FOREST MACHINE MAGAZINE CUTTINGS FROM THE FOREST FLOOR DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR APRIL 2022 + ISSUE 34 + ISSN 2398-8568
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WELCOME RAB EASTON Editor
H
i Folks, It’s been good to see a bit of sunny weather over the last few weeks, it helps to lift our spirits with all the doom and gloom surrounding us. Fuel cost are spiralling out of control and it is sad to see so many garages and fuel suppliers cashing in on this. Again at times like this like this we should be pulling together to help each other come out the other side not profiteering on other people’s misfortunes.
Get a regular dose of forestry on our Facebook page. Share your photos and experiences.
☹
Also, I couldn’t believe it - yes, according to Wendy I am turning into Victor Meldrew more and more each day - when my recent electricity statement landed. My monthly payments will be almost double from now on. It takes me back to when I was a toddler and was frightened of the dark, my latest statement has reversed that and now I am bloody petrified of the light.
☺
The Interforst forestry exhibition in Munich will be coming up in July, this is always an excellent event with loads to see and do. It’s on for four days this year and there are quite a few of us making the trip over from Scotland and staying in the same area. If you are going to attend and would like to meet up either at the show or for a beer in the evening - or both - please get in touch. Remember the magazine is a platform for you to have your say and we are happy to publish your thoughts or gripes that affects you. We can submit them with or without your name so you can air your thoughts openly without any fear of repercussions. Take care
Stay in the loop with the latest news from the forest industry. We love to see your photos too!
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April 2022
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CONTENTS NEWS 6
Establishment: Lack of tree planting in the UK will have serious repercussions.
18
Red Diesel: Find out how the new rules will affect your business.
22
Wood Is Good: Berlin gives the go ahead for 32 wooden school buildings.
70
FEATURES 26
Nisula N6: Our visit to Finland for the launch of the new Nisula innovative thinnings harvester.
34
What’s New: We get hands on with STIHL’s new products range for 2022.
42
Harvesting: PONSSE’s all new H8 harvesting head with patented Active Speed.
46
HVO: Jon Harvey offers his perspective on an alternative to red diesel for forestry equipment.
70
Training: A visit to Owen Gillies who is one of the UK’s youngest certified forwarder operators.
74
Trails: Stewart Walker gets to grip with the STIHL MS 462 C-M.
26
42
EQUIPMENT 54
Chipper: Kesla’s four chassis options for their tried and tested C645 chipper.
56
Mulching: Seppi’s new M-CONNECT system available this spring.
60
5G: Volvo trial remote controlled Hi-Lift wheel loader.
66
Jeep: Sneak review of the all-new Jeep Cgrand Cherokee Hybrid and Electric Freedom models.
54
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April 2022
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ESTABLISHMENT
TUBEX
TREE SHELTERS Consider tree shelters for success
A
s major tree planting projects continue to be announced across the UK, tree and plant protection specialist Tubex is urging organisations to ensure they budget for tree shelters to protect their investment. Tree planting is rightly seen as an effective means of tackling climate change and the England Trees Action Plan – announced by the UK Government in 2021 – is encouraging widespread planting nationwide. Several major initiatives have already been announced in 2022, including a project at Blenheim Palace to grow 270,000 trees and the planting of 12,800 saplings by Gloucester City Council. Research has shown that tree shelters increase plant survival by at least 25 percent, offering protection from browsing animals as well as promoting faster growth and establishment. Data collected from Tubex customers suggest that tree shelters saved approximately 12.5 million saplings in the UK in 2020 – the equivalent of 14,600 football pitches. The risk of tree losses during the first five years can range from 50% to over 80%, whereas Tubex has seen its tree shelters consistently achieve Page 6
survival rates over 90%. Given the proliferation of highprofile tree planting schemes, the use of shelters, where appropriate, can be of great benefit to maximise growth and survival rates. Yet, as many tree shelters are plastic, some schemes are reluctant to use them, fearing it will compromise the sustainability credentials of a project. According to Tubex, the truth is more nuanced. The decision makers behind tree planting schemes should see the wider sustainability benefits of tree shelters. “By definition, a tree shelter is a sustainable solution because it protects saplings and increases their chances of long-term growth,” commented James Taylor, Marketing & Product Development Director at Tubex. “What’s more, while it may sound counter-intuitive, plastic can be part of an environmental solution, and Tubex is working at pace to offer a range of sustainable tree shelter solutions.” As Tubex is now demonstrating with its Collection and Recycling Programme, plastic tree shelters can be easily recycled and used to make new shelters. This means, once the loop is closed, tree shelters can contribute to www.forestmachinemagazine.com
the move towards a circular economy. This is backed by independent data. A recent LCA study conducted in the UK showed that the most sustainable choice of tree shelters is one that is manufactured from plastic containing recycled material and recycled at its end-of-life. “Our core range of tree shelters is the only in the market already manufactured from up to 35% recycled content, and our Collection and Recycling scheme offers an easy solution for foresters to ensure a responsible disposal of used tree shelters and maximise their potential,” added James Taylor. Tubex’s Collection and Recycling Scheme collected more than 150,000 used shelters during 2021, representing 21,000 kilograms of plastics which will be recycled into new tree shelters. Where a biodegradable tree shelter is preferred, Tubex now offers this option under its new Tubex Nature range. With extensive testing on its components and the finished tube to certify its biodegradability, Tubex Nature will over time start to degrade and breakdown into water and CO2 through a microbiological process. www.tubex.com April 2022
WHO IS PLANTING
AND WHAT IS BEING PLANTED? NEW ZEALAND
C
ommunities across New Zealand are doing their part to increase native tree planting while celebrating and honouring their local community heroes, with more than half a million trees planted across the country. The One Billion Trees-funded Matariki Tu Rākau programme, which is administered by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, has to date funded 660,000 native trees planted as living memorials at over 300 events nationwide. “The Matariki Tu Rākau team can help you plan where to plant your memorial, what trees to
THAILAND
A
forest community in northern Thailand celebrated the launch of a crowdfunding mechanism that will help other community groups in Thailand restore their forest landscape and increase their incomes. Tree for All is a collaborative platform for crowdfunding designed to restore forest landscapes by closing a funding gap for smallholder farmers and engage private sector companies and the general public in sponsoring tree planting. The Rak Santisuk Group in
April 2022
plant, how to prepare and maintain your planting and how to get the local community involved,” says Belinda Miller. A great example of a recent planting event was at Maeroa Intermediate School in Hamilton, where students planted 500 trees to restore a gully and honour the late Rob Begbie, former teacher, and stalwart of the community. “The children at the school collected seed, propagated the seedlings in their shade house, planted the trees, and are now maintaining their new forest and ‘outdoor classroom’ at their school.” Other recent examples of plantings supported by Matariki Thailand’s northern Nan Province initiated Tree for All with the international organization RECOFTC and local partners in Santisuk District. They hope to scale up forest landscape restoration in the province and the country and provide a financial incentive to farmers. Tree for All will raise funds for reforestation with donations starting at 100 Thai baht (US$3) to sponsor tree planting of native species that can support the livelihoods of communities living in or near forests. The donations will incentivize these communities www.forestmachinemagazine.com
Tu Rākau include: • planting 2,000 trees and rongoā species at Waiohiki marae, Napier to commemorate Tāreha Te Moananui, the first person to enter parliament with a full facial tā moko • planting 370 native trees with Mohiki Trust, Central Otago to commemorate all researchers who have contributed to the knowledge of Central Otago’s endemic flora and fauna • planting 125 native trees in Wellington with Makara Pony Club to commemorate Jack O’Leary for his voluntary service to the Club. www.mpi.govt.nz to increase areas under forest cover, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change by sequestering carbon. They will grow seedlings from their community forest, propagate good-quality seeds and sell them for additional income. They can also use the planted trees as financial collateral to expand their livelihoods. Each donation pays for five years of care and an online database that lets funders follow the growth of the trees. An online database stores the tree registration, the geographic coordinates of the location and photos from the planting. www.recoftc.org Page 7
ESTABLISHMENT
ENGLAND
A
lmost 680,000 trees will be planted in towns, cities and rural areas to increase access to nature and boost health and well-being. Hundreds of thousands of trees are set to be planted in communities across England as applications for the Local Authority Treescapes Fund and the Urban Tree Challenge Fund reopen. Over £9 million will be allocated to successful applicants across both funds, which will support tree planting efforts and improve the environment for future generations as we build back greener from the pandemic. Both funds form part of the Government’s wider drive to treble tree planting rates across England by the end of this Parliament and plant 30,000 hectares of trees across the UK per year by 2025. Now in its second round, successful applicants to the Local Authority Treescapes Fund will be allocated a share of £5.4 million for the planting of up to
WALES
S
cores of farmers across the South West are receiving free trees to plant on their land – set to bring widespread benefits including combating climate change. The trees are being delivered through a partnership between the NFU South West, Woodland Page 8
650,000 trees in 2022/23. Projects will support local authorities to establish trees in different ways, from natural regeneration (where trees are left to naturally develop) to traditional planting. Community engagement is encouraged, and local authorities can bring together local residents, schools and environmental groups to restore trees in areas outside woodlands. These include riverbanks, parks, beside roads and footpaths, and within vacant community spaces – areas where treescapes are often highly degraded due to neglect or disease. Trees make our towns and cities healthier and more pleasant places to be, helping to moderate temperatures, reduce pollution, decrease flood risk and improve people’s quality of life. If successful, applicants to the fourth round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund will be awarded a share of more than £3.8 million – enough to fund the planting of over 28,000 large trees in both urban areas, and where rural and urban areas meet. This funding aims to grow Trust and Lloyds Bank and will be planted over the coming weeks. The tree packs include those suited to hedgerows, copses, wet woodlands or for wildlife. Rob Daulby assistant outreach officer for the Woodland Trust said trees will bring a big boost for the environment and for farmers too. “By working in partnership we can do so much www.forestmachinemagazine.com
the number of trees in and around deprived urban areas to bring people from all socioeconomic backgrounds closer to nature. There are several key differences between the Local Authority Treescapes Fund and the Urban Tree Challenge Fund. These include: The Urban Tree Challenge Fund specifically funds projects planting new, large ‘standard’ trees, whilst Local Authority Treescapes Fund projects can plant trees of any size - although ‘standard’ trees in urban areas can only be planted where they are replacing trees that have been lost, for example due to disease. Whilst both funds support tree planting in urban areas, the Local Authority Treescapes Fund also supports the planting of trees outside of woodlands in rural areas. All projects supported through the Local Authority Treescapes Fund must be led by a local authority, whereas the Urban Tree Challenge Fund is also open to projects led by charities, community groups and other organisations. www.gov.uk/woodland-creation more to expand the woodland cover across the South West landscape and support farmers with their tree planting ambitions. Whether people want to plant their own large-scale woodland, a new hedgerow or more bespoke agroforestry scheme, we can give advice on the best approach, help design and offer subsidised trees – all of which are UK and Ireland sourced and April 2022
ENGLAND
W
ith 90,000 trees being planted across the wider estate, away from the Grade 1 registered parkland, the National Trust aims to plant 120 hectares (296 acres) of woodland, wood pasture and agroforestry by the middle of next month, despite the recent stormy weather. The ambitious project has been made possible thanks to £1.3 million investment and funding from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund and HSBC UK. The tree planting programme will also help with the conservation charity’s ambitions to become net carbon zero by 2030. As with other landowners across the country, one of the biggest grown. What’s more we have a carbon offer that could enable farmers to earn an income from planting trees too.” Any landowner who is interested in creating woodland, hedgerows or taking part in agroforestry schemes can find out how the Woodland Trust can support them at woodlandtrust. org.uk/plant. The trees can also form part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Farmers have been invited to register their planting as part of these celebrations and at the end of the year a map will show the extent of the planting across the UK that makes up the Queen’s Green Canopy. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
April 2022
challenges facing the estate is climate change and how to manage the land to help mitigate its effects while increasing benefits for nature, while still running a profitable and productive business. To tackle the issue the team is now planting 32 hectares (79 acres) of new woodland, 49 hectares (121 acres) of wood pasture and 39 hectares (96 acres) of agroforestry. Thirty-nine different native apple tree varieties will be planted including many heritage species creating a belt of agroforestry - with six types grown for harvesting and juicing to include Ashmead’s Kernel, Egremont Russet and Greensleeves. The team aims to generate income from growing apples, while still being able to harvest cereal crops as it has done so for the past 12 years.
£4.5 MILLION FUNDING AVAILABLE
I
nnovative approaches to tackling the greatest threats facing our trees and forests are set to be boosted by new Government funding, with applications for the Forestry Commission-delivered Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds and the Tree Production Innovation Fund. This year, almost £4.5 million will be allocated to successful applicants across both funds, which together will boost nature regeneration efforts, promote biodiversity, and support innovative approaches to tree
www.forestmachinemagazine.com
Due to Wimpole’s ancient landscape which has been occupied by people for at least 5,000 years, one of the first jobs undertaken was a comprehensive study of the areas of the estate being considered for tree planting, which concentrated on areas of less productive arable land and where they would give the greatest benefit to nature. The charity commissioned a geophysical survey of all the woodland planting areas to locate any archaeological remains. This survey made some significant discoveries which resulted in alterations to the planting plans to preserve these sites. The team also worked closely and took advice from many partners to include the Woodland Trust, Natural England, RSPB, Historic England and Forestry England. www.nationaltrust.org.uk health, resilience and production amidst a changing climate. Investing in the longterm welfare of our forests will underpin wider efforts to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament and plant 30,000 hectares of trees across the UK per year by 2025. Chair of the Forestry Commission, Sir William Worsley said: “As we enter an unprecedented era of tree planting, fostering resilient tree growth and management will be essential to realise the health, economic and ecological benefits that trees offer – now and in the future.” www.defra.gov.uk Page 9
ESTABLISHMENT
UK TIMBER SHORTAGE IS FAST APPROACHING
I
n recent years, one of the biggest topics is climate change and the need to plant more trees. The government has been bleating on about trebling the rate of tree planting but, there has been extraordinarily little planting taking place over the last decade. Last year the governments tree planting rates fell in England and were branded an “utterly humiliating failure.” Communities around the world are eager to aid in the fight against climate change and offset our carbon footprint. Planting of native trees is now on many countries’ agenda with all manner of funding becoming available to ensure that this happens. Not one to knock anyone’s efforts at keeping our planet healthy, but I must mention while tree planting is on the rise, commercial forestry IS NOT. Commercial forests are essential for the production of sawn timber and other wooden products. These forests are not to be confused with deforestation, commercial forests are intensely managed and are important for biodiversity and carbon storage. The world relies heavily on commercial forestry, although it is not often known or acknowledged. Wood, or byproducts of wood are commonly used in the construction industry as well as in textiles, paper, sports, food, medicines, Page 10
shipbuilding, fuel, gardening products, the list is endless. Every part of a tree is used to make various products and as the population increases so does the demand for timber products. It can’t be stressed enough; we are the second largest global importer of timber after China and import 80% of the timber we need. Without speeding up the establishment of new commercial woodlands we will be paying higher prices for imported timber followed by timber shortages. We all know that this is looming and yet nothing is being done. I have received multiple press releases, from a range of media sources, regarding the detriment that monoculture forests do to our eco system and how we should go back to only growing native species of trees. I watched a programme on “Who Owns Scotland” on BBC and there was a head honcho that used to be in Greenpeace explaining how the forests should be planted with native tree species. In the same breath he acknowledged that they would be commercially nonviable and government grants should be made available make up the financial shortfall. All the current talk of going back to native tree species and getting rid of monoculture forestry will surely just escalate the problem. We have three native www.forestmachinemagazine.com
softwoods in the UK, Yew, Juniper and Scots Pine. Scots Pine is one of the strongest softwoods available and is the only one used commercially - it is generally used in the manufacture of telegraph poles, gate posts and fencing. It grows well on acid to neutral, light soils of low fertility and is better suited to drier soils but will colonise and grow slowly on peat. It doesn’t tolerate alkaline soils and will grow vigorously when planted on more fertile sites, but stem form is usually poor. The species is frost hardy, drought tolerant and windfirm but suffers from exposure. Sawmills often avoid Scots Pine due to the presence of blue stain fungi which discolours the sapwood. Although this doesn’t affect the quality of the timber, once present the blue stain cannot be removed without causing damage to the timber. Consequently, blue stain is a major challenge for wood processors and cannot be used for value added applications. Steps can be taken to prevent blue stain occurring - winter felling, removing timber from the forest immediately after felling in warm condition, sawing, and drying the timber without delay and dip coating the timber with anti-sapstain fungicides. Scots Pine also have dead knots which weakens the timber and further reduces the value, the loose knots can dislodge when machining making it unsuitable for joinery uses. Mills are reluctant to risk buying Scots Pine when other more durable species are available like Sitka spruce. Not everyone understands the April 2022
business of forestry and why it is so vital that we re-establish what we harvest, and that we ensure we meet planting targets. Forestry grows fibre, the forests are our production factory. It’s an enormous one and very slow at producing. Depending on species it can take anywhere from 40 to 150 years to produce a tree ready for the market. To be fully sustainable in our production line, we need to plant what we fell annually, otherwise there will be a shortage of timber down the line, but it will only be felt at the next rotation age. It is not as simple as just planting a seedling. Forestry establishment must have all the management functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling to ensure a successful planting season. It is only through effective management and planning that we get this crucial activity done,
on time and in budget. A recent draft plan for Maesycilyn shows a felling plan along with replanting the felled areas for the period 2021-2041. The proposed replanting will be entirely with commercial conifer species, mainly Sitka spruce. But the charity, Coetir Anian, is proposing more integration of natural habitats into their plans. Their idea is to restock by natural regeneration and gradually integrate grazing, over some or all the forestry property. This proposal does not affect the felling plan for the existing stands of conifers, so timber production would not be affected for 30 to 40 years but what will happen after that? It is essential that we find a balance that will work between commercial and recreational forestry. The world’s forests play a vital role in our health and well-being. Countless studies show that trees are important
for producing cleaner city air. Leaves collect air pollutants reducing our exposure to harmful substances. But managed sustainable commercial forestry is profitable and benefits everyone, profits from timber harvesting are put back into up-keeping and creating new recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy. If commercial forestry ceases where will this money come from, the forests will become overgrown, unkempt, and unsafe for visitors with no one looking after them. Our demand for wood will be just the same whether we have a forest industry or not. All we are doing is being irresponsible by passing the buck. We will become further dependent on imported timber, and our own forest and wood processing industry will cease to exist, leaving us at the mercy of others yet again.
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PEST & DISEASES
NEW PLANT HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCED Forestry Commission takes action following further findings of the tree pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis
T
he Forestry Commission is urging woodland managers, landowners and the forestry industry to remain vigilant following further findings of Phytophthora pluvialis in areas across England. Extensions to the existing demarcated areas in Devon and Cornwall have been made following further identifications of the pathogen in these areas. Investigations are ongoing into the first reported cases of the pathogen in woodlands in Surrey and, following further findings in Wales, a new demarcated area has been introduced in Herefordshire to combat any potential spread. The UK Chief Plant Health Officer has confirmed these findings following extensive surveillance activities by the Forestry Commission and other parts of the UK Plant Health Service. Phytophthora pluvialis is a fungus-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir, tanoak and several pine species (in particular radiata pine). It is reported to cause needle cast (where needles turn brown and fall off), Page 12
shoot dieback, and lesions on the stem, branches, and roots. Phytophthora pluvialis has been detected on mature western hemlock and Douglas-fir trees at the affected sites, and has been confirmed as the direct cause of the observed symptoms.
efforts to tackle this pathogen by checking the health of western hemlock and Douglasfir trees. Key symptoms to look out for are lesions on the stem, branch or roots. Any sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via its TreeAlert online portal.”
Forestry Commission, Forest Research and the Animal and Plant Health Agency are continuing to conduct further surveillance and diagnostic analysis to understand more about the pathogen and ensure that any required control measures are swiftly undertaken to stop its spread. This includes extensive ground and aerial surveillance as part of a UKwide survey, and comprehensive research and modelling to explore factors such as climatic and potential species susceptibility and to help inform the management response.
The introduction and extensions of demarcated areas help to prevent the accidental movement of tree pathogens. Additional restrictions requiring pre-notification of felling of susceptible material within demarcated areas were introduced in December 2021 and continue to apply to all demarcated areas.
Nicola Spence, the UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer, said: “We are taking robust and swift action against the findings of Phytophthora pluvialis at these sites, as part of our wellestablished biosecurity protocol for tree pests and diseases.
Further information on tree pests and diseases, and how to identify them, is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/find-aspecific-tree-pest-or-disease.
“I urge all sectors to support www.forestmachinemagazine.com
The Notices for introducing the demarcated area in Herefordshire, and extending the demarcated areas in Devon and Cornwall, came into force on Friday 4th March.
Landowners are asked to report any suspect trees via www.for estresearch.gov.uk/tools-andresources/fthr/tree-alert/ April 2022
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
SILVERCLOUD WALES ADDITIONAL FUNDING Over £7m in funding to extend online mental health service
T
he Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Lynne Neagle has confirmed an additional £7.7m in funding to continue providing SilverCloud Wales the free online mental health support tool for a further three years. The work will be overseen by Powys Teaching Health Board. SilverCloud Wales is a free
STROKE
F
rom a young age, we’re told that we should be living a healthy lifestyle, but you may be wondering just why is it important to stay healthy and fit? Being fit and healthy can help to avoid any issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and diabetes. Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability and the fourth biggest cause of death in the UK. While some strokes are unavoidable, up to nine out of ten are linked to lifestyle and could be preventable if people are aware of the risks and able to make changes. Many people think that strokes only happen to older people, but stroke can strike anyone, at any time. Page 14
online therapy service designed to help people who experience mild to moderate anxiety, depression or stress, manage their mental health and wellbeing. Following an all-Wales pilot scheme launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the service has helped people access online mental health support. As we move out of the pandemic the John Watson, Associate Director Scotland at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It can happen at any time and at any age and can be devastating. As many as nine out of ten strokes could be prevented as they are linked to things you can change or manage. Many people simply don’t realise they are at risk and that’s something that we as a charity desperately want to put right. The effects of a stroke can be life-changing for you and your family, so why not do all you can to avoid one yourself? “However, we know that it isn’t always easy, so pick something that’s manageable for you. Aim to stick with it for an initial three months and, if you can do that, you’re more likely to form a regular habit. www.forestmachinemagazine.com
additional funding will expand the service and will offer access to digital therapy for young people aged 11 and over. It will also provide perinatal support. During the pilot over 23,000 people have accessed SilverCloud’s mental health programmes and 64% of people reported a positive outcomes following self-referral. As well as being an online selfhelp service, SilverCloud Wales is backed up and supported by a team of psychologists and online cognitive behavioural therapy co-ordinators. It has the benefits of both being an ‘access from home’ service as well as professionally led one. www.gov.wales As a first step, the Stroke Association wants people to make one small change to reduce their risk of stroke. Examples include: • Having your blood pressure, cholesterol and pulse checked regularly • Stopping smoking • Having a number of alcoholfree days each week • Changing your diet to include less salt or switching to a reduced sodium alternative such as LoSalt® • Eating more fruit and vegetables • Getting up and moving regularly during the day, especially if you’re working from home • Exercise regularly or take on the charity’s Stride for Stroke challenge www.stroke.org.uk April 2022
WOODCUTTER’S WALK FOR WES On May 1st, 2022, three friends from Devon - Patrick, Ian, and James - will be taking on the challenge of walking coast to coast from Wembury to Lynmouth - 117 miles - along the Two Moors Way.
T
he fundraising is in memory of a close friend of the trio - Wesley Thorpe - who sadly passed away in June 2020 aged just 29.
James Cuthbert
Ian Llewellen
As they all work in forestry or arboriculture the lads will be attempting to complete this wearing chainsaw boots and chainsaw trousers. For those who haven’t worn either the boots and trousers are very bulky and thick and will make the walk extra challenging. On top of this each of them will be carrying there own camping gear and provisions. James Cuthbert, 30 of Tiverton, Devon is a tree surgeon and hand cutter. He works for Four Seasons Tree Services and Moor Tree Services, both in Tiverton. Ian Llewellen, 30 is a tree surgeon and axe enthusiast. He works for Hickson Wardle Tree Care, London. Patrick Jeffs, 31 is a hand cutter and works for
Kleenkutt Forestry Contractors Ltd. Southwest. The trio smashed their target of £1000 in under 24 hours and so far, have managed to raise just over £2000 which will be shared evenly between two great charities: Mind- A mental health charity that provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. www.mind.org.uk SUDEP- Epilepsy FoundationHelping people overcome the challenge of living with epilepsy. Accelerating therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. www.epilepsy.com To donate please visit https://gofund.me/7f8d3a52 Thank you for supporting us! Please follow our Instagram page woodcutterswalkforwes to join us on the path.
To donate please visit https://gofund.me/7f8d3a52
Patrick Jeffs April 2022
www.forestmachinemagazine.com
Page 15
www.ncdequipment.com The TMK range now offers shears that fit on 2 to 30 tonne excavators. The TMK 300 will also fit onto Telehandlers. The TMK now offers shears that fit on 2 to 30 and tonne excavators. TMK shears canrange cut between 200mm - 400mm softwood between 180mm to TMKcapabilities 300 will also onto Telehandlers. 350mm hardwood. The Cutting arefitdependant on the model of shear being TMK shears can cut between 200mm used. - 400mm softwood and between 180mm to 350mm hardwood. Cutting capabilities dependant on the cut model being Each shear comes with a fixed grapple,are which holds onto treeoforshear vegetation before and after it has been cut, allowing used. the operator to safely place it onto the ground. Each shear comes with a fixed grapple, which holds onto the cut tree or vegetation before and after it has been cut, allowing the operator to safely place it onto the ground.
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“ Halfsales@ncdequipment.com the cost, half the time” Email TMK Attachments Follow us: Email sales@ncdequipment.com Followextension us: Hydraulic beam suitable for the TMK 300 07956 087549 Call Nick 07535 211338 or Emma Call Nick 07535 211338 or Emma 07956 087549 Tree Shear The TMK Hydraulic extension beam offers a further 3.6m reach when cutting those difficult to reach branches. As pictured on the machine.
Collector suitable for the TMK 200, 300 & 400 Tree Are you involved in hedgerow management or tree cutting Shears Are you to involved inshear hedgerow management orfor tree cutting need see this working! Contact us more info Opens and closes with a separate control to the shears need to see this shear working! Contact us for more info grapple to allow the user to hold onto what has been cut while the grapple opens again to cut the next branch, tree etc. This is TMK’s most popular attachment.
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Delimber suitable for the TMK 200, 300 & 400 Tree Shear The delimber is ideal for stripping smaller branches from straight trees and can be used without electricity. The TMK Tree Shear can cut up to 400mm softwood and fits on 2-30 tonne machines, dependant on model.
Tree Shears are available for hire. Are you involved in hedgerow management or tree cutting? If so, you Are you involved in hedgerow management orfor tree cutting? If so, you need to see this shear working! Contact us more information The TMK range now offers shears that fit on 2 to 30 need to see this shear working! Contact us for more information The TMK 300 will also fit onto Telehan Cone Splitter
The TMK now offers shears that fit on 2 to 30 TMK shears canrange cut between 200mm - 400mm softwood
TMKcapabilities 300 will also onto Telehan 350mm hardwood. The Cutting arefitdependant on www.ncdequipment.com machines (dependant on TMK shears can cut between 200mm used. - 400mm softwood
* fits on 1.8 - 10 tonne
model). * Cone screw with interchangeable head * No drain line required less expensive mounting. * CanFollow be supplied with us: timber grab, as pictured Follow us: Call (optional). Call
350mm hardwood. Cutting capabilities dependant on Each shear comes with a fixed grapple,are which holds onto before and after it has been cut, allowing used. the operator to saf Each shear comes with a fixed grapple, which holds onto before and after it has been cut, allowing the operator to saf
“ Half the cost, half the time” “ Halfsales@ncdequipment.com the cost, half the time” Email Email sales@ncdequipment.com Nick 07535 211338 or Emma 07956 087 Nick 07535 211338 or Emma 07956 087
NEW
The TMK range now offers shears that fit on 2 to 30 tonne excavators.
The TMK 300 will also fit onto Telehandlers. Mulcher The TMK now offers shears that fit on 2 to 30 and tonne excavators. TMK shears canrange cut between 200mm - 400mm softwood between 180mm to * Fits on 1.8 - 13 tonne machines 350mm hardwood. The TMKcapabilities 300 will We also onto Telehandlers. Cutting arefitare dependant on the model of shear being (dependant on model). TMK shears can cut between 200mmexcited - 400mm softwood and between 180mm to used. to hardwood. Cutting capabilities are dependant on the cut model being Each shear comes with a fixed grapple, which holds onto treeoforshear vegetation * Self leveling independant linkage 350mm be supplying Auger used. before and after it has been cut, allowing the operator to safely place it onto the ground. (floating head). Torque attachments Each shear comes with a fixed grapple, which holds onto the cut tree or vegetation before and after it has been cut, allowing the operator to safely place it onto the ground.
“ Half the cost, half the time” Email - sales@ncdequipment.com “ Halfsales@ncdequipment.com the cost, half the time”quoting FMM Email Email sales@ncdequipment.com Call Sales - 07561 649614 Call Nick 07535 211338 or Emma 07956 087549 Follow us: Follow us:
Call Nick 07535 211338 or Emma 07956 087549
NEWS
TEAGASC GUIDE
HARVESTING AND
SELLING TIMBER Step-by-Step Guide to Harvesting and Selling Timber from Conifer Forests launched
T
he forecasted increase in timber supply to the Irish market in future years will come almost exclusively from privately owned forests. The mobilisation of this important supply is dependent on timely and active management of what is traditionally referred to as the ‘farm forest’. Active management commences with individual forest owners developing an awareness and understanding of their own forests. This allows for timely planning of activities such as applying for a felling licence and providing suitable access to their forest. Minister Hackett said; “Forest management is a relatively new
venture for many forest owners. The steps involved in organising forest harvesting and timber sales, including knowing, where to start and who to approach, can be challenging, particularly if this is a new venture.” This 28-page publication offers a step-by-step guide to forest owners in getting timber from their conifer forests to the market place. Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer explained; “planning a timber harvest needs to begin in good time, ideally a few years out from the actual harvest.” She added; “gaining knowledge of timber assortments and
ESCALATING FUEL COSTS et again forestry contractors are facing a crisis as red diesel prices spiral out of control.
Y
contractors experienced prices in excess of £1.30 per litre for red with prices for white over the £2.00/litre mark.
Forestry contractors have experienced well over 100% price increase in fuel costs recently and discussions over rate increases with management companies fall on deaf ears. Just before going to print, some
The Road Haulage Association has been urging the chancellor to support the commercial vehicle sector by lobbying for an essential fuel rebate and delaying the ban on red diesel for 12 months.
April 2022
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products, the paperwork involved, the potential buyers, along with required preparation in the forest, all need a significant lead in time”. The key messages for owners considering forest management and timber sales are set out in this booklet; start the process in good time, get good advice, engage people who will work for the benefit of the forest and make sure to have a good contract in place to ensure a successful outcome. This approach will greatly help in optimising your valuable forest resource. The booklet is available from Teagasc at www.teagasc.ie/ New contracts where mechanical equipment is used - harvesting, planting, road construction and timber haulage - will have to be written so there is room for negotiation for events like this otherwise contracts will be impossible to price. The theft of diesel has also been a major concern and has risen in recent years. The current price increase will escalate the problem ten-fold and from my own experiences PC Plod isn’t interested. Page 17
NEWS
RED DIESEL
NEW RULES FOR USE CPA Urges Wider Industry to Be Prepared for Red Diesel Changes
W
ith one month to go before the rules change relating to the use of red diesel and rebated biodiesel in construction plant machinery, the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is urging the wider industry to be fully prepared for the changes that come into effect from 1st April 2022. After this date, red diesel can continue to be used for plant and machinery that is being used solely for agricultural or forestry purposes, but it will no longer be legal to use red diesel in plant and machinery being used for construction related activities from April 2022. Instead, fuel tanks must be filled with white diesel or duty paid biofuels such as HVO fuel if equipment is being used for construction work. Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “Even though these rules directly affect the construction plant sector, it’s important that non-construction clients, such as agriculture, forestry and local authorities, are up-to-date with the forthcoming changes, as it may affect how they operate their plant. This applies to plant and machinery owners, those Page 18
organisations looking to hire plant and those supplying it. “In conjunction with our colleagues at HMRC, we have produced a recently updated guide and set of FAQs that we encourage everyone to look at.” The CPA states that the main points to note and follow are: 1. Plant-hire companies who operate plant and machinery (for construction activities) that use red diesel must fill tanks with white diesel or duty paid biofuels (e.g. HVO fuel) from 1st April 2022. 2. Companies carrying out construction related activities can continue to operate plant with any red diesel that is already in a vehicle or machine’s engine from 1st April 2022, but they will not be allowed to refill fuel tanks with red diesel from this date onwards. 3. Red diesel can continue to be used by operators for plant and machinery that is hired out to clients if it is being used solely for agricultural or forestry purposes, but the fuel tanks must be drained and replaced with white diesel ahead of the machinery being hired out to a construction client. www.forestmachinemagazine.com
4. Operators carrying out construction related activities are not expected to flush out fuel tanks of red diesel in advance of 1st April 2022, but they will be expected to make sure that any excess fuel they have in storage tanks is disposed of properly. Suppliers can sell or give their excess fuel to someone still entitled to use it or sell it to an oils dealer or dispose of it through waste oil or disposal companies. 5. We advise CPA members to work closely with their existing fuel suppliers to ensure both sides are aware of the changes and the procedures to follow. Fuel suppliers are being contacted by HMRC to ensure they are following the new regulations. 6. We urge CPA members in the weeks leading up to 1st April 2022, to run down stocks and keep records/receipts of orders of deliveries and supplies of red diesel, along with records for when and how much red diesel, has been added to engines. In addition, we advise members to make sure they have full records for what activity the machinery and April 2022
•
plant has been hired out for i.e. is it being used for construction, agriculture, or forestry purposes. 7. We advise members to review existing security arrangements, whether in depot sites or working with clients when equipment is on site, to deter the theft of white diesel. 8. Raise awareness amongst staff and clients of the changes that come into effect and what procedures they must follow both ahead of the 1st April 2022 deadline and thereafter. 9. The new rules apply to any type of vehicle that currently runs on red diesel or rebated biodiesels - including what is termed a ‘special vehicle’. If the machine is working in construction related activity, red diesel cannot be put the fuel tank from 1st April 2022. Kevin Minton added: “Over the course of the last few months, we have been working closely with HMRC to make sure CPA members receive the latest and most up-to-date information on what the red diesel rule changes mean. We have hosted two webinars in conjunction with HMRC for CPA members, and we will be hosting another on 17th March 2022 with our colleagues from HMRC. This will allow CPA members to put their questions directly to the Red Diesel Policy Team.” Recordings of the first two red diesel webinars and the latest red diesel guidance from the CPA can be downloaded from www.cpa.uk.net April 2022
THE PLOTTERS FOREST PLAYGROUND
New adventure playground built amongst the trees
A
s construction work continues, Raby Castle has revealed the name of its new adventure playground, which will be built amongst the towering trees within its Christmas Tree plantation. The Plotters’ Forest, which is due to open at Easter this year, draws subtle inspiration from the castle’s history, including The Rising of the North in 1569, when Catholic rebels unsuccessfully plotted to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I, which is said to have been planned at Raby Castle. Young visitors will see special features throughout the site, which represent Raby Castle’s architectural history – including its entrance which has been built to honour the famous Nevill Gateway, and Plotters’ Spire, a three-story tower with a top-floor slide and unusual pentagon shapes which have
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been used across the playground. The new adventure playground is likely to open for Easter 2022, along with its takeaway food and refreshments kiosk. The Plotters’ Forest is part of a wider development, known as The Rising, that promises to attract new visitors to the area and create outstanding recreation for the local community. The bespoke and inclusive playground features a fully accessible boardwalk through our Christmas Tree Plantation, opening a previously inaccessible part of the grounds, as well as three-storey play towers, high-level walkways, tunnels and climbing walls, along with several ground-level play trails and slides. The new attraction also has a purposebuilt area for toddlers, with mini turrets and lookout decks – conveniently located next to the new split-level café. www.raby.co.uk Page 19
NEWS
FIRST TREES
COLLECTED IN WALES The first people in Wales have started to collect trees as part of an ambitious Welsh Government project to fight climate change.
I
t follows a promise made by Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters in December that every household in Wales would be offered a free tree. Welsh Government has teamed up with Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, to deliver the project. The collections started today (Friday, February 25) in Cwmbran and will run throughout March at five regional hubs as part of a pilot that will see the release of 5,000 trees to local households. In autumn, and to coincide with the next tree planting season,
the scheme will be extended to 25 regional hubs across Wales where 200,000 will be available to collect. Speaking at a visit to Blaen Bran Woodlands in Cwmbran where the first trees were being collected, Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters said: “It is great to be here to see the start of this project that will make a real difference in our commitment to reach net zero by 2050. We are in a climate and nature emergency and Wales is particularly vulnerable to increased flooding and coastal erosion as our weather changes, in order to become a Net Zero Wales by 2050 and strengthen our natural flood defences, we
BORDER CONTROL POSTS LATEST UPDATE
L
eaving the EU has brought additional pressures to our ports, including the requirement for new infrastructure. The next step in this process is the appointment of Kier as the Page 20
contractor for the design of the proposed Border Control Post facility to be situated at plot 9, Parc Cybi. During the design stage of the contract Kier will work with the Welsh Government to produce detailed designs for the facility, www.forestmachinemagazine.com
must plant 86 million trees over the next decade. “It’s great to speak to families today and it is already clear to see that this project will help people further understand and experience the many benefits that trees can provide, not only to the environment but also to health and well-being. “I would like to thank all involved at Coed Cadw for partnering with us to deliver this project and I look forward to seeing it extended later in the year.” The March giveaway will run from five regional hubs in Llanrwst, Wrexham, which will then allow the cost and timetable to be confirmed. Construction work on the proposed site will not start until the build stage of the contract is agreed, expected in the summer, and the site will continue to be used as a HGV parking facility until that time. This stage is also subject to the granting of planning permission via a Special Development Order April 2022
Machynlleth, Swansea and Cwmbran. People living near those sites can visit National Forest for Wales | GOV.WALES to find details of their hub and how to collect a tree. On collection they will receive advice from trained volunteers on how to plant and care for their new tree. Natalie Buttriss, Director of Coed Cadw said: ”This project is a great example of how ‘the will’ to do something, becomes ‘the way’ in a short space of time. We know from our experience of tree planting projects how much people care about the tree they are planting, and how this can inspire the whole family and their network of friends. It’s great to also have on board our community partner, Llais Y Goedwig, who have helped us to set up the tree hubs that will be central to this project. To find out more about the first phase of the project and to make sure you’re first to know about the next collection, visit National Forest for Wales | GOV. WALES. with a decision expected in May. It is expected that the BCP will be operational by April 2023. In parallel with this work is the development of interim arrangements for each of the three ports planned to take effect from 1 July, which will ensure we maintain the flow of imports from the Island of Ireland whilst protecting biosecurity and food safety. www.gov.wales April 2022
ADVICE ON QUALITY HARDWOODS FOR WOODLAND OWNERS
N
ew guidance from the Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS) gives woodland owners advice on how to make best use of quality hardwoods that have been brought down in the recent storms. Much of the hardwood, many of which will have been growing for hundreds of years, will provide small scale businesses with a valuable and beautiful resource. To make the best use of the fallen hardwood, woodland owners need to recover it and store it in a way that preserves the hardwood for future use. If stored correctly, good quality hardwoods such as Oak, Elm, Beech, Ash and Sycamore will be usable in the future. Jim Birley runs hardwood sawmilling company Scottish Wood and is a member of the Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS). He said: “Thousands of our broad leaved trees have been lost across Scotland as a result of recent exceptional storm damage. Whilst it is devastating to see them down, these trees can yield beautiful hardwood timber and be preserved for another millennia in the form of fine furniture and other quality wooden products. “ASHS has produced a very useful guide for woodland owners who may not be familiar with the quality hardwood sector. It gives guidance on how
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best to save these trees so that they can be put to good use by small local businesses.” The new guide covers issues such as identifying which hardwoods are most marketable, picking the best quality wood, storing the hardwoods and where to get help and advice on marketing them. ASHS also produce further technical guidance on their website including grading, sawing, seasoning and selling of hardwood timber. Welcoming the new guide, Scottish Forestry’s forest industries advisor, Ros Wardman added: “The storms, especially Storm Arwen, have been ferocious events. Their effects have reached many parts of Scotland. The aftermath has left many woodlands devastated and this is very upsetting to see. “The hardwood industry can use quality timber for their work so if owners follow the guidance it may still be possible to sell storm damaged trees for a good price. I’m pleased to see ASHS taking a proactive role in providing guidance and practical advice to help support this important part of the forest industries.” Expert woodworkers from the Scottish Furniture Makers Association will take advantage from the fallen hardwoods by making stunning bespoke furniture and other beautiful wooden objects. www.forestry.gov.scot Page 21
NEWS
MODULAR WOOD
CONSTRUCTION
FAST AND ECONOMICAL Efficient and sustainable wooden modular construction of 32 schools in Berlin
T
he sustainable and innovative wooden modular construction with its extremely short construction time aided the decision to build 32 wooden schools by 2025 in Berlin. The first 6 schools have been successfully built and new schools are under construction by The Senate Department for Urban Development & Housing. Metsä Wood’s Kerto® LVL beams are used for offsite production. MODULAR WOOD CONSTRUCTION – FAST AND ECONOMICAL CONSTRUCTION METHOD Wooden modular construction has experienced an extreme boom in recent years. The main reasons for this are increased sustainability requirements and cost-effectiveness of prefabricated wood-based modules. The City of Berlin wants to establish itself as one of the world’s major metropolises for wood construction. Currently, threestorey wooden schools are being built in Berlin by Austrian prefabrication constructor Kaufmann Bausysteme (KBS). “six schools have already been built and a total of 32 schools are to be built by 2025. The speed of the offsite construction method was a decisive factor. Page 22
With the prefabricated wooden modules, the construction time can be halved,” explains Sebastian Hagspiel from Kaufmann Bausysteme. A LIGHTWEIGHT HIGHPERFORMANCE GLVL WOOD BEAM IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO STEEL One school consists of nearly 100 modules, each 3-m wide and 8-m long. All modules were prefabricated off-site and assembled on the construction site. To achieve a column-free floor plan for classrooms, 8-m long beams had to be used at the joint of the modules. “For structural reasons, glulam was not suitable for this project. Steel beams were also not a solution for us or the architects,” describes Sebastian Hagspiel, Project Manager at Kaufmann Bausysteme. The structural designers finally decided to use beams made of the highperformance and easy-toprocess GLVL (Glued laminated veneer lumber). KERTO GLVL FOR LONG-SPAN BEAMS The GLVL was manufactured by Holzwerke Bullinger using Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL. Ingo Faller from Bullinger’s sales department describes the www.forestmachinemagazine.com
process as efficient: “We have updated our standard glulam process so that we can use LVL beams. The GLVL beams have a high bending strength. In the GLVL process, laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams are glued together. LVL is uniform in quality and therefore has an extremely high static loadbearing capacity. As a result, GLVL beams have a much higher flexural strength. Interestingly, LVL is stronger in strength-toweight ratio than steel.” www.metsawood.com April 2022
SUPPLIED BY SPALDINGS
TMC CANCELA RANGE EXCLUSIVE TO SPALDINGS IN THE UK & IRELAND
Fitted with heavy duty carbide tipped hammers – especially for top soil penetration and mulch
MPK-225
Multi-purpose Forestry Mulcher
TMC CANCELA MPK-225 Forestry Mulcher c/w roller UP TO:
2.25m WORKING WIDTH
30cm
MANUFACTURED WITH
FINANCE DEALS LE AVAILAB E PLEAS ASK!
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BUILT FOR TOUGH SITE CLEARANCE AND LAND REGENERATION IN FORESTRY APPLICATIONS — LEAVING A FINE, FIRM TILTH READY FOR WOODLAND RE-PLANTING
• Large diameter roller for depth control and consolidation of soil and mulched material
• Two-speed gearbox for shredding and incorporation, and for grinding tree stumps
• Patented hydraulic top-link system provides permanent PTO alignment for reliable power delivery
DEVELOPED TO MAXIMISE PRODUCTIVITY The MPK multi-purpose forestry mulcher has been engineered to deliver impressive mulching ability. Capable of grinding deep stumps up to 45cm in diameter, mulching roots and surface residue, working to a depth of up to 30cm. Incorporating the resulting mulched material into the finely tilled topsoil, before consolidating to a firm level finish, ready for woodland re-planting or land regeneration applications.
For further details and to see TMC Cancela mulchers in action visit: www.spaldings.co.uk Call our dedicated team on: 01522 507100 facebook.com/spaldings.ltd • twitter.com/spaldings
email: forestry@spaldings.co.uk
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Page 25
HARVESTING
NISULA N6
NEXT GENERATION THINNING HARVESTER Redesigned to better meet the needs of thinning
H
ow often when looking at the layout of the inside of a cab or skinning your knuckles trying to remove an awkwardly situated engine filter, have you thought “I wish this machine was made by someone who has used one.” One Company that fits this bill is Finnish manufacturer Nisula Forest OY. Brothers Seppo and Ali Nisula, the founders of the Page 26
company, started out as timber harvesting contractors. In 1978 they made the decision to design and manufacture their first forwarder as they continually searched for new ways to help improve their business and increase productivity. The brothers had a Valmet 702 tractor on the family farm which they thought would be ideal for the plans they had. The tractor chassis was www.forestmachinemagazine.com
reinforced, the front wheels were removed and a noise reducing cab was fitted. The centre joint and rear frame were built from scratch with a MAN truck mid lift centre axle used for the rear bogies and a Cranab 4010 crane was fitted for loading timber. The forwarder was never given a name or number but none the less it was dependable and increased their productivity. Looking to April 2022
the day to day running of the forestry contracting business to concentrate solely on the engineering division.
capitalise on their success, the duo moved forward and manufactured a bed processor based on a Valmet 870CK. 1984 saw the introduction of the Nisula Brothers first grapple mounted processor which led to two of their own processors and their forwarder working effectively on their own harvesting sites. The processing head was further modified so that it could tip upright for felling trees. Unfortunately, the design of the processor wasn’t ideal, so it was back to the drawing board to find an alternative design. This prompted Ali to retire from April 2022
Seppo and Ali went to see a Ponsse S20 in Vieremä which they thought would be the ideal base for a harvester. On their second visit the brothers met with Ponsse owner Einari Vidgren and revealed their design for a new type of crane they had been working on. This was the start of a successful co-operation between the two companies. 1987 was a decisive step in terms of machine sales with the arrival of the new model S15 Ponsse and the Nisula HN 125 harvester crane. Further improvements were made in 1988 as the cabin was repositioned, and the fuel and oil tanks moved to increase operators’ visibility. Nisula developed the H53 harvesting heads that were presented at the Elmia Wood exhibition in Sweden. The demonstrations at Elmia were phenomenally successful and discussions took place to manufacture a larger H73 harvesting head. A new idea was formed in 1998 to manufacture a combimachine (Harwarder). This time a Valmet 838 was selected as an ideal base machine. Valmet was owned by Partek, and a deal was signed to manufacture the combi machines based on Nisula’s prototype. In 2001 the Valmet 801 Combi was born and put into serial production. This partnership continued for some time with the 330 series harvesting heads made for Valmet harvesters and the 400 series of heads were sold under the Valtra brand. www.forestmachinemagazine.com
NISULA TODAY Nisula have continued to evolve ever since, and the company has created many new products which are exported to over 24 countries; half of their turnover comes from export sales. I first saw Nisula’s harvesting heads and the N5 4WD thinnings harvester at FinnMetko in 2016. The design was unlike any harvester base I had seen before, it was narrow and compact and ideally suited for working in single line thinnings also it is easily manoeuvred in selective thinnings. I saw Nisula again at Elmia Wood in Sweden in 2017. On display were a selection of harvesting heads, the N5 harvester, extension dipper booms for excavators and the clever FLEX-14 System, which allows excavator tracks to pivot, like a forwarder bogie. Although the FLEX -14 system has since been shelved for now - the different fittings for each make and model of excavator meant each one was a custom and expensive build - it showed just how forward thinking the Nisula family are. I was pleased to hear that SB Forestry Ltd are the UK and Irish distributers for all of Nisula Oy’s products. I have known Scott Burton for several years and have witnessed his enthusiasm for conducting proper thinnings and his stance on the importance of using the correct equipment. Scott has spent many years harvesting and extracting on his own contracts using his own equipment prior to starting up SB Forestry Ltd, so Page 27
HARVESTING he is ideally placed to offer good sound advice to potential customers. When Scott first mentioned joining him on a trip to Finland to attend the dealers launch presentation of the N6 and N6E harvesters, along with the new 755 harvesting head, I was both excited and slightly apprehensive as this was my first overseas trip since Covid 19 landed. Flying is not as easy as in pre Covid days, you need a Covid test beforehand, proof of Covid injection status and passenger locator forms for every country you are travelling to. On the plus side, airports are no where near as busy as they used to be and there was more room to stretch out, due to empty seats, on the planes we travelled on. The hotel where we met the other dealers from France, Germany, and Poland on the first evening was about a threehour drive from Helsinki airport. It was around -15°, with a great deal of snow on the roads. This is a dry cold leaving the roads nowhere near as slippery for driving as back home.
N6 E fitted with the 285E accumulating energy wood head, alongside a variety of quick fitting interchangeable attachments, including the 500H harvesting head and Kronos Predator chain mulcher. Nisula’s largest felling head the 755X “Robson Special”. Refuelling point with tool/spares storage trays and air line. Page 28
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April 2022
The following morning after an early night - Covid rules in Finland requires restaurants and bars to be vacated and closed by 9pm - we set off to the Nisula factory which was about an hour’s drive away. I was surprised at just how large the factory was. A multimillion Euro investment has increased the size of the facility to an area of 6000m³ with a workforce of 39 and will significantly increase production. Two new 17m high Modula automated spare parts delivery systems have been installed which will speed up Nisula’s production and customer delivery times. Kalle Mattson, sales and marketing, and Timo Savornin, sales director, were awaiting our arrival and took us into the huge workshop where the new N6 and N6E harvesters stood along with a selection of Nisula harvesting and energy heads. The two harvesters were an impressive sight and after a coffee Kalle started his presentation on the N6E. The development of the N6‘s started two and a half years ago, the N5 was a successful thinnings harvester but the Nisula family were looking to improve and build on its achievements. After speaking to owners of earlier N5 series models they were able to get good honest feedback that they incorporated into their newest harvester. Both models have the same base units and cabs, the difference between the two are in the cranes and applications for use. The machines are fourwheel drive on 600 tyres with April 2022
two extra non-driven smaller wheels on the front for lower ground pressure. Bandtracks can be fitted to the driven and non-driven wheels to further reduce ground pressure and increase traction. Both nondriven wheels can be raised and lowered independently using hydraulics. The N6 is designed and intended to be used as a thinning harvester - although quite capable in premature clearfell - so weight and size were critical factors in the design. Nisula use a four-cylinder engine made by SISU to keep the weight down, and by using a heavier flywheel they have managed to increase the power to 190hp. The harvester weighs under 16 tonnes and is 2.7m wide. It has a new sub-frame design which has increased ground clearance and a larger diesel tank which allows 30-35 hours of harvesting. A good proportion of the parts used in the N6 are manufactured “in house” and others like the SISU engine, ZF axles and Danfoss Hydraulics are easy to get replacement parts for. The N6E is classed as an Energy Wood Cutting Machine and is fitted with a Palfinger Epsilon S110F crane with a tilting kingpost. The main boom is made for Nisula by Palfinger as it is shorter than the standard boom and improves the ability to work closer to the machine. Both crane mountings have a tilting base of +/-14° It is a multifunction machine, ideal for multi-tasking, with quick release hydraulic couplings and a single pin for a www.forestmachinemagazine.com
fast switchover of attachments. This model had three attachments laid out: • Nisula 285E Accumulating Energy Wood Head, which is ideal for felling, bunching, and loading small trees and for clearing roadsides, paths, parks and power lines of trees and overgrown bushes. • Nisula 500H (other sizes are also available) harvesting head. This is a lightweight (640kg) but strong and powerful head with a 500mm cutting diameter and five moving and one fixed delimbing knives for stronger grip and enhanced productivity. • Kronos Predator 1700H boom mounted chain mulcher attachment. This is a hydraulically driven 1.7 m wide mulcher with the wearing surfaces made from HARDOX 500 steel for maximum service life. The N6 has a maximum road speed of 40km/hr so can drive reasonable distances between jobs under its own steam and has a road package with steering wheel and lights for conducting work or driving on the highway. Access for servicing and maintenance is first-class with the power assisted bonnet opening well out of the way. The power assisted cab tilts and the front engine panel opens right down to the ground with steps fitted inside the cover for sure footed access to radiators, batteries, and the front of the engine. There is plenty of storage for hydraulic hoses and other bits and pieces. Illuminated tool storage trays are secured inside the engine Page 29
HARVESTING compartment where the refuelling points are located, along with the useful recoiling airline which will power air tools and can be used for cleaning. All the cooling radiators for water, oils and air conditioning are at the front of the engine and the cooling fan can be reversed for blowing out debris and dust. The cabin is spacious, comfortable, and quiet with good vision. The differential locks are mechanical, and the Epsilon crane has a hydraulic parallel function for easier, accurate working. The second N6 harvester was fitted with Nisula’s own 10m parallel crane and 555h harvesting head. This model was fitted with wheel chains and bandtracks. A ring bolted onto the rim of the rear wheels with short chains attached to the outer rim of the wheel chains, prevents the wheel chains from running off the tyres. This was a problem when using chains in the past. The bandtracks had short chains running between the outer links and over the tyres at a slight angle. This was so the small wheels get 100% traction, and also the chains
Front grill doubles up as a stepladder to access the front of the engine compartment. Nisula N6 with 555H harvesting Head. N6 loaded and ready to start the demo tour of Finland.
Fixing chains to keep the wheel-chains in place. Page 30
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April 2022
are cleaning the inside of the tracks brands when the snow is packing, especially with flotation tracks, These chains are available for all track and machine models. The hose layout down the crane was skilfully thought out, it was routed to avoid any chaffing and rubbing but was still easy to get access to if a hose needed replacing. HARVESTER HEADS The 555H is one of a new generation of thinning heads, it offers a 550mm cutting diameter and weighs between 810 and 840kg depending on options. The grip force is adjusted to the size of the stem it is processing and it has five moving, and one fixed knife. The head has the patented Nisula Goldfinger guillotine cut function and not only runs with Nisula’s own operating systems but is compatible with Technion, Dasa Forester, Valmet/Komatsu maxi, Motomit IT and JD/ Warratah Timberrite. This head is suitable for using along with
April 2022
14-18 tonne excavators. Finally, we were introduced to their newest harvesting head, the larger 755X designed for final thinnings and clearfelling operations. This head is for using with 18 tonne and over harvester bases and with excavators in the 16-23 tonne class. It weighs between 1,380 and 1,420 kg and will cut up to 750mm stems in a single cut, there are four moving and one fixed de-limbing knives. The grip force of the feed rollers and de-limbing knives are proportionally controlled so that the heaviest stems are held firmly in place. Although I am no harvester head expert when inspecting this head, you can’t help but notice how easy it is to work on. The saw, feed motors, hydraulic rams and measuring wheel are all so accessible and all the greasing points are user-friendly. A point worth noting is that many of the hydraulic cylinders are the same size, the only
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difference is the interchangeable hydraulic fittings. As with all Nisula products the head is built to last with a high strength frame and strong de-limbing knives using the best HARDOX steel. An owner of TMO Forest distributor for Nisula Forest in Brazil - Mr. Robson Ferroni Olsen, sadly passed away prematurely. To commemorate him Nisula have made a dedicated model for the Brazilian market, the “Robson Special Edition.” DEMONSTRATIONS Nisula has their own forest at the rear of the factory, and a demonstration was arranged of the N6 with the 555H head. Although temperatures outside were heading for -20° it wasn’t as cold as you would imagine. As said before, this is a dry cold, wading through knee high powdery snow just brushes off with your hand, your clothes don’t get wet.
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HARVESTING It was good to see an experienced operator at the helm on the N6 and the harvester was impressive to watch thinning the block of mixed Birch and Scots Pine. The timber was straight and finely branched, compared to the hairy Sitka Spruce that we work with, but nonetheless you could see that this was a fast head with an exact measuring system. There were several double stems in the crop which it managed with ease. Looking around the group there were plenty of smiles and nodding of heads, it appeared to me that they would be going home safe in the knowledge that they had some great new products to market. After the Demo we had a final tour of the factory and saw
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a new 555H head partly assembled, Scott smiled and let me know that he had bought this head and once finished it would be shipped to the UK, fitted onto an excavator base and available for demonstrations. Nisula’s list of products is much larger than I imagined; there are two versions of the new N6 harvester, eight sizes of harvesting heads, four types of energy wood heads, three types of accumulating energy wood heads, two types of parallel cranes, extension booms for excavators, wheel chain holders, swing dampers, hose swivels, track tensioners and timber grapples. From what I saw Nisula are a ground-breaking and forwardthinking family, striving to be
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the best at what they do. They are helped on this journey by an enthusiastic workforce who take immense pride in their work. The family values which Nisula was founded on continue as Ali’s son Esa has followed in his father’s footsteps and is an integral part of the research and development department. The rest of the group headed back to Tampere for dinner and an overnight stay but as Scott and I had an exceedingly early flight home via Amsterdam the following morning, we thought it best to drive the three hours back to Helsinki airport for a few hours’ sleep. www.nisula.com www.sbforestryltd.co.uk A big thumbs up from the dealers from France, Germany, Poland and the UK on the new Nisula N6.
April 2022
U K AG
LO G F O R E S E N T S F O R EC O
T RY M AC H IN
T S F O R V IK ES | U K AG E N
IN G H EA D S
SALES AND SERVICE CONTACT SCOTT BURTON
Parts: 01578 717 286| Sales: 07795 438 341 | Lauder, Scotland |
@SBForestry
sales@sbforestryltd.co.uk | service@sbforestryltd.co.uk | parts@sbforestryltd.co.uk
www.sbforestryltd.co.uk
Forestry of tomorrow
HARVESTING
STIHL FORGING AHEAD The Environmental Training Centre, based in Stafford, is a custom-built facility, providing practical and theory-based training for the Arboriculture, Forestry and Landscaping sectors. It was the recent venue for the latest PRO Press Event from STIHL to highlight their latest products and innovations.
A
rriving at the training centre, 16 press representatives, from a variety of sectors, including forestry, arboriculture, estates/ parks, green-keeping and farming, were greeted with the aroma of bacon rolls and fresh coffee. We were met by the HROC Team – Hannah Clark, James Sherriff and Sophie Sherran – and the STIHL Team – Simon Hewitt, Reuben Wilson and Emilio Fattore. The HROC Team, STIHLS’s press office, coordinated the day alongside STIHL GB. There had been a shroud of secrecy about the new STIHL products so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The only inclination I had was regarding a new type of 3/8th chainsaw chain which I had been hearing bits and pieces about on social media. I was eager to see what new developments the designers at
STIHL had to offer and looking at the vast selection of new products that was laid out, with the new MSA300 battery powered professional chainsaw taking centre stage, it was obvious that I was in for a treat. Reuben Wilson, Product Executive at STIHL, kicked off the press event with a brief recap of the new products that had been introduced during Covid. One item was the STIHL MS 881 - the world’s most powerful series-produced chainsaw - ideal for professional heavy-duty felling, logging, and mobile sawmills. With 121.6cc of displacement and 8.6hp/6.4kW output, the MS 881 is not only 19% more powerful than the heavy-duty MS 661, but also the only saw in the STIHL line-up to drive a 0.404 pitch chain. With standard bar lengths up to 41” and able to accept guide bars up to 59”,
the new saw is the ideal machine to tackle even the most demanding forestry jobs. At the heart of the MS 881 is the STIHL 2-MIX engine that ensures the machine is the only chainsaw in its performance class that meets the strict requirements of the European Euro-5 (EU5) exhaust emission standard. In addition to EU5 compliance, the MS 881 has been
STIHL MS 881
THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL PRODUCTION CHAINSAW
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ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING CENTRE guaranteeing optimum oil flow at all times.
engineered with keeping a great power-to-weight ratio. New construction of cylinders, slimmer sprocket covers, and the development of lightweight components have resulted in an impressive weight-to-power ratio of 1.55Kg/Kw, whilst maintaining robustness and durability. With outstanding power, the new chainsaw is designed with operator comfort in mind thanks to a one-touch stop button, ensuring the MS 881 is ready to start at any time, whenever it is warm.
LATEST PRODUCTS
Other design features include captive nuts on the optimised chain sprocket cover that offer added convenience when changing the chain, as well as a new oil pump that regulates oil flow rate according to demand,
STIHL MSA 300 The STIHL MSA 300 is the most powerful cordless chainsaw in the AP System. Designed and built for felling, cross-cutting, snedding and processing, it offers forestry professionals,
April 2022
A long service life and ease of maintenance is improved with the use of a HD2 air filter and a radial seal that provides excellent protection against fine dust created when planking and in sawmill environments. The introduction of a diagnostic socket means that specialist dealers can quickly identify a fault and eliminate it.
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The Environmental Training Centre is situated in a rural estate in a custom-built training facility in the West Midlands. Its central location, with excellent access from M6 J14, is ideally suited to provide practical and theory based training for the Arboriculture, Forestry and Landscaping Industries. All courses are delivered by experienced industry experts that have vast amounts of knowledge within their industry and the fields they teach. The team are deeply involved in the industry and are committed to expanding their own knowledge to better prepare candidates for success.
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HARVESTING arborists, and landscapers plenty of power for taking on larger cutting tasks. Powered by the new AP 500 S battery, the MSA 300 is recommended with a 16” Light 04 guide bar and .325” RS Pro chain for fast cutting. This compact saw is well balanced and features STIHL’s anti-vibration system for comfortable working over long periods. Other features include a captive nut on the sprocket cover, an adjustable oil pump, durable die-cast magnesium components and an air filter to aid effective air cooling. Also featured in this model is an LED digital display for active user notifications, showing the operating mode in use, the status of the chain brake position, the on/off status and even temperature warnings to prevent overheating. Three operating modes limit the maximum chain speed, helping to match the performance to the task at hand and extend the battery run-time. Eco mode limits the chain speed to 24 m/s and is ideal for cutting smaller logs, while the highest performing mode features a 30 m/s chain speed ideal for felling cuts and fast working.
“
The MSA 300 chainsaw is the battery equivalent of the STIHL MS 241/261 petrol chainsaws - 42-50cc range. I tried the petrol saw first. There was a sawhorse with a 10” diameter hardwood length which the MS 261 cut through with ease. I cut four rings off the log in total two on a downward cut and two on the upward return cuts and averaged a count of four in my head for each cut. I picked up the MSA 300 and switched on the main power, there is an added button to the left of the rear handle which you push once to operate the saw. If the saw is unused for more than
three seconds, it must be pressed again as it switches itself off to prevent the battery from discharging. I didn’t find this a problem as it is easy to switch on with your thumb while your left hand is in position to work the trigger, I had thick chainsaw gloves on and found it extremely easy to use. I liked this sturdy saw, the soft grip handles feel comfortable to hold. It is lightweight, 7.4kg with the battery in place, and is an ideal sized saw for felling first and second thinnings, snedding and brashing heavily branched trees. It does feel strange having no engine noise, but the advantages are that there are no vibrations during idling, no two-stroke fuel to carry around and no pull start. As stated earlier, the MSA300 has three power modes which determines whether the chain travels at 20, 24 or 30m/s. It can be used with a 14”, 16” or 18” guide bar. Power modes one and two worked well and would be ideal for cutting smaller diameter wood or for brashing
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April 2022
lighter branched conifer trees while prolonging battery life where power mode three was more suited to the kind of work that I would use it for. On maximum power it cut the rings at roughly the same speed as the MS661. Power mode, type of work and the length of the guide bar and chain will decide the duration of the fully charged battery. The fastest AL 500 charger will restore the AP 500 S battery from 0-100% in just 45 minutes and can be charged using a power inverter on your vehicle. It costs around 5p to fully charge a battery using mains electricity, so if you compare that to the cost of fuel, the batteries won’t be long in paying for themselves. There was a big pile of wood next to where I was trying the saw with large pieces of hard and soft wood, I checked with Reuben if it was ok to head over and give it a proper try-out. I cut through some oak limbs which were about 20” in diameter and the torque on this saw was
amazing. No matter how hard I pushed down I couldn’t stall the chain - this isn’t something I would normally do when cutting firewood as the chain does the work and pulls itself through the wood, but for the purpose of the trial, it does give an indication of how much torque the saw really does have. I found a few 12-14” diameter pieces of hardwoods about 3’ in length and stood them upright then ripped them in half, again this saw didn’t disappoint and ripped them easily. I had asked earlier if the saw would lose power as the battery discharges but Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing at STIHL, explained that as the batteries volts decrease, the amps increase so that there is no difference in power output (2.5kw) up until the last turn of the chain. You couldn’t help but be impressed with this saw, it did everything and more that I asked of it. This is a professional saw for professional users as it had a real bite when cutting and great balance for felling and
snedding. It is user friendly, powerful, comfortable and quiet. A couple of points worth mentioning is that whether you are charging the batteries from empty or just topping up, this will not affect the performance or the life of the batteries. Although the performance of STIHL’s batteries will improve with new technology, the type of fitting will not be altered so that older equipment can always be used with newer type batteries. I did a few calculations in my head as a rough comparison between buying and running the MSA 300 - plus buying four batteries - and the MS 261, both working 5 days per week for 46 weeks. I estimated a saving of £650 in year one with over £2,000 in year two. If both saws are replaced after one year the saving is even greater as the MSA 300 only requires the saw body at around £550 - no replacement batteries are needed as they have been used for less than half of their guaranteed charging cycles whereas the MS 661 will cost around £700 to replace. The only disadvantage I could see was that on a still, damp summers morning in the Trossachs or Argyll, when the midges are at their most ferocious you are unable to give the tuning screw a quarter turn to make the saw run with a richer mixture keeping them at bay while working.
☺
April 2022
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HARVESTING SMART CONNECTOR 2 A The MSA 300 is compatible with the innovative STIHL Smart Connector 2 A. The connector plugs directly into the control module and collects valuable data such as run-time, operating speed history and the status of the machine. This data syncs via Bluetooth to the user’s smartphone and informs the user exactly when maintenance tasks should be completed, improving efficiency, and helping to reduce machine downtime. Pressing the button on the Smart Connector gives a quick indication of the status of the
AP 500 S BATTERY AND MULTI CHARGER The biggest game-changer is the new AP 500 S battery which can be used with any professional STIHL AP System tool. The 36V AP 500 S features innovative flat power laminate cells instead of traditional round cells, helping to double the service life of the battery up to 2,400 charge cycles and guaranteeing a long working life of up to 10 years. What’s more, the AP 500 S boasts a 20% higher capacity and increased operating time with all STIHL AP Systems tools for only an extra 200g of weight, ensuring professionals can use STIHL tools for longer whilst keeping the overall system weight to a minimum. The AP 500 S is the only battery compatible with the new MSA 300. In addition, the new battery can also be integrated with STIHL Connected, the smart fleet management tool, Page 38
machine via an LED light and will display green if the machine’s maintenance is up-to-date, yellow if there’s an outstanding job, or red if a machine fault has been detected. The new Smart Connector 2 A sits flush against the machine housing and connects directly into the control unit of selected AP System battery machines, without the need for drilling or sticking. In addition, the pairing process is kept quick and simple, and can all be easily done from the STIHL Connected app.
to easily monitor total discharge time and location of the battery. Like all STIHL batteries in the AP System, the new AP 500 S can be used in all weather conditions and has a charge level indicator via the four green LEDs. The AP500s battery can be charged with the AL 301-4 multi-charger which holds up to four AP and AR batteries at a time. It features a built-in fan to cool the batteries down whilst charging and a simple LED display to indicate the charging status of each battery. The AL 301-4 can charge up to four batteries consecutively and switches off automatically once charging has completed. Fast charging allows AP batteries to be fully recharged in 90 minutes or less. This compact charger can be mounted on a wall and features a battery locking system www.forestmachinemagazine.com
enabling safe and secure charging when mounted. If mounted in a vehicle the AL 301-4 can be connected to an external power supply overnight, meaning the batteries will be ready for work the following morning. April 2022
RAPID HEXA Rapid Hexa is a new cutting system from STIHL designed for forestry professionals. Hexa consists of a patented hexagonal file and a full chisel chain with a unique V shaped side plate. This results in a chain that cuts up to 10% faster than standard RS chain, is easier to sharpen, and stays sharper for longer. Faster cutting performance has been achieved with a narrow kerf top plate, and a 25° sharpening angle makes the Hexa chain better suited to diagonal felling cuts in a wide variety of wood types. The 60° side plate angle formed by the Hexa file, as well as other improvements to the tooth’s geometry, improve the stability of the cutting edge, resulting in a chain that stays sharper for longer. The specially designed Hexa file fits perfectly in the cutting tooth’s profile, allowing for fast and smooth sharpening at the perfect angle every time, without the need for sharpening aids. With Rapid Hexa, it’s easy to achieve a high-quality result that keeps the cutting performance for longer, reducing downtime and prolonging the service life of the saw chain. The Rapid Hexa is available in 3/8” pitch with a
1.6mm drive link gauge, ensuring compatibility with professional petrol chainsaw models ranging from the MS 362 through to the MS 661. Hexa files and chains will be available separately or together in an upgrade kit. “After reluctantly handing the MSA 300 back I picked up the STIHL 500i with the Hexa chain and set off back to the woodpile. This was the first 500i I had tried, and I could see why operators were raving about this saw. It is a gutsy, responsive, free revving chainsaw and not overly heavy for an 80cc. The Hexa chain cut through the large hardwoods well and it was excellent for carrying out ripping cuts. The Hexa file for sharpening was easy to use once I put my specs on and found the flat surface that glides along the
top of the chain so that you don’t cut into the chain links.” I will be able to give a report on wear and performance of the Hexa chain in a future issue as I have several from STIHL to try.
Rapid Hexa
25° sharpening angle
April 2022
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HARVESTING TOP HANDLED SAWS The MSA 220 T and MSA 220 TC-O are STIHL’s most powerful cordless top handled chainsaws, designed for tree care professionals to remove larger branches or perform crown maintenance with ease. Recommended with a lightweight 14” guide bar, both MSA 220 T models use a high performing PS3 full chisel saw chain to achieve a fast, highquality cut. The recommended AP 300 S battery delivers 2.1 kW of electrical power, supplying up to 29 minutes of working time and plenty of power for cutting larger sized branches. Both models have an adjustable oil pump, an ergonomic trigger system and a 180° LED display, ensuring the operator always has a clear overview of key information such as the operating status of the saw and the chain brake position. In addition to these features, the MSA 220 TC-O also has an oil sensor that will notify the user when the chain oil tank is empty, helping to reduce potential downtime, premature wear to the cutting attachment and the risk of overheating.
The MSA 220 T and TC-O top handle chainsaws are built with durability in mind and are suitable for use in the toughest conditions thanks to the hard-wearing components. Maintenance is kept simple via the MSA 220 T’s modular design which allows housing parts to be removed and replaced quickly and easily. Other features include sidemounted chain tensioning, captive nut on the sprocket cover and tool-free oil tank cap as standard. In addition, the MSA 220 T boasts an easy-toclean air filter for long service
life and optimum motor cooling. Top handled saws are not my area of expertise so I stopped short of climbing the indoor demonstration tree with the 220T. I did have a go and it was a good, balanced lightweight saw that had plenty of grunt about it. I can see the advantages of using these saws for tree surgery, not having to pull start in restricted areas must be a big advantage when section felling or carrying out crown thinnings.
STIHL’S ADVANCE PROCOM HEADSET We put the Advance Procom Headset on trial as a few of us spread out around the yard. It was a very windy day and it was very effective at filtering the noise out. This innovative headset has been designed with user safety in mind and offers clear and Page 40
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high-quality communication in noisy environments. It has a high attenuation value of 31 for extremely high noise protection and is available as a headset or as an accessory for the ADVANCE X-CLIMB helmet. The ADVANCE ProCOM can also be fitted to other 3M compatible helmets. The coms have a range of up to 600 m depending on the terrain, however, each headset acts as an amplifier to extend the range even further if more than two headsets are in use. Using intercom mesh technology, up to 16 headsets can link automatically, allowing users to listen and communicate effectively as a team. Multiple channels are available for teams working in proximity, and users may choose the open mic setting for frequent communication, or alternatively, the push-to-talk button can be used instead to minimise background noise. The helmet was light and extremely comfortable to wear. I particularly liked the intelligent ambient mode feature. This is a strange sensation having the ear defenders down and clearly hearing what is going on around you. You are able to react quickly to potential dangers such as traffic or passers-by, but, it de-activates automatically when a loud noise is detected and keeps a high level of protection when it is most needed.
an integrated FM radio and app customisation are also included in the ADVANCE ProCOM system. Thanks to an IP 64 protection rating users can also be assured that sweat, dirt and rain will not harm the headset’s electronics, offering complete flexibility. The headsets also feature large, ergonomic buttons for easy use and handling when wearing gloves. These would be a good safe
addition for chainsaw operators and machine operators when they have to work in proximity together, for chainsaw operators to communicate with each other, and tree surgeons communicating with groundsmen. Wendy spotted another effective use for the comms and that was for her to tell me to get out of the bloody way when I start wandering in front of her when she is trying to take videos or photos!
All the equipment I saw was robust, well-built and aimed at professional users. This is a great system with so many different tools all using the same battery, it’s just like having a Swiss army tool for ground-keepers and gardeners. Other battery powered equipment from STIHL, not covered here, was pole saws, hedge cutters, brush cutters, strimmer’s, and leaf blowers. I can see one of the MSA300 saws finding a home in my garage quite soon. For relaxation I still enjoy doing a bit of chainsaw carving, making garden furniture and cutting firewood for my firepit. I live in a built-up area and this quiet, yet powerful saw would be perfect for avoiding any early morning confrontations with my neighbours. Thank you HROC and STIHL UK for hosting an excellent event with fantastic hospitality. L-R: Hannah Clarke, Emilio Fattore, Reuben Wilson, Simon Hewitt and James Sherriff.
Added features such as smartphone voice assistance, April 2022
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HARVESTING
PONSSE H8 NEW UPGRADED HARVESTING HEAD
T
he launch of the completely upgraded PONSSE H8 harvester head will strengthen Ponsse’s position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of harvesting solutions. A powerful feed, firm grip and solid yet agile frame are characteristics of the upgraded H8 harvester head, developed for the Ponsse Ergo and Bear harvesters. Active Speed is available as a new feature, giving the harvester head a superior performance. With Active Speed, the harvester head’s operating speed can be adjusted based on the tree species and stem diameter. Equipped with this new function, working with the H8 harvester head is smooth and productive, no matter what the tree diameter is. Active speed works almost like a threespeed gearbox in a car, the slowest of the feeding speeds gives the maximum torque for increased grip on large diameter stems, while the fastest feeding speed reduces torque for processing smaller diameter stems easily. When processing large diameter stems the new H8 has 37Nm of torque and a maximum feeding speed of 4.5m/s. Small stems see the torque reduced to 25Nm and feeding speed increased to 5.8m/s. Its akin to having a H6, H7 and H8 feeding motor configuration in one package. The feeding speed and torque is automatically controlled by Page 42
the Ponsse Opti System and is adjusted when the feed rollers are stopped, this patented technology offers excellent reliability and supplies a long service life. Both standard or active speed feed motors can be used on the H8. “We have developed our product range of harvester heads actively with our customers. Many of our customers work in challenging conditions, which is why their development ideas give us the best possible feedback for product development. With its completely new structure, the new H8 harvester head is ideal for processing large trees,” says Janne Loponen, Product Manager for harvester heads. COMPLETELY UPGRADED NEW STRUCTURE
The new harvester head can be mounted on the PONSSE Ergo and Bear, the strongest harvesters in the PONSSE product range. The saw box area is even wider, making the harvester head an excellent choice for trees with a high butt diameter. The new saw www.forestmachinemagazine.com
box design reduces snow packing which improves the performance in winter conditions. The harvester head’s structure has been designed for easy maintenance, and the frame has been built more durable. A powerful feed, combined with a geometry that firmly supports larger stems on feed rollers, guarantees high productivity and fuel economy. All PONSSE harvester heads have been designed to withstand the toughest conditions. They are characterised by a simple and solid structure which is why they can be used in various harvesting applications. Comprehensive design applies to both mechanical components and the electronic control system, controls and software. The manufacturing process is highly automated, guaranteeing a high level of quality and measuring accuracy. All PONSSE harvester heads are manufactured and designed at the PONSSE factory in Vieremä, Finland. www.ponsse.com April 2022
LOG MAX 2000T HARVESTING HEAD
Small, powerful and reliable thinning head for compact harvesters LOG MAX 2000T Weight:
420kg
Optimum Productivity: 6 to 25cm diameter stems Maximum cutting diameter: 410mm Maximum delimbing diameter: 268mm Max feed force: 14.8kN Max Feed Speed: 4.0 m/s Operating pressure: 255 - 280 bar Operating pressure: 90 - 140 l/min BASE MACHINE
W
hen Log Max presented their new 2000T harvesting head, which has been specifically designed for first and second thinnings, they called upon the services of thinning specialist Petter Marklid with his Malwa harvester base. Petter was chosen as he is a well-known and highly respected thinning professional who works in the areas around Unnaryd in the Hylte municipality in Halland County. He is 34 years old and first started operating Malwa’s in 2016. His latest harvester, the Malwa 560H, version 4.0, has done just over 1,700 hours in the last year. All his previous Malwa harvesters have used the Log Max 928 harvesting head’s. Petter has used the new 2000T harvesting head for over 200 hours in both first and second
thinnings, here are his initial findings: “I immediately noticed that the feeding speed is incredibly fast. With the Log Max 928 you were waiting for it to feed the stem but the 2000T is so quick you feel that you almost need brakes to slow it down. “It cuts faster. The saw motor gets a lot more pressure from the pumps which makes it much stronger. Malwa and I have further increased the pressure on the guide bar feed so that it cuts even faster. “The delimbing knives have been improved and, according to Log Max, should last much longer. There have been concerns with the 928’s delimbing knives and they’re expensive to replace. “Log Max says that the unit is
Excavator Weight: 7 - 12 ton Wheeled Harvester Weight: 5.5 - 12 ton Tractor:
6.5 ton
Crane Requirements: 40 kNm - 60 kNm April 2022
www.forestmachinemagazine.com
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HARVESTING more service-friendly, and this is true and will help to increase reliability. The measuring wheels and sensors are much easier to access. The cutting angle of the delimbing knives has been altered to 35° and this makes it much easier to keep them sharp and effective. The top knife sensor is much easier to access and replace. “I will be keeping this unit.” ANTI FRICTION CONTROL The 2000T feeds at 4m/s which is an increase of 30% on its predecessor. The head is equipped with The Anti Friction Control system. The AFC enables the units to harvest trees with high precision and minimal friction. This leads to less wear and tear on the unit and lower operating costs as the unit does not use more power than necessary. The quality of the wood will be higher as neither the delimbing knives nor feed wheels need to use unnecessary force that damages the wood during reprocessing. It is important to ensure that the AFC is working as it determines how well the head performs. The 2000T uses the Log Mate 510 which is Log Max’s own control system. It is Windowsbased, which simplifies system administration and updating, as well as providing good support for new applications and services. The system uses the latest forest standard StanForD 2010 v2 and v3 and consists of only three modules, touch screen, cab module and harvesting head module. www.logmax.com Page 44
SUCCESSFUL LIFT-OFF
AIRFORESTRY’S LARGEST DRONE
“
Our drone is completely unique and designed from the ground up to meet a range of specific conditions and challenges. The fact that we have now successfully tested our large model is an extremely important step that shows that the technology works.” This is how AirForestry’s CTO and co-founder Mauritz Andersson sums up the news that the company has reached
an important milestone and completed a lift-off with its largest drone. AirForestry is the company that will change forestry by thinning trees from the air with selfdeveloped drones. Through new gentle methods for thinning, AirForestry wants to help nurture the forest, which is so important for climate change. The drones that must be able to
HULTDINS
SUPERGRIP 720S
Largest grapple in the S-series
I
n our effort to constantly develop our products it is now time for our largest grapple in the S-series to transform with the same DNA as our SG420S and SG520S. The biggest change is the grapple arm design. Grapple arms with 30 mm high strength steel. Reinforced
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bearings. Heavy-duty tip plates in wear steel. Large central positioned mechanical stoppers. The new design will be implemented in production from now in Q1. www.hultdins.se April 2022
handle this task must live up to a number of requirements, they must be able to be used in the event of turbulence, they must be easy to transport and withstand high loads. AirForesty has therefore chosen to take the initiative and developed its own electrically powered drone with a diameter of 6.2 meters. The lift-off that AirForestry carried out in February shows that all the drone’s components worked together. It was also an important exercise for AirForestry’s own organization and its ability to live up to the required regulations. Mauritz notes: “ This lift-off is an important milestone for us. It shows that the drone is ready to fly, that all parts do what they are supposed to and that our safety organization works. As soon as we have all the permits in place, our next step is to fly the drone outdoors. . “ www.mynewsdesk.com
Komatsu Thinning Experts – A new thinning concept
KOMATSU 825TX
9-TONNE FORWARDER
T
he brand-new Komatsu 825TX is an agile 9-tonne forwarder with good tracking characteristics aimed at the market segment for the smallest machines. The Komatsu 835 is also making for thinning with a special a comeback with an upgraded gate and special bunks. Both spec boasting new features Komatsu Forest is introducing a brand-new thinning concept, the gate and the bunks are that make it an even more Thinning Experts (TX), which includes the Komatsu 835TX and the all-new Komatsu 825TX. The new TX machines have angled 5 degrees inwards at specialised thinning machine. several new features that enable them to easily navigate dense stands while maintaining high production, making them the top this reduces the risk of With the Thinning Xperts hitting standing trees when the (TX), we introduce an all-new machine sways from side to side tracking frame that more in uneven terrain. than halves the tracking – the difference between the front Both the 825TX and the 835TX and rear wheel tracks – to less feature a new upgraded design, than 200 mm. “A machine with the latest engine installation the smallest possible tracking and a new control system. is more agile and has less The excellent visibility in all impact, which reduces the risk directions, combined with the of damage to standing trees”, powerful crane, with its long says Daniel Grabbe, Product reach and minimalist design, Manager at Komatsu Forest. enables the operator to feel confident in not damaging any The load space of the TX standing trees while thinning. machines has been optimised General (S1)
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HARVESTING
HVO DIESEL FUEL AN OPERATORS PERSPECTIVE SIX MONTHS ON BY JON HARVEY
I
had meant to draft this brief article a good few months ago but now I find myself ironically afforded the time, following an uncanny mix of events just before Russia invaded Ukraine and all the fuel price wobbles and worries that has brought. In the southwest we had a tanker unable to dock in Storm Eunice meaning its cargo went up to Bristol instead of Plymouth. Then there was a union strike at Fawley refinery in Southampton. All of which added to the “masses of asses” phenomenon of panic buying and a total stoppage on derv at the forecourt. Which particular temptation arose in order to get to site and carry on working needs little imagination! Even more fateful then, that thanks to geopolitical shocks, oil price has gone up and gasoil price has risen from circa 70ppl to over £1.05 per litre in 3 weeks! None of these factors are however behind our company’s changing from gasoil to HVO last September. It took all of one week to “trial” the new fuel and the decision was made never to return to gasoil. This decision was made all the easier by the fact that our fuel supplier Heltor seemed to choose fairness over opportunism and priced this mystery product at
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initially 4ppl more than gasoil. As time has gone on, this has reduced to a 1-2ppl difference and at last order they were the same. Had the difference between gasoil and HVO been approaching 10ppl we would have to think again. One of the other main suppliers of HVO was selling at almost 20ppl more so obviously, that was not an option. Curiously, at the same time the government is about to pull the plug on the rebate on red diesel for the non Farming / Forestry / Fisheries and Horticultural sectors, government shows itself clearly more interested in raising tax income rather than encouraging an alternative, namely Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. www.forestmachinemagazine.com
An article in the Farm Machinery Journal actually alerted me to this product. It also talked about GTL (gas-toliquid) fuel but the non-fossil aspect of HVO interested me more and in the context of tendering, was the winner. However, it is for practical and technical reasons that we have made the change and those reasons are as follows: Last September, my harvester computer produced the dreaded message “TMC Alarm 37 – Engine Alarm Class 1 - Fuel Derate”; in other words, fuel starvation and serious lack of engine power. I won’t be the first to have had to deal with “diesel bug” of that, I’m sure. I would hazard that all of us at some point had been involved April 2022
with draining tanks, flushing fuel lines, swapping out filters etc. This is the price of running B5 or B7+ biodiesel aka FAME. It attracts water from tank condensation and Mr & Ms Diesel Bug love it and go into reproductive overload. Lucky Buggers! The resulting offspring however is that black slimy sludge that creates havoc in our machinery.
has a clean, almost smooth and light feeling. It is sulphur and aromatic free.
Despite HVO being 100% vegetable oil, the process of hydrotreatment to produce it results in a paraffinic fuel as opposed to an Ester one. Storage and water problems eliminated – just like that. HVO can be stored at minus temperatures for 10 years. Mr & Ms DB are evicted!
Additionally, cold starting is much improved – fewer cranks to fire up.
However, that is not the only advantage – not by any means. It is also completely non-toxic and odourless – spill it, on the ground or on yourself and you won’t be stinking of that caustic odour all day. On your hands, it
It also makes the engine run quieter as it has much higher cetane number than diesel. I can confirm that this is true – combustion knock is that much reduced that you can shout a bit less while working and ‘phoning at the same time!
But we’re still not finished with the advantages. We have noticed a slight improvement in fuel consumption so the price difference is covered by that alone. The reduced downtime improvement from storage and filter problems being a thing of the past is a factor here too. Another massive advantage is the emission profile. Combustion is that much cleaner that whilst greenhouse
gases are dramatically reduced, NOx and Particulate are too. So much so that anyone starting a tractor in the shed on HVO will be able to see and breathe! The much-reduced soot production also means much lower engine oil blow-by contamination and for modern machines – far less DPF clogging. We haven’t extended our oil change intervals but it’s nice to think my engine will last longer as the combustion gases are so much less severe. Another thing – no engine or fuel system modifications are needed – it is a complete dropin replacement for gasoil and HVO produces a little more power than derv / gasoil as well. I have not majored on the environmental benefits here, although they are undeniable. I have discovered the multiple other win-wins with HVO that apply to fuel and engine performance in a forestry environment. We can report absolutely no problems have occurred since changing to HVO last September. So, in conclusion, is it a wonderfuel? I certainly think so. I absolutely love it. Links: Heltor-HVOBrochure.pdf (13) What is HVO fuel? Phil Moon of DAF Trucks explains | CV Show 2019 - YouTube
April 2022
www.forestmachinemagazine.com
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MOTORWAY MADNESS
W
hile recently chatting to a contractor, we began reminiscing over our forestry exploits from our younger days. It took me back to the late 1980’s when I was extracting a first thinnings for Scottish Woodlands near Llandegfan, which was just off the main road between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey. I had a Gremo TT12 forwarder a dinosaur compared to todays forwarders - with a Ford 6600 front end with a Brockhouse Torque Convertor and a roller drive system on the rear wheels. It had a Cranab 5000 crane and a useful hydraulic winch for selfrecovery and traction aid under the kingpost base. The end of the job was fast approaching, and I was asked if I would go to Macclesfield Forest in Cheshire
The cat and Jack Russell dog sat side by side with their heads in the pan lapping away checking the stew for seasoning.
to extract a Larch thinnings, this was out of my area and further than I usually travelled but I agreed none the less. When I arrived, I was pleased to April 2022
see it was decent timber with around 60% cut into 3.7m saw logs. The site was hilly but not too steep, which was a relief as the brakes didn’t work. I had to carry a big log and stick it in front of the back wheels when loading on hills. The more mature operators reading this, will remember the days before hydrostatic transmissions came into play. Torque convertors were used along with gearboxes for forward and reverse drive on forestry machines. Torque convertors tended to go into free wheel when travelling on steep ground which made for highly exhilarating moments .
☺
There were a couple of lads from the Stoke on Trent area, Derek, and John, conducting the felling and stacking and we all were lodging in a nearby B&B. Although it was run by a schoolteacher and was a nice property there were a few incidents that left a lot to be desired. One such event was when I arrived home one evening later than Derek and John. I went to wash out my flask in the kitchen where our landlady was cooking us our evening meal. She was peeling potatoes and a stew was simmering away nicely on the cooker. Her cat and Jack Russell dog sat side by side with their heads in the pan lapping away checking the stew for seasoning. Our landlady couldn’t see anything wrong with this so I decided I needed something from the shop in Macclesfield www.forestmachinemagazine.com
a few miles away and would unfortunately have to miss dinner! It was the next day when John and Derek began quizzing me as to why I missed dinner that I finally, between fits of hysteria, managed to confess. Once they had finished being sick and stopped wanting to murder or seriously hurt me, we decided to approach our landlady with the suggestion that we go selfcatering as far as meals were concerned. The job was going well and after a particularly good week I decided to head home to my parents for a weekend of R&R. I hid my forwarder out of sight down a thinning rack before leaving. It had been good area so far with no thefts or vandalism, but weekends were busy with walkers around the reservoir, so it was better to be careful. I came back after a great weekend to chaos, the area where I parked my forwarder was completely cordoned off with swarms of armed police, the army and bomb squad personnel everywhere. I tried to explain to a policeman that my forwarder was within this area, he was having none of it and told me to go away in no uncertain terms. John and Derek were in the same boat and unable to work so after discussions the decision was made to go to the pub for the day once it opened. Page 49
HARVESTING It was three days before the commotion cleared and we could return to work - skint and with mega hangovers. To this
I figured early Sunday morning would be the best time to cruise down the M56 at 1315mph.
day I have never found out what it was about. Speculation in the pub was that it was a secret arms stash and a terrorist plot had been foiled. Work resumed and the job went well right up to completion, so I arranged a low loader to pick me up on a Saturday morning to take me back to another thinnings job at Llyn Brenig near Cerrigydrudion in Denbighshire - it’s fun trying to explain this place to a taxi driver after a few pints. The low loader arrived, and it was one of those that you could only side load onto due to the wheel arches at one end and the swan neck at the other. After about half an hour of trying it was obvious that this wasn’t going to work, and another alternative would have to be found. I was unable to get hold of another low loader and there was an important meeting scheduled for Monday morning where the forwarder had to be on site, as you can imagine panic began setting in. I had made good friends in Stockport while there. Paul, Julie, and Mike came out to Page 50
the forest to say cheerio and give me a hand to gather up my bits and pieces before leaving. I explained my dilemma to them, and they suggested I drive the Gremo there. I calculated the distance on the map - pre Google days – and it was approximately 85 miles. I divided it by an average road speed of 13mph and got a journey time of just under seven hours. This could work, by my reckoning with a couple of breaks nine hours should see me there. I figured early Sunday morning would be the best time to cruise down the M56 at 13-15mph, fingers crossed the cops would be tucked up in bed as trying to outrun them certainly wasn’t an option. Paul and Julie invited me to stay with them in Stockport, so we were ready for an early start; Derek and John had already left for home as we had vacated our digs. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out too well as I was a bit delicate. The previous night had been my leaving party in the local pub and quite a few beverages had been consumed. At one am we were still out clubbing and having a fantastic evening. I remember the alarm going off in the morning and thinking that you couldn’t feel this bad and still be alive. After a shower and breakfast, we all headed to the forest. Mike was going to drive my pickup with Paul and Julie following in their vehicle to take Mike back once I got to Llyn Brenig. The first hour and a half went well. I was trundling down a nice quiet M56 counting the cats eyes on the white lines to break the monotony when my www.forestmachinemagazine.com
world went completely dark. The cab suddenly filled with black smoke and I had to push the door open and try to get onto the hard shoulder as fast as I could. I jumped out thinking I was about to get burned alive. Once I established that I couldn’t see a fire or flames anywhere on the forwarder I got back in the cab and stopped the engine. With the door opened and engine off, the cab soon cleared of smoke. I lifted the bonnet to investigate further and found that the intercooler hose had split and as there was no proper seal between the engine and cab this was the cause. I was a fully paid-up member of the AA so this was just a minor setback. We were close to a motorway emergency phone, so I called them out and they arrived quickly. I had explained the problem and phone location but not the type of vehicle I was driving. I thought the breakdown guy was having a meltdown when he arrived and no matter what I said he insisted he was not touching my forwarder. He insisted he would be joining me in jail if the Police turned up and saw the forwarder on the motorway. He left as quickly as he arrived, and I realised I had to get to the end of the motorway and safety from the cops ASAP. It was the wrong type of hose on the intercooler, so I managed to bodge a repair with insulating tape, an inner tube and jubilee clips. I got going again and made it to the A55, which although a dual carriageway, allowed tractors and suchlike so left me feeling a bit safer. April 2022
My repair was holding but I was still getting some soot in the cab as it wasn’t sealing completely, I had been on the road for over five hours now and spotted a little chef near Holywell so decided to pull in. My “two service vehicles” followed me into the car park and after finding a level parking spot (no brakes) switched off and jumped out the cab. My fellow travellers were in hysterics, I was black with soot from head to toe with only my eyes and teeth white. I was refused entry by the staff but after a lot of pleading they allowed me to eat on a picnic bench if Paul got my meal to takeaway. Luckily, the rest of the journey went smoothly and after almost 11 hours I reached my destination at Llyn Brenig.
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April 2022
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ILLEGAL LOGGING
ILLEGAL LOGGING IN AMAZON ROMANIA INCREASES DEFORESTATION New data reveal that the destruction of the EU’s last large remaining primary and old-growth forests in Romania is continuing unabated.
T
he data shows that illegal logging has actually increased in one of Europe’s oldest and precious forests in Romania in the last two years, despite legal action by the European Commission against the Romanian state to combat it. The report, released by the NGOs Agent Green, ClientEarth and EuroNatur, identifies that the areas most affected by these illegal activities are the highly valuable forests of the Fagaras Mountains. Logging permits in these areas have increased drastically between 2020 to 2021, which has led to a significant deterioration of valuable forest ecosystems. Following a series of complaints submitted by the environmental organisations, the European Commission launched infringement proceedings against the Romanian state in 2020. As the Romanian state failed to act, the European Commission issued later that same year, a reasoned opinion –a final call for the Romanian state to address the problem. This was accompanied by a warning to send the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) if Romania did not Page 52
take immediate action within the next four weeks. However, as the new report clearly shows, almost two years have passed and Romania has yet to comply with the Commission’s demand. The environmental groups are calling on the European Commission to act immediately and refer the case to the CJEU – building on the ruling from the EU’s highest court in 2018 against the massive logging of Poland’s EU protected Bialowieza Forest. In Romania there are more than 500,000 hectares of potential primary and old-growth forests, more than in any other EU Member State (with the exception of Scandinavia). Approximately 300,000 hectares of Romania’s forests are protected by European laws as Natura 2000 sites. Despite discussions between Romania and the Commission, the Member State has so far failed to take any effective steps to halt the destruction of its protected natural forests in Natura 2000 areas. Romania continues to breach EU nature laws by approving logging permits in protected areas of its forests without assessing the impact. www.clientearth.org www.forestmachinemagazine.com
N
ew Data from the Brazilian Space Agency INPE’s DETER-B deforestation monitoring system registered the highest rate of deforestation for the month of January since DETER-B was launched in 2016. In January alone, the alerts estimated that 430 km² of rainforest was cleared. This represents an increase of more than 418% compared to January 2021. These record numbers occurred despite more rain than January last year in the region at this time, according to Inpe data. Deforestation alerts are mainly concentrated in the states of Mato Grosso, Rondônia and Pará.The news comes despite pledges made by 100+ governments including Brazil at COP26 to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. Elena Polisano, Senior Forests Campaigner Greenpeace UK, said: “Less than three months ago governments signed a declaration at COP26 to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. “Decades of inaction by governments and companies have created the crisis the Amazon now faces. Supermarkets like Tesco must immediately drop forest destroyers from their meat and dairy supply chains and governments must close legislative loopholes to ensure deforestation-free supply chains are exactly that.” www.greenpeace.org.uk April 2022
BIO-ENERGY
MAXIMISING
PRODUCTIVITY New smart creep for Cat® D3 Series Skid Steer Loaders and Compact Track Loaders
C
aterpillar will soon launch a new smart creep feature for the full range of Cat® D3 Skid Steer Loaders (SSL) and Compact Track Loaders (CTL) for operating Cat cold planer and wheel saw attachments. Smart creep senses the load on the attachment and automatically adjusts the drive command to keep the cold planer or wheel saw running at the most productive speed. A combination of attachment sensors and proprietary software optimally balances attachment load and machine speed to maximize productivity. By continually sensing the load on the attachment, smart creep increases machine speed when encountering less resistance and automatically slows the machine when encountering higher load. Engine load remains constant,
FMM Hoodie AWDis Hoodie printed on the back with “Sustainable Logging: Powering The Planet.” April 2022
while the operator can monitor hydraulic pressure on the in-cab display panel. Smart creep takes the guess work out of setting the right creep speed for operating the attachment. Without the aid of this feature, setting creep speed too fast can lead to stalling the attachment, and too slow of speed results in productivity loss. Smart creep software smoothly and efficiently determines the optimal machine speed for cutting conditions. With this new smart attachment feature from Caterpillar, the operator needs only to activate the standard creep control system and set the maximum creep speed on the advanced display inside the cab. Once the tool engages the cut, smart creep measures load on the attachment and adjusts the
drive command automatically as cutting begins. In the event of the cutter jamming or stalling, an auto reverse feature within smart creep quickly changes machine direction to allow the tool to clear the jam. Targeted availability for smart creep on Cat D3 SSL and CTL machines is the third quarter of 2022. A field installation kit consisting of sensors and machine software for operating the new feature will be made available for existing fleet loaders and attachments. Once commercially available, new cold planer and wheel saw purchases will be shipped from the factory with the required hardware installed, and new D3 SSL and CTL models will come smart creep ready from the factory. www.cat.com
The Forest Magazine Logo and the words Logging Crew is optional on the front.
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BIO-ENERGY
KESLA
PTO-POWERED CHIPPERS
K
esla’s chipper range consists of one size class, KESLA C645, which is a PTO-powered drum chipper producing in ideal circumstance up to 120 m³ woodchips in an hour. FOUR DIFFERENT CHASSIS OPTIONS
The KESLA C645 chipper is available in four different chassis options: • KESLA C645S – agile, single axle chipper. • KESLA C645T – sturdy, tandem axle chipper. • KESLA C645T heavy duty – sprung 2-axle chipper designed for heavy use and Page 54
www.forestmachinemagazine.com
• •
longer transitions. KESLA C645C – tandem axle chipper with a bogie and its own 16 m3 tipping container.
Some of the versions can also be equipped with roller drive and all models with efficient brake system. TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE
The KESLA C645 chipper is known for its durability, good chip quality and easy maintenance. Intake opening is 630 * 420mm and the feeding table is long and designed for easy feeding. Together with the
April 2022
Chipping is demanding. That is why high amount of parts are wear parts which can be easily changed saving time and money. To increase productivity, such accessories as a camera in the blower or back of the trailer, central lubrication or handy toolbox, are available.
aggressive upper roller it keeps a hold of trees until the rotor. The rotor has six efficient, cutting knives, which can be sharpened, turned around or changed in just a few minutes. The size of chips is determined by changeable screens. The chassis is always equipped whether with one or two cylinder beam control, which
offers excellent agility and improves all-terrain capabilities. Robust stabilizer legs offer the aggressive upper roller it keeps a hold of trees until the chute offers wide working radius and precise blowing thanks to its design. It also offers the possibility to blow through lowrise openings, such as doors, or into high containers.
COMPATABLE LOADERS CONTROLLED WITH KESLA PROCHIPPER
Kesla also offers a wide range of compatible loaders to complement the chipper. The chipper and the loader are usually controlled by the same electric control system, KESLA proCHIPPER, which offers preset values for trees, logs and branches and multiple operatorspecific adjustment possibilities. www.kesla.com
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Alstor mini forwarders • Rabaud Firewood processors • Saw benches • Kindling machines • Chain winches • Farma cranes and trailers Log peelers & pointers • Log splitters •14-80 tonnes• •Kindling Conebenches splitters splitters • Grader blades Alstor mini forwarders Rabaud firewood processors Saw Kindling machines Alstor mini •forwarders • Rabaud Firewood processors Saw benches machines• •Cleaving Chain winches • Farma cranesChain
and trailers • Log peelers & pointers • Log splitters 14-80 tonnes • Cone • Cleaving splitters • Grader blades Winches Farma Cranes and trailers Log peelers andsplitters pointers Log splitters 14-80 tonnes Used Alstor mini forwarders Alstor mini forwarders • Rabaud Firewood processors • Saw benches • Kindling machines • Chain winches • Farma cranes • 2007 Alstor 2 cylinder Kubota Diesel, full cab, 3.5m Used Alstor mini forwarders splitters Cleaving splitters Grader blades and trailers • Log peelers &Cone pointers • Log splitters 14-80 tonnes • Cone splitters • Cleaving Grader blades loader, 4splitters bunks, radio•remote boom mounted winch,
• 2007 Alstor 2 cylinder Kubota Diesel, full cab, 3.5m hydraulic tipping fullywinch, serviced. loader, 4 bunks, radio remote boomtrailer, mounted • 2015 Alstor 3 trailer, cylinder Diesel roll bar, 4.2m crane hydraulic tipping fullyCAT serviced. • 2007 2control, cylinder Kubota Diesel, full crane cab, 3.5m winch, 2 leverAlstor radio remote boom mounted • 2015 Alstor 3crane cylinder CAT Diesel roll bar, 4.2m loader,control, 4 bunks, radio remote boom winch, reverse drive, 4 mounted bunks. 2 lever crane radio remote boom mounted winch, hydraulic tipping4trailer, fully serviced. reverse833 drive, bunks.120 • 2017 Alstor ex-demo hrs CAT 3 cylinder diesel, • full 2015 Alstor 3 cylinder CAT Diesel bar,boom 4.2m mounted crane radio • 2017 Alstor 833 ex-demo 120 hrs CAT 3 roll cylinder diesel, ROPS FOPS, OPS, cab 4.2m crane, 2 lever crane control, radiocrane, remote boom mounted winch, full ROPS FOPS, OPS, cab 4.2m boom mounted remote winch, reverse reversedrive, drive,44bunks. bunks, LEDs,radio bluetooth radio. remote winch, reverse drive, 4 bunks, LEDs, bluetooth radio. Contact Nathan for more info and prices. • 2017 Alstor 833 ex-demo 120 hrs CAT 3 cylinder diesel, Contact Nathan for more info and prices. full ROPS FOPS, OPS, cab 4.2m crane, boom mounted radio remote winch, reverse drive, 4 bunks, LEDs, bluetooth radio.
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TT.01746 718456 M 07966 365157 www.homeforestry.co.uk E nathan@homeforestry.co.uk T. 01746 718456 www.homeforestry.co.uk E. nathan@homeforestry.co.uk 01746 718456M.M.07966 07966 365157 365157 www.homeforestry.co.uk E. nathan@homeforestry.co.uk Contact Nathan for more info and prices. Home Forestry llp, Willowdene Farm, Chorley, Brignorth, Shropshire, WV16 6PP. Home Forestry llp, Willowdene Farm, Chorley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16WV16 6PP 6PP Home Forestry llp, Willowdene Farm, Chorley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire T. 01746 718456 M. 07966 365157 www.homeforestry.co.uk E. nathan@homeforestry.co.uk Farm, Chorley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6PP Page 55 April 2022 Home Forestry llp, Willowdene www.forestmachinemagazine.com
BIO-ENERGY
SEPPI M M-CONNECT
T
Connect your mulcher to the internet with M-CONNECT by SEPPI M.
he digital world doesn’t stop, not even in agriculture, and today, the smart interconnection of machines is more important than ever. As one of the leading producers in its field, SEPPI M makes it possible to access the latest technology: thanks to M-CONNECT, many operating parameters are recorded and saved for subsequent evaluation in both operational and agronomic terms. And with convincing results too: accurate operating data for improved cost calculation, information on the servicing status of machines, and an objective recording of the activities for both the owner of the land and the contractor.
always be tracked, regardless of the tractor. The data is sent by M-CONNECT via mobile network to the farm management software X-FARM, where it can be further evaluated. X-FARM allows users to manage not only their machines, but also their respective fields, defining specific work orders which are then transferred to the machine.
Through the tractor’s ISOBUS interface it is possible to record not only the machine data, but also that of the tractor. The integrated GPS module ensures the machine’s position can
M-CONNECT will be offered as a complete package and will be available from spring 2022. It includes the hardware, as well as all the software and necessary connectivity (for 5 years). The system is delivered to the client
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The recorded data includes, for example, the operating speed, rotor speed, operating mode, operating depth, fuel consumption, hammer wear and much more still, depending on the machine model and its configuration.
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“turnkey”. It is extremely easy to use, given the data can be analysed by any internetconnected device, including a smartphone app. M-CONNECT is offered in collaboration with X-FARM. The client is free to use other farmmanagement software such as NEXT Farming, MyEasyFarm, etc., which can access the standardised AGRIROUTER interface. Among other things, M-CONNECT allows the respective machine to be classified as eligible for “Industry 4.0” state subsidies. Contact your SEPPI M dealer for more information. SEPPI M offers M-CONNECT as an option on the following models: SBM, MIDISOIL dt, STARSOIL, MAXISOIL, STAR-FC, STAR-FC hyd, STARSOIL hyd, MINIFORST pick-up, MIDIFORST dt and MAXIFORST. www.seppi.com
April 2022
enquiries@kingwell-holdings.co.uk
Tel: 01376 550989
www.kingwell-holdings.co.uk
enquiries@kingwell-holdings.co.uk
Tel: 01376 550989
the Tel:KI01376 N G theBook 550989 Tel: 01376 550989 HOLDINGS LIMITED �-;�'�best "���!!"� www.kingwell-holdings.co.uk �,H��www.kingwell-holdings.co.uk today SPECIALISING IN ALL oday KI N KI N G ASPECTS OF FORESTRY HOLDI �-;GROUND �'�"���!!" �,H�� LIMITE HOLDINGS �-;�'�"���!!"� �,H� �� PREPARATION enquiries@kingwell-holdings.co.uk www.kingwell-holdings.co.uk enquiries@kingwell-holdings.co.uk
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BIO-ENERGY
NEW CAT®
D1 MULCHER Featuring sloped hood styling to improve visibility and a highperformance powertrain
C
omplete with its highperformance powertrain, closed-loop hydraulics and upgraded screening, the new Cat® D1 Mulcher is specially designed to optimize performance when clearing a mix of small- to mediumdiameter materials. Designmatched with the rugged Cat HM518 Mulcher, the D1 Mulcher clears a 188.2 cm (72 in) wide strip on each pass, making it the right machine for right-of-way construction and maintenance, site development, tree management and fire-break clearing. The new mulcher is powered by the 77.6 kW (104 hp) Cat C3.6 Diesel Engine meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emission standards. An alternate emissions package for the C3.6 is available to meet Tier 3-equivalent standards. The machine’s lower sloping hood line improves visibility to the mulching head, allowing the operator to better assess the jobsite from the cab. Standard auto reversing fan purges debris from the radiator and enclosures, plus the hinged grill requires no tools to access the Page 58
radiator for cleaning. Isolating machine vibration from the operator to reduce fatigue, the Cat HM518 Mulcher controls are mounted on the air-suspension seat. Inside the pressurized, heated and airconditioned cab, an intuitive operator interface features a 25.4 cm (10 in) colour touchscreen monitor with standard reversing camera display to help improve allaround visibility to the jobsite. An in-cab drum indicator offers quick glance of drum speed and direction to help the operator manage ground speed and mulching productivity. Featuring cladding material in high-wear areas, the new HM518 Mulcher frame offers increased service life. Bolt-on wear plates deliver long wear life and are quickly replaced. Offering a drum speed range of 2,150 to 2,450 rpm, the drum’s 38 fixed teeth feature a singlebolt carbide tooth retention design for simple replacement. Its closed-loop hydraulic circuit includes load-sensing hydraulics to prevent rotor damage when hitting an obstruction. The HM518 Mulcher has a 78.7 cm www.forestmachinemagazine.com
(31 in) maximum lift height, 36.8 cm (14.5 in) maximum tilt and 25-degree maximum angle to either side. Standard sweeps, screens, windows plus rear guard help to protect both the operator and machine when mulching. With its specially designed tractor platform, the D1 Mulcher is balanced and rugged to increase efficiency when operating in challenging applications. Contractors can choose between the conventional (XL) or low-ground-pressure (LGP) undercarriage design, offering 40.4 cm (16 in) or 63.5 cm (25 in) track shoe widths respectively, to increase flexibility and efficiency for working in soft underfoot conditions, on slopes and in rough terrain. To increase machine versatility, the new D1 Mulcher can be equipped with an optional variable-pitch/ angle/tilt (VPAT) blade in XL, LGP or Intermediate configuration. More information about the new Cat D1 Mulcher can be found by contacting the local Cat dealer or visiting: www.cat.com. April 2022
Offering the forest industry
MORE MORE Offering the forestry industry
rjfukes.co.uk
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WOOD PROCESSING
VOLVO CE Testing world’s first high-lift teleoperation over 5G
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olvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is the first in the world to trial a remote-controlled High-lift wheel loader over a 5G network in a complex forestry application – in a bid to develop safer, more productive timber processes and explore its potential as an enabler for automation. The unique research project Remote Timber is a collaboration between Volvo CE and the telecom operator Telia, timber and paper manufacturer SCA, Mid University Sweden Mid University Sweden, Skogforsk and Biometria. This week’s tests at SCA’s timber terminal in Torsboda, Sweden, have demonstrated that it is possible to tele-operate a Volvo L180
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High-lift wheel loader, hundreds of kilometres away. And by using a closed 5G network, low latency has proven to be a major advantage – allowing operators to perform the sensitive process of picking, loading and organizing logs remotely. Tele-operated forestry is expected to deliver improved productivity by allowing one operator to work across multiple – and sometimes isolated – sites around the world. It is also expected to make it both safer, by removing humans from potentially hazardous environments, and more sustainable, through more
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efficient logistics flows as the loading and unloading of timber can also be done during the night. Christian Spjutare, Advanced Engineering Program Manager at Volvo CE, says: “We expect tele-operation to open up far greater opportunities for operators than is currently available. Sometimes it can be difficult to hire people in timber terminals because of their remote locations. But teleoperation allows people to work from any location, no matter the distance, making it a more desirable work setting, with the added advantage of more
April 2022
efficient and sustainable work logistics.” Magnus Leonhardt, Director, Head of Business Development & Innovation at Telia adds: “This partnership is a fine example of how remote control with the latest technology can contribute to more efficient and sustainable construction solutions in the forestry industry. A secure and robust digital infrastructure is crucial for this. The unique technical qualities that 5G offers are also entirely critical, in which extremely quick response times and high capacity enable immediate feedback between operator and machine, which is a prerequisite for being able to safely control machines remotely.” REMOTE PRECISION IN ITS GRASP An important aim of this research project is to explore exactly what is required from an operator perspective in making tele-operation a user-friendly
and efficient experience. Because each load of timber can be so varied – from an unwieldy pile of heavy logs through to just a few short pieces of wood– it is vital that the lifting process is carried out with pinpoint accuracy and incredibly precise handling. As a result, there are currently a number of connected cameras and sensors located at strategic points around the machine that transmit real-time data via the Telia 5G network back to the control station. The test will therefore both explore how to mature the technology and gather vital feedback from the operators on the optimum placement of those cameras for handling precision. Volvo CE has for the past few years been exploring the potential for tele-operation across a variety of segments from mining to urban construction, with this project testing the technology in its
STRIKING WORKERS
INCREASE PRESSURE ON CHEP
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nite is raising the pressure on Chep UK where workers based in Trafford Park have been on strike since December 2021 in a dispute over pay. Unite has accused the company of “failing its workforce in the middle of a cost of living crisis” The UK’s leading union is staging protests over the coming weeks across the pallet maker’s customer base in Wales and the
April 2022
North West including Unilever, Heinz, DHL, Heineken, Proctor and Gamble and Two Sisters. Chep UK, which is based in Trafford Park, Manchester, repairs and supplies pallets for supporting and transporting goods to a host of prominent companies. The workers have been on strike since December – and recently renewed their mandate for strike action into the spring by a majority of 94%. www.forestmachinemagazine.com
most challenging application yet. By remote-controlling processes like timber lifting – which are currently too complex to be fully automated – tele-operation becomes an important enabler for automation, allowing for a more gradual integration of automated processes for customers. “This research project gives us an opportunity to test our tele-operation platform in a new application with high precision requirements and learn how the system needs to be designed to meet industry needs. Insights from partial manual and teleoperated management enables us to also take steps towards automation in more complex processes”, Christian concludes. Remote Timber is financed by the participating parties and by VINNOVA’s vehicle strategic research and innovation (FFI) program. www.volvoce.com Chep UK made £70.5 million in profit in 2021. The company would only need to increase its current pay offer by an estimated £67,000 to resolve the dispute. Unite regional officer Ian McCluskey said: “Unite will ensure that the public, customers, businesses and all other stakeholders are made aware of how poorly Chep UK has treated its own workers. We will fully inform and engage with all relevant parties and I am sure that many will make decisions in light of Chep’s actions.” www.unitetheunion.org Page 61
WOOD PROCESSING
LIGNIN-BASED GLUE
USED IN PLYWOOD PRODUCTION Global producer of birch plywood products now uses bio-based glue in plywood production
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he fossil-based phenols in the glue are replaced with bio-based lignin Lineo® by Stora Enso, and thanks to the long cooperation between Stora Enso and Latvijas Finieris, a global producer of birch plywood products under the brand Riga Wood, we are able to reduce the carbon footprint of Riga Wood plywood products without compromising their technical performance. According to Latvijas Finieris, their plywood’s potential environmental impact has been reduced by up to 49%.
natural alternatives. “Plywood is usually seen as a mature product in a rather mature market. We found the idea of using a lignin-based glue interesting and we welcome new innovations. Since 2017, we have worked together with Stora Enso to test and develop the bio-based binder, and finally we are proud to say that we can replace fossil-based resins with lignin-based alternatives in our plywood production processes,” explains Māris Būmanis, Head of Development Research at Latvijas Finieris.
Across markets, there are calls for change as consumers are increasingly turning to ecofriendly products. At the same time, the business demand for renewable, bio-based and circular solutions is growing rapidly. We want to do our part and replace fossil-based materials with safer and more
“Reducing our carbon footprint offers us, as well as our customers, unbeatable environmental sales propositions. The benefits of working with Stora Enso include continuous industrial-scale availability of a wood-based raw material with a traceable origin and a stable cost structure. This
complements our corporate image as an industry leader. Our cooperation with Stora Enso has been extremely smooth, all the way from development phase to industrial production. Step by step, we will convert our plywood production to be ligninbased,” Būmanis concludes. “I am very proud of the level of cooperation that we have reached with Latvijas Finieris, and I am extremely happy to see Lineo being used to manufacture more sustainable plywood on a regular basis and on large scale. Latvijas Finieris’ proactivity and positive attitude have been crucial during this journey to being able to produce more sustainable plywood to ever more demanding customers in an evolving market,” says Enrico Sbrighi, Business Development Senior Specialist at Stora Enso. Using lignin in plywood glues is the most significant innovation in plywood products since many decades. The carbon footprint of Latvijas Finieris’ plywood is reduced from production to all of its end uses, offering customers a significant competitive advantage in an increasingly eco-conscious world. www.storaenso.com
METTRON WEIGHBRIDGES A world leader in weighbridges
METTRON WEIGHING Tel: 01782 816730 / 07966364701 Email: mettronweighing@aol.com
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HIRE • SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS • CALIBRATIONS • SOFTWARE
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April 2022
MULTIGRAB M MULTIGRAB M
TMK 300 TMK 300
WWW.TMKTREESHEAR.COM WWW.TMKTREESHEAR.COM
HAULAGE
RAILROAD
ADVOCATES Mercer Rosenthal advocates the reopening of a railroad connection
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s a result of the 2nd World War, Germany saw itself physically divided across the county. In 1949, the three western zones united to form the “Federal Republic of Germany” (Bundesrepublik Deutschland or BRD). At this time, the Sovietoccupied zone became the “German Democratic Republic” (Deutsche Demokratische Republik or DDR). Since these two separate parts belonged to different powers (and, later, also to different military alliances), what became known as the “iron curtain” went right through Germany. The Rosenthal mill that you know today is located right on the past border that was between the DDR and the BRD, on DDR territory. Page 64
Travel at this time between the two states was severely restricted and many logistic chains were interrupted. Mercer Rosenthal lost part of its workforce, part of its customer base, and part of its raw material supplies as a result of the division. As early as 1901, there had been a continuous rail connection from Saalfeld to Hof, on which Rosenthal was located. This rail connection was interrupted in 1945. Today, in Bavaria, the railroad now ends about five kilometres from the border but still operates scheduled rail passenger service. In Thuringia, not only is passenger traffic www.forestmachinemagazine.com
operational, but also freight traffic to a considerable extent. The main rail customers here are Mercer’s Rosenthal pulp mill and Mercer´s sawmill in Friesau. In Thuringia, the line currently ends only a few hundred metres from the former border. In 1990, the famous quote “grew together what belongs together” from former German Chancellor Willy Brandt could be felt in the air. It seemed to be a matter of due course that the interrupted transport connections would be put back into operation. In the case of the rail link described above, the opportunity has just not yet been seized. Mercer Rosenthal’s customers April 2022
and suppliers are mainly located in the South. However, the current existing rail connection links Rosenthal to the northwest, making rail transports unnecessarily long (thus expensive) or preventing them altogether. This is most obvious in the case of wood supply from the Czech Republic. At present, all transports run via the Czech town of As. Here, if the railroad were restored, roundwood could be loaded onto the train, which could then travel 62 kilometres directly to Mercer Rosenthal once the track was restored. If the now existing track were used, the train would travel 276 kilometres and have to be reassembled four times.
WHITE LINE SERIES HARVESTER HEADS WHITE LINE SERIES HARVESTER HEADS Reliability Versatility Reliability Versatility Accurate Measuring Reliable Hydraulics Accurate Reliable Hydraulics NE48 3AA Measuring Hexham Simonburn Parkend
www.forestmachineservices.com info@forestmachineservices.com Tel. 01434 230 852
Therefore, wood incoming from the Czech Republic is at this time completely transported to the mill by truck. With 32 truck trips taking place daily, this emits 1,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually – 80 percent of which could be eliminated if wood transport were shifted to rail. One train with 13 wagons would replace about 30 trucks. The new, highly efficient wagons of Mercer Holz could be used, which are equipped with a silent braking system, producing substantially less noise during operation.
Deutsche Bahn and federal WHITE LINE SERIES politicians. At the moment, Bavaria holds some concerns around the additional trains, worried they will be perceived as a nuisance by the population.
Mercer Rosenthal is campaigning for the reopening of this line, where only five to six kilometres of track is currently missing. The company is receiving support from Thuringia’s political parties, especially that from Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow. The idea is also supported by
We have always believed that it is our duty to be a good neighbour to the communities where we operate. With this campaign to reopen the line, Mercer Rosenthal is working to communicate our solutions that have the least amount of impact to the environment and our communities. Between the
April 2022
Parkend Parkend Simonburn Simonburn Hexham Hexham NE48 3AA NE48 3AA Measuring Accurate
Tel. 01434 230 852 Tel. 01434 230 852 info@forestmachineservices.com info@forestmachineservices.com www.forestmachineservices.com www.forestmachineservices.com
Reliability
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Reliable Hydraulics Versatility
significantly reduced number
HARVESTER HEADS of trucks on the road and the
Mercer Holz silent braking system on their new train wagons, we feel we can come to the most agreeable and least disruptive solution. As part of the shift to climatefriendly and low-emission modes of transport, the recommissioning of this line would be a positive step forward. www.mercerint.com Page 65
VEHICLES
JEEP® BRAND Electric Jeep SUV Images of the first-ever 100% battery-electric Jeep® SUV to be launched early next year
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uring Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan presentation, Carlos Tavares, chief executive officer (CEO) of Stellantis, revealed images of the first-ever 100% battery-electric Jeep® SUV, as the brand continues its global initiatives toward the
full electrification of its SUV portfolio. This new fully electric Jeep vehicle will be launched early next year, expanding the brand’s reach and taking the next step to the achievement of Jeep brand’s vision of Zero Emission
Freedom. More information on the Jeep battery-electric vehicle (BEV) will be released in the coming months. All Jeep brand SUVs will offer an electrified variant by 2025 www.jeep.com
JEEP® BRAND Grand Cherokee 4xe
E
xclusive 4xe plug-in hybrid technology makes it the most efficient Grand Cherokee in terms of fuel consumption, the most technologically advanced and luxurious ever, and with the legendary 4x4 capability. The first Grand Cherokee plugin hybrid delivers 380 hp of combined power and 637 Nm of torque, up to 51 km of range in electric in urban areas and three drive modes: hybrid, electric and e-save. Jeep brand’s Page 66
The new Jeep® Grand Cherokee is arriving in Europe four months after world premiere portfolio now includes a full line-up of electrified SUVs. The most awarded SUV ever features a completely renewed architecture, new interior and exterior designs, cutting-edge technologies including the 10” digital display, Uconnect 5 system and superior levels of luxury and refinement. Performance, comfort and unparalleled off-road capabilities set a new standard for the full size SUV segment. www.forestmachinemagazine.com
EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH EDITION The first model available for ordering at the debut, features full-option specifications, maximum comfort and safety, and a package of dedicated services and exclusive advantages. Customers can find out more about the Exclusive Launch Edition by visiting the dedicated local markets website and make the pre-booking that will be open from February 17 to March 30, 2022. www.jeep.com April 2022
JAGUAR
LAND ROVER £500 million loan guarantee supports electric vehicle plans
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aguar Land Rover Automotive plc has received a £500 million Export Development Guarantee which will support the research, development and export of Battery Electric Vehicles. UK Export Finance (UKEF) guaranteed 80% of a new £625 million loan from 12 commercial banks, under its Export Development Guarantee (EDG) program designed to drive major investments into UK exporters. Backing electric car production in the UK is a key part of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution. The government is also directly investing more than £850 million to develop the supply chain for cleaner vehicles in the UK to ensure our auto industry remains competitive for years to come and has supported over £2 billion of commercial investment into the industry’s export capacity through UKEF. Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UK’s largest exporters and employs over 28,000 staff based in the UK. Over 80% of the vehicles built by Jaguar Land Rover in the UK are sold to the April 2022
world and three of its seven global technology hubs are based in Manchester, Warwick & London. In 2020-21, the company sold 439,588 vehicles in 127 countries, with about 80% of its sales to export markets outside the UK.
of people across the country, and its success is underpinned by exports. UK Export Finance has secured another major investment for the UK automotive industry that will safeguard jobs and prioritise sustainability.”
This loan will support Jaguar Land Rover’s plans to invest about £2.5 billion a year, expected to reach £3 billion by March 2026, to increase the number of Battery Electric Vehicles in its model line-up under its Reimagine Strategy.
Adrian Mardell, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is pleased to have worked again with UK Export Finance on this new EDG facility. This will help support the significant investment in our transition to offer a fully electrified product portfolio and to achieve our target of net zero carbon emissions by 2039.”
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Secretary of State for International Trade said: ”We are backing our ambitious net zero plans with more concrete action. We want our car makers to accelerate the production of electric vehicles in the UK. This deal from UK Export Finance will help Jaguar Land Rover continue to sell the Best of British to the world, while creating jobs, boosting manufacturing and levelling up across the UK. Exports Minister, Mike Freer MP, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is one of Britain’s biggest car manufacturers. It supports the livelihoods of thousands www.forestmachinemagazine.com
Jaguar Land Rover was previously the first UK company to participate in UKEF’s EDG programme in 2019 and has now received over £1 billion of loans under this programme. Since the last loan was issued, Jaguar Land Rover has significantly accelerated its plans for expanding its line-up of fully electric vehicles under its new Reimagine Strategy with plans to offer new all-electric Jaguar models from 2025 and six pure electric Land Rover variants over the next five years. Page 67
VEHICLES
CONTRACT HIRE NOW AVAILABLE
ACROSS THE 3.5T IVECO DAILY RANGE IVECO improves accessibility and budgeting with new contract hire funding options.
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VECO UK welcomes the introduction of a new range of contract hire funding options for the 3.5t GVW range of Daily panel and crew vans, chassis cabs and crew cabs. These offers are open to limited companies through business contract hire, which is provided via a partnership with Arval UK, part of the BNP Paribas Group. Available across the UK dealer network, credit approval decisions will be provided in just two minutes, which allows customers to react quickly to their changing business demands. An IVECO Daily 3.5t panel van is now available on contract hire at a competitive monthly rate. For customers looking to tailor Daily for their own specific business mission, either with optional extras or body-built solutions such as tippers, drop-sides and lutons, contract hire offers the flexibility to include this on a single invoice transaction. Offers can be quoted instantly and customised with or without repair and maintenance packages. These can include IVECO ON connectivity, giving the highest levels of customer satisfaction and allowing clear Page 68
and complete visibility over fixed running costs while maximising vehicle uptime. “It’s a pleasure to introduce this new contract hire funding option via our Dealers to further enhance the acquisition choice for both our current and new customers,” said IVECO UK Light Business-line Director, Mike Cutts. “We understand how important it is for businesses to have clear sight of expenses to plan ahead and protect their bottom lines, especially during the turbulent times we’ve experienced recently. This new funding method offers customers an all-encompassing solution as robust as the Daily itself.” Paul Hyne, Arval UK Commercial Director, said: “Partnering with IVECO to provide a suite of commercial contract hire products and services for their experienced network of dealers in the UK is a strategic decision, which we believe will benefit new customers across the country. We look forward to working with its dealers and franchise partners, to help them promote the awarding winning IVECO Daily range of vehicles. This move complements www.forestmachinemagazine.com
our own plans for growth in the commercial sector and strengthens the existing relationship between IVECO and the wider BNP Paribas group.” For almost 45 years, the Daily range has proven itself a tough and dependable partner on any mission and now it is even simpler to take advantage of a rich heritage in heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Sharing a support network of experienced dealers and workshops with its truck stablemates, operators can take advantage of extended opening hours and the responsive assistance non-stop 24/7 road-side support service. Also available on Daily are the same range of comprehensive connected Repair & Maintenance packages and a live link to the IVECO control centre. A vehicle’s performance can be monitored behind the scenes to adapt servicing requirements, propose efficiency-boosting driving style adjustments, and even take advantage of an over-theair software update function to keep vehicles working and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership. www.iveco-dealership.co.uk April 2022
TOYOTA HYDROGEN FUELLED VEHICLES Opening of the new Element 2 hydrogen fuelling station at Teesside International Airport, in Darlington
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en Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric cars and a Toyota fuel cell forklift truck were handed over to the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub on 27 January, at the opening of the new Element 2 hydrogen fuelling station at Teesside International Airport, in Darlington. As part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub demonstration programme, the airport has two Mirai, and alongside other regional organisations it will be testing zero emission, hydrogenfuelled commercial and support vehicles as part of a Department of Transport led £2.5 million region-wide trial. Toyota is providing the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles for use by the region’s rapid response
April 2022
services, including Cleveland Police, NHS patient support as well as the Combined Authority, Anglo American and Stagecoach.
about much more than flights to Alicante.”
In September 2020 the Government announced that Tees Valley would be home to the UK’s first Hydrogen Transport Hub, established in partnership with Teesside University. This will form an innovation campus focused on clean energy research and development. It will lead research, development, and testing of new hydrogen transport technologies in a range of vehicles.
Brendan Bilton, Element 2’s Chief Technology Officer said: “For every 1kg of hydrogen fuel used, 3.7 litres of Diesel and 10kg of CO2 emissions are offset. The Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub will play a vital part in decarbonising the North East, as local residents and workers will benefit from cleaner air and the hub will create more skilled jobs in the region. We want to encourage fleet owners and operators to take advantage of this opportunity. Together, we can make diesel history.”
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “The trial of these new vehicles and refuelling station is just one of many ground-breaking hydrogen initiatives taking place across Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington right now, to understand its potential and pave the way for the cleaner, safer and healthier industries of the future. By proving these vehicles are efficient, easy to use and safe in a wide range of applications, we’re putting our region at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution – while showing that our airport is
James Clark, Toyota (GB) spokesperson said: “The provision of our Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars and forklift from Toyota Material Handling to the Teesside Hydrogen Transport Hub is another step in the journey towards a hydrogen society. It’s great that they will be put to good use by support services, joining a growing range of industries and organisations that are already benefitting from zero-emission vehicles, and that can be speedily re-fuelled in just three minutes, with a driving range of approximately 300 miles.”
www.forestmachinemagazine.com
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EDUCATION
OWEN GILLIES - A NEW RECRUIT With the lack of training facilities in the UK it is encouraging to see that there are still some new young operators joining the forest industry.
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recently had the opportunity to meet Owen Gillies, a relatively new operator in forestry. He is a fully paid-up member of the elite club, as he is one of the youngest qualified forwarder operators in the UK. Owen operates a Ponsse Elephant forwarder and works with his father, Duncan Gillies Jnr, who has his own timber harvesting contracting company Lorn Logging Ltd. Owen and Duncan were working
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April 2022
on a harvesting contract just outside of the village of Crainlarich in Perthshire. Knowing the area well, I thought that this was quite challenging ground conditions for a new operator. it would either be steep or soft, wet peaty ground or possibly if he was truly lucky, a bit of both . It was quite a climb up the forestry roads to where they were working, The guys were at one of the highest points where the forest met the mountains. Although the roads and the forest were clear, there was snow not far above where they were working.
☺
While looking for somewhere to park my car I noticed how tidy the stacked timber was at the roadside, not just the sawlogs, but pallet and chipwood as well. Owen was just finishing unloading the forwarder with 3.7 saw logs and had noticed me arriving – a good operator is aware of his surroundings - and offered to give me a lift to where he was extracting behind his dad. Owen was nothing like I expected for a young operator, and I was incredibly surprised to find that he had been operating the forwarder for just five months.
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My earlier assumptions weren’t wrong, this was not an easy site to harvest or forward - steep knolls with plenty of wet areas on the main extraction route that would need hagged up regularly. On the forwarder journey in it became apparent that although Owen was just 17 years old and was just learning to drive a car, he had a sensible and mature head on his young April 2022
Well organised stacking area with very tidy presentation. Owen at the controls. Good peripheral vision from the operators seat. shoulders. His control of the forwarder while travelling was faultless, he was cautious but confident traversing along the extraction route and was using the correct speed for the type of conditions he was travelling in. It wasn’t a straightforward route either to where Duncan was harvesting, there were several obstacles to negotiate around. Owens judgement when manoeuvring was excellent. It is so easy to misjudge when to execute your turn on any forwarder, let alone a large one, and there was a severe drop off the drivers door side of the forwarder, which could cause a lot of grief if you got it wrong. www.forestmachinemagazine.com
Duncan was cutting an extraction route around the side of a knoll with the processed wood stacked on the high side and a drop off the other side. Owen was having to load while travelling uphill which isn’t the easiest when the wood is wet and slippery. However, the Ponsse Elephant had a rear headboard which helps to prevent wood from sliding off. As we were close to where Duncan was harvesting, I jumped out to let Owen load the forwarder. It was surprising just how adept he was on the crane, his positioning for loading was spot on and there was no Page 71
EDUCATION banging and clanking of the grapple hitting the bolsters. He managed to easily pick out the size of sawlogs he was loading, in all fairness Duncan is a first-class operator on the harvester and presents the wood tidily which makes the forwarder operator’s job much easier. Owen was using the dipper extension to reach the logs and it was good to see that he was pulling the extension back in before using other crane functions, this prevents wear and tear on the crane and forwarder. He wasn’t long in loading, and I signalled that I would see him on his return from unloading and get a catch up with Duncan. I asked Duncan if Owen had been interested in forestry from being a youngster. “I never pushed him into it and prior to him starting work he hadn’t been out in the forest much at all. I wasn’t one of the dads that brought him out to work with me on weekends and holidays, I wanted him to decide for himself.
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“I started Owen out on the chainsaw and after about a year bought a second-hand excavator with a Ponsse harvesting head so he could gain experience operating machinery. He spent the next few months on the harvester and progressed well, he was averaging over 80m³ each day. “An opportunity arose for Owen to operate our Ponsse Elephant forwarder and he jumped at the chance. He has been operating it for around five months and is continually improving.” Owen reappeared with the forwarder for his next forwarder load, so I made my way back over to where he was loading. For this load he was picking up 3.7m sawlogs and was a quarter loaded by the time I got there, Duncan had taught him well as every time he moved forward to the next pile of logs the crane was secured in the load. One of my pet hates is seeing a crane in mid-air with the grapple swinging about. Operators can start to get a
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bit flustered when a camera is pointing at them, but Owen was as cool as a cucumber and made no mistakes. I found it difficult to get my head around the fact that this was a forwarder operator of just five months, from where I was standing this young man was the real deal and looked like someone with years of experience. When he had loaded his last log, I signalled to see if a lift out on the forwarder to the stacking area was on the cards and fortunately it was. Owen comes across as a polite, thoughtful and respectful young man important traits for machine operators. Unfortunately dealing with rude and irrational people is becoming part and parcel of working in forestry, being calm and polite can help to diffuse what could potentially be a tricky situation. Owen acknowledged that he thoroughly enjoys operating the forwarder and looks forward to coming to work. Even when things don’t go to plan, and he has to get the spanners out for a repair or to carry out servicing, he is quite happy and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. It is good to see that Owen has chosen this career for himself without any influence from his dad. Duncan would have fully supported Owen no matter what career he decided upon, but I am sure that he must be enormously proud that he has joined him in the family business. It just goes to show that there are youngsters out there with the right attitude and work ethic that would relish the opportunity to carve out a career in forestry. April 2022
TRAINING
PROGRAMME Senator Pippa Hackett launches Teagasc’s new marteloscope training programme
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marteloscope is a permanent plot within the forest in which tree measurements and associated software are linked to provide a framework for in-forest training in selection and marking. The location of each of the trees is mapped and each tree is labelled with an identifying number. Land owners often plant and manage forests for multiple reasons such as timber production, biodiversity enhancement, water protection, recreation and well-being. A mix of forest management systems is therefore required to cater for the diversity of forest types, site conditions and the owner’s objectives. Chairman of Teagasc, Liam Herlihy noted; “Both national and European forest policies are increasingly directed towards the promotion of diverse and integrated land management. This dovetails with our strategy to enhance forest resilience in the face of climate disruption, while sustaining forest production and delivering diverse ecosystem services to society.”
April 2022
Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara said; “Many Irish forest owners are new to forest management and are still developing their skills base. We are delighted that Teagasc, in partnership with the European Forestry Institute, Pro Silva Ireland and Coillte, have developed such an excellent network of forest plots, called marteloscopes. These are specially prepared forest plots which are commonly used across Europe for training purposes. In essence, they are an outdoor-classroom forest facility for training participants in tree selection and tree marking.” Minister Pippa Hackett said, “Forests can provide multiple benefits to society- this is one of their greatest strengths. It is therefore very important to engage now with forest owners and managers in developing new skills to support integrated management models which can complement current practices.” Dr Nuala NiFhlatharta, Head of Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department added; “The marteloscope programme is a new, practical and interactive www.forestmachinemagazine.com
knowledge transfer resource which is now available to forest owner groups and other stakeholders. It forms part of a very dynamic Europe-wide training network exchange and it will continue to be developed in close collaboration with our European and national partners.” Jonathan Spazzi, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer who is co-ordinating this project explained; “This training resource adopts a facilitationstyle format and encourages participants to learn by doing, leading to group discussions and valuable peer-to-peer learning.” He added, “It includes the use of touch-screen tablets for thinning simulations while in the forest, allowing participants to practise new skills and test out in realtime different management options ranging from clearfell to continuous cover management systems.” A busy schedule of marteloscope workshops organised by Teagasc is planned for this year, primarily for forest owner groups but also including consultant foresters and forestry students. www.teagasc.ie Page 73
TRIALS
STIHL
MS 462 C-M
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t the beginning of February, I dropped off a STIHL MS 462 C-M, complete with a 20” bar and chain, to professional tree feller Stewart Walker. He had agreed to use the saw in place of his normal felling saw, a Husqvarna 572, for the next four or five weeks. Although Stewart has mainly used Husqvarna chainsaws throughout his forestry career, he was pleased to have the opportunity to try Page 74
out a different brand of saw. Stewart works for AG Ferguson Forestry Contractors and travels between their two harvesting sites in Argyll, felling and de-limbing large and heavily branched edge trees that are too big and rough branched for the companies Ponsse Bear and Komatsu 931 XC harvesters to process. Stewart was working on the www.forestmachinemagazine.com
site not far from Rosneath for my visit. It was a mixed species coastal forest comprising of Sitka Spruce, Larch, Fir, Pine with a mix of poor-quality hardwoods spread throughout. This was a clearfell site with evidence of storm damage and patches of windblow here and there. In this block each tree was averaging over 2.0m³. and were very butty at the base, with large toes. Manual felling kept the stumps low and April 2022
CUTTING OUT THE FELLING FACE.
STEWART AND THE MS 462 C-M recovered more usable timber. The harvesting work was well underway with over half the contract completed. As I am waiting for an appointment for two new hip joints, I was relieved to see it was reasonably flat and not too far to where Stewart was felling. I hadn’t spoken to Stewart since dropping off the saw, except for directions, so I was interested to see how he found the STIHL. April 2022
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TRIALS HOW MUCH HAVE YOU USED THE MS 462 C-M?
“I have used this saw every day and put over 150ltrs of fuel through it. It had a relatively new cutting chain when you dropped it off and I am on my second now. I have never used or even considered STIHL chainsaws before but this one has certainly changed my opinion.
“It is a fantastic felling saw, free revving with bags of power for a 72.2cc, well balanced, not overly heavy and feels comfortable in your hands. I have never had to use the decompression valve as it starts easily and without too much effort on the pull cord. “Like I said its really comfortable to use and a lot of that is down to the effectiveness of the antivibration system that is fitted in this saw.” It was good to watch the STIHL felling the 3 to 4’ diameter trees, the harder it worked the better it sounded. I could see that the chain was sharp and cutting well with the size of the chips that were flying out of the sprocket cover. This is a flatter and narrower cover with integrated slide rails for improved snedding. The internal cavity has been designed to ensure rapid chip removal even when making rip cuts. This MS 462 C-M has captive nuts securing the sprocket cover and a chain tensioner screw through the sprocket cover - keeping hands well out of the way of the chain. RELIABILITY AND MAINTENANCE.
“I have had no bother Page 76
whatsoever, the only servicing I have had to do is clean the air filter. Even when it starts to get dusty you don’t notice any drop in power as the carburettor compensator adjusts the fuel/air mix accordingly.” WITH THE COST OF FUEL, ECONOMY IS ANOTHER KEY FACTOR TO CONSIDER.
“I have been getting about 35-40 minutes out of a tank of fuel and that includes when the saw is working bloody hard. It is probably on a par with my Husqvarna although the STIHL has better top end power. I have never experienced any power lapse on this saw even when felling extremely big trees and the power to weight ratio is fantastic.” ANY OTHER POINTS WORTH CONSIDERING?
“One thing that did stand out was the chain, I got extraordinarily little stretch and hardly ever needed to tighten it. The chain oiler is the most effective one I have ever come across and it doesn’t use any more chain oil than my other saws. “Another point I would like to make is that I have felled a few www.forestmachinemagazine.com
Some of the larger trees prior to felling. large hardwoods on this job, and it was a brilliant saw for dealing with them.” IT WAS ALL GOOD SO FAR BUT SURELY THERE HAD TO BE SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY.
“I found a couple of little niggles, one of these was the tool free fuel cap. Although a great system with just a quarter turn to open and close it, sometimes it didn’t seat properly when closing and it
April 2022
would spring off during use. After it did this a couple of times, I would make sure it was properly sealed by opening and closing it a few times until it seated properly. This didn’t happen with the oil filling cap so it could be a minor fault with this fuel cap. It was intermittent so didn’t cause too much of a problem. “My second point is that although this is a fantastic saw for snedding, when working on heavy branched pappy trees where I was using lower revs with about ¾ of the saw power, it didn’t run quite as well and was a bit lumpy. It prefers to be on full throttle for felling and snedding.” IT WAS TIME TO ASK STEWART THE 64-MILLIONDOLLAR QUESTION, WOULD HE BUY A STIHL?
“This saw has certainly changed my opinion of STIHL and I would consider buying a STIHL when it comes time to renew my existing saw. It was great to get the opportunity to try the MS 462 and it undoubtedly impressed me as there was a lot to like about it.” The MS 462 C-M forestry chainsaw is the lightest highperformance saw in its class. A STIHL anti-vibration system means you can comfortably use the saw for extended periods of time. In addition, the new design makes it easier to manoeuvre and, with less gyroscopic force on acceleration, it is also easier to stay in full control of the saw at all times. www.stihl.co.uk April 2022
CAN TREES BE THE NEXT STEP IN MAKING ELECTRIC VEHICLE’S EVEN GREENER
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lectromobility is not a factor of tomorrow, but rather a factor of today. Before our eyes, more and more car brands are churning electric vehicless (EV) at an increasing rate and electromobility is seen as the clear way forward. Why is this development of interest for Stora Enso? Stora Enso has introduced an innovation product, Lignode® by Stora Enso, that aims at making electric vehicles even more of a green solution, as the world pushes towards electrification in the car industry space. Moving forward with our mission, SVP, Head of Lignode, Lauri Lehtonen visited the Automotive News Europe podcast to chat about the benefits and possibilities of using lignin in lithiumion batteries and how it can revolutionise the future of electromobility to be as green as it promises. WHY TO REPLACE GRAPHITE WITH HARD CARBON?
It is necessary to revolutionise battery technology in order to sustainably cover the needs of energy storage in an electrified future. In ten years, the battery market is expected to grow tenfold. So, with increasing demands for electrification and rising standards of living, it’s essential that we find new and www.forestmachinemagazine.com
smarter technologies to meet the future. EV batteries today require the use of graphite. Graphite is a fossil carbon which is either mined or synthetically made from other fossil-based materials. The extraction through mining is often done under less than satisfactory conditions, with social and environmental consequences. At Stora Enso, we have therefore dedicated ourselves to coming up with a solution where graphite is replaced with hard carbon from lignin. LIGNODE® BY STORA ENSO
Lignode® is a hard carbon that is a bio-based alternative made from lignin – an existing byproduct in the production of cellulose. Lignin is renewable, traceable and is already being produced in millions of tonnes in Europe – enabling the fastgrowing battery business to become more sustainable. Over 50% of an electric car’s carbon footprint comes from its battery: the electrified future needs sustainable development. Electric vehicles are seen at the forefront in combating climate change, but still, they have their downsides. Doing this, electric vehicles could act as an even more effective solution in fighting climate change. www.storaenso.com Page 77
YOUNG LOGGERS
d e r a e g n o l s
s b h y i t e t h e
l i a e e l b o p r
a s r n t w r a w s
e a p t r t o g r b
Word search r n i o e l a n a n
o l o a t r g r s a
b h r i o t r a e p
Spot the dif ference
s e t p n e e l l w
d n s g d w f d g e
Can you find the ten dif ferent types of owls? BARN BARRED BOREAL ELF LITTLE LONG EARED SHORT EARED SNOWY SPOTTED
There are five to find
Did you know? •
There are around 200 dif ferent owl species.
•
The tiniest owl in the world is the Elf Owl, which is 5 - 6 inches tall and weighs about 1½ ounces.
•
The Largest Owl in the World is the Blakiston’s Fish Owl with a wingspan of 6.5 feet and weighs about 6-8.8 lbs.
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April 2022
How many four letter words can you make out of the word FOREST 4 - Good
8 - Great
12 - Excellent
Find & Colour Can you find the two identical owls?
April 2022
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April 2022
Valmet 860 Forwarder Year 2000 20,000 Hours Recent repairs include: New fuel injector pump. Centre Bearing replaced. Two new rear bogie bearings New brake seals & drive coupling Comes complete with a spare wheel and a set of band tracks £27,000 + Vat o.n.o.
Renault C480 Wagon & Drag Year 2015 Engine just replaced and it comes with a two year warranty 6 x 4 drawbar trailer c/w Exte E4 extendable bolsters Corus CTC243SA tri axle trailer (2004) Loglift 96S Crane with 7.9M reach (2011) Weighing system Bigfoot Central tyre inflation system Exte D5 Bolsters on drag trailer (fixed one piece stakes) 438,000 Km £54,000.00 + Vat Ready to go to work April 2022
John Deere 1510e Forwarder. Year 2016 Hours 11457 Includes one set of tracks. Fully serviced and ready to go to work £115,000.00 + Vat o.n.o.
Ponsse Buffalo 8W Forwarder. Year 1999 Hours 17,000.00 £20,000.00 + Vat o.n.o. Ideal Yard Machine Centre- joint replaced Back-axle maintenance carried out
Mercedes Unimog U1750L Year 1986 ( Reg 2002) Vehicle had extensive repairs and refurbishment work carried out by Atkinson Vos in 2016. Cab totally refurbished, whole vehicle repainted and new tyres fitted. Aluminium rear body/ chip box with tool storage area both new in 2016 Hiab 2070AW crane fitted 16 Mtre (Year 2014) c/w 1600kg winch. 5 Tonne log grapple (Year 2015) Comes compete with log trailer Cost £36,000.00 + Vat ono
John Deere 1270g Harvester c/w John Deere H415 Harvesting Head Year 2015, 12000 Hours Complete with one set of tracks. Tyres 80% £165,000.00 + Vat
Ponsse Fox 8W c/w Ponsse H6 Harvesting Head. Year 2018 3576 Hours Immaculate condition £245,000.00 + Vat o.n.o.
For all machines on this page Contact Stephen Clark Eagle Asset Finance Ltd 07967 588739
Ponsse Wisent Forwarder. Year 2018 4000 Hours TRS Tyres, 10 Mtr Partless Crane Machine has been covered by Ponsse Service Plan £175,000.00 + Vat or nearest offer www.forestmachinemagazine.com
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CLASSIFIED
Forestry Inspector – Groundsperson – Level 3 2008 Merlo 38/16 S Telehandler fitted with 300 TMK tree shear. 6300 hrs and comes with bucket, forks, man basket, and lifting hooks. Has cameras front and rear, new tyres, a tidy machine all serviced and ready to go. Registered for road use. £60,000 ONO For more details email colin.mcnicol@ hotmail.com or text to 07774628473
Ex Demo Neuson Forest 243HVT harvester, 2021, 60 h Motor: John Deere 6068 - 250 PS/ 184kW Equipment: LED lighting, Tracks, Sun blind, Air condition, Radio set, 6 cylinders, 6,8 l cylinder capacity. Emission level 3A. Constant engine speed. POA Contact: Joerg Leonhartsberger +43 664 88 126 753 Email: Joerg. leonhartsberger@ neuson-forest.com Page 82
Salary: New Palfinger PK42002A-SH Year 2021 For further information on spec please contact FTM on 01743 741778 Keto 100 5 Knife Head & Computer For Sale For Sale, Keto 100, 5 knife head and computer. Plus extra screen cracked but in good working condition. Also parts for 150 and 100 head. £5000.00 Plus VAT. Ponsse 60 BW head for parts. Contact Paul, 00 353 862 030 475.
VACANCIES HGV 1 Timber/Crane Driver Required near Goudhurst, Kent Occasional nights out (but very rarely) Hiab/crane tickets not essential but previous experience would be an advantage. Good rates of pay and will be treated as an individual, not just a number plate! Contact number: 07769354118
Employer: Contract: Hours: Base:
£21,028 per year (ERYC Grade 5 includes contractual overtime rate) East Riding of Yorkshire Council Permanent Full-time - 37 + 2 hours contractual overtime Willerby & Carnaby, East Riding of Yorkshire
We seek a Forestry Inspector who is suitably qualified and knowledgeable in all aspects of maintaining a healthy tree stock. You must have previous experience of undertaking tree inspections and carrying out manual tree maintenance work as they will also be required to work with our forestry frontline operational teams often in a supervisory role. You must hold a recognised qualification in arboriculture which includes surveying trees and good appreciation of health and safety is of key importance. A full driving licence is essential preferably with the entitlement to drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle. You will be based at our Willerby and Carnaby depots and will involve travelling to all areas within the East Riding to carry out tree inspections and maintenance work. The position is full-time, 37 hours per week plus 2 hours contractual overtime (working Monday to Friday). If you require further information about the role, please contact Neil Lemmon, tel 07712 660341. Application packs are available at https://bit.ly/3Kv0Xv2 Advert No: STRE000648 Closing Date: 4 April 2022
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April 2022
April 2022
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