agreeably and is superb on steep terrain and on marshy ground.

The hydrostatic transmission with three gear steps works with a high tractive force and gives ROTTNE H11C superb operating characteristics. With 8WD and bogie lift on both axles, this is further enhanced with an extremely small turning radius.

WELL DESIGNED - for a long service life ROTTNE F10B has a robust design and a powerful articulated joint with good steering power, and even though this is a thinning forwarder, it can also be used for log forwarding after light final felling without forgoing function and service life.

The loader, RK85, offers high performance with a heavy-duty turn-table and high torque. The loader post is equipped with roller bearings to minimise friction losses when the loader is loaded.

As standard, ROTTNE F10B is equipped with an extension unit with a 2.1 metre stroke length, resulting in a reach of 7.5 meters. The loader can also be equipped with a double telescope arm giving a reach of 9.3 metres.

FOR FULL RANGE OF HARVESTERS AND FORWARDERS, WWW.ROTTNE.COM

ROTTNE INDUSTRI AB

SWEDEN

PHONE +46 470 75 87 00

F10B

HARVESTER HEADS Log Mate 500 In order to guarantee productivity and reliability, Log Max engineers developed the Log Mate 500 control system. With it operators can take advantage of all Log Max features to further increase productivity. Over 300 systems have been sold worldwide since the introduction making it a well-tested product in all kind of operations.

“Log Max harvesting heads are built from only the best quality materials and components enabling high performances in whatever climate or terrain condition,” Löfgren said. “For the toughest conditions, the XT series reinforces our product line for those who need to tackle large trees in remote places where reliability and dependability are absolute must haves.”

Rottne Industri’s EGS 405 is a well-tested harvester head used on the company’s H8 harvester.

The head has two feed rollers of steel or for sensitive wood made of solid rubber, two pairs of moving delimbing knives and a saw unit with automatic chain tension.

The compact design and low weight make it ideal for use in all types of thinning stand. The head has a short frame, which allows the upper and lower knives and wheels to be controlled separately. A high tractive force provides an excellent platform for processing bent and difficult hardwood.

Diameter measurement is performed using sensors in the lower knives and length measurement with a separate freerunning measuring wheel.

Colour marking, stump spray

Rottne’s EGS 405 has a compact design and low weight to make it ideal for use in all types of thinning stand

Rottne’s EGS 595

EGS 405 specifications Cutting diameter

450mm

Limbing diameter

40-400 mm

Number of knives

1 fixed + 4 movable

Feeding speed

4 m/s

Tractive force

14.3 kN

Number of feeding rollers

2

34 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

and multi-tree handling are available options.

The EGS 595 is a harvester head designated for Rottne’s H14 or H20 model harvesters. The head has three feed rollers, two located in supporting wheel arms that push the stem in towards the third feed roller.

“Using this principle the stem is held in a steady grip supported by the rollers instead of the limbing knives,” the manufacturer explained. “This allows the

knife pressure to be lowered, which reduces the friction and consequently ensures better use of the feed force.”

The upper and lower limbing knives and wheel arms can either jointly or individually be operated.

Similarly to the EGS 405, diameter measurement is delivered through sensors in the lower knives and length measurement by a separate free-running measuring wheel.

The EGS 706 is the successor

Komatsu

Komatsu

THE PERFECT HEAD – For any job

www.komatsuforest.com

Komatsu

Komatsu

FORESTRY QUALITY PRODUCTS No other manufacturer has such a wide range of harvester heads as Komatsu Forest. 12 different CTL models for everything from the really delicate thinning to really heavy duty final felling. This means that no matter what kind of logging you do, there is always a specific Komatsu head for the job. The heads are divided into three design categories – C, S and V. The C models holds the trees with the feed rollers, providing good grip and good traction. S units holds the tree with knives – perfect for work with crooked trees. V is a combination of C and S, where the tree is held with a combination of the feed rollers and delimbing knives. And no matter which you choose, the Komatsu head delivers reliability and productivity for years to come….

HARVESTER HEADS

Knife pressure is lowered, reducing the friction and consequently ensuring better use of the feed force – Rottne The Rottne EGS 706 is a stable head with admirable power resources

Rottne uses the SP Maskiner heads on its harvesters, including the SP 451 LF of EGS 705. The EGS 706 is a high speed (5.2 m/s) harvester head designated for Rottne’s H21D harvester, with a cutting diameter of 81 cm and two-speed hydraulic controlled tree feeding.

“A stable harvester head with significant power resources, which are required when handling heavy final felling,” Rottne said.

The head has five feed rollers, two in the supporting wheel arms and three in the frame. This give the same advantages as in EGS 595 – the operator can run with lower knife pressure that reduces friction and a better uses the feeding force.

The upper and lower limbing knives and wheel arms can be operated either jointly or individually.

As with most Rottne models,

diameter measurement is handled through sensors in the upper knives and length measurement by a separate free-running measuring wheel.

Rottne also uses heads from neighbouring head specialist, SP Maskiner. The Rottne H11 and H14 can also be equipped with the smaller SP thinning head, SP 451 LF, or the final felling head, SP 561 LF. The Rottne H21D harvester can be equipped with the new SP 761 LF (see adjoining feature).

Today, Finnish manufacturer Lako Forest produces three different series of harvesting heads: the

36 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

“legendary” 3-series; the “durable” 5-series; and the latest 2-series, which is suitable for integrated logging all over the world.

The 5-series harvesting head is designed to reach top productivity in tree sizes ranging from 200600 mm (8-24 in). The product family consists of 65, 75 and 85 heads, with the number code identifying the maximum cross cutting diameter in centimetres.

That means 650 mm, 750 mm, or 850 mm of cross cutting capacity by one pass of saw bar. Also 1/4-in saw with a powerful 30 cm3 saw motor is available as an option.

The weight range of Lako 5 series heads is from 1,550 kg (3,400 lb) to 1,850 kg (4,100 lb) plus an optional topping saw weight of 150 kg (330 lb). As a carrier, the best choices are 20-35 t excavators as well as mid-size to large purpose-built tracked harvesters. Even a large size wheeled forest machine is suitable carrier for 5-series heads.

The 5-series heads have heavyduty boxed steel structure for highduty cycles. Taper-lock cone shaft pins, high-flow valve assemblies with elastic mounting, clean hose routings, latest technology feed roller motors and auto-tension for all main and top saw options provide high uptime and long service life.

A revised drive arm and motor layout allows the power of dual hydraulic cylinders to maximise drive wheel contact while high torque synchronised feed motors give superior feeding power. Other options include high-speed motors for low-capacity carriers or for the high speed debarking applications.

Flexible feed roller arm setup

is also available to assist with harvesting crooked stems. All functions are proportionally controlled and additionally there are individual pressure control valves for each arm cylinder with integrated adjustable port relief function, which follows continuously the working pressure of each individual arm cylinder.

This new system has been successfully tested in the 2-series and now it is also available for larger 5-series heads, resulting in maximum productivity as well as the lowest possible energy consumption for the carrier.

Detachable topping saw unit and specially designed processor knives are available as options for increased performance and productivity when processing decked wood out of a pile.

The Lako 2-series consists of the 42 (800 kg) and 52 (950 kg) heads based on modulated construction.

“The 2-series has an advanced energy-efficient hydraulic system to reduce the operating cost and to revolutionarily decrease from 20% up to 40% the fuel consumption of the harvester,” the manufacturer stated.

The key attributes are the exceptionally high hydraulic oil flow rate of the main valve and the high pressure hydraulic feed motors with elastic mountings in one hydraulic circuit.

The new 42 and 52 heads are suitable for all kinds of thinning, energy wood processing and also final felling. Even clearing of the young forests or loading the timber can be done using by the Lako 2-series heads. This new product series is designed for the

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.

www.spmaskiner.com

HARVESTER HEADS

The Lako 65 debarking head working in Spain

The 2-series has an advanced energy-efficient hydraulic system to reduce the operating cost and to revolutionarily decrease from 20% up to 40% the fuel consumption of the harvester – Lako

The Lako 52 multi-stemming device in Germany 38 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

integrated logging.

“This very innovative concept is already in use in debarking and non-debarking applications in Iberian Peninsula,” Lako stated. “In Central Europe, it is used in normal wood cutting and also bio energy applications, as well cutting conifer trees in versatile conditions in Scandinavia and Russia.”

The latest development of Lako series is a multi-purpose heavier saw unit using 30 cm3 saw motor, which can be used both with 0.404in and 3/4-in pitch saw chain. The operator can select and change the size of the saw chain according to his forest operations. The cross cutting diameter of the 42 is up to 600 mm (24 in) and in the Lako 52

saw box there is space for a saw bar up to 800 mm (32 in) long, which allows over 650 mm (26 in) cross cutting diameter in one pass.

Another Lako development is the device located in the tilt arm for multi-stemming. This 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, with multi-stemming for thinning, or in late brush cuttings. This optional unit improves the productivity by allowing “trouble-free collection” of stems.

Besides the well known Motomit measuring and control system the new, user friendly

HEADS ABOVE THE COMPETITION

ACTIVE FRICTION CONTROL - MUTIL-STEMMING - PROCESSING - HIGH QUALITY TIMBER

INDUSTRY’S MOST RELIABLE HARVESTING HEADS

A hose replacement every thousand hours, the best diameter measurement and a unique patent that provides the best possible delimbing with minimal friction.

These are just some of the reasons why more and more people choose Log Max, worldwide.

We at Log Max are constantly developing and refining our products so you as a customer can feel safe and know that our harvesting heads will not let you down even in the toughest situations.

Call us today to find out more about all the advantages of Log Max.

Over 200 dealers in 36 countries, find your local dealer at logmax.com

www.logmax.com

HARVESTER HEADS

•

•

•

Logger computer working in Portugal with the Lako 2 series Logger computer family from Technion is now adapted for Lako heads. Logger brings numerous enhanced features including:

the new four-roller multi-stem processing head delivers the performance and proven innovation expected from Waratah.

• Computerised sawing function that cuts according to tree diameter and prevents log end splitting

Highlights of the new head include:

• Open-concept joystick function for any operator setup

• N ew TimberRite software updates streamline multi-stem log end alignment with an automatic end alignment feature

• Automatic priority pre-set selections • Different display options • Very accurate length • Diameter control as well volume counting according the standards.

Waratah is a world-leading manufacturer of forestry attachments with a comprehensive range of products, including CTL harvester heads. The 200, 400 and 600-Series heads can be fitted to a variety of carriers to ensure the right combination for any environment, and extensive head options make them customisable depending on the application.

“Whatever the choice, Waratah harvester heads are known for outstanding productivity, optionality, superior servicing, durability and measuring accuracy,” the company said.

New and notable In July this year, Waratah introduced the new four roller HTH622C 4x4 multi-stem processing head in the Canadian North American market. Engineered for the toughest conditions,

The Waratah HTH622C head

40 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

•

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•

which allows for fast processing and minimal waste New Dual diameter sensors and twin diameter readings on the cabin display keep consistent accuracy for the multi-stem application A larger High-flow hydraulic valve permits faster feeding and improved saw performance On-demand synchronised four-wheel drive has responsive proportional control and assists with positive traction Standard auto-tension (3/4-in)pitch main saw with 650 mm (26 in) cutting capacity provides extra efficiency, with longer chain life and fewer service intervals 360° continuous rotation for improved log handling, reduced carrier-to-head hose failures and lower daily operating costs Smart new maintenance features allow for shorter servicing time, improved access, and maximum

operator productivity.

Feeding The 200-Series two-roller harvester heads are adaptable machines that are built to work in more sensitive applications. The small-profile head is excellent for tighter areas and thinning applications, while the lighter-weight 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 two-wheeldrive harvesters provide a large contact area with reduced friction allowing efficient feeding and highly effective processes. Lastly, new wheel profile options are now available to suit various applications.

The 400-Series is the next generation of Waratah harvester

HARVESTER HEADS heads; building on the features of the 200-Series, while increasing power with additional feed rollers. Continuous four-wheel drive rollers allow slip-free, fast feeding for additional delimbing capability with greater traction.

The 400-Series heads combine manoeuvrability and excellent stem control for safety.

Waratah 600-Series three and four wheel drive 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 applications.

The 600-Series feature synchronized traction without slipping or damaging valuable wood fibres. These heads come standard with thumbnail steel drive wheels or, for sensitive applications, Waratah also offers rubber wheels with steel chains.

The 600-Series’ hydraulic design is a basic and efficient approach. Service is trouble-free with standardised components. The valve bank has identical individual sections for each function, so there is no need to keep an abundance of spare parts on hand. The new 360° continuous rotate, available for all

600 series models, keeps hoses and electrical cable from twisting and increases uptime.

Delimbing Waratah harvester heads have many recent delimbing improvements with reductions in delimbing effort and improved knife profiles. These attachments feature delimbing knives shaped for quality delimbing of varioussized stems. Knife geometry and long cutting edges provide excellent delimbing quality for multiple diameters while minimising 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 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 the new

3/4 pitch auto-tension saw or the SuperCut 100 saw and both efficiently manage the frequent cross-cutting of stems required in CTL logging. The latest sensor technology together 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 all 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 customised with a variety of options, including Parker or Bucher saw motors, bar and chain kits and several types of lubrication pumps.

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

Komatsu America Corp has released its new C93 harvesting head, a versatile “all-around” head weighing in at 970 kg (2,138 lb).

This is the first model in Komatsu’s new C-series family of “carry-style” heads.

The C93 replaces the prior 350.1 model and offers significant improvements for better handling of thinning projects as well as crooked stem and multi-stem harvesting applications. With a recommended DBH working range of 150 mm (6 in) to 370 mm (15 in) diameter and a maximum cutting capacity up to 600 mm (23.6 in) diameter, the C93 is available installed on Komatsu 911.5 and 931.1 harvesters. The head is also available as a loose head for installation on other carriers.

The XR-pRogRam is ready for the market

NEW

The XR-program consists of compact and powerful rotators with strong bearings. Thanks to the proven vane motor technology the XR-rotators has high torque, good compliance and 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.

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 41

HARVESTER HEADS

The C93’s new robust frame design enables the head to more closely follow the tree trunk

C93 key specifications

Komatsu’s new Constant Cut saw control system features a 750 mm (29.5 in) saw bar, which includes a new 19 cc saw motor with an integrated valve that delivers precise control of saw hydraulic flow and pressure

The upper knives are designed specifically for handling trees with tough limbs, such as lodgepole pine – Komatsu

42 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

Weight

From 970 kg (2,138 lb)

Driven feed rollers & motors

3 & 4 (2 x 630 cc & 2 x 400cc)

Saw bar length & chain speed

750 mm (29.5 in) & 40 m/s (130 ft/s)

Saw motor

19 cc

Recommended DBH working range

150 mm (6 in) to 370 mm (15 in) diameter

Maximum cutting diameter

600 mm (23.6 in)

Tip-to-tip delimbing diameter

400 mm (15.7 in)

Delimbing knives

4 (1 top, 2 upper, 1 lower)

Feed force

25.3 kN (5,688 lbf )

Feed Speed

0-5 m/s (0-16.4 ft/s)

Rearward tilt link angle

40°

The C93’s new robust frame design enables the head to more closely follow the tree trunk. The increased rearward tilt angle (40° versus 25°) provides faster feeding performance while reducing head frame stress when harvesting and/ or reaching on downhill slopes.

The high-performance three-driven roller, four motor carry-style feed system provides excellent log wrap for multi-stem processing, while generating up to 25.3 kN (5,688 lbf ) of feed force at up to a 5 m/s (16.4 ft/s) feed speed.

The C93 is equipped with one

lower and two upper hydraulically controlled delimbing knives, and a fixed vertical top knife.

“The upper knives are designed specifically for handling trees with tough limbs, such as lodgepole pine,” Komatsu stated.

Komatsu’s new Constant Cut saw control system features a 750 mm (29.5 in) saw bar, which includes a new 19 cc saw motor with an integrated valve that delivers precise control of saw hydraulic flow and pressure. This constant management of flow and pressure allows the chain speed to

be maintained at a constant 40 m/s (130 ft/s) throughout the entire cutting cycle.

“This Constant Cut system, along with automatic chain tensioning and automatic EcoOiler chain oiling, delivers faster cutting performance, reduced energy (fuel) consumption, reduced chance of splitting and/ or cracking, reduced saw maintenance, and longer saw motor life,” according to Komatsu.

Optional multi-stem accumulation, stump treatment and colour marking systems are available to meet specific customers’ needs.

Komatsu’s new MaxiXplorer 3.1 Head Control System is standard and provides a state-of-the art, flexible, and user-friendly control and monitoring system. When installed on a Komatsu harvester, it is a complete system for machine control, head control, crosscutting and administration. Machine productivity is optimised by controlling everything from the head through the crane, cab levelling, transmission, and ladders.

For optimal maintenance and serviceability, all grease servicing points, bar oil and colour marking tank fill points are accessible from one position when the head is parked on the ground. All electrical circuits are identified by numerical tags, and all solenoids have LED indicator lights identifying when power is at the solenoid.

Hakmet is the distributor of the AFM harvester heads in North-America. AFM has eight models of harvester head, two ‘combi-heads’, an energy wood head, and a felling head.

“With the ‘combi-head’ you can harvest, process, sort and load logs with just one head and base machine,” Hakmet told IFI. The AFM heads are designed for demanding operations with a low maintenance cost due to reliability and universally used components.

AFM heads work with all harvester bases and most measuring systems with solutions for

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An all around track providing excellent traction and good flotation. The cross member design is self cleaning and provides excellent strength and anti-slip properties against the tire.

The AFM 35 is suitable for conventional harvesting as well as energy wood processing, multi-stemming and loading

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HARVESTER HEADS softwood and hardwood species for harvesting or processing.

One of the new models for this season is the powerful and versatile AFM 35 thinning head, which is suitable for conventional harvesting as well as energy wood processing, multi stemming and loading.

The optional multi-tree handling cassette and the cutting blade are designed to speed up the cutting and handling of the small diameter energy wood. High feeding power and feeding speed ensure profitable small wood harvesting.

The AFM 35 can be equipped with measuring and control system with volume counting and data transfer. The base machine can be a small excavator, a forwarder or a harvester base.

Together with its Brazilian dealer Tracbel, SP Maskiner exhibited at the Expoforest show in Sao Paolo Brazil in May. The dedicated eucalyptus debarking harvester head SP 591 LX G2 was demoed on a Tigercat H845C tracked harvester.

Another SP591 LX G2 was on static display in the stand together with the new robust allrounder, the SP 761 LF. Both harvester heads drew

The AFM 50 a lot of attention and many new interested contacts was made with contractors and forestry companies from mainly Brazil, Uruguay and Chile.

The SP 591 LX G2 The SP 591 LX G2 is purpose built for harvesting and debarking of plantation grown eucalyptus. It is an extremely strong and tough harvester head, designed according to the LX principle for maximum reliability and productivity even under the toughest conditions.

The uncompromised LX design is to be found all throughout the harvester head, from large components like frame and knives down to pins and seals. In spite of its brutish and tough appearance the SP 591 LX G2 does not just offer strength and reliability.

Unprecedented Debarking efficiency also makes the SP 591 LX G2 an extremely fast, productive and fuel efficient harvester head – the SP 591 LX G2 is a truly high

SP Export Manager Anders Gannerud with the new SP 761 LF in Brazil 44 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

speed powerhouse for xtreme jobs.

The SP 591 LX G2 is optimized for best productivity and performance handling tree sizes from 10 to 35 cm (4-14”) and is equally productive working in a CTL application as it is processing decked wood out of a pile.

“No manufacturer has as wide a range of harvester heads as

Komatsu Forest,” the Japanese manufacturer claimed. “Regardless of the logging mission, there is a Komatsu harvesting head to the task.”

Komatsu CTL harvesting heads range from thinning specialists, through to flexible heads for multiple tasks, through to some of the more powerful heads available.

“Traditionally, the CTL heads have been designed for combined logging in thinning and final felling with high demand on timber value and measuring accuracy,” the company told IFI. “To make it easier to find the right head for the mission, the heads have a new designation where they are divided into different design classes C, S and V.” C-heads hold the tree with feed rollers, providing good trunk grip and good traction. S-heads hold the tree with knives and is well suited to dealing with crooked trees. The V design is a combination of C and S, where the tree is held with the feed rollers and delimbing knives combined.

The numerical designations on each model also give customers a clear idea of the heads capabilities.

The first and the second figure show the unit size in the base model. The last figure indicates the number of feed rollers and if there is a letter at the end it indicates the functionality.

The C-heads consist of the Komatsu C144, C93 and C202/ C202E. The 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. It has rapid feeding due to four hydraulic motors and feed rollers. The fourth feed roller is set in the head’s feed path and is linked with 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 975 kg, C93, which is based on well-proven technology and designed for thinning forests.

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 through fast cutting. The saw motor has an integrated saw and bar feed valve, which provides precise control over the hydraulic needs of the saw and bar feed power. This means that the maximum chain speed never exceeds 40 m/s (130 ft/s) and that cutting is faster with reduced splitting.

The Komatsu C202 is for tracked machines and forest excavators weighing 20 t or more.

“The head is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure the highest possible productivity,” Komatsu said.

The C202 weight from 2,000kg is based on a strong, sturdy frame and high traction. The head 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 eucalyptus at logging site to reduce transport cost and to minimise bark storage at the mill.

The Komatsu S132 and S92 are, for now, the S-heads. The S132 weighs 1,345 kg and is a reliable and extremely flexible and adaptable head. The key factors are the advantages provided by the head’s 2-wheeled 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 S132 has four moving knives of which three are hydraulically controlled and the fourth is manoeuvred with a sensor. The sensor affects the other knives. This minimises friction and provides more power for delimbing and at the same time means lower energy consumption.

The S92 is a highly productive and reliable all-round harvesting head. The key is a unique trunk grip and effective feed. The S92 weighs 960 kg and is a 2-wheel

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

HARVESTER HEADS

The Komatsu 340 is a lighter head for thinning applications

A centred frame roller enables the C93 to handle crooked trees very well

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 motors. The dual-roller feed allows the trunks to twist in the head, even if they are very crooked. “The Komatsu S92 is a tremendously dependable head and easy to maintain with easy-

access service points and wellconsidered hose routing.�

The other heads are under what Komatsu called the V-class, essentially because they have angled feed rollers.

The Komatsu 370E harvesting head is a well-proven head designed for use on tracked forest machines and forest excavators.

The 370E (E stands for excavator

46 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

application in this case) is a tough, reliable harvester head that is based on tested technology. The head has been used in Brazil for many years in demanding conditions, often around the clock.

The Komatsu 378P (where P stands for processing) is also a head specially adapted for tracked machines and excavators weighing 20 t or more. The 378P is designed

to effectively process, trim, cut and bark heavy tree species with high density. The development focus has been on functionality and simplicity. Both 378E and 378P have been successfully working in Indonesian forests.

The Komatsu 398 is the heaviest, most powerful and most robust of all the Komatsu heads. It

stands out from the crowd in terms of reliability and profitability on demanding assignments conducted with a harvesting head mounted on a tracked machine.

The Komatsu 365.1 is a highly productive and reliable all-round harvesting head. It has a light frame design that provides high net lifting force for the carrier. Two feed rollers with an ingenious design mean that the trunk is centred and carries well. This also results in great measurement accuracy. The feed rollers on the 365.1 save fuel as the head can be operated with low clamping pressure. The head has four moving knives, designed for lifting capacity and stem handling.

“The Komatsu 340 is a small 760 kg head that combines low weight, smart design, and compact size with high performance,”

Komatsu said. “These qualities HARVESTER HEADS make this an effective head for demanding thinning in dense forests.”

The 340 has multi-tree accumulator as an option, which makes thinning faster and more efficient, especially in dense stands. The multi-tree function enables the operator to fell and accumulate two or more trees in the head before processing.

Last but not least there are two seniors in the range of harvesting heads, the 360.2 and 370.2. These heads are regular choices for the biggest wheel harvesters and sold all over Europe.

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

The Komatsu C144 benefits from powerful feeding and precise measurement

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 47

Mulching made easy

The roller on the Seppi Starsoil has a larger diameter and a higher number of toothed rings and is thus able to penetrate the soil more easily

Mulching has become an increasingly important source of income for forestry professionals

s more difficult to navigate and process vegetation and general ground coverings become more prolific in the forestry sector, mulching and prime mover suppliers have had to deliver a greater level of product that is capable of delivering in such challenging environments.

Thankfully for contractors, so far, the industry’s suppliers have been up to the task.

This is demonstrated in International Forest Industries annual review of prime move

48 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

and mulching attachment manufacturers, which shows an improved selection of durable, hard wearing and adaptable products fit for purpose.

Seppi M has released its latest model of universal shredder, soil tiller and stone crusher – Starsoil – in a hydraulic drive version.

The Starsoil is a versatile soil tiller, suitable for prime mowers with oil flow between 300-500

litres/minute. It is equipped with a new traction system that simplifies work by ensuring greater efficiency: soil tilling to a depth of 400 mm, crushing stones with a minimum diameter of 300 mm and mulching wood with a diameter of 400 mm, with working speeds up 2 km/h.

The roller has a larger diameter and a higher number of toothed rings and is thus able to penetrate the soil more easily, ensuring º smooth movement of the roller.

The bearing was reinforced and built into the roller to prevent wear.

Prime Movers & Mulchers

Barko 937 Industrial Tractor The Barko 937 Industrial Tractor delivers extreme power (hydraulic HP) to the mulcher head. From day one, the 937 was built to “tear-it-up”, ripping its’ way through the most demanding right-of-way land clearing and site prep.

With a highly maneuverable carrier built to withstand extreme stress and tough terrain, the 937 is one of the top mulchers for large commercial and municipal applications. It also provides the best fuel efficiency, increased work productivity, and the lowest total cost of operation than any other product on the market.

Starsoil basic features • Frame covered with replaceable anti-wear plates made of Hardox • New generation patented rotor with efficient tool combination of the new type, ‘MONO PROTECT’ and ‘MONO EXTREM’ with additional tungsten carbide inserts at points most subject to wear

Starsoil is suitable for prime mowers with oil flow between 300-500 litres/minute

• Two automatic displacement motors M-BOOST with geared belt drive • Adjustable crushing bar and grill to obtain the desired degree of crushing • Attachment interface of choice (BRON, BARKO and other prime mowers) • Hydraulic compacting roller (can also be used as guard frame) or grading blade available according to operating needs • Working widths available: 2,250 mm and 2,500 mm • Tilling of stones and fallow soil, consolidation of forest roads or ski slopes, soil stabilisation at construction sites, etc

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 49

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS The Predator mulcher head is made specifically for the C260 carrier. Its low profile design gives the operator excellent visibility.

The rotor is driven from both sides by a pair of variable displacement hydraulic motors. Hydraulic pressure in the mulcher drive system is monitored by the display in the cab.

The Seppi M Stairsoil mulcher is available in a hydraulic version

The new roller scraper allows for the removal of soil residue – very useful in the case of wet soil.

“The Starsoil – one machine for everything,” Seppi M stated.

Rayco MFG C260 Crawler is a midsized 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,” the manufacturer stated.

Rayco’s exclusive elevated cooling design keeps engine and hydraulic temperatures within their limits in the harshest of environments. To minimise 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,” Rayco stated.

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.

A lift height of 1,075 mm (43 in) above ground level helps to reach high brush. The front mulching door operates hydraulically to create finer mulch and to minimise flying debris. The Predator FM1857R has a mulching width of 2.1 m (7 ft). The Predator FM260 is available in both 2.1 m and (7 ft) and 2.4 m (8 ft) widths.

The heavy-duty steel undercarriage and powerful final drives allow operators to tackle difficult terrain with confidence – Rayco MFG

“Both models offer a variety of mulching teeth to fit the operator’s specific application,” Rayco stated.

“The future in forestry mowing and high production land clearing centres around the full-line of track crawlers offered by Bandit Industries,” Bandit Industries Marketing Chief Christopher Smith boldly told IFI recently.

The Rayco Predator head’s low profile provides excellent visibility

The elevated cooling design keeps engine and hydraulic temperatures under control in harsh environments

50 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 51

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS “Input from customers and forestry mower users have led us to develop these extremely efficient models,” he went on.

“These units provide unmatched hydraulic power, plenty of engine horsepower, and unsurpassed operator comfort.”

Four different models – the 3000, 3500, 4000, and 5000 – can be equipped as high capacity forestry mowers or high-powered stump grinders, converting to either attachment in around 10 minutes.

“And because they’re Bandit machines, these forestry mowers deliver the same high-quality construction, rugged dependability and ease of operation customers have come to expect from Bandit Industries,” Smith said.

All four machines feature powerful hydraulic systems that are among the most efficient on the market. Caterpillar track undercarriages endow these crawlers with low ground pressure, allowing operators to traverse unpredictable terrain often encountered by land clearing companies.

Operators should also appreciate the spacious and comfortable accommodations found on every unit. Each control cab uses a six-way adjustable cushioned seat with a dual-joystick interface that controls all functions.

Cabs also feature a high-visibility windshield made of scratch resistant material, providing an exceptional view of the work area.

A camera/monitor system and

Bandit Model 4000

adjustable rear view mirrors allow for exceptional visibility behind the machines, while a ceiling-mounted air conditioning/heating system keeps the operator comfortable in all weather conditions. The cabs also have a tilting feature, allowing for easy access to the hydraulic system.

Bandit’s forestry mower attachments are the most rugged of their kind currently available.

Designed in-house, the mower head attachments incorporate the double-splitter teeth used for years in the company’s established waste reduction machines. The mowers are designed to deliver maximum power to the cutterhead with two powerful hydraulic motors, one on each end of the unit. The stump grinder attachments use the powerful ‘Revolution’ cutter wheel design.

terrain. It features a Caterpillar engine with as much as 250 horsepower, and wields either a 1,800 mm (72 in) forestry mower or a 850 mm (34 in) diameter stump grinder.

Model 3000

The largest crawler in the fleet is the Model 5000, and it’s the machine of choice for high production, right-of-way and land clearing operations in demanding conditions. This machine offers either 500-600 hp and features dual hydraulic systems for increased oil cooling and optimum performance. A Caterpillar 325EL undercarriage is standard, and it carries either a 1,000 mm (40 in) diameter stump grinder or Bandit’s largest forestry mower, measuring 2,700 mm (108 in) and “backed by more hydraulic HP than any other machine on the market”.

Bandit’s entry-level Model 3000 forestry mower, track mulcher, and stump grinder is a capable and competitively-priced solution for construction site preparation, gas/ power line clearing projects, and utility line maintenance.

A Caterpillar C4.4, 142 hp engine powers the way. The undercarriage is equipped with a two speed track drive for quickly spanning long distances or creeping slowly into a targeted stump. The Model 3000 Track rides on a Caterpillar 307C steel track system with 450 mm triple grouser track pads.

Model 4000 The Model 4000 is a mid-sized stump grinding and forestry mowing machine, “ideally suited for moderate land and right-of-way clearing operations”.

The Model 4000 is available with either a Caterpillar 315 litre or 320 litre undercarriage, using 325-440 hp. Using the 320 litre, the 4000 crawls with low ground pressure to easily conquer soft, spongy, delicate terrain. It can be equipped with an 2,100 mm (84 in) forestry mower or a 1,000 mm (40 in) diameter stump grinder.

Model 5000

Model 3500

Bandit Model 3500

52 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

The Model 3500 is the “perfect solution for those land and rightof-way clearing contractors looking for a compact yet highly productive forestry mower or stump grinding machine”, according to Smith.

The 3500 uses a Caterpillar 312B steel track undercarriage with 500 mm pads, yielding a low ground pressure for sensitive

a brand of FAE Group

PrimeTech is a division of the Italian based company FAE Group (est. 1989) which has more than 25 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of tracked carriers and attachments for tractors, excavators, skid steers and special built carriers.

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS A global leader in the production of self-propelled, tracked carriers for forestry, agriculture and roadwork, PrimeTech operates internationally with its cutting-edge range of four models (160 hp PT-175; 275 hp PT-300; 415 hp PT 400; 600 hp PT-600).

The PT’s range of 4 multipurpose tracked carriers includes:

Main benefits of PrimeTech prime movers include: Maximizing productivity: extremely high performance is achieved due to the perfect integration of elements such as diesel engines, hydraulic systems and electronic control systems, all suitable for heavy-duty applications and guaranteeing the highest productivity.

Extremely low ground pressure: thanks to wide tracks, ensuring a wide contact surface, and a long and oscillating undercarriage, these purpose-built carriers are extremely stable and exert extraordinarily low ground pressure, allowing increased mobility during work on otherwise inaccessible terrain, such as swampland and muskeg.

Reliable and easy to maintain: the main components of the PrimeTech carriers are very easily accessible, thus maintenance time and costs are significantly reduced.

Also, all the main components are supplied by prestigious brands (John Deere, CAT, Sauer Danfoss, Parker, Berco, FAE etc.), guaranteeing spare part availability and product support worldwide.

The PT-175: A forestry mulching machine for light and medium duty applications, equipped with a Cummins QSB4.5, 4.5 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine, with 4 in-line cylinders and 160 HP. It is a tracked carrier that can be equipped with a mulching head for land clearing.

The PT-300: A medium, low ground pressure tracked carrier powered by a John Deere 6068HF485, 6.8 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 6 in-line cylinders and 275 HP. It can be equipped with a variety of front attachments: mulching heads, soil stabilizers, rock crushers and asphalt grinders.

The PT-400: A tracked carrier for heavy duty applications thanks to its 12.5 L Caterpillar C13 engine, producing 415 HP. It can be equipped with a variety of front attachments: mulching heads, soil stabilizers and rock crushers.

PT-600: A tracked carrier designed for the hardest and toughest jobs out there, equipped with a Cummins QSX15 turbocharged in line 6 cylinder diesel engine producing 600 HP. It can be equipped with a variety of front attachments: mulching heads, soil stabilizers and rock crushers.

Changing the attachment and thus adapting the carriers for different jobs and applications is easy and can be done quickly. In this way the machines are not just limited to one application, land clearing for instance, but with a relatively small investment the contractor can keep the machine busy on different jobsites (land conversion, site preparation, road maintenance and construction, etc).

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 53

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

PT-300 with 200S forestry tiller-subsoiler

PT-400 with rock crusher

Comfort and functionality:

Product support in guaranteed at worldwide level through the 6 branches of the FAE Group present in Canada, Russia, USA, Germany, France, Australia – and thanks to a network of dealers covering almost all countries.

the PrimeTech prime movers are designed to maximize the operator’s comfort and safety, whilst enabling high performance and ease of use of the vehicle.

• Great visibility; • A level of sound-proofing that is the best on the market; • The lowest level of vibrations inside the cab; • Ergonomic position of the joystick;

• Easy-to-use display and control panel; • Air conditioning system; • Comfortable, adjustable driver’s seat (heated and air suspended); • MP3 / CD player.

PrimeTech vehicles are working in different fields of applications throughout the world: from Siberia to Brazil, from Indonesia to Canada, they are used in both harsh weather and dangerous working conditions.

A real heavy duty machine.

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

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

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

M718E mulcher The compact and agile M718E is a 170 hp class mulcher ideal for smaller scale land clearing RAPTOR 800

Our tracked vehicles have been designed for the hardest jobs. “Made in Germany” through and through. For clearing woodland and site clearance in difficult terrain, line clean-up and recultivation. They are exceptionally productive and reliable. A real heavy duty machine for tough jobs.

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.

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

Information: www.ahwi.com, e-mail: info@ahwi.com, phone: +49 (0) 7557 9212-0

54 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

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

M726E mulcher 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 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

The Tigercat 480 carrier works through heavy brash

mulcher is equipped with the Tigercat FPT C87 Tier IVi 245 kW (328 hp) engine. It is narrow and agile with extremely low ground pressure, rated at 20.9 kPa (3 psi).

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

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

All structural components are designed for full time forest duty.

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

High production and extremely low ground pressure combine to offer exceptional performance in

the most demanding mulching jobs. The 480 is a powerful machine with 440 hp available to the mulching attachment.

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

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 55

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS 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 components with large swing-out engine compartment doors and a tilting cab.”

The Fecon FTX128L is the latest release in the Fecon mulching fleet and features “unmatched service and accessibility” for daily service checks and cleaning, as well as opening up for periodic scheduled maintenance, according to the manufacturer. All service checks can be made from ground level within an easy reach.

The swing out hydraulic cooler design allows for complete cleaning of both sides of the cooler.

The FTX128L offers more efficient maintenance to reduce service time and increase production on the job.

Meanwhile, the FTX600 remains the flagship of the Fecon tractor fleet. “With an advanced

blend of innovation, technology, power and performance, the FTX600 is the tractor for high demand, high production work,” the manufacturer states. “To stay ahead of the pipeline crews, the power line crews and the tightest industry schedules, power, performance and reliability are keys.” Power from the 600 hp Cummins QSX15 Tier III engine – combined with Sauer hydraulic pumps controlled by Fecon’s Power Management System and an IQAN machine operating system – makes this tractor a leader in its field.

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

The operators cab is designed for long, high production days. An airride seat and the filtered and pressurised climate controlled cab keep the operator’s performance and comfort at a high level. Tinted polycarbonate windows all around and a rear view camera with a large screen, maximise the visibility on this primary ROW performer.

Features of the FTX600 service oriented design include easy reaching service points (all from ground level), large compartment doors, and field service designed component positioning. “Keeping downtime and PM service time to a minimum and top production

performance in a mulching tractor, is how we define reliability.” Fecon told IFI. Bull Hog mulchers Fecon offers a full line of hydraulic Bull Hog mulchers for skid steer carriers.

These mulchers are ideal for high flow skid steers to clear brush, trees and stumps down to ground level. Standing trees 100-150 mm (4-6 in) in diameter can be quickly mulched and intermittently trees up to 150-200 mm (6-8 in) can be processed.

The Bull Hog for skid steers comes standard with the HDT system that includes a counter comb design (to improve material sizing), a staggered tool design (for lower resistance and increased cutting force), reinforced curved skid shoes to help reduce material build up and a uniquely designed push bar (multiple options).

This HDT system also offers four different tooling options a knife tool, a single carbide, a double carbide and a stone tool.

Fecon hydraulic attachment Fecon recently introduced the FMA8039 hydraulic powered milling attachment rated at 260550 hp, to process soil, stumps, and roots up to 500 mm (20 in) below grade. A massive weight of approximately 5 t (11,000 lb) keeps the attachment engaged as carbide tools cut through a 2 m (80 in) wide path of material.

The 8039 is ideally suited for treating land already cleared

BRON are launching their new 490/590 Mulchers December 2014 FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Fecon FTX128L 56 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

- Oscillating track frames with oversized pins and bushings for improved stability - Smooth sloped cowling to encourage shedding debris - Improved lift/curl geometry - Rubber isolation mounted cab with electric tilt and locking for improved service and cleaning - Standard factory installed rear view cameras with dedicated display in operators station - Improved hydraulic performance with higher flow pumps - Contains Cummins QSX15 15 litre engine which has improved power and torque curves, reduced fuel consumption and increased durability

of standing vegetation, often through logging, mulching, or traditional land clearing methods.

Applications include pipeline construction, commercial tree farm construction and preparation planting, converting land into tillable acreage, or land clearing for new construction. A 975 mm x 2 m (39 in x 80 in) large diameter rotor has an innovative structural design and abrasion resistant steel for durability and performance across a wide range of soil conditions.

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

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

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

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

The Bron 275 mulcher was designed for this purpose. “The 275 mulcher has an oscillating front axle that promotes a longer undercarriage life and improves stability while maintaining a constant ground pressure, according to Sales Manager Mark Odorico.”

The cab also tilts to allow full access for servicing, which is an important feature to our customers. The 275 has been in production for three years and it has been received very well with

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS our mulching contractors.”

Designed specifically for low ground pressure and easy transportation, the new Bron 275 gives contractors all the strength of a Bron mulcher in the smaller, compact size they need.

Built on aD3 undercarriage, the 275 has a low ground pressure rating (3.5 psi). For rocky ground conditions,contractors have the option to upgrade to a D4 sized undercarriage.

Fully hydrostatic, Bron’s 275 mulcher is powered by a Cat C7 engine, producing 275 hp, from which it takes its name. Even working at a fast pace, it provides plenty of power to the mulching head, easily grinding trees and undergrowth into fine mulch. “The Bron 275 helps keep transportation costs low and the operating weight and size make it possible to haul two power units together on one trailer,” Odorico said.

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

Bron mulchers are used for site preparation as well as power line maintenance, pipeline right-ofways, fire fighting and seismic line applications. Bron will supply or custom fit any manufacturer’s head to fit.

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

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

The Bron 275 applications.

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

emergency brake

override, gate, push bar, plus 1 extra button can be arranged to suit the end user

•E lectronic hydraulic pressure diagnostics on the cab instrument panel Service Features

• Pilot operated double foot pedal for travel

•G rouped single point remote grease fittings for steering

• Foot operated hydraulic service,

PPI.com

www.SE

HER AL MULCR! N IO S S E THE PROBFEEN WAITING FO YOU’VE

Operators Cab • Excellent visibility, ergonomically designed layout for operator comfort and ease of control, sound insulation, defroster, air conditioning, deluxe adjustable bucket seat with 4 point harness, tinted lexan windows, three front mounted cab lights, two front side mounted cab lights, two rear mounted cab lights, two rear side mounted cab lights, AM/FM radio, cd player, and fire extinguisher. Air Knife on front windshield for dust and debris removal. Sealed and pressurized with cyclonicfilter • Left hand joystick for steering with 5 push buttons • Right hand joystick for lift and tilt with 5 pushbuttons • Buttons for horn, front differential lock, low lock, float on/off, float

Hall 36, stand D6

PROFESSIONAL FORESTRY MULCHERS STUMP GRINDERS STONE CRUSHERS and SOIL TILLERS FLAIL MULCHERS HYD. DRIVE MULCHERS

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 57

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

cylinders and axles • Side panels are lockable and removable • Brake and transmission side, front and bottom covers are removable for ease of service • Weight without attachment 30,000 lbs

PrinothAHWI Raptor 800 tracked mulcher Specially developed for the most difficult tasks such as heavy clearing, vegetation management around pipelines and power lines, creation of firebreaks, and recultivation tasks in professional plantation and forestry, AHWIPrinoth’s Raptor 800 perfectly combines productivity and reliability. It is designed for durability, ease of maintenance, and a high level of efficiency.

“After a very intensive test phase under the toughest conditions, during which the Raptor 800 faced challenges such as clearing in standing stock, removing logging residue and pulling up rootstock, the Raptor 800 performed convincingly,” explained Daniel Chaput, regional manager for AHWI-Prinoth.

The high performance, electronically controlled 6-cylinder Caterpillar C18 engine develops 630hp and a maximum torque of 2,042 lb/ft at 1,400rpm. The engine has been low emission certified and meets the EPA Tier 3 standard.

The optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity make the Raptor 800 the ideal low ground pressure tracked vehicle for all terrain conditions. The ROPS/ FOPS safety frames that run around the outside of the cabin provide protection from falling objects for

The Barko 930 both the driver and the cabin itself during heavy forestry work.

The new patented Powerbelt system driving the mulcher head increases the amount of power transferred from the engine to the mulcher head. This new drive system will deliver significant productivity increase and cost savings. The mulcher is connected to the tracked vehicle via a 4-point lifting gear, and the attachment can be raised higher than most mechanically driven mulcher heads, even at full load. As well as excellent maneuverability, the mulcher achieves very good quality shredding and even tackles hard wood effortlessly, due to the combination of the large diameter of the drum and the arrangement of the teeth.

The newly developed delta tracks provide comfort for the driver and reduce vibration, as well as enabling the vehicle to drive through water up to 20in deep. The safe and spacious driver’s cabin ensures a great visibility, excellent air-conditioning and provides ideal working conditions

Despite its compact dimensions, it is extremely robust and powerful. The convenient dimensions make this “power package” very agile and extremely

RT 200 – The professional Mulching system with a track width of only 1.5 m (overall width 1.85), the crawler tractor RT 200 is the perfect work machine for use in row crops, for line maintenance and for fire prevention in forested areas.

58 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

Prinoth Raptor 800

manoeuvrable. Difficult terrain is its terrain of choice. It “effortlessly masters” gradients of up to 45° and lateral inclines up to 30° with full work performance.

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS

AHWI - Prinoth Mulching Attachments Applications: Forestry, Landscaping, Site preparation, Composting.

Functions: Slash reduction, Recreating trails, Land clearing, Soil preparation for new growth, Grinding stumps, Eradicating undesirable vegetation, Reducing timber stands, Mulching wood waste.

Technical Description: The FM600 forestry mulcher is an attachment for tractors with three-point linkage and PTO drive.

The main gearbox divides the power to both sides of the power belt driven rotor. The rotor is tipped with fixed carbide hammers, which are individually replaceable.

A hydraulic operated followup and protecting flap provides efficient after-mulching. The FM600 standard model is equipped with a synchronization control for the gearbox.

Accessories: Fixed or hydraulically push-bar with or without teeth for hydraulic fork, hydraulically top-link, third counter blade with wearing teeth, torque safety, skids for deeper grinding.

Options: Rotor drive hydraulic or

with mounted engine, different working widths and rotor models.

AHWI H600 Bio Harvester Applications: Biomass reduction and reclaiming, Waste management, Composting.

Functions: Reducing timber stands, Chipping coppice regrowth and woody growth Technical Description: The AHWI H600 Bio Harvester is ideal for in situ chipping of smaller diameter(approximately 150 mm) timber,such as pre-commercial thinnings, coppice regrowth and short rotational woody crops.

The PTO-driven harvesting head can be fitted with a range of AHWI’s renowned HDT tools including the chipper tool for softer materials.

The chipped material is then augered and blown, either on to the ground or into a collection unit driven alongside.

The H600 can mounted on any suitable tractor, or fitted to the AHWI RT400 Crawler Tractor.

AHWI FM 600 Forestry Mulcher

AHWI Prinoth M450H The M450H-1100 suits excavators from 10 – 17 tons. The oil motor is a displacement motor automatically adjusted from 55 – 80 cc due to

AHWI 600 BIO Harvester - Expo Forest 2014 Brazil

A tough exterior doesn’t mean a lack of comfort inside the Raptor 800

AHWI M450H-1600 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 59

PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS the hydraulic performance of the carrier.

The range of the excavator mulcher heads is completed by the AHWI models FM500H-1100 for excavators from 15 – 22 tons and the FM600H-1200 for units till 30 tons approximately.

Last development of the hydraulic mulcher heads is the M450H-1600 to be attached to Skid Steers. Skid Steers are running in overseas markets mainly and most demands are coming from our partners there. But in Europe there is an oppportunity to fit this AHWI Mulcher Head to those carriers.

FAE GROUP is celebrating its 25th year of business. The company can look back with great pride on the results it has achieved since 1989; 25 years of constant technological innovation, quality, product reliability and customer service.

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 three-point 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.

In this special year, FAE Group is proud to present 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 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 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

FAE UMH MEGA

60 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

SFM Foretry Mulcher 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. FAE will attend EIMA 2014 (Hall 36, Stand A5) and will introduce 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 and up to 30 cm in depth. This model can shred trees up to 60 cm in diameter and ensures low power consumption

INNOVATION - IGGESUND

The Swedish guard Iggesund Forest Site Manager, Erik Molin

Iggesund’s energy harvester bar

Iggesund Forest, part of the Olofsforst Group, has developed an incredibly simple solution for the issue of chain slippage during energy harvesting

By Chris Cann

A

n Iggesund Forest saw bar customer in Northern Finland was fed up. He had been in the forest cutting energy wood or biomass just half a day and already the chain had slipped off the saw bar three times.

Something had to be done.

He approached the saw bar manufacturer, Iggesund, with the dilemma and, together, the contractor and the manufacturer sat down to come up with a

solution. In the end, it was incredibly simple.

“What you get with energy wood harvesting is far higher incidence of chain slippage, where the chain actually jumps off the saw bar,” Iggesund Site Manager Erik Molin told International Forest Industries.

“The issue arises because the diameter of the stems in energy wood harvesting is so small that the wood can get stuck between

the saw bar and the chain. This can obviously lever off the chain.”

Each time an operator slips a chain, he must get down out of the cab and replace it. This takes about five minutes each time. If the chain slips around six times on a bad day, that costs 30 minutes of harvesting.

“What’s worse is the operator loses flow,” Molin said. “There is a certain amount of momentum an operator builds up when harvesting and being able to maintain that momentum allows a more efficient day’s work.

“If the operator is regularly interrupted with chain slippage it is extremely difficult to take advantage of any momentum that is built up.”

The estimated loss of productivity from such a ‘loss of flow’ was probably around 5% in bad cases, which is on top of the half-an-hour of lost production time spent replacing the chain.

This of course is assuming that the chain is not damaged and needs replacing altogether with a new chain. That obviously takes more time and costs more money.

The solution – the energy harvester bar The answer to this very common problem was a guard that is attached to Iggesund’s energy wood harvesting saw bar that stops

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 61

INNOVATION - IGGESUND

Per Jonsson (Ångsäter Entreprenad) and Mats Nyberg (Ljusdals Sliptjänst) are proud owners of Iggesund energy harvester bars

Per Jonsson in his Valmet with Nisula head

the chain from slipping.

Both the saw bar and the guard are made from hardened steel. The guard is pressed and shaped with a unique tool. The diameter is about 100 mm.

There are rivets that in turn keep the guard in place. These rivets have been thickened and further strengthened, making them slightly heavier than standard

rivets.

Buying a saw bar with a guard is about 20% more expensive than a normal saw bar but the difference in cost is rapidly made back through increased productivity.

All manufacturing is done by the 20 person strong Iggesund team at the Swedish base, where the company also works on its research and development.

Laser cutters help produce the energy bar 62 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

It is remarkable that such a simple solution to a common problem has taken so long to see a response from the manufacturing sector. Molin put it down to the widespread assumptions that if it was possible to fix the problem, someone would have done it a long time ago.

“I think it’s often the case with the really simple ideas,” he said.

“There are some protective guards in the handheld saw sector but that has been more about safety – this is the first time I’m aware that a company has marketed a guard for mechanised harvesting that is dedicated to

keeping the chain in place.”

The company’s Finnish customer helped out with the product testing, which was an extensive process. Iggesund made several adaptions to perfect the unit before releasing the saw bar with the guard to the market at Elmia last year. The company has now sold dozens of units and has only received positive feedback.

“It looks a bit ridiculous when you first see it it, but once you explain the concept to people and once they go away and try it, people haven’t got a bad word to say about it,” Molin said.

“There’s been no negative

INNOVATION - IGGESUND

The saw bodies emerge from the laser cutter feedback whatsoever.

“Now we feel quite comfortable with the design and the performance of the product. Our Finnish customer is down to one or two chain slips a week – that’s very good for his business and very good for his blood pressure.”

The benefits The guard is positioned on the end of the saw so it shouldn’t affect the use of the saw in any way.

This clearly means the operator must have control over the saw because the tip must be kept clear of the wood. This is generally not a problem for small diameter wood.

Besides the increased uptime, the real benefit of the guard is it allows operators to use a longer saw bar.

“Energy wood harvesters generally have to use a shorter saw bar because a shorter bar ensures the chain has a better chance of staying on,” Molin explained. This obviously means that productivity is compromised.

“The protective guard means you can use a bigger saw bar, which means you can take a bigger grab, which means you can be more productive.”

An unintended benefit has been for operators who are felling in stony ground because the guard blocks potentially damaging rocks from meeting the chain if the saw tip gets too close to the ground.

We have bonus benefits: if you’re harvesting where there are lots of stones you protect the chain.

Though ideal for energy wood or biomass, larger diameter trees can be tackled because of the longer saw bars that can be used.

“Our Finnish client who did our product testing is now using a 750 mm saw bar with guard to cut both energy wood and trees up to 440 mm in diameter.”

The markets With the guard being tested in Finland and Iggesund based in Sweden, the guard has naturally

A highly skilled Iggesund operator moves the bars through the milling process

Freshly painted harvester bars packaged and awaiting delivery been most heavily sold in Scandinavia. Sales have quickly expanded into Europe. This is also largely because Scandinavia in particular but Europe in general have been the regions that have most enthusiastically and commercially embraced energy wood harvesting.

But that is likely to be only the beginning for the energy bar and guard.

“There is no reason why it couldn’t be exported to markets

all over the world – anywhere there is small diameter harvesting operations,” Molin said. “As it stands, the current product has a great deal of potential globally.

“We’ll market and sell this in markets that we know well, get feedback, make any refinements needed and then look to push into other markets where we see a guard making a big difference to operators – there really aren’t many markets that I can see it not being influential.”

We bought the energy harvester bar because of our customers demand. The customers are very satisfied, the protective guards work well in preventing the chain from jumping off. It Works very well harvesting biomass and protects the chain if you accidently hit stones

Iggesund also provides high quality harvester chains

– Olle Bodell at Valbo Slip, chain grinding and retailer of harvester bars

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 63

OPERATION FOCUS - SP MASKINER

The search is over

A 14-year search for the right harvester head ended for Weldon Hershey when he was introduced to the burgeoning 761 LF from SP Maskiner With Chris Cann

W

eldon Hershey’s Timber-Tec felling business in Stone Lake, Wisconsin is not for the faint of heart. He cuts some of the most difficult hardwood imaginable across a range of diameters.

Not surprisingly, Hershey has had difficulty finding a harvesting head that stands up to his needs.

“I have been harvesting difficult and ugly hard wood with cut to length equipment for 14 years and tried many different harvester heads,” he told International Forest Industries.

“Some have been better than others but I always felt they needed some improvements. For that reason I have never stopped looking for other options to try.”

In early 2012, Hershey went online looking for harvester heads and found the SP Maskiner webpage. He started looking through the technical specifications of various heads and sifting through the demonstration videos.

After going through all the products and the videos he was

64 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

“very impressed” but still couldn´t really find a harvester head model in the size for which he was looking. Not willing to give up there, he contacted SP Export Manager Anders Gannerud to enquire about possible future head developments.

The response from Gannerud was immediate. He told Hershey that SP was in the process of developing a head that would probably be a great match for his personal requirements, his carrier – a Rottne H20B – and his harvesting conditions.

A work in progress SP at that point had only recently begun design work on the concept for the 761 LF. The idea was to design a hard-wearing, versatile head that could be sold into markets all over the world. The homework for the design was carried out across the world but centred on the US, where there is a lot of hardwood, forked branches and hardwood growing in between the trees.

“There are obviously much bigger heads but this head covers everything from small timber to large timber,” Gannerud told IFI. “It’s an all-round head that can be used in various markets that fits both rubber-tyred machines, excavator conversions, and tracked harvesters so this is like a universal harvesting head that suits Canada, USA, South America, Russia, Australia and Europe, too.”

Operations that have a range of materials to cut can do it all with this head. It’s designed to tackle

OPERATION FOCUS - SP MASKINER hardwood so softwood is not a problem. It can also handle a large variety in terms of diameters as well.

“You can sell it in Europe but the big markets will be the Americas and Russia where you have a mix of hardwoods and softwoods,” Gannerud said.

In terms of size it’s nothing unique. But to deal with the difficult conditions the company found in the US it had to make sure that the design was compact without compromising the cutting capacity.

Gannerud said two of the priorities for the head were the component and hose protection and the overall strength of the unit.

“If you knock out a hose you have to stand there for a couple of hours while it’s repaired – it’s all about maximising the uptime of the equipment,” he said.

“We also work with a lot with casted components – that’s nothing new, many companies do that. But with the 761 head we also cast the whole centrepiece of the frame.

Everyone else is welding pieces together.

“The reason for casting the centrepiece is so you can get the strength in material exactly where it’s needed and you can better control the manufacturing process, opposed to using different layers of steel that are heated up and weakened through the process.

I remember walking in to the SP stand and seeing the SP 761 LF harvester head for the first time thinking: That this is exactly what I have been looking for – Hershey

The SP 761 LF sales pitch The SP 761 LF is a compact, heavy duty and high performance harvester head. It is designed according to SP´s Low Friction principle for minimum friction and maximum productivity.

The SP 761 LF is suited for working on both large wheel based harvesters as well as tracked harvesters and excavator carriers. 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, operators can count on the SP 761 LF to get the job done,” Gannerud said.

Equipped with the specially designed processing knives and a topping saw, the SP 761 LF becomes a dedicated processing head with great performance processing decked wood out of a pile. The SP 761 LF reaches top performance in stands with a diameter of 25-50 cm but, thanks to the LF principle, is also capable of efficiently working larger tree sizes.

“Future models across our range will have the same design of head.”

Hershey’s introduction The design took about 18 months, over which period Hershey contacted SP. Engineers came out and toured the Timber-Tec regional forestry to properly assess the conditions in which the company

was working.

“We exchanged our experiences and ideas and I got a really good feeling about the people I met from SP,” Hershey said. “They all came across as extremely sincere and dedicated to their company and product, which of course made me even more interested.”

A few months before the Elmia Wood show in 2013, Hershey was

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 65

OPERATION FOCUS - SP MASKINER Main technical data Weight

1,680 kg ( ,3703 lb)

Height

1,850 mm (74 in)

Weight with top saw

1,830 kg (4,034 lb)

Height with top saw

2,030 mm (81.2 in)

Maximum cutting diameter

750 mm (30 in)

Maximum feed roller opening

700 mm (28 in)

Maximum feed force

46 kN (1,0340 lbf )

before shipping it to the US to Timber-Tec for some really tough tests in the difficult hardwood he cuts,” Gannerud said.

The litmus test

By March 2014, SP had delivered the SP 761 LF prototype head and together with the SP dealer in Wisconsin, Pioneer Equipment, it was installed and started up the head. To date, more than 1,000 hours have been racked up on the head.

Going into the first real commercial test on some of the

toughest wood imaginable, SP’s expectations could be described as “cautiously anxious”, despite having been impressed with the 761’s performance in Sweden.

“We liked the product from the first time we saw it cutting wood in Sweden but it’s a difficult market – there’s a lot of competition,” Gannerud said.

“You have to be humble and keep your optimism in check because there are many groups producing good equipment. From what we understood, Timber-Tec had been through all of them and

SP Export Manager Anders Gannerud with the new SP 761 LF in Brazil invited to visit the show and take a look at the first prototype of the harvester head, as well as visiting the SP factory, conveniently located just 30 minutes south of the show area.

“I remember walking in to the SP stand and seeing the SP 761 LF harvester head for the first time thinking: ‘That this is exactly what I have been looking for’,” he said.

“What caught my eye immediately was the incredible neat hose routing and how clean the head was in its general design.

I also liked the fact that they have worked with casted components both for delimbing knives, motor arms and part of the frame to really get the material optimised for strength and weight ratio.”

When Hershey visited the factory the next day, he had a tour of the facilities and was impressed by the high level of quality in both products and people, which of course was very important.

During the factory visit Hershey and SP agreed to run the prototype head as a test in the Timber-Tec operations.

Before the US test run could begin, initial testing in Sweden

needed to be completed, which was carried out over the Autumn of 2013.

“We just took out the head in the forest near our Swedish factory after Elmia Wood and fired it up to check on the hydraulics the handling, electrics and a whole bunch of highly rigorous tests

Hershey uses a Rottne H20B carrier 66 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

I have been harvesting difficult and ugly hard wood with cut to length equipment for 14 years and tried many different harvester heads – Weldon Hershey, Timber-Tec

OPERATION FOCUS - SP MASKINER

There are obviously much bigger heads but this head covers everything from small timber to large timber – Anders Gannerud, SP Maskiner

none had measured up to the job so I can’t claim to have been overly confident at any stage.”

Gannerud needn’t have worried.

The test period went “incredibly well” and was problem-free, according to Hershey, who said he “absolutely loved” the performance of the head.

“The most impressive aspect of the head is the pulling power,” he said. “It is really instant power when I press the feed button, something that I have not experienced in other heads where you have to back-up and gain momentum and speed to delimb a heavy limb.

“With the SP 761 LF head I can stand close to a limb and press the feed button and the head just goes through.”

Hershey described the SP 761 LF as a “big head” in terms of capacity, which was necessary for cutting some of the occasional larger 60-70 cm diameter trees that he has in his region. Enjoying that kind of capacity from such a compact unit was unexpected.

Another quality that stood

out for Hershey was the special Skeleton rollers that SP has designed, which give an exceptional grip and also selfclean.

“I can also see through the rollers since they are open, which gives better visibility and control when harvesting,” he said. “Also the fact that the length measuring wheel only gets activated and comes out once I press the saw button is a great feature for me that saves the unit a lot of wear since I sometimes have to reposition the head on the tree due to limbs and/ or coppice growth.

“All in all it has been a great experience from start-to-finish with zero problems so the decision to buy one was a no brainer for me.”

The sale was a great result for SP but more important for the company was the testing result and the feedback.

“This customer is an experienced operator and has run most head models available in the US and he rates this number one,” Gannerud said. “He was just in love with the product after using it for

just a couple of weeks.

“In that sense, the tests went much better than we expected.”

The SP 761 LF has now been available for a few months. The test results were finalised at the beginning of August but such was the feedback from Timber-Tec that

running “extremely well” for all its new owners and the good feedback had continued to flood in.

Going global SP’s ambition of selling its new head across the world looks to be very much on track. A seasoned

This customer is an experienced operator and has run most head models available in the US and he rates this number one – Gannerud

SP had started work on getting the unit production-ready several months earlier.

“From the first prototype the design has been left unaltered, though there has been some minor tinkering – polishing the details,” Gannerud said.

He said the head had been

marketer of high-end harvesting heads worldwide, Gannerud does not see any problems attracting interest and servicing new clients in various markets through its extensive dealer network.

Support for its dealers is something SP takes very seriously.

All the company’s dealers across the world are extensively trained to deal with SP heads and a full stock of spare parts is always maintained to limit downtime.

Gannerud said SP engineers also regularly travel to its international dealers to speak with customers, support dealers and get a feel for the markets in which the company is operating. This happens at least once a year.

Having made such a breakthrough with the SP 761 LF head, one would expect SP to be consumed entirely by its efforts to meet demand and support new clients. However, the company is also working away on its next design.

Though Gannerud was tightlipped on what the SP engineers were tinkering with at their Swedish factory, he assured IFI it was “interesting” and would probably be ready for 2016.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 67

OPERATION FOCUS RUSSIA - PONSSE

Romanov machines Juri Romanov showing the visitors around the site village’s maintenance building. At the end of April, work focused on machine servicing

The saga of harvesting company OOO Komi Lesnaja kompania’s 45-year-old Managing Director, Juri Mikhailovich Romanov, is an interesting one. In situations where many would have folded, Romanov tenaciously held on, struggled forward and had the courage to make even gutsy choices. He tells his story

J

uri Mikhailovich Romanov was born in a settlement called Zheleznodorozhny, about 100 km from Syktyvkar, the capital of the Komi Republic. These days, the former settlement is known as the city of Yemva.

“After serving in the army in the Far East, I started studying at the Leningrad Institute of Railway Engineers,” Romanov said. “But I had to drop my studies because I had a family to support. This I did through a variety of odd jobs.

“I loaded trains headed for Armenia, did construction work in the reconstruction efforts after the Armenian earthquake and drove food supplies from St Petersburg to Yemva.”

An entrepreneur’s road is paved with surprises “Quite by surprise, I became a shop owner when a customer gave me a Yemva shop in exchange for his debts,” Romanov said. “My family and I returned to Yemva from

68 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

St Petersburg and I tried to develop the shop’s business. But it wasn’t my line of business.

“The country’s economic situation also grew very bad at the time.

“As I was trying to come up with a business that wouldn’t be so dependent on the country’ internal economics, I arrived at timber exports. That’s when all this started. I sold the shop and bought a service shop and a simple Graviton sawing machine.

But a shortage of saw timber complicated operations and so, in the autumn of 1998, I acquired a cutting area in an auction held by a forestry centre.

“When I first drove down to look at the site I had leased, I was looking at a swath of burned forest.

On top of that, the area was located beyond a river, which meant more trouble. Upon the advice of some acquaintances, I bought a used TDT 55 tractor to get the job done.

One tractor soon proved to be

insufficient and I began to employ people, bought two more tractors and a MAZ timber truck. At that point, I employed 15 lumberjacks.”

There were problems with employees and more than once crew members skipped days while on drinking binges.

“I was no tractor driver myself.

I once had to fill in for absent guys and ended up in the river with the tractor. And my inexperience and problems with the workers weren’t the only stumbling blocks – when I delivered pulpwood to the fibreboard company, I had to wait six months for my money.

“But despite all this, the winter was very successful. The wood lasted until the summer and things started moving along as the sawn timber was selling well.

“My success was taken note of and I received a harvesting offer from a leaseholder in Syktyvkar.

The leaseholder turned out to be untrustworthy and, by means of various excuses, refused to pay

OPERATION FOCUS RUSSIA - PONSSE

Mechanic Sergei Shamanjan, Juri Romanov, chief mechanic and Juri Romanov’s ‘right hand’ Aleksei Sepura and Lespromservis’s sales representative Dmitri Spirionov on the main street of the Romanovka site village

me for the harvesting work. So there I was, empty-handed with my lumberjacks, tractors and service trucks standing in the middle of the forest.

“A contract with the Syktyvkar forestry centre nevertheless helped my business get back on its feet again, and we harvested 30,000 m3/y. That’s quite a lot of wood.”

More momentum with Ponse machines “We were facing a shortage of timber and I tried to lease forest in auctions, initially with poor results. I was starting to think that we’d be left completely with-out timber. But when luck wasn’t there to give a hand, bad luck was. The local bank which, among other businesses, had been involved in the acquisition of timber, closed down. We agreed on a price and they conveyed forest areas to me.

“The road leading up to the area was in dismal condition: ditches crisscrossed the entire plot and nobody had been maintaining the road. The only thing there were piles of logging residue here and there and ramshackle site huts.

There were times when I wanted to admit my defeat and drop the whole thing.”

But there was still 54,000 m2 of wood around.

“We repaired the road with mine timbers, renovated the site huts for our workers and started harvesting. And we worked fast, too, even helping out some neighbouring companies and expanding the leased area. We bought five timber hauling trucks.

During a period of five and half years, seven brigades of workers with 15 lumberjacks each, cut down 120,000 m3 of wood a year.”

But the quality of the workforce left something to be desired: the men drank a lot.

“It was extremely difficult to keep an eye on them. It was beginning to be hard to find a decent tractor driver. Because of the shortage in the availability of good labour, I thought of purchasing a Ponsse machine chain.

“We decided to risk it and, as early as after the first winter, it was clear that Ponsse’s machines would carry us through. After another six months, we bought two more machines and, after a year, our third machine chain. The number of lumberjacks on our payroll declined.

But we still have one brigade of lumberjacks: these people have given an enormous amount to the company and are presently helping us to maintain the machines.”

The machine fleet keps on growing “Time passed and we continued to expand our leased areas at the expense of other companies. Then came the financial crisis of 2008, when the interest on credit shot up to over 20%. We had a great deal of property obtained with credit and not enough money to pay off the debt. At the time, we were practically working for the bank, service company and in order to pay salaries to our employees.

“Nor were we the only ones in trouble.

“We redeemed land from another harvesting company that was unable to exploit the harvesting area allocated to it. To get through the crisis, we required a great amount of timber and once we redeemed the forest area of the aforementioned company the

volume of timber in our leased areas grew to 400,000 m3.

“We sold saw log to Syktyvkar LDK, which also bought timber from another company that used Ponsse machines. When this firm was driven into difficulty, we bought their harvesting fleet.

The machines’ condition left something to be desired, because the company had not had enough money to maintain and service the machines. Some of them had to be stripped down to their spare parts.

“We now have 40 Ponsse forest machines. We do not have enough work for the entire fleet right now, but we are expecting the economic situation to improve. Of course, a smaller fleet would be easier for me to handle.”

Names after animals – sound familiar ?

“I spend a great deal of time in

I loaded trains headed for Armenia, did construction work in the reconstruction efforts after the Armenian earthquake and drove food supplies from St Petersburg to Yemva – Juri Romanov OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 69

OPERATION FOCUS RUSSIA - PONSSE the forest: I plan the cutting and road building and oversee the harvesting, to ensure that it’s executed correctly. I may take a buggy, drive to a site and sit in the cabin with the operator, watching how the work is carried out.

“Our operators know that I’m constantly up-to-date on what’s going on. The volume of saw log produced is an important indicator, because we do not accumulate profits with pulp wood.

“Forest improvement works, planting, thinning, the building of site huts and line openings are carried out by the brigade of lumberjacks in the summer, but in the winter the lumberjacks focus on harvesting. Forest fires have been common in Russia during the past few years and our employees have special gear for this reason.

We’ve bought bulldozers and equipped our sites with water barrels. Last year we took part in fighting seven forest fires.

“We build 10s of kilometres of forest roads every year. We have large pictures of the animals in these woods at each intersection: elks, foxes, beavers, lynxes, wild boars, bears, hares, squirrels and others. We came up with this idea for reasons of comfort – it’s a much easier way of navigating than by plots. Think about it: loading in ‘the squirrel’ on the left or behind ‘the beaver’, we’re building a road on ‘the bear’. For someone who is unfamiliar with the area, it’s a lot easier to remember an animal than an announcement like ‘I’ll see you at plot 428’.”

Machines and men are kept in shape The distances alone are enough to make a forest machine operator’s work different from many others.

Operators spend 20 days at work in the forest, followed by 10 days at home. Every machine has two operators.

“We organise our operators’ productivity competitions by comparing the harvesting volumes produced per plot,” Romanov said.

“The best groups win valuable prizes. In addition to their salaries, we provide all the necessities for the workers on the logging sites – food, accommodation, work clothes and a sauna. From time to time, we try to offer our workers trips to

Poor communications make the transportation of timber, servicing and spare parts deliveries difficult. The bridge over the Sysola River was closed a mere two hours before our arrival. As a result, we had to take a detour of 120 km. A construction crew had just begun to dismantle the bridge built for winter use

spas for relaxation purposes.

“We’ve agreed with the employees a penalty of 15,000 rubles for a gross breach of work orders. This has allowed us to create a good work climate and we’ve motivated people to work hard by incentives other than merely monetary benefits.

Although a harvester gathers 6,000 m³/m of timber and a brigade of lumberjacks slightly less than 1,500 m3/m, our employees’ salaries are not dependent on cubic metres. Everyone gets equal pay.

“About 60% of our leased area is softwood and about 40% is hardwood. The spruce is smaller than average and the planning density is not very high either. As soon as the operators get to a good stand, the efficiency rates are in a completely different class. Even a five-year-old harvester harvests more than 5,000 m3 of timber in a month.

“Qualified experts and in-house maintenance keep the machines in good condition. Thanks to our own maintenance and servicing, we can manage pretty much everything, starting from engine repair. The only exception is the electronics.

“The total volume of our harvesting last year was more than 500,000 m3. The average haulage distance of a forwarder is about 500 m, usually 300 m in the winter.

70 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

The forwarders are also used for building forest motor roads. In the summertime, our excavators dig ditches by the roadsides round the clock and the pile-driver allows us to construct bridges.

“We have built three bridges ourselves across rivers in our harvesting areas.

“We don’t harvest pulpwood or hardwood at all. We only use them on the logging roads, as road building materials and for heating.

Pulpwood sales in this area are not profitable, because the major local consumers of raw material push the prices down. The pulp and paper combine in Kotlas is located at a distance of some 300 km and Mondi Business Paper at a distance of 180 km. That’s a long drive and we cannot compete in terms of pricing.”

The situation slows down market development and the State is not yet paying enough attention to the forest economy.

“In my opinion, the new forest legislation seems incomplete.

Whereas before, one could buy a small harvesting area for oneself and thus employ workers, auctions on stands are no longer held and small companies are driven into bankruptcy.

“Banks that give credit with an annual interest rate of 19% are another problem.”

Good working conditions drive employee commitment “We are commencing the construction of a new site village this year,” Romanov said. “We want to build for our employees’ lodgings that house a cafeteria and have central heating. Next to this we are building a sauna, a barbecue shelter and heated servicing facilities. At the moment, we carry out maintenance works outdoors and only the smallest components can be repaired in heated premises.

“The goal of the construction project is to improve our employees’ living and working conditions.

“My journey as an entrepreneur has been a lesson where I’ve had to find out about things and deal with adversities. I’ve learned a great deal by visiting other companies, making observations of their operations and simply by finding out about things by myself. Our company has learned how to use credit for operational development, motivate people to work hard, build bridges and forest roads for timber trucks that weigh 60-70 t, and to repair machines.

“I think that the decisive factor in our company’s success has been a commitment to hard work.”

CUTTING EDGE

Bandit Industries announces Model 2550 Track stump grinder Get on the right track with the new Model 2550 Track stump grinder from Bandit Industries. The introduction of this machine marks Bandit’s entry into track-mounted stump grinders in the 40 hp category, combining the popularity of the Model 2550XP self-propelled stump grinder with the versatility and go-anywhere mobility of a track-mounted machine.

“Adding tracks to the Model 2550 makes a great machine even better,” Bandit Sales Manager Jason Morey, said. “This powerful, Bandit-designed drive system utilises turf-friendly rubber tracks while providing low ground pressure for delicate lawns and surfaces. It is easy to transport, easy to manoeuvre, and designed for backyards as well as the back woods.”

Featuring the same 44-horsepower diesel engine and a 500 mm (20 in) diameter Revolution cutter wheel from the standard 2550, the Model 2550 Track delivers the allterrain capabilities and superb flotation found in larger track machines. Its light weight makes it easy to tow, while the track undercarriage provides exceptional manoeuvrability.

A standard swing out operator’s station places all machine controls to the side of the machine, giving operators a clear view of the work area. A wireless radio remote with tether back-up is a popular option for those who prefer to be located away from the machine while grinding.

All Bandit stump grinders, including the Model 2550 Track, are built with a solid chassis construction using continuous steel welds. This results in a tougher, more durable machine capable of years of reliable service for dedicated stump grinding professionals or rental companies.

The Model 2550 Track features a beltless hydrostatic direct-drive, delivering smooth, direct power to the cutter wheel while reducing maintenance downtime and costs associated with traditional belt drive models. The Revolution cutter wheel comes standard, delivering exceptional cutting power and chip containment for easy clean up.

Meanwhile, Bandit has updated its products for coastal vegetation, vines and thin material.

Beast horizontal grinders have always been ahead of the pack when it comes to processing dense, stringy green waste like palms, vines, and coastal vegetation. This type of material can be a challenge

The Bandit 2550 track stump grinder

to process for any machine, but new options and designs for the Model 2680XP, 3680XP and 4680XP Beast Recyclers allow these machines to excel in this type of grinding application.

The changes begin with the cuttermill, which features a 30-tooth setup with 50 mm (2 in) wide teeth as opposed to the standard 60-tooth, 25 mm (1 in) wide arrangement. While a 60-tooth set up is still the best for grinding larger diameter wood, in leafy / stringy material void of

The Bandit Model 3680XP

larger material the 30-tooth setup is extremely efficient. The mill RPM is also increased which helps clear the mill faster, while the mill housing itself is opened up.

Increased tolerances and a larger screening area add to the overall machine throughput, delivering a better end-product quicker, and with lower fuel consumption.

Also, a new proportional drive system for hydraulics on the Beast’s feed system will help deliver maximum feeding rates without overfeeding the machine.

This new system will monitor engine loads and automatically adjust the feed rate to match. The new system has the ability to not only proportionally feed, but can also switch over to six different feed speeds with the touch of a button for people desiring the most uniform products possible.

As a result of these enhancements and options, operators can utilize Beast recyclers too quickly and efficiently process coastal vegetation, viney material and similar green waste that is often problematic with other machines. www.banditchippers.com

IBC available on CF5 boom models Introduced in the summer of 2013 and awarded at several fairs for its innovative approach, John Deere’s Intelligent Boom Control (IBC) has been very well received by forest machine contractors.

Until now, IBC has been available for the CF7 and CF7S boom models of the medium size 1210E and 1510E John Deere forwarders. Over 80% of these models delivered from the Joensuu factory to the Finnish and Swedish

markets are equipped with the new boom control system.

From September, IBC has also be available for CF5 booms for the mid-range John Deere forwarders, initially for the 1110E IT4 and subsequently for the 1010E model as well. Intelligent Boom Control provides several benefits for those using these forwarders: it boosts overall productivity and enhances the durability and lifetime of the boom. This adds to the number of

daily loads.

The operator’s ergonomics is further improved due to easier boom handling in addition to John Deere’s unique rotating and levelling cabin.

Operators have given positive feedback: work has become more fluent because IBC enhances efficiency and comfort. The boom reacts more quickly, more accurately and, thanks to electronic end damping, more smoothly than

ever before.

The boom control system is exclusively available for John Deere forwarders. A long-awaited technology innovation in forestry, IBC has won awards at several fairs, including Elmia Wood in Sweden, Silva Regina in Czech Republic and Interforst in Germany. www.johndeere.com

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 | International Forest Industries 71

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

ADVERTISERS INDEX AHWI Prinoth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Microtec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

www.ahwi.com

www.microtec.eu

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617

Bandit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Morbark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Email: phil@internationalforestindustries.com

www.banditchippers.com

www.morbark.com

Barko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Olofsfors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

www.barko.com

www.olosfsfors.com

Japan Advertising Communications, Inc.

Bron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Peterson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho

www.rwfbron.com

www.petersoncorp.com

CLEANFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Precision Husky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

www.cleanfix.org

www.precisionhusky.com

DuraTech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Rayco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

www.duratechindustries.net

www.raycomfg.com

FAE Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Rottne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

www.fae-group.com

www.rottne.com

Halco Software Systems. . . . . . . . . 23

Select Saw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

www.halcosoftware.com

www.selectsawmill.com

Indexator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Seppi m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

www.indexator.se

www.seppi.com

Iggesund Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Springer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/C

www.iggesundforest.se

www.springer.eu

John Deere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

SP Maskiner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

www.deere.com/forestry

www.spmaskiner.com

Komatsu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Tigercat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

www.komatsuforest.com

www.tigercat.com

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Logmax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

USNR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

www.logmax.com

www.usnr.com

Lucidyne Technologies Inc . . . . . . . 15

Wood-Mizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

www.lucidyne.com

www.woodmizer.com

CONTACT: Phil Playle or David Lansdowne Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777

or david@internationalforestindustries.com

Japan CONTACT: Yuko Ishihara

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051 Tel: 81-3-3261-4591 Fax: 81-3-3261-6126 Email: ishihara@media-jac.co.jp

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

US Mid-West, Central & Mountain CONTACT: Kevin Lapham J.P.Media Inc 1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville IL 60563, USA

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

South America CONTACT: Ricardo Cort茅s Editec S.A. Avda del C贸ndor 844 Of. 205, Cuidad Empresarial Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile Tel: +56 2 757 4200 Fax: +56 2 757 4201 Email: rcortes@editec.cl

72 International Forsest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2014

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

FORESTRY

The

Level Headed Approach to

Land Clearing

Manufactured to endure the most extreme & demanding terrains POWER TO PERFORM

Terra

Grouser

Rocky

TXL

TXCL

CLARK TRACKS

Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.

www.clarktracks.com

E: clarktracks@clarktracks.com T: +44 (0) 1387 722370

high performance for maximum work life

a brand of FAE Group

Flotation

POWER TO PERFORM

BRON Mulcher

BRON 475 Mulcher with SEPPI Mulching Head

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

Richardson Service_Frances Marion tree thinning

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

BRON 275 Mulcher with Seppi Midiforst Mulching Head

www.rwfbron.com

Can Your Tractor Do This in 10 mins?

Fecon, Inc FTX600

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

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

FTX148L Forestry Mulcher - Mulching Machine - Fecon - Bull Hog

RTC22/500-8 - Pine Trees

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

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

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

www.fecon.com

Bandit visits R.J. Nathe & Sons

Parker Kligerman visits Bandit 2013

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

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

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

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

Revolution Cutter Wheel

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

www.banditchippers.com

848H Skidder

King of the Hills

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

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

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

Road Map to Success

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

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

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

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

www.deere.com

6600 Track Wood Hog

Morbark 5048 Drum Chipper

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

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

Morbark, Inc. I Make America

3200 Wood Hog Demo Days May 2013

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

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

www.morbark.com

4300B Drum Chipper Making Micro Chips

s5710C horizontal grinder with Terra Select S6 E Star Screen

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

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

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

6700B Mid-Speed Grinder

5710C Pallet Grinding

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

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

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

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

www.petersoncorp.com

Tigercat TH575 mixed stand in Nova Scotia

KBM, Chile: Infield chipping

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

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

880 logger in Pacific northwest

Bull Creek: LH822C

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

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

www.tigercat.com

ROTTNE SKÖRDARE

Skotare ROTTNE F13C

Rottne F18

www.rottne.com

Vermeer BC700XL Brush Chipper

HG6000 Horizontal Grinder

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

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

HG8000TX Horizontal Grinder

HG4000TX Horizontal Grinder

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

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

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

www.vermeer.com

a brand of FAE Group

PT-175: the most compact and manoeuvrable PrimeTech model.

Breaking new ground with PrimeTech’s PT-400

Equipped with a Cummins QSB4.5, 4.5 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 4 in-line cylinders and 160 hp, PT-175 is the most compact and lightweight vehicle of the PrimeTech range of tracked carriers. PT-175 is designed to perform light to medium duty work in the forestry sector. One of its strong points lies in its dimensions, which enable it to work on sites with width restrictions (<= 1750 mm). PT-175 is mainly used for vegetation management, for cleaning undergrowth, cutting and eliminating bushes and shrubs and for cutting seismic lines. The PT-175 is also an impressively innovative mulcher, built around cutting-edge technology with easy access to all components, thanks to a fully tilting engine hood, hinged side doors and swing-out rear winch that opens effortlessly for daily maintenance of the vehicle.

The exceptionally high productivity of the PT-400 is provided first and foremost by the perfectly synchronized engine and hydraulic system that reaches a high level of efficiency. The 12.5 l CAT C13 engine with 415 hp below the bonnet caters for the necessary reserves of power. The oscillating undercarriage and the perfect distribution of masses reduce strain to the structure and provide better control of the vehicle. The spacious and soundproofed cabin helps the operator to work better and with greater precision. It has a series of comforts including the ergonomic position of the seat, the ease use of joysticks and an efficient air conditioning system. Reliability, low maintenance costs and consumption, high performance, low ground pressure, comfort and safety: these are the reasons for choosing PT400 for land clearing/mulching!

PT-300: PrimeTech’s top-of-the line unit for forestry mulching and more

PrimeTech PT-600: Power, performance, productivity for land clearing/mulching!

The flagship PT-300 model, powered by a John Deere 6068HF485, 6.8 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine with 6 in-line cylinders and 275 hp, recently underwent a major design overhaul. Key technical improvements included: A brand-new cab “more head room” (fully tilting and equipped with LED headlights and a flatfaced front windshield instead of the curved windshield of previous models); New Berco-quality D4 oscillating undercarriage with ground clearance increased by 6cm/2”: from 40cm/16” to 46 cm/18”; Optimized easy access to all components for easy maintenance and more.

The PT-600, equipped with a Cummins QSX15 turbocharged in line 6 cylinder diesel engine producing 600 hp, has been designed to work in the most extreme and severe of working conditions and for the toughest jobs, guaranteeing maximum productivity and high performance. Like all the other PrimeTech models, the PT-600 guarantees the same exceptional levels of manoeuvrability and agility even on extremely difficult terrain thanks to its oscillating undercarriage, to the low ground pressure and to the machine’s exceptional load distribution and balance.

www.prime-tech.com

Terra

Grouser

Rocky

Flotation

TXL

TXCL

CLARK TRACKS

Clark Tracks specialise in providing a wide range of forest machine tracks to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve.

www.clarktracks.com

E: clarktracks@clarktracks.com T: +44 (0) 1387 722370

high performance for maximum work life

Clark Tracks Ltd - Forest Machine Tracks. Boggiband. Bogieb채ndern

Clark Tracks Ltd specialise in providing a wide range of Forest Machine Tracks to an ever expanding market. We provide designs and sizes to suit numerous applications for the worldwide forestry market that we serve. This short video will give you an insight to our tracks being used on John Deere, Ponsse, Komatsu and Tigercat forwarders and harvesters.

www.clarktracks.com

RAYCO C260 Mulching

The C260 is a mid-sized mulcher that delivers 260 hp in a compact, low ground pressure package. This mulcher is suited for clearing small trees, underbrush, and a variety of unwanted vegetation across a wide range of environments. The heavy-duty steel undercarriage and powerful final drives allow operators to tackle difficult terrain with confidence. Raycoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive elevated cooling design keeps engine and hydraulic temperatures within their limits in the harshest of environments. To minimize maintenance, a reversing fan can be activated from the cab to clear the limbriser debris screens. This helps to extend service intervals even when operating in hot, debrisfilled environments. When manual cleaning of the debris screens is necessary, they are easily removable and the rear door opens to allow unrestricted access to the debris screen and engine radiator.

The cabs are climate controlled and sealed from dust and debris to maintain operator comfort. Operators appreciate the high-backed, heated seat with adjustable armrests and air-ride suspension.

For safety, the cab is certified to meet ROPS, FOPS, and OPS specifications and is equipped with a roof-top escape hatch. LED lighting facing front, sides and rearward. A backup camera enhances rearward visibility.

www.raycomfg.com

FAE Forestry Mulcher Kubota KX 80

FAE forestry mulcher in action 1

The DML/HY from FAE is the best of its category, this mulching head can be mounted up to a 10 ton excavator. G.B Equipment inc is the Canadian distributor for FAE, contact us via our website www.gbequipment.ca to know your local dealer.

FAE Forestry And Mulching Heads

FAE forestry and land clearing heads. Forestry Mulchers, forestry tillers, rock crushers. Mulching machines.

www.fae-group.com/

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

LUMBER PROCESSING

TM

Comact GradExpert

Comact Stacker

Comact Log 3D Scanning

Comact Transverse 3D Board Scanner

www.comact.com

Integrated Log Loader

MyMill™ - Changing the way you work

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

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

6-Deck Jet Veneer Dryer - time lapse construction

Murray Timber 4-sided canting log breakdown line

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

This mill is located in Ireland.

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

www.usnr.com

Sweep reducing

Log positioning

The importance of cant positioning is often overlooked.

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

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

System Edger - versatile and reliable Bandsawing technology edger optimizer

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

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

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

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

www.se-saws.com

M3Scan

MiCROTEC CTLOG Virtual Grading

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

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

ViScan-Plus

CT.LOG and Viscan.XL - Full value optimisation

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

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

www.microtec.eu/

Industrial Sawmill Business Spotlight SLP2 at LIGNA - Ohio Valley Veneer

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

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

WM4000 ENG

WM1000 with new hydraulic system

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

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

www.woodmizer.com

Grade Scan 2013/2014

The Westervelt Story

True-Q Patented Board Tracking System

www.lucidyne.com

TM

EWD Reducer Quad, First logs

Today we cut the first 5 logs on the new EWD sawmill. first the sides of the logs are chipped off, then four bandsaws go to work cutting the log into the desired sizes.

www.ewd.de

Millwide. Worldwide.

JOHN DEERE FORESTSIGHT.™

YOU’LL NEVER SEE YOUR FLEET THE SAME WAY AGAIN.

With John Deere ForestSight, you can see through the woods, inside your machines, and straight into the future. Its true next-generation technology lets you remotely see exactly where your entire feet is any time of day, and also what’s happening inside each machine.

Only John Deere ForestSight proactively suggests solutions to potential problems and allows technicians to diagnose and sometimes even repair machines from afar. Best of all, John Deere ForestSight is included in base on all our forestry equipment.

JohnDeere.com/ForestSight