NZ Logger April 2018

April 2018 | $7.20

s g n i r l Bel s e g n a h c e h t

ISSN 1176-0397

R TESTED SUPER FORWARDE

Coasters’ native logging plea

How to own a forest

WH400 winches Youtube

LG23583

Excavator Mounted Yarding System

contents APRIL 2018

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FOREST TALK Export log prices may be peaking; China approves Radiata for buildings; Rotorua targeted for NZ’s second CLT plant; Methyl Bromide replacement a step closer; PF Olsen head Peter Clark steps down; overseas forestry investment streamlined; billion tree timetable gives industry confidence; work starts on Wairoa forestry rail link; DIY drug testing not the answer; nominations for Northland Forestry Awards open; Timber Design Awards entries now open; lightening the load with synthetic rope; focus on improving log transport; funding to expand Bay of Plenty tree nursery.

FORESTWOOD 2018 Every two years the movers and shakers of the New Zealand forestry

34 world come together to plot the course of the industry at the ForestWood conference. The 2018 edition took place in Wellington last month amid concerns over log supply to local mills and discussion about the industry’s future role.

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SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST Two-staging wood from a cramped landing to a load-out site can be an inefficient and time-consuming process if you don’t take the right options. But not the way Rosewarne Cable Loggers is doing it on the Pouto Peninsula, south of Dargaville.

They’re using a Bell ‘super forwarder’ to scoot up to 30 tonnes of logs from as far away as one kilometre to a dedicated loading facility at speeds of up to 50km/h on good tracks.

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WEST COAST NATIVES Foresters make a plea for rules to be changed to allow selective logging to continue. South Island writer and logger, Jim Childerstone, meets up with the Coasters.

DEPARTMENTS 42 BREAKING OUT

Ever fancied owning your own forest?

Logger Brian Reader did. And his dream came true, but it wasn’t a walk in the woods, as he details in his article entitled A Forest Owner’s Tale.

DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 50 top spot 52 fica 54 new iron 59 classifieds

April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 1

from the editor

April 2018 | $7.20

Bell rings the c hange s

ISSN 1176-0397

PHOTO: JOHN ELLEGARD

R TESTED SUPER FORWARDE

Coasters’ native logging plea

How to own a forest

The Bell TH403E used as a ‘super forwarder’ for two-staging over long distances by Rosewarne Cable Loggers.

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Forestry creaking at the seams

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FTER A RECORD HARVEST IN 2017 THERE ARE A LOT OF CONTENTED smiles around forestry, especially with log prices peaking at the same time.

We could be in for a repeat in 2018. Or maybe not. Depends on who you listen to.

Logic tells us that our harvest is going to keep on growing over the next decade, because we’ve only just started nibbling at the Wall of Wood. But there are growing pains that could put a cap on how much wood we can recover from our plantation forests. And that’s a worry.

People are already starting to talk about capacity constraints at our major log ports. And we all know that sometimes it’s hard to get trucks into the forest to pick up logs due to driver shortages and other issues. Sub-standard roads in the regions are also hurting the ability of transporters to keep to schedule. Then you’ve got silviculture and logging contractors desperately short of people to plant and cut trees.

Talk about creaking at the seams.

It’s been good to see Shane Jones keep his promise about injecting capital into the regions to help alleviate some of these problems. But the emphasis placed on investing in rail to move more logs ignores the point that trains will only be able to transport a fraction of our harvest, because rail doesn’t reach into many of the outlying areas where much of the Wall of Wood is coming from.

I’ve said it for years, and I’ll keep saying it; we need a national strategy for the forestry industry that incorporates every facet, from finding more land to grow the promised billion trees, to attracting the people who will plant, harvest and transport the logs, to ensuring there is a comprehensive logistics system to expedite those logs to their destinations. There are other important things that should be in the strategy, such as looking to maximise the value of our forestry resource by encouraging processing in New Zealand and finding markets to sell those products. And so on and so forth.

Putting more trees in the ground is a great feel-good activity, but I just hope they are going into the right places, where they can easily be harvested and transported. At the same time, we need to plan ahead to ensure the logistics for transportation are ready when loggers go into those new forests.

The growing pains we are experiencing today are the result of not having a national strategy in place years ago. We just planted and hoped.

We’re now in catch-up mode.

So while I don’t want to rain on Shane Jones’ parade, I think it is vitally important that the Minister and his colleagues sit down urgently with forestry leaders and devise a comprehensive strategy that brings all the elements together.

It could save a lot of heartache 25 years down the road when those billion new trees are part of the next Wall of Wood. NZL

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forest talk

China approves Radiata for buildings RADIATA PINE IS EXPECTED TO BE MORE widely used in China following a revision to that country’s building design regulations that comes into force in August.

Currently a significant amount of the exported logs from New Zealand ends up as low-grade concrete forming timber, but this move could see it increasingly used in higher value products.

Officials in China recently announced that Radiata Pine structural timber is to be included in Chinese Code of Design for Timber Structures GB50005 from August 1 of this year.

The announcement sees the inclusion of design properties for a number of grades and sizes of NZ Radiata Pine, including SG6, SG8, SG10, SG12 and SG15 grades and 45x75, 45x90, 45x140, 45x190, 45x240 and 45x290 sizes.

To be able to use the design properties stated, the timber must be graded and verified according to NZ rules, such as NZS 3622, with third party auditing. This means that for the first time, engineers in China will be able to design buildings using the NZ grades and sizes.

The move is the result of efforts by

the NZ Wood Processors & Manufacturers Association working with SCION to ensure NZ Radiata Pine grades were included in the revision, along with extensive assistance from Ministry for Primary Industries and Indufor Group.

Work is now under way to develop the handbook for GB 50005, coordinated

by WPMA and SCION; meetings to be attended by Dr Minghao Li from University of Canterbury and Bill Lu of Indufor Group, with assistance again being provided by MPI and also by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. NZL

Export log prices may be peaking DESPITE A STRONG START TO THE YEAR, EXPORT LOG PRICES MAY be close to peaking, according to a number of leading New Zealand foresters.

That sentiment was clear from the latest Log Price Outlook survey conducted by Scion research scientist Dr Carel Bezuidenhout.

The results of his survey seem to have been supported by flat-lining prices at the wharf gate in February and March, after posting healthy increases in both volume and price last year.

It appears that the “growth momentum in these prices is slowing as rebalancing among world markets takes place,” one commentator was quoted as saying in the Scion survey.

That view was supported by a number of foresters who took part in the survey, even as reports from China indicate that demand for logs continues to be strong. But there are some headwinds appearing.

Dr Bezuidenhout notes that while “the price outlooks for pruned and unpruned logs are at an all-time high, some individuals raise valid reasons why the upward trends may not continue for another 12 months”.

One forester was quoted as saying: “(The) rising NZ$ will cap prices even if demand remains about current levels. A rising dollar also makes life more difficult for manufactured exports, thus potentially limiting demand for logs. Infrastructure constraints will also cap the volume we are able to handle. Remember even a 5% lift in volume is over 1million tonnes. Logging, transport and wharves are all close to capacity.”

4 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

Another commented: “I think we are probably at the top of the price increases we’ve seen over the past 12-to-24 months for various reasons. Shipping has become more expensive with the rise in oil prices, so that is squeezing buyers and they’ll be wary about paying more for logs. Also, there are more sources for logs internationally these days, so NZ is but one of many players and if our prices get ahead of themselves, buyers have other options. And China is still a big worry with its overheated property market.”

That view was echoed by another forester who predicted there could be a challenge from “increased cheap logs from South America to China”.

Whilst another forester believes “NZ’s ability to increase timber harvest (is) beginning to be constrained by labour availability”.

Yet another thinks “China construction sector is likely to drop away putting pressure on pricing but this may be offset by a drop in volume from Australia and NZ”.

Last year New Zealand shipped a record 18.8 million cubic metres of softwood logs overseas, an increase of 18% on 2016, with exports to China jumping 29%, which accounted for three-quarters of the total.

New Zealand was the top source of softwood logs to China last year, with its share of the market lifting to 36.3% from 34.7%.

China’s overall demand for softwood logs increased 10% to 31 million tonnes as the country clamped down on harvesting its own forests and reduced tariffs on imported logs to meet demand in its local market. NZL

forest talk

Rotorua targeted for NZ’s second CLT plant RED STAG GROUP, WHICH RUNS THE LARGEST SAWMILL IN the Southern Hemisphere, plans to invest more than $20 million to develop a large-scale cross-laminated timber (CLT) plant at its wood processing site in Rotorua.

It will become New Zealand’s second CLT plant, after the pioneering XLam process was established in Nelson six years ago.

However, the plant being planned by Red Stag will be much larger, producing more than 50,000 cubic metres of crosslaminated timber within two years of its start up in mid-2019 – the equivalent of around 2,000 housing units. That’s if it is built at all.

Red Stag Group Chief Executive, Marty Verry, says the company’s plans are conditional on draft building standards requiring full chemical penetration of cross-laminated timber being confirmed by the Standards New Zealand unit of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to guard against rot from exposure to moisture.

Timber for the new CLT plant will be supplied by Red Stag’s own Waipa sawmill, which recently underwent a $100 million redevelopment to create New Zealand’s first ‘super mill’, capable of processing 1 million tonnes of logs a year. The CLT plant will be built next to the mill on the 95ha site owned by Red Stag.

The expansion into cross-laminated timber is seen as complementary to the government’s KiwiBuild programme, which aims to deliver 100,000 affordable houses over the next 10 years. CLT can help drive down construction time by as much as 30% and, consequently, the cost of building.

Engineered wood products, such as CLT, are becoming increasingly popular for multi-storey buildings around the world and are also gaining traction in New Zealand after recent earthquakes showed wooden buildings outperformed concrete and steel structures. Property developer Bob Jones is erecting the country’s tallest wooden office building, at 12 storeys, in

Red Stag is planning to build a $20 million CLT plant at its Rotorua wood processing site.

central Wellington using the product, while Sumitomo plans to build an 80-storey part-wood building in Tokyo.

“Cross Laminated Timber is a product on a rapid growth curve globally,” says Mr Verry. “It is one of the ‘massive timber’ group of products, along with others such as glulam, that is opening up the mid- and high-rise building market to wood.”

He says there is strong demand in New Zealand for the wood and praised Nelson’s XLam for developing the cross-laminated timber market on its own to date.

“We see the need now for a scale North Island producer so that between us we take the product mainstream,” adds Mr Verry. “Our vision is that wood will be the norm in mid-rise buildings by 2030, and I can see the KiwiBuild target being achievable in the early 2020s as a result.”

The new cross-laminated timber plant will come under the company’s Red Stag Wood Solutions division run by Managing Director, Jason Cordes, and is expected to generate 40 regional jobs, mostly in Rotorua.

A modular approach to the factory means more capacity can be bought on as required, he says.

Mr Cordes says CLT has the potential to save thousands of dollars on the cost of housing and mid-rise buildings by reducing material cost, on-site labour costs and construction time, and performs well in earthquakes, where its light weight and ability to flex means it performs better than heavy rigid buildings from concrete and steel, with a very predictable and high fire rating. NZL

April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 5

forest talk

Methyl Bromide replacement a step closer A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE HAS BEEN REACHED IN REPLACING Methyl Bromide as the standard fumigant for export logs and timber.

The Environmental Protection Authority has released application details for approval of Ethanedinitrile (EDN), which the forest industry hopes could replace methyl bromide fumigation used on log exports to China and India.

Methyl Bromide is an ozone depleting chemical and regulations due to come into effect in 2020 will make it considerably more difficult and expensive to use.

The Chair of Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction (STIMBR), Don Hammond, says approval by the EPA is the critical first step into its use in New Zealand to ensure log exports are free of pests the importing countries don’t want.

“Over the past seven years STIMBR and our co-funding partners, including the New Zealand government, have invested more than $22 million in research on alternatives to methyl bromide, as well as ways to reduce the amounts that need to be used, along with recapture and destruction technologies,” says Mr Hammond.

He says an extensive review of scientific literature commissioned

by STIMBR in 2014 found only one promising fumigant alternative to methyl bromide, adding: “Plant and Food Research confirmed EDN is an effective phytosanitary treatment for insects which might be found on our logs.

“There are clear advantages of EDN over methyl bromide. EDN has no effect on the ozone layer. It is not a greenhouse gas. It does not bioaccumulate because it breaks down rapidly in the environment without leaving harmful residues in the soil or in water.”

EDN is currently manufactured by Draslovka a family-owned company based in the Czech Republic. Over the past three years Mr Hammond says Draslovka has made significant investment to develop

New Zealand log exporters are closer to finding a suitable replacement for Methyl Bromide fumigation.

EDN into a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable alternative to Methyl Bromide for use globally as a soil and commodity treatment.

Peter Clark, retiring President of the Forest Owners Association, says while EPA approval is a vital first step that doesn’t mean importing countries will automatically accept its use.

“We are confident that, with the huge wealth of positive data on EDN, that EPA will give it approval,” says Mr Clark. “The process of assuring other countries that EDN is both effective and safe to use, must also be undertaken as a government priority.

“Though the value of log exports is less than half of the value of our total timber exports, 71% of our logs go to China, and presently methyl bromide treatment is an important component of that trade.

“Further, all logs going to India require Methyl Bromide treatment.

Resolving this issue is a clear priority for our industry.” NZL

PF Olsen head Peter Clark steps down

Peter Clark is stepping down as CEO of PF Olsen.

ANOTHER NEW ZEALAND FOREST INDUSTRY leader has decided to call it quits.

After 19 years as CEO of trans-Tasman forest manager, PF Olsen, Peter Clark has announced that he will relinquish the role in September.

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Just last month, US-owned Rayonier Matariki Forest saw its long-serving Managing Director, Paul Nicholls, retire after 25 years with the company.

Mr Clark, who also stepped down as President of the NZ Forest Owners Association last month after completing his two-year term, says: “It is time for some fresh thinking to continue the journey of the company.

“I came into this role at a time when PF Olsen was a relatively small business and have had the support of key clients, staff and successive boards to grow it into a substantial forestry services firm in New Zealand and Australia.

“The job is a long way from finished but I’ve decided that someone else will be better at leading the next phase.”

The PF Olsen Group board has established a ‘CEO replacement subcommittee’ and

will work with a professional recruitment company to search for a successor.

Mr Clark says he intends to take a 6-month break and “then see how else I can best play a role in the fantastic opportunities forestry has ahead of it”.

Among those roles he singled out that interest him is how forestry can help New Zealand meet the Paris Climate Change Agreement, and any subsequent international agreements, to reduce our net greenhouse gas emissions.

“Planting forests is a temporary fix that can buy us some time, but greater use of wood-based biofuels and timber in construction provides long term benefits,” he says.

The PF Olsen Group is based in Rotorua and has offices across the key forestry regions in New Zealand, as well as offices throughout Australia. NZL

forest talk

Overseas forestry investment THE FOREST OWNERS ASSOCIATION SAYS STREAMLINING THE application process for overseas investment in New Zealand forests is a major step forward and will make clear to potential investors that New Zealand has a positive forest future.

The Associate Minister of Finance David Parker says that while cutting rights are being brought under the scope of the Overseas Investment Office, the application process will be streamlined and cutting rights for forest land under 1,000 hectares, or for less than three years, will not need to go through the OIO. Retiring Forest Owners Association President, Peter Clark, says he is reassured that the government intends to make the whole OIO process more straightforward, for both forest land ownership, and cutting rights.

“We have always acknowledged that overseas investment in New Zealand forests is a privilege and not a right,” he says. “But our members have increasingly found that to make a successful application takes a huge amount of time and expense and then they would then have to seek new approvals for each individual transaction.

“David Parker says these unnecessary impediments are to be removed, including the counterfactual test. (This) statement may not be ideal from our point of view, but it is certainly an improvement on the current regime and clarifies the signal that the government is serious about achieving a planting target of a billion trees over ten years.”

Mr Parker says the government decision to include cutting rights in the scope of the OIO was necessary as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership came into force.

Mr Clark accepts this has caused a rush to develop policy, but he says

the forest industry will be making full use of the brief period of public consultation and reference to a Select Committee, adding: “The forest industry in this country is massive.

“It represents a huge ongoing investment both by New Zealanders and from overseas. We have to make sure that legislation and other rules which are approved are realistic and practicable. That process can’t be rushed.”

The new initiative came after forest owners complained that tortuous proceedings by the Overseas Investment Office make it hard for overseas forestry companies to invest in New Zealand and put in jeopardy the government’s one billion tree programme.

Last November the government issued a new Directive Letter to the Overseas Investment Office that emphasised the forestry sector has the potential to add “significant value” to the overall economy and environment. In particular, it aims to encourage an increase in the value-added processing of raw products and the advancement of its forestry-related strategies.

Mr Parker says changes approved by Cabinet mean a new streamlined approval path will be opened for overseas investors buying forestry rights that will make it easier to gain approval.

A standing consent system will also be developed, so quality forestry investors can make purchases of forestry land and rights without needing to seek prior approval of each individual transaction.

This new streamlined approval path will also be available for investments in leasehold and freehold forestry land, which are already screened. NZL

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCT SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE 2018 Tigercat is a Canadian based company that designs and builds premium quality, purpose-built forestry equipment for harvesting, extraction, processing and loading tree-length and cut-to-length forest products.

The Tigercat machine population in New Zealand has seen phenomenal growth in the past three years thanks largely to excellent sales and support efforts by our local dealer AB Equipment. The time has come for Tigercat to make a further commitment to AB Equipment and our New Zealand customer base by having further direct factory representation present in the country on a daily basis.

Tigercat is therefore seeking the services of a Factory Product Support Representative to be based in the North Island region who will work closely with Glen Marley and Aaron Gregan as well as the Canadian based Tigercat factories and support team.

JOB PURPOSE: Provide passionate technical support services for Tigercat Products, in conjunction with our Dealer and Customers.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: • Perform on site visits with dealer technical staff to support the Tigercat Products • Provide relevant technical feedback to Tigercat from the field in order to enhance product quality and reliability • Assist Dealers with Troubleshooting • Implement root cause analysis and effective corrective action • Assist with field testing and modifications to prototype Tigercat Products • Coordinate delivery/installation of replacement of parts for Tigercat Products as may be required to complement Dealer efforts • Provide feedback on field visits to end users to determine satisfaction/potential problems with, and development of Tigercat Products • Resolving of customer complaints • Extensive travelling away from home both nationally and internationally as required • Perform other related services as reasonably required by Tigercat Industries

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS: • Comprehensive understanding of Hydraulic, Electrical, Mechanical and Diesel Systems and able to troubleshoot and problem solve effectively and efficiently • Advanced Technical Capabilities • Sound Communication Skills • Team Oriented • Computer skills, E-Mail, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint • Customer Service Experience • Excellent time management skills without daily supervision • Negotiation Skills • Self-Confidence • Be Self-Motivated and Provide Prompt, Efficient and Timely Service • Must be adaptable to a changing work environment, competing demands and able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events and manage multiple projects simultaneously • University Degree or Trade Qualification Equivalent will be an advantage • Previous technical knowledge of Tigercat products could be an advantage • Undying passion for working in the unique forest industry

Apply in writing by April 30, 2018 with your CV to: gmarley@tigercat.com Subject: New Zealand Service Support Application.

If you require any further information on the role contact Glen Marley +61 (0) 428 481 238

April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 7

forest talk

Billion tree timetable gives industry confidence FOREST OWNERS SAY THE RECENT announcement of the timetable for the government’s billion tree ten-year project gives confidence that the massive afforestation is a serious proposition.

Forestry Minister, Shane Jones, says the government programme will see a gradual rise of tree numbers planted out every year as seedlings become available and he expects that from 2022 planting will be in full swing at an annual rate of 110,000 hectares a year. The planting would start with 55 million trees this year (mostly replanting of harvested forests), scaling up to 70 million in 2019 and 90 million in 2020.

Peter Clark, who has just stepped down as Forest Owners Association President, says there are plenty of sceptics who believe the government will not get to the billion tree target over ten years.

“A billion trees represents 100,000 hectares of plantings per year on average. The effective planting start-up year, with seedlings started off this winter, will be 2019,” he says.

“So, first up, 70,000 hectares represents a good beginning to grow the national forest estate which has been static for nearly 20 years.”

Mr Clark also predicts the $6.5 million fund for Afforestation Grants, announced by Mr Jones at the same time as the billion tree programme, will be over subscribed and there could be complications for future harvesting if land owners did not think carefully about where to plant.

“At $1,300 per hectare, the grant will cover the total planting costs for most landowners who choose to go into it,” says Mr Clark. “I would also hope the scheme can be expanded in future years.

“The scheme applies to forest plots between five and 300 hectares. This could lead to too many isolated woodlots, but if farmers amalgamated their plots it would pay off in reduced harvesting costs.”

Mr Clark says he expects the next stage of the billion tree project will be to provide details of the planned species and geographical mix.

He says: “Millable indigenous species, such as Totara and Beech are obviously going to be part of the mix, along with others planted to convert grassland into native forestland.

“But if forest plantings are to help with reducing the pain of meeting our Paris Accord commitments then we will need fast-growing exotics such as Radiata Pine, Douglas-fir and Eucalypts. It is never too early to start providing for what will be required to manage, harvest and process large volumes of these tree species.

“Our industry is also pleased that the government is making the development of infrastructure a priority. Roads in the Tairawhiti region in particular have been in decline and this is not good for anyone using that network, including our industry. Government undertakings to fix these roads as soon as physically possible is vitally good news.”

Forestry Minister Jones indicated in his plan that $450,000 will be provided for a Totara industry pilot in Northland to explore a new forestry market for native timber. NZL

Work starts on Wairoa forestry rail link WORK HAS ALREADY STARTED ON RE-INSTATING THE NAPIER TO Wairoa rail link to provide an alternative to trucking logs from East Coast forests now starting to be harvested.

Just days after Forestry Minister, Shane Jones announced Government funding for bringing the rail line back into service, as part of the $3billion Provincial Growth Fund, contractors were cutting back vegetation at Eskdale to clear the tracks and will be working north over coming weeks.

Then work begins on the line’s drain and culverts, says KiwiRail Acting Group General Manager Network Services Henare Clarke.

The aim is to have the first log train run from Wairoa to Napier port by the end of the year after a six-year gap when the track was mothballed as a result of storm damage.

The Government has allocated $5 million to the project, which is expected to take two years to fully complete.

About 11,000 hectares of forest planted around Wairoa are already starting to reach harvest age as the ‘Wall of Wood’ comes on stream and the rail line will take pressure off the winding

Wairoa-Napier road and make it safer.

“Moving logs by rail takes pressure off the roads and reduces greenhouse gases – each tonne of freight carried by rail instead of heavy trucks means 66% fewer carbon emissions,” says KiwiRail Chief Executive, Peter Reidy.

“The Wairoa-Napier road is not designed to cope with the growing volumes of logs now that the ‘Wall of Wood’ is coming on stream. Rail is the ideal way of getting that timber to overseas customers.

“We have estimated that using the Wairoa-Napier line to move the logs could take up to 5,714 trucks a year off the road and reduce carbon emissions by 1292 tonnes.”

Funds from the Provincial Growth Fund will also be used to improve transport of logs in other regions.

In Whanganui, $3 million will be made available to upgrade the rail line for locomotives carrying exports and about $3 million will go to revitalisation of Whanganui Port. Also, $250,000 each will be spent on feasibility studies for rail in Kawerau, Southland and New Plymouth, with the aim of getting more logs shipped by train.

Meanwhile, Northland is receiving $17.5m in the first round of funding for several projects that include the forestry sector, such a feasibility project to investigate the viability of a rail link connecting to Auckland to Marsden Point Wharf, which could take logs from several forests along the route. Roads, too, are being upgraded. A pilot scheme to grow Totara commercially is also being funded. NZL

Log trains will be back on track between Wairoa and Napier by the end of 2018 8 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

forest talk

DIY drug testing not the answer DRUG USE IS A REAL WORKPLACE PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IN forestry. Drug testing, properly conducted, is an important tool in combatting it. However, there’s no cheap fix for drug testing.

Despite a growing body of evidence highlighting the problems and pitfalls of DIY drug testing, some businesses in New Zealand continue to look for low-cost solutions. The problem is, low cost equals high risk.

Employers trying to save money with DIY drug testing risk not only their company’s reputation and costly court battles, but more importantly, they compromise their employees’ safety.

Drug testing seems a straight-forward enough task, and DIY seems an easy way of keeping costs down. But it’s not so simple. You need to be aware of the procedural and operational complexities of workplace drug testing.

The accuracy of any test is dependent on the quality of the specimen, and judges have been critical about the accuracy of certain types of test.

Furthermore, you need to be up-to-date with all the latest sneaks and tricks users employ to fox testers and fake results. Just Google ‘fake drug testing’ to see how much information is readily available to those who want to game the system.

Poor quality testing and a lack of qualified procedure represent a deadly combination that can easily result in a wrong test result. This can mean that an employee is wrongly accused of taking drugs or that someone taking drugs is not identified in the testing process.

When people work in a safety sensitive environment and operate heavy equipment such as forestry, there’s no room for testing error. When an improper procedure compromises a test specimen or incorrect testing produces a false negative you open the door to serious injury – or even a fatality.

The reverse is almost as bad: A false positive may mean someone losing their job. That may affect their ability to make a living or to get another job. It may also expose your company to legal action.

When it comes to drug testing, employers should adopt a three-step approach. We call it the PIS test: Policy, Independence and Standards.

The first step towards creating a safe and drug free workplace is to establish a DAMP (Drug Alcohol Management Programme) -- a robust,

NORTHLAND FORESTRY AWARDS OPEN Entries for this year’s Northland Forestry Awards are now open for nominations.

Organised by the Northland Forestry Health & Safety Group, these awards are now in their third year and have become hugely popular, with attendance to the presentation dinner last year growing by 200%.

Nominations for the 2018 awards close on May 1, with judging taking place over the months of May and June.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on July 6 at the ASB Stadium in Whangarei, with Pio Terei acting as Master of Ceremonies.

10 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

By Kirk Hardy CEO of TDDA The Drug Detection Agency. company-wide drug and alcohol policy. Having such a policy is fine, but the onus is then on the employer to ensure that it has been correctly followed. So make sure the policy is printed, prominently displayed and that workers are made aware of it and reminded about it. And make a commitment to follow all the processes and procedures that your policy sets out. If matters ever come before the employment court, how the employer addressed its obligation will weigh heavily when the court makes its decision. Having a robust DAMP in place represents an investment in protecting your reputation and your employees.

Protecting the interests of the employer leads to a second consideration.

For a company to be seen to be serious about drug and alcohol testing, it helps to use an independent service provider who can provide the level of expertise required to deliver accurate outcomes in a professional manner.

Andrew Schirnack, from Auckland-based employment law firm, Langton Hudson Butcher, says it’s open to employees to contest the integrity of drug test results.

“Using a cheap ‘do it yourself’ testing kit is likely to be a false economy,” says Mr Schirnack. “Employers doing this are handing their employees good ground to challenge the results. Using a quality testing regime conducted by an independent service provider will be money well spent.”

Finally, you need to ensure that your policy, the independent testers and your approach, conforms to best practice and the highest international standards. You can’t afford to take short cuts when people’s lives and livelihoods – as well as the company’s reputation – are on the line.

TDDA has ISO15189:2012 accreditation for workplace drug testing (see NATA and IANZ websites for further detail). TDDA is considered a leader in its field, with more than 50 locations throughout Australasia, see www.tdda.com. NZL

Timber Design Awards entries now open ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE prestigious 2018 NZ Wood-Resene Timber Design Awards, but time is running out, as Stage One entries close on April 30.

With a record number entered in 2017 NZ Wood is anticipating another record-breaking event.

This year, the category of ‘multi-storey timber building design’ has been added to reflect the growing acceptance of wood as a viable and cost-effective construction material, whose speed of construction can help meet accommodation and office space demand across New Zealand in a timely manner.

The ‘Wood and Fibre Creativity Award’ is a revised category celebrating original and innovative uses of wood fibre where the material has been used in unusual or unexpected ways.

Eligible entries will be from projects completed between March 1, 2016 and February 28, 2018 and projects must have significant timber content. Included in the nine categories is the ‘Innovation in Student Design’ category, where students from top New Zealand Universities who work with wood will again have the chance to compete in a prestigious competition. Last year’s winners were all offered internships.

Judges this year are Pamela Bell of Prefab NZ, David Carradine of the Timber Design Society, Tim Melville of the NZ Institute of Architects and Andrea Stocchero, Sustainable Architect, Scion.

Winners will be announced at a gala awards dinnerl in Auckland on 20 September.

For more information call Debbie on 021-807 002, email her at debbie@wpma.org.nz or go to www.nzwood.co.nz. NZL

forest talk

Lightening the load with synthetic rope SYNTHETIC ROPES HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR A WHILE, THOUGH only a small number of contractors are actually using them on yarders in applications like strawlines and guylines.

But a New Zealand supplier says there is a case for synthetic ropes to be more widely used, given the increased emphasis on health and safety in the workplace.

“There’s a lot of weight in steel wire and it’s tough for the young guys trying to drag a strawline over steep ground to reach the tailhold – to the point that it is almost a health and safety issue,” says Steve Middleton, of Total Rope Worx NZ Ltd, which distributes Dyneema synthetic ropes to various industries in this country, including forestry.

“You really feel for those young guys struggling with heavy ropes.

And the thing is, it doesn’t have to be like that.

“Synthetic ropes are a fraction of the weight of wire ropes and while they cost more, they can be set up much quicker, so the yarder can get to work quickly and be earning money, which can more-than make up for the price difference.”

Mr Middleton says there is also a misconception that synthetic ropes are difficult to install and may not last as long as wire ropes.

Prior to establishing Top Rope Worx NZ, he was involved in the marine industry for more than 29 years and has considerable synthetic rope knowledge and extensive synthetic rope splicing experience and saw how well synthetic ropes performed as towlines on large tug boats.

“They’re strong alright,” he says, adding that the 28mm Diameter

Adjustable Guylines have a 57.69-tonne minimum breaking load.

Dyneema size for size is eight-times lighter than steel wire and on a weight-for-weight basis Dyneema is 15 times stronger than steel wire.

Dyneema also has a Specific Gravity of 0.97 which means it floats on water! Being light, strawlines can even be flown to the backline by a suitable drone.

Furthermore, Total Rope Worx has obtained Oregon State University documentation of Dyneema forestry trials carried out in the Pacific North West to back up the product performance.

When Mr Middleton left the marine industry to set up Total Rope Worx NZ he established a relationship with leading UK rope manufacturer, Marlow Ropes, to become its sole distributor of Dyneema in New Zealand, with forestry seen as one of the main industry targets.

“We are very aware of the health and safety issues in the NZ Forest Industry,” says Mr Middleton. “So right from the start we worked with WorkSafe NZ to ensure our Dyneema rope products where up to code and approved. We have a splicing service that has WorkSafe NZ approved and certified Dyneema rope splicers.”

“We also offer a product back-up service onsite, inducting crews on how to use the Dyneema products, and we teach two crew members in the crew how to splice.”

“All our products are tagged with all the required rope information (type of rope, ISO number, MBL, who spliced it, and when, plus Total Rope Worx NZ contact details). We also supply a booklet with each product which provides all the information needed about the Dyneema products.”

Mr Middleton says Dyneema is not only ideally suited to use as Strawline and Guylines but can also be used in setting up tail and intermediate spars, and his company also supplies stump/ block strops, skyline extensions, bulldozer/skidder winchlines, soft shackles and logging truck tow ropes made from Dyneema. NZL

Above: Spencer Hill stands by a 28mm Dyneema adjustable guyline.

Left: Jason Hogan, from Gibbs & Olsen Logging with a 10mm strawline attached to the crew’s backline dozer.

April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 11

forest talk

Focus on improving log transport WITH 30-TO-40% OF DELIVERED LOG COSTS BEING CONTRIBUTED by transport, there’s plenty of incentive to make cartage more efficient.

And this year’s Woodflow conferences running in Rotorua and Melbourne will be focusing on the very latest technologies for moving wood from the forest through to the log yard, processing plant, port or market.

The two events, which take place in June, will highlight new initiatives and operating practices being employed by leading companies to improve planning, logistics and operations within the wood supply chain.

Held every two years by the Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA), they are expected to draw plenty of interest.

FIEA Director, Brent Apthorp, says: “At the last Woodflow events run two years ago, we had over 250 harvesting contractors, wood transport operators and planners attending.

“For the Woodflow events this June, key industry and tech providers from Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Sweden, Hong

Innovations in log transport will be showcased at the Woodflow 2018 conference.

Kong and Estonia have already been confirmed, exhibition booths are being snapped up and relevant industry associations are lending their support.”

Conference delegates this year will also have the opportunity of registering for two pre-conference workshops; Cloud-based Operations Management and Transport Planning. Both are free to Woodflow 2018 conference delegates and will run on the afternoon before each conference.

“One of the key themes being addressed this year are new innovations around log scaling, measurement and tracking,” says Mr. Apthorp.

“Both vision and scanning technologies for volumetric measurement of logs and woodchips have recently been evaluated. We’ll hear from the company installing the first 3D laser measurement system in Australasia (and SE Asia) to measure the solid volume of bulk hardwood logs on truck, we’ll catch up on progress being made on an Australian code of practice for the volumetric measurement of logs through scanning and hear from a European company who have developed a system for measuring and reporting stacked log volumes using a smartphone App.” Companies at the forefront of innovations like Scania in Hong Kong, the LOTS Group of Sweden, Forestal Mininco of Chile, JRP Solutions of Canada and New Zealand’s own Zero Emission Vehicles, with be joined by local forestry companies including FCNSW, Forico, Nelson Forests, HQPlantations and OneFortyOne Plantations to share their experiences.

Woodflow 2018 runs on June 20-21 in Melbourne and then on June 26-27 in Rotorua. For more information go to www.woodflow.events. NZL

Funding to expand Bay of Plenty tree nursery WORLD LE ADING NAT IVE TREE propagation technology at the heart of Ngati Whare’s plant nursery in the Bay of Plenty has been given a $5.8 million boost by the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund.

The funding, over three years, will allow Minginui Nursery to scale up production of forestry grade native seedlings to assist the Government with its one billion tree planting programme over the next 10 years.

“We need to work with nurseries and help them increase production to ensure enough seedlings – both exotics and indigenous – are available to be planted,” Forestry Minister, Shane Jones, said at a special ceremony last month to mark the announcement.

Bronco Carson, Chairman of Te Rnanga o Ngati Whare, says the money will be invested in employing and training people and expanding the two-year-old nursery so that it is able to deliver up to one million trees each year from 2021 and an estimated 7.5 million native trees within 10 years.

The Minginui nursery, which lies 90km southeast of Rotorua, currently employs nine people and plans to expand its current workforce to 90, which will be a huge help in a 12 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

settlement where 80% are unemployed.

It’s already involved in growing forestgrade podocarp species – Rimu, Tatara, Matai, Kahikatea, Miro – and Kauri, and also has a large order book for Manuka, Kanuka and other pioneer species.

Minginui was planned as a forestry town by the Ministry of Works and was built in the late 1940s, but has experienced ongoing population decline since the closure of the sawmill in the late 1980s. Only about 1,300 people now live in the area, with fewer than 300 living in the town itself.

“Ngati Whare is kaitiaki (the guardian) of Whirinaki Forest,” Mr Carson says. “After our Treaty of Waitangi Settlement, we started with a plan to regenerate 640 hectares of the 55,000ha from pine to native by harvesting seeds and growing seedlings. Now Ngati Whare is at the forefront of helping develop a lucrative industry in indigenous forestry for New Zealand.”

The iwi’s forest regeneration journey has seen it make a $1.6 million investment in the nursery. The confidence to convert old Forest Service buildings, build new poly and shades houses and invest in world-best propagation

and nursery technology, followed a timely visit in 2013 to Scion, the Crown Research Institute for forestry.

Ngati Whare’s has been working with Scion in the five years since to take Scion’s world leading technology to grow native podocarp trees from cuttings into the commercial space.

The native forest surrounding the Minginui Nursery contains some of the best podocarp remaining in New Zealand, particularly in the North Island, with some trees grow up to 60 metres tall.

Russell Burton, Scion General Manager Research and Investments, says the partnership with Ngati Whare allows it to prove the cuttings technology could be successful at scale inside a commercial nursery and as a result rapid mass production of viable podocarps at an industrial level is possible.

Dr Burton says the future for indigenous forestry is huge, not only in an economic sense in terms of the returns on sustainably managed and milled native timber, but also for non-timber, ecological, environmental, cultural and heritage benefits. NZL

ForestWood 2018

Forestry facing trade and social barriers NEW ZEALAND’S FORESTRY PRODUCTS FACE RISING TRADE barriers and mounting pressures to be more socially responsible, according to outgoing WoodCo Chairman, Brian Stanley.

In his final speech as head of the organisation, made to the ForestWood 2018 conference in Wellington last month, Mr Stanley implored government ministers to increase their efforts to break down the non-tariff barriers that hamper our wood products in some overseas markets, particularly those in Asia.

These have been a hot topic for timber product exporters in recent years as New Zealand seeks to establish more free trade agreements with other countries, only to find that hidden barriers are being used in place of tariffs.

Mr Stanley says that despite agreements on and plans to create a number of free trade agreements with important markets, the growth in non-tariff barriers still continues.

“A figure I saw recently from the WTO shows, on average, for the G20 countries, an average of 21 new trade-restrictive measures being created per month,” he says.

“Free Trade Agreements are all well and good but a sustained focus on tariff reductions by our trade negotiators will not be sufficient to open markets and encourage expansion of valueadding manufacturing here in NZ. Not while we are up against serious subsidy regimes overseas that are propping up competing manufacturing despite having been outlawed by the WTO. “Having non-tariff barriers in our sights is not enough – we must actually pull the trigger on these. If manufacturing subsidy regimes are outlawed by WTO then why can’t we trigger WTO intervention now?”

Mr Stanley says New Zealand must continue to press hard for a fairer trading environment and “as such, the recommendations made in the 2016 WoodCo Report on Non-Tariff Barriers to trade have become even more urgent”.

He adds: “Only the government can change these rules – they are the only ones with the toolbox full of the requisite tools to fix this. Government must up the ante on this – overseas subsidies will only erode New Zealand industry and squander opportunities for regional growth and jobs for the next generations.”

Our wood products also face another challenge, according to Mr Stanley. And it’s one that the industry itself has the power to act on.

He warns that consumers are becoming more aware of and resistant to products that do not meet socially responsible or sustainable standards.

Mr Stanley told the conference: “I’ve been talking to my Australian colleagues quite a bit recently about this ‘integrity factor’ and both sides of the Tasman agree that the risks are high where customer and investor scrutiny is intense and we do not have complete oversight of the whole value chain.

“My message to you today is that we need to be much more responsible as to where our products are going, how they are being processed, transformed and marketed.”

To illustrate his point, Mr Stanley showed conference attendees

14 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

Brian Stanley, Chairman of WoodCo, warns of trade and consumer challenges to selling New Zealand wood products. a video shot last year of a Radiata Pine log from New Zealand being manhandled on an unguarded saw in a small Asian sawmill in clear violation of all health and safety rules.

The video was shot late last year and Mr Stanley asked the audience to “watch it through a filter that has the NZ Wood logo indelibly stamped on each component being manufactured”.

He says: “More and more our overseas markets and investors are saying prove that the product is legal, prove that it has caused no environmental or worker harm and prove that it is supporting a local community. The pincer movement here is that, back at home, the New Zealand public are now demanding the same performance from this industry.

“The forestry sector has always, quite rightly, held itself up as an industry of high integrity. The difference now, in a world placing massive demands on raw materials, is that those raw materials, and the industries that transform them, must do so much more than merely meet the need for functional consumer products.

“I believe the New Zealand forest and wood industry is in poll position to meet the needs of society but we must be extremely careful with our social licence and keep a very close eye on the triple bottom line. Can we really afford the reputational risk associated with what we saw in that video?”

In his final comments, Mr Stanley also expressed regrets that during his time as head of WoodCo there had been little progress towards creating a single, unified body to represent the entire forestry industry value chain.

He says: “Two years ago (I said) that it would be great to see a more inclusive industry body that incorporated the entire value chain similar to AFPA in Australia.

“However, even though there has been sector discussion around this topic we are not there and unlikely to get there in the foreseeable future while current extreme market conditions prevail.” NZL

ForestWood 2018

Shonky log exporters in Jones’ sights FORESTRY MINISTER SHANE JONES HAS SUGGESTED THE introduction of a licencing system for log traders to regulate the export trade.

Mr Jones told the ForestWood 2018 conference in Wellington last month that “if it’s good enough for real estate practitioners……and immigrations agents to be licenced why isn’t it good enough for a log trader to be licenced”?

He says that most of the problems associated with lack of log supply to sawmills in Northland “do not come from the big end of town, who realise that the industry needs sustainability and they support that”.

However, Mr Jones says he knows some people involved in the trade “do not give a s__t about what I say or think, but this is our business and we need to protect it”.

Mr Jones says that in order for the industry to be successful in New Zealand it needs to be confident that it has access to raw material supply. Just leaving it to market forces is not the answer as the “market is not that simplistic” and he claims that the market internationally has a lot of state support, which is a significant influencer.

He went on to deliver a message for overseas owners of forests in New Zealand, saying that his government does welcome investment in the sector and he went into bat for them to amend the changes made to the inclusion of forestry in the Overseas Investment Office rules “to protect the ability of foreign investors to come to New Zealand and invest in our forest sector”.

But he adds that they need “to ensure they leave enough raw material for New Zealand processors and manufacturers to be able to grow. If they do not do that they will not have a rosy future under our government. We do have an expectation that foreign investment will benefit New Zealand.”

He also gave more details about how he envisages the ‘billion tree’ planting project taking shape in the coming years and says that while his goal is to see the exotic estate double in size, native trees will also form an important part of the plan from both a cultural and social viewpoint.

“Yes, I know that native trees take longer to sequester carbon, but it represents an important part of our people’s culture,” Mr Jones says, adding that the recently announced funding of the Minginui native tree nursery is part of that process.

But he does stress that he is “an industry man” and wants to ensure that forestry maximises the opportunities that will be provided under the ‘billion tree’ programme, saying: “I want to advance this industry.”

He recognises there are roadblocks to achieving the planting of one billion trees within the stated ten-year timescale and among the most significant is attracting enough labour to physically put trees in the ground and then to have enough loggers to harvest those trees in the future.

Asked by a member of the audience if reinstating the old Woodsman

Schools around the country to train more foresters for the expanded industry was on the agenda, Mr Jones says they are “part of the plan”.

He agrees the Woodsman Schools were a good idea and many of his cousins were trained there during the old Forest Service days and he says bringing them back is part of a strategy to “create a generation of young men and women” with the skills that forestry will need in the future.

Furthermore, the government will be offering scholarships to encourage and reward those who want to come into forestry, “and I will say to my iwi people if you meet me half way we will contribute and you contribute” to put more young Maori into paid employment.

Another challenge acknowledged by Mr Jones is enticing enough landowners to come forward and be part of the ‘billion tree’ planting programme.

“My team is going to be talking with a number of landowners around New Zealand who are growing sheep, beef and other types of animals to free up some of their land to work with us to put into forestry,” he says.

“I accept a key part is the government’s attitude towards carbon and the value of carbon and the efficiency of the carbon trading scheme. Every time I meet with our Climate Change Minister I promise you those matters are at the top our agenda.”

Mr Jones says the ‘billion tree’ strategy arose out of the new government’s concerns about climate change and the need for trees to soak up carbon, so this remains an important tool to meeting the country’s climate change oligations. NZL

Forestry Minister, Shane Jones, outlines his visions for the industry at the ForestWood 2018 conference.

April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 15

ForestWood 2018

Use pre-fabs to meet KiwiBuild target PRE-FABRICATION IS THE KEY TO THE GOVERNMENT MEETING ITS target of 100,000 new homes under the KiwiBuild programme.

Constructing most of the components inside a factory using timber will speed up the process and also reduce costs, according to Pamela Bell, Chief Executive Officer of PrefabNZ. She told the ForestWood 2018 conference in Wellington that current pre-fabrication capacity throughout New Zealand could provide up to 7,000 homes a year, which help to address our housing crisis. When the new Red Stag Cross Laminated Timber factory comes on stream it could add a further 10,000 homes each year to that capacity And even more could be done if the forestry, wood manufacturing and construction industries worked more collaboratively together, she says.

In addition to building more homes, Ms Bell says there are opportunities for pre-fabricated timber components to be widely used in medium-rise commercial buildings and, with its light weight, existing building could have one or two additional floors added to increase density. NZL

Farmers wary of ‘billion trees’ plan NEW ZEALAND FARMERS ARE WARY OF BECOMING PART OF the government’s ‘billion trees’ programme, the ForestWood 2018 conference held in Wellington last month was told.

Andrew Hoggard, Vice President of Federated Farmers, told the conference that “the sheep and beef guys feel threatened by forestry” and they would need to be persuaded that coming on board is to their benefit.

Converting farmland into forests is viewed as a threat to the viability of rural communities, especially schools, rather than seen as an opportunity. It will require understanding the needs of the farmer and being able to tailor solutions to them.

And as for dairy farmers, he suggested that the opportunities to grow trees on their properties were very limited and might only add up to a miniscule 15 trees per hectare overall.

Of those trees, few might be pines, if his own dairy farm is anything to go by. Mr Hoggard says he has ornamentals on some land and isn’t looking at Radiata for future plantings that he might need to do to mitigate climate change.

Mr Hogaard put up figures in his presentation to show what planting he thought might be achievable on farmland throughout New Zealand. He estimates that 6% of sheep and beef farms could be converted to tree cover which, at a density of 300 stems per hectare, and with 559,680ha suited to trees, would add up to a national total of 167.9 million trees – which is 16.7% of the government’s target. And with dairy providing 15 trees per hectare, that would add another 36.2 million trees.

Although he agrees that more trees are needed on New Zealand farms he describes it as a niche market and while there are opportunities, “perhaps not the opportunity you had in mind”. NZL

16 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

Pre-fabrication could be the answer to New Zealand’s housing supply shortage, like these CLT panels from Nelson’s XLam.

Maori owners ‘not interested’ in trees IT MIGHT COME AS A SURPRISE TO THE INDUSTRY, BUT SOME Maori who own the land where forests grow are “not interested” in trees.

That’s the view according to Kim von Lanthen, who has worked closely with iwi in forestry enterprises in New Zealand.

He told the ForestWood 2018 conference in Wellington last month that there is a disconnect between Maori who own the land on which trees have been established, and the trees themselves.

He puts it down largely to the “justice of past leases”, which do not reflect market rates and therefore provide a reduced income to Maori land owners. They feel cheated because they are not getting the true value of their land holdings.

This is felt more strongly at the local level by hapu, more than at the higher iwi level, says Mr von Lanthen, who is a director of iwi forestry path-finder Totiu Te Waonui and forestry market maker, ForestX. He goes on to say they do become more excited when they actually own the trees and can see the benefits from being a forester at first hand.

Mr von Lanthem points out that once all the Treaty of Waintagi settlements had been successfully negotiated it was likely that Maori would end up owning around 75% of the land sitting under forests.

Additionally, Maori also have land holdings that could provide another 500,000 hectares to be planted in trees under the government’s ‘billion trees’ programme, and are likely to be the key to its success, with the main regions of opportunity identified as the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes’ Bay and Waikato.

However, he says: “If we ask them to step up and take on this extra forestry responsibility you have to ask ‘with what?’

“The conversation needs to start with who is going to help them establish a crop they can own within seven-to-eight years.”

Mr von Lanthem says it will require a partnership with Maori to make this happen and suggests that industry could help do more than government in this respect. NZL

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ForestWood 2018

Wood use encouraged in Australia ROTORUA STARTED THE BALLING ROLLING in this part of the world with its ‘wood first’ policy, but now Australia is overtaking us with a new ‘wood encouragement’ scheme.

The ‘wood first’ policy introduced by the Rotorua Lakes Council early in 2015, made it a pioneer for the promotion of wood in buildings in this country and across the whole of Australasia. Basically, it required that the council looked at using wood as a preferred choice for any of its own developments and installations, and also encouraged others in its area to do the same.

This resulted in the recently completed ACC building in Rotorua becoming the first all-new commercial development in Rotorua to be built largely with timber.

Mayor, Stevie Chadwick says the council felt it was important to show support to the forestry industry that is at the heart of the Bay of Plenty region.

Last month, the ForestWood 2018 conference in Wellington heard that Australia is following Rotorua’s lead.

The Planet Ark Environmental Foundation, an Australian not-for-profit organisation, has established a Make It Wood programme that seeks to encourage use of responsibly sourced timber. Recently, the programme was extended to include a ‘wood encouragement’ policy targeting local authorities around Australia.

David Rowlinson, Manager of the Make It Wood programme, told the conference

Wood is now proven to make a healthier living and working environment. that the aim of this newest initiative is to encourage responsibly sourced wood as the preferred structural material in all public newbuilds and refurbishments.

Tasmania became the first state government in Australia to adopt a statewide Wood Encouragement Policy (WEP). In addition, there are two local government authorities and fifteen local councils that have also adopted a WEP. Mr Rowlinson says: “It is not intended to be a draconian, all-encompassing dictum, but rather seeks to ensure that wood is at least considered as the primary structural

component in buildings.”

Meanwhile, to support it’s promotion of natural material, such as wood, the Make It Wood programme has also conducted research into some of the healthy properties of using wood inside buildings.

New, world-first research just released in Australia supports the notion that people working in wooden building environments have higher levels of wellbeing and take fewer sick days; wood is correlated with higher levels of productivity; and people in wooden workplaces also tend to be more confident and optimistic. NZL

Australian pan-forestry plan taking shape AUSTRALIA IS ON TARGET TO ACHIEVE something that New Zealand desperately needs; a national forest industries plan.

Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, announced the development of a comprehensive plan to support the growth and sustainability of the Australian timber industry over the coming decades last September and work has been going on behind the scenes to pull it all together.

Ross Hampton, CEO of the Australia Forest Products Association, told our ForestWood 2018 conference in Wellington last month that the plan is on track for its completion on September 12 in Canberra.

The new Government National Forest Industries Plan will outline actions to support the industry to establish new plantations, increase investment and

18 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

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grasp opportunities in the emerging bioeconomy aimed at turbo-charging regional job creation and economic development.

So while we do have Shane Jones’ ‘billion tree’ planting programme and

support for regional development, we have yet to emulate the Australians in the formation of a comprehensive industry action plan that includes government actions as part of the strategy. NZL

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NEW GOVERNMENT FORESTRY DIVISION HAS A NAME THE NEW FORESTRY DIVISION THAT is to be set up within the Ministry of Primary Industries now has an official name; Te Ururàkau.

The rough translation of the name means a small patch of timber-growth.

The name was announced by Forestry Minister, Shane Jones, to the ForestWood 2018 conference, where he told delegates that work to establish the

division, which will be head-quartered in Rotorua, is progressing.

The division will be based around the Crown Forest entity and will be charged with enacting government forestry policy and liaising with the industry to promote the good of forestry in New Zealand. A special unit has been formed within MPI to work on the establishment of the new division, which aims to be up and running this year. NZL

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HAT WAS WHEN NORTHLAND’S LARS ROSEWARNE AND his team realised they needed an alternative to traditional methods of forwarding logs or skidding stems from cramped yarder landings over longer distances to a load-out or processing site.

Why not two-stage with an all-wheel-drive truck?

Using a truck as a super forwarder isn’t a new idea, of course – some contractors have been doing it for years, as two-staging became a requirement in certain areas due to the topography and/or ground conditions. But the solution selected by Rosewarne was certainly novel at the time.

They went with an ADT, otherwise known as an Articulated Dump Truck. You’ve probably seen them on big earthmoving sites where huge amounts of soil needs to be shifted.

The Rosewarne team got hold of some secondhand 6x6 ADTs, ripped off the dump bins and replaced them with their own engineered bunks and bolsters to cart logs. They worked pretty well, able to transport 20-plus tonnes at a time at higher speeds than a forwarder or a skidder.

Turns out that South African equipment manufacturer, Bell, was

also thinking along the same lines and began making versions of its ADTs equipped with a variety of bunk and bolster options for forestry applications. Not surprising, as Bell does have a long history in forestry with its ubiquitous tri-loader.

So now Rosewarne Cable Loggers could purchase a brand new purpose-built log transporter with full factory warranty and back-up through local agent, CablePrice. The team got its first 6-wheel-drive Bell log truck seven years ago, which has been followed by another three and we’re here on the Pouto Peninsular, south of Dargaville, to assess the latest and most capable version, a TH403E model.

When the Rosewarne team first came up with the idea of using an ADT it was partly for efficiency and productivity reasons – heck, when you can cart in excess of 20 tonnes of wood at speeds of up to 50km/h over long distances, you’d have to be mad not to consider this option.

But there were also safety and environmental considerations, which have become increasingly important over time.

Lars Rosewarne has long been concerned about the amount of land disturbance from creating large landings for swing yarders and tower haulers, figuring they needed to become much more compact.

However, smaller landings mean there is little room for stacking logs or

The Bell cab is bristling with lights and mirrors to provide full vision for the drivers, day or night.

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stems, and it also reduces space for traditional log trucks to be loaded.

But there are compensations, because as well as being cheaper to build a compact landing, there is also an opportunity to make the roads in and out less obtrusive, because there’s no need to engineer them for 50-tonne log trucks and trailers.

Less potential for people to get hurt, too.

Lars Rosewarne explains: “We’ve been de-phasing that whole part of the harvesting operation for a while.

“It was done largely for health and safety reasons, because there was just too much happening on the landings and potential for things to go wrong. But we also realised that it wasn’t the right thing to do environmentally, creating such big landings – so reducing their size was another reason we went this way.”

The advantage of going with a purpose-built factory log transporter also meant it could be tailored specifically to meet the requirements of the Rosewarne operations. That included lengthening the chassis to fit multiple length of logs. Previous ADT-based log trucks working for Rosewarne could only carry one packet, which reduced their effectiveness – for instance, a single load of 3.9 metre logs amounts to just 12 tonnes.

“This is the first full-length machine we’ve had, which has made a real difference,” adds Lars. “It can take two bays of different-sized logs, which gives us flexibility and allows us to carry 30 tonnes of logs every load.

“Cost per tonne with a timber truck can be significantly less than other systems. This is all down to its productivity, given it can carry more timber than a forwarder and has faster ground speed. The timber truck certainly refines the concept of log forwarding in certain applications.”

When Lars and his team sat down to specify what they wanted in a log truck, they focused on the largest of the models built at the Bell factory in Alton, Richards Bay, on the Indian Ocean coast about 180 kilometres north of Durban.

They’re not strictly log trucks. Bell calls them Timber Haulers or Long

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Range Forwarders and the TH405E is the top of the range and comes in a number of options, from a compact 4x4 model up to a long-wheelbase 6x6, including the ability to tow a trailer. Some versions can also be fitted with self-loading cranes.

A 6x6 was deemed necessary for the Northland forestry environment – all the previous ADT-based log transporters have successfully used this layout. There are plenty of tracked loaders working with Rosewarne crews, so the crane wasn’t needed and neither was a trailer because it would make manoeuvring in tight spots more difficult. But the ability to carry more logs became a serious point of discussion with CablePrice and Bell.

The longest of the standard bunks offered by the factory is around 7 metres in length, and at a smidgeon under 3 metres in width, plus 1.34-metre bolsters, the load capacity equates to 39.6 cubic metres. That translates to a maximum load in the low 20 tonnes, depending on the logs.

A lengthened and beefed-up chassis allowed the bunk to be stretched by almost 3 metres in length, with the pair of rear axles re-positioned to accommodate the additional weight.

Additionally, Rosewarne specified big balloon tyres to make sure all that weight is evenly spread over the ground, without cutting up the surface, which can be an issue with skidders, especially in wet winters.

Result: a tailor-made log transporter than can carry two packets of 3.9m log lengths, which boosts the carrying capacity to around 50 cubic metres and as much as 30 tonnes in weight. And, best of all, the work was engineered at the factory and covered by warranties.

The Bell was pretty much ready to go on arrival in New Zealand. All it required was bolsters and base plates for the logs to sit on, which the Rosewarne team decided to make at the company’s Whangarei workshop to save shipping weight and costs.

Once it was suitably bolstered, the new TH403E was sent down to the Pouto Peninsula to join the Rosewarne 78 crew harvesting a Maori trustowned forest for Rayonier / Matariki.

Pouto is an interesting area; a long slither of land jutting south of Dargaville separating the northern part of the Kaipara Harbour from the

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Tasman Sea. While some dairy and sheep farms remain from the pioneering days, its mix of sand and poor soil is not very productive, so much of the land was planted in Radiata in the 1990s and those forests are ready for harvest.

It’s rolling country, with some steep sections that necessitate the use of a swing yarder to access certain blocks. But on the day NZ Logger visited Rosewarne 78, the crew’s Madill was parked up while they attacked an easier ground base area just 200 metres from the main skid site, serviced by a twisting track that gets boggy when wet.

The setting is not quite what the Rosewarne team envisaged for the Bell log transporter, but the fact that the truck has still managed to deliver 30-tonne loads consistently and in quick time, even when rain turned parts of the track to mush, does showcase the TH403E’s versatility.

“It’s not ideal,” concedes Lars Rosewarne’s eldest son, Luke, who is foreman of this crew, adding: “You should have been here when we were running it last winter, carting logs over one kilometre, two-staging off the swinger.

“Here it’s only a couple of hundred metres and can be quite tricky in the wet with a steep section that can cut up easily.”

The flotation tyres help, but these soils are very fragile and it doesn’t take much to disturb them.

That’s another reason the Bell was introduced to the Pouto, as the skidder the crew previously relied

Above:The Bell TH403E was purchased a year ago by Rosewarne Cable Loggers to make two-staging more efficient.

Top left: The standard TH403E chassis was lengthened in the Bell factory in South Africa to enables two packets of logs to be carried to improve its versatility.

Middle and bottom left: The driver can lock the transmission into any gear to maintain progress on challenging tracks and call upon diff locks when the going gets really tough – there’s also a retarder to slow it down on hills.

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on was causing too much damage to the ground. However, the skidder hasn’t been pensioned off completely, it has been retained to use on steeper and rough terrain or where they don’t wish to build a track.

Those stems still need to be processed out in the cut-over, at a place near a well-formed track for the Bell to collect because the skid site is set up just to receive cut-to-length wood for stacking and loading out, not full-length stems for processing.

“We don’t want to be skidding into this site, because you’d have a bigger volume of wood here, plus a processor, then you’d be walking the diggers more up and down the skid and making much more mess,” says Luke.

“Doing it this way, the mess is left out at the landing or in the cut-over and the Bell comes to unload and it’s all sorted. It eliminates a lot of congestion on the skid.”

Couldn’t the company have gone with a traditional forwarder, some of which can now carry loads well into the 20-tonne capacity and have the ability to traverse areas without formed tracks, which would have allowed Rosewarne to cash in the skidder? Yes, it could, and Rosewarne has used forwarders extensively over the years, but that argument ignores how much the Bell has allowed the company to improve efficiencies across the board.

Since adopting this system, both the size of the yarder landings and the skid sites have shrunk in size, reducing infrastructure costs and time in setting them up.

Luke has been impressed with how the Bell has performed when given its head, adding: “It’s pretty quick, provided you run it over a nice piece of road.

“You won’t get it into the same places you’ll get a forwarder into – it’s a completely different sort of vehicle – but it is doing a good job for us.

“Fuel consumption is great, it hardly works, if you know what I mean and then only on the drive in when it’s fully laden. On a flat track it’s not really working that hard at all. We probably only fill it up once a week or twice if it’s really working hard. Compared to a

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Above: The Bell TH403E can be optioned which a loading crane, but Rosewarne has plenty of tracked machines that can load much quicker.

Opposite page: The centre pivot provides the Bell log transporter with the ability to manoeuvre around tight tracks. skidder that you fill up every day with 300 litres.”

The tank in the Bell takes 379 litres of diesel, so that makes it around four times as fuel efficient as the skidder in straight dollar terms, but when you consider that the TH403E is bringing 50% more wood to the skid site per trip and it’s making three trips for every two made by the skidder, the sums just keep adding up in the high-speed log transporter’s favour.

A large, traditional forwarder capable of carrying in excess of 20 tonnes of logs will use around 40% more fuel than the Bell and would probably make half the number of delivery trips in a typical day. So it’s safe to say that the Bell is a key to making this operation meet its 500 tonnes per day target.

Time to sample the Bell TH403E in real life.

When you first catch sight of the machine it looks more like a six-wheel forwarder than a log truck, highlighted by the articulated joint between the bunk and the cab/engine. But hop into the ROPS/ROPS protected cab and it’s the reverse, this definitely feels more like a truck.

There’s a traditional steering wheel in front of the centrally-positioned seat and the dash layout and controls are more truck-like, too.

Iron Tester, Stan Barlow, agrees and he should know because he was a truck driver in a previous working life. I’ll leave him to run through the cab interior and driving details in his column on page 32, whilst I hop out and take in the rest of the package.

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The TH403E does look like it’s been engineered for the challenges of life in the bush, with large belly plates protecting vital parts like the transmission and plenty of steel encasing the prop shaft running back to the pair of rear axles under the sturdy box chassis. Even still, there’s only 427mm ground clearance at its lowest point, so drivers need to steer clear of any stumps or humps in the tracks.

The heavy-duty articulating joint that enables the Bell to pivot and turn in the same way a forwarder or a skidder does is very handy for manoeuvring around sharp corners and through pinch-points at each of the loading zones.

As any log truck driver or forwarder operator will attest, the most challenging manoeuvre is reversing when there’s a full load of logs sitting behind the big safety grille. The three mirrors hanging off each door do help, but Bell has thoughtfully fitted a rear-view camera at the end of the chassis and a huge screen on the dashboard to give the driver an unimpeded view behind the bunk.

Speaking of the bunk, it’s a simple piece of engineering, consisting of four all-in-one base plate and bolster units bolted onto the truck’s central spine. The base plates are straight, much like on a log truck, though unlike modern forwarders that have a v-shaped drop in the middle to place up to four or five logs lower in the chassis. This means the load is carried quite high on the Bell and I’ll be interested to hear Stan’s views on stability when he drives a full load back to the skid.

The final step in our static inspection is to see what makes the TH403H so frugal with fuel and tipping that front hinged bonnet forward reveals the 6.37-litre, 6-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM906LA engine that delivers gross power output of 205kW (275hp) at 2,200 rpm and peak torque of 1,100Nm available between 1,200 and 1,600 revs.

There’s plenty of room in the engine bay to work on the engine if required, and in the year since the TH403E began working in Pouto it has been completely reliable, so it may not see a repair technician very often, if at all. Good to see all the regular maintenance items are easily reached from the ground.

Drive from the engine is transmitted through an Allison automatic transmission that features an integral retarder – more on this feature shortly. The transmission provides six forward gears and one reverse, with lock-up applied to all gears to reduce slippage that is usually associated with a torque converter. Top speed in sixth gear is rated at a

heady 50km/h, but even in the readily accessible third gear the Bell can still reach 23km/h, equivalent to the top speed of the fastest forwarders.

In practice, it’s the track that will dictate the speed it can travel.

Bell makes its own transfer case to provide a lower range when conditions demand more traction for the six big tyres, in order to maintain momentum.

On easy runs, only the two axles at the rear are used, but on challenging surfaces the driver can bring in the front axle by operating the centre diff, along with diff locks for the rear axles.

Bell has ensured the TH403E is provided with good suspension to cushion the ride for both the driver and the load, installing a semiindependent set-up at the front, utilising a leading A-frame supported by hydro-pneumatic suspension struts, with the heavy-duty rear layout consisting of pivoting walking beams distributing equal load through laminated rubber suspension blocks.

In place of the standard 23.5 R25 tyres, the Rosewarne team specified larger Michelin 750 / 65 R25 flotation tyres that make it easier to work on the softer, sandier surfaces without causing damage, particularly in wetter winter weather.

The large footprint created by those tyres requires plenty of steering effort and the hydrostatically-actuated system has two-double acting

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cylinders and needs very little input from the driver to manoeuvre the truck. Just 4.1 turns are all that’s needed from lock-to-lock, which is impressive, given the amount of turn provided by the pivot – 45 degrees either side of centre.

Luke’s uncle, Tony Rosewarne, who is filling in with the driving duties while regular operator 76-year-old Dale Right is on medical leave, says it’s an easy piece of equipment to pilot and very sedate when compared to the falling machine he normally controls.

“Pretty cruisy, by comparison – all I’ve got to do is drive from point A to point B and back,” he chuckles and then adds in a more serious vein: “It’s still an important job, as I’ve got to get 30 tonnes to the skid regularly or they’ll run out of wood pretty quickly.”

That means anywhere up to 18 trips to the skid each day, which is not so hard when there’s only 200 metres to cover either way but can be a challenge on a 2-kilometre round trip. Or when rain intervenes, as it did the previous week, making the track much more difficult to traverse.

“People think Pouto is easy to get around because it’s on sand, but it’s not all like that,” says Tony. “On this side there’s no sand on the surface and it gets very puggy.”

Tony likes the Bell and puts it among the best machines he’s operated in more than 40 years in the bush, saying: “This is a dream compared to some of the equipment I’ve experienced in the past.

“It’s lovely inside, pretty comfortable. You’ve got a fridge in there for keeping drinks cool. Very easy to drive, even when you’ve got 30 tonnes on the back, it handles that pretty well.”

One of the items he’s most impressed with is the rear-view display that he uses when reversing up to the loading site, saying: “It’s a huge screen and really helpful for reversing, I use it more than the mirrors.”

Over the past year, the Bell has transported a variety of log lengths, from two packets of 3.9s, to one packet of 3.9s plus a few longer lengths

Above left: At the load-out site there’s just two swing machines to service the Bell and road-going log trucks.

Above left: Tony Rosewarne has stepped to drive the Bell while regular operator Dale Right is away.

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Left top: The bonnet hinges forward, just like a truck, to reveal the Mercedes-Benz 6-cylinder engine and access from the ground to all service and maintenance points.

Left middle: Lots of protection for the prop shaft that runs under the main chassis.

Left: Concealed in the left-hand recess (on the right in this photo) in the rear of the chassis is the reversing camera.

Right above: With that centre pivot it might look like at forwarder, but the Bell TH403E behaves more like a truck.

hanging out behind (see the photo on page 25), to single loads of 5.9s.

Today, it’s mostly 5.9s being transported, some of them going to local mills, much to the relief of Northland wood processors.

A John Deere 3754 with a big Waratah is processing stems that have been shovelled down the hill from where they were felled, while a John Deere 2154 loader stacks and fills up the bunk on the Bell – much quicker than using a small loading crane.

The track back to skid starts with a long downhill stretch, but it’s not steep enough for Tony to require use of the retarder to hold back the fully-laden truck. With lesser inclines, such as this, Tony can elect to hold it in a lower gear, which is also handy when driving up the steeper section leading onto the skid site. When the retarder is called into play on very steep sections no one outside the Bell would be any wiser because it runs through the gearbox, so there’s no exhaust bark, like you’d hear on a road-going truck.

After Stan has ridden for a couple of trips on the small dickie seat that folds down next to the driver, he and Tony swap places for the next part

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of our Iron Test. Test? It’s more of a busman’s holiday for Stan, after he spent several years driving road going logging trucks before switching to working inside the forest. He settles in very quickly and even gives Tony a break to grab lunch while continuing to shuttle logs to the skid, noting the exact tonnage on each trip via a readout on the screen so that he can maximise every load. You can read his impressions on page 32.

The Bell seems to make light work of the log transporting task, to the point where it flatters to deceive. Would a suitably tricked-out 8x8 version of a road-oriented log truck handle this work just as well?

Unlikely, that steep incline heading up to the skid would almost certainly defeat it – thus underlining the versatility of the TH403E. While it was purchased with long, straight hauls in mind, it can adapt to most situations and still deliver the goods.

Sure, it cannot go out into the cutover – it’s not supposed to. The trick to making it work to its full potential is to tailor the operation to suit the strengths of the Bell, which is what Rosewarne Cable Loggers has done.

They’ve rung the changes and it’s paying dividends. NZL

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IFICATION

BELL TH403E LOG TRANSPORTER – SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE 6-cylinder, 6.37 litres, Mercedes-Benz OM906LA common rail diesel, Tier II Gross Power 205kW (275hp) @ 2,200rpm Max Torque 1,100Nm @1,200-1,600rpm

Rear

TRANSMISSION

Type

Radial earthmover

Type Allision fully automatic, 6-speed, 6-wheel drive, low range transfer case. Differential locks on both rear axles, plus centre differential lock

Tyres

Michelin 750 / 65 R25, flotation

Max speed

0-50km/h (in sixth gear)

BRAKES Service

Fully hydraulic disc brakes, with gearbox-actuated retarder

Parking

Spring applied, air released driveline mounted disc

STEERING Type

BUNK Gross load

30 tonnes

Bunk area

9,800mm long x 2,924mm wide x 1,750mm

REFILL CAPACITIES (LITRES) Fuel tank

379

DIMENSIONS (MM)

Wheel, double acting cylinders, with ground-driven emergency

steering pump Lock-to-lock turns

Pivoting walking beams with laminated rubber suspension blocks

WHEELS

4.1

SUSPENSION Front Semi-independent, leading A-frame supported by hydro-pneumatic suspension struts

Length

15,100

Width

2,924

Height (top of bolster)

3,350

Ground clearance

427

Operating weight

24,000kg

Left top: The driver’s seat might be centrally positioned, but the Bell’s cab is still more reminiscent of a truck.

Right above: A conventional instrument readout provides all the information the driver needs.

Left: Forget the gear lever, it’s all done from this switch pad to the right of the driver, along with all the other controls for the Bell.

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TRUCKING ON

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Stan Barlow Iron Test

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UT THIS ISN’T THE SORT OF TRUCK I’M used to driving. This is a lot better, you can go anywhere within reason, a lot more places than a normal log truck.

It’s like a cross between a log truck and a forwarder. Sat in the plush cab, it’s more like a truck because you have a proper steering wheel, not the joysticks you find in modern forwarders, and you’re always facing ahead, not having to turn around to load the bunk with an onboard crane.

It even drives like a truck. Better than a lot of trucks, actually. Very easy – put it into D, take the electronic brake off and you’re away.

All the controls are on a panel switchboard

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to the right, which is where you’ll find gear selection, including buttons to hold it in whatever gear you choose and it won’t go any higher, which prevents the auto making unnecessary gear changes on the hill and stops it from gouging ruts in the track.

Other switches on the panel are for the rear diff-locks and the centre differential to engage the front axle, plus things like at A/C, wipers, lights etc – Tony reckons the lights are great for early morning starts.

You don’t need any switches for the retarder because it works automatically through the gearbox to help slow the Bell on a steep hill. Would have been good to try that on a steeper tack.

And there’s a big red emergency stop button just above the control panel if you need to kill everything quickly So not much to remember at all.

The seat and the driving position are excellent and the fore/aft and rake on the steering column makes it very easy to get comfortable for an 8-hour shift at the wheel.

When under way, there’s lots of vision ahead, especially looking down over that steeply sloping bonnet and through nice deep windows to the side to keep an eye on the edges of the track. Three heated mirrors on each side of the

Above and left: Stan Barlow

cab cover different rear and downward angles, which I especially like to use when reversing – I’m old school and while the rear-facing camera is good when you get up close to the loader, I prefer to rely on the mirrors for manoeuvring.

Running out from the skid to the cut-over with an empty bunk you tend to notice any rougher places on the track through the firm suspension, especially going over the corduroy.

And the steering is quite touchy when it’s empty, too.

It feels a lot smoother when you’ve got weight in the bunk. Considering the amount of wood on board, you’d never think you had 30 tonnes. The engine pulls strongly and it’s extremely quiet, you hardly notice it. There’s lots of grip from those big fat tyres going up the short incline and it powers up in the right gear.

Compared to a forwarder, this is a lot simpler and a lot smoother. But saying that, a forwarder is designed and built to go out into the cut-over and its design reflects that, whereas the Bell is built to drive over tracks.

I know it can get up to 50km/h top speed but on this short stretch of track I only managed to get into third gear and I felt like I was honking.

I’d love to experience it on a long flat road in sixth gear.

Have to say that I’m a bit envious of Tony and regular operator, Dale. I could be tempted back into a truck again if I had something like a Bell TH403E as my daily drive. NZL

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West Coast Natives

g a v l a s r o f call n o i s n e t x e w a l 34 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

age on

Left: Heli-logging ensured there was no damage from cutting tracks and using heavy machinery to extract wind-blown native logs from the West Coast bush.

Above: Another log is lifted out of the West Coast bush by helicopter.

Story & photos: Jim Childerstone

T

HE CONTINUATION OF NATIVE LOGGING on the West Coast depends on an extension of the current salvage laws And “an outbreak of practical common sense�, according to Kumara-based saw miller, Mike McGrath.

This sentiment was echoed throughout the coastal logging fraternity after the clean-up following Cyclone Fehi in early February, and then the remnants of Cyclone Gita a couple of weeks later, which dumped more trees on the ground.

Locals say that these latest cyclones illustrate that the West Coast Windblown Timber (Conservation Lands) Act, introduced to allow selective logging of trees flattened by Cyclone Ita in April 2014, should be extended.

The Act, introduced by the National Government to allow for valuable timber to be salvaged, rather than rot on the ground, applied only to damage by Ita over a five-year period, which comes to an end next year.

"Why can't this be continued to cover other major weather events?" Mr McGrath asks.

He urged the new Forestry Minister, Shane Jones, to take a serious look at the situation when he visited the Coast in March.

Mr McGrath and his fellow loggers want to know "where do we go from here" when the current salvaging Act ends.

He says his team only had about 500m3 of wood left to recover, mostly from privatelyowned forests.

And most other salvaging operations throughout conservation land has already been completed, due to general deterioration of the wood on the ground. But in the short timespan allowed for salvaging, Hokitika-based Department of Conservation officials report that more than $1.1m in royalties had gone into DoC coffers.

The department's head of the salvaging programme, Tim Shaw, reports this had significantly boosted DoC's biodiversity work

April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 35

Mike McGrath's Mahoe portable mill does most of the cutting at the yard, whilst the smaller Lucas mill is used for cutting logs on salvaged sites.

and pest control efforts.

Limited logging still takes place in some privately-owned forests under the Forestry Act’s environmentally sustainable production criteria, but it is on a very small scale and coasters argue that it could provide more employment and business opportunities if on-going salvage of wind-blown timber was allowed to continue on DoC land.

Without that additional supply, opportunities to cut native timber are limited. Up in the Buller region some 7,000ha of mostly Beech forest outside DoC-administered conservation land has provided a source of Red Beech logs for the NZ Sustainable Forest Products (NZSFP) sawmill near Reefton. These forests are carefully managed under a select logging regime, where only a few trees are helicopterextracted per hectare, leaving a natural canopy break to allow prolific seedling growth to get underway.

Down south at Hari Hari, Dave Hindman operates a sawmill and has been able to extract logs sourced from privately-owned forests using similar techniques to enhance regeneration of Podocarp timber, mostly Rimu.

Using both a fixed mill and a Mahoe portable sawmill, his team is capable of cutting up to 25m3 per day, particularly when boosted by salvaged logs from DoC lands. He says that currently his sheds contain approximately 5m3 of top grade cut Rimu ready for sale.

His company, Hindman Smartsaw Ltd, air dries the timber before it is transported to joinery firms, wood processors and timber merchants.

Mike McGrath dispatches his cut boards to Christchurch for

kiln drying before it is sold to buyers in Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Whanganui. He operates two portable mills, using one to cut logs in the bush to be heli-lifted out. Chief cutter and machine operator is 22-year-old Gemma Gold.

Mr McGrath has only a limited source of privately-owned forestsupplied wood. Since running out of salvaged logs he had only milled 4 cubic metres on the day of my visit and was loading a week’s cut onto a Canterbury Western Transport truck and trailer unit bound for Christchurch.

Meanwhile, at Reefton NZ Sustainable Forest Products’ upgraded mill continues to produce speciality products such as veneers and T&G flooring from its Red Beech resource on non-conservation land.

The select felling system used by NZSFP has been going for more than 12 years, with a percentage of the royalties earmarked for environmental management, particularly for pest control.

When the Act was passed it provided a further boost of funding for DoC, which is well ahead of allocations for its own estate. Salvaging wind-throw on DoC lands provides royalties of $250 p/m3 for Podocarp and $60 for Beech.

These activities are feeding a profitable niche market industry, which has been considerably boosted by the salvaging Act since 2014. As well as saving taxpayer money by funding DoC activities it has also reduced the need for imports of unsustainably logged hardwoods from some Asian nations.

It is estimated that New Zealand imported around $76 million of hardwoods between 2012 and 2013, with some reckoned to have

36 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

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Above left: Gemma Gold loads milled Rimu onto a truck at Mike McGrath’s timber yard.

Above right: Neal Opi, of Canterbury Western Transport, secures the Rimu timber before trucking it to Christchurch for kiln drying.

Below: Native logs waiting to be cut at Mike McGrath’s Kumara timber yard.

been illegally logged. This trade depressed the price of timber sourced from sustainably logged forests by 7-to-16%.

Also imported was just under $317m worth of wood products from China, which has faced criticism for being complicit in the smuggling of illegal timber mixed in with legally logged wood, according to an NZ Wood report.

In New Zealand, the Forestry Act was amended in 1993 to ensure that wood grown here is managed sustainably to provide benefits for biodiversity and society.

Currently there are 50,000 hectares of indigenous forest in NZ that has an allowable harvest of 78,000m3. According to Ministry of Primary Industries figures, imports last year totalled 76,000 tonnes, whilst locally milled hardwoods reached 9,000 tonnes.

In my last report, published in NZ Logger in February 2016, I mentioned that the sustainability issue was likely to get political by 2019, when the Salvage Act period finishes. It’s already showing signs of going that way and the new Government will be coming under some pressure.

Looming large on Coastal loggers’ minds is that Conservation Minister, Eugenie Sage, has indicated she would not have a bar on moving any wind-blown logs out of the conservation forests.

The contention seems to be that, according to the Green lobby, the mulch forming in fallen bush is necessary for forest regeneration.

But most of the logs that are blown down are already left for this natural purpose to occur, foresters argue.

In the small, hand-picked areas slated for salvaging, only selected logs marked by DoC and with MPI approval were extracted by helicopter. There was no tracking, and roughly 90% of the residue was left to continue rotting. Coaster foresters are well aware of the regeneration capability or our native bush. All forests regenerate from their own seedlings and lateral roots, Red Beech being one of the most prolific.

West Coast loggers are hoping that the more pragmatic Minister of Forests, Shane Jones, will have seen the value of continuing some form of limited salvage work in the future.

A glossy publication published by the West Coast Governance Plan – Tai Poutini West Coast Economic Development Action Plan 2017 – notes that "around 30-to-50 people have had work directly generated by the opportunity at various stages across the sawmilling, forestry and transport sectors."

It goes on to say that the quantity and quality of available timber has declined, as has the amount of timber being extracted and

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38 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

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Mike McGrath takes a break alongside 22-year-old Gemma Gold, who operates the yard’s loader and portable saw miller. the number of active operators. It is unlikely that significant operations will extend beyond 2017.

The report adds: "The experience has shown that windblown timber can be safely recovered without significant harm to the conservation value of harvest areas. It has also provided significant revenue for DoC to protect conservation land from plant and animal pests.

"The action will assess the lessons, costs and benefits from the WCWT Act and identify, if appropriate, legislative change options that would enable ongoing access to timber on Public Conservation Land that is felled as a result of natural events.�

However, after a visit by an MPI group in January/February, DoC's Tim Shaw is not optimistic anything significant will happen.

A joint DoC / MPI statement at the time of the Parliamentary Act stated: "The purpose...is to outline the Principles and Guidelines that have informed the management approach that will be applied by (DoC) to achieve the environmental protection required by the Act. "The management approach will need to be able to adapt and change as more is learned through the implementation of the Act. Accordingly, this document should be considered as a working draft."

The wording in the statement indicated a certain amount of flexibility when the Act was passed and provided the basis for the future hopes of the Coast foresters. Whether the current political landscape allows this to happen, remains to be seen. NZL

DoC concludes its salvaging report

T

HE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION'S HEAD OF THE WINDblown salvaging programme, Tim Shaw, reports that from April 2014 to October 2017, the cyclone-hit timber recovery operation had harvested 8,000m3 of round wood.

The bulk of the timber comprises 6,600m3 of Rimu, with 1900m3 of Red Beech.

Since autumn 2017, sapwood issues on logs has rendered much of the resource on the ground unmerchantable, due to fungal decay and insect damage. The loss of quality extends through some of the colour grades on most of the smaller Rimu logs. Large logs with high heart content were still worth extracting.

There was also about 200m3 of Kahikatea, Silver Beech, Matai and Totara, but of insufficient quality to be merchantable.

At the height of the operation eight crews had work underway across numerous sites at any one time. By the beginning of last year, this had been reduced to just four, then to two crews by mid-year at two sites in the Hari Hari area. Timber recovery work had taken place at 32 sites, from Karamea in the north and Whataroa in the south.

The few remaining operations have been targeting large Rimu stems, generally over 89cm in diameter. Logs of this size are only present in good numbers in a few places that are accessible and practical to harvest.

They need to be broken down in the forest to achieve safe helicopter lift limits, while a small portable mill was used to cut some logs into lumber.

Southern Helilift's Darren Davidson is still extracting logs but is limited by the Huey's 1.4-tonne lifting limit. NZL

40 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

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breaking out

A younger Brian Reader standing by a GF 25 Radiata Pine, 15 months on from planting. Impressive.

42 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

A forest owner’s tale If you’ve ever been tempted to create your own forest, or more likely, woodlot, to provide for your retirement years, this account by a long-time forester makes worthy reading.

Story & Photos: Brian Reader

E

ARLY IN 1993 A MATE CALLED BY MY HOME AT ONEPU, in the Bay of Plenty, and wanted to yarn about forestry in general; not a problem for me having had many years involved in the industry.

He asked a lot of questions which I answered as best I could, one of his queries being “how profitable is growing wood?”

I didn’t know the answer as there are many issues that influence profitability. What I did know was that in 1993 log prices were very good, particularly for export. He then went on to say that there were two part planted blocks of land for sale locally and would I have any interest in purchasing one as a joint venture – I was.

We missed out on the 5ha block that we initially agreed to purchase, so without hesitation, settled for the much larger block of 15ha, comprising 2ha of 24-year-old Pinus Radiata, 9ha of 2-yearold Pinus Radiata and 4ha of flat lucerne paddock with an existing airstrip in situ. Settlement was the first day of July, 1993.

Our first task was quitting the older age class, which was done without delay, it being a stand suffering from what I’ve always termed, farmer syndrome – if there is a blade of grass there, it’s got to have some bark eating, four-footed animal on site, much to the detriment of pruned butts. The bark damage on some trees created by stock was bad enough to reduce the first log from ‘pruned grade’ to ‘oversize pulp grade’ – more than a $100 per m3 loss. That’s 2,500 *^&#!@ dollars a truck load.

The 9ha age class was badly toppled due to strong winds, so we set about staking where necessary. The planted stocking was light at only 700 stems per hectare (spha) so we needed to have some guarantee of crop selection.

With the block in reasonable shape we turned our attention to establishing the bare land into what I intended to be a model crop of Radiata.

When considering land on which to grow trees, one of the factors that influences the decision to proceed is known as the Site Index.

This is determined by combinations of aspect, soil type, rainfall, nutrients etc and is expressed as a number – the higher that number the more likelihood that the land is suitable for growing wood fibre. I understand this number indicates the mean top height of the 100 tallest trees per hectare at age twenty. At the very least, it indicates the wood fibre growing potential. The Site Index of our land purchase was 36.0 – high.

Knowing this land’s history (of up to five cuts of silage each season followed immediately by an application of urea) we knew that smart

management and good operational timing would be essential if we were going to stay within acceptable silviculture standards. The ground was extremely compacted, as well as being nutrient loaded; two elements that conflict with ideal tree growing. It was the perfect site on which, if mismanaged, would grow ‘broccoli’ i.e. typically per tree one pruned butt, KI, KI, maybe a poor quality saw log, pulp log – this a typical log type from 1970’s ex-farm forest establishment.

We employed the services of an agricultural contractor who deep ripped local maize paddocks every 4-5 years and engaged him to rip rows to a depth of 80 cm. We also effected a sideways shatter by welding a wing either side of the ripper at 40cm depth with an angle to lift the soil thus creating an ideal root formation environment. To provide for intended block management, we deep ripped rows at 5-metre centres precisely by positioning a pipe bar at right angles on a tractor front and hung a chain at the 5m mark – by ripping with the suspended chain set directly above the previous rip we established the perfect row spacing.

The reasons for this “preparation” were: • Seedling breeding and genetics had progressed to a Growth and Form (GF) rating of GF25. I was very keen to plant as a minimum, a final crop stocking of 25’s at 350 stems per hectare (spha). However; having seen some of this higher rated product and the distinctive unnatural root structure (multiplied and grown in media and without traditional tap root) I figured we needed to engineer points of least resistance for root development therefore assisting tree stability as the trees became established. At our rotation end we had not one single windthrown tree.

• We needed to provide easy grass harvesting opportunities to offset establishment and operating costs and as well demonstrate to the local farming fraternity the possibility of dual land use.

The local nursery could not supply 1-year-old 25's but did have adequate 2-year-old (we only needed 1600 seedlings); these were growing like wheat in a corner of the nursery and nearly a metre high. We lopped them back to half that height and planted them at 6-metre centres within the ripped rows. These seedlings were very expensive. To control branch size and provide a production thin opportunity as well add to the final crop potential, we interplanted two GF 17’s (significantly cheaper) seedlings between the 25’s giving us 1,000 spha – adequate trees to achieve our objectives.

As spring approached, a combination of Gallant/Gardoprim release spray sorted any infiltration of competitive grass/weeds. Combined with grass harvesting we had no tree suppression problems and by

April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 43

Harvesting contractor, Ross Balderstone, beside a stack of export pruned butts ready to be loaded.

year end our crop was looking good at one metre average height.

Directly after the Christmas break we engaged a contractor to cut and wrap pasture grown between rows. Turning the tractor and wrapper was awkward at row ends so we took out strategic trees (sob) to assist; we harvested 20 large bales, which we on-sold to local stock holders and continued to pasture harvest for a further two years. Recall tells me some Tarawera logging contractors who owned stock bought a few of those bales.

To maintain our encouraging growth rates, a second grass spray application in August ‘94 combined with further grass harvest seemed to keep the impetus going with a tree height of near two metres by year end and some even exceeding that height.

The tree growth rates over the first three years suggested we had created a silvicultural monster. A veritable juvenile Tane Mahuta of the Radiata world; absolutely remarkable. With a Site Index of 35 and the soil nutrient retention, growth rates were unbelievable and indicated that to achieve an acceptable DOS (Diameter over stubs) we would need to prune annually. This we did winter 1995, 1996 and 1997 achieving pruned heights of 1.6, 2.9 and 3.9 metres respectively. Early in 1998 and late the same year, fourth and fifth prune lifts realised pruned heights of 5 and 6.4 metres. The measured DOS’s for the five lifts were, respectively, 11.6, 15.8, 15.9, 14.5 and 16.1cm, well within acceptable limits. At each pruned lift we retained a minimum of one-third tree height green crown; so were not stressing the tree (an important element in maintaining optimum tree growth). On completing the fifth prune lift we removed 30% of the crop, leaving 700 spha to grow on – adequate stocking for continued branch control, production thinning and final crop options.

We hadn’t determined the number of GF25’s at this point, but the visual impression was that the number was high.

As an employment opportunity I undertook ‘Tree Tours’ for the Kawerau Paper Mill. These tours were aimed at improving people’s concept/perspective of tree growing and typical participants (though not limited to) were staff of the New Zealand Herald newspaper. Our first stop was the Tree Improvement Centre at Te Teko, where the objectives of tree breeding were explained. Our second port of call was our Clearwater Forest, where the intentions of tree improvement were plain for all to see; tall, straight, light limbed Formula One trees.

In time, we considered the option of pruning beyond ‘normal heights’ (6.3 metres) and completing a not normal prune height of 8-plus metres. One reason not to do the 8-metre prune was that we would extend the crop rotation by two, maybe three, years. We needed 40cm diameter at the 8m pruned height (minimum diameter for pruned logs) to justify this. The reasons we chose to proceed with an extra height lift were; the additional revenue, the ground was flat with fertile and easy work conditions, the branching was small, work can be and is for me, an adult form of play, and I was willing.

We also planned to live long enough to reap the extra benefits of this operation. We had a local fabricator built us a 6-metre lean-to ladder and the lift commenced. By 1999 year-end, we completed all pruning with: • 310 spha pruned to 8.3m with a DOS of 18.3 • a further 35 spha to a minimum of 6.3m • production thinning crop possibility of 355 stems per hectare.

At the same time, as we were establishing and tending the new age class we had four lift-pruned the 9ha stand. This, in itself, was an uneventful exercise other than some weight loss for me, being the main labourer and also helped with my ageing process (this explains some of the aches and pains developed later in life and necessary joint replacements!).

44 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

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Harvesting progress is discussed at a tailgate meeting by, from left, Wayne Lowe, skidder owner/driver, the tree faller, woodlot part-owner, Brian Reader and contractor, Ross Balderstone.

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46 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

selling our fibre was raised, but the good log prices made this a sensible question. I hadn’t devoted my time and energy to cut the trees just as the volume and value graph was about to soar, or had I? There were good reasons not to cut, all discussed at length, the most relevant being “we didn’t have to”. Providing revenue for the later part of our lives had always been a focus and objective. WHEN that revenue is realised is arguably unimportant. With log prices as they were, (high) NOW became an influence, and something we would be foolish to ignore. Who knows what life’s going to deal you, so the decision to cut was agreed.

We sought the services of an agent able to manage all the nonoperational requirements – the right contractor, best complement of equipment, log sales, consents, harvest plans, docket books, cut plans, legal exits onto state highway, local council requirements, all the ‘stuff’ that most of us hands-on people take for granted; we found our agent in Ross Green (Rusty) of Forest Link Ltd.

By Springtime 2011, Ross had every requirement in place and we were ready to harvest.

Our contractor was Ross Balderstone, a very experienced logger with South Island West Coast blood in his veins. His logging fleet was a Timberjack 2618 with a 20-inch Waratah head and a Kobelco 235SRLC track loader. For track access down to the stream, Ross dryhired a ten tonne Hitachi as and when required.

I had met Ross way back when he ran an FMC in Nelson pulling wood in Golden Downs, as well as doing some Department of Conservation (DoC) work. Ross employed an acquaintance of mine from yesteryear, Wayne Lowe from Taupo, who operated an F65 skidder with a grapple. I had worked with Wayne in Tauhara in the late 1970’s. It was nice to have these two ghosts from my past on board. Ross also employed a tree faller.

At this point our outlet was going to be export logs through the Tauranga port with a small volume of pulp to Kawerau, but out of nowhere an alternative customer became available – the local paper mill for most of the cut.

The Kawerau Paper Mill operates throughout the calendar year on sawmill chip with spasmodic top-ups of small volumes of whole log chip. When the Bay of Plenty Sawmills shut down at Christmas for maintenance there is no chip available, so we were approached as one of their top-up options. I was uncomfortable with the thought of all our hard work going down a pulp chute but appropriate log prices were negotiated for all existing grades within the stand. Not

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At some stage a production thinning would be necessary to maintain maximum growth rates and help pay the rates. Consideration was given to two thinnings but because of ease of damage to the residual extra-high pruned stems the concept was abandoned.

Crop assessment in Winter 2003 revealed a volume of 500 tonnes, which combined with our neighbours volume of 430 tonnes made an adequate volume for the local firm of Asset Forestry to submit a price; this was accepted and production commenced immediately after the paper mill agreed to purchase our product. Based on the young age class, therefore a less-than desirable density, the mill were hesitant to purchase but eventually did agree to buy.

Asset Forestry’s complement of equipment, a Ponnse feller/ processor and a forwarder, suited our needs perfectly. A skid site was created adjacent to our sealed road frontage and production ensued.

Self Loader Logging, from Taupo, offered an acceptable cartage rate (thank-you Brian Smith and driver Dennis) and combined with a lead distance of only 10 kms to the paper mill, we were a shoo-in to make a little profit. Being a conservative person, I was always going to be biased towards retaining more stems than less. As some trees had too large a diameter to prune to 8m we retained 30-to-40 of these per hectare; less pruned height but All Black front row props at the very least – those trees were cranking, as my son would describe them.

In gathering the supporting information prior to production thinning, a rough calculation of 506 tonnes was derived. That the final delivered volume was 503 demonstrates that ‘bush’ calculations ought not be scoffed at. As the last silviculture activity towards establishing a final crop, we as owners, were chuffed to say the least. The percentage of GF25’s that made our final crop was 85%. Awesome. The balance? The best of the rest, so to speak, still fine trees. Visual assessment indicated most stems would produce a pruned log maybe two, saw log, saw log, round wood and ground wood pulp. Not a hint of ‘broccoli’. The combination of superior seedlings and the high nutrient presence justified the retention of 345 spha. Standard stockings at the time were 250 spha plus.

Time passes by, we are a decade into a new millennium, trees grow, volumes accrue, improved tree genetics become more and more apparent, the clock ticks, I finally win the battle and quit smoking and log prices are good.

In discussing the forest with my business partner, the dialogue centred on “what’s next?” Much to my horror the possibility of

Main: Logging is well under way, with Wayne Lowe’s F65 grapple skidder and Ross Balderstone’s processor hard at work.

Above left: Standing trees prior to harvest. The tree nearest to the camera has a 63cm diameter breast height at age 18!

Above right: One of the Watchorn trucks waits to be loaded with pruned logs.

purchased by the Mill were any pruned logs with minimum diameters of 40 centimetres, these were destined for export markets.

Provided we could agree on log grade out turn, there was no value loss for us and the operation was greatly simplified. Apart from the export pruned logs there were no set length cuts, just random logs so no hassles with log length accuracy.

My initial discomfort was alleviated when Rusty informed us he had also negotiated log price movements relative to export schedules for our pulp-destined wood. Go you good thing. Export prices were trending upwards and continued to do so for the duration of our harvest.

The block to be logged was divided by a beautiful spring-fed stream, the Mangaone, with 8 of the 12 hectares to be harvested on the western side (over the stream). Unable to access this without spending too much money (it would have negated lots of revenue) we asked for and were granted permission to use our neighbour’s property provided we left his farm lanes in as good a state or better than operational start-up. Was that ever going to be an issue? Never.

In early November, we got started (putting some diesel on it). We needed to begin on the western side of the stream as the land owner had silage to cut and we were carting through his paddocks. By Christmas that side of the stream was almost completed. Compared

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Above left: Brian Reader and his woodlot business partner take the opportunity to harvest hay from their young forest.

Above left: A loaded truck about to leave the skid site with lengths of pruned logs, bound for the port at Mt Maunganui.

Below: A fully-laden Watchorn truck on the weighbridge with a load of pulp for the Norske pulp and paper mill. was of no significance.

Confirmation for me, in assembling this history, was how much time and effort is the reality in establishing a crop of trees. The application of silvicultural skills and physical effort necessary in creating a high value product is labour intensive and hard work. A day spent ladder pruning is as tough a day as any logging role, bar maybe manual trimming in production thinning. And I hear you – “we don’t do that now!”

Interestingly, the venture demonstrated that growing wood fibre on high value land is not a wasted use so long as intensive silvicultural practises are adhered to and log sales are not a forced issue. Being able to sell when it suits you as the owner is important and can be an ideal optional use of farmland to supplement income.

When comparing man hours spent per hectare in creating a crop of trees versus the man hours in harvesting a hectare of trees it seems that the logging is but a time blip. If we examine the capital outlay, skill requirement, exposure to potential dangers and actual realisation of value then harvesting appears to be the icing on the cake. Let’s be conscious of and acknowledge there is a significant human effort made way before we are able to ‘put some diesel on it’ and make some stumps.

Don’t forget to leave some holding wood.

Again, I hear you – “we don’t do that so much now!” NZL

090714_Hitachi_Forestry

with set length cutting, our random length pulp cut plan meant less log making hassles. With the small volume of prune logs, production was uncomplicated. Our consent demanded conditions that we needed to comply with, one being to take due care and attention with the streamside harvesting. We had 100% compliance and also left a nicely pumiced and graded farm road for our accommodating farmer.

Early in 2011, we commenced the logging of the genetically superior stand on the State Highway 30 side of the block. Considering the previous history regarding this stand, logging it was simplicity itself and completed without hassle. A little extra effort and skill was required to safely deal with the trees within two lengths of the SH30, which the contractor handled with consummate skill. We delivered 6,000 tonnes to the paper mill in Kawerau and 500 tonnes of pruned logs to Mt Maunganui.

With little doubt the high price we paid for the land would probably not be what long term investors in ‘wood growing’ would consider sensible. In 2013, after some replanting and combined with some pasture establishment, we sold the land for a sum appropriate for the period of time with which we had had ownership. Therefore, the land use was simply the vehicle for fibre creation and the cost

48 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

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Trophy winners celebrate THE AHUNGAHERE TROPHY. IT’S NOT EASY to win but it means a lot to those that do.

That’s certainly the case for the Moehau 99 team who gathered in the Bay of Plenty last month to put their hands on the trophy and celebrate their success from last year.

And, if you think it’s easier to win if you work in a ground base crew, think again.

Since commencing the top harvesting crew competition a dozen years or so ago, there has been a 50/50 split between ground base and cable crews in terms of who has won overall honours.

In terms of this competition, the Ahungahere Trophy has become the pinnacle expression of the combination of individual and team excellence – you can’t have one without the other.

So, for Moehau 99 – as was the case with previous winners – they should celebrate their achievement and take the confidence from reaching the top of their game into the competition for 2018.

However, they will be need to be mindful of the increased competition within the Top Spot programme this year and the need to continually focus on individual and team excellence.

Sponsors – They don’t have to do this but they choose to!

Awesome companies, awesome people and awesome support!

They back you and your workmates to succeed as professionals, so why wouldn’t you support them.

They believe in what we do and what you do.

So a big ongoing thank you to our Strategic Partners – STIHL and NZ Logger and sponsor SWAZI. The best way to keep our industry working is to get out and support those businesses that support New Zealand.

Participating Companies This competition wouldn’t be what it is without our participating companies.

We understand the commitment it takes from them to be part of Top Spot and value their ongoing support and feedback.

Our ongoing thanks to Rayonier / Matariki Forests, Nelson Forests, Wenita Forest Products, Port Blakely, Crown Forestry, Brand Logging, CMH Logging, Phillips Logging, Hauraki and Moehau Logging, Griffin Logging, Roxburgh Logging, Thomassen Logging, Te Waa Logging, Lakeland Cable Logging, Logged on Logging, Pakiri Logging, Rosewarne Cable Loggers, Inta-Wood Forestry, Otautau Contractors, SAW Contracting, Heslip Silvicuture, Waikato Forestry Services, Hodgson Silviculture, SFNL, Makerikeri Silviculture, NJ Simns Forestry Services, SAS Forestry, X-Men, Central Forestry Services, Mangoihe Logging, Kohurau Contracting, Tohaia Forestry Harvesting, Kuru Contracting, Dennis Hayes Logging, Swain Logging, Lumberjack Logging and Ernslaw One. Into safety?

Into performance?

Into quality?

Contact Shane Perrett on 0274 781 908, 07 3483037 or at primefm@xtra.co.nz. NZL

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50 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

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often disregarded yet many contractors for years have managed proficient and competent operations. FICA confidently supports the Contractor Certification Programme and CEO CEOMessage Message encourages members to take part in this. FICA wil lift the profile of the industry promoting excellence, safety and sustainability.

workers into this era that encompasses advancing technology. FICA would benefit by gaining membership from contractors, to support these endeavours as a collaborative team. www.fica.org.nz www.fica.org.nz

Well Wellit’sit’sa aquick quickintroduction introductionfrom fromme measasI take I takecharge chargeofofthe therole roleofofCEO CEOfor for FICA FICA – a– role a role that that I am I am truly truly looking looking forward forward to.to.

We We want want toto partner partner with with other other forestry forestryentities entitiesand andwork workcloser closertogether togetherinincollaboration collaboration– –giving givingyou youa a voice. voice.

Each Each month month inin the the magazine, magazine, I will I will bebe asking asking aa question question ofof the the regions regions and and anan elected elected contractor. contractor.

This This month month I threw I threw that that challenge challenge toto our our board board ––

Steve Yeoman – Central North Island

“How “Howdodoyou yousee seeFICA FICAsupporting supportingyour yourregion regionand andthe thevalue valuetotocontractors contractors wanting wantingtotojoin”. join”.

I take I takethis thisopportunity opportunitytotowarmly warmlyinvite inviteyou youtotocontact contactme meanytime, anytime,with with anything anything FICA FICA related related – looking – looking forward forward toto the the new new role role and and ready ready toto run! run!

The shortage of skil ed forestry workers Tony Gamble – Otago throughout NZ is a concern. It is recognised by Regional RegionalVoice Voice I see FICA supporting contractors by running FICA that bringing the next generation of regional networking meetings and up-skil ing workers through is critical to the sustainability members to manage safe, profitable and of the work force in forestry.

Prue Prue

Ross Ross Davis Davis – President – President

We We have have aa golden golden opportunity opportunity with with government government wanting wantingtotoplant planttrees treesand andforestry forestryatatthe the forefront forefrontofoftheir theirinterests. interests.They Theyacknowledge acknowledge employment employmentopportunities, opportunities,regional regionaleconomic economic development development and and export export earnings earnings allall stem stem from from forestry. forestry.

AsAs president president for for FICA, FICA, I look I look forward forward toto the thefuture futureasasour ourfocus focusis isstrongly stronglyononcreating creating ways waystotoactively activelyengage engagewith withmembers membersand and shareholders shareholders collectively. collectively.

Sonya Sonya Elmiger Elmiger – Central – Central North North Island Island Professionalism Professionalismwithin withinthe theforest forestindustry industryis is often oftendisregarded disregardedyet yetmany manycontractors contractorsfor for years yearshave havemanaged managedproficient proficientand andcompetent competent operations. operations. FICA FICA confidently confidently supports supports the the Contractor Contractor Certification Certification Programme Programme and and encourages encouragesmembers memberstototake takepart partininthis. this.FICA FICA will willliftliftthe theprofile profileofofthe theindustry industrypromoting promoting excellence, excellence, safety safety and and sustainability. sustainability.

Tony Tony Gamble Gamble – Otago – Otago I see I seeFICA FICAsupporting supportingcontractors contractorsbybyrunning running regional regionalnetworking networkingmeetings meetingsand andup-skilling up-skilling members memberstotomanage managesafe, safe,profitable profitableand and

sustainable sustainablebusinesses. businesses.Joining JoiningFICA FICAenables enables members members toto bebe part part ofof anan organisation organisation working working totopromote promoteour ourindustry industryand andthe thecontractors contractors that that work work within within it.it.

Dale Dale Ewers Ewers – Nelson – Nelson

With With a a rapid rapid growth growth inin production production and and harvesting harvestinganan increased increased need need for for new new workers workers exists. exists.The Thepublic publicneed needtotoknow knowthat thatforestry forestryis is evolving evolvinginto intonew newways waysofofoperating operatingand andis isanan exciting excitingcareer careerpath. path.FICA FICAcan canactively activelyeducate, educate, promote promoteand andencourage encouragea anew newgeneration generationofof workers workers into into this this era era that that encompasses encompasses advancing advancingtechnology. technology.FICA FICAwould wouldbenefit benefitbyby gaining gaining membership membership from from contractors, contractors, toto support supportthese theseendeavours endeavoursasasa acollaborative collaborative team. team.

Steve Steve Yeoman Yeoman – Central – Central North North Island Island The The shortage shortage ofof skilled skilled forestry forestry workers workers throughout throughoutNZ NZis isa aconcern. concern.It Itis isrecognised recognisedbyby FICA FICAthat thatbringing bringingthe thenext nextgeneration generationofof workers workersthrough throughis iscritical criticaltotothe thesustainability sustainability ofof the the work work force force inin forestry. forestry.

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Guy Guy Gaddum Gaddum – Rotorua – Rotorua We We are are anan industry industry with with issues issues and and opportunities opportunities that thatare arepan panregional. regional.FICA FICAis isa arepresentative representative body bodythat thatneeds needstotooperate operateatata anational nationaland and regional regional level. level.

Contractors Contractors inin the the industry industry need need totobebethe theforemost foremostconsideration considerationwhen whenissues issues working workingwith withnational nationalbodies bodiesarise. arise.FICA’s FICA’srole role supports supportsand andguides guidesindependent independentcontractors contractors totocollectively collectivelyresolve resolveissues. issues.FICA FICAare areabout abouttoto show show the the contractors contractors what what we we are are good good at.at.

Kevin Kevin Ihaka Ihaka – Northland – Northland I see I seegreat greatopportunities opportunitiesfor forFICA FICAsupporting supporting silviculture silviculturecontractors contractorstotoachieve achievecompliance compliance and andcertification certificationthrough throughregional regionalworkshops workshops and and courses courses – growing – growing them them into into more more sustainsustainable ableand andresponsible responsiblebusinesses. businesses.FICA FICAwould would make make it it worthwhile worthwhile for for other other silviculture silviculture contractors contractorsjoining joiningasasmembers, members,providing providing strength strength inin numbers. numbers.

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Hamish Hamish Owen Owen – Northland – Northland The Theforestry forestryindustry industryis isgrowing growingand andFICA FICAis is significant significantwithin withinNew NewZealand.

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Blair Blair Davis Davis – Hawkes – Hawkes Bay Bay Our Our organisation organisation can can work work with with other other like-minded like-mindedindustry industrybodies bodiesaddressing addressingthe the problems problems we we have have engaging engaging people people into into forestry forestry asas aa career. career.

Employment Employment opportunities opportunities are are onon demand, demand, yet yet not not enough enough skilled skilled workers workers exist existtotofillfillthe theroles. roles.We Weare area agreat greatindustry industrytoto bebepart partofofand andhave havetotoconvince convinceothers otherswith with genuine genuine good good stories stories that that the the industry industry is is aa great great place place toto work. work.

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new iron

JOHN DEERE FOR GALE

CAT FOR JENSEN

The Gale 620 crew of Marlborough-based Gale Contracting is thrilled to finally have the new John Deere 948L grapple skidder, which is now logging for PF Olsen in Bartletts Creek Forest.

Robbie Geary, operator, is very impressed with the horsepower and also the comfort of the cab. Pictured from left: Dylan Brand, Robbie Geary, Cam Roberts, Brady Price (foreman), Malcolm Hopa, Jack Rarity and Seb Grace.

Russell Jensen and his team at Jensen Logging, Rotorua, have a new Cat 555D skidder, which has gone into crew 44 run by Roger Broad, joining an existing Cat 336 and a 552. The new 555D features a turn-around seat and joystick steer along with the new calm seat technology, making it a powerful but gentle ride for the operator.

Pictured, from left, are George Harwood, Jordan Hodge and Roger Broad. The machine was sold by Paul Roche from Gough Cat.

FALCON CLAW FOR DG GLENN DG Glenn Logging crew 73 with their new Falcon Claw 1580 that went to work in January. This is DG Glenn’s second Falcon Claw 1580 and is currently operating in Bayview Forest, just out of Napier.

SOUTHSTAR FOR RENNER Peter Renner, owner of Renner Logging, has taken delivery of a new SouthStar 4X4 QS600 harvester processor fitted to a Tigercat H855C in north Canterbury. This is the second of a run of SouthStar attachments to enter the South Island. Pictured, from left, Ben Addenbrooke (SouthStar Equipment), Shane Hubbard, Blair Adamson (SouthStar Equipment), Mike Quigley, Peter Renner, David King (Diesel and Hydraulics), Kevin Jones and Scott (AB Equipment).

54 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

4WARD KOMATSU Shane and Chantelle Ward, of 4Ward Harvesting, recently took delivery of a new Komatsu PC 400LC-8 to work in their Kaingaroa Forest operation. The new Komatsu has an EMS forestry guarding package and is fitted with a Waratah HTH 625C. Reagan (operator) is enjoying the newcomer, saying “I like the machine…plenty of power everywhere, the drive, lift, slew, runs the head effortlessly”.

Pictured, from left, are Regan Mills, Adrian Willis, Alan McCollum, Ron Ashworth, Shane Ward and John Kosar (Komatsu Forest NZ).

new iron

TIGERCAT FOR KING ONE Southland logger Andrew Pratt (Pratty), owner of King One, a large ground base and hauler operation in the south, has recently taken delivery of a new Tigercat 632E skidder, replacing a loyal and faithful Tigercat 610C that ran well over 10,000 hours troublefree. The larger 632E has the new Tigercat FPT engine and new EHS high speed transmission, new and improved turnaround seat and cabin, larger axles, load-sensing hydraulics, high-speed heavyduty winch and the larger grapple. The 632E joins a stable of AB machines that include Sumitomo and Tigercat models, including a 300TL, 240TL, 225, 300TL feller buncher with tethering bar, 880 harvester with a Waratah 625 serving the Bellis BE60 Hauler.

Pratty is currently setting up a tethering system to take on the steeper blocks ahead. Pictured with his new machine is operator, Brandon. AB Equipment’s Dean Cousins made the sale.

KOBELCO FOR ABC This Kobelco SK260LC-10 high & wide specification excavator, fitted with a Duxson GX171 grapple by Donaldson Mechanical and guarding from the team at Active VMA, was recently delivered to ABC Forest Harvesting & Marketing and it is now hard at work in the Manawatu. The Kobelco’s high & wide provides generous ground clearance and extra crawler width, as well as other enhancements to suit forestry applications.

new iron

SATCO PAIR FOR POINT Point Lumber, of Timaru, has taken delivery of a pair of SATCO heads for its operation; a 325T (pictured on a Sumitomo SH 300) and a 630E with a Plus1 controller, along with auto saw tensioning on both heads. Their arrival takes the SATCO count to five for Point Lumber.

SOUTHSTAR FOR MJ Matthew Jordon, owner of MJ Logging, has put this new SouthStar 4X4 QS450 harvester/processor onto a CAT 320D working in the Mackenzie Country in mid-Canterbury, the third of a run of SouthStar attachments to enter the South Island. Pictured, from the left, are Phil (Pirtek), Blair Adamson (SouthStar Equipment), Matthew Jordan, Dan, Mike and Ryan.

SUMI FOR D & K Daryl Diack, owner of D & K Contracting, has taken delivery of a new Sumitomo SH240TL to work with his second crew, D & K 2, which is run by Matt and Warwick. This crew works with forestry company FML in Southland woodlots pulling logs for local Riverton sawmiller, Pankhurst Sawmilling. Daryl chose the 240TL as this machine is required to cover numerous tasks, from felling assist, delimbing, shovelling and loading. The 240TL is based on a 240-size upper with the larger 330 lower track and drive components, along with a high and wide 3.64m track frame.

Daryl’s machine was guarded by Bullied Engineering in Winton.

Pictured, from left, are Matt, Warwick and Daryl. Dean Cousins, of AB Equipment, made the sale.

TIGERCAT FOR BUTTON

DUXSON FELLER FOR HAYES This Madill 2250C has been fitted with a DUXSON FX142 felling head and delivered to Jeremy Hayes of DH Logging, which is working near Dunedin.

56 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

Dave Button, of Canterbury-based Button Bros Logging, has taken delivery of another new Tigercat, trading up to the new 632E skidder to replace his old 630D. Operator, Mark Sharpen (pictured), can’t believe how quick this machine is compared to the 630D, especially down hill due to the new EHS transmission.

He says it’s going to be hard for Tigercat to improve these skidders in the future, as he thinks they have now nailed it! The machine was sold By Steve Varcoe of AB Equipment.

new iron

KOMATSU FOR GOODMAN FARMERS’ JOHN DEERE & SOUTHSTAR The Farmers Forestry team proudly pose with their new John Deere 959MH harvested, which is sporting a SouthStar QS600 head. Cam Negus and Mike Cornwell have put this new combo to work in their central North Island operation. Terry Duncan, of CablePrice, made the sale.

Paul, Carol and Nick Goodman, of Goodman Logging, recently took delivery of a new Komatsu PC 270LC-8, which has an Active forestry guarding package and is fitted with a Duxson grapple.

Butch (operator) is very impressed with his new steed. Pictured, from left, are Nick Goodman, Butch Amohia, Kelly Goodman, Paul Goodman and John Kosar (Komatsu Forest NZ). Photographer: Craig Pulman (Duxson).

HITACHI & SATCO FOR CHARLES When Kev and Jill, Ben and Mel Charles decided to update their ageing processor they decided on a Hitachi ZX400L-5 and SATCO 325T combination. This combo has proved to be very successful, increasing productivity on the landing. Working way out the back of Broadwood, in Northland, productivity along with reliability and back-up support were three key areas Charles Logging looked for when making the decision and the ZX400L-5 / SATCO package, and support from CablePrice was a winner. The Charles Logging crew is pictured here, with Ben Charles on the far right and Warren from SATCO at the back with the head.

ANOTHER TIMBERPRO FOR DOUGLAS

CAT & SATCO FOR MOIR

Peter and Raewyn Douglas, of Dargaville-based Douglas Logging, have taken delivery of a new Timberpro TF 840C, which is working in a cut-to-length operation in Pouto Forest. Operator, Mike Stevens, reckons “there are features on these machines that are unique, like the360-degree rotating cab, ‘very useful – like driving an excavator”. Pictured, from left, are Mike Stevens and John Kosar (Komatsu Forest NZ). Photographer: Peter Douglas.

This new Cat 326D2L is now working in the Nelson region for Moir Logging. Featuring an Active guarding package and SATCO 420 felling grapple head, the 326D2L is set up to tether and is proving to be fast and more than capable on the hill. Features of the 326D2L are quiet operation and pinpoint accuracy in the hydraulics, which set new standards in technology for Cat equipment. Scott Bonnington, from Gough Cat, sold the machine.

April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 57

new iron

SATCO FOR COOK

FRIENDLY SUMITOMO

Riki Cook Logging has put a SAT630H onto this Hyundai 250LC9 for felling and shovelling in his ground base operation in the Timaru area. Riki works in woodlots and he thought the 630 was his best option for the job.

Southland logging company, Friend Forestry Contracting, has taken delivery of a new Sumitomo SH250-6. Geoff and son, Dean, run two Sumitomo machines in their busy operation, offering a total package from logging and land clearing, through to marketing. AB Equipment’s Dean Cousins was the saleman.

CAT FOR SPEIRS This Cat 330D2L full package, including live heel, has been delivered to Speirs Logging and is now busy working on the East Coast, where it is showcasing excellent reach and stability, in addition to great tractive force. With the increase in wood sizes for many New Zealand forestry contractors, the Cat 330D2L model is an all-around responsive package ideally suited to shovelling, fleeting and loading. The unit was delivered by Gough Gisborne branch.

SUMITOMO PAIR FOR LIGNATOR Lignator Forest Harvesters has put on a pair of new Sumitomo machines for its ground-base operation just south of Whangarei – an SH2405TLFS loader and an SH300-5TL shovel logger. For loading, the SH240 was deemed most suited to Lignator’s operation because of features like the heavy-duty straightened forestry boom, purpose-built cab and heavy-duty factory high/wide undercarriage. Operator and foreman, Roy Bradley, is more than happy with his new machine highlighting the stability and reach as key features. Local Whangarei engineering company Metal Creations fabricated the heavy-duty guarding package on the SH300 before Wade and Brett fitted an Active VMA purpose-built cab and Komatsu D85 single bar harvester shoes to finalise the cutover spec. The SHE300 is a key component to maintaining the wood flow as the operator, Austin Gilmour, must contend with the insatiable appetites of the Tigercat LS855D feller buncher and Tigercat 635D skidder. Roy is pictured standing proudly next to the new SH240, while Austin poses with the SH300.

58 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

new iron

TOHAIA FALCON DUXSON PAIR FOR DOUGLAS Douglas Logging has taken delivery of a pair of Duxson GX171 grapples. One has been fitted to a Sumitomo SH240TLFS and the other has gone onto a Tigercat 875.

DC Equipment’s Nick Andrews, Mike Steyn and Tohaia Harvesting’s boss, Hayden Wilson, standing next to the crew’s new Falcon Winch Assist. Tohaia Harvesting owners, Billy and Sara Tohaia, purchased the new Falcon Winch Assist to tether their John Deere 909 felling machine.

ANOTHER NEW JOHN DEERE FOR ROSEWARNE When Brendon Johnson, from Rosewarne Contractors, received his new John Deere 2156GXDLC, it was parked side-by-side with his old machine to illustrate how well he looked after it. Great to see it in such good condition with more than 10,000 hours on the clock, considering he generally loads out up 15 trucks a day on tight skids – partly due to the machine being painted with a super hero. Brendon is pictured here just about to walk the machine in to do its first load.

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April 2018 | NZ LOGGER 59

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0800 158 479

sales@blackduck.co.nz

Ph: 0800 158 479 - sales@blackduck.co.nz - www.blackduck.co.nz www.blackduck.co.nz

STRONG & RELIABLE GRAPPLES STRONG && RELIABLE RELIABLE GRAPPLES GRAPPLES STRONG Made in NZ

• M SERIES 852 AND 864 – STRONG & RELIABLE GRAPPLES

Grapplesand andall allspares sparesinin Grapples stockwith withovernight overnightdelivery delivery stock

• GRAPPLES AND ALL SPARES IN STOCK WITH OVERNIGHT DELIVERY

LG27145

•SERIES PROVEN AFTER 852 and864 864 MMSERIES 852 and SALES SERVICE STRONG&&RELIABLE RELIABLE STRONG GRAPPLES GRAPPLES

64 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

ProvenAfter AfterSales Sales Proven Service Service ContactMarty MartyororBruce Bruce Contact Ph027 027324 3249091 9091 Ph 79Chambers ChambersStreet, Street,Tokoroa Tokoroa 79 enquiries@cdlloggrapples.co.nz enquiries@cdlloggrapples.co.nz

A DIVISION OF

NZ LOGGER classified

CONTRACTORS PLANT NZ LTD 59 Broadlands Rd - Taupo

EQUIPMENT SALES

NEW STOCK

BROKERS

HIRE

REDUCED PRICE

Cat 525C Grapple Skidder: Dual function boom, bunching head, 30.5 tyres. Only 6,700 hrs.

$P.O.A.

MADILL 2850C / SATCO 325T PROCESSOR: Near new machine, less than 1,500hrs.

Priced well below replacement new cost.

ROTORUA

Caterpillar 330DL Processor: Full guarding, Logmax 12000 head 12,000 hrs.

Caterpillar 320DL Log Loader: Full guarding, grapple.

In stock Taupo.

High hour machine but in very good condition.

POA $255,000 plus GST $P.O.A PALMERSTON NORTH CONTACT: PHIL TODD

E: philt@heavymachineryservices.co.nz

M: 027 595 0019

P: (07) 345 4343

LG27977

John Deere 2154D Log Loader: Volvo L90F Wheel Loader: L5 tyres, radiator guard, Thunderbird TMY70: Purpose built LL, high-wide, Ensign grapple, only 8,500hrs. full mudguards, Ensign Log Forks, auto-grease.

5 guyline, Detroit engine, some ropes and rigging available. $P.O.A $85,000 plus GST $P.O.A.

Cat 545C Grapple Skidder: 35.5 tyres, 9,400 hrs.Very tidy machine.

$220,000 plus GST

John Deere 648GIII Grapple Skidder: 30.5’s, dual function, winch.

Cat 325CL Log Loader: Full guarding, Ensign grapple.

$P.O.A

$65,000 plus GST

Trades Considered – Finance Available (normal lending criteria applies)

Contact: Peter Wilson Mobile: 0274 948 742 or 07 378 6844 Email: cplnz@xtra.co.nz Contact: Phil Todd Mobile: 0275 950 019 or 07 345 4343 Email: philt@heavymachineryservices.co.nz March 2018 | NZ LOGGER 65

ISO LIMITED IS HIRING MACHINE OPERATORS, POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING PORT OPERATIONS: TAURANGA, MARSDEN POINT, NAPIER, GISBORNE EMAIL RECRUITMENT@ISO.CO.NZ

LG27975

TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION!

2010 Volvo FC3329C Processor

9,500 hours on base, 7,000 hours on the head, Satco 424 fall & delimb head & additional forestry guarding.

Tigercat 630D Log Skidder

8,500 hours aprox. One owner NZ new machine, no band tracks.

Ex Palmerston North

Has had various modifications over the years to bring to TSY6355 spec. Comes with Grapple and camera. Available early December.

3,800 hours, Satco 223T processor, high & wide, full guarding package including hydraulic bonet.

Ex Taupo

Ex Dunedin

$225,000 + GST

$220,000 + GST

1996 Thunderbird TSY355 Yarder

2015 Hyundai R290LC-9 Processor

2016 Sumitomo SH350

3,000 hours, Waratah 3625C processor (1,000 hours) currently in the paint shop.

Processor

$360,000 + GST

2012 Sumitomo SH300TL-5 Processor

9,500 hours aprox. with Woodman 700 processor, ensign guarding package, available April.

Ex Christchurch

Ex Taupo

Ex Napier

Sample Photo

$850,000 + GST

2016 Tigercat 615C

Log Skidder

2,600 hours, 19ft grapple, high speed winch.

$650,000 + GST

2017 Tigercat 635G

Log Skidder

1126 hours, winch, 25ft grapple, 780mm rear tyres, rear band tracks & tethering blade package.

Ex Dunedin

Ex Christchurch

LG27975

$450,000 + GST

WHANGAREI Marcus Bourke 027 241 6126 NORTH HARBOUR Charles Dryden 021 751 158 James Maunsell 021 937 304 AUCKLAND Colin Saunders 027 593 2661 Byren Ware 027 287 8902

HAMILTON Tony Hennessy 027 839 8153 TAUPO Steve Mellar 027 565 3956 MT MAUNGANUI Andre Muller 027 550 1729 HASTINGS Ben Kendrick 021 658 554 Richard Walker 027 553 9216

$660,000 + GST

WELLINGTON/PALMERSTON NORTH Mardi Pritchard 021 335 873 NELSON Chris Jones 027 574 1712 CHRISTCHURCH Nic McLennan 027 275 6252 Steven Varcoe 021 969 323 DUNEDIN Cory Hellyer 027 288 1952

INVERCARGILL Dean Cousins 021 932 246

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! AB EQUIPMENT

$330, 000 + GST

1997 Madill 3200B

Processor

with 424c Waratah, base has 22,500 hours, head has an estimated 15,000 hours. Good service history.

Ex Taupo

$160,000 + GST

NZ LOGGER classified

F

Forestry Civil construction and contracting Transport Mining Quarrying and extractive industries Any heavy plant & machinery Valuations for financing Valuation for financial reporting Valuations for insurance purposes Sale and purchase advice of assets Asset management Company acquisitions Lease provision Equity position Market Values Liquidation Transfer of assets into company or trust

Clark Grouzer Super Grip with 28mm links for 30.5x32 Firestone tyres is the single wheel track that delivers maximum climbing capability for 6-wheeled machines.

GSG’s give exceptional traction and require less maintenance than tyre chains. $10150.00 + GST per pair while stock lasts.

35.5x32 tracks also in stock.

Chain Protection have been Clark Tracks NZ agent for 20 + Years.

Chain Protection Services Ph: 03 338 1552 • E: chainpro@xtra. co.nz • www.chains.co.nz

Self adjusting Bottom Saw Same Bar & Chain for both Top & Bottom Saw Saw activation Lights Standard 630e Also available as a quick change with

68 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

W

LG27833

Contact: James Peacocke 0274 222 476 Email: james@mountmachinery.nz Mail: PO Box 4254, Mt Maunganui, 3149 www.mountmachinery.nz

ENGINEERED WITH EXPERIENCE....

LG27935

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

www.chains.co.nz

Valuation Services Include:

Waratah Forestry Services For more information contact:

0800 4WARATAH or 0800 492 728

FL85 SERIES 2

Designed for 20-25 tonne carriers or where a mid-class size felling head can add value through not compromising larger carrier base stability and reach, such as tethered applications. Our FL85 series II has substantial cutting capacity together with auto-tension mainsaw which increases daily uptime and a low overall cost to run- and like all of our heads, when you put one to work, our Waratah support team goes to work – to get you going and keep you productive.

Waratah FL95

25-35 tonne carrier class felling head. The new Waratah FL95 is a heavy duty, fixed saw box directional felling head that is specifically designed for steep slope felling, handling oversized trees and shovel logging.

With its massive 1580mm grapple opening and 45” mainsaw bar the FL95 is your felling head solution for all applications.

Price $69,000.00 + GST Waratah H415X

Waratah H415X harvesting head features a rugged main saw box with heavier steel plating, extra component guarding, hose protection, and increased drive arm durability.

Our four roller feed arm geometry ensures rollers grip solidly in all diameters, improving responsiveness with unprecedented tree-processing performance with best in class delimbing quality – Ideally suited to thinning or post and pole applications.

Price $85,000.00 + GST Waratah 626

Waratah 626 harvester, Well proven constant producer in large timber. Featuring Hi Flow Parker valve, Alpine feed rollers, 3/4 auto tension main saw, Laser find end, side entry full rotation and paint marking.

Price $240,000.00 + GST

Price $151,000.00 + GST

Less automation

EXTENSIVE HARVESTER REBUILDS At Waratah Forestry Services we offer extensive rebuild options to cater for your needs and to fit within an allocated budget to have your machine operate in the most productive manner.

BEFORE

AFTER With our rebuilds: • Only Waratah genuine parts are used in the rebuild • All new parts fitted and work conducted by WFS carries a 3 month warranty • Completion time between 6 – 8 weeks

All our work is carried out by our trained service technicians who have the tools and expertise to make your head built to work.

We offer the following rebuild options: • Chassis structural repair and line bore • Tilt frame, delimb knives and feed arms repairs • Sand blast/repaint chassis, feed arms, delimb arms, hanger bracket, topsaw box • Complete harvesting head re-hose • Rebuild MS18 motors • Major and minor pin replacement • Reseal OMV 800 motors • Cylinder Reseals

• Valve bank reseals • Saw motor shaft seal replacement • Feed roller replacements • Saw swing arm rebuilds • Cylinder and link bush replacement • Measuring arm bearings and wheel replacements • Replace bushes and reshim all arms and tilt frame • Replace buffer stops • New valve guards • Replace front knife guides

NZ LOGGER classified YARD FULL OF WOODS READY LOGGING EQUIPMENT Consistent/accurate written condition reports on all equipment Excellent selection of refurbished/serviced equipment New Nokian Logger King Tires at great pricing

"A name you can trust" www.forestryfirst.com We ship world wide!

11Peterson 4310 4,675 hrs - $250K

14 Deere 748H 4,807 hrs - $149,500

08 Tigercat T250B 14,831 hrs - $93,500

13 Cat 535C 8,453 hrs - $109,500

*pricing in USD

16 Tigercat 630E - 21' Grapple, 35.5 Tires, Winch 2,592 hrs. $209,500

16 Cat 522B, TC 5702 Saw 400 hrs - $469K

15 Tigercat 620E 4,697 hrs - $159K

Lexington SC USA (P) 001.803.708.0624 - sales@forestryfirst.com

•• • •• • •• •

•• • •• • •• •

•• • •• •

•• •

70 NZ LOGGER | April 2018

LG23949

•• • •• • •• • •• •

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

COMPLETE UNDERCARRIAGE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL APPLICATIONS. SPECIALISING IN FORESTRY & CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY: • SUPPLY OF NEW UNDERCARRIAGE FROM STEEL TRACKS TO RUBBER TRACKS • FULL TRACK SHOP FACILITIES FOR PIN & BUSH TURNS AND FITTING NEW PINS AND BUSHES • SUB ARC WELDING FOR RELUGGING AND IDLER REBUILDS • FULL WORKSHOP ENGINEERING AND ONSITE • SUPPLYING AND FITTING OF TRACK GUARDS • REMOVAL AND REFITTING OF DRILL AND EXCAVATOR SHOES • 100T PRESS AVAILABLE FOR FIELD REPAIRS AND JOINING OF CHAIN

FOR A LG23949

QUOTE

07 849 3811 MOB: 0274 727 741 PH:

jim.keaney@trackweld.co.nz

www.trackweld.co.nz

NZ LOGGER classified

STAYS ON THE JOB. Nokian understands the cost of downtime for a busy contractor.

That’s why the entire Nokian foresty tyre range is built to stand up up to the harshest of conditions and heaviest of applications. To get the best from your gear, choose Nokian.

Call 0800 NOKIAN (0800 665 426) or email info@nokian.nz to find a dealer.

ofof ofthe the the

Equipment MONTH

Finance Available Available Finance Finance Available 0800 346 346 275 275 0800

0800 346 275

TIGERCAT TIGERCAT 630D 630D

JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE 903KH 903KH

of of aa late late model model 630D 630D 2014.

Excellent Tigercat Skidder.example Winch Tigercat Skidder.

Winch & grapple. grapple.

3,699 hours. of a late 3,699 modelhours.

630D &

24" 24" single single grouser. grouser. Fitted Fitted 2011.

330hp engine, with with Southstar Southstar TS610 TS610 processing head, 9,600 9,600 24" single grouser.

Fitted processing head, hours. hours. with Southstar TS610

2011. 330hp 330hp engine, 2014. Excellent Excellent example JOHN DEERE 903KH TIGERCAT 630D 2011. engine, 2014. example

Invercargill #0917063 Tigercat InvercargillSkidder. #0917063Winch

& grapple. 3,699 hours.

Invercargill #091706300

$385,000.00

2016. Very Very tidy tidy low low hour hour forwarder. forwarder. Terra Terra grip grip band band tracks tracks front front 2016. and and rear. rear. 12 12 months months powertrain powertrain warranty warranty remaining. remaining. Recent Recent 1,0001,000hour service completed by CPL. 1,050 hours. hour service completed by CPL. 1,050 hours.

00 $589,000.00 Gisborne #0218022 #0218022 $589,000.

Gisborne

JOHN DEERE 1910E

hours.

9,600

$380,000.

Hastings #0218021

00 00

$380,000.00

LLDD LD SSOO SO

LLDD LD SSOO SO

JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE 1910E 1910E

$385,000.00

Hastings #0218021 #0218021 Hastings processing head,

00 $385,000.00 VOLVO VOLVO EC360CL EC360CL

JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE 909KH 909KH

Log Processor, Processor, with with Waratah Waratah HTH626 HTH626 Big Big Wood Wood head. head. Devine Devine Log engineering engineering ROPS, ROPS, FOPS, FOPS, OPS OPS and and forestry forestry guarding. guarding. Estimated Estimated 11,000 hours.

11,000 hours.

00 $250,000.

Hastings #1217095 #1217095 $250,000.00 Hastings

One One owner. owner. Has Has SATCO SATCO 630 630 And And 424 424 piping piping and and controls, controls, fire fire suppression, suppression, tow tow hook hook for for tethering. tethering. 8,780 8,780 hours. hours.

VOLVO EC360CL

JOHN DEERE 909KH

$385,000.

00

Nelson #0218012 #0218012 Nelson

00 $390,000. $390,000.00

Contact your your local local CablePrice CablePrice sales sales representative representative for for all all enquiries enquiries Contact 2016. Very tidy low hour forwarder. Terra grip band tracks front Log Processor, with Waratah HTH626 Big Wood head. Devine One owner. Has SATCO 630 And 424 piping and controls, fire Northland: Phil Phil McKenzie McKenzie 0276 0276 202 202 505 505 || North North Shore: Shore: Luke Luke Larsen Larsen 0275 0275 884 884 064 064 || Auckland: Auckland: Simon Simon Birchall Birchall 027 027 809 809 6211 6211 Northland: and rear. 12 months powertrain warranty remaining. Recent 1,000- engineering ROPS, FOPS, OPS and forestry guarding.

Estimated suppression, tow hook for tethering. 8,780 hours.

Auckland // Coromandel: Pascoe 0275 // Taranaki: Auckland Coromandel: Malcolm Pascoe 0275 949 949 941 941 || Hamilton Hamilton11,000 Taranaki: Angelo Capon Capon 027 027 603 603 7517 7517 || Central Central North North Island: Island: Terry Terry Duncan Duncan 0275 0275 943 943 550 550 hour service completed byMalcolm CPL. 1,050 hours. hours.Angelo Hawke’s Island: Cameron Wait 0275 427 250 Hawke’s Bay Bay // Gisborne: Gisborne: Paul Paul Laird Laird 0272 0272 047 047 289 289 || Lower Lower North North 00 00 Island: Cameron Wait 0275 427 250 Nelson Gisborne #0218022 Todd Blackwood 0275 223$589,000.

Hastings #1217095 Nelson Marlborough: 445 || West West Coast Coast Canterbury: Andrew McCoy McCoy 0275 0275 320 320 238 238 $250,000. || Otago Otago // Southland: Southland: Daryl#0218012 Highsted 0275 0275 771 771 264 264 Nelson // Marlborough: Todd Blackwood 0275 223 445 // Canterbury: Andrew Daryl Highsted

$390,000.00

LG25750

Contact your local CablePrice sales representative for all enquiries McKenzie 72 NZ Northland: LOGGER |Phil April 2018 0276 202 505 | North Shore: Luke Larsen 0275 884 064 | Auckland: Simon Birchall 027 809 6211 Auckland / Coromandel: Malcolm Pascoe 0275 949 941 | Hamilton / Taranaki: Angelo Capon 027 603 7517 | Central North Island: Terry Duncan 0275 943 550 Hawke’s Bay / Gisborne: Paul Laird 0272 047 289 | Lower North Island: Cameron Wait 0275 427 250 Nelson / Marlborough: Todd Blackwood 0275 223 445 | West Coast / Canterbury: Andrew McCoy 0275 320 238 | Otago / Southland: Daryl Highsted 0275 771 264

FOR SALE: Clark F665, 666, F667, Cat 525B Grapple Skidder, JD648G, TJACK 460, 560.

DOZERS: Caterpillar, D4H, D6C, D6H, Komatsu D65 + D85, tie back dozers, D85/21.

Excavators: Caterpillar 320, 322, 325, 330, B,C & D. Hyundai 250/9 Volvo 240C log rigged.

Teebar manufactured and sold. Wheeled loader WA470/3.

Lakeland Heavy Machinery Ltd

Branches now in the NZ LARGEST RANGE OF SKIDDER FOR SALE: Clark 664, 666C, 666B, F67 Grapple Skidders No rth & South Island CHAINS, HEAVIER AND BETTER Komatsu D65/6 and D85/21 log rigged, CAT 936, 950B and Komatsu WA470/ wheeled loaders, buckets or forks.

Forestry Tyre Chains NZ largest raNge Of skidder

Branches noNZ w in LARGEST the North & South IslSTOCKS and

Super Heavy Dutyheavier aNd Better ChaiNs, 35.5x32 - Weight 10000kg 30.5x32 - Weight 950kg 29.5x32 28L Super Heavy Duty 23.5x26 30.5x32 - Weight 950kg

Forestry Tyre Chains

OF DOZER

NZ largest + DIGGER stOCks CHAINS, OfROLLERS dOZer + digger IDLERS, ChaiNs, SPROCKETS rOller available Roller rebuilding/reshells Track press service idlers, Mini Excavator tracks sPrOCkets

35.5x32

Heavy 29.5x32 Duty

30.5x32 -23.5x26 Weight 650kg Heavy Duty Machines

30.5x32 - Weight 650kg

Zaxis 270Standard with teebar. Teebars in stock.

D7H with30.5x32 winch - Weight 365kg Machines

Roller rebuilding/reshells available Track press service available Mini excavator tracks also available

PC350/6 with teebar or grapple DYH with winch

Cat and Komatsu Pumps Komatsu Pumps

WE QUOTE HEAVY TRACK CHAINS We DUTY QuOte heavy duty traCk ChaiNs BONING OUT DISMANTLING 525 CAT 518,CAT 525A B & C, Clark, WRECKING, SKIDDERS, John Deere TJack.

BULLDOZERS, LOADERS, Excavators all makes, CAT EXCAVATORS All Models, 3x 33OD Cat, FOR SALE: Dozer parts

NYLON / FIBRE DRIVE GEARS NYLON / FIBRE DRIVE GEARS

CAT D5B, D6D, D7H D65 & D85 KOMATSU POA TRY US WE ARE FOR WORTH IT! SALE: More Machines On Our Website NEWParts PARTS, CAT, KOMATSU, New Clark off the shelf MACHINES $2476-$6884 + gst.

Grouser Bar From $36 per 3 EXCAVATORS metres HITACHI & SUMI ADJUSTERS DOZERS + DIGGERS Scrap Handling units also 32.5x32 FIRESTONE available Used Tyres RECOIL SPRINGS AVAILABLE 126-136 View Road, PO Box 1976, Rotorua Email: info@heavy-machinery.co.nz • Phone: 07 347 0765 • Fax: 07 349 2325 • Mob 0274 945 886 ROTATING GRAPPLES TO FIT 1 TO 40 TONNES ROTATING GRAPPLES MACHINES $2476 to 30K + gst.

TO FIT 1 TONNE TO 15 TONNE Shears, dredge buckets

126-136 View Road, PO Box 1976, Rotorua Email: info@heavy-machinery.co.nz

• Phone: 07 347 0765 • Fax: 07 349 2325 • Mob 0274 945 886 Check our website for more info www.heavy-machinery.co.nz

Check our website for more info www.heavy-machinery.co.nz

EXCAVATOR WORLD

Hokitika South Island BuLLDOzERS EXCAVATORS SkIDDERS

All NEW Stock

orS ExcAVAt for SAlE

er in 0/3 30 tonn Hitachi EX30 et or grapple. ck bu r de or nice + GST $39,000

LG25750

• • • •

Buckets Cabins final drive Parts grapples

• • • •

Pump Parts ram seal kits rOPs slew drives

ALL MAKES, NEW WINDOWS, NEW DOORS + PANELS, NEW RADIATORS AND COOLERS, ENGINE KITS + GASKETS, COMPUTERS, FINAL DRIVES AND PUMPS

Swage 6x31 Are bend fatigue issues causing you frequent rope changes and slowing production?

Swaged 6x31 offers proven performance!

Our Swaged 6x31 high performance rope provides improved flexibility and increased bend cycles that will boost your productivity and efficiency.

SPEAK TO THE TEAM THAT KNOWS PERFORMANCE ROPES Northland Lana Power 029 773 0744

Tauranga Lance Godfrey 027 480 9589

Upper South Island Mike Beleski 027 479 6806

Auckland/Waikato Andy Palmer 027 474 6032

Rotorua/Lower North Island Dave Caulfield 027 474 2809

Canterbury/Lower Sth Island Steve Marshall 027 434 7148

www.cookes.co.nz