International Forest Industries Magazine Oct Nov 2018

LOGGING • SAWMILLING • EWPS • BIOMASS STREAMLIMED SAWMILLING

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

A HEAD FOR ALL SEASONS

HewSaw’s SL200® and SL250® range

PONSSE IN BRAZIL

EWD First unmanned EWD edger in Sweden

PONSSE’S NEW SOLUTIONS FOR PROFITABLE HARVESTING PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS NORDIC TRACTION ON TRACK

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springer.eu

A WORKHORSE FROM DAWN TO DUSK. MANY MODELS, ENDLESS APPLICATIONS High volume wood waste recyclers know that when it comes to creating the highest volume products at the lowest cost per ton, Peterson horizontal grinders offer better fracturing, more accurate product sizing, and more throughput than any horizontal grinder on the market.

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LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS

58

58 PONSSE’S NEW SOLUTIONS FOR PROFITABLE HARVESTING

28 HARVESTER HEADS:

PONSSE’S products and services that improve productivity and profitability had a strong presence at FinnMETKO 2018

52

The range of heads available to forestry entrepreneurs is rapidly expanding

46

52 PRIME MOVERS & MULCHERS Focus on Tractors & Tractor heads

60 48

46 TYRES & CHAINS

48 OPERATION FOCUS - PONSSE

Improvements across the product range have kept this European manufacturer at the cutting edge of the tracks and chains sector

Ponsse’s Brazilian subsidiary has been described as a piece of Finland in the middle of Latin America

UK & IRISH FORESTRY

60

A key forest management operation for Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) is thinning trees

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

REGULAR FEATURES

6 Logging News 64 Advertising Index

LUMBER PROCESSING

CONTENTS

COVER: SPRINGER - Log sorting line for long logs LOGGING • SAW

First unmanned EWD edger in Sweden

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PONSSE’S NEW SOLUTIONS FOR PROFITABL E HARVESTING PRIME MOVE RS & MULCHERS NORDIC TRAC

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PONSSE IN BRAZIL

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With the support of the proven SPRINGER screw technology, MiCROTEC PLC and controls, as well as Logeye multi-sensor log scanners, the system is capable of producing 26,000 2.6m short logs per day.

MILLING • EWP S

A HEAD FOR ALL SEASONS

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In their search for an out of the box highspeed log handling solution, Coastland was impressed with the innovative technology solutions of the SPRINGER Group. The Canadian company chose SPRINGER-MiCROTEC to supply the line, which exceeds the capacity of two existing infeed lines.

The new plant includes everything from the infeed

deck (for logs up to 18 meters long), Nicholson debarker, and 8 saw transverse merchandizing system, through to the interface that connects the line to the existing sorting system.

FOR

Coastland Wood Industries Ltd., located on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, is a world-leading manufacturer of veneer.

STREAMLIMED SAWMILLIN G

HewSaw’s SL200 ® and SL250 ® range

IN D-PROCESS

springer.eu

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 1

LUMBER PROCESSING

CONTENTS

OCTOB ER / N OVEMBER 2 0 1 8

SAWLINES 22 HewSaw HewSaw’s SL200® and SL250® range of products bring streamlined sawmilling to mills around the globe

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27 October 22-25, 2018 Expocentre, Moscow For full details please visit www.lesdrevmash-expo.ru

24 24 EWD

27 GILBERT

First unmanned EWD edger in Sweden.

Swedish sawmill operators see their confidence in German manufacturer confirmed after several months in winter operation

Building on the success of its high-speed equipment, Gilbert has added to its product line a planer for mass timber lumber

November 28, 2018

26

Crowne Plaza Montreal Airport 6600 Cote de liesse Montreal, QC, H4T 1E3 For full details please visit www.optisaw.com

26 Renholmen - Setra Renholmen is to deliver the timber handling equipment to Setra’s new dry sorter planing line in Hasselfors

SAWMILL CAMERAS North America

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ISSUE 65 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

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

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

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

EDITOR’S COMMENT US making up for slower China Though not necessarily a barometer for the whole industry, softwood export numbers released recently, combined with more general economic data, suggest a positive outlook for the forestry space. At least for now.

Numbers from the Wood Resources Quarterly (WRQ) indicated 2018 was likely to be another year of growth for the sector, despite threats coming from US President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China (and the rest of the world, to a lesser extent).

“Worldwide trade of lumber inched up again in early 2018, hinting that this may be another record year,” Wood Resources International, publisher of the WRQ, stated.

“Six of the 10 largest lumber-exporting countries in the world have increased their shipments in 2018, with exports from Russia, Germany, Ukraine and Austria increasing the most year-over-year.”

As we all know, demand for raw materials such as wood is dictated by global growth and the need to build new cities and houses and replace old ones.

Much of this growth is coming from the US, which is more than making up for a slowdown in China. Much has been made of the influence of Chinese growth, and rightly so, but, for now, the world’s largest economy is proving itself very much the heavyweight.

While China’s economy, currently worth around $12 trillion, has slowed gradually from 6.7% in 2016 to a projected 6.6% this year, the US economy has risen rapidly to see growth of almost 3% to its $20 trillion economy projected this year from 1.5% in 2016. That means a theorised loss of global economic scale valued at $120 million based on falling Chinese growth, against a gain in global economic scale of $280 billion on the back of rising US growth.

To put this in a slightly different light, the purchasing manager’s index (PMI), a guide to commodity demand, in China over September

4 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

fell from 51.3 to 50.8 (anything over 50 signals growth). The PMI in the US, meanwhile, jumped from 59.8 to 61.3.

And it’s not just the US, several other heavyweights have posted positive PMI figures that suggest growing demand for forestry products. Japan is growing at 52.5, Germany at 53.7 and Britain was stronger still at 53.8.

This contradicts the view most us might see when we flick on the evening news, which rattles through headlines of trade wars and embattled economic outlooks in Europe centred on the Brexit debacle.

Not everyone has benefitted. Canada was hurt sharply by Trump’s ‘America First’ policies that stunted exports to its southern neighbour and it has more gradually suffered through the slowing down of China.

“The biggest decline in exports year-on-year has been from Canada, with shipments in 2018 on pace to be the lowest in five years,” the WRQ said. “Canadian shipments to China and the US during the first half of this year were down 19% and 6% respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017.”

As speculated in the last edition of International Forest Industries, however, this may be set to turn around as China cuts back on US-sourced forestry products, which it will need to replace from somewhere.

Sadly, we feel this (mostly) positive growth data may be short lived, as the medium-term effects of a trade war on global growth begin to overshadow short-term wins in the US.

Enjoy Chris Cann

BURN LESS FUEL AND PRODUCE MORE

PONSSE HARVESTING AND PROCESSING HEADS are widely used in track and rubber tired harvesters worldwide. Ponsse has been designing and manufacturing harvester heads for more than 30 years. The longterm experience and active listening of customer feedback shows in the products – every model is at the top of its class in productivity and reliability.

DURABILITY WITH LOWER WEIGHT is ensured by using well-designed structures and highest quality steel. Saw is quick and precise, feeding fast and strong, making our heads productive.

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Caterpillar to sell it’s Purpose-Built Forestry Business Caterpillar, Inc. (NYSE: CAT) has announced last month that it has entered into a preliminary agreement with Weiler, Inc. to sell the Cat® purpose-built forestry business. The sale is subject to negotiation of a final agreement, the closing of which is expected by early 2019.

“We remain committed to supporting our forestry customers and the forestry industry,” said Tom Pellette, Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President. “The sale of the purpose-built forestry business enables Caterpillar and Weiler, through the dealer network, to serve the complete forestry industry while providing customers with the same outstanding sales and service support they’ve come to expect.”

Caterpillar will continue to provide forestry excavators

designed for log loading, processing and other forestry applications, in addition to supplying core Caterpillar equipment to the forestry industry.

Weiler will design and manufacture purpose-built forestry products, which will be available through the Cat and Prentice dealer networks.

The proposed sale includes the purpose-built forestry product line consisting of wheel skidders, track feller bunchers, wheel feller bunchers, knuckleboom loaders, and related operations facilities including the manufacturing plant and warehouse in LaGrange, Georgia, the demonstration and training center in Auburn, Alabama, and the legacy Prentice parts distribution center in Smithfield, North Carolina.

Founded in 2000, Weiler has a long-standing history of

Finning to work with Weiler Finning International Inc. (TSX:FTT) has announced its intention to expand its dealer relationship with Weiler, Inc., following Caterpillar Inc.’s announcement that it has entered into a preliminary agreement to sell its Cat® purposebuilt forestry business to Weiler.

“Finning already has a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with Weiler and we look forward to growing that relationship through distributing this portfolio of machines for the forestry industry through our extensive dealer networks in Canada and South America,” said Juan Carlos Villegas, COO of Finning International.

Founded in 2000, Weiler has a long-standing history of successfully manufacturing purpose-built equipment distributed through the Cat® dealer network. Finning will work to distribute Weiler’s purpose built-forestry machines including wheel skidders, track feller bunchers, wheel feller bunchers and knuckleboom loaders while continuing to provide Cat’s® forestry excavators designed for log loading, processing and other forestry applications. Weiler’s product offering is complementary to other specialty forestry lines already offered through Finning.

“We remain strongly committed

6 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

successfully manufacturing purpose-built equipment distributed through the Cat dealer network. Weiler currently produces an extensive portfolio of products and is a recognized manufacturer within paving, while also expanding into other industries.

“We believe that the purposebuilt forestry product line is the ideal addition to our current product portfolio,” commented Pat Weiler, owner and founder of Weiler, Inc. “We have a proven track record of working with Cat dealers all over the world to respond rapidly to customers to our forestry business and expect Weiler’s forestry customers will benefit greatly from the exceptional sales and service experience that Finning, as Caterpillar’s largest equipment dealer, is proud to be known for,” added Juan Carlos Villegas. “We will work with Caterpillar and Weiler during their transition to ensure a seamless customer experience.”

with specialized product needs.

We are confident that our existing product line, our flexible design and manufacturing strategy, and our unrivaled customer focus will differentiate us within the forestry segment.”

It is anticipated that approximately 270 employees supporting the purpose-built forestry business will retain employment with Weiler. A small number of Caterpillar employees will continue to support forestry excavators and the existing forest products field population

Juan Carlos Villegas, COO of Finning International

Pat Weiler, owner and founder of Weiler, Inc

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Mississippi logger wins loader championship sponsored by Caterpillar forest products A Mississippi logger won the Loader Championship sponsored

by Caterpillar Forest Products at the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show Sept. 21-22.

Jon Dickerson of Louisville, Miss., won first place in the event, which was held at the 16th biennial trade show near Starkville, Mississippi. His winning time was 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

The contest raised $2,300 for Log A Load For Kids through voluntary contestant donations, Caterpillar’s matching contributions, and merchandise sales. Log A Load For Kids is an

organization sponsored by loggers and others in the forest products industry to raise funds for hospitals associated with the Children’s Miracle Network.

Chris Davis of Franklin, Ala., won second place with a time of 2 minutes, 51 seconds, and Ryan Taylor of Duck Hill, Miss., won third place with a time of 3 minutes, 4 seconds.

Jonathan Cutshall of Luka, Miss., won fourth place with a time of 3 minutes, 21 seconds.

First, second and third place winners received cash prizes and trophies. Top winners also received

Loader Championship jackets monogrammed with their names.

Everyone who competed in the contest -- 75 loggers participated -- received a cap with the contest logo.

The Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show is a collaborative effort involving Mississippi State University, the Mississippi Forestry Association, the Mississippi Loggers Association, and HattonBrown Publishers.

The Loader Championship sponsored by Caterpillar Forest Products was first introduced as the Prentice™ Loader

Championship at the sawmill and logging show in Richmond in 1972.

Contestants demonstrate their skill with a knuckleboom log loader by picking up and moving blocks between two checkerboards to determine who is the fastest.

Juho Nummela named business person of the year Ponsse Plc’s President and CEO Juho Nummela was named business person of the year(Vuoden Liikemies) in an annual event held by Suomen Liikemiesyhdistys in cooperation with Kauppalehti and Aalto University. This marked the first time when the second person from a single company has received the recognition. Ponsse’s founder Einari Vidgrén was presented with the recognition in 1997.

The choice for the businessperson of the year (Vuoden Liikemies) was published last week at an event held in Helsinki. The criteria for the recognition mentioned that Juho Nummela combines the characteristics of modern

sustainable leadership. According to the jury, Juho Nummela implements principles in which responsible operations, transparency and the engagement of stakeholders have produced both financial success and success measurable in employee experiences.

“Juho Nummela’s leadership exhibits a simultaneous respect for the company’s roots and the creation of something new.

These new things are created in cooperation with every Ponsse employee, which allows Nummela himself to be inspired by a common drive to develop the company, regardless of the organisational level. Nummela is a manager who engages his employees in genuine

8 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

dialogue and sets an example when it comes to the leadership capabilities of a new age,” said the statement given by the jury.

Juho Nummela’s time as the President and CEO of Ponsse has included some major turning points. He took up his position right before the international financial crisis, which also had a strong impact on Ponsse’s operations. Right now, the people working at Vieremä are busy taking the company’s biggest factory investment into use.

Juho Nummela has a doctorate in technology. He has been Ponsse Plc’s President and CEO for ten years, since 2008. He began his career at Ponsse Plc as a thesis worker in 2002, and continued

as the company’s Quality and IT Director in 2005–2006 and as its Factory Director in 2006–2008.

Nummela received the Future CEO of the Year recognition in 2017.

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• Wider undercarriage improves overall stability for increased lift and swing capabilities

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• Larger pitch, Positive Pin Retention 2 (PPR2) links provide greater life in variable forestry working conditions

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

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LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

New John Deere L-Series II Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers provide simplified, reliable machines for loggers Continuously evolving to better its machines and exceed customer expectations, John Deere has introduced the new L-Series II Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers.

The new L-Series II machines feature a simplified design, providing a reliable, powerful solution, while still maintaining the productivity-boosting features of the original line, including an increase in hydraulic speed, large grapples and an improvement in weight distribution.

“With the new L-Series II machines, we wanted to build upon the best features of the original machines, while also simplifying the design to increase reliability,” said Brandon O’Neal, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction and Forestry.

“Listening to our customers, we reworked the machines, making significant improvements under the hood. The new L-Series II machines offer decreased downtime without any changes to power and productivity.”

The new, simpler L-Series II models enhance customer experience by reducing maintenance and increasing uptime due to a number of part changes. Other changes to the machines include a reduction to the complexities of the electrical and hydraulic systems and improvements to component placements. “They [John Deere] rerouted it so the wires wouldn’t be so bunched up in the machine,” noted Wayne Sugg of Sugg Logging, who was one of the first loggers to test the new machines.

“Since we’ve had the L-Series II 843 we’ve put 300 hours on it and haven’t had any downtime whatsoever. Uptime is important, because if the wood’s not going out getting on the trucks I’m not making any money.”

The L-Series II machines also include changes to boost productivity. The new skidder models offer increased grapple squeeze force of up to 10 percent.

Articulation steering sensors improve the operator experience,

ultimately increasing productivity.

A new two-speed 4000 winch replaces the previous single-speed winch. “The machine is better, stronger and faster than the original. These machines – on a daily basis – they just they take a beating. The more you beef it up, the stronger it’s going to be, and the better it’ll be for us.” said Zane Winfield of Southern Logging, who also got a chance to experience the new machines.

In addition to the new changes, the L-Series II Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers retain the productivity-boosting features that loggers loved in the original models.

From a comfortable operator station to durable axles and rugged, large grapples, the L-Series II models offer loggers the features they need to tackle tough jobs. “We’ve spent countless hours collecting customer feedback to ensure our new machines met their needs, understanding the demands they face daily,” said O’Neal.

The cabs on all skidders and wheeled feller bunchers are equipped with features designed to maximize comfort, ultimately increasing productivity. Amenities like the efficient HVAC system, improved ergonomic controls and storage space offer the creature comforts loggers desire.

Joystick steering and an optional rotating seat reduces strain on the operator’s body.

The L-Series II Skidder models feature the powerful Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which combines the smoothness of a hydrostatic transmission with the fuel efficiency of a lockup torque converter. This combination enables the skidders to boast excellent fuel efficiency, longer engine life and enhanced operator comfort.

Offering a one-button Quick Dump feature, the wheeled feller bunchers improves efficiency with the push of one button to release trees in a single, smooth motion.

Additionally, the head-tilt and arm functions are combined to help minimize fatigue while improving

10 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

The L-II Skidder offers operators a smooth and fuel efficient machine

productivity.

Another industry-changing feature on our skidders that carried over from the previous models are the durable axles – particularly the Outboard-Extreme™ axles.

The models feature a pressurized continuous-lube system and independent axle filters that extend wear life. The rugged OutboardExtreme axles – standard on the 848 and 948 models, and optional

on the 748 machines – feature larger components, delivering maximum jobsite durability and a heavier weight for boosted machine stability.

These new models retain the impressive weight distribution, tire options and increased hydraulic speed that current machine-owners commend.

Trialled and tested over six months by Southern Logging & Timber Company Alabama they are hugely impressed by the next-generation John Deere L-Series II Skidders and Feller Bunchers Southern Logging & Timber is a fully mechanized operation employing 15 people and producing over 100,000 tons annually. “It’s an entirely different world today than it was in the early ‘70s. It’s a whole new ball game.” The company specializes in pine logs, while

also harvesting smaller wood for pulp. “The business has changed in the last couple decades,” says President Larry Strickland. “In the old days, you’d have people who would cut short wood, then a logging crew would come in and haul logs. Today one crew

Larry Strickland, with Zane whitfield comes in and basically cleans the whole place up. That’s a big change. We do things so much more efficiently than we did then. There’s just no comparison. Everyone operates smarter.”

Currently the company runs three John Deere 437 Knuckleboom Loaders; 648H, 748H, and 648L Skidders; and two K-Series Feller Bunchers. “I’ve carried on the tradition of running Deere,” says Zane Winfield, company Foreman. “It’s all I’ve been running since I became a part of this over two decades ago.”

Strickland’s brother, Glenn, was a part of a customer advocate group (CAG) in Florida that was invited to the unveiling of Deere’s new L-Series II machines. The company has been demoing a prototype of the 648L-II Skidder and 643L-II Feller Buncher. “We’ve had the machines running here for six months,” says Winfield (first six months of 2018). “They are amazing.”

John Deere introduced the L-Series Skidders and Feller Bunchers — its most powerful machines ever — three years ago.

Not content to stand pat, they collected input from customers and continued to incrementally refine these machines. “Deere brings strong engineering to its forestry equipment,” says Strickland. “It engineers from the owner and operator perspective, and it has a great support network with its dealers.”

“We like our L-Series machines,” adds Winfield. “The visibility and performance are great. They’ve been good. L-Series II machines are strong and productive.”

Enhancements include over 1,600 parts changes, improved component placement, and reduced electrical- and hydraulicsystem complexity. “Deere has changed the locations of some of the filters to improve serviceability,” says Winfield. Routing of the electrical and hydraulic systems has been simplified significantly to improve reliability and ease maintenance.

Wiring and hoses are better protected against wear and bending. Durable automotivestyle electrical-harness components help extend wear life. “This last summer, we had a limb tear the wiring harness off of our 648L,” says Winfield. “That caused a lot of downtime. On the L-Series II machines, the harness has been repositioned so it’s out of the way. That’s a good thing for us because uptime is very important.”

To improve durability on the L-Series II Skidders, the frame and arch have been redesigned and reinforced. Boom-arch hoses are routed inside the arch, for maximum protection Southern Logging & Timber Co Inc 4523 U South Highway 11 Cuba, AL 36907 (205) 392-7301

L-Series II enhancements include over 1,600 parts changes, improved component placement, and reduced electrical- and hydraulic-system complexity and ready repair access. Higher-ply tire options from the factory increase tire strength for carrying heavier loads.

“These machines take a beating on a daily basis,” says Winfield. “The L-II is more beefed up, and the tires make a big difference. They are

well suited for the woods. “Deere is on the right path with the L-Series II machines,” he adds.

“I’ve been running Deere machines 25 years, plus growing up around them, and I’ve never seen anything like this. We’re really excited about them.”

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International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 11

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

Ponsse opens factory expansion At the end of August Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä formally opened Ponsse’s new factory expansion in Vieremä.

The factory expansion means a significant step for it’s production development and competitiveness.

The factory investment is the largest in Ponsse’s history, expanding the production facilities from 2,700 m2 to 4,000 m2. Above all, the investment means a leap forward in terms of production technology.

“The new factory facilitates the strong development of quality, flexibility, occupational safety and productivity. We are able to react more flexibly to changes in the market situation and ensure effective customer variation of PONSSE forest machines in serial production conditions,” says Juho Nummela, President and CEO of Ponsse Plc. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who opened the factory, stated in his speech that the expansion is an example of the belief in the future that has characterised Ponsse throughout its history. “This raises the company’s competitiveness to yet another level. The continuous development of processes, the world’s best forest machines and the best quality offered to customers sound like excellent objectives. However, I am certain that Ponsse’s true success is based on strong values and fair play.

That will always get you far,” said Minister Lintilä.

Smart technology transforms storage logistics

The new factory uses new smart storage technology that enables a smooth flow of components to production lines

12 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

The new factory uses new smart storage technology that enables a smooth flow of components to production lines.

This has significantly increased productivity of storage logistics and reduced manual handling of components. The storage automation includes 15,500 storage places for small goods and 3,900 pallet places.

The construction of the new factory started in early 2016.

All PONSSE forest machines are manufactured in Vieremä at the world’s most modern forest machine factory.

Chief Shop Steward, Heikki Hiltunen, Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and Juho Nummela, President and CEO, Ponsse Plc. The ceremonial ribbon is in the Finnish colours of blue & white.

Each participant keeps a section of the ribbon

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

OneFortyOne replants more than 5.5 million trees Imagine planting by hand more than 5.5 million trees.

That’s exactly what the team at OneFortyOne have just done with the replanting season finishing last week across its Green Triangle forests. For one man, OFO’s Terry Higgins, this season marked an important milestone as it was the second time he has replanted trees on this land. The first time was following the devastating 1983 Ash Wednesday fire.

“Like most people who were part of our industry and community in the 1980s, my colleagues and I will never forget Ash Wednesday.

35 years later, we’re proud to still have people working for OFO who fought the fires, supervised the log salvage operations, or worked in the local mills in the fire’s aftermath”, said Terry.

The impact on the Green Triangle forests was significant with 18,094ha of the State’s pine

forests destroyed in the fire.

Putting that in perspective, OFO’s forests today span approximately 93,000ha (81,000ha of pine trees) meaning 22% of OFO’s forest was replanted out of its usual cycle during the 1980s.

“I think sometimes people forget the impact Ash Wednesday had on this region’s harvesting programs. The trees we replanted in 1983 started reaching their optimal age over the past few

years, we harvested them, and now we are replanting the forests again.

Forestry is the same as any other farming crop. Each year we have a cycle of harvest, sow, nurture and regrow.” said Terry.

Timber harvests in Russia increase Timber harvests in Russia were close to 190 million m3 in 2017, as estimated by WRI based on forest industry production, log usage and net exports of logs.

The derived timber harvest was up approximately 6.2% from 2016 primarily due to higher log consumption by the softwood sawmilling sector and the pellet industry. Domestic log demand in Russia has been on a steady upward trajectory over the past decade, while the exportation of logs has declined. The largest

log-consuming sectors in 2017 were softwood sawmills (60% of domestic log usage) and pulp (17%).

The provinces of Siberia and Russia Far East are the only regions in Russia where timber harvests have gone up during the past five years, according to the government agency Rosstat. This has been driven by substantial investments in forest industry production in the region, predominantly in the sawmilling sector. From 2013 to 2017, harvest volumes in Eastern

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gradually shifted their historical preference for logs away from the Russian Federation towards New Zealand and instead are importing softwood lumber from their forest-rich neighbour in the north, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. The percentage of lumber as a share of total log and lumber volume (in roundwood equivalents) has gone up from 58% in 2014 to almost 80 % in 2018.

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International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 13

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Hardwood mill chooses BioLuma technology

McDowell Lumber, a hardwood producer located at Asheboro, North Carolina, is updating its edger and trimmer optimization systems with BioLuma scanning technology. The edger line will receive a new scanner frame to house the new sensors, while the trimmer line’s scan frame will be modified to accommodate

the sensors. This new scanning technology will improve the accuracy and recovery from its edging and trimming processes.

The BioLuma 2900L transverse HD laser profile sensors provide results in 3D modeling using an enhanced image processing application (IPA) that delivers more detail than any other scanning platform on the market today.

The BioLuma sensors provide true differential measurements, presenting the highest data accuracy for data collection.

This mill was established in 1974, and today it primarily processes poplar, as well as red

and white oak to supply furniture and flooring manufacturers, both domestic and international. The mill also provides pallet stock for

its pallet operation on the same site.

NZ Log Export Market takes a hit New Zealand’s export log market took a hit from the trade dispute between the US and China as the declining value of the yuan crimps the buying power of the country’s largest log market as reported by NZ BusinessDesk via Scoop.

The average price for New Zealand A-grade export logs dropped to US$133/JAS from US$141/JAS in August, and US$145/JAS in July, and is now the lowest since June 2017, according to AgriHQ’s Forestry Market Report for September.

“The Chinese log market has again dominated talk in the NZ forestry industry amid its sudden depreciation these past two months. Purely from a data perspective August and early September don’t make for pretty

reading,” AgriHQ analyst Reece Brick said in his report. “All of this weakness is directly related to the reduction in Chinese buying power, itself due to the depreciation of the CNY:USD.” The yuan has depreciated 7.5 percent since mid-June, recently trading at 6.8763 per US dollar.

Still, Brick said that despite the fall, market sentiment has stayed “quite positive” as factors such as port-level inventories, offtake rates and shipping rates otherwise point towards healthy fundamentals for New Zealand log trading in China.

“Consensus among the majority of traders is that we’ve settled at the bottom of the market for at least the time being,” he said.

Chinese demand for New Zealand logs has been strong over

recent years after Asia’s largest economy clamped down on the harvesting of its own forests and reduced tariffs on imported logs to meet demand in its local market.

However, trade tensions between the US and China have dented the value of the Chinese currency and traders fear rising tariffs will hurt economic growth and dampen demand.

“What the future looks like will largely be dictated by the actions of the Trump administration,” Brick said. “The latest round of 10 percent tariffs covering US$200 billion of Chinese products is yet to be felt within the log industry.

The main headache, however, is that there’s no end in sight for the trade war. It’s expected the latest tariffs will be lifted to 25 percent

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by Christmas, while Trump has threatened to extend these tariffs to another US$267 billion worth of Chinese products.

“Given log demand is so closely tied to economic growth, we can only hope these two power-houses can settle their differences sooner rather than later. Just don’t count on it,” he said.

Brick noted that neither India nor South Korea, New Zealand’s other major log markets, have provided any significant relief for exporters either.

However, he noted the weaker New Zealand exchange rate against the US dollar had offered some protection for local export traders against the depreciation within China.

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With well over 50 years of experience in wood processing, we know how to help you utilize the valuable forest resource economically, ecologically and profitably.

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

BID Group founder receives B.C. honours BID Group founder Brian Fehr has been named to the Order of British Columbia. He will be among 14 people who will receive the province’s highest honour during a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on Sept. 20.

His biography, as provided by the Honours and Awards Secretariat, tells a story of stunning achievement while also overcoming considerable adversity.

It also shows a deep commitment to rural B.C. and an ability to make the most of innovation.

Although having only a Grade 12 education, he has built BID Group into a billion-dollar concern that provides innovative technical systems and construction services

for wood products industries in B.C., across Canada and into the United States.

The companies employ 400 people in B.C. and 1,400 more throughout North America. Always with an eye to innovation and through its subsidiary, DelTech, the BID Group has developed biomass energy systems that lower energy costs and greenhouse emissions, using wood waste that was formerly burned by the forest industry.

Following the Babine and Lakeland sawmill explosions, Fehr developed a dust-mitigation system that prevents recurrence of these disasters. BID retrofitted all of the 15 Canfor sawmills with the

system.

He foresaw the potential of artificial intelligence and the potential for machinery to make decisions that would improve productivity. His ‘profiling’ technology allows a log to be processed into lumber with a single pass, cutting labour costs.

Auto grading, which uses computers to optimize the value of each piece of lumber by making decisions at a much higher production rate than manually grading lumber, has revolutionized the industry through minimizing loss in process, improvements in the value of finished products and cost reduction.

“His predictive maintenance

processes for sawmills means equipment can be fixed before a breakdown occurs, increasing worker safety and improving efficiency.

AU$100m for Timberlink ’s Australian sawmills Timberlink has approved an AU$100 million upgrade program to its Australian sawmills. This generational investment will see the total processing capacity of the Australasian sawmilling company increase by more than 15%. The investment will secure more than 1350 direct and indirect jobs in regional Australia for years to come while supporting the residential housing sector with increased timber supply.

Timberlink’s chairman and CEO of investment management firm New Forests, David Brand, expressed his support for the mill upgrade program. “This is a substantial re-investment in the Timberlink mill facilities and continues to demonstrate the strong recovery of the Australian forestry sector under institutional investor ownership,” he said.

“Timberlink has become a leading wood products business, and I expect it will continue to innovate and grow, creating new manufacturing jobs in regional areas, while increasing the supply of timber in Australia.”

A total of 290 additional jobs are anticipated during the construction phase of the AU$100 million program. In Tarpeena, South Australia, the investment

will lead to the installation of a completely new saw line, stacker and edger, all with the latest leading-edge technology, coupled with additional contraflow and batch kilns for drying timber.

Major site infrastructure changes including upgrades to roads and storage facilities will also be undertaken.

At Timberlink’s Bell Bay site in Tasmania, new planer mill equipment will be installed along with a state-of-the-art contraflow kiln. Site infrastructure will be improved, including a new internal road system designed to improve safety outcomes and support the increase in site activity.

The AU$100 million investment program will take place in stages over the next three years and will build on previous capex investments that have taken place in both mills over the past five years. Timberlink will continue discussions with the Tasmanian, South Australian, and Federal Governments, seeking their funding support for further enhancements related to these business expansion programs.

“This is a great day for Australian manufacturing,” Timberlink CEO, Ian Tyson said.

“We are ensuring that all aspects

16 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

of the business are internationally competitive to secure our longterm future, and this significant investment will secure Timberlink’s position as one of Australasia’s leading softwood sawmillers.

“Our integrated business model allows us to optimise and guarantee our supply from the forest all the way to our customer’s door, and at its core, this program is about increasing and securing that supply of timber.”

The new capital also enables the ongoing investment in training and upskilling of Timberlink’s employees. With 87% of their workforce living in regional areas, these investments build stronger local economies that can support regional communities. Due to careful planning, the sawmills will be able to continue to operate normally during the building process. This will ensure that the supply of timber to customers will continue as usual.

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

S L B names Maureen Pello as VP As part of its aggressive five-year strategic plan and transition to new leadership, the Softwood Lumber Board(SLB) announced that Maureen T. Pello has been selected to serve as the SLB’s Vice President for Operations beginning October 1, 2018.

Maureen is a seasoned

professional with a successful track record at the U.S. Department of Agriculture guiding USDA check-offs and marketing orders to implement solutions that work for industry and USDA. Maureen currently serves as a senior marketing specialist at USDA where she oversees research

and promotion programs. Prior to her current position she served as an assistant regional manager overseeing eleven California marketing order programs that covered 18,000 growers with budgets totaling $54 million.

She was also responsible for oversight of board financial

operations, program compliance, and rulemakings, and worked with USDA Office of General Counsel and Department of Justice to defend and enforce programs.

Global timber and wood products market update Exports of softwood lumber from Russia, Germany and the Nordic countries have increased due to high demand for wood in Asia and Europe in early 2018, while Canadian exports fell to the lowest levels in five years, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Global Softwood Lumber Trade Worldwide trade of lumber inched up again in early 2018, hinting that

this may be another record year.

Six of the ten largest lumberexporting countries in the world have increased their shipments in 2018, with exports from Russia, Germany, Ukraine and Austria increasing the most year-over-year.

The biggest decline in exports y-o-y has been from Canada, with shipments in 2018 on pace to be the lowest in five years. Canadian shipments to China and the US during the 1H/18 were down 19%

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Lumber markets – North America Lumber prices in the US have been on a roller coaster ride the past year, with sharp increases during the 2H/17 and early 2018 followed by plunging prices during the summer months of 2018. The dramatic price fluctuations are mostly a reflection of changes in the strength of the US housing market.

US lumber production was up 5.5% in the first four months of 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. The biggest increase came in the US West (+10%), while the rise in the US South was more modest (+2.1%).

Canadian lumber production was down 1.2% for the first four months, with British Columbia’s sawmills running 4.3% below last year’s production levels.

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From 2016 to 2017, lumber exports from Finland increased 8.7%.

However, export volumes were 3.5% lower in the first four months of 2018 than in the same period in 2017. So far this year, Saudi Arabia (-49%), China (-25%) and the United Kingdom (-6.7%) have seen the biggest declines in volumes shipped.

The annual export volume of softwood lumber from Sweden in 2017 was 13 million m3, practically unchanged from 2016, and the

pattern held true in early 2018 (year-over-year). The biggest changes in exports from 2017 and 2018 have been declines in shipments to Egypt and Japan and increased exports to European customers.

Lumber markets – China Russia supplied China with record volumes of softwood lumber in the 2Q/18, while imports from the US and Europe were down from the 1Q/18. Lumber producers in Siberia and Russia Far East have continuously increased their market share of total lumber imports to China over the past few years, increasing from about 36% in 2011 to 56% in 2018. The rise in shipments of softwood lumber from Russia to China in the past seven years has come at the expense of log exports. Import prices for lumber plateaued in the 2Q/18 after steadily increasing since early 2016.

Lumber market – Japan Softwood lumber import volumes to Japan were up 6.7% q-o-q, reaching almost 1.6 million m3 in the 2Q/18. This was the second highest quarterly import volume in four years. During the 1H/18 there have been only minor changes in the sourcing of lumber. Prices (in Yen terms) for both domestic and imported softwood lumber have remained practically unchanged in Japan in 2018, but with the weakening domestic currency, costs for lumber in US dollar terms have fallen.

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Renowned machine manufacturing companies to enter into a close partnership JARTEK, Finland, is acquiring a significant shareholding in ROSÉNS MASKIN, Sweden, with a view to ensuring both companies can continue offering the market a broad product range for sawmills and the timber industry and meet the most diverse range of requirements for capacity as well as design.

The companies’ joint product range will continue to consist of log sorting lines, wood-drying kilns, board sorting lines, planing mill equipment and Thermowood kilns.

This partnership is a strategic move based on the fact that the companies complement each other in the best possible way in terms of ensuring maximum exposure to a growing market.

“With 40 years of industry experience, we consider ourselves one of the most well-rounded manufacturers of material-handling equipment with a focus on mid-

sized sawmills and planing mills where complete building structures have been and remain important elements.

Our partnership with JARTEK means that we now span the whole field and can accordingly become an important actor also in relation to large sawmills, as well as a broader market,” said Peter Davidsson, General Manager of ROSÉNS MASKIN. “JARTEK is one of the leading suppliers of sawmill technology with 60 years’ experience in this sector. Like ROSÉNS MASKIN, we are a family-owned business, and we share the same values in terms of business ethics and customer service.

Through this partnership with ROSÉNS MASKIN, we will now have the opportunity to serve our customers even better, for instance by being able to offer them more comprehensive board handling

systems.

We are eager to embark on this partnership, which will allow us to meet the needs of sawmills at every capacity level,” said Teemu Uimonen, General Manager of JARTEK. The present management teams and companies in each country will remain unaltered.

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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Investing in upgraded laths handling Moelven Valåsen has chosen to complete their dry sorting with new laths placer from Renholmen to two existing layers.

It is great that we get their continued trust to deliver more machines to their sawmills. We can offer good solutions that the customer is happy with, and that they return is proof of a strong confidence in us, says Daniel Wiklund, sales representative at Renholmen AB. Norwegian-owned Moelven has several sawmills, some of which are located in Sweden. Moelven Valåsen in Karlskoga is the company’s largest sawmill. In the process of raw materials, such as spruce and pine, Moelven Valåsen

has in recent years chosen to invest in machines from Renholmen.

Investments have been made in green sorting, including a cutting system, and recent investments were made in a major upgrade of the green sorting.

This time, the green sorting will be upgraded with a new lath handling for both stackers. The lathes cartridges have a new and upgraded placer, which is proved to be very reliable and functional.

This model of placer fits with most models of stackers. In addition, it has a high capacity and robust construction.

We have previously sold the product to customers such as Holmen Iggesund, Setra Kastet

and Finnish Luvian Saha, and they are very pleased with the product’s functionality and reliability, says Daniel Wiklund.

Delivery and assembly takes place in early 2019.

Renholmen presents new products For the first time, Renholmen presented new products on ‘industry days’ in Finland. Visitors were introduced to two timber handling machines, developed with both higher capacity and lower maintenance.

The industry days were an opportunity to show that Renholmen are investing in the Finnish market. We have come a long way in technological development and have the right machines for the Finnish industry, says Bernt-Ove Andersson, Marketing Manager at Renholmen AB. After many major projects in Finland Renholmen AB is well established in the market. The company has a Finnish-speaking sales representative in Ruovesi and project manager in Kristinestad.

Optimizes control and cutting One of the new products featured on the industry days was Trimmer ElectroSinus, which is a high capacity product for module cutting of timber. It is a completely new solution for the cutting motion, with optimisable control.

As its predecessor, it has a very good cutting support that gives the blades the best conditions for a clean cut. Trimmer ElectroSinus is more environmentally friendly with recycling that saves energy and has no leaking oil or air.

The second product, Electro Positioner, has a patented power solution that allows the positioning of a wood piece within a module to be done even more accurately and with low maintenance costs.

Renholmen also talked about their record deal with Setra

Hasselfors for almost 20 million Euro and other products such as the Stick Inspector.

The Finnish industry days took place on 3-4 October in Aulanko and were organized by the association of the Finnish sawmill industry (Suomen Sahateollisuusmiesten yhdistys.)

Bernt-Ove Andersson, Renholmen’s Marketing Manager

Hyne Timber to expand its glue laminated timber capability Hyne Timber has announced a significant expansion to its Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) manufacturing capability in Maryborough, Queensland.

Construction of the new plant is expected to commence within a matter of weeks.

The new state-of-theart manufacturing plant will

accompany the existing plant in Maryborough’s Industrial Estate which is now in its 40th year of production. Recruitment of a range of specialist roles will commence well ahead of plant commissioning, with more operational and specialist jobs created as production scales up.

The announcement

20 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

also presents research and development opportunities for new, innovative products and solutions which wouldn’t have otherwise been commercially viable. A comprehensive research and development initiative is also underway with the support of research partner, the University of Queensland Centre for Future

Timber Structures.

Hyne Timber will be releasing progress updates throughout the next few months as the new plant nears commissioning around mid2019.

LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS

Global sawlog price index falls The Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) fell 1.4% in the 2Q/18, this was the first q-o-q decline since the 4Q/16, Wood Resources International reported in Wood Resource Quarterly report. Sawlog prices fell on all continents (in US dollar terms) except for North America, where prices in the 2Q/18 were up 3.3% from the previous quarter and up 14.5% from the 2Q/17. The European Sawlog Price Index (ESPI-€), which fell slightly in the 2Q/18, has been quite stable during 2017 and 2018, fluctuating between just over €85/m3 and mid-€86/m3.

In the 2Q/18, both wood fiber price indices fell for the first time in five quarters, mainly because of the strengthening of the US dollar against currencies in all countries covered by the WRQ. The 2Q/18 Global Softwood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) decreased slightly from the

1Q/18 but was still 7.8% higher than the same quarter in 2017.

Quarter-over-Quarter, softwood fiber prices fell the most in Brazil, Russia, Sweden and New Zealand.

Lower prices for hardwood log in Brazil, Russia, Sweden, Australia and Spain, together with price increases in Indonesia, US Northwest, Japan and Chile, resulted in a practically unchanged Global Hardwood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) in the 2Q/18 as compared to the previous quarter.

Prices for NBSK pulp in Europe continued their unprecedented two-year long increase to reach just over $1220/ton in July. Current NBSK prices are up by almost 50% as compared to July of 2016.

During the first half of 2018, shipments of pulp have gone up on all continents, except in North America, as compared to the same period in 2017.

Worldwide trade of lumber has inched up again in early 2018, hinting that this may be another year with record high trade of lumber. Six of the ten largest lumber- exporting countries in the world have increased their shipments in 2018. Lumber prices in the US have been on a roller coaster ride over the past year, with sharp increases during the 2H/17 and early 2018 followed by plunging prices during the summer months of 2018.

Lumber exports from Finland were up 8.7% in 2017 from 2016 but fell by 3.5% during the first four months of 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. Russia supplied China with record volumes of softwood lumber in the 2Q/18, while imports from the US and Europe were down from the 1Q/18.

Softwood lumber import volumes to Japan were up 6.7%

q-o-q, reaching almost 1.6 million m3 in the 2Q/18. This was the second highest quarterly import volume in four years. In the 2Q/18, profits for sawmills in North America reached their highest levels since at least 2005.

In Europe, the gross margins in early 2018 were close to the highest they have been in four years in the Nordic countries, while they reached levels not seen in over a decade in other parts of the continent.

Global trade of wood pellets has been on a steady upward trajectory over the past decade with the major trading occurring between North America and Europe. Prices for residential wood pellet in the three major markets of Europe (Austria, Germany and Sweden) have converged in the past year and were practically the same in the 2Q/18.

Interfor to temporarily reduce lumber production in BC Interfor Corporation (“Interfor”) plans to temporarily reduce production across its operating platform in the British Columbia Interior in 4Q 2018 due to a HALCO AD:Layout 3

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combination of declining lumber prices and escalating log costs.

The curtailment is expected to reduce production in the region by approximately 20% during 17:22

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The MetsaFibre Vilppula Sawmill in Finland features a HewSaw SL250® 3.4 line, which was commissioned in 2013

HewSaw’s SL200® and SL250® range of products bring streamlined sawmilling to mills around the globe The Finnish primary breakdown manufacturer, HewSaw, has been developing sawmill equipment for almost 60 years and today their SL200® and SL250® sawlines are setting production records

T

oday’s sawmill can be a complex affair with various processing stages often required for taking a round log and making rough square lumber.

In many mills, these processing stages can require a complex system of conveyors, chains, feeders and other equipment designed to move the log or cant through the process, often with changes in direction or flow.

For Finnish manufacturer HewSaw, it’s a different story. With almost 60 years in the primary breakdown business, HewSaw

has designed, developed and manufactured several different types of log processing machines, including their highly productive SL200® and SL250® sawlines, which are recognized in the global marketplace for their streamlined sawing efficiency, speed and accuracy.

The HewSaw SL200® and SL250® sawlines were developed

more than 20 years ago to meet the needs of customers who required further processing than HewSaw’s single pass R series machines

The SL250® 3.4 sawline features multiple units allowing the sawmill to maximize yield or recovery and produce multiple edged sideboards, eliminating the need for downstream edgers could provide. The SL200® and the SL250® sawlines lines along with the company’s R200® and R250® sawing machines are streamlined with all log processing done in a straight line. The main difference is the R series machines do all processing in one machine or unit, while the SL200® and SL250® sawlines are composed of several 22 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

HewSaw processing units, each one with a different task. This allows for additional processing and the multiple sideboard solutions required by some sawmills.

The compact single pass R series machines are workhorses in many sawmills around the world and they can remove edged boards from the top and bottom of the cant, but not the left and right sides. For customers operating a HewSaw SL200® or SL250®, edged or unedged sideboards, or a combination of the two, can be removed from the left and right side and the top and bottom of the cant. This is accomplished through a series of breakdown steps.

There are numerous configurations of the HewSaw multi-unit sawlines, but they are all designated with the letters “SL” for sawline. This has been the case since the company’s first multiunit sawlines were manufactured in the late 1990s. Following the SL designation is 200 or 250.

This refers to the height of the cant that can be processed in millimetres. This is then followed by a numerical designation, such as 2.2, 3.3, 3.4 or 4.4. This refers to the number of processing units in the line. For example, an SL250® 2.2 has two main processing units – the first unit produces the cant

and takes primary sideboards from the left and right sides of the cant, while the second unit curve saws the centre stack while also removing sideboards from the additional two sides. If a further unit is added to the line, for example, a cross saw or CRS, the line becomes an SL250® 2.3.

A very common line for HewSaw to produce is the SL250® 3.3 or SL250® 3.4. In these lines, the cant production and the production of primary sideboards from the cant are produced in two units rather than one. So in this case, the log is chipped on all four sides in the first unit and then in the next unit, which is the cant saw, the sideboards are processed.

The third unit is the curve sawing ripsaw which also removes sideboards. In the case of an SL250® 3.4 line, the fourth unit is generally the CRS, just like in the SL250® 2.3 line.

HewSaw has delivered SL sawlines to numerous countries on three continents. The latest sawlines from HewSaw are an SL250® 3.3 line delivered to the Bombala Sawmill in Australia; an SL250® 3.4 line delivered to BSW Timber in Fort William, Scotland; an SL250® 3.3 line delivered to the Versowood Hankasalmi sawmill in Finland; an SL250® 3.4 sawline delivered to the MetsaFibre Vilppula sawmill in Finland; an SL250® 3.3 line delivered to LDK1 in Russia’s Siberia; an SL250® 3.4 line delivered to the Idaho Forest Group mill in Lewiston, Idaho, USA; and an SL250® 2.2 line delivered to Woodgrain Lumber in Emmett, Idaho, USA. In the past, numerous HewSaw SL200® and SL250® sawlines have been delivered to

SAWLINES

An SL250® 3.3 line installed at Scierie Farges in France in 2009 processes logs up to 55 cm in diameter

mills in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, France, and Australia.

HewSaw’s engineering team, which is based at the HewSaw factory in the small town of Mäntyharju in Finland’s lake district, is consistently upgrading the company’s products and today, the SL200® and SL250® sawlines are capable of running at speeds in excess of 200 metres per minute, depending on log diameter.

One of the latest developments for HewSaw is dx sawing, which enables HewSaw lines to operate with a reduced depth of cut, which results in even faster speeds and a thinner kerf. This new technology, which HewSaw developed in Mäntyharju, takes two arbour sawing to four arbours. The first set of saws make an initial cut, or pilot cut into the cant, while a second set of saws finishes the job.

Testing of the dx sawing technology at a sawmill in Finland on one of the new HewSaw SL250® 3.4 sawlines has resulted in the line producing over 300 cubic metres of product output per hour.

For more information on HewSaw’s extensive range of products, including the SL200® and SL250® lines, go to www.hewsaw.com or contact your local HewSaw representative.

The SL250® 2.2 line offers many of the features and benefits of the larger SL250® 3.3 or 3.4 line but utilizes a smaller footprint in the mill

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 23

Transverse scanner frame of the OptiDrive edging system with photo eyes and SPL laser sensors (left side) and infeed to the linear scanning system (right side) (Photo courtesy of LOAB)

First unmanned EWD edger in Sweden Swedish sawmill operators see their confidence in German manufacturer confirmed after several months in winter operation

T

he Norrskog Wood Products (NWP) sawmill site at Hissmofors is located in the Jämtland region, Sweden, north of Stockholm and is wholly owned by the Norrskog Forest Owners Association, whose 12,000 members own 1 million hectares of forest in the region. Following the closure of a Norrskog sawmill site in 2017, the goal was to increase the cutting capacity at the remaining sites. A new EWD edger at NWP in Hissmofors is achieving this now for the side boards.

Of the original three sawmills, two NWP sites remain: Östavall with an annual timber production of 240,000 m³ and Hissmofors, where production is to be increased from 120,000 m³ to 160,000 m³.

In Hissmofors, around 60 employees work two shifts with two additional 12-hour shifts at weekends. 30 % pine and 70 % spruce are cut, all for kiln dried boards. The sourcing area for the supply of logs has a radius of approximately 200 km around the

site. About half of the sawn timber production is processed in the nearby planning mill in Krokom, which is also part of Norrskog.

The sale of planed timber, 2/3 spruce, of which 60% is sold in Sweden and 40% in Norway, is handled at the site, while rough sawn lumber is exported, organised at Norrskog’s administrative headquarters in Östersund. The main markets for the rough sawn spruce are Holland, Germany, France and China; 50% of the rough sawn pine is sold to North Africa; other markets are Great Britain and Spain.

Circular saw technology is used for cutting the logs: log breakdown, cant breakdown and cant resawing are done in one line. The side boards are brought together by two chain conveyors and then fed to the edger.

After NWP had invested in an automated strength grading system from “Dynagrade” in Hissmofors three years ago, which today sorts 22,000 boards per shift - twice as many as before the modification - it was obvious to Christopher Larsson, the plant manager in Hissmofors, which bottleneck had to be overcome in order to reach the 160,000 m³ annual production target: the edging of the side boards.

Increased throughput and improved side board yield The average capacity of the edger was 18 to 20 boards per minute.

Trunks with a top end diameter of less than 16 cm were often cut without side boards in order to relieve the strain on the old edger, which required an operator. And

24 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

this in view of the fact that these diameter classes account for 45% of the log volume at the site and that such diameter classes are sawn 30% of the production time.

The aim was therefore not only to increase the production volume, but also to significantly improve the yield by sawing side boards for these diameters.

Can this not also be accomplished with modifications to the existing edger? Larsson was able to quickly resolve this question posed by Norrskog management by pointing out that no spare parts were available

the next two years to clarify the details of the system. Larsson substantiates the decision in favour of an EWD edger with various system components that are still going to be mentioned, but overall he sees the EWD machine as a system, designed very thoroughly to provide a long service life. EWD was also able to guarantee delivery, installation and commissioning during the annual shut down in August 2017. After about three weeks, the installation was indeed completed.

Happy and pleased with the performance and uptime (from left): Christopher Larsson, Hakan Sehlstedt and Ulf Hildebrandt on the market for a 1970s tube television either. Project planning for the new edger had already begun in 2015 with Håkan Sehlstedt as the company’s project manager.

Ulf Hildebrand from the Swedish company L.O.A.B., which represents EWD in Sweden, visited the site frequently over

EWD gains a foothold on the Swedish market This is an important project for EWD, as the “Optidrive” edger is the first of its kind in Sweden and for EWD it is also the first edger to be installed that runs without an operator. Edging is fully automated and the sawline operator is responsible for monitoring the

SAWLINES – EWD process. This kind of automation is a must for many Swedish sawmills.

Until December, the EWD edger was still running at reduced capacity, as the subsequent lumber sorter restricted throughput.

Larsson and Sehlstedt modified the sorter at the end of the year: Now the main boards and side boards run into two separate buffers, which can be controlled separately and emptied into 13 sorting trays.

During the inspection in midApril 2018, the edger still ran in winter operation at a feed rate of 340 m/min. Hissmofors is located at 63° north latitude, such as Oimjakon in Siberia; a first visit in March 2018 had to be cancelled because sawing had been stopped at temperatures below -25°C. In summer operation from May 2018 onwards, the edger is now producing a significantly higher output at 420 m/min. The “Optidrive” is EWD’s latest edger model, designed for side boards up to 500 mm wide and 55 mm thick; at NWP the boards are edged and ripped in two in 25 mm width increments.

Combination of longitudinal and transverse scanning A special feature of the system is the combination of a transverse board pre-scanning during cross transport and a linear full profile top and bottom wane scanning with optimisation , which is then carried out during longitudinal transport: after the unscrambler, the boards pass photo eyes and distance sensors in transverse transport. They detect length and thickness of the boards, as well as bent boards (“banana shape”) and two boards which are too close together. Unusually shaped, i.e. twisted, boards are automatically rejected before the transition to the longitudinal conveyor. The boards are then fed by driven centring rollers and hydraulic top pressure rollers to a “Microtec” scanning station, where they are measured from top and bottom by four laser lines and two cameras in longitudinal transport. Top and bottom scanning eliminates the need for a board turner to bring the waney side up. Different width

boards are precisely centred by the system, a fact Larsson is pleased to point out during the inspection.

Upon leaving the scanning unit, the boards are transported to the edger saw unit by bottom chains and hold in their orientation by top chains, reaching the edger without any further change in position. This setup requires a distance of 8 m between the scanning and sawing unit in order to scan the full board

OPERATION FOCUS

Following the Microtec scanner (right side) an intermediate chain bridge of 8m length takes the boards to the edger (left side)

The complete house din edging separator unit moves laterally to always center the board(s) on the outfeed chain and efficiently drop the edgings length, process, optimize and transmit the data before the board is cut by the saws. However, in the case of NWP in Hissmofors this was no problem, as the necessary space was available in the sawing hall.

The safe board transport through the line is ensured by toothed transport chains, driven centring rollers and between “Microtec” station and saw unit with the heavy transport chains acting on top and bottom of the boards. By moving the saws sideways, skewing of the cutting lines in the board is achieved.

Sehlstedt was particularly impressed by the separation of the edged board from the edgings: The entire narrow transport chain together with the top pressure rollers moves according to width and position of the edged board, so that the edgings always reliably fall off to the left and right for

disposal. This prevents subsequent malfunctions caused by entrained edgings coming with the boards.

Larsson wants the edger to achieve a throughput of 45 boards per minute, i.e. the output determined by the automated sorting line at NWP. After several months in winter operation, he has no doubt that the EWD edger will deliver this performance.

Text supplied courtesy of Jürgen Härer, Holz-Zentralblatt

Toothed transport chains and hooks control the transport of the boards

The wane scanner of MiCROTEC measures the board during the lengthwise transport

Detailed view of the transport chain which holds the board from top by its own weight (All photos on this page courtesy of Holz-Zentralblatt)

The edger with 3 moving saw heads allows edging and ripping of boards in two

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 25

SAWLINES – RENHOLMEN

OPERATION FOCUS

With the new facility in place, the mill in Hasselfors is expected to produce 320,000 m3 of wood products. Planed products will make up around two thirds of overall production

Renholmen completes record deal with Setra Hasselfors Renholmen is to deliver the timber handling equipment to Setra’s new dry sorter planing line in Hasselfors

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achinery and equipment worth almost SEK 200 million have been purchased, with Renholmen responsible for the vast majority of it. The deal is the largest in Renholmen’s history and will streamline Setra’s production significantly.

“Getting to deliver a complete solution that is truly top of the line is a huge vote of confidence in us as a company. This is by far the largest deal in Renholmen’s history.

It gives us an excellent foundation for the next few years and allows us to grow even more,” says Bernt-Ove Andersson, Renholmen’s Marketing Manager.

Setra Hasselfors is investing in a brand new high-capacity plant in the form of a dry sorter with integrated planing line for spruce construction timber. The new facility will produce 300,000 m3 of timber products every year, with planed products accounting for around two thirds.

“The new dry sorter planing line means that we can streamline our current operations significantly.

This investment is entirely in line with Setra’s strategy to increase its share of processed products in order to meet a growing demand on the global construction market,” comments Jonas Fintling, Site Manager at Setra Hasselfors.

Industry-leading technology The dry sorter planing line comes with the very latest technology, which means that the system is fully automated. The timber is taken in from the driers in stickered packets. It is then planed, quality 26 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

assessed using camera technology, cut, marked and sorted at a rate of 3-4 boards per second. The plant is built with 36 flat bins, where various qualities and lengths of timber are sorted. Timber packets are then constructed to be strapped up and packaged for further transport to the end customer. The delivery from Renholmen includes a production line that consists of a hundred or so products with tried and tested technology, as well as a number of top-notch products, such as Electro Positioner and Trimmer ElectroSinus.

“It was Renholmen’s equipment layout that finally decided the issue in their favour. They successfully presented a solution in which the operator panels were assembled close to one another. This means that the people working in the plant have excellent opportunities to work together as a team. In this sense, Renholmen has done an excellent job,” says Jonas.

Design and manufacture will now continue until late autumn 2019, followed by assembly and commissioning. The equipment is expected to be running at the promised full capacity by autumn 2020.

“The fact that we landed this deal is proof that we remain at the absolute cutting edge of the industry in terms of technical know-how and our ability to manage projects of this magnitude.

Although the project will be responsible for a large part of our turnover in the next few years, we will have the capacity to take on

Bernt-Ove Andersson, Renholmen’s Marketing Manager

Jonas Fintling, Site Manager at Setra Hasselfors

The new dry sorter planing line means that we can streamline our current operations significantly.

Jonas Fintling Site Manager at Setra Hasselfors

SAWLINES – GILBERT

OPERATION FOCUS

Heidi Danbrook, Sales Director at Gilbert

Gilbert Mass Timber Planer enters the market

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uilding on the success of its high-speed equipment, Gilbert has added to its product line a planer for mass timber lumber. Built to the same high-quality standards which established its reputation for its planing equipment, the Mass Timber Planer was designed to meet the high expectations of the

engineered wood industry for the production of glulam timber, CLT timber and all types of beams.

The equipment has a heavyduty frame and is designed to plane mass timber up to a thickness of 16 inches and a width of 36 inches. Furthermore, the Gilbert Automatic Positioning System which controls the

additional assignments. We see good opportunities to continue to grow along with this. It will also provide an excellent basis of work for our subcontractors, such as workshops and assembly companies. Many consultants will also be getting more work,” says Per Jonsson, Renholmen CEO.

Trimmer ElectroSinus Optimizes control and cutting Trimmer ElectroSinus, is a high capacity product for module cutting of timber. It is a completely new solution for the cutting motion, with optimisable control.

As the predecessor, it has a very good cutting support that gives the blades the best conditions for a clean cut.

Trimmer ElectroSinus is more

cutterheads and axes ensures optimal operating precision allowing for the production of highquality lumber.

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

Gilbert is proud to have its first planer running in a high class glulam operation in Arkansas USA.

For more information regarding the Gilbert Mass Timber Planer, sawmills are invited to visit their website at: www.gilbert-tech.com/ en/sawmilling or to contact the Sales Department at 1-418-2755041 ext. 2234.

For the past 30 years, Gilbert has been a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of forestry, sawmill, construction and surfacing equipment. The company is located in Roberval and employs almost 100 people who devote themselves to offering the best planer expertise and technology on the market.

environmentally friendly with recycling that saves energy and has no leaking oil or air.

• High precision

Electro Positioner

• Stable design

The second product, Electro Positioner, has a patented power solution that allows the positioning of a wood piece within a module to be done even more accurately and with low maintenance costs.

• Careful handling

• Travelling stop trolleys • High capacity

• M inimal maintenance requirements • T ried and tested technology that has been upgraded

• Patented solution • Electric positioning

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 27

Harvester Heads

1) T he PONSSE H5 is a multipurpose harvester head especially suited for efficient thinning 1

28 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

A head for all seasons The range of heads available to forestry entrepreneurs is rapidly expanding

T

he harvester head space has always been a competitive one. Each year, there are major manufacturers of the full forestry range and those who specialise in heads alone champing at the bit to show off their latest improvements and additions – to fail to be seen as a force for innovation in this highly technical equipment area is to be obsolete.

This year’s International Forest Industries review of harvester head technology is no different and, if anything, represents a heightened interest and level of activity.

The improvements in capacity are again paraded and there are improvements to ranges, both from specialists and major suppliers.

This comes from more units that are tailored for one specific purpose, such as a clear cut or a thinning operation, and additions to line-ups that represent all-round heads that can suit a variety of functions.

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 29

Ponsse has a long history of manufacturing harvester heads. The first PONSSE harvester head was made in Vieremä in 1986. PONSSE harvester heads have been designed to withstand even the toughest conditions.

They are characterized by a simple and solid structure, which enables them to be used in various harvesting applications from harvesters to track-based solutions.

Each harvester head model is designed on

the basis of efficiency, durability and ease of use. Harvester heads must withstand extreme conditions while operating accurately and as gently as possible without damaging the trunk surface unnecessarily. All PONSSE harvester heads are manufactured and designed at the Ponsse factory in Vieremä. The design process is comprehensive and covers, in addition to mechanical parts, operating controls and software. The manufacturing process is highly automated to ensure high quality and measuring accuracy. The frames of harvester heads are machined from a single piece after the welding assembly. This guarantees the highest quality

with excellent precision.

Durable hoses and delimbing knives form an important part of reliability. Ponsse’s selection includes 11 different harvester heads for different conditions from thinning to regeneration felling and processing. The basic product features in all models include powerful feeding as well as quick and efficient sawing.

The harvester heads can be adjusted according to the trees harvested and the base machine used, ensuring smooth operations and a long service life. Their strong grip and accurate measuring system ensure excellent measuring accuracy.

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4

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5

2) The PONSSE H6 is praised as the best multipurpose harvester head on the market. It’s suited to a variety of uses, ranging from thinning sites with small trees to regeneration felling.

4) T he PONSSE H8 is a robust and powerful harvester head for demanding work with large trees. Powerful feed and excellent geometry together with efficient sawing enables high productivity. Also available with a top saw.

3) The PONSSE H7 is a compact, robust and powerful harvester head for demanding regeneration felling and later thinning work.

5) T he PONSSE H10 is the largest harvester head in the selection, suitable for processing large diameter trees.

With a very robust structure, the H10 is designed for trackbased machines weighing over 25 tonnes. In spite of its size, the H10 is not only suitable for processing but also felling.

30 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

6) T he PONSSE H7euca is designed for processing and debarking eucalyptus trees.

Thanks to its excellent geometry, the H7euca works well with big trees. Suitable for both wheeled and track-based machines.

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7) T he PONSSE H77euca is an efficient and durable debarking harvester head for processing smaller eucalyptus trees. The H77euca is characterised by the feed rollers on the sides, enabling very efficient debarking. If necessary, the H77euca can be equipped for conventional harvesting.

Suitable for both wheeled and track-based machines.

8) T he PONSSE H7HD is a very robust and strong harvester head primarily for large wheeled harvesters and tracked based machines. The structure is based on the popular H7 model, but it has been reinforced for the special operating conditions of trackbased machines.

9) T he PONSSE H8HD is a robust harvester head with high power and excellent geometry for demanding conditions. The H8HD is designed for demanding use on large track-based machines with a powerful hydraulic system.

Also available with a top saw.

More models, more functions The XR product range is constantly being extended to meet our customers’ demand. We offer compact, powerful, slew base bearing rotators designed for extreme applications – where loads and demands on the rotator function are extremely high. Both for rigid and pending mount.

The latest addition to the product range is the XR400 P with a central hole in the rotator for e.g. cabling to power supply tools or magnets. indexator.com

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 31

INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY WITH LESS HANG-UPS. Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2018 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Built for land-clearing and pipeline right-of-way operations, the new HG6800TX horizontal grinder

by Vermeer offers 950 hp (708 kW) in a compact package. Featuring a new infeed design with low sidewalls and an aggressive feed roller, this machine is built to offer a better view of the product, and allow the operator to spend less time manipulating tough material.

Visit VERMEER.COM or your local Vermeer dealer to learn more.

SP was founded in 1978 and presented the world´s first ever single grip harvester head in 1980.

We have the longest experience of all in the field of development and manufacture of harvester heads for the professional forestry.

2018 have been a busy year for the SP product development team. Two new harvester heads have been released for sale after being tested in various harvesting operations around the world.

SP 661 E

The angle of the feed rollers provide more carry force the larger the tree

SP 661 LF The SP 661 LF is the latest design from SP. It is a compact and strong high performance harvester head designed according to SP’s Low Friction principle for minimum friction and maximum productivity.

The SP 661 LF is designed to be able to offer highest productivity in both small and large diameter harvesting of softwood and hardwood.

One of the major focus points when designing the SP 661 LF was to reach maximum reliability and uptime. For this reason a large part of the design work has been focused on achieving an optimum hose routing and protection hoses. As with other SP head models only the best quality hydraulic components are used to further increase

the reliability. The result is a harvester head with zero visible hoses/fittings and probably the best reliability and uptime on the market today.

The SP 661 LF does not only offer what is probably the best reliability on the market. Thanks to the LF (low friction) design in combination with state of the art hydraulics and computer software the SP 661 LF also offers a productivity that is absolutely top class.

In large diameter harvesting the proportional angled feed rollers in

combination with SP’s patented knife control system LogHold, ensures an impressive capacity and productivity. When harvesting smaller diameter trees the compact and agile design is a great asset.

Equipped with the optional Multi tree handling equipment the SP 661 LF is able to reach highest productivity also when harvesting very small tree dimensions.

Other options available are top saw, processor knives and find end sensor making the SP 661 LF equally productive felling at the stump as when working as a dedicated processor.

Another great feature on the SP 661 LF head is the possibility to change between the .404 and the ¾” chain/saw bar in just a few minutes.

The SP 661 was released for sale in early 2018 and to date around 40 units have been delivered to customers and dealer all over the world and the demand is steadily increasing.

The SP 661 E is designed for one task only – one pass debarking of plantation grown eucalyptus.

Highest debarking quality and productivity is achieved through a unique combination of specially designed debarking knives, replaceable bark deflectors and high-speed feeding capabilities.

Thanks to the proportional pressure function on knives and feed rollers the debarking process can easily be perfectly adjusted for different conditions, resulting in the best possible debarking quality and a minimum of fiber damage.

The SP 661 E shares the same state of the art hose routing and protected design as the SP 661 LF and is because of this able to also offer an unrivalled reliability and uptime. The SP 661 E truly is a productive and reliable debarking harvester head.

SP 661 E

Zero visible hoses and fittings

Main specifications SP 661 LF Weight

1480 kg

Main specifications SP 661 E

Wight incl. top saw

1600 kg

Weight

1520 kg

Max cutting standard

700 mm

Max cutting standard

600 mm

Max cutting optional

810 mm

Max feed roller opening

630 mm

Max feed roller opening

630 mm

One pass debarking dia. Range

27 – 250 mm

Full coverage delimbing range

30 – 510 mm

34 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO DRIVE ROTTNE? – THE LOWEST REPAIR COSTS IN THE INDUSTRY

A recent survey shows that Rottne has the lowest total costs for labour and spare parts. The survey, carried out by TSG (Swedish Forest Agency’s Technical Collaboration Group), compared the repair costs incurred on machines made by Rottne and our competitors.

With Rottne Xparts, the company’s unique replacement system for spare parts, the average cost for spare parts as reduced to a mere 60 percent of the price as new, meaning that repair costs are sunk even more for Rottne machines. We also provide twice as long warranty on Rottne Xparts compared to new spare parts.

Can you afford not to drive Rottne?

Rottne forwarders and harvesters meet every need, from light thinning to heavy final felling.

We offer Swedish-made products of the highest quality and the latest technology, an extensive service network and a competent and friendly atmosphere.

ROTTNE.COM

The EGS406 is a small and quick thinning head located on the stand-operating harvester, Rottne H8D

harvester head options for most of Rottne’s harvesters.

Rottne has its own harvester heads, which are specially designed, manufactured and customised for each harvester model. The harvester heads are known for simple and robust construction, which provides a long service life, something that is combined with advanced technology and a high production capacity.

Rottne has partnered with Logmax and SP Maskiner, which means that there are also several

Rottne EGS 706: robust and powerful for final felling The Rottne EGS 706 is a stable and robust harvester head for heavy final felling with a 90 cm bar.

Since it launched five years ago, Rottne EGS 706 has been continuously refined, with improved measuring equipment, among other things. It now has a completely new type of saw box and bar holder, which makes it easier to handle very large trees.

Characteristics for Rottne EGS 706 • T wo-speed hydraulic feeding (3.5 m/s, or 5.2 m/s) which is regulated automatically depending on the tree size – which mainly increases the production capacity for felling in smaller stands and maintains traction in thicker stands

• Supporting wheel arms and five feed rollers provide a steady grip even on the coarsest stems, which facilitates the processing of heavy trees • Proportional tilt that is adjustable and lockable for easier tree processing • Proportional knife and feed roll pressure provides optimum grip depending on tree species and diameter for fast feeding while at the same time maintaining a low diesel consumption.

36 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

Characteristics for the EGS 406 • Double upper and lower knives and one fixed knife

• Suitable for thinning up to approx. 35 cm breast height diameter • Proportional knife and feed roll pressure provides optimum grip depending on tree species and diameter for fast feeding while at the same time maintaining a low diesel consumption • Multi-tree handling (option)

Rottne EGS 406: small and versatile harvester head The EGS 406 is a small and compact harvester head fully adapted for the stand-operating thinning harvester, the Rottne H8D. The harvester head is ideal for initial thinning but can also handle coarser thinning up to 35 cm breast height diameter.

For the new generation of Rottne H8, with the designation ‘D’, the harvester head Rottne EGS 406 has also been updated.

The most important additions

are new cylinders and a new hose routing for increased reliability and performance. There are also several different types of feed rollers to choose from, which are adapted to different tree species and bark types.

The harvester head’s frame has also been strengthened, while also being as small and convenient as before.

Rottne H21D with the powerful Rottne EGS706 harvester head, which is adapted for heavy final felling

Rottne EGS 596: all-round harvester head for thinning and final felling The Rottne EGS 596 is a proven all-round harvester head that can handle everything except the really heavy final felling. The design with supporting wheel arms and three feed rollers makes limbing work possible with a lower knife pressure – and ensures maximum utilisation of the feed force.

Characteristics for the Rottne EGS 596 • S upporting wheel arms and three feed rollers that provide a steady grip even on the coarsest stems, which facilitates the processing of heavy trees

• Proportional tilt that is adjustable and lockable for easier tree processing • Proportional knife and feed roll pressure provides optimum grip depending on tree species and diameter for fast feeding while at the same time maintaining a low diesel consumption

Rottne EGS 596 is a proven all-round harvester head for thinning and final felling

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 37

With an extensive range of harvesting attachments in its lineup, John Deere provides loggers with versatile and productive solutions for harvesting, regardless of the tree diameters. Available for cut-to-length applications, the John Deere harvesting heads offer excellent power-to-weight ratio and condensed size, increasing maneuverability, even in thick thinning stands. Known for efficient feeding, exemplary delimbing and outstanding measuring accuracy, John Deere harvesting heads bring productivity to the next level.

John Deere harvesting heads are designed to yield maximum production while simultaneously providing reliability and measuring accuracy. The H200-Series product family consists of two-wheel drive harvesting heads equipped to handle processing hardwood and softwood. The same world-class standards for manufacturing and product design are also available in the four-wheel drive H400-Series harvesting heads.

Operation can be enhanced by utilizing Intelligent Boom Control (IBC), available on the CH7 boom on the 1270G harvester or CH6 boom on the 1170G harvester. IBC enables the operator’s control of the harvester head to routinely adjust the boom’s movement to create a smoother action. The boom’s movement and application automatically adapt as the boom is taken to a tree and when the tree

is in the grapple. IBC is specially designed to suit the harvester’s work cycle, thus reducing stress on the whole boom and increasing operator ergonomics. Ideal for new operators, IBC expedites the learning curve, increasing operator productivity.

H270 Series II Harvesting Head John Deere H270 Series II harvesting heads are designed to provide next-level performance in regeneration harvesting.

Dominant and high-capacity, these heads provide precise length and diameter measuring.

The head features a multi-treehandling system option, increasing productivity and making delimbing trees of all sizes a smooth process.

The H270 Series II is equipped with long knives and wide-opening rollers to easily grasp tree stems.

The floating front knife and roller arms synchronously work with the geometry of the four moving knives to expedite the feeding crooked and straight tree stems.

Additionally, the saw box top plate is constructed to avoid snow packing inside the saw box. A stronger valve cover on the frame offers increased protection and easy access.

H290 Harvesting Head The H290 model is a mighty, high-capacity solution for the new-generation harvester head category. The two-roller head enables dual-speed feeding, boasting high feed force and feed speeds with outstanding delimbing. The H290 harvesting

The H290 model is a mighty, high-capacity solution

38 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

head is known for its durable framework, high-capacity main saw and optional top saw. This harvesting head was specifically

designed for the 1470G harvester and built to expedite regeneration harvesting.

The John Deere H413 handles both early to late thinnings and light regeneration harvesting

The John Deere H415 fuses large timber cutting power with profound delimbing quality

H413 Harvesting Head

H415 Harvesting Head

Designed to undertake a variety of harvesting jobs, the John Deere H413 handles both early to late thinnings and light regeneration harvesting. Its powerful saw fells and crosscuts with speed and accuracy, particularly when paired with multi-tree-handling equipment.

The constant four-wheel drive with hydraulically-linked feed rollers and mechanical differential lock enable forceful, fast feeding.

Four moving knives inside the H413 harvester head offer superior delimbing capabilities, while the hydraulic valve solution streamlines hydraulic cylinders and motors, lengthening the life of the hoses. The structurally sound frame and hydraulics on the H413 model increases productivity and boosts operator control.

The John Deere H415 fuses large timber cutting power with profound delimbing quality. The geometry of its feed-roller-arm provides a solid grip to reliably transport trunks of all diameters. The H415 is equipped to handle three different structures – one for normal trunks (narrow stem), one for dealing with large butt-flare (wide stem), and one top saw for pile processing and hardwood.

Feeding and delimbing is a fluid process on the H415 harvesting head. MultiSpeed feeding enables simplified motor adjustments for each different structure. The feeding speeds are automatically controlled according to the selected speed, tree diameter, and tree species. Delimbing kicks off in first gear, and MultiSpeed provides high torque at a low speed.

MultiSpeed offers the highest possible hydraulic power and feed torque for loggers working on sites with big trees and massive branches, making it a most-liked feature on the H415 harvester head.

The heightened frame of the H415 aids the controlled felling

process, while the hydraulic solution makes the hoses more long-lasting, ultimately decreasing downtime. Feeding is exceptionally effective because of the strong grip and trunk handling features, as well as the location of the delimbing knives.

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 39

Tigercat harvesting heads are built to match the high-performance capabilities of Tigercat track and wheel carriers and are well suited to a variety of jobs including atthe-stump harvesting, roadside processing and debarking.

The 570 is most productive working with trees 15-50 cm (6-20 in) in diameter in softwood and hardwood stands. Although best suited to the Tigercat H845 series, the 570 is designed to work with the H822, H855 and 1185 carriers, or a 20-25 t forestry excavator.

With optional hydraulically timed processor knives, the 570 can also be used for roadside processing.

The 570 has recently proved itself beneficial in debarking eucalyptus.

The wheel arms, pins, bushings, cylinders, feed motors and rotator are shared with the 575 model for proven strength and long life. The chassis is designed for optimum strength-to-weight with focus on visibility, component protection and quick service access. A new integrated valve package enhances

timed processor knives for easier picking, the 575 is also an excellent roadside processing head.

The 575 features Tigercat’s unique three-two drive system. When processing a tree, the head starts in three-wheel drive, maximizing feed force for faster acceleration and quickly powering through bigger trees. As the load drops, it automatically shifts to two-wheel drive, improving efficiency and increasing feed speed up to 30%.

Both the 570 and 575 use larger diameter hoses and larger capacity valves than similar class heads to match the greater hydraulic flow and power of Tigercat harvester carriers.

Tigercat’s D5 control system gets the most from Tigercat harvesting heads. The D5 system combines field-proven hardware and bucking control with a simple and intuitive Tigercat-developed user interface. Available in three levels of control and reporting, the D5 system handles multiple jobs with multiple operators, and allows for customizing menus and settings, right down to joystick button

Tigercat 570 harvesting head working in Nova Scotia, Canada performance and service access with fewer hoses and connections to improve reliability. Clean electrical routing with common service parts further increases up-time.

The 575 is a heavy duty threewheel drive harvesting head also best suited to in-stand harvesting in the 175-560 mm diameter range. It is very effective in tough applications like large limbed hardwood and crooked trees. With optional mechanically

functions. Over 70 operator specific parameters to tailor controls to each operator’s desires. Multiple password protected logins give each operator their own secure identity.

The clean and easy to follow layout of the touch control screen allows the operator to make adjustments as easily as using a smartphone or tablet. Touching the length or diameter log symbols immediately direct you to the calibration setting screens. Indicator icons

40 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

link to relevant setting screens.

Production windows link directly to production reports and bucking instructions.

The main diagnostics screen is a map of the system. Simply touching a controller icon takes the operator directly to where the operators need to be and makes diagnosing faults quick and easy.

Running a harvesting head doesn’t need to be difficult, and with the Tigercat D5 system, it isn’t.

Tigercat 575 harvesting head with three-two drive system

Tigercat D5 control system is simple and intuitive

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 41

Kesla has extensive experience in equipping excavators for use in harvester applications in different conditions around the world.

Experience dates back to the 1980s, when machines designed as harvesters were just entering the market. In the 21st Century, Kesla claims to be the fastest growing manufacturer of harvester heads on the market.

“Since we do not have our own base machines, the biggest growth had to be gained from excavator harvesters and, to a large extent, very challenging conditions in developing markets,” said Mika Tahvanainen, Business Manager of Kesla’s wood harvesting equipment.

“This is what has led to the development combining of specific expertise in excavators specifically.

“Very few Finnish foresters or forestry women do not know that we are the world’s largest manufacturer of separate harvester heads which are not linked to the base machine manufactures.

“More than 90% of our harvester heads are going to the export market, mostly for different excavators. The strong support by the harvester head manufacturer and the high gained productization are key factors in the competition against special machines for harvesters from the beginning with the way these special machines have been developed.”

Especially in the developing markets, special machines for harvesting are seen as unreasonably complicated and expensive devices with low reliability, demanding operability and costly maintenance, according to Tahvanainen.

Cleary, cheaper investment and lower operating costs while maintaining efficiency have been the main drivers for the development of mechanization in many markets, he said. The transition to excavator harvesters can be seen on many matured markets, when entrepreneurs pay more attention to the profitability of their business.

“In Finland, excavators are usually seen as special machines for harvesting of swampy forests, but the excavator is well applicable to a wide range of destinations, with the exception of the stoniest of slopes,” Tahvanainen said.

Excavator-harvester’s net performance is at a similar level as the actual harvester motor power and oil production remain somewhat below that of a specialty machine, which sets out its own requirements for the designing of the harvester head.

Special attention has been paid to the efficiency of the Kesla harvester heads, whereby less engine power is extracted from more net power for wood handling.

In addition, the hydraulic equipping of the base machine is also a key factor. On top of user feedback, there is also evidence of this from our research.

“In the spring of this year, we participated in a study organized by the Ministry of Forestry of Belarus, which compared the Kesla 28RH-II with a Chinesemade excavator to a tough Finnish harvester,” Tahvanainen.

“There was no noticeable difference in production, nor in fuel consumption. It is easy to calculate how much more profitable harvesting work is with a cheaper excavator costing half of the price.

“It is good to remember that excavators are multifunctional – an

2) 27RH-II 42 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

There are three models in the big head range: 1) 28RH-II excavator can be used however in the summertime also for its originally designed earth-moving tasks.”

Kesla XTimber Near unrivalled expertise with equipment, Kesla has decades of experience in excavator harvesters and most of its harvester heads go onto excavator installations.

Hydraulic pipes and piping, valve equipping for hydraulics and electrical Installations are made pre-designed to fit particular machine models.

“With our XTimber equipment concept, our specially trained official dealers are able to provide a level of quality that is in line with a factory installation,” Tahvanainen said.

“Instead of a project, the customer will receive a complete excavator harvester product, which also has comprehensive after sales support. This is absolutely exceptional in this field, especially since the service is not linked to any particular base machines brand.

“Of course, close continuous factory level cooperation with Japan’s Sumitomo for more than over 10 years has brought more perspective to things.”

Big heads Kesla’s biggest harvester heads were renewed last year. Now there are three models in the big head range: 27RH-II, 28RH-II and 30RH-II. New harvester heads are appropriate for quite different conditions ranging from northern coniferous forest to hardwood, eucalyptus or peeling acacia shells.

The hydraulics of the harvester heads have been increasing, which is why the feed and saw forces have been also increased.

Improvements have also been made on the chassis frame, in measuring and in the control system.

“The harvester heads have over 100 unique improvements, which is also reflected in a positive customer feedback,” Tahvanainen said.

Mika Tahvanainen Marketing Director, Director of wood harvesting equipment business

It is good to remember that excavators are multifunctional – an excavator can be used however in the summertime also for its originally designed earth-moving tasks Mika Tahvanainen, Kesla

3) 30RH-II

Keto harvester heads are created and manufactured by KoneKetonen’s factory in Finland. Over the course of the past year, several new models have been developed.

The 873 is a processor head intended for the demanding conditions in North America and for handling extremely large trees.

Launched in June, the Keto Xtreme is, in turn, a harvester head to be installed on light forest

thinning machines that is intended for managing the young spruce copses typically found in Nordic countries or the densely branched trees typically found in the forests of Central Europe. The Keto-100 was launched earlier this year.

The 873 was launched in February of last year at the Oregon Logging Conference in the US. Weighing 3,360 kg, the head is suitable for installation on 30 ton+ base machines. One important change in the Keto 873 model is the Rotobec rotator. Spinning fully

around, the rotator provides a contractor with vast and entirely new application possibilities to use the machine with extreme efficiency.

Additionally, the 873 model uses the Parker valve system. The valves are proportioned to function only on-demand, a key factor in optimizing the fuel consumption of the base machine, even at low temperatures. Like in the other Keto models, the track feed of the new model uses Danfoss motors.

The 500 cmÂł motor produces produces nearly 4 kN of tractive force, guaranteeing that big trees can be pulled by the tracks and delimbed with speed and efficiency.

Based on track feeding, the unique length measuring in Keto harvester heads is the most precise one on the market. It is simple and extremely reliable. A second important feature of the Keto 873 model is its shortest possible tilt frame, which minimizes swaying of the harvester head and makes it easy to control.

Keto-100 Karate

The KETO 873 head is intended for demanding conditions

Thanks to its large grapple opening, it serves well as a multi-purpose harvester head that handles delimbing, cutting

The KETO-100 Karate and sorting easily in mountainous terrains with steep slopes. If necessary, it can also be used for loading. The head has a fixed track system, which means that there are fewer wearing parts and that the saw is always in a straight position.

KETO harvester heads have established a strong foothold in Australia, Canada, Germany, UK, Japan, New Zealand, USA and Spain.

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 43

The C144 is a versatile head

We’ve listened to our customer and improved our system to be even more accurate than previous versions Tobias Ettemo, Komatsu

Komatsu Forest has a wide range of harvester heads in its product line up.

For various types of logging Komatsu Forest offers their C-heads and S-heads, all adapted for high production. There are also custom-made heads for harvesting eucalyptus. The Multi-Tree Handling option is a way to further Improve production of logging in forests with small stems or mixed forests. The function is available on the S82-S92 and C93-C144 heads.

The concept behind Komatsu’s C-heads is that the feed roller carries the steam. The concept enables low clamping pressure without compromising conditions conducive to good measurement accuracy and energy-efficient feed.

For both forest owners and the industry, it’s important to maximize timber value, that is, to extract the

44 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

maximum value from the timber from the forest to the end product.

One important aspect of this is how the tree is cut and today there are high expectations on heads in terms of measurement accuracy and length measurement precision.

Expectations vary a little between markets, but Komatsu Forest always strives to meet the strictest requirements.

Measurement accuracy has a key role in development and improvement work encompassing Komatsu’s heads. Tobias Ettemo, Product Manager, highlights Length Measuring Advanced as the most important solution.

“We’ve listened to our customer and improved our system to be even more accurate than previous versions,” he said. “Our system has an upgraded hydraulic design and together with our measuring decoder with non-contact design, which ensures longer service-life for our length measuring unit,

we further improved our already reliable system.

“We’ve also refined the control system to increase measurement accuracy and head precision.

Adjusting the system setting enables you to achieve the best possible stem holding.”

Length Measuring Advanced Length Measuring Advanced, which is available for Komatsu C-heads, improves the measurement accuracy by ensuring an even pressure on the measuring wheel throughout the feeding process.

Also includes an additional measuring wheel that penetrates the bark, which can be useful among others, during the tree sapping period. Length Measuring Advanced is standard in Sweden and Finland, but optional in other countries.

The clamping force when engaging a stem has been increased in the C144, which

revving or over speeding while also reducing log splitting.

Integrated working light An integrated work lighting is another new option that has many benefits. To begin with, it makes it easier for the operator to position the head against the tree. It also reduces the risk of sawing in rocks and other obstacles in the terrain.

These factors contribute to increased productivity and less risk of downtime.

Serviceability is at the usual high standards for a Komatsu unit when considering the C144 head

Eco-GLS The Eco-GLS option is an environmentally friendly, adaptive lubrication system for harvesting heads. The chain and bar are lubricated with eco-friendly grease instead of oil. The grease has better adhesion, minimizing both consumption and waste, which leads to environmental as well as financial gains.

It also has advantages like less oil mist, thus minimizing problems like soiled windows and clogged cooling units.

Find End

also increases the measurement accuracy.

On the 2018 model of Komatsu C144 the head offers greater versatility. The C144 now has a smaller feed roller motor option.

This offers a fast feed start and energy efficient feeding, suitable for stand of smaller trees. All new C-heads are also equipped with a new upper knife that is optimized fort length measuring and delimbs the path followed by the length measuring wheel. Also suited to harvesting large diameter trees.

Constant Cut The Constant Cut saw unit is fitted as standard on most C heads since 2016. The saw unit is designed for maximum durability and minimum maintenance.

It has an intelligent saw motor control that maintains a constant chain speed of 40 m/s, this gives high speed without the risk of over-

The Find End option is useful when processing pre-felled forest. When the function is activated, the head reverses to the root end and resets the length measurement without the need to trim the stem. This maximizes both timber lengths and profits.

The feature is useful in several cases; for example, if the driver drops or must let go of a trunk and must start over the length measurement. The function is also useful for processing, where the stems are being picked up from a pile and there is always a need to find the root end.

The option is available on Komatsu C283 and Komatsu C144.

The Komatsu C144 head

Service Komatsu Forest heads are designed to be service-friendly in order to keep up service and thus high productivity.

That service can be performed in a safe way is also important, and to meet these needs, Komatsu C-heads do not need to be re-positioned during service and they are also equipped with easy accessed service point; Marking paint, chain oil and many lubrication points are easily accessed from a single position once the head is set on the ground.

The diameter sensors are also easily accessed.

The clamping force when engaging a stem is greater on the C144

Product line up: C-heads Komatsu C93:

A versatile head for thinning

Komatsu C123:

Productive and reliable

Komatsu C124:

A reliable and versatile

Komatsu C144:

A head for logging demanding large diameter trees

Komatsu C202:

A head for the most demanding logging

Komatsu C202E:

A debarking head for demanding logging

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 45

The ATF on a Rottne 15D from close quarters

Nordic Traction Group responds to extreme demand Improvements across the product range have kept this European manufacturer at the cutting edge of the tracks and chains sector

N

ordic Traction Group develops, manufactures and sells traction products for professional use to suit all vehicles from ATVs to the largest forestry machines. The group’s focus is in forestry, where it is a unique one-stop-shop covering all the traction needs from harvesting and forwarding to transportation.

Two state-of-the art manufacturing sites in Finland and Scotland produce chains and bogie tracks of the highest quality and long experience. The Loimaa factory has been producing chains since 1903 and the bogie tracks production in Scotland celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Nordic Traction Group has been investing in the further

46 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

development of the case hardening process and overall automation to maximise the quality of the products.

With a qualified dealer network, a full range of chains and bogie tracks is offered to customers all over the world. The brands of the Nordic Traction Group include Clark Tracks, GripX, NordChain and OFA.

hand offer the ultimate flotation and can be customised to special widths. One interesting case of customisation is the Forwarder 2020 project, where an HSM 208F 10W forwarder has been equipped with extra-wide tracks: 1370 mm in the back and 1175 mm in the front.

Tracks Clark Tracks has been responding to a very high demand. The ATF AllTerrain Flotation tracks have been very popular for example in Finland and Sweden, where the contractors are appreciating that they can be used all-year-round – even in deep snow.

The TXL tracks on the other

The OFA U-Grip 22

Tyres & Chains Chains In its 16 mm forestry chains, OFA has renewed the link design.

Twisted vertical link creates a V-shape stud pattern to ensure better grip and 19 mm heave round studs provide a long work life.

The OFA twisted link from the top view

The OFA twisted link from the side view

TXL ATE ULTIM

The Nordchain Multistud 160TS from side on As the forest machines are getting heavier and heavier, there’s a need for even sturdier chains.

OFA has introduced 22 mm U-Grip chains, which are perfect for the largest skidders.

In the Nordchain range Multistud and Megastud are the top-of-the-line forestry chains.

Multistud is a further development of the classic Superstud chain with additional standing studs on

An HSM 208F 10W fitted with extra-wide TXL

the chain rings. It’s the ultimate choice for stony terrain, available with 13 mm and 16 mm chain.

Megastud offers the best grip and tire protection for large harvesters, forwarders and scarifiers – available with 16 mm and 19 mm chain

ATF ALL-TER

TION FLOTA

E T A M I T UL N O I T A T FLO

RAIN FL O TAT

ION

ALL-TERR AIN PERF ORMANC E

Flotatio n assured and traction o and ma n snow, ice, m rshy co nditions ud .

west tion & lo ure c a r t t s Be press ground y track of an

CONTACT US FOR CUSTOMISATION OPTIONS

www.clarktracks.com

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 47

A piece of Finland

With Brazilian Spice Ponsse’s Brazilian subsidiary has been described as a piece of Finland in the middle of Latin America – of course mixed with a great deal of Brazilian influences, starting from the product selection. Ponsse Latin America Ltda has been able to increase its market share especially by offering tailored solutions for local needs.

P

onsse established the subsidiary in Mogi das Cruzes in 2006 and the very first PONSSE machines were seen in South America at the turn of the 21st century. The yellow machines have brought the key elements of the family business into the harvesting of Brazilian cultivated forests, in other words partnership and knowledge of customer needs based on personal experience.

48 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

Over the years, the growth has been supported by technology developed for local conditions.

Ponsse’s entry into Brazil shook the market because at the time there was not much technology designed for the local conditions.

The first major challenge was to understand the Brazilian business culture and the challenges of eucalyptus harvesting. “Ponsse’s assets were

Finnish friendliness and a sincere way of treating other people and doing things in a clear and straightforward way and a desire to understand the local requirements and offer tailored solutions,” says Fernando Campos, the new managing director of Ponsse Latin America Ltda. The PONSSE H7euca and H77euca harvester heads were specifically developed for Brazil.

The challenges of steep slopes

BRAZIL

there are over 250 PONSSE machines in Brazil. Although Brazil is the size of our entire continent, its forest machine market is smaller than that of Europe. Ponsse has 230 employees in Brazil, most of them working in service centers.

Ponsse has five service centres in Brazil, one located in Mogi das Cruzes, in connection with the head office, and the others are in Eunápolis (BA), Venda Nova do Imigrante (ES), Belo Oriente (MG) and Telêmaco Borba (PR).

“Timber Forest, our dealer in the south of the country, has its head office in Curitiba (PR) and service centres in Lages (SC) and Guaíba (RS),” Campos says.

The value of spare parts is estimated to exceed 40 million Brazilian real.

Due to long distances, stocks must be extensive Fernando Campos has become the Managing Director of Ponsse Latin America at the beginning of August, leaving his position as Sales and Marketing Manager.

Managing Director Marko Mattila

has returned to Finland and is developing the company’s global distribution network.

“We have worked hard to improve the quality of our services and operations in Brazil,” Mattila says.

“In my new job I will focus on the entire Ponsse dealer network which we will develop and expand. We are always working on improving the support offered to our partners in order to ensure that both our dealers and Ponsse will also be successful in the future,” Mattila says. “I have transfered the responsibility for the company to Fernando with great confidence.

He takes his job seriously, he is professional and highlights the Ponsse values in everything he does. He has been working for the company almost from the beginning, so he has plenty of experience and our customers respect him,” Mattila says.

Campos started at Ponsse in 2006 as a marketing and import planning coordinator, after which he worked as spare parts manager for four years and as sales and

OPERATION FOCUS

marketing manager for six years.

He has completed a postgraduate course in business management and has also studied at the University of Cambridge.

“Our aim is to achieve a good market share in both machine sales and services. The quality of our operations is guided by a rigorous quality programme which includes continuous training of our personnel,” he says.

“We are far away from the parent company but very much guided by the Ponsse values.” The customers’ interest is always our priority. It is our lifeblood because flexible customer service is a competitive advantage for us,” he says.

Focus on training and safety The safety and training program is clearly a subject Campos likes to talk about.

“A well-trained team can avoid accidents and is more productive.

We take safety very seriously and also our customers have high standards,” Campos says. Training is also offered to customers in their

were overcome with the help of eight-wheeled machines, winch solutions and special equipment and the services were fully planned in accordance with the local needs, for example in the form of Full Service.

For a long time, the Brazilian market was controlled by two forest machine manufacturers.

A majority of the market was dominated by major forest industry companies that had factories, land, forests and machines.

“In order to become their customer, one had to win their trust. Now Ponsse is one of the main players and there are still great opportunities for development,” Campos says. The popularity of the yellow machines can be measured through numbers.

If harvester heads are included,

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 49

We are far away from the parent company but very much guided by the Ponsse values.

The customers’ interest is always our priority Fernando Campos says

location. Fifty theory lessons are followed by fifty practice lessons in the field. Service engineer Leonildo Camargo tells that machine operators are offered five weeks of training, which is especially aimed at improving safety and productivity.

“The training does not qualify them to operate forest machines, but it enables specialization,” he says. “It will take another six months before new operators are able to work safely and efficiently.”

Through training, we can affect the operators’ ways of working, for example by eliminating unnecessary movements.

“When work is done at a rapid pace under pressure, a lot of wood may be harvested and the crane moves quickly. The operators often think that they are doing an excellent job, but in reality they don’t have time to plan their work and for example eliminate unnecessary movements,” Camargo says.

The new technology plays a major role in our training. The simulator allows the operators to find out which areas they should develop.

“We have advanced training resources, including simulators for different machine types and the possibility to learn through virtual reality. We can test efficiency, compare results and thus develop working methods, for example, using the PONSSE EcoDrive application,” Camargo says.

“It is worth monitoring an operator’s performance because only through monitoring can you find areas to be developed and teach new ways of working.”

Service Ponsse offers the Full Service solution to Brazilian companies with a need to boost their operations.

“In addition to sales, Ponsse takes care of service throughout the life cycle of the machines,” Fernando Campos says. In Brazil, the service is utilized by three paper and pulp giants: Veracel, Cenibra and Fibria Aracruz. During working hours, the operators can have constant contact with the Ponsse technicians and a professional will solve possible problems on site. If a mechanical or electrical problem is complicated, the machine will be transported to the nearest workshop.

“It is of great benefit to our customers that professionals ensure service quality and costs remain under control. The usability and productivity of harvesters and forwarders improve remarkably,” Campos says.

Service technician Marcelo Paes is an excellent example of skilled personnel. He gets up early, enjoys a hearty breakfast and at 8 am he meets the first customer of the day. He is in charge of customer relationships with major companies in four states, São Paulo, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais and Paraná.

The region is home to Duratex, a producer of wood panels and other wood products, and major paper and pulp companies Fibria and Klabin as well as Carstran, Martinelli and Prado which provide related services.

“The best part of working in services is the customer relationships. Over the years, many of the customers and operators

have become my close friends,” Paes says. Marcelo Paes started his professional career 29 years ago and has worked for Ponsse for the past 12 years. He believes that his work is done when the customers are satisfied after receiving quick services and effective solutions are found for their problems.

Harmony since the first meeting It sometimes happens that when you meet someone for the first time, it feels like you have known them for years. This is exactly what happened between Ponsse and Timber Forest which represents Ponsse in the southern parts of Brazil.

“After assessing the expectations and opportunities of both companies, we realized that the synergies our companies’ values were so strong that only 15 days after the initial contact we were in Finland signing a contract with the Vidgrén family,” says Jober Fonseca, director of the machine business segment at Timber Forest.

The partnership was announced in mid-2015 and Timber Forest supplied the first PONSSE forest machine at the end of that year.

Timber Forest has 72 employees who sell machines and offer services such as spare parts and technical support in the three southernmost states of Brazil. Jober Fonseca tells that the partnership with the Finnish company has led to professional development, financial stability and Timber Forest becoming the market leader in cut- to-length machines in southern Brazil.

The synergy mentioned by Fonseca is reflected in the results.

“By the end of 2017, our market share in cut-to-length machines was 58%. We achieved that level through the performance and reliability of PONSSE machines and the reputation of our services,” Fonseca says.

Timber Forest also provides other solutions in the forest machine market, but to achieve these results it has designated three sales representatives to

Timber Forest sells machines and offers after sales services in the three southernmost states of Brazil and has 72 employees

solely focus on PONSSE products.

“We offer our current and future customers annual visits to Ponsse’s

factory in Finland. During these trips they realize that Ponsse’s history is very similar to their own

company’s history as Ponsse’s founder, Einari Vidgrén, was also a forest machine contractor,” Fonseca says.

Ponsse and Sotreq launch cooperation in Brazil

Ponsse Plc and Sotreq S.A. have signed a cooperation agreement on the sale, service and marketing of PONSSE harvester heads in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil.

Ponsse Plc and Sotreq S.A. have started a cooperation in sales, service and marketing of PONSSE harvester heads in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil.

“Minas Gerais is a key forestry area in Brazil, and we want to offer

better services to our customers operating in the area. This cooperation enables local service and support for our customers in area,” says Ponsse Plc’s Group Sales and Marketing Director Jarmo Vidgrén.

HARVESTING IN BRAZIL • B razil is the fifth largest country in the world by area and population “We have been serving forestry customers in MG for over 75 years with tracked forest machines, now with the Ponsse product line we have a complete portfolio of forestry solutions to offer our customers. We are very excited to offer Ponsse’s forestry products in Brazil, Ponsse’s long history of developing forestry products is second to none and coupled with Sotreq’s after-sales support will be an industry-changing partnership,” says Sotreq S.A’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Marcelo Orberg.

Sotreq has a total of four service centres in the Minas Gerais region. In addition to being a harvesting equipment dealer, the conglomerate also operates in the fields of construction, mining, energy, Oil & Gas and materials handling. Founded in 1941, the family-owned business has its headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The company has 4.345 staff in 40 locations around Brazil.

• B razil has the second largest amount of forests in the world, covering 58% of the country • 4 85 million hectares of the forests are natural, while only 7.7 million hectares are cultivated forests • T he annual logging volume in cultivated forests is approx.

194.4 million cubic metres • A majority of the cultivated forests are located in southern Brazil, while the natural forests are almost entirely within the Amazon rainforest.

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 51

Focus on Tractors & Tractor heads

The FT100 with mulcher attachment gives contractors a powerful tool for completing landclearing jobs Jeff Bradley, Vermeer

There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing a dedicated mobile mulcher versus an attachment, according to Jeff Bradley, Product Manager for the recycling and forestry segment at Vermeer.

If the head is dedicated to the tractor, it means it has been designed specifically for that machine. It also means the tractor is more likely to have a more rugged design with required safety features built in specifically for the forestry application. For larger projects, having the productivity of a dedicated machine will often times prove to be more efficient in the long run.

Vermeer offers two forestry tractors that are tough, effective solutions to land-clearing needs.

The FT100 forestry tractor is built for optimal performance and efficiency. Equipped with a 120 hp (90 kW) Tier 4 Final engine and an above-ground mulcher attachment, operators have the features and control needed for small- and large-scale land-clearing operations.

The FT100 has a ringed rotor design on the above-ground

mulcher, helping manage the material being processed more efficiently. While mulching large material, the operator is able to maintain rotor speed for minimal stalling and maximum production.

The rings control bite size achieving smaller, more consistentsized chips when compared to non-ringed rotors. Equipped with interchangeable rotor tips, operators can optimize the cutting performance to fit the different conditions that are present while not having to rebalance the drum each time. The push bar provides a reach of 7 in (17.8 cm) below grade with the head at ground level, giving the operator better control when directing material to the rotor.

“The FT100 with mulcher attachment gives contractors a powerful tool for completing landclearing jobs,” Bradley said. “It’s great for residential work as well as for underground construction contractors clearing vegetation before installing utilities.”

“When it comes to the demands of your large land-clearing and forestry management jobsite – from pipeline preparation to utility work, wildfire mitigation and more – the 300 hp (224 kW) FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head from Vermeer can meet your needs.”

The unit is built with operator

52 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

The FT100 forestry tractor is built for optimal performance and efficiency ease, reliability and serviceability top of mind, operators can get to work on the job at hand. The robust hydraulic system is designed to operate below its rated capacity for extended life of hydraulic components, while a patentpending self-positioning thrown object deflector helps direct thrown material at a consistent discharge angle, regardless of head position.

“Land-clearing work is the first step in timely and expensive projects, such as land development and pipeline installations,” Bradley said. “The power and features of the FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head, along with innovations like the selfpositioning deflector, help increase productivity so contractors can

more easily meet the stringent deadlines they’re given.

In the competitive land-clearing market, the FT300 forestry tractor with mulcher head offers the features, reliability and support contractors need.

“With the demands faced by these contractors, they are looking for an equipment supplier that stands behind its products and provides machines that are up to the job,” Bradley said. “We know of no competitor in the marketplace that can match the reliability and the quality of service of Vermeer and its independent dealers.”

480B Mulcher & 4061 Mulching Head

480B mulcher and new 4061 mulching head Last year Tigercat released its next generation 480B track mulcher and the brand new Tigercat 4061 mulching head as Tigercat’s off road industrial product line continues to expand.

The Tigercat 480B tackles the toughest terrain with ease and offers superior durability and high uptime for large-scale, timesensitive right-of-way and site preparation projects.

With a power rating of 411 kW (550 hp) at 1,800 rpm, the Tigercat FPT C13 Tier 4f engine offers quick load response, low operating costs and high power density, combined with excellent fuel economy. Best of all, Tigercat FPT engines are backed by Tigercat warranty and support.

The efficient, responsive closed loop track drive system delivers powerful tractive effort and performance with greater hydraulic effi ciency in challenging terrain.

The high-lift boom geometry means high productivity in slopes and gullies.

The cab interior is quiet and instrumentation has been placed to optimize productivity. The electronic control system interface

uses a high-resolution, 180 mm (7 in) touch screen. The 480B is equipped with a comfortable, heated and cooled seat with air-ride suspension. Excellent cab insulation translates to reduced noise levels so operators can take full advantage of the Bluetooth® sound system with hands-free calling.

4061 MULCHING HEAD The new mulching head offers excellent durability and reliability in a package ideally suited to the capabilities of the Tigercat 480 and M726 series mulchers.

The 4061 is manufactured to Tigercat’s exacting high standards for robustness and quality. The housing features reinforced side covers and abrasion resistant skis.

The housing is optimized with debris door cylinders mounted internally for protection and contains position references to aid in ski alignment.

Timing belts eliminate belt slip and provide efficient power transfer to the rotor, lowering maintenance time and costs associated with conventional v-belts.

Service and maintenance are a snap, maximizing uptime. The Tigercat designed tooth and holder system uses a taper lock interface that requires no torque wrenches, greatly reducing changeover time.

The teeth are extremely durable

with carbide tips and carbide inserts for increased life.

Unlike competing mulching heads, the 4061 wear liner requires no welding and the rotor does not need to be removed when servicing. There are also reversible and interchangeable shear bars for quick servicing. In addition, a tapered housing shields debris from potential build-up and easily accessible grease points make daily servicing even more convenient.

• E fficient power transfer with reduced belt slip • R obust housing with reinforced side covers • F ield serviceable wear liner – does not require welding or rotor removal • T igercat-designed tooth and holder system with taper lock interface for reduced changeover time • C arbide tips and carbide insets for improved tooth life

KEY BENEFITS

• D ebris door cylinders mounted internally for protection

• T igercat build quality for long life and high uptime

• C onvenient access to service and maintenance points

• L arge bearings in rotor and motor drives

Excellent performance in challenging terrain.

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 53

PT-300

PrimeTech Demo Day reaches its fifth year The headquarters of PrimeTech (division of FAE Group) in Sarnonico (TN) - Italy, hosted PrimeTech Demo Day 2018 on June 5th and 6th, 2018. The event, dedicated to end customers and dealers from all over the world, saw tracked carriers PT-300 (302 HP) and PT-475 (475 HP) – both with Tier 4F engine – in the spotlight

a brand of FAE Group

P

rimeTech Demo Day, which is now in its fifth year, hosts trials and demonstrations in the field and therefore in totally realistic conditions that allow participants to measure the efficiency of PrimeTech vehicles.

Over the two days of the event, customers and dealers from over 20 different countries were able to appreciate, first hand, the two flagship models from the range of specialist tracked carriers for forestry reclamation: the PT-300 (302 HP) with FAE 300/U-200 forestry mulcher and the PT-475 (475 HP) with the FAE SFH/PM250 forestry tiller/rotovator. Field trials showcased the agility and manoeuvrability that are standout features on both vehicles, without forgetting the driving comfort that was greatly appreciated by those participating in the test drives.

“We have always done everything we can to make sure we give customers versatile, innovative excellence. We want to be pro-active partners who can assess and thoroughly familiarise with the real needs that are specific to each customer, in every precise operating context. This is what makes us organise these events, almost as if they were educational outings to provide hands-on experience of the solutions designed by our engineers and to fully understand the real difficulties

54 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

that a machine encounters in its working environment,” says Andreas Lambacher, Sales Director at PrimeTech.

“Attendance levels were very high at this year’s event: with more than 80 customers from every continent. Five years ago, at the very first PrimeTech Demo Day, there were fewer than 10 clients in attendance. It had all begun a little by chance, but with every year, it has become a bigger success. The event has grown and our team and our products have grown with it.”

PrimeTech Demo Day concluded on 6th June, late in the afternoon, with a spectacular performance by the Show Action Group who, on board their trial bikes, gave a demonstration of their acrobatic skills using PrimeTech vehicles as obstacles.

The tracked carriers presented at PrimeTech Demo Day 2018 The PrimeTech PT-300 and PT-475 are among the most highly evolved machines in their specific field.

Not only do they fit Caterpillar engines and Danfoss hydraulics, they are also the result of an overall design project that has been thought out in great detail, as well as having a cab with extraordinary comfort and an excellent hydraulic control system.

PT-300 PrimeTech’s PT-300 is a mid-size tracked carrier, now available with a Tier 4 engine. Along with installing a new engine some important modifications and improvements were made to this unit, however the main features the PT-300 is known for, remain the same: productivity, maneuverability, reliability, low ground pressure and comfort.

ENGINE • T he engine is a robust and fuel efficient CAT C7 Acert 7l (428 in3) turbocharged and aftercooled engine, with 6 in-line cylinders, producing 302hp (225kw);

• T he engine complies with the Tier 4F emission regulations and is equipped with Diesel Particulate Filter Technology (DPF), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR);

• T he PT-300 has a separate AdBlue (DEF) tank. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is used by the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in the exhaust; • T he higher power output of 302hp (225kw) is achieved at a lower rpm (2200), meaning better performance at lower fuel consumption; • A bigger fuel tank was installed

(390 l) to ensure no filling up is needed even when working longer shifts; • 2 4V batteries are installed with a better cold start ability.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT • T he bigger engine compartment with two large side doors on each side allows easy and quick access to any component; • B etter layout of the components in the engine compartment and cleaner routing of hoses and wiring harnesses; • E asy cleaning and daily maintenance through perfect accessibility to all service points and both engine and hydraulic filters; • A tool box in the engine compartment for storage of tools and teeth. For the convenience of the operator the tool box can be easily removed.

CABIN • Second-to-none operator comfort: spacious, low-noise and low-vibration cabin, with excellent visibility and more headroom;

PT-300

• O verall height of the cabin has been reduced so that the total height of the unit is now only 2785 mm (important in case of trucking in areas with height restrictions); • E ven better and more ergonomic layout of controls; • N ew digital 7” colour display to check and keep main parameters under control, as well as

to customize functions and settings; • Troubleshooting and diagnosing via display including data storage on a USB stick; • Cabin is 30% more tiltable, allowing better access to the components located under the cabin.

RADIATOR • O ne oversized radiator with enough cooling capacity for hydraulic oil, air and water, even when worked in extremely hot climates; • The radiator comes with coarse fins, preventing them from getting plugged by dust and dirt and making cleaning much easier;

LAND CLEARING

DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

VISIT US AT Pavilion 36 Stand C7 FAE forestry mulchers and shredders can process all kinds of vegetation above and below ground.

They can be attached on any 50hp to 500hp tractor.

FAE Group S.p.A. | Zona Produttiva 18 | 38013 Fondo (TN) Italy | Tel. +39 0463 840000 | www.fae-group.com

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 55

PT-475

• The radiator can be equipped with a proportional and reversible fan (option) thus, based on radiator temperatures, the blades will automatically adjust the pitch in the most efficient and effective way. This results in less power absorbed by the fan and eventually in lower fuel consumption; • The sucker fan helps to keep dust out of the engine compartment and thus keep it clean; • T he fan is hydraulic driven and the pitch of the blades get adjusted hydraulically, being a more reliable solution to belt driven fans with blades being adjusted by a separate air compressor.

FRONT ATTACHMENTS A range of front attachments are available for the PT-300, making it a very versatile tracked carrier. Following attachments are available: forestry mulcher, subsoiler/rotovator, stump cutter, rock crusher and asphalt grinder.

The forestry mulcher FAE 300/U that was demoed during the PrimeTech Demo Day underwent recently some major redesign and offers some very interesting new features: • New push-frame design to reach

the ground for dragging and raking; • B olt-on counter blades for quicker change and reduced maintenance cost; • A djustable skids to set required working depth; • R einforced frame and hood.

PT-475 The PT-475 tracked carrier is a purpose-built carrier for superior performance, productivity and serviceability.

Equipped with the quality and performance expected from a PrimeTech tracked carrier, this 475 HP unit gives excellent performance due to a series of strong points: • A CAT C13 Acert, 12.5 L (763 in3) turbocharged and aftercooled engine, with 6 in-line cylinders and 475 HP, that is fuel efficient and can be offered both in the version Tier 3/Stage IIIA and in the version Tier 4/Stage IVA (emissions standards); • I ts powerful hydraulic system, with Danfoss pumps and motors for track and front attachment drives; • T he oscillating undercarriage Berco D5HD adapts perfectly to uneven surfaces. According to customer needs, the track can be fitted with two types of shoes

56 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

in two different widths: 600 mm / 24 in (STD-version) and 900 mm / 36 in (LGP-version). Both versions guarantee excellent vehicle stability and low ground pressure: with the LGP-version ground pressure being a bestin-class 0,33 kg/cm² (4.7 psi)!

Lower ground pressure also means a longer working season in wet and swampy areas!

• T he efficient and functional design of PT-475 and the arrangement of its components make all parts easily accessible.

The tilt-able ROPS/FOPS/OPS cab, the big side doors and the swing-out oil cooler assure excellent access to daily service points, engine and hydraulic filters; • PT-475 has also been equipped with an oversized engine radiator, allowing the machine to operate in very hot climate with no overheating issues.

The radiator comes with coarse fins, preventing it from getting plugged by dust and dirt and making cleaning much easier.

• As an option, both the oil cooler and the engine radiator can be equipped with a proportional (so-called variable pitch) and reversible fan. Based on radiator temperatures (coolant, intercooler and hydraulic oil)

the blades will automatically adjust their position in the most efficient and effective way. This result in less power absorbed by the fan, lower fuel consumption and less air and dust flow crossing the engine compartment, helping to keep it cleaner; PT-475 is a powerful tracked carrier and like all PrimeTech models it is characterized by a great versatility: depending on the job you want to do, PT-475 can be equipped indeed with mulching head, subsoiler/rotovator, rock crusher and stump cutter.

All the attachments, made by FAE, can be switched easily and quickly, allowing you to use PT-475 for land clearing and mulching applications (right-of-way, utility lines, fire breaks, vegetation management, etc.), as well as for land conversion (removal of stumps and roots, site preparation) and for road construction/maintenance.

The FAE SFH/PM, which was demoed during the PrimeTech Demo Day, is a forestry tiller (also called subsoiler or rotovator) for grinding stumps, roots and rocks up to a depth of 400 mm, depending on driving speed and soil conditions.

Max. grinding diameter of rocks is 350 mm, while the max grinding diameter of trees is 450 mm.

This attachment is available in 2 widths: SFH/PM-225 (working width: 2320 mm) and SFH/PM-250 (working width: 2560 mm).

Different tools (teeth) for the rotor are available to suit different working conditions, all of them with carbide tip. The rotor pattern is designed in a way that every piece of soil gets processed.

Prime Movers & Mulching Attachments

UML/S/DT The new UML/S/DT forestry mulcher with fixed tooth rotor system, for tractors from 130 to 190 hp.

The UML/S/DT improves the most important aspects of the FAE mulcher experience. It introduces a new advanced design of mulchers.

FAE’s new forestry mulcher machine, the UML/S/DT, fits right in between the smaller UML/DT (for tractors from 80 to 130 HP) and the medium size UMM/DT (for tractors from 160 to 240 HP) and it replaces the former model UML/ DT/HD.

FAE UML/S/DT

FAE UML/S/DT

Standard equipment: • PTO shaft with cam clutch, • Gearbox with freewheel, • Hydraulic hood, • Enclosed machine body, • Centralized greasing hub, • Hydraulic hoses integrated in the frame, • Cylinder protections, • Adjustable skids, • Trasmission with XPB belts, • Interchangeable bolt on counter blades, • Inner anti wear FCP plates, • Bolted on protection chains.

Options:

• W style self aligning device

counter blades

• Special skids to go underground

• Z style self aligning device

• Hydraulic top link

• Mechanical push frame

• Extra ripper for push frame

• Multiple tooth options

• Hydraulic push frame

• Interchangeable bolt-on “spike”

FAE SCL/EX/VT EXCAVATOR STUMP CUTTER

integrated into the frame, screwed protection chains, and an adjustable supporting service stand.

Rotor diameter is 26 inches, total width is 27 inches, and the unit weighs 1,665 pounds.

Options include a customized attachment bracket with fixed thumb, and a front fixed thumb.

The SCL/EX/VT excavator stump cutter is designed for excavators from 7 to 15 tons with flow rates between 26 and 42 gpm.

A hydraulic door controls the exit of debris, and standard equipment includes a belt transmission, a 110/60cc variable torque hydraulic piston motor

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 57

Ponsse’s new solutions for profitable harvesting launched at FinnMETKO 2018 PONSSE’S products and services that improve productivity and profitability had a strong presence at the FinnMETKO trade fair in Jämsä, Finland. The PONSSE Bison forwarder and PONSSE Cobra and Fox harvesters were launched at the fair. These products now complement Ponsse´s already extensive machine range.

The new products are part of the Boost/Save philosophy enabling customers to improve the productivity and cost efficiency of harvesting through the right products, information systems, training and service. Apart from forest machines, Ponsse also presented new features, products and solutions for environmentally friendly and responsible harvesting.

PONSSE COBRA – an efficient harvester for varying conditions The PONSSE Cobra is an eightwheel all-round harvester with an extensive range of options.

The Cobra’s strengths include a powerful six-cylinder engine, a high-performance hydraulics system powered by a large 210cm3 working pump, and a robust and thoroughly tested structure.

Thanks to the high quality of its basic solutions, the Cobra is a reliable and fuel-economic package. The accurate and easyto-use crane, great balance and powerful six-cylinder engine make it an excellent solution for varying conditions.

PONSSE Fox – bringing agility and efficiency to thinning

PONSSE Active Crane – smooth loader control

Thanks to the latest technology and reliable basic solutions, the

The PONSSE Active Crane offers a new way of controlling the loader

New Fox Harvester with Active Crane

PONSSE BISON Active Frame – unprecedented forwarder productivity The PONSSE Bison Active Frame is a ground-breaking innovative forwarder. The PONSSE Bison Active Frame is a next-generation forwarder at its best over long transport distances. Featuring a modern Mercedes-Benz/MTU engine, powerful loader and robust CVT gearbox the Bison Active Frame is an unbeatable powerhouse for timber transport.

The PONSSE Bison Active Frame is equipped with Active Frame cabin suspension system. The structurally simple, yet effective system ensures that lateral swings affecting the driver is eliminated in an efficient and unnoticeable fashion.

New Cobra 8 wheeled Harvester New Bison with Active Frame & Variable Transmission PONSSE Fox is an economical and efficient harvester. Suitable for demanding conditions and soft terrain, the Fox can easily tackle harvesting challenges thanks to its accurate and powerful crane, good visibility, great stability and low surface pressure. The eight-wheel PONSSE Fox is right at home at thinning sites and on soft terrain.

The crane is powerful, easy-to-use and located near the cabin, with excellent visibility to the work area.

58 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

and boosting work performance.

Active Crane is a new method the driver uses to control the grapple movement instead of individual functions. This allows the driver to concentrate on loading. The Active Crane is easy to control using two control levers, one of which controls the grapple height from the ground and the other the direction. What is essential is that the driver does not need to control all the functions simultaneously.

When the desired grapple location

is specified for the machine, the system performs the lifting, folding and extending operations automatically.

Cleaner operation with the new Stage V engines The new Mercedes-Benz/MTU Stage V emission-level engines feature state-of-the-art engine technology, which makes them perfect for forest machines requiring an environmentally friendly approach and reliability combined with productive and fuel-economical work. The new Mercedes-Benz/MTU Stage V emission-level engines are efficient and economical.

Longer forwarder bogie – new option ensures lower surface pressure A new, long bogie option is available for the eight-wheel PONSSE Wisent, Elk and Buffalo forwarder models, intended for loading in soft conditions. With a hub distance of up to 1,890 mm (6.2 feet), the longer bogie reduces the surface pressure of a machine equipped with tracks by up to 17% compared to a standard bogie.

PONSSE Manager Features improved harvesting productivity Ponsse present new features for Ponsse Manager. The easy-to-use tool offers assistance in harvesting equipment maintenance and work planning, along with providing access to extensive reporting functions. PONSSE Manager provides comprehensive realtime information on equipment performance and work site status.

The solution can be easily used via a smartphone, tablet or computer.

PONSSE Manager’s latest feature, hydraulic-pump condition monitoring, enables remote monitoring of the harvester’s working pumps from the office or using a smart device. The state of the working pumps can easily be monitored in the PONSSE Manager’s machine card along with other information. The data produced by condition monitoring improves the utilisation rate of the equipment. Now, condition monitoring provides information about the status and performance of crane and harvester pumps.

in demanding conditions. The K121 loader is available for the Elephant and ElephantKing forwarder models. The new loader combines high slewing power and lifting capacity, increased reach, new loader geometry and great handling.

8

Jämsä 30.8.-1.9. www.finnmetko.fi

PONSSE Seat – new technology for ergonomics An innovation for improving the driver’s work ergonomics, the PONSSE Seat is the first seat designed specifically for forest machines. The new seat is easy to adjust and has an extra-strong base structure to provide the forest machine driver the best possible work comfort. The new PONSSE Seat dampens swinging motions and vibrations more efficiently than previous models.

Modern tools ensure highquality training PONSSE’s range of training simulators has expanded with two new models. The PONSSE Compact simulator includes full Opti4G control system features for harvesters and forwarders, including harvester head/tracked machine controls as an option.

The PONSSE Compact simulator is light and can easily be transported because of its wheelbase. Aimed for operators, the PONSSE Basic simulator makes it possible to practice the main motions of a forwarder and harvester with authentic PONSSE Comfort Grip Controls. The Basic simulator includes a computer and controls attached to a conventional table but no control system. The SimTrainer training environment is also available for both simulators to support planned and controlled training.

Ponsse Service Supports Forest Machine Entrepreneurs 24/7 Ponsse’s international service network consists of more than 180 service and spare parts centres staffed with over 550 experts serving customers. The network features service centres operated by Ponsse, its partners and contracted service providers; service vehicles used for field maintenance; and PONSSE Full Service projects. At FinnMETKO, service will present a wider selection of new solutions than ever before.

Extended warranty for original PONSSE parts Ponsse now offers the choice between two types of warranty for original spare parts. Ponsse’s warranty for original spare parts can now be 6 months/1,200 hours or 12 months/2,000 hours. The extension of the warranty only applies to Ponsse’s original spare parts and excludes remanufactured parts. Parts installed by a Ponsse authorized service shop are eligible for the extended 12 month/2000 hour warranty. In these cases, normal labor rates apply for initial installation. If the customer installs a part, the spare part warranty remains the normal 6 months or 1,200 hours, whichever

occurs first. Labor for subsequent installation of parts claimed to warranty in the 12month/2000 hour time frame is covered by Ponsse.

The PONSSE Parts Online service has already gained 350 users Through PONSSE Parts Online service, customers can find and order spare parts for their machines. In addition to the ordering functions, PONSSE Parts Online displays the prices and availability of parts in real-time.

Through PONSSE Parts Online service, you can order parts from the desired service centre. The service also has spare parts lists and operating manuals as well as the opportunity to record machinespecific notes. The service can be accessed via a PC or a mobile device.

PONSSE Active Manual The PONSSE Active Manual is a new visual solution to assist drivers with the operation and day-to-day maintenance of their machines. The service utilizes new technology, such as AR (Augmented Reality) and 3D modelling. The Active Manual’s advantages include ease of use and speed. All information is presented in a manner that best suits the machine’s service point in question, enabling easy and fast implementation. The service will be available for the PONSSE Scorpion machines in early 2019.

This article first appeared in Ponsee Magazine 2/2018

Efficient load handling with the PONSSE K121 loader Ponsse’s new loader offers power and speed for load handling

The K121 loader is available for the Elephant and ElephantKing forwarder models International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 59

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY

New forwarders and harvesters allow work on sensitive sites A key forest management operation for Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) is thinning trees which creates better quality timber and makes the trees more resilient to pests and diseases. Thinning also opens up the tree canopy to encourage greater biodiversity and a more accessible forest.

Not all forests can be thinned, as some are on soils, or at elevations where thinning would actually be detrimental to the growth of the trees by creating windblow scenarios.

The majority of the National Forest Estate (NFE) is essentially ‘manmade’ forests. Thinning creates a more naturalised and aesthetically appealing forest.

In the past thinning was done by hand, which was physically demanding and dangerous work.

However this work has now been replaced by machines which has improved safety and very much speeded up the process.

Since the beginning of 2018, FES has been re-equipping its inhouse machinery fleet with a range of new state of the art forwarders and harvesters specifically for thinning and working on sensitive sites. Currently there are 10 new machines from manufactures such as John Deere, Ponsse and Komatsu which are deployed

in Moray and Aberdeenshire, Lochaber, Cowal and Trossachs, West Argyll and Galloway Forest District.

The machines are currently working in a range of mainly conifer woodlands, but are versatile and can easily operate in broadleaved woodlands in both rural and urban settings. This investment and direction of travel will ensure that FES maximises the growing potential of its forests, whilst protecting the environment on our most sensitive of sites.

The machines are the most technologically advanced of their kind. They have eight wheel drive, which offers reduced ground compression and greater agility for meeting a range of challenging ground conditions.

They are compact in order to work in the ‘tightest’ of conditions and their footprint in the forest is light. The machines are also better equipped and comfortable for the operators, who spend much of the working day in an ergonomically designed cabin aimed at improving their working environment, whilst maximising productivity.

The process is highly computerised and requires great skill from the operators to maximise the products we cut from the tree. A far cry from the

days of lumberjacks wielding chainsaws and axes! Chainsaws are not a thing of the past though and they are still required where the machines cannot go. Chainsaw work is a highly specialised skill.

An important factor in the purchase of the new machinery is their ability to work on sensitive sites, which commands additional care in safeguarding not just the remaining trees but the wider environment, historic features and public areas.

There are a range of sensitive sites across the NFE which for example includes forests where populations of red squirrel exist or rare plants such as the twin flower, to working in areas adjacent to recreation sites used by the public.

To operate in these sensitive sites takes careful planning to ensure the integrity of the area is preserved for the future and actioned on the ground by having the right machine and a skilled operator. In contrast to the high timber volume output of a clearfell operation, thinning of sensitive sites requires taking time to do the necessary work to ensure that a good legacy has been left for the forest, wildlife and for people to enjoy.

Further machinery purchases are planned over the coming years to eventually replace FES’s entire machinery fleet, meaning a promising future of harvesting operations on the NFE.

New apprenticeship scheme to train forestry machine operators Young people looking to pursue an exciting and challenging career in forestry are being invited to apply for a new apprenticeships scheme based in south Scotland.

The scheme, driven by the Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Industry Leadership Group (STTILG), aims to train young people to operate the hi-tech cutting edge machinery used in the harvesting and primary processing of timber.

The recruitment process for the first four apprentices will begin on 10 October.

Martin Gale, Chair of BSW and the Leadership Group, said; “The shortage of new young entrants to forestry has been an

industry-wide concern for some time. This has become particularly acute as the harvesting demand has increased and many existing workers are reaching retirement age or are returning to continental Europe.

“It was clear that we needed to develop a fit-for-purpose machine operator training scheme that is viable and meets the needs of the whole sector. Thanks to the efforts of the industry partners, Forest Enterprise Scotland, Skills Development Scotland and of training providers we can now offer a pilot Modern Apprenticeship scheme that will provide in-depth training and the opportunity to consolidate their skills, which will improve trainee productivity and

60 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

employability.”

The new apprenticeship will be delivered through SRUC Barony and will build on the interim programme of short courses co-ordinated by UKFPA - in partnership with SRUC Barony and John Deere. The Scottish School of Forestry is looking to establish a similar scheme from 2019.

The scheme has also won praise from Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing.

Mr Ewing said; “Previous discussions with the

forest industries have made clear the need to invest in young people and new skills to help ensure the sector’s future success.

“Thanks to the foresight and excellent partnership work being led by the Forest and Timber Technologies Industry Leadership group, this new Modern Apprenticeship scheme will be operational by the end of the year.

This approach is both vital and valuable and is a sustainable and inclusive way forward, which I whole heartedly welcome.

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY “Increasing skilled opportunities for young people in forestry is also an undertaking in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and I am pleased to announce that Forestry Commission Scotland is supporting this industry initiative.”

The establishment of the pilot scheme has also resulted in a

unique partnership between the private sector and Forest Enterprise Scotland, which will employ the four apprentices for their first year. Two will remain with FES for the second year and two will be employed by Treetop Forestry and Elliot Henderson Timber Harvesting.

Four harvesting machines will be provided free by John Deere and Komatsu, with other companies providing fuel and ancillary equipment.

The pilot scheme will be reviewed after one year with a view to offering more apprenticeship places to young people.

Issued on behalf of the Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Industry Leadership Group.

Scottish Government fund alleviates pressures from timber lorries Over £7 million of Scottish Government funding is set to increase the levels of community, social and environmental benefit gained from projects that minimise the impact of timber lorries on Scotland’s rural road network.

The 2018 Strategic Timber Transport Fund (STTF), managed

by Forestry Commission Scotland, has awarded over £7 million of co-finance to projects which will improve a number of largely minor rural roads throughout Scotland or take lorries off the road with the timber being transported to market by sea.

Announcing the funding as part of the agreed Scottish budget for 2018-19, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, Mairi Gougeon, said; “Scotland’s burgeoning £1 billion forestry industry produces 7 million tonnes of timber every year – a quantity of high quality raw material that is set to increase in coming years.

Ten Forest Districts manage the National Forest Estate. They’re responsible for harvesting trees and planting new ones, but they are also at the sharp end of wildlife, environment and heritage conservation – and provide the paths and facilities that help get the most from the forests.

“This timber will greatly benefit our rural economy but we must also do all we can to mitigate the impact on local communities of increased timber traffic on minor rural roads. The Timber Transport Fund is there to support projects that do just that.

“This year’s awards go to local authorities and forest owners that have come forward with project ideas that will facilitate the sustainable transport of timber and ultimately benefit local communities and the environment.”

As well as providing these wider community benefits required under the scheme, the funding also delivers benefits to the timber processing sector.

Amongst the projects awarded £6.3 million of support are road, bridge and junction improvements that allow timber lorries to use those routes more safely. Just over £1 million of funding has also been awarded to support the TimberLINK shipping service and the creation of landing craft loading areas that give access by sea to timber which is growing at the end of very fragile rural roads.

Roland Stiven of the Confederation of Forest Industries said; “This funding is greatly needed to improve our rural roads to suit modern land uses such as forestry.

Work on minor roads such as those at Laverhay in Dumfries and Galloway and Bunachton near Daviot in the Highlands, strengthen the road surface, widen corners and provide passing places so that timber lorries can share the road with local residents and business while the harvesting programme is underway.

“The Scheme is also supporting

work to improve the freight capacity of busy rural A roads such as the A714, vital for shifting sustainably grown timber from Galloway forests to the timber processing and manufacturing facilities in Ayrshire.”

The projects supported not only ensure the continuing steady stream of quality timber to processors across the country but also reduce the number of road miles required to transport timber to market.

Welcoming the Scottish Government funding, David Sulman, Executive Director of the UK Forest Products Association and Chair of the Assessment Panel of the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme, said; “The award of funding to these strategically important projects will make a real difference for the sector, as well as providing valuable community, social and environmental benefits.

“Thanks to continued Government support for the Scheme, a wide range of projects have been co-financed, with particular benefits for Scotland’s rural economy.”

The funding also supports the work of five project officers who engage with both Local Authorities and forestry stakeholders to identify any local timber transport issues and seek to identify potential solutions.

All projects are required to meet the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme funding criteria.

Some additional projects are still under consideration with further awards anticipated.

Mairi Gougeon, MSP, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment

Roland Stiven Project Manager: Timber Transport Forum

David Sulman, Executive Director of the UK Forest Products Association

Cont’d on page 64

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 61

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY

Cork farmer generates €180,000 from 6.5ha of Sitka Veon’s south-west foresters, Chris Byrne and Daniel O’Connell, completed a harvesting in Co. Cork last month for a local farm forest owner. The forest was 6.50ha of Sitka spruce.

2,900t of Sitka spruce were produced of which 15% was cut into pulpwood for the local energy market; 10% was cut into stake, again sold locally; 15% was cut into pallet; and 60% cut into commercial sawlog (construction, roof trusses, housing timber frames etc) that was sent to a local sawmill for processing.

This harvest generated €180,000 (€11,250/ac) of income for the farmer, income tax free.

The harvest also provided a raw material to the local market to be processed, helping to sustain jobs in the rural economy.

Veon’s local forester Daniel O’Connell (who was chosen as an Escort at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival), commented: “The forest owner didn’t realise their forest was so valuable and was delighted with the income generated from the timber.”

Sitka spruce is the ‘hero species’ and the mainstay of the Irish forest industry. Although a favourite target of the uninformed especially those seeking election Sitka spruce is the primary commercial species in Ireland.

With the benefit of hindsight, many lessons have been learned from the mistakes of planting policies in the past.

Gone are the days of blanket spruce planting with no setbacks from roads, rivers and houses, which gave rise to the negativity the forestry sector has recently experienced.

What is rarely if ever recognised, however, is that such practices stopped over a decade ago. Minimum setbacks and percentages of alternative species are now commonplace in all new forest creations, which is underpinned with the new Forestry Act 2014.

Foresters in Ireland know it’s all about the right tree in the right place. The beauty of Sitka is that it loves typical Irish agricultural conditions. It will thrive in the places where our native broadleaves will not survive and even if they did they would struggle.

From a landowner’s perspective, the returns from Sitka are reliable.

When a Veon forester discusses options with someone who is thinking about planting, they listen to what the objectives of the owner are.

If the number one objective is to create a forest that is sustainable and will generate income for them and for their kids, then Sitka is the ideal primary species.

With correct forest management, other advantages can be gained such as 15% of the site is planted with broadleaves along rivers, roads and house setbacks. Up to 15% of the site

Image source: CONFOR 62 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

can be also be managed for biodiversity with premia payments on 100% of the forest site.

Professional forest planning and management will ensure that the soil is enriched; that rivers are protected; that flooding risks are reduced; that carbon is sequestered from the atmosphere; and that the environment, as well as the forest owner, are in a winwin situation.

Crucially though, the forest owner has a crop that will generate income for his family for generations to come.

Irish forest owners need to familiarise themselves with the market prior to selling timber to ensure they are being paid a fair price for their product.

Forest owners should bulk tender their forests so they can avail of economies of scale and secure better prices for their road construction and also for their timber.

Timber processors greatly appreciate the scaling of thinning and harvesting, which is more cost-effective for them and consequently they are willing to pay a premium for the timber they can purchase in bulk categories.

As Ireland’s market leaders in harvesting and thinning, Veon will organise this bulk category system, grouping forest growers activity and timber whilst ensuring that each forest is treated individually and completely separate and also organising individual contracts with each grower.

Forestry knowledge transfer groups The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Andrew Doyle has announced a new scheme to establish Knowledge Transfer Groups (KTGs) for forestry.

The scheme comes on foot of a successful pilot scheme run last year for these groups.

Under the Scheme farmers will receive €70 for attending meetings the maximum payment to each participant is €490.

These KTGS are aimed at private forest owners that require additional knowledge to help them undertake appropriate management activities in their forests.

Discussions will be facilitated by a professional forester and will incorporate both classroom style learning as well as practical elements. Orgainsers of the groups will be paid €6,500 per KTG organised.

Each KTG can have a maximum of 20 participants and each participant will need to attend 7 meetings or outdoor events in order to complete the programme KTGs will also encourage these forest owners engage with forestry groups and forestry professionals.

KTGs will provide the mechanism for gaining this expertise and empower them to manage their own forests over its rotation.

FOCUS ON UK & IRISH FORESTRY

Join debate on Scottish Forestry Strategy Confor has joined forces with legal firm Anderson Strathern to organise a breakfast seminar on 30th October to discuss the Scottish Forestry Strategy.

The consultation on the first Forestry Strategy in Scotland since 2006 runs until 29th November and this event is an excellent opportunity to engage with Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing MSP on what it might mean for you.

It sets out “a 10-year framework for action to achieve a 50-year vision for Scotland’s woodlands and forests” - and an ambition to increase woodland cover from around 18 to 21 per cent of the land area of Scotland by 2032.

The emphasis is on a sustainable forestry future which delivers greater economic, environmental and social benefits.

This includes helping to meet Scotland’s world-leading climate

change target and working with other land uses to create a sustainable future for all our rural areas after Brexit.

Fergus Ewing MSP will be joined

by Confor CEO Stuart Goodall, John Mitchell from Anderson Strathern, with a final speaker to be confirmed. The seminar takes place at Anderson Strathern’s office at Rutland Court, Edinburgh, with registration from 8.15am and a 10am finish.

Fergus Ewing, MSP

Stuart Goodall, Confor CEO

Doyle welcomes forestry safety seminar Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, Andrew Doyle, T.D., has welcomed the Forestry Safety Seminar being held by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) at the Teagasc Office, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway today.

Commenting on the Seminar, the Minister of State said, “I am very aware of the key role that the HSA plays in the provision of information and advice across all sectors, including fishing, construction, agriculture and

forestry. This timely seminar serves as an opportunity for those involved in the felling and harvesting of trees to fully appreciate the range of challenges and hazards involved and to gain an insight and understanding of safe practices.”

Minister of State Doyle added that ‘Health & Safety in forest management’ is one of the mandatory subjects to be covered by the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Groups which are currently being formed. He also welcomed the publication by the HSA of ten new

forestry safety guidance leaflets on topics ranging from ‘Using Petrol Driven Chainsaws’ to ‘Mechanical Harvesting’.

Noting that people working in the forestry sector are exposed to several safety and health hazards, including handling of heavy loads, working outdoors in a challenging environment, felling trees using chainsaws and lone working, Minister of State Doyle urged all those working in the forestry sector to take all necessary precautions and to avail of the information and advice provided by the HSA and

Andrew Doyle T.D forestry groups. He concluded by saying “While the development of forestry in Ireland is our objective, the health and safety of everyone involved in, and associated with, the sector is paramount. It is vital that we do all we can to prevent accidents in our workplace, which in this case is the forest and its environs.”

Billions of trees needed ‘to save planet’ The most authoritative global report on climate change has identified a massive increase in tree planting as a crucial action to avoid catastrophic environmental consequences.

Billions of trees will have to be planted as part of “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society” to stave off disastrous levels of global warning, says the report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, urged the UK to take a ‘Think Global, Plant Local’ approach to the biggest existential crisis facing mankind and said it was time to “get serious”.

The IPCC report says the planet will reach the crucial threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by as early

as 2030, heightening the risk of extreme drought, wildfires, floods and food shortages.

The planet is already two-thirds of the way there, with global temperatures having warmed about 1 degree C. To limit global warming to 1.5 degree C is “possible within the laws of chemistry and physics,” said Jim Skea, co-chair of IPCC Working Group III. “But doing so would require unprecedented changes.”

According to the report, there are two main ways of removing carbon from the atmosphere: increasing natural processes that already do this (including an increase in forest cover of 10 million square km by 2050, relative to 2010) and experimental carbon storage or removal technologies.

“We have had a series of

reports recently highlighting tree planting as a simple, low-cost, proven solution to tackle climate change,” said Stuart Goodall. “This is the most significant global study on climate change for many years and it puts tree planting right at the heart of the solution. “‘I urge the UK Government to ‘Think Global, Plant Local’ and to get serious about driving up tree planting rates - not only to make an impact here but also to reduce our reliance on imports of wood.

The UK imports 80 per cent of the wood it uses, the second largest net importer after China.

“As well as trees soaking up carbon, they can mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing flood risks and stabilising soils. Later, the timber harvested can be made into everyday products which store carbon.”

Mr Goodall said if the UK Government was truly serious about its green credentials, it had to start moving towards its longterm planting target of 180,000 hectares between 2017 and 2042, set out in the 25-Year Environment Plan. This means planting 7,500 hectares of new woodland every year [about 15 million trees each year], a tough target when the Government is well behind its short-term planting target of just 11 million trees in five years.

“We need 75 million trees planted in five years to get on track for the 2042 target, and we are struggling to make 11 million,” said Mr Goodall. “The targets are achievable, but Government isn’t driving planting hard enough - as the IPCC report shows, there can’t be any greater prize than the future well-being of our planet.”

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 63

ADVERTISERS INDEX SALES OFFICES UK, Europe, South Africa, US East Coast CONTACT: Phil Playle or David Lansdowne Lansdowne Media Services Ltd

CAT ������������������������������������������������������ 9 Opticom ���������������������������������������������� 2 www.cat.com/forestry

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Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777

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Email: phil@internationalforestindustries.com or david@internationalforestindustries.com

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Japan CONTACT: Yuko Ishihara Japan Advertising Communications, Inc. Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

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Tel: 81-3-3261-4591

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Fax: 81-3-3261-6126

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Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT) Australia, & New Zealand

www.hewsaw.com

CONTACT: David Lansdowne

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Lansdowne Media Services Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777 Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617 Email: david@internationalforestindustries.com

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www.serra-sawmill.com

Jartek / Roséns �������������������������������� 19 Springer ������������������������������������������ F/C www.Jartek.fi / www.rosenia.se

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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

Kone-Ketonen Oy ������������������������������ 43 USNR ���������������������������������������������������17 www.kone-ketonen.fi

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Lucidyne Technologies Inc ���������������� 3 Vermeer ��������������������������������������32/33 www.lucidyne.com

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CONTACT: Kevin Lapham J.P.Media Inc 1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville

Cont’d from page 61

IL 60563, USA Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752 Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763 Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

South America CONTACT: Ricardo Cortés Editec S.A. Avda del Cóndor 844 Of. 205, Cuidad Empresarial Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile Tel: +56 2 757 4200 Fax: +56 2 757 4201 Email: rcortes@editec.cl

Awards to date this year include: • T he Highland Council - £1,162,000 for public roads improvements on the C1043 Strathconon, U1096/C1068 Bunachton. U1217/ B852 Glenlia-Dalcrag, B873 Altnaharra – Syre.

• P erth and Kinross Council - £253,400 for road improvement projects on the B847, U29, C450.

• A berdeenshire Council - £944,827 towards timber transport route improvements across 8 roads - A97, B976, C17, C56, C43, C60, C62 & A944.

• M oray Council - £470,316 for the Forest Roads Programme 2018 (on the C3, C5, C9, C11, C12,

64 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

C13, U13, U77, U89, U105, U136).

• S cottish Borders Council - £ 601,208 towards works on the B6357, D1/3, B6399.

• A rgyll & Bute Council - £1,466,717 towards works on the A816, A8003, C29, B8000, B840/C38, C30.

• A yrshire Council - £731,640 for improvements on the C11, C90, U759 and A714.

• D umfries & Galloway Council - £455,000 for improvements on the B796, on the U300a and A709-A75(T).

35 COUNTRIES AND COUNTING‌ From Hawaii to Russia and everywhere in between, Tigercat has made its mark around the world.

With over 20,000 machines sold in 35 different countries worldwide, Tigercat continues to expand its global footprint.

Offering both tree-length and cut-to-length products, Tigercat harvesting systems achieve the lowest production cost per tonne by optimizing efficiency, productivity, operator ergonomics, environmental impact, machine availability and useful lifespan.

Contact your nearest Tigercat dealer to learn more.

www.tigercat.com/dealers

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

FORESTRY

a brand of FAE Group

John Deere G Series - Harvester and Forwarder

Road Map to Success

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

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

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.

www.deere.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

Pine harvesting system in Tasmania

1135 wheel harvester: blowdown clear fell

An all-Tigercat pine harvesting system owned by B.R. & K.F. Muskett & Sons. The three-machine system working in the southern part of Tasmania consists of a Tigercat L830C feller buncher, a Tigercat LH855C harvester processing infield and a 1075B forwarder equipped with a Tigercat crane and grapple.

A Tigercat 1135 wheel harvester felling and processing in a tough blowdown clear fell salvage application in Scotland. Although the 1135 wheeled harvester was designed for specialty thinning, the machine is highly capable in a variety of selective felling and clear fell applications.

1075B scarifier in Sweden

25, a film by Tigercat

A Tigercat 1075B forwarder base carrier equipped as a scarifier.

This 1075B scarifier is operating in Sweden in tough, rock strewn terrain. Durable Tigercat forwarders are ideal carriers for heavy duty cycle scarification applications.

25, a film by Tigercat, was made in conjunction with Tigercat’s silver anniversary. The film explores the importance of the prototype 726 feller buncher, the machine that started it all and launched a company that would go on to change the business of harvesting timber around the world in very significant ways.

www.tigercat.com

ROTTNE SKÖRDARE

Skotare ROTTNE F13C

Rottne F18

www.rottne.com

FT300 Forestry Tractor

WC2500XL Whole Tree Chipper

Vermeer forestry tractors offer tough, effective solutions for your land-clearing needs. Whether you work on small-scale residential jobsites or large right-of-way clearing projects, the Vermeer forestry tractor line has what you need. From the above-ground mulcher with a ringed rotor and multiple tip options, to the accessible tractor design for convenient service, Vermeer forestry tractors are built to provide superior versatility and productivity.

Expand your revenue stream with more flexibility to produce valuable end-product from logs or slash with the WC2500XL whole tree chipper. Featuring a chip drum with an adjustable bite size that produces chips for pellets and biofuel chips, faster and easier knife setup and a PT Tech clutch, the WC2500XL whole tree chipper offers a powerful and effective solution for producing wood chips in a compact footprint. Material can be handled efficiently with variable-speed dual-infeed conveyor chains and SmartCrush technology.

HG8000TX Horizontal Grinder

HG6000TX Horizontal Grinder

Municipal waste facilities, pallet and sawmill operations, and compost contractors alike will appreciate the cost of operation-minded qualities of the all-new HG4000 horizontal grinder. Among is the 445 hp (332 kW) Tier 4i (Stage IIIB) Fiat Powertrain Technologies diesel power plant that has shown considerable fuel savings over similarly powered engines in this application.

Watch here how the HG6000TX horizontal grinder processes waste more efficiently using either 20�/ 51 cm or 24�/ 61 cm double grouser track pads. Its high ground clearance and sealed rollers help to keep material from building up in the track system. An optional discharge blower system distributes processed wood over a large area or can fill a covered trailer from the rear end.

www.vermeer.com

a brand of FAE Group

The Best of PrimeTech PT-175 forestry mulcher

The Best of PrimeTech PT-300 tracked carrier

The PT-175 is also an impressively innovative PrimeTech PT-300 is a medium, low ground mulcher, built around cutting-edge technology pressure tracked mulcher powered by a John with easy access to all components.

Deere 6068 HF485, 6.8 L turbocharged and aftercooled engine, with 6 in-line cylinders and 275 hp.

The Best of PrimeTech PT-600 tracked carrier

PT-400 the movie

PrimeTech PT-600 is a tracked carrier for the hardest and toughest jobs out there, equipped with a Cummins QSX15 turbocharged in line 6 cylinder diesel engine producing 600 hp.

Depending on the front attachment, PT-600 can be used for land clearing and site preparation operations (with mulching head) or for removal of stumps and roots and for land conversion (with forestry tiller / subsoiler head).

PT-400 is 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

www.prime-tech.com

FAE Forestry Mulcher Kubota KX 80

FAE forestry mulcher in action 1

The DML/HY from FAE is the best of its category, this mulching head can be mounted up to a 10 ton excavator. G.B Equipment inc is the Canadian distributor for FAE, contact us via our website www.gbequipment.ca to know your local dealer.

FAE Forestry And Mulching Heads

FAE forestry and land clearing heads. Forestry Mulchers, forestry tillers, rock crushers. Mulching machines.

www.fae-group.com/

Aciers JP - Installation belge 2015

Mobile rotary log debarker is a portable system is installed on a three-axle trailer for easy transport. It consists of three rotors that ensure contact between the debarking plates and the surface of the logs over a 10-foot length.

The system is designed to debark various types and diameters of wood year-round. European Homologation.

Mobile rotary log debarker http://www.acierjp.com/en/new-releases/products-details.cfm?ProduitID=8 Les Aciers J.P. inc.

15, 3rd Avenue East La Reine, Quebec, Canada J0Z 2L0 Phone: 819 947-8291 Fax: 819 947-6321 E-Mail: info@acierjp.com Owner: RenĂŠ Perreault

www.acierjp.com

Doppstadt Expo 2015 - a Bird’s-eye View

50 years of Doppstadt: More than 5,000 guests from the environmental and recycling sector experienced two unforgettable days: on 24 and 25 June 2015.

Environmental technology company Doppstadt staged what was arguably the largest European trade show of 2015 in this field on its 220,000 sq.-metre works site (Saxony-Anhalt). On show were over one hundred machines for the shredding, sorting and treatment of waste and biomass. What was unique thereby

was that more than half of the machines could be seen in action. In two-hour live demonstrations, the guests saw how coarse shredders, screening machines and exact hackers shredded tree trunks into sawdust, separated waste from recyclables and sorted pebbles from sand heaps. In doing so, Doppstadt demonstrated its problem-solving skills through combined processes: material collected by machines was initially shredded, then separated into its various components by means of separation processes such as screening, washing or air separation.

Doppstadt AK 510 BioPower

Doppstadt AK 510 BioPower high speed shredder showing awesome power in wood applications

www.doppstadt.com

Precision Husky Kwikchip 58’’ Disc Chipper, KWF Tagung 2016

Precision Husky Progrind 5100

48” waste wood chipper with 55 KW motor, chips logs up to 28 cm.

This is the biggest of the mobile tub grinders from Precision Husky, USA. Fully road capable this unit can also be fitted with own loader, everything powered by own onboard diesel.

Suitable for biofuel production from bulky objects like tree stumps and pallets.

Precision Husky Chipper & Flail Debarker

Precision Husky Horizontal grinder 3045

Suited for shredding bulky timber horizontally for small shreeded wood suitable for biofuel. Comes with own diesel and set as a mobile trailer that can be towed on roads. Outfeed conveyor folds for road transport.

www.precisionhusky.com/

IFI WEB VIDEO DIRECTORY

LUMBER PROCESSING

Comact GradExpert

Comact Stacker

Comact Log 3D Scanning

Comact Transverse 3D Board Scanner

www.comact.com

Integrated Log Loader

MyMill™ - Changing the way you work

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

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

6-Deck Jet Veneer Dryer - time lapse construction

Murray Timber 4-sided canting log breakdown line

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

This mill is located in Ireland.

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

www.usnr.com

Sweep reducing

Log positioning

The importance of cant positioning is often overlooked.

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

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

System Edger - versatile and reliable Bandsawing technology edger optimizer

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

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

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

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

Microtec CT Log 360° X-ray CTSawing Optimization

Microtec Goldeneye Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner

CT Log optimized sawing • 100% optimum cutting solution based on highest value of final products • Increased value in every sawn log compared to any other breakdown solution • Maximization of lumber recovery quality that significantly increases revenues & resale value

Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner for lumber Grading, Chopping and Sorting for joinery and wood component manufacturers – doors, windows and wood furniture, high performance planer mills and manufacturers of glulam and lumber construction products Goldeneye 300 advantages • Worldwide-accredited strength grading Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner • Increased lumber utilisation while reducing labor costs • Optimal utilization of your machinery capacity • Next generation sensors, state-of-the-art cameras and components with Full HD resolution, faster image acquisition and on-chip image processing • Including X-ray technology • Award winning design and functionality, long product life thanks to a smart design • Fast return on investment • Integrates seamlessly with all cross and chop saws as well as sorting and packaging lines

Microtec CT Log Virtual Grading

Microtec Goldeneye 900 no. 1 transverse lumber scanner

High-speed 360° X-Ray industrial CT-Scanning for high added-values sawmills by the industry leader Microtec.

• Full digital log reconstruction and virtual grading to determine quality at conveying speed of 180 m / min.

• Virtual cutting solutions to asses multiple break-down angles and cutting masks for value optimization.

• For all types of logs • World leading scanning solutions Microtec is the global leader in optoelectronic wood grading technology.

As one source solutions provider for all sawmilling processes, we optimize, automate and streamline all processes for the wood working industry using optoelectronic Multi-Sensor Quality Scanning technologies. We have provided personalized solutions for our customers for over 35 years.

Innovation is our drive. Wood is our passion!

The world’s no.1 Multi-Sensor Quality Scanner in transverse transport, the Goldeneye 900, is a showcase of the innovative technological capabilities of Microtec.

Goldeneye 900 determines the overall quality of green, dry or planed lumber in one pass from all four sides.

Value optimization before and after kiln drying is possible as the Goldeneye 900 grades both rough and finished lumber.

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

The Westervelt Story

True-Q Patented Board Tracking System

www.Lucidyne.com

Wood Processing Industry: Springer System Fitness Check

SPRINGER - a step ahead through productivity

When correctly serviced and controlled, a system ensures reliable and efficient operation.

That’s why a steadily increasing number of customers is opting for our system fitness check. Following inspection of the system, measures for improving state and performance are suggested. These activities form the basis for a successful and complete system checkup during summer or winter breaks. For that reason, the inspection should ideally be carried out 2 or 3 months before the scheduled system check in your plant.

SPRINGER is well known for machines and conveyor systems and produces innovative wood processing solutions worldwide.

Innovative CLT production lines

SPRINGER - automation of layer press @ Tilly (A)

To optimize the production of natural wood panels with multi-layer technology, SPRINGER was commissioned with the design and construction of an installation, enabling automation of its existing layer press at Tilly Plant I in Althofen, Austria.

Excellent ease of handling, low maintenance effort and, most of all, minimized material input – these are the key characteristics of the innovative CLT production lines made

by SPRINGER. We develop CLT production lines that take cut-outs and chamfers into account early on in the process, specifically during the provision and automatic positioning of lamellas.

This means minimized material consumption thanks to solutions that are tailored to the requirements of our customers.

www.springer.au

Autolog Carriage Optimizer

Autolog Gang Optimizer

The Autolog Carriage Optimizer allows for the best log scanning in the industry with its fullprofile scanner with 5” density.

The Autolog Gang Optimizer allows for the best cant scanning in the industry with an outstanding 0.25” scan density at 45°.

Autolog High Speed Lug Loader Control System

Autolog Linear Planer Optimizer – ProGrader

The Autolog control system offers a high speed and precise operational sequence at the sawmill lug loader.

Our ProGrader is a linear optimizer designed to fully automate the grading process of dressed lumber at the planer.

www.autolog.com

KOMPTECH

INNOVATION

The NEW little “two in one” Axtor

With the new Axtor 4510 Komptech is offering an all-purpose wood chipper that is the smallest in the Axtor series, but like its bigger brothers is perfect for both chipping and shredding

With the new Axtor 4510 Komptech is offering an allpurpose wood chipper that is the smallest in the Axtor series, but like its bigger brothers is perfect for both chipping and shredding. It’s the perfect entry-level machine for small to medium-sized plants as well as contract service providers.

With the new Axtor 4510 Komptech is offering an all-purpose wood chipper that is the smallest in the Axtor series, but like its bigger brothers is perfect for both chipping and shredding. It’s the perfect entry-level machine for small to medium-sized plants as well as contract service providers.

The new Axtor 4510 rounds out the proven Axtor series at the bottom end. Like its big brothers the Axtor 6010 and 8012, this new machine can shred as well as chip, and is designed for wood and green cuttings. In shredder mode with free-swinging teeth it makes composting material, while in chipper mode with fixed blades and lower speed it makes biomass fuel that is ideal for heating plants.

With 456 HP and the same rotor dimensions as the Axtor 6010, the new Axtor is a balanced package with exactly the performance and economy that its target group is looking for. With its small dimensions and its total weight of 19 tonnes in the two-axle trailer version, not only is it very easy to move around, it’s also right-sized for small to medium-scale facilities.

Naturally, the easy transportation makes it likewise ideal for contract

service providers, who need to react flexibly in terms of work sites as well as in their service offerings, from shredding to chipping.

Chipping and shredding flexible and fast conversion Conversion from shredder to chipper is fast and simple: In three hours or less, the free-swinging shredder blades can be replaced by fixed holders with precision-cut chipping blades or tough shredder blades. Conversion using fixed teeth is even faster, going from shredder to chipper mode in under one and a half hours. There are few limits to the flexibility of the Axtor 4510.

The machine can be very precisely configured for the intended use. Whether waste wood, trunks, forestry residue, bark or green cuttings, with different blades and the right screen basket it can deliver astonishingly high throughput with excellent fuel efficiency.

For example, with woody green cuttings as a structuring material for composting, throughput of up to 150 m³ per hour is possible.

Well thought out, well executed Komptech didn’t just downsize one of the big machines to a smaller scale, but instead put customer needs first, like it always does.

One example is the Axtor 4510’s outstanding maintenance access, with hydraulically lifting engine cover and roomy service platform with integrated folded ladder.

The same goes for the massive sectional steel belt intake system, the continuous discharge conveyor with a cone height of four and a half meters, and the hydraulic tilt hopper. Everything is designed with the user in mind, from avoidance of leakage during material transport to the tough components to the clever details that help work go smoothly on-site.

Small machine, big utility Cost-effective, compact, manoeuvrable, and economical – those were Komptech’s prime goals in the development of the Axtor 4510. Easy transportation and flexible use in shredder or chipper mode make this a machine that can absolutely stand up to the “big guys.”

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 IBC