NZ Logger October 2018 by nzlogger

October 2018 | $7.20

sted

ISSN 1176-0397

on Te r I c e t l E t s r i F

Sawmill technology looks to the future

Drones buzzing around the forests

contents OCTOBER 2018

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FOREST TALK JNL upgrades Kaitaia Triboard mill, jobs to go; Gisborne sawmill and roading win funding; two forestry training initiatives for Gisborne; Cat forestry business sale won’t affect NZ, says Goughs; log prices bounce back; China wood manufacturers lured to New Zealand; community benefits from Nelson Forests sale; first Falcon yarder launched; upgrades for big TimberPro leveller; wood energy good for NZ and the climate; style and high-tech abound in NZ Timber Design Awards; latest FICA business confidence survey.

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WOODTECH 2018 Technology is helping sawmills and wood product manufacturers improve their operations and some of the latest ideas were discuss at last month’s WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua. SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST Few, if any, contractors will have gone to the lengths that Steven Stokes did in order to get the machine he wanted for one of his crews working next to Woodhill Forest, which resulted in him taking up the New Zealand distributorship of a new brand – Eltec, from Canada. The first Eltec to come to New Zealand, a 417 model, is designed especially

for this market and the NZ Logger Iron Test team has just completed its assessment. 34

BREAKING OUT Who’d have thought that drones would become essential equipment in the forest? But that’s just how they are starting to become. We look at some of their interesting uses.

DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 49 top spot 52 fica 54 new iron 58 classifieds

October 2018 | NZ LOGGER 1

from the editor

The big lolly scramble

n Tested

First Eltec Iro

ISSN 1176-0397

PHOTO: JOHN ELLEGARD

October 2018 | $7.20

Sawmill technology looks to the future

Drones buzzing around the forests

The first Eltec tracked forestry machine in New Zealand at work near Woodhill Forest, west of Auckland.

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AN WE HAVE TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING? I found myself asking that question after reading the latest round of the Provincial Growth Fund lolly scramble; in this case, splashing out on tourism, roading and forestry projects on the East Coast, totalling a whopping $151.7 million. Actually, the roading part comes from the National Land Transport Fund, but that’s splitting hairs because it’s all government dosh and it’s all being provided by you and me through our taxes. I’m not going to decry the big spend-up – the regions have been underfunded for years and this is merely trying to redress the balance. What I do struggle with is the seemingly abstract way the money is being dolled out and whether it is being wisely spent, especially when it comes to the forestry projects announced since February. Once again, I’m not saying that forestry is not deserving of the investment. Our industry has been ignored by successive governments for years and much of it sold off to the highest bidder and the money spent in other areas. We’re now getting some of that back. But is it being spent in the right places and on the right projects? That’s something I worry about. Individually, you can’t argue with any of the forestry projects that have benefited from the fairy dusting by Forestry Minister, Shane Jones. Collectively, there’s a hotch-potch nature to the funding that may not ultimately deliver best bang for the bucks. The domination by the Northland and East Coast regions in who-gets-what is skewing the benefits and other regions must be wondering what they need to do to catch up. Though I’m not saying the Far North and the Far East don’t deserve it, they do. The alternative? It would be more sensible from a business point of view to create a strategic plan for the country as a whole and to coordinate the activities to ensure that there are cost-efficiencies and cost-benefits. We do have some serious issues to address; not enough trees have been planted over the last 15 years; not enough investment has been made in adding value to the logs here in New Zealand instead of exporting them; and we’re not attracting enough people to work in our industry and provide them with the appropriate skills. In theory, the Provincial Growth Fund is a good idea and is helping alleviate some of those issues. But it is merely administering a Band Aid, rather than a cure. It can’t be a proper cure, largely because of the way it’s set up. I liken it to the Lotteries Commission, which invites applications from worthy causes to which it donates the proceeds of profits from those of us who play Lotto. It’s not very strategic. It’s not very business-like. And it’s a bit of a lottery as to who gets a share of the $3 billion being made available over three years. It is better than nothing, but it could be even better. And that would take strategic planning. NZL

forest talk

JNL upgrades Kaitaia Triboard mill, jobs to go

An aerial view of the JNL Triboard mill at Kaitaia. FORESTRY AND WOOD PROCESSING COMPANY, JUKEN New Zealand Ltd (JNL), has announced a multi-million dollar plan to revitalise its Kaitaia Triboard mill, six months after undergoing a similar process at its plant in Gisborne. And, as with the wood-processing operation on the East Coast, it will lead to a loss of some jobs and the company is currently in discussions with staff at Kaitaia to discuss potential effects. JNL is proposing to make a significant investment over the next few years to upgrade and modernise the mill. Triboard is an engineered wood product made only in Kaitaia and is unique globally, being used in residential and commercial buildings. The company plans to upgrade the 30-year old mill in order to return it to profitability and that will see a shut down across parts of the mill to enable the work to be carried out. A more efficient operating structure is to be introduced, along with investment in new technology and machinery to streamline production. Dave Hilliard, New Zealand General Manager of JNL, says that although the proposal involves some hard decisions, it will give certainty to the Northland community about the long-term future of the mill. “The Triboard mill is important to JNL and to Kaitaia and we want to keep it open for the long-term, which is why we’re proposing to make a multi-million dollar investment in upgrading the site,” he says. “This investment will result in a modern, safer and more efficient mill which can continue to be one of Kaitaia’s largest employers well into the future. “We are being upfront though that the steps required to be taken to address the mill’s issues are unfortunately likely to result in some job losses.” Mr Hilliard says there are three major issues relating to plant,

4 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

people and production that currently make it hard for the mill to operate in a sustainable way. He says: “The mill’s machinery and technology is old, despite investment in recent years the site presents Health & Safety challenges that need to be urgently addressed and the mill’s production is severely constrained by inadequate and uncertain log supply in Northland. Because of these issues, the mill is making a substantial loss. “The plan we have begun consulting our people at the Triboard mill will modernise the mill and address the key issues in these three areas. The changes aimed at streamlining production are likely to impact staffing levels. Juken employs around 250 full-time staff across its Northland operations. These proposed changes would reduce numbers of full-time employees at the Triboard mill. “However, the final number of roles impacted won’t be known until consultation with staff and unions has been completed and a final decision made.” One of the major issues facing the mill is a shortage of logs from Northland forests and an uncertain supply picture in the future. Security of log supply in Northland is not an issue JNL can fix on its own, says Mr Hilliard, adding: “We are in early but constructive discussions with the Government about the shortage and how it can be solved. This is an issue that is impacting all Northland mills and creating real uncertainty around wood processing in the region. “I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of the Minister of Forestry, the Hon Shane Jones, who is actively working with us to help resolve the supply shortage and is a strong advocate for the forestry sector.” Following the consultation period with staff in Kaitaia, JNL says it will consider feedback on the proposed changes before making any final decisions on the future structure of the Triboard mill. NZL

forest talk

Two forestry training initiatives for Gisborne THIS MONTH SEES THE START OF TWO new training programmes to help attract more people into forestry on the East Coast and equip them with the right skills and safety knowledge. The Eastland Wood Council is behind the Generation Programme that was announced back in April, while Gisborne-based training provider, Train Me Quality Services, has developed a new forestry training model to be run under the banner of the National Network of ManaiaSAFE Forestry Schools. Coincidentally, both training programmes are set to start on October 15 and while they will run separately at first, the Eastland Wood Council and Train Me Quality Services told NZ Logger they aim to work more closely in the future. Both programmes have been set up with the assistance of government funding, with the Generation Programme to receive $215,000 over three years from the He Poutama Rangatahi employment scheme, plus an additional $60,000 from the Ministry of Social Development. The ManaiaSAFE Forestry School is getting $301,000 to pilot its logging training programme from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), plus support from the Eastland Community Trust and the Forest Growers Levy Trust. The Generation Programme will see participants will spend six weeks with a forestry base camp industry introduction programme, followed by ‘learn while you earn’ work with contractors, complemented by part-time courses through EIT Tairawhiti, Turanga Ararau and Competenz. All the while students will receive pastoral care from First Choice Employment. The new programme is set to produce 12 graduates in the first year, 30 in the second and 60 in the third.

Eastland Wood Council Chief Executive, Kim Holland, says the programme is a real collaboration between the region’s key stakeholders that ensures trainees are qualified through a real-world introduction to the different sectors within the industry. “It’s a multi-stakeholder approach with industry and training providers working together to ensure that the training meets industry’s skills needs,” says Ms Holland. “We all want to make sure the programme succeeds and I believe by doing this it will better prepare the young people and increase the uptake by contractors as they will have more confidence in the abilities of the young people to do the work.” Ms Holland says base camp trainees will work towards a New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Forestry Skills Level 2, which would pathway into Level 3 and 4 qualifications, with on-the-job training pathways across forestry and harvesting options. Meanwhile, the ManaiaSAFE scheme is being run in partnership with the Eastern Institute of Technology to test the feasibility of the most complex part of the training model – using the network’s harvesting sites to deliver practical harvesting training. The innovative feature of the training model is access to a learning environment that is fully health and safety compliant, and fit-for-purpose that supports Maori kaupapabased teaching and learning practice. “We have been engaging with industry and other key stakeholders for the past two years to ensure that our training model is robust, delivers the right outcomes and involves the right people,” says the school’s Managing Director, Steve Beach. “During the pilot we will be looking for opportunities on how the training

environment can be best leveraged to provide young people with safe passage into the industry and also to upskill our current workforce.” Eastland Wood Council’s Kim Holland says that ultimately the pilot logging school will become a training pathway within the new Eastland Wood Council-driven Generation Programme, which aims to ensure that new trainees are given a real-world introduction to the different sectors within the industry. Henry Koia is charged with project managing the ManaiaSAFE pilot where a cable harvesting operation will be used to deliver learning outcomes without the normal productivity targets of a commercial crew. He says: “This is the difference between our model and orthodox training that happens on the job-site.” Six industry experienced mentors will be available to trainees on-site to provide the Tuakana-Teina aspect of teaching and learning. Trainees will receive travel assistance and pastoral care that supports their wellbeing while they learn. Graduates of the 20-week pilot training programme will hold the New Zealand Certificate in Forest Harvesting Operations at Level 3, with strands in either tree-felling and quality control, breaking out cable, or manual processing and quality control. More importantly, the graduates will be work-ready says Mr Koia: “This means they can be employed on a commercial logging operation with the knowledge they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.” FICA Chief executive, Prue Younger, says training for task and training on-site is what really works for this industry, adding: “To have the privilege of trainers working side by side with newbies in the industry is proving the only way to go.” NZL

Gisborne sawmill and roading win funding THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENTLY ANNOUNCED BIG $320 MILLION spend-up for the East Coast will help a community to re-vitalise its sawmill and also upgrade roads in the region that will benefit log truck traffic. The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will invest $500,000 in the Far East Saw Mill near Gisborne to increase wood processing capacity and get local people into jobs, says Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones. The total cost to recommission the mill is just over $3.6 million, with the rest of the funding coming from the Eastland Community Trust and the Far East Saw Mill Limited.

“Currently only 4% of raw logs are milled in Tairāwhiti (Gisborne), but there’s potential for that to increase by up to 25%, which will add an estimated $120 million annually to the region,” says Mr Jones. “Forestry is a significant economic driver in Tairāwhiti and we want to make sure the region is able to take full advantage of the opportunities the sector provides. Funding from the PGF will also help speed up the mill’s production capacity, which is currently only operating at 10%, while also returning 50 jobs to the local economy.” Meanwhile, the region will benefit from up to $137 million spending on much-needed roading and transport upgrades over the coming years. NZL

October 2018 | NZ LOGGER 5

forest talk Cat skidders, like this 525D, may well appear under the Weiler or Prentice brand next year, but will still be represented in New Zealand by Goughs.

Cat forestry business sale won’t affect NZ, says Goughs A DECISION BY CATERPILLAR TO SELL THE specialised forestry equipment part of its business won’t have any material effect on customers in New Zealand, says Gough Cat. Last month, Caterpillar announced it has entered into a preliminary agreement with Weiler Inc to sell the Cat purpose-built forestry business, except for forestry excavators. The sale is subject to negotiation of a final agreement but is expected to be concluded by early 2019. Gough Cat says it remains strongly committed to supporting its forestry customers and the forestry industry, says Gough Cat Executive General Manager, Chris Heaton. Caterpillar will continue to provide forestry excavators designed for log loading, processing and other forestry applications, in addition to supplying core Caterpillar equipment to the forestry industry. Meanwhile, Weiler will design and manufacture purpose-built forestry products, which are likely to be either sold under its own name or the Prentice brand, which was purchased by Caterpillar in 2007. “The sale of the purpose-built forestry

business enables Caterpillar and Weiler to serve the complete forestry industry, while Gough Cat will continue to provide customers with the same outstanding sales and service support they’ve come to expect,” says Mr Heaton. The proposed sale includes the purposebuilt forestry product line consisting of wheel skidders, track feller bunchers, wheel feller bunchers, knuckleboom loaders and related operational facilities, including the manufacturing plant and warehouse in LaGrange, Georgia, the demonstration and training centre in Auburn, Alabama and the legacy Prentice parts distribution centre in Smithfield, North Carolina. Founded in 2000, Weiler has a longstanding history of successfully manufacturing purpose-built equipment distributed through the Cat dealer network and currently produces an extensive portfolio of products, such as paving machines. Mr Heaton says: “Weiler has a proven track record of working with Cat dealers like Gough Cat all over the world to respond rapidly to customers with specialised product needs.

“We are confident this provides a strong foundation to successfully serve our customers in the purpose-built forestry segment.” Gough Cat says that as part of the proposed agreement with Weiler, some forestry machines may be branded Prentice or may use the Weiler brand, although this is still to be confirmed. Pat Weiler, owner and founder of Weiler Inc, says: “We believe that the purpose-built forestry product line is the ideal addition to our current product portfolio. “We are confident that our existing product line up, our flexible manufacturing strategy and our unrivaled customer focus will differentiate us within the forestry segment.” Weiler anticipates retaining the approximate 270 employees supporting the forestry business, adding to the nearly 500 employees currently employed at its Knoxville, Iowa-based corporate office and manufacturing facility. “Utilising the capabilities of both the LaGrange and Knoxville facilities, we have plans in place to expand the existing forestry product line to further meet customer demands,” adds Mr Weiler. NZL

Export log prices recovering AFTER A DRAMATIC DROP IN THE PRICE of export logs at the wharf gate in August, a mild recovery appears to be in progress. During September, prices for unpruned saw logs increased between $4-to-$6 per JASm3, clawing back some of the $12-to$13 drop a month earlier. The good news is that demand for logs in China remains buoyant in spite of the fragile international trade climate, with PF Olsen reporting that port off-takes remain in the region of 72,000-80,000 m3 per day. However, total softwood logs stocks in

6 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

China have stayed close to 3.2million m3, which is still regarded as high. PF Olsen’s Business Development Manager, Scott Downs, says in the company’s latest newsletter: “Most exporters are selling A-grade logs in the low US$130’s with very strong buyer resistance to anything over US$134. “The lower log grades are more difficult to sell at the moment. The irony is that AWG prices for KI and KIS increased more than the higher grade in September, but this is mostly due to some exporters

reducing the differential they had between the grades. “There is negative sentiment around pruned logs. The CFR sale price for pruned logs a few months ago was up to US$180 and is now in the mid US$150’s. The exporters are not optimistic for a strong recovery in the near future.” The domestic market remains steady, tracking around the same levels as last year, although timber producers have yet to see the usual Spring surge in sales to the local construction industry. NZL

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forest talk

Community benefits from Nelson Forests sale THE NEW OWNER OF NELSON FORESTS, ONEFORTYONE (OFO), has marked the settlement of its purchase with the announcement of two significant new initiatives to benefit the community. It will establish a substantial fund for sedimentation research to help keep local rivers clean and set up a school leaver programme that will provide trade apprenticeships at Nelson Forests’ Kaituna Sawmill near Blenheim. Nelson Forests has committed $500,000 to its new sedimentation research fund and has already engaged with researchers at Cawthron Institute and Landcare Research, although it expects to develop collaborations with researchers at other organisations over time. Lees Seymour, Managing Director of Nelson Management Ltd, the management company for Nelson Forests, says that sedimentation research will take place in Marlborough and Nelson/Tasman and will build on work the company has already undertaken on the issue. “We realise there is a high level of interest in forestry’s role in sedimentation and that our community is looking to us to proactively address this issue. Research is crucial and will help us prevent, manage, and mitigate sedimentation,” he says. Tim King, Chair of the Tasman District Council Environment and Planning Committee, strongly supported the company for establishing the new fund, saying: “It is excellent to see Nelson Forests engaging with researchers and the community on the issue of sedimentation. This is exactly the kind of thing we want to see from forestry companies.” Nelson Forests’ new school leaver apprenticeship programme for students from Marlborough Girls College and Marlborough Boys College was also warmly welcomed. The programme is being set up to assist school leavers to make the transition to an apprenticeship programme. The Principal of Marlborough Girls College, Mary-Jeanne Lynch,

says that there would be strong interest in trade apprenticeships at Kaituna Sawmill amongst her students. She says: “There are great careers available for women in forestry and it’s really heartening to see that Nelson Forests has 33% of all managerial roles being filled by women. We are excited to see our students being considered for these apprenticeship opportunities.” The Assistant Principal of Marlborough Boys College, James Ryan, was similarly enthusiastic, adding: “Not all students want to go into tertiary study and it is so important that all our students have meaningful pathways ahead of them.” Starting from next year, Nelson Forests expects to offer up to four trade apprenticeships at one time at its Kaituna Sawmill in a diverse range of vocations including fitter turner, electrician, saw doctor, timber processor, boiler operator and timber machinist. The new Nelson Forests initiatives were announced at two special functions in Nelson and Blenheim held to celebrate the settlement of OFO’s purchase. CEO of OFO, Linda Sewell says: “We are delighted to mark the settlement day in this way. “Nelson Forests has a strong reputation for environmental stewardship and encouraging young people into forestry and these new initiatives support the company’s existing values. Those values are also very important to OFO and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the Marlborough and Nelson Tasman communities.” Meanwhile, OFO has also announced plans to purchase the Manuka Island forest estate in the Wairau Valley near Blenheim, currently being reviewed by the Overseas Investment Office. The Manuka Island estate comprises around 2000 hectares and is currently owned by Merrill and Ring. OFO says it will be integrated and managed as one forest estate by Nelson Management Ltd, the management company for Nelson Forests. NZL

China interest in New Zealand forest and timber processing investment THE LARGEST EVER NEW ZEALAND forest industry delegation to China’s showcase Global Wood Trade Conference has made the case for more investment in New Zealand forestry and timber processing. Forest Owners Association President, Peter Weir, has told delegates at Chongqing that more timber processing in New Zealand, before export, reduced the overall energy and carbon emissions required to produce and transport the finished product. “There’s also a particular opportunity for primary processing of pruned logs in New Zealand rather than the current approach of mixing quality logs with sap-degraded logs and a subsequent loss of value by both parties,” says Mr Weir. New Zealand Forestry Minister, Shane Jones, told the conference New Zealand is heavily reliant on access to foreign capital

8 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

and also has a need to substantially increase its forest reserves. He says this is behind the government creating a more streamlined process for investment in forestry using foreign capital and this creates a special opportunity for those interested in working with New Zealand. He invited potential investors to consider connecting with the New Zealand industry representatives. This invitation from Mr Jones comes at a time when there is increasing concern in China with the implications of the US tariffs. Numerous Chinese speakers at the conference referred to the trade war with the US and that they anticipated this to be a long drawn out battle. Commentators at the conference believe the impact of increased US tariffs could cost China 1.5% of its GDP.

On the positive side, potential Chinese investors acknowledged the US trade problems were an opportunity to strengthen other trading partnerships and thus welcomed the invitation from Mr Jones. New Zealand Forest growers and processors report constructive engagement with members of the China Timber and Wood Products Distribution Association – the hosts of the Chongqing Conference. The CTWPD has thousands of members across China and there has been interest from the Chinese members in both the opportunities to invest in forests and processing in New Zealand, as well as securing additional wood supply. A number of the CTWPD group have expressed interest in a reciprocal visit to New Zealand later in the year to follow up on some of these options. NZL

forest talk

The new Falcon 171 is a prototype of the hauler of the future.

First ‘new’ Falcon yarder launched THE FALCON 171 THAT HAS JUST GONE TO WORK IN THE LOWER North Island for Moutere Logging is the prototype of a new line of yarders that will be produced by Nelson-based DC Equipment. While this particular Falcon hauler has been re-built from an existing Madill 171, future models will likely be all new, as the supply of donor equipment dwindles. DC Equipment has been looking to build its own line of tower haulers and swing yarders for some time, supplementing its growing range of forestry hardware that now includes the Falcon winch-assist system, Falcon Claw grapple carriages, Falcon harvesting cameras and the soon-to-be-released Falcon felling carriage. “Contractors in New Zealand have been re-building haulers and yarders for years, but there comes a time when it just isn’t feasible to do that anymore,” says Dale Ewers, owner of DC Equipment. He says the company has the ability to construct a complete new tower hauler or swing yarder from scratch and the latest Falcon 171 is a progression along that route. The re-built hauler has been fitted with cutting-edge automation and diagnostic technology to make wood recovery safer and more efficient. The Madill 171 was one of the most popular haulers in New Zealand and provided DC Equipment with a great base machine to improve upon. The original 171 was designed as a self-propelled, track-mounted hauler, with 5 drums, a telescoping tower built onto an M4A3 armysurplus base and powered by a Cummins engine. Dale says operators need to be on point at all times to be productive and safe, which could lead to fatigue and increased risk for operators to bump the wrong lever and potentially cause unwanted incidents on the slope. To reduce those risks, the experienced DC Equipment team set about updating the hauler, replacing the tracks with heavy-duty Hitachi EX450 tracks, a new John Deere 13.5-litre common rail diesel engine, electronically-controlled Allison transmission and a brand-new

DC-designed cab. Simplifying the controls in the cab were a major focus of the team, headed by DC’s tech guru Shaun Mills, and they replaced the oldschool air lever controls with modern joysticks and a computerised system. This new control system allows DC to data log everything, enabling the team to record accurate data and once analysed, to make improvements to processes and potentially automate functions to lighten the load of the operator. The ability to analyse this part of the operation in such detail is something they have been unable to do previously. “With these improvements, the operator has much more control, with less input and makes it a safer platform to operate. This is in line with our intentions to harvest the tree by the push of the button and then onto logging from afar,” says Shaun. “The logging industry is pushed by safety and with this new system, we can analyse everything from the speed and direction of the drums to the tonnage being hauled and so on,” he says. “The whole system is using cutting-edge control components and has cloud-based server capability for future development. It could be the most advanced hauler in New Zealand.” The introduction of the computerised system is aimed at reducing driver fatigue, says Shaun, adding: “If you imagine a typical day for a hauler operator, they just don’t stop. “Eventually we will be able to automate parts of the process, reducing the number of inputs the hauler operator needs to know and reducing the chance of mistakes being made. We want to make it simpler for the operator to do the job and reduce fatigue, which in turn will make for a safer, more productive extraction process”. The new Falcon 171 is currently carrying out standard functions, but it is seen essentially being a stepping stone for further advancements. NZL

October 2018 | NZ LOGGER 9

forest talk

Upgrades for big TimberPro leveller A REVISED VERSION OF TIMBERPRO’S big levelling harvester has arrived in New Zealand and is now officially known as the TL765D. The biggest change to the TL765D is to the cab, which has been redesigned to incorporate a larger side door for easier entry and exit, which now extends all the way to the front pillar and replaces the chamfered edges on the two front corners. Together with a wider, deeper and taller front screen, this redesign now provides more glass area and increases the operator’s exterior vision. For improved visibility in the dark, the forward-facing lighting has also been upgraded with high-output LED strip lights.

The TimberPro 765D sports a larger cab and other detailed changes.

Inside the cab, the squared-off front screen provides more space in the footwell and some of the trim materials have changed to a lighter grey colour, making it feel even roomier. Other changes include a digital climate control system to keep the cab temperature steady and comfortable, and a hands-free stereo system, while a rear-view camera is now fitted as standard. Mechanically, the export versions of the TimberPro TL765D retain the Cummins QSL9 engine, but with improved power output of 255kW (342hp) that makes it among the most powerful of its size in the forest. A few detail changes have been made to the hydraulic system, notably the replacing

of the 145cc variable displacement piston implement pump with a larger 165cc model, along with improvements to the slew system that have lifted the swing torque to 185,264Nm. Externally, a tethered hitch is now fitted to the TL765D as standard for contractors who wish to use the machine in a winchassist harvesting system. Plus, TimberPro is also making a longer track frame available as an option, with 10 rollers in place of the standard 9-roller track frame – this version will sell under the TL775D nameplate. The first of these new TimberPro TL765D models has gone to work for Mechanised Cable Harvesting in the Nelson region. NZL

BIOENERGY PRODUCTION USING WOOD FROM LOCALLY GROWN and sustainably managed forests can provide one of the lowest carbon energy options for New Zealand. New information from Scion explains the role of planted forests in the plant-driven carbon cycle where carbon dioxide is absorbed during growth, released by decay or burning, then reabsorbed by new generations of plants. The amount of carbon in the plant-driven carbon cycle remains constant. In contrast, when fossil fuels are burnt for energy, the total amount of carbon in the atmosphere increases and contributes to climate change. Harvesting and transporting wood uses energy too, but that amount is small compared with the potential energy contained in the biomass.

10 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

“A typical logging truck load could be converted into around 2,200 litres of diesel,” says Dr Paul Bennett, Clean Technology Science Leader at Scion. “This is enough to travel from Kaitaia to Bluff and back. Harvesting and transporting logs to a port or mill 100km away only uses around one tenth of the log’s potential energy.” Using purpose-grown planted forests to supply timber, fibre and energy, New Zealand is in a unique position to produce energy with life cycle emissions approaching 2-to-4% of those from coal and gas. Replacing coal, gas and fuel oils with forest harvest debris and wood processing residues and other biomass will help New Zealand meet its international commitments to reduce emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement and move towards becoming a net zero carbon economy. NZL

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FORESTRY FRONT (H SPEC WITH HIGH LIFT) INCREASED WORKING HEIGHT INCREASED SWING TORQUE INCREASED GROUND CLEARANCE INCREASED TRACTION FORCE FORESTRY UNDERCARRIAGE (REINFORCED HIGH TRACK FRAME)

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35,500 kg

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Log Loader / Felling / Shovel Logging

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*Approximate guide only subject to guarding package and accessories fitted.

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forest talk

Left: Winner of the Resene Supreme Award was the He Tohu Document Centre. Right top: The Pukapuka Road House, Rodney, winner of the NZ Farm Forestry Assn NZ Specialty Timber Award. Right bottom: Te Wharehou o Waikaremoana, Rotorua won the Scion Research Wood & Fibre Creativity Award.

Style and high-tech abound in NZ Timber Design Awards JUDGES WERE HIGHLY IMPRESSED WITH THE DYNAMIC NATURE of the entries in the 2018 NZ Wood-Resene Timber Design Awards. “All entries demonstrate a love of expressing timber in its many different applications,” they said. “The real stand-outs were those that went a step further, displaying a mature professional approach, an evocative sophisticated outcome, or a surprising twist.” The Resene Supreme Award went to the iconic He Tohu Document Centre within the National Library, inspired by the form and function of a waka huia (treasure container), which, judges said “is the perfect vessel to display the founding documents of Aotearoa”. It also won the Niagara Timber Products Interior Innovation Award Other winners were: • CHH Woodproducts Futurebuild Residential Architectural Excellence Award – Family Bach, Hanmer Springs • XLam NZ Multi-Storey Timber Building – Te Pa Tauira-Otago Polytechnic Student Village, Dunedin • NZ Farm Forestry Assn NZ Specialty Timber Award – Pukapuka Road House, Rodney • NZ Timber Design Society Engineering Innovation Award – Mt Pleasant Community Centre, Christchurch • Nelson Pine Industries Excellence in Engineered Wood Award – Seafood Research Centre, Plant & Food Research, Nelson • Taranakipine Woodspan Exterior Innovation & Infrastructure Award – Kumutoto Pavilion, Wellington • Scion Research Wood & Fibre Creativity Award – Te Wharehou o

12 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

Waikaremoana, Rotorua • Juken NZ Innovation of Student Design Award – Henry Fraser, University of Auckland for the Newton Central Primary School, Auckland project. NZL

Below: Wellington’s Kumutoto Pavilion won the Taranakipine Woodspan Exterior Innovation & Infrastructure Award.

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SKIDDERS, & LEVELLING HARVESTERS ARRIVING SOON - ENQUIRE NOW CONTACT YOUR FORESTRY SPECIALIST TODAY Northland Marcus Bourke 027 241 6126

Central Nth Island Steve Mellar 027 565 3956

Auckland Byren Ware 027 287 8902

Manawatu/Taranaki Wairarapa/Wellington Mardi Pritchard 021 335 873

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Log Skidders 610E/620E/630E/632E

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Nth Harbour/West Akl James Maunsell 021 937 304 Waikato/Coromandel Tony Hennessy 027 839 8153 Hawkes Bay/Gisborne Ben Kendrick 021 658 554 Mt Maunganui Andre Muller 027 550 1729

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Nelson Chris Jones 027 574 1712 West Coast/Canterbury Steve Varcoe 021 969 323 Otago Cory Hellyer 027 288 1952 Southland Dean Cousins 021 932 246

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forest talk

Contractor confidence steady, but cautious By: Georgia Craig and David Evison, School of Forestry, University of Canterbury 1. Introduction The latest Forest Industry Contractors’ Association business confidence survey was completed in July 2018. 51 logging contractors responded to the survey, providing estimates of five measures of business confidence over the next six months. Our thanks to all those contractors who took the time to participate in the survey.

c. Spending on capital equipment “Are you likely to be purchasing new machinery or equipment over the next six months, no plans to buy any equipment, or selling?”

Sell No purchase Buy replacement

2. Questions and contractor responses a. Business conditions “Do you think conditions for your business are going to improve, stay the same or get worse in the next six months?”

Get worse

Same

et bette

b. Employees “Are you likely to increase, maintain, or decrease number of employees over the next six months?”

Not enough

About right

Well informed

Not recommend

Neutral

Recommend

d. Feedback from customers “Do you receive adequate information from your major customers so that you can plan for change in your business?”

e. Recommendation “Would you recommend your industry as a good place to work?”

Decrease

Same

Increase

Commentary on the five business confidence measures • Overall business confidence is at the same level as the past 2 surveys (in both July and December 2017), with 94% of respondents expecting business conditions to stay the same or improve. • 92% of respondents expect to maintain or increase their number of employees over the next 6 months, a 3% increase since the last survey. Only 8% of contractors expect to decrease their employee numbers. • There has been an increase in the proportion of respondents

not purchasing equipment to 25% (from 19% in the December 2017 survey). There has also been a decrease in respondents expecting to purchase machinery for expansion or sell machinery. • 16% of logging contractors believed they did not receive adequate information and feedback, and 12% were neutral (both up 6% from the previous survey). • 92% of logging contractors would recommend the industry as a good place to work, similar to the December 2017 survey.

3. Trends in logging contractor business confidence (Jun 2010 to July 2018) The % net positive response rate provides a summary of business confidence for the period.

Note: the % net positive response is calculated as (% of respondents giving an optimistic response, minus the % of respondents giving a pessimistic response).

14 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

Buy expansion

Trends over time Contractors‘ assessments of overall ‘business conditions’ have decreased by 3% in net positive score since the December 2017 survey, due to over half of the respondents expecting conditions to stay the same. There has been a decrease in net positive scores for ‘feedback from customers’ (16%) and a very slight decline in ‘investment’ (2%). Fewer contractors are expecting to buy machinery or equipment for expansion, with more contractors not expecting to purchase or sell anything in the next 6 months. Additionally, ‘Recommendation’ has also seen a slight decrease going from 90% in the December 2017 survey to 88% for the current survey. On the other hand, there has been an increase in net positive feedback for ‘employees’, which has increased by 2% from the previous survey. 53% of respondents are expecting to maintain the same number of employees over the next six months with less people expecting to decrease employees. NZL

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WoodTECH 2018

‘Exoskeleton’ helps Next industrial revolution’s impact on mills with hard work HARD, PHYSICAL WORK AROUND sawmills and wood processing sites could be made much easier through the use of an ‘exoskeleton’ fitted outside the body. These devices are nothing like those seen in Hollywood movies such as Alien and Avatar – rather than turning the wearer into a super-strong human, they make tough tasks easier on our joints, their US-based developer told last month’s WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua. Dr Homayoon Kaeroonia, co-founder and Chief Executive of SuitX, and his team in California, have developed a range of industrial ‘exoskeletons’ that take the hard work out of lifting, moving or undertaking repetitive tasks. Their aim is to reduce worker fatigue and assist with physically demanding roles. SuitX, which was spun out of a research unit at Berkley University in San Francisco, has developed what it calls a Modular Agile eXoskeleton (MAX) that can be configured to assist the body for a wide range of industrial tasks. MAX’s versatility is created from a number of modules that can be combined or used independently. It has already released three modules onto the market so far; a back-support model, a knee-support model and an armsupport model. More modules are in the pipeline to support the neck, ankles and wrists. Each module consists of small torque generators that work with your body to push you up so your back, knee or arm muscles aren’t lifting as hard.

Dr Kaeroonia told delegates at the conference that around 500 of these modules are now being used in workplaces around the world, from car plants, to warehouses and construction sites. In one application the wearer was able to complete a task in one morning that would normally have taken a couple of days. More importantly, wearers are likely to take fewer days off through stress or injury-related issues, and will enjoy their jobs more. When asked the price, he told the conference that a single module sells for around US$4,000 and could be supplied to purchasers in New Zealand. At least one mill operator says they could see uses for the ‘exoskeleton’ from a health & safety point of view in their plant. NZL

A SuitX exoskeleton back module helps make light work of lifting these wooden pallets.

IF YOUR SAWMILL OR WOOD PROCESSING PLANT doesn’t adapt to changes taking place as part of the 4th Industrial Revolution, it may not survive into the future. That was the message from speakers to a gathering of representatives from around the industry at the WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua last month. Wide-ranging changes are being forecast under Industry 4.0, as the next phase of industrial upheaval is known. And manufacturing will never be the same again. Nathan Stantiall, Business Innovation Advisor to the Callaghan Institute, says that Industry 4.0 is set to bring a whole bunch of new technologies together that will make manufacturing smarter, more connected, more efficient and much safer. It will see the use of more robotics, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, something called the Digital Twin and it will all be brought together under the umbrella of the Internet of Things. For sawmillers and wood processors it could see robots working along people on the production line, doing repetitive or dangerous tasks and smarter processing technologies that anticipate problems before they happen and taking corrective action. And that is where Digital Twin comes in. It’s a virtual model of a process, product or service that allows analysis of data and monitoring of systems to head off problems before they even occur, prevent downtime, develop new opportunities and even plan for the future by using simulations. If all this sounds like a scary scenario to mill owners and workers alike, Mr Stantiall has some soothing words. He says one of the jobs of the Callaghan Institute is to help manufacturers identify what they need to do to adapt to these changes and assist them through the process. There are even grants available to ease the financial burden, for such things as gaining access to a university student or phD researcher to work with the company. More information is available at www. callaghaninnovation.govt.nz. NZL

Smart sensors are the key to new mill technology SOMETHING AS CHEAP AS A $50 SENSOR could well be the key to enabling sawmillers and wood processors to take advantage of new technologies that make their plants more productive. The cost of sensors has tumbled considerably in recent years and they are now so affordable they are being included in almost every facet of manufacturing and supply chain management. Sean Carter, Product Manager, Identification & Measurement for SICK Australia, a leading supplier of electronic

16 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

sensors, told the WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua last month that these simple devices are a key component in driving Industry 4.0 – the next industrial revolution. But rather than just dumb sensors that only record things, we’ll see more use of smart sensors in mills in the years to come. In their simplest form, he says a sensor mounted onto the rear of a log stacker could reduce or even eliminate collisions with structures or other equipment and is something that should be more widely adopted by the industry.

Sensors can also provide accurate measurement of log packets as they arrive at the mill, then deliver a full 3D measurement of the log before it enters the saw line and as the wood progresses, sensors will assist with accurate cutting and placement. And it can do all these tasks at speed. New sensors are being introduced that inspect the quality of products and measure whether they are the right dimensions. There’s even a sensor that can scan and measure the volume of bulk chip as it flows along a conveyor system. NZL

The rise of ‘Cobots’ in wood manufacturing ECONOMIES OF SCALE CAN MAKE IT HARD FOR SMALL AND medium sized sawmills and wood processors in New Zealand to introduce technology, but not impossible. Delegates attending the WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua last month heard that robotics can be introduced to wood plants effectively and economically thanks to new advancements. As we move towards more automation we’ll see the rise of a new generation, called ‘Cobots’ or Collaborative Robots. These latest generation robotic systems are designed to work alongside humans and thanks to the latest sensor and vision technology, Cobots are able to handle a multitude of tasks that are very repetitive and very boring to humans. Mike Shatford, Managing Director of Christchurch-based automation specialists, Design Energy, says robotics can be introduced affordably and he pointed to Wood Engineering Technology (WET) in Gisborne that is using small-scale industrial automation to produce unique engineered wood products. “At this scale, industrial robots have become more affordable and they’re very flexible, which makes them ideal for SME’s in New Zealand,” says Mr Shatford. Cobots can be used in a variety of tasks around a small manufacturing process because they are easy to programme, fast to set up, flexible and safe – they don’t need safety cages to protect human workers around them as they can sense obstacles and adjust their speed or reverse to avoid crashing into people.

Mr Shatford says it is possible to automate existing processes but adds that business owners should also look to develop products with automation in mind and make the most of the flexibility it provides. NZL

A Cobot could handle repetitive or boring tasks around the mill.

WoodTECH 2018

Is cutting wood with lasers feasible? IF STEEL CAN BE COMMERCIALLY CUT with powerful lasers then it would seem only a matter of time before they are used for cutting wood in sawmills, right? Maybe. This question was bandied about at the WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua and the answer is not clear cut. Lasers are already being used to cut thin wood strips, as well as for engraving, decorating or making inlays in the surface, but it is not commercially viable to cut timber over 10mm thick. However, the fact that it creates a very clean, smooth cut and leaves behind no sawdust to speak of, has encouraged research projects aimed at trying to make it happen.

Experiments have been taking place in Europe and the US with laser wood-cutting of thick timber profiles and the results appear promising…..until you look at the time taken for the laser beam to slice through the timber. It’s far slower than a sharp steel saw. But when commercial laser wood-cutting technology finally becomes available, some in the industry will be more-than ready, including those who make scanners that also use laser technology (but to see into the wood, not cut it). Swedish scanner manufacturer, WoodEye AB, has already identified opportunities afforded by a laser wood-cutter. WoodEye’s CEO, Leif Erlandsson, and CSO

N A powerful laser beam can cut cleanly through wood but takes much longer than a steel saw blade. (Chief Standards Officer), Stefan Nilsson, told the conference that with fixed saw blades taken out of the equation it would be possible for “free cutting” to take place on the line, where boards do not need to be aligned behind each other. This is because a laser cutting head could move freely across the wood without needing to follow a saw kerf, allowing for more versatility on the saw line. They have been monitoring laser cutting development but say that it is still unlikely to be seen in a commercial situation for another five or six years, if not longer, adding: “Laser wood cutting is still in the development phase, but when it does become quick enough we can further optimise operations. NZL

Revitalising old timber planers Finding THERE COMES A TIME WHEN EVERY PIECE of mill machinery needs to be replaced with something more modern, efficient and accurate, but that doesn’t mean it has to be scrapped. If the base frame of the machine is sound, it could be upgraded with new parts and drive systems, which may be the answer for New Zealand sawmills and wood processors who have a decades-old planer that is well past its best. Wood mill equipment supplier, USNR, has recently formed a new division that is dedicated to re-furbishing old machines. It’s called the Upgrades & Conversions Group and its Manager, Doug Knous, gave a run-down of its services to the WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua last month. He says: “I know that some of you here are still running 1970’s vintage planers and they’re giving good service, but they could be better.” The Coastal brand of planers that USNR purchased a while back is a

A decades-old Coastal planer can be upgraded to perform like a new machine, but without the huge cost. 18 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

good example, says Mr Knous. They are overengineered, with massive frames that were built to last, and they make an ideal candidate for upgrading. His new group can supply new electric drive motors to replace obsolete hydraulic systems for better speed regulation, along with replacement feed rollers, knife and head upgrades, jointer upgrades, upgrading the servo setworks and so on. “We can literally breathe new life into your old Coastal planer and make it like new, but for much less than a brand new machine,” adds Mr Knous. NZL

finger-joint faults

AN AMERICAN COMPANY HAS DEVELOPED a system for detecting faults in fingerjointed wood that could cause premature failure of structural components, such as CLT panels or laminated beams. California-based Airstar Inc specialises in the non-destructive testing of products and at last month’s WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua, it outlined a way of identifying faults in wood components using a combination of scanning and ultra-sound technology. Airstar’s President, Jan Strycek, says that by linking conventional scanning with ultra-sound systems it is possible to detect defects in finger jointing down to the size of a pin hole. “That’s very important, because these sorts of faults can lead to bonding issues,” he says. The system can also be used for detecting end splits and checking in boards. NZL

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Ellegard otos: John

Story & Ph

This Eltec 417, working with Stokes Logging next to Woodhill Forest, is the first of the new Canadian brand to arrive in New Zealand.

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HEHE SHE S S ERERER O NEW O NEW O NEW ZEA ZEA ZEA ANANAN HEA HEA HEAN N N S SR SR R 20 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

T’S TEMPTING TO ASK WHANGAREI based logging contractor Steven Stokes whether we really need another brand of forestry machine in New Zealand, but I already know what his answer will be. Steven is steadfastly sold on the Canadian-built Eltec, to the point where he now jointly holds the sales and distribution rights in this market. And after spending time with his all-new Eltec 417 tracked harvester/processor at Woodhill Forest, the first of the new brand to go into operation in New Zealand, it’s easy to see why. It has power to burn, prodigious hydraulic performance, runs at cool operating temperatures and is impressively fast. Plus, the Eltec is built like the proverbial brick shithouse and appears very capable of withstanding the punishment dealt out by Kiwi loggers – it does have to put up with savage Canadian winters, after all. In short, it’s a grouse piece of equipment. But seriously Steven, did you really need to go and grab the NZ distribution rights to Eltec just to obtain a machine like this?

Well, it appears he did, because it’s a sure-fire way of getting precisely what Steven requires for his five North Auckland harvesting crews. Now other contractors are set to benefit, both here in New Zealand and across the Tasman, after he and joint-venture partner, Cambridge-based Shaw’s Wire Ropes, recently picked up the distribution for Australia, too. More on that later. First, some background on what led Steven to beat a path to Eltec’s doors. “No disrespect to other manufacturers, but I couldn’t get exactly what I was after,” he says. “I was looking to replace a felling machine and a processor, and I started casting around for different options. The way things are going, we’ll have smaller harvests (in Northland) in the future and I wanted a multi-purpose machine that could work in a number of set-ups; falling and bunching, working with a forwarder, making stems, processing on the skid – an all-round package. “It had to be heavy enough to deal with the bigger wood we get up this way. But I wanted it to be wellbalanced, with a low centre of gravity, so that meant it needed a low cab. I just wanted to be able to have things made to suit the way we work. “And I wanted something that was running more standard components – Cummins engines, Linde pumps and valve banks, Rexroth track motors and Danfoss, so we can source direct locally if we need to and not be relying on one company to provide back-up.”

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The Stokes Logging Eltec 417 has a 37ft reach, but future machines will be arriving with a 33ft boom and arm.

That’s a fairly interesting list of requirements. No wonder Steven had difficulty finding a supplier that could put such a package together. So he began researching online and that’s when he came across Eltec, a brand he had never heard of before – and frankly neither had we. Based in the once important gold mining town of Val-d’Or, in the province of Quebec, Eltec grew from the Canadian operation of Logset, which had been purchased by Volvo during the mid-2000s with plans to infuse the forestry machines with its own components and technology. But the Global Financial Collapse and some teething issues with equipment put paid to those plans after just 13 machines were built. Along came the French-Canadian Element family, who were long-time loggers in the region and ran an engineering operation that looked after their own forestry equipment. They bought the business off Volvo, redesigned the machines to suit their own needs and re-launched them under the Eltec brand, a combination of their family name, Element and the word Technology. That was back in 2011 and since then, Eltec has gone on to launch a family of tracked forestry machines, ranging from the 27-tonne 220 and more powerful 33-tonne 270 models, through to the 37-plus tonne 310/317 models and now the 41-tonne 417, a model that came about through input from our own Steven Stokes. The synergy between Eltec and Steven is quite strong. He says: “It turned out they were pretty much like us – keen, hard-out loggers with an engineering background. They are very passionate and when I told them what I wanted they weren’t at all fazed. I said to the guys I was keen to buy if I could get the distribution rights and I decided I needed to jump on a plane and shoot over there.” Steven and his uncle Murray, who runs one of the Stokes Logging crews, spent time at the Technologies Element production facility “picking their product to bits pretty much” and viewing the family’s logging operations to see how the machines perform. “Their company cuts one-and-a-half million tonnes of Spruce per year,” says Steven.

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“They all run 24 hours a day in order for their operations to be ultra efficient and survive working for the rates paid by the government. They run big bases because of the environmental standards and they are not allowed to run a forwarder track closer than 30 metres apart so they have to be able to have the reach so they can lay the stems out far from the machine. “What really impressed me was seeing a 17,000-hour 317 fellerbuncher with a hot saw, running 24 hours a day and I walked up to it in 30°C heat and the hydraulic temperature was still only running at 65°C. I’ve never had a machine that’s been able to do that. They work in winter at negative-40 degrees and in the summer they are up to plus35 degrees and have developed a very efficient cooling system to cope with those extremes and they are adamant they are running around 10-to-15 degrees cooler than anything else.” Every Eltec model is put through a gruelling work schedule in the Element family crews before it is released to the market and the development process is ongoing – when they come up with a new feature or improved piece of technology it gets adopted straight away and they run it on one of their own machines for a 12-month period rather than wait until the next model is released. After sealing the deal, Steven and the Eltec team put their heads together to create the first machine for the New Zealand market, which would be tailored to his specifications, and the Eltec 417 was born. “The 417 is a combination of a 317 and a 310 – basically it’s a 317 log loader with slightly heavier-duty guarding, New Zealand-style front corner post and a feller-buncher cab sitting on a small 400mm riser,” says Steven, adding that the Eltec team liked the corner post so much they’ve adopted it for all their machines. They also liked the additional guarding he asked for, to run along the right-hand side of the engine compartment and it, too, has been adopted for all future Eltecs of that model. Steven also achieved his wish for readily available components. Powering the 417 is an 8.9-litre Cummins QSL9 common rail diesel

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engine that delivers 239kW (320hp) of peak power and is familiar to many here. Steven’s own machine has a Tier 4 version of the engine, but all future machines arriving in New Zealand will have the Tier 3 spec so their owners won’t have to worry about using a dpf system at this stage, although Steven says the system in his machine is very efficient and has an automatic burn-off system that activates without the operator noticing. Similarly, the hydraulic system features Linde pumps and valve banks, while the track motors are made by Rexroth, all readily available from local supply sources. The Stokes machine does differ slightly from future 417 arrivals in having an 11.28m (37ft) boom and arm, whereas the standard fitment will be 10.15m (33.4ft). Why the extra length for his machine? Essentially, the Stokes Logging 417 is being used as a heavy-duty processor and he wants the long reach to enable it to separate the cuts on the landing better, reduce machine movements and provide that extra reach. It can still work in the cutover on falling and delimbing duties if required, where it has proven itself to easily handle these tasks and is surprisingly stable. To ensure that his own machine doesn’t suffer from stability issues when stretching out to grab heavy stems, Steven specified an additional 3 tonnes on the counterweight. There’s also a whopping 1,533-litre fuel tank sitting

Top: It squats low for a processor that works on the skid, but that provides more stability when the 417 needs to go out into the cutover. Above: The Eltec 417 boast three travel speeds – Snail, Turtle and Rabbit. Main: The new Eltec 417 delivers plenty of hydraulic power to drive this Waratah Bigwood.

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out back to help balance weighty stems at the other end, plus the 417 has one of the longest sets of tracks in its class, at 5,207mm, to assist with stability. Steven says the 417 was developed especially for the New Zealand market, adding: “We’ve ended up with a machine that is quite different from anything they’ve produced before.” All up, the Eltec 417 tips the scales at 41 tonnes without its implement. When it comes to selecting what to put on the end of the stick, a deal has been struck for New Zealand-bound Eltec harvesters and processors to have the option of being fitted at the factory with the buyer’s choice of SouthStar heads for both convenience and to take advantage of efficiencies in having everything done in the plant. “That means the machine can go straight into the bush when it comes off the boat – and the local SouthStar people here are happy to back the heads with their warranty,” says Steven. “It’s all up to the buyer.” But his own machine has been equipped with something different – a Waratah 626 Bigwood. “The reason I went with the Bigwood is that if we put a smaller head on the end there’s bound to be some people who say it’s not able to take a really big processor – so I went with the biggest one you can get,” adds Steven. “Now they can come and see it operating. No dramas.”

So Steven Stokes has got what he wants in his ideal machine, but can his customers expect to be accommodated in the same way when specifying their purchases? “Absolutely,” he says, adding that there is a big list of options that buyers can select from for their own machines and other changes can be accommodated – within reason. For example, contractors who want their processor equipped with a taller cab can order a riser of any height to suit their preferences. A big riser will enable buyers to opt for a rear entry to the cab, instead of a side door. For more details on the Eltec range and how sales, service and backup is being provided, NZ Logger also talked to Jonny Edwards from Shaw’s Wire Ropes and you can read his comments on page 26. Right now, our Iron Test team is keen to see this newcomer in action and after rendezvousing outside the bakery in Parakai, we’re off to a woodlot backing onto Woodhill Forest to catch up with crew 720, one of two ground-based outfits working under the Stokes Logging banner. Steven explains that this job has a very special connection to him because the trees are growing on what used to be his grandfather’s farm. “My uncle helped plant it and thin it, which dad helped log and 25 years later I’m harvesting it,” he says.

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The farm is no longer in the Stokes fold, having been sold to friends of the family, which is one reason he’s been able to come back. The harvesting and sale of the logs is being managed by Darren Collitt, of Woodbank Marketing, with whom Stokes Logging began harvesting with in 2001 when the first crew was established. Like Hancock-managed Woodhill next door, this 200 hectares of private forest also has a sand base but it can hardly be called flat. There are some very steep areas that necessitate use of winchassist technology for large chunks of the felling duties. This Eltec 417 is not set up to go on the end of a tether, but it has

Insert: When it isn’t processing, the Eltec 417 can double as a harvester to maximise its versatility. Main: With plenty of weight behind it, the Eltec 417 has no trouble guiding this big Radiata Pine to the ground.

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already done some felling on less steep sections. We have arranged to do a wee bit of felling ourselves with this machine, but much of our test will revolve around processing which, Steven says, it is perfectly set up to do. Painted red, to reflect the maple leaf in the Canadian flag, the Eltec 417 looks very squat compared to the trend towards tall processors that afford the operator a more generous view of the skid site – it definitely looks more harvester than processor. “I know people like to be higher when on the landing, but when you have a look at this you’ll be surprised at the vision

Growing Eltec in New Zealand....and Australia

O MAKE A SUCCESS OF ELTEC IN THIS market will require good back-up and support. That’s a given, says Jonny Edwards, of joint Eltec distributor, Shaw’s Wire Ropes. The Cambridgebased company is already well advanced in setting up a sales and service network ahead of the arrival of the first customer machines. “Because we deal with loggers all day long we’ll promote it under the Shaw’s umbrella, it won’t be a stand-alone operation,” he says. “Service will mostly be handled in house – we have three good mechanics on board already, one in Cambridge, one in Rotorua and one in Gisborne – Steven (Stokes) will look after Northland. “We’ll progress into other areas as the need arises. Baby steps first. We’re making sure we’ve got all the back-up right and parts in store – a few parts are here already and more on order, but a lot of stuff we can source locally anyway, from the engine, to pumps etc.” Australia is also on the radar, after Eltec appointed Shaw’s and Steven Stokes joint distributors for that market and a Victorian company is in line to handle sales and service. Eltec says it plans to expand its production facility in Quebec to support the additional sales from New Zealand and Australia. Currently it is shipping out one new machine per month to our market, but this will rise to meet demand in the future. Anticipation is also building for the release of the first levelling cabs, which have been under development by Eltec for the past three years. “We’ve seen the levelling table and the engineering is top notch,” says Steven. “It uses heavier gauge steel, bigger rams and the design is awesome. It’s really going to turn heads when it comes in, the way they’ve routed the hoses and it’s got a lot more ground clearance than anything else. When you look under the machine everything is flush and it has good central greasing points.” The first leveller is expected to arrive in early 2019 and one of the targets is to produce a 38-tonne levelling machine to go on a winch assist system. Meanwhile, the first customer Eltec has just landed in New Zealand, bound for Waikato’s Fast Harvesting. It’s a 277 loader with a grapple, large lift rams and a similar cab and 400 mm riser to the Stokes Logging 417 and will be used for loading and shovelling. NZL

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Above: The clamshell bonnet opens wide to provide excellent access to all the main components (left); Technicians will love the easy access to the engine, hydraulics and other parts (centre and right). Below: Iron Tester Stan Barlow gets a feel for the power and speed of the Eltec and Waratah combo. you get from the cab,” says Steven. We’ll check that cab out in a minute, but we want to have a look at what makes this machine tick first and have asked operator, Jordan Gian Brown, to open the big clamshell bonnet. Like other machines with similar clamshell bonnet designs, there’s masses of space around the engine, transmission, hydraulics and the over-size cooling system. It’s very well laid out, with easy access for maintenance and service/repair work.

Service intervals are set at 500 hours instead of the usual 250 hours, and 30 hours out from a service every time the operator starts the machine the instrument panel turns yellow as a reminder and a button has to be pushed to reset. When it goes overdue, the panel turns red. The standard warranty period is 2,000 hours but customers can purchase an extended warranty. Typical of the attention to detail is the installation of a 40-litre auxiliary tank just in case a hydraulic hose blows. No need to carry cans of spare oil to top up the system.

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2 Steven also points out that there are only two plugs carrying the electrics into the cab “not a whole heap of wires”, which is a lot tidier. Over on the left side of the machine a narrow door opens up to a storage space for tools and fire extinguisher, while next to it a wider door provides access to clean the huge radiator (it does have a reversing fan, but sometimes a bit of extra cleaning help is required). In the cab, Steven points out that an additional 300mm has been built into the length to provide more space behind the seat for storage, or (at a push) for someone to sit to instruct/oversee a novice operator. Combined with the big expanse of glass and complete absence of guarding (the 35mm Margard should be capable of withstanding a whack from a large log) this is one of the most airy and spacious sideentry cabs we’ve experienced. Vision is superb, apart from the usual blind spot from the boom and is thoughtfully augmented by a rearview camera, which Jordan says he leaves on all the time as a safety precaution. If this cab was to be used in a dedicated harvesting machine there is the option of substituting the metal hatch in the roof with a glass panel to give the operator a better view of the tree tops. The interior is nicely laid out and well-appointed, with switches for the lights, A/C, radio etc housed in a panel set into the right-hand window sill. There’s even space for a pair of electronic measuring callipers mounted in the cab for use in calibrating the head. A pair of touch-screen displays for the machine and the Waratah TimberRite system are neatly situated on the right column, where the operator can easily see the information with a glance away from the outside view. I’ll let Iron Tester, Stan Barlow, cover the rest in his column on page 32. Before we finish with the cab and let Jordan get back to work, Steven mentions that unlike machines of the past that have pre-set operating modes, this one has the very latest electronic technology that allows the operator to customise every function to infinitely vary things like joystick sensitivity, speed of slew, lift, head rollers and knives etc. “If you’ve got heavy-handed operators you can dial it back so it isn’t too jerky,” says Steven, adding that there is a facility to allow six

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1: Extra length in the cab provides great storage behind the seat and, at a push, enough space for someone to sit behind the operator; 2: Operator, Jordan Gian Brown, shows how to dial the sensitivity of the controls up or down on the main display. The new TimberRite touch screen is above; 3: No bars to obscure the operator’s vision through the front screen; 4: Jonny Edwards, from Shaw’s Wire Ropes, holds open the side door to the storage compartment, which is next to a larger door that opens to the radiator.

different operators to store their own settings in the computer and “it’s very easy to use”. Jordan is now walking the Eltec back to the processing station and with so much slash piling up on this compact site it’s a good job the 864mm ground clearance is among the best of any tracked forestry machine we’ve tested. Even if it does take a knock or two, the ‘extreme-duty’ chassis looks more-than capable of withstanding a bit of punishment and there’s good protection for the track rollers, too. Watching Jordan put the Eltec and Waratah through their paces I ask Steven if he’s managed to get much time at the controls and what attributes stand out. “It’s a combination of many things; the smoothness, extra room in the cab, the ease of access to all the components and, of course, the power – it’s got a lot of grunt,” he says. “Another good thing is the fuel efficiency – they’ve wound the engine rpm back to 1,900 and tuned the hydraulics to give maximum flow at that rev level. Our fuel usage is now down to just under 30 litres per hour. They’ve done that to match the torque curve of the engine to the pumps so that they get maximum flow at the maximum rev level. A lot of other machines run at 2,100rpm.” Interestingly, the Cummins fitted to the Eltec is not the most powerful version used in the forest, that honour goes to the TimberPro TL765C, which has a 342hp (255kW) version, but the Eltec 417 seems to make good use of every kiloWatt at its disposal to drive the Bigwood and other functions simultaneously without appearing to falter. Put that down to the sophisticated hydraulic system, which has separate pumps devoted to key systems and reduced hose lengths, so the oil has less distance to travel. As an indication of just how efficient it is, there’s only a 75cc pump running the saw motor and de-limb on the head, not the optional 105cc pump and it doesn’t suffer any loss of power at all. One item I didn’t find in the comprehensive spec list is an Energy Recovering Smart Valve that some competitor machines have adopted to recover energy as the boom and arm are activated to re-use when slewing or lifting. The stored power helps boost performance and reduce

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Above: Steven Stokes specified an extra 3 tonnes for the counterweight – note the guarding along the side of the bodywork, also suggested by Steven, which is now standard on this size of Eltec machines. Right: Operator, Jordan Gian Brown, uses these electronic callipers to check logs in order to calibrate the head. Far right: Some of the Eltec New Zealand team, from left, mechanic Liam Barton and Jonny Edwards, both from Shaw’s Wire Ropes, Cambridge, with Steven Stokes. the effort required by the engine, thus lowering fuel consumption. A future update, maybe. Iron Tester Stan Barlow has now slipped into the operator’s seat, with Jordan sitting in behind for a while to give him a few pointers. When Jordan leaves Stan to get on with his test, it gives me a chance to question him on the Eltec’s performance. “This machine blows away anything I’ve driven,” Jordan says. “It never struggles with a stem, there’s lots of power and the reach is brilliant.” Among the stand-out features for him are the slew and the track power. He’s got three speeds he can call upon for travelling – Snail, Turtle and Rabbit – and has to be careful to keep the speed under control heading downhill “otherwise it will run away with you on the soft sandy ground”. And being able to change all the control settings “gets a ten-out-often from me – it took a while to feel comfortable because the machine

was a bit touchy but now I’ve got used to it I have it dialled up to 100% on everything and man, it’s real fast, eh”. Fast enough to deliver more than 700 tonnes on its best day in this forest. Watching Stan walk the Eltec over the slash to grab more stems Jordan points out how stable it feels being in a lower cab. That low roofline will also come in handy if this machine has to work under guy ropes in one of the three Stokes Logging hauler crews. As our Iron Test draws to a close, Jonny Edwards from Shaw’s Wire Ropes, offers to demonstrate the machine’s harvesting prowess, taking the 417 to a small pocket of trees on a bank close to the skid site. You don’t often see a Bigwood falling trees but harnessed to the Eltec it did the job admirably. The new Eltec 417 is undoubtedly a good all-round package and clearly suits the needs of Stokes Logging. With the ability to customise machines to their own requirements, it should suit plenty of other contractors, too. NZL

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iron test: Stan Barlow

The big easy

Iron Tester, Stan Barlow. hands are pushing and pulling the levers and making it jerky. When I’m training I encourage the operators to use their feet. It’s a nice quiet machine and the airsuspended seat is very comfortable. Good A/C, too. Nice place to spend a full working day. On the uneven ground I found the Eltec 417 to be a very stable and nicely balanced machine – it’s been set up really well. I’ve not been used to having such a long boom and arm on a processor, but it really helps when you need to stretch out a little further to grab stems without having to move and although you could feel the weight of the Bigwood and a heavy stem, it never felt like it was going to tip forward. The new Eltec 417 is hard to fault and easy to like NZL

IFICATION

FOR A RELATIVELY BIG MACHINE, THE NEW Eltec 417 feels quite nimble and fast. Real fast. A bit of a handful, in fact. It just needed a light touch on the controls and the Eltec was raring to go. Only later in the Iron Test did I realise that Jordan had all his settings turned right up to 100%, which made it feel very touchy and incredibly responsive. But that was OK. Once I got used to the way the controls responded so quickly, I quite enjoyed the experience. I could have turned the settings down, but that would probably have dulled the feeling. Muzzled it, perhaps. I didn’t really want to do that, because this is a machine that should be allowed full rein. With all that hydraulic flow, nothing struggled and even when I walked out and was driving the tracks and using the head, boom and dipper arm at the same time, it kept going without any hesitation. Once you get over the sensitivity of the controls you can make it work really well and it’s still smooth. Eltec may be a completely new brand to this market, yet everything has a very familiar

feel to it. Having grown up with Waratah all the buttons and switches on the joysticks are right where you expect to find them. And even though the Bigwood has been around forever, it was nice to see it brought up to date with the new TimberRite operating system – the touch screen is simplicity itself to use. It’s still a bloody good head. And I like that calliper measuring system for checking log dimensions to make sure the head is calibrated. Full marks for the cab design. Plenty of storage space behind the seat – just enough for Jordan to squeeze in for a while to give me a few pointers. In terms of training guys, that would be a real benefit if you had a slim person able to slot in there. No bars across the front screen might make some people feel vulnerable, but I wasn’t concerned, the screen is thick enough. I had thought it would distort the view somewhat, but it was very clear. Good visibility most of the way around and for anything behind you just use the camera. I didn’t miss the absence of hand levers to control travel. You don’t really need them because you find that over rocky ground your

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Breaking out

Story & Photos: John Ellegard

34 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

A commercial drone hovers over a harvesting site in the central North Island. Photo: Interpine.

October 2018 | NZ LOGGER 35

Breaking out

NTERPINE GENERAL MANAGER, DAVID Herries, realised just how important drones, or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), were becoming as a work tool when he used one to take aerial footage of the devastating fire that swept the Port Hills, overlooking Christchurch, in February of 2017. As a member of the Rural Fire Service national incident response team David was helping gather information about the huge fire that went on to claim the life of a helicopter pilot fighting the blaze, as well as destroying nine houses and 1,600 hectares of trees and vegetation. He just happened to have a drone from his workplace with him and put it into the air to film the blaze. The aerial views provided firefighters with real-time information on how the fire was spreading and where they should deploy their resources. When the main fire had passed, an infra-red camera was deployed on the drone to identify hot-spots under the surface, saving hours of painstaking detective work. From that point, drones went on to become a front-line aerial tool with the Rural Fire Service, with Interpine training groups of rural fire fighters in their use and also supplying them with UAV kits. “I think everyone could see the value in UAVs from that moment, including ourselves,” says David, adding that he had used drones on small fires before and knew their capabilities, but it was the Port Hills incident that really put drones on the map. Drones have been around for the best part of a decade, firstly appearing as toys

36 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

and then as large commercially-built film camera platforms that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. David says: “We first became aware that drones were going to be an important part of our business – and that of forestry – around 2010, when we saw them moving away from becoming a model-builder’s toy to being a highly functional tool. “But it wasn’t until 2015 that we saw technology had caught up with the industry’s expectations of what they could do, to the extent you could give one of these devices to an employee and they could use it as part of their everyday work. “Our interest was around how we could see the forest for the sake of the trees. As foresters it’s very hard to get a handle on operations where our trees are often cloaking our roads and are 40 metres high. Before, the only way was to get up and appreciate the view was from a helicopter, which was an expensive exercise. “There is a huge amount of benefit in just being able to look over the back of that ridge or look down that gully and the drones were becoming automated enough and much more cost-effective to allow us to do that – it was like the iPhone effect and the Fire Service got that concept, especially after Port Hills. They were looking at industrial drones costing several hundred thousand dollars and then, after they trialled one of these small units, they suddenly realised that these were more functional than the expensive ones.” In the first instance, like most other forest management companies in New Zealand, Interpine initially saw drones as just an

Above: Testing the deployment of a synthetic strawline using a drone. Below left: Interpine General Manager, David Herries, with the remotely-controlled detaching system used in running synthetic strawline ropes and ferrying seedlings by drone. Below: Successful test over, Interpine’s David Heries (right) and Steve Hasnip, with the drone and Dyneema strawline.

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Breaking out instrument to provide an eye-in-the-sky. But very soon the development of software and third-party applications, such as GIS mapping, began to match the capabilities of the UAVs themselves, which saw the use of drones extend to aerial photogrammetry. “We purchased our first one in mid2015 and by the end of that year we could see a pathway to much wider adoption, progressing to the point where we really started to make use of them for aerial mapping, rather than just an eye-in-thesky,” says David. Inevitably, everyone thought that drones would be able to take on much more sophisticated aerial work, even though the technology was still developing and is still not quite ready for some of those tasks. David calls it the ‘Elon Musk effect’, drawing parallels with fully autonomous cars. “Remote sensing is a bit like that,” he says, “people think that because you can fly a drone there and find all the cut-over waste and classify it you can come up with just a number at the end. It’s not that easy, we still have some way to go before it’s at that level.” One issue is that most drones can still only spend less than half an hour in the sky on one battery charge, which limits how far they can fly. Battery development is progressing, but it will be some time before a drone can stay in the air for an hour, or eventually up to three hours. Another restriction is that current CAA rules only allow drones to fly within line of sight without special permission and not ‘over the horizon’. This rule is being reviewed and may be relaxed for specific drones and in certain areas at some point in the future. Make no mistake, there are exciting opportunities for drones to be more widely used in the future, but David Herries believes there are enough things we can do with them now. “Let’s concentrate on empowering people with these as tools,” he says. “So for contractors, they can inspect their equipment in safety, go and have a look over the shoulder of the young faller who’s just started in the crew and be able to do that within two tree lengths. Check on how a harvester operator is doing down a long steep gully without spending an hour getting down there and back. All with a relatively inexpensive drone. “Harvest supervisors can be checking on sediment in the rivers and programming the drone to fly down to a way point and grab the same photo every Friday throughout the whole harvest and having that as part of the resource consent evidence.

“You can see with the recent events in Gisborne how that would benefit. Imagine if the contractors were taking a time-lapse from the same point every week to show how they were doing it and how useful that would be. The crew boss can then see what’s over there and what the problems are and what’s been left and if no one has noticed it, he can then get the crew onto it and make sure it’s fixed while still remaining on site.” David says the usefulness of these ideas were underlined while he was at a logging site undertaking aerial mapping and the foreman approached him and said ‘look I was just about to shoot up the hill and check on our feller/buncher in some windthrow over the back and I wanted to see how he’s getting on and if there are any problems (there was no radio coverage) so it’s going to take me an hour to walk up there and talk to him on the radio for 20 minutes and then walk back down’. David says: “So we flew over there and watched him for 20 minutes and flew back, all done with a two or three-minute flight time up the hill, and he was like ‘where do I get one of these?’ “That quickly highlighted the benefit of an eye-in-the-sky – you can get a totally different perspective of the lay of the land and keep yourself out of danger, too. “Damon Wise, down at Pan Pac, said to me one time that if we could get one of these into every harvest crew it would be so helpful. They’ve got some really complicated hauling chutes in terms of risk and hazard, and there’s value in being able to get a view of the chute and show the crew what it looks like from different perspectives on the ipad in the container in the morning to discuss how they can get around the issues. They have done some trials and it’s in their budget to put people on our training course to get them upskilled in drone use.” David and his team at Interpine could see the demand for this type of training

Top: Interpine’s Chris Scoggins fastens the sling containing around 70 Radiata Pine seedlings to the hitching line. Two in the middle: A sling full of seedlings ready to be delivered to the silvi planters. Drone is hitched up to the seedlings – plenty of boxes in the background for resupplying Below: Lift off! Chris Scroggins sends the drone off on its first delivery.

38 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

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Breaking out

service around the time they purchased their first drones. After attending just the second drone course run by Massey University, David approached them with a joint venture proposal and Interpine ran its first training course in October 2016. Massey still runs its own course for all users, but the Interpine one is tailored specifically to forestry and allied industries with instructors qualified to CAA Part 102. Massey has now run more than 80 of its courses, with Interpine already up to course number 8. “We wanted to ensure that we as an industry not only took advantage of the massive benefits that these tools can provide, but to do it in a responsible manner and ensure we didn’t make the front page of the newspaper for the wrong reasons,” says David. Each course takes up to 14 people at a time and in addition to working with Massey University, Interpine has struck up a business relationship with drone manufacturer DJI Industries and David has visited their factories and discussed what technologies are on the horizon. This relationship has also enabled Interpine to be in a position to provide drone kits for any of those attending its courses. So what does the future of drone use look like? “I think you will see the continuation of drones around the size of the Phantom become far more functional through their software and capabilities,” says David. “Having zoom cameras on a small drone will be among them, enabling better visual use.

40 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

“We will see them become more rugged – we are seeing that now with the advent of the IP43-rating for weather-proof drones. You will see them look after themselves in airspace – you may not have to do this course in future because drones will have a transponder/receiver, just like manned aircraft that will have them as mandatory from 2021, and they will be able to talk to each other.” And we’ll see bigger drones evolve that can undertake more advanced roles than just being an eye-in-the-sky or being used in mapping. This is already happening, with drones that can now be bought off-the-shelf equipped with spraying units for tackling weeds or wilding trees in difficult locations. These machines can lift a payload weighing up to 10kg and they also have larger batteries that provide more than 30 minutes of flight time. But David doesn’t see spraying drones becoming any larger because of weight restrictions – to remain classed as a drone they must still keep under the 25kg limit, including payload. But it’s other applications that are now starting to show the true versatility of the drone, such as flying out strawlines on difficult terrain and ferrying seedlings to silvi workers on hillsides. Trials of both applications are already under way. Helicopters have been used to run out strawlines on some long and difficult settings in the past but it’s an expensive exercise, especially for yarders working in remote

David Kerr uses the radio to direct the drone pilot. locations. But it is only in recent times that ‘affordable’ drones have become capable of carrying the weight of a strawline – a synthetic rope line, not wire, of course. Interpine isn’t the first to experiment with running strawlines using a drone. That wily Otago logger, Bill Winmill, has been trialling a variety of drones in his crew and recently invested in a larger model that is more capable of taking the weight. It’s still a work in progress. But the Interpine team has now refined the idea through the development of a remotelycontrolled detaching system that enables the rope to be released by the drone operator. Fitted to a 6-rotor DJI M600 Pro drone that is capable of lifting 6.5kg payloads, the Interpine team demonstrated the strawline-lifting capabilities to NZ Logger while we were at the recent UAV training course. The release mechanism is fitted to a long, weighted line so that the strawline does not become tangled in the craft’s rotor blades. It can be deployed with either 6mm or 100mm Dyneema synthetic rope and the short demo proved that either option can be lifted easily and flown out significant distances.

Scholtens Contractors boss, Rodney Scoltens (foreground) never thought he’d see seedlings flown in by drone.

A subsequent trial carried out for the benefit of some local Rotorua forest managers and contractors further tested the limits of its capabilities. “We could fly a 10mm synthetic rope out to around 250 metres successfully and if you wanted to go further, say 400 metres or more, you’d probably drop down to the 6mm rope,” says David. “For longer settings, there is no reason why you couldn’t fly it out in stages.” Further trials are being carried out and it is expected some crews in the Kaingaroa Forest will be using drones to run their strawlines soon. NZ Logger will be keeping an eye on this development. “There are many benefits,” says David. “This method obviously saves time, but you’ve also got to look at the health & safety aspects – removing people from a potentially hazardous task is probably one of the key drivers for employing a drone to run strawlines.” The development of the remotely-controlled detaching system also led the Interpine team to look at using drones for the delivery of Radiata Pine seedlings to silviculture workers on steep and difficult country. Anyone who has

been involved in this sort of work knows how challenging it can be to re-supply workers with trees as they plant difficult-to-access blocks. Re-supplying by air seemed like the answer. Originally the idea was to fly boxes of seedlings to workers on the hill, but it was decided that the trees could be more easily transported when wrapped in a small sling equipped with eyelets for attaching to the electronic hook, and it would also eliminate the weight of the box. NZ Logger was on hand for the very first trial of this system, in a small planting block just to the south-west of Rotorua city. The 35-hectare site is owned by a Maori trust and until now it was a steep, gorsestrewn wasteland. Under Interpine’s direction, the gorse was cut and the block has now been planted with Radiata Pines to provide the trust with future income from a site that was previously unused. The task of planting the pines was undertaken by Whakatane-based Scholtens Contractors and had to be planned for a week when no rain was forecast, as the M600 Pro drone is not a waterproof model.

October 2018 | NZ LOGGER 41

Breaking out

The 6-rotor DJI M600 Pro drone is capable of lifting 6.5kg payloads.

The silvi crew were a little bemused with the sight of drones being set up as they carried their first boxes up the hill to begin planting. Normally, one of their team would be assigned to the duty of ‘donkey’ to ferry full boxes up the hill for his colleagues and take down the empties – not a particularly pleasant task when four boxes on a backpack frame can weigh as much as 60kg. Today, the drone would do the donkey work. After the drone was set up and a take-off / landing site prepared, David and I climbed the hill to watch and record the action. Being a foggy morning there were unlikely to be low flying manned aircraft or helicopters in the area, but chief UAV pilot, Chris Scoggins, had submitted a NOTAM (aka a notification) to the CAA-run website, contacted the Rotorua airport control tower to advise where the drone would be used that morning and at what height (under 40 metres, which is the normal limit for a UAV) and also got permission from the land owner – all requirements for flying drones out in the open (there are exceptions to these rules, but you’d best do the Part 101 RPAS course to understand them). At first, David called in the drone and its cargo of seedlings slung underneath in the tarp as each of the planters needed to be re-supplied. But each group was provided with a radio and given the opportunity to call in their own supplies and soon there was a regular shuttle going up and down

42 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

the hill, taking no more than a couple of minutes, instead of 15 minutes or more on foot. The service is so accurate, the bundles of seedlings are being dropped straight into the arms of waiting planters on the ground. By smoko, all the planters were enthusiastic converts to the use of the ‘drone donkey’ and silvi crew boss, Rodney Scholtens, was beaming at the thought of how this could transform his operation. “It’s amazing, eh,” says Rodney. “I never thought I’d see anything like this in my lifetime. “It would save on using a ‘donkey’ and it’s much better for the boys to be supplied regularly than to carry full loads all the time. They can even have their food and water flown up.” David agrees, adding: “This way we are not asking planters to operate on 45-degree slopes with a big weight hanging off them – they can carry fewer trees at any one time and smaller drink containers. It has to be safer. “There are plenty of slip and fall incidents being recorded by planters and by using a drone I’m sure those instances can be reduced.” David also thinks drones can make a useful contribution in the planning of planting sites, by taking LiDAR recordings of the topography and identifying risk areas for those on the ground to be aware of. But the $18,000-to-$22,000 cost of a new waterproof drone that can operate in all conditions might be a barrier to some

silvicuture contractors who are thinking about purchasing one, plus the additional costs to train up one or two (or more) members of the crew to operate it. David says forest owners / managers will need to work with their silviculture contractors to help facilitate the introduction of this new technology, just as they are doing with the introduction of new innovations to harvesting crews, such as winch-assist systems. With the planting season only taking up five months of the year at the most, is it worthwhile owning that sort of technology or would it be better to lease it or contract out the drone service to a third party? These are questions that will need to be discussed by the forestry companies and their contractors. What is clear already, is that drone use within the forestry sector will continue to grow in future years as more people adopt the technology and new uses are discovered. David Herries says the next generation foresters will grow up with drones in the same way today’s generation has with chainsaws. Interpine is already talking to Toi Ohomai about including learning units on drone technology as part of its teaching curriculum. That means students graduating from Toi Ohomai forestry courses will already have Part 101 RPAS qualifications, which will make them more valuable as employees for both forestry companies and contractors. It’s the way of the future. And it’s here now. NZL

Tutors and ‘students’ gather for a photo op from the air – courtesy of a drone, of course.

HEY’VE GONE FROM HUGELY expensive toys to useful tools in just a handful of years and soon drones will be doing far more tasks around the forest than we could ever imagine. Think close-up machine inspections, crew observations, pre-harvest surveys, afterharvest surveys, aerial mapping, aerial spraying, delivering seedlings, laying out strawlines and much, much more. And, starting from as little as $2,000, why wouldn’t every contractor and harvest planner have a drone waiting in their ute to be deployed as an ‘eye in the sky’ or aerial surveyor at a moment’s notice? But, before you all go charging down to your local store and grabbing a shiny new UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) there’s a few things you should know: Drones are classed as an aircraft and subject to certain rules established by the

CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) when used in the great outdoors Forest owners and managers may not be too happy to have these things buzzing around their stands without certain measures in place Drones require a level of skill to fly and they can do damage if they get too close to a person or a machine. These points (and more) only became apparent to me when the publisher of NZ Logger purchased a pocket-size drone for aerial photography a few months back and said it would be available to take into the forest for regular Iron Tests and Breaking Out features. Great idea. As more crews become fully mechanised it has restricted where and how close I can get to machines – especially harvesters and processors – to grab action photos, due to minimum

falling distances, chainshot and so on. Getting up close to a harvester roped to a winch-assist system to fall large trees on steep slopes without putting myself in danger would be much easier. Photos snapped from the air or videos of the action would look spectacular on our website and Facebook page. Except that I didn’t have any idea how to fly it, let alone possess the experience to take quality photos from a skittish aerial platform. And there was another complication; some forest managers would not allow drones to be used in their estates unless the operator could demonstrate competence with the craft, backed by suitable public liability insurance. This was starting to get a bit more complicated and involved than I’d first imagined. To gain such competency requires a drone operator to undergo a multi-day course run

October 2018 | NZ LOGGER 43

by the Massey University School of Aviation in Palmerston North. A wee bit of a trek from the upper North Island. But there is another option, and one that is tailored to the requirements of those working in the forestry industry; a specialised course run by Interpine in Rotorua in conjunction with Massey University. The appeal of the Interpine course is that it’s all-inclusive, with drones supplied, course work and information, indoors and outdoors flying areas (ie not weather dependent) and they feed you lunch, too – just turn up. The downside; it’s a five-day course (Monday to Friday). And if you’re from out of town you need accommodation. The upside; if you pass the course (yes, there are exams), you get your drone wings and a certificate that says you are a qualified Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operator to CAA Rule Part 101. What that means is you have demonstrated that you understand the rules and regulations about where and how you can operate a drone (up to 25kg in weight if it’s professionally built, or 15kg if it’s a home build). You can still fly a drone in New Zealand without that qualification, but you’ll probably find that there are a number of places that won’t welcome you without it, such as an increasing number of plantation forests. And it’s for that reason a number of contractors and other forestry personnel are putting five days aside to go through one of these courses. I did and was joined by a colleague from the magazine publisher and while we initially questioned the need for five days out of our very busy schedules, at the end we found it difficult to say where time could have been cut – maybe a day if you are already a competent drone flyer. So, Hayden Woolston and myself joined 10 others at the Tui Ridge

44 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

Top left: Logging contractor, Kerry McCormick, gets to grips with drone flying. Above top and middle: Qualified pilot and drone tutor, Jayne Marsh, introduces ‘pupils’ to their drones. Shannon Mickleburgh, of Massey University, covers rules and regulations for flying drones in New Zealand. Above: Allied Publishing’s Hayden Woolston holds the NZ Logger DJI Mavic drone, with some of the other options sitting on the table.

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Breaking out The DJI Phantom 4 drone is widely used in forestry.

Park adventure centre, 20 minutes north of Rotorua, to get our wings. Interpine runs these courses approximately every two-to-three months and taking part alongside us were two harvesting contractors (Kerry McCormick of McCormick Logging and Rob Dunn from Jensen Logging), three from forest managers (Port Blakley, Rayonier, and Logic FSL), one from Scion Research, three from the Ministry (MPI) and two from the Civil Aviation Authority, who wanted to get first-hand experience of just how their rules were being put into practice. For the first two days, it was mostly about the practicalities of flying drones and learning about the craft we would be using, in this case the DJI Phantom 4, a reasonably rugged but not waterproof drone that retails in stores for around $2,000. However, Interpine does sell these as part of a kit, comprising of a sturdy carry case, the drone itself and four rotors, hand control unit (you’ll need an iPad or smartphone to use as a screen), spare batteries, a charger and spare rotor blades for around $2,500. The spare batteries are necessary for those intending to do a lot of flying as each charge will provide around 25 minutes of flight time. Charging can be done from a vehicle, as well as plugging into a home or office 3-pin socket. Interpine also displayed a number of other

46 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

types of drone, including larger models capable of flying further and carrying loads, plus one very similar to our NZ Logger drone, a DJI Mavic, which suits us because it folds up very small for travelling around the country. Although we brought along our little Mavic to the course, Hayden and I decided we would use the same Phantom 4 as our fellow drone newbies. The Tui Ridge Park facility has a massive

gymnasium that was ideal for learning to fly the drones in a controlled area devoid of wind. Or rain – most drones are not waterproof and if their circuitry gets wet they’ll drop out of the sky. After two days we all felt confident that we could fly our drones in a series of intricate manoeuvres and land them in one piece, thanks to the patience of the Interpine trainers, all experienced drone flyers (and one who is a commercial aircraft pilot). But

Drone instructor, Chris Scoggins (far left), gives a practical demonstration inside Tui Ridge gymnasium.

Learning to control the drone outside of the gymnasium, in windy conditions and near trees, takes practice

the next two days took us all out of our comfort zones as we crammed around six months’ worth of knowledge on aviation rules, legal requirements, technology and communications into less than 16 hours. This was conducted at the Interpine offices in Rotorua by two lecturers from the Massey University School of Flying, both fixed wing flying instructors. Who knew that you needed to check with the control tower of an aerodrome/airport that is within 4km of the place you propose to use your drone because it’s a controlled airspace used by manned aircraft? And what really surprised us is that all of Lake Rotorua, Lake Taupo and the Marlborough Sounds is considered an ‘aerodrome’ because they are used by float planes. Then you have to know about restricted airspace, low flying zones, military zones, danger zones and other hazards. Why? Because forests around New Zealand could easily come within any of these zones or spaces and the rules are there to separate drones from other air users. The course book covering all this ran to over 400 pages and at the end we all had to sit a one-hour written exam to make sure we understood the rules and regs. The pass mark was set at 70% and it’s been a while since I had to sit an exam and fortunately, Hayden and I both passed. But that wouldn’t get us our wings yet. The final day saw us all back at Tui Ridge Park where the Massey instructors put each of us through a pair of practical drone flight tests, along with oral questions. One test was conducted in the gymn and the second took place outside. This really did take us out of our comfort zones – even those with drone flying experience reckoned it was a challenge. And the relief was evident as each person was presented with miniature wings and a certificate that we can now wave at anyone who questions if we are qualified to take a UAV into the forest. NZL

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More Top Spot high performers A RECENT EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTED TO me the need for people to speak out on issues they feel uncomfortable about. In this example, it was a bit like Chinese whispers in that by the time the message got passed along through several people, it wasn’t as accurate as it should have been resulting in good intentions creating other potential problems. It was resolved but it was a lesson learned and well worth remembering – deal with an issue directly when it arises to ensure it is real and accurate, especially when safety is involved. To round off the October edition of Top Spot, here are more photos of our top achievers from the second period. Their success continues to highlight the skills and professionalism of people within out industry.

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,

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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.

Thomassen Logging, Te Waa Logging, Lakeland Cable Logging, Logged on Logging, Pakiri Logging, Rosewarne Cable Loggers, Inta-Wood Forestry, Otautau Contractors, SAW Contracting, Heslip Forest Contracting Ltd, Waikato Forestry Services, Hodgson Silviculture, SFNL, Makerikeri Silviculture, NJ Simns Forestry Services, SAS Forestry, X Men Forestry, Central Forestry Services, Mangoihe Logging, Kohurau Contracting, Tohaia Forestry Harvesting, Kuru Contracting, Dennis E Hayes Logging, Swain Logging, Lumberjack Logging, Ernslaw One, Bluewood Logging, Forestry Contracting, Dewes Contractors, Eastside Logging, Storm Logging, X Men Logging, Forest View Harvesting, Mike Hurring Logging, Penetito Forestry, Pro Forest Services, Johnson Forestry Services, McHaull Contracting, Kaha Logging, JBD Logging, Veal Contractors, Lahar Loging, AR Dempsey, Hautapu Logging, Whisker Logging, Moutere Logging and Norwest Logging. Into safety? Into performance? Into quality? Contact Shane Perrett on 0274 781 908, 07 3483037 or at primefm@xtra.co.nz NZL

Tyler Barham, of Norwest Log 1, was first in Breaking Out Cable in the Second Period.

Kit Bradley, of Whisker Log 2, was second in Mechanised Felling in the Second Period.

Lee Tomlinson, of Brand Logging, was second in Ground Base Extraction in the Second Period.

October 2018 | NZ LOGGER 49

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

Clockwise from above left: • Sam Abel, of Brand Logging, was second in Forwarding in the Second Period. • Ryan Workman, of Norwest Log 1, was third in Machine Operation on the Landing in the Second Period. • Chris Steel, of JBD Logging’s Log 16, was third in Ground Base Extraction in the Second Period. • Colin Wroe, of Whisker Log 2, was third in Mechanised Processing in the Second Period. • Glen Cole, from Moutere 8’s Log 18, was third in Yarder in the Second Period. • Lukas Ashby, of Brand Logging, was third in Mechanised Felling in the Second Period. • Mate Ngarotata, of JBD logging’s Log 16, was fourth in Machine Operation on the Landing in the Second Period. • Dennis Hawira, of Lahar Log 4, was fourth in Manual Felling in the Second Period.

50 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

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Prue Younger, CEO Message

With the pressure on the industry with increased harvest volumes in some regions and in others the potential to be part of the billion tree plant, the need to gather more trained and skilled employees is very important even bordering on critical. So along with Competenz, FICA is working in partnership to build better and more suitable training programmes on site that will ensure a sustainable workforce. Competenz launched a new revised apprenticeship programme that will give forestry workers the flexibility they need to successfully earn credits while working and apprentices could qualify for two years of funding under the government's new "fees free" scheme. Industry training organisation Competenz has launched two forest harvesting apprenticeships - one in manual operations and one in mechanised operations. They have been designed with extensive input from Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) members, logging contractors and forestry managers to ensure they are modern and practical. Do we think this programme could be rolled out across other sectors of the industry, let's ask our contractors and industry what success they have had with apprentices. 'J)rue--

Regional Voice

Barry Wells, Harvest Operations Manager, Port Blakely- Timaru

We have several apprentices within our six crews and it's a great way to fast track learning, with the foundations being built on site and then getting together to do the group learning in a classroom. We believe that the trainees get the benefit of this networking. As a forest company we cover the costs of the trainers to be in our crews and crews carry the cost of having the people out of production. About ten years ago things weren't working that well with training and so we took it upon ourselves to sort things out in-house. We have found that higher skill levels and a stable place to work results in low turnover within the crews, however turnover does not seem to be as much as a challenge in the South Island as it is in the North Island. Currently our crews have most of their workers either under training or fully trained for task, but we still want to keep people in the habit of learning so have training plans in place for them all, even those experienced employees. There are higher level courses available through Competenz to meet these needs. We have also had two apprentices win the Southern Wood Council Apprentice Award which was a great achieveÂment. In our region there are few crews close at hand, it's a smaller industry and employers tend to look after their guys well, so employees stay loyal to their crews. We are very keen to still see young people coming into the industry and like to develop people from the ground up. We have recently had two high school students start work in our crews who were part of the Trade Academy scheme in their high schools, so it is good to see that pathway working well also. We like to work with a few local high schools around the region and promote forestry and the career opportunities that are available. Blake Speirs, Speirs logging- Gisborne

Training is important to us in the workplace and we are doing so much in that space but times are changing and with mechanisation, drones and not having people on the slopes the emphasis is on technology. Guys need basic training but when they step into an enclosed cab and operate machines all day the focus for training should be on that specific task. Apprenticeships are just that - applying learning on the job and over the years we have trained up several employees. They come without any bad habits, you are able to train them around your company environment and the contractor can shape to fit into their work policies and practises. While training on the job they get paid but the hardest thing is to find youth with a good attitude. The industry is being more professional than it ever was and providing better opportunities to learn in a safer environment but parents are heavily influenced around what they see in the media. How do you improve that public messaging? I have had a couple of my staff under the apprenticeship programme and one is now operating the skidder and the chap operating the main loader is still going through. Competenz have been great, we are seeing a lot of trainers and this makes it more effective to train on site but we know that comes with a cost to our ITO. Training bears a lot around health & safety and this is a huge priority. Training provides our people the tools to make good decisions and while paper work and policies are in place, these are only measurement tools. Our concentration should be on removing and reducing any risks before they happen. Mike Hurring, Mike Hurring logging & Contractors- Balclutha

Training comes with a cost and often a question of who pays for it but

I have to say some of the forest owners who are supporting training financially are reaping the benefits. The mindset of the crews is important, they need to want to learn. Competenz work hard with contractors to get training happening to how the industry want and they have managed and supported us with the 5 x one-week courses and with placements with contractors. We need the right people, people who want to work in the industry, but we need to make sure we are operating a good credible industry. For an industry that offers the third largest GDP for the country, we don't do a very good job at promoting our industry. Full time trainers, as we have (paid for by assessments) is what the industry needs and I also have spent a lot of money on simulators and facilities, but its been great to see them being used and integrated into the early stages of learning. It's about learning at "grass roots" and once that is done, contractors are prepared to take on apprentices and we take the 5 week course and roll it out over 10 months. The process of finishing a unit standard before you go onto the next one is around DKO "demonstrate knowledge of" and then doing the practical training. The apprentice will be working towards achieving National Certificate L3 after the 10 months. Following the 10 months of centralised training, apprentices who pass the course will come out with two level 3 qualifications, basic machine operator and manual processing. It has been a matter of getting on with it and doing it ourselves. Even I don't stop learning as a few of us head up to Finland soon to a conference based on training through one of their universities. Paul Fleming, PD Fleming logging- Taranaki

I got into forestry 5 years ago, having been a dairy farmer, gone out as a fencing contractor and then stumbled across the opportunity to get into harvesting of woodlot blocks. I had a contract to harvest a woodlot put in front of me and I have continued ever since with plenty of work for several years ahead of me. Interestingly though it was after a Worksafe rep saw my loader and came to inspect the work site and business, that I realised the need for training. I did pass with flying colours on the H & S side of the business but fell short of the PD for my staff. I immediately got involved with Competenz and their apprenticeship programme and I have not looked back. I have one crew and that varies from 3-4 people and currently I have two employees on scheme. The first chap has been on the scheme for 20 months and is progressing really well with faller-processing units and the other has been with me for 3 months but working steadily through the qualifications. The downside is after investing in employees and training them up to national certificates over 3-4 years that they can move on to other jobs. But you just have to look at it positively knowing that your business did benefit from your investment in them while they were employed by you. And secondly that you have sent a qualified person out into the industry and if all crews were on board we would all have a lot more qualified people to employ. Although it costs to train up crew members, you know that they are capable and that only reduces my risks. The good thing about the apprenticeship scheme is that they are trained within your own culture, your own parameters and your way. I have great relations with Worksafe, they see that I have invested in training and care for my employees. I focus on woodlots around Taranaki and do promote to other small contractors the need to engage training so that the work environÂment is safe. Farmers of these woodlots need to support the regulations around entry on site and be leaders to the public. Honesty, pride and credibility go a long way in this industry and training reinforces this.

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Rachel Merritt, son Turoa Merritt and Turoaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter Stormy, have taken delivery of a new Cat 558LL Forest Machine in their East Coast logging operation. Working in big wood, the 558 handles it with ease. With a 336 slew bearing and 349 size undercarriage, the operator says this unit has some serious power and suggested he just throw the wood to the port! With an ultra-low fuel burn and high productivity the rewards for Storm Logging with this Cat are instant every hour worked.

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Peter, Glennys and Tim Mold, of Houhora-based Mold Logging, have taken delivery of a new Komatsu 160LC-8, which is equipped with an Active heavy-duty forestry guarding package. Tim is pictured here with the new machine. Photo: John Kosar (Komatsu Forest NZ).

Crew 83, from Rosewarne Contractors, is seen here taking delivery of the latest new 2156G to join their other John Deere swing machines. Pictured, from left, are foreman Dave Wilson who won the Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year and Harvesting Excellence Award in the recent Northland Forestry Wards, with Takiwai Flavel, Robin Panaho-Herewini, Jayson Daniels, Sam Prime, Tawhi Erimiah, Lewis Perese, Cliff Chapman, Niko Stanish-Murphy and Mike Wehi.

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54 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

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new iron

SUMITOMO FOR BAIRD PERMAPINE VOLVO PAIR Permapine has added two new Volvo machines to its roundwood facility at Reporoa, near Taupo. The first, an L90F wheel loader, is Volvo loader number 12 at the site and it has all the well-known Volvo features, making this the perfect machine for the operation. The new L90F is fitted with a set of Ensign log forks. The other machine is the second Volvo EC140DL that has made its way into the Permapine operation, following the delivery of the first one a year ago. This EC140DL is equipped with a blade and Attach2 wide bucket to help with site work and clean up but will also have a fixed Ensign grapple to work in the yard sorting poles. Dylan Maki, who operates the new machine, is impressed with the comfortable operation and performance. Both machines were sold by Ewen Satherley, of TransDiesel.

Southland Logger, Bobby Baird, has taken delivery of a second high and wide Sumitomo 240. The new 240TL logger sports the huge 8.5â&#x20AC;? pitch undercarriage and drive motors etc from the larger SH330, along with the 240 upper, with an excavator-style boom and arm, as Bobby chose to keep the bucket, cylinder and linkage option. Guarded by Bullied Engineering and plumbed by Hydraulic Solutions, it has an Ensign 1730 centre hose-through grapple. This machine joins a Sumitomo SH240-TLFS factory guarded unit with felling boom and arm all set up for shovelling and de-limbing. Baird Logging works with the large Southland forestry company, Log Marketing Ltd, operating in forests and woodlots throughout Southland and Otago. Dean Cousins from ABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invercargill branch made the sale. Bobby (far left) and his crew with the newly delivered machine.

KAIPARA HYUNDAI ANOTHER BLACK CAT Warren Black has a new felling machine that has joined his Cat fleet working in North Otago, with the addition of this purpose-built Cat 552 Series 2 track harvester. The new Cat harvester is impressing with its excellent ground clearance, long reach, great stability and tractive power and features a SATCO felling head that powers through the wood, making for a productive package. The Cat was supplied by the Goughs team in Dunedin.

56 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

Phil and Maree Langdon, of Kaipara Logging, Dargaville, have taken delivery of another new Hyundai R250LC-9H/C with a PFS all purpose cabin, guarding package and Ensign 1730IH grapple. The new machine has gone to Puhoi, just north of Auckland, to help shovel trees to the skid. The arrival of this new Hyundai makes a fleet of three Hyundai forestry machines for Kaipara Logging. The sales was made by Porter Equipment North Auckland & Northland Territory Manager, Paul Gorrie.

new iron

HAVARD & DAWSON SOUTHSTAR

SKIPPS HITACHI & BIGWOOD

Mike Havard, owner of Dawson and Harvard Limited, took delivery of their second Southstar FD750 directional felling head mounted on a John Deere 959MH. Complete valve in head package, and dual high-pressure harvest cylinders with harvest down activation for optimum control and increased safety when falling. This machine went to work in the Wairarapa region of the North Island. Pictured from the left; Blair Adamson, Geoff Barnes (operator) and Malcolm Pascoe (Cableprice).

Tom and Mandie Skipps, of Skipps Logging, have taken delivery of a new Hitachi ZX400L-5 and Waratah 626 Bigwood to join their growing fleet of John Deere and Hitachi forestry equipment. Engineering was carried out by Pro Steel in Hamilton and the hydraulic installation handled by Donaldson Mechanical. Seen here during the calibration process is operator, Dex.

HALE VOLVO Henry Hale has got his new Volvo EC250DL forestry carrier on site working with the G Hale Logging central North Island crew. The new EC250DL has proven its self in the forest as a strong, quiet, comfortable and reliable machine to own and operate. This machine is set up with an Ensign 1530 HTC grapple to work alongside Hale Logging’s other Volvo EC250DL, fleeting, loading and shovelling, The machine was sold by Ewen Satherley, of TransDiesel.

KAWASAKI MILL LOADERS Two new Kawasaki Z7 wheel loaders – an 85Z7, pictured left, and an 80Z7 – have been delivered to RHT Sawmill sites in Gisborne and Te Kuiti respectively, both fitted with Ensign log forks. These Kawasaki wheel loaders are part of the EPIC generation: Efficient. Powerful. Intelligent. Comfortable. Kawasaki pioneered the Z-Link design to provide unmatched utility, high breakout force and efficiency in its loaders. IntelliTech is a family of technological innovations introduced by Kawasaki, featuring use logic or intelligence to adjust machine operating characteristics, sensing working conditions and adjusting the powertrain and hydraulics to best match application or environmental requirements. Many of the IntelliTech operations are automatic, while others allow the operator to select functions appropriate to the application or work environment.

October 2018 | NZ LOGGER 57

new iron

THOMPSON CAT Gus Thompson, owner of AF Thompson Contracting, has taken delivery of his first new Cat following the arrival of this 538LL forest machine. With the Pacific Ocean for a backdrop, this purpose-built Cat unit is used for fleeting and loading by owner Gus Thompson in his East Coast operations. So far it has impressed with its quietness, smooth operation, reach and stability. Heath Stewart, from Gough Cat, sold the machine.

SATCO & CAT FOR MARLBOROUGH Shane Mackell, of Marlborough Logging, has taken delivery of this new SATCO 323T to work in Port Underwood in the Marlborough Sounds, running under a hauler. The SAT323T is clearing the chute and processing on the landing mounted onto a CAT 548 forestryspecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d machine.

NZ LOGGER classified

Forestry Insurance Solutions LG23616

0800 55 54 53 info@stal.co.nz

www.sweeneytownsend.co.nz

Forestry Insurance Solutions

58 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

REMEMBER, IF YOU DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR, CONTACT US. CHANCES ARE WE HAVE IT, AND IF WE DON’T, WE CAN PROBABLY GET IT.

415 Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson Office: 03 544 4172 Mobile: 021 811 057 sales@drdiesel.nz | www.drdiesel.nz

NEW PRODUCTS

1292 QUINCY 370 COMPRESSOR AIR COOLING TUBE

1302 WILLIAMS 3 WAY, 2 POSITION TOGGLE VALVE

1301 WASHINGTON 1088 SINTERED BRONZE CLUTCH DISK

1214 MADILL 122/123 CHAIN ADJUSTER SPROCKET

1293 NTA 855 CUMMINS EXHAUST MANIFOLD

1305 BRAND NEW QUINCY 370 AIR COMPRESSOR

1306 WOVEN BRAKE LINING 1/4” 3/8” 1/2” 5/8” 3/4” TICKNESS, CUT TO ANY SIZE

1273 HIGH TEMP WICHITA WATER BRAKE O-RINGS 18” 19”KK 21”KK 24” 30”

1291 THUNDERBIRD POWERFLOW CLUTCH PLATE

1296 KOBELT MADILL 124

1299 MADILL 071 SNAP CLUTCH

1295 THUNDERBIRD TMY 50/70 TOWER DOG RAM & REPLACMENT CYLINDERS

1213 TORQUE CONVERTER MADILL 071/171 TMY 50/70 MOD F-11534 S/N 260387 SPECIFIC TORQUE 340 SPEC NO 63888

1053 EATON PISTON SEALS 18” 24” OLD & NEW STYLES

1285 / 1286 CAT/MADILL BUTTON TYPE GREASE NIPPLES AND CHUCKS

1287 SILICONE TURBO HOSES

1307 WASHINGTON 1088 2 SPEED GEAR

1294 MADILL 123/124 WIPER MOTOR

1284 TALKIE TOOTER AIR SOLENOID

3” LAP BELTS STATIC & RETRACTABLE

SUPPLIER OF ALL BEARINGS & OIL SEALS FOR HAULERS, SHAFTS & SHEATHS

1304 EATON 24” INCH WATER BRAKE SPRING

1304 EATON 18” WATER BRAKE SPRING

1297 WICHITA 19 KK WATER BRAKE SPRING

3 POINT HARNESSES

GEAR TAC 300 / 380 / 460 The Ultimate Replacement for Black Tac

415 Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson Office: 03 544 4172 Mobile: 021 811 057 sales@drdiesel.nz | www.drdiesel.nz

GT-460 MULTI GOLD

5th Wheel / Turntable Grease Replacement

COO T

HAULER PARTS NZ AIR VALVES / CONTROLLERS

1 DE 1” 1007 REXROTH HD-2-FX CONTROLAIR & SERVICE KITS

1262 AVENTICS PILOTAIR 2-HA-2

1189 KOBELT CYPRESS & 1031REBUILD KIT

1058 HUMPHREY 70 CONTROL

1020 WILLIAMS WM90DM PRESSURE MODULATING VALVE & SERVICE KITS

1209 WILLIAMS WM498W

1207 WM512C HYDRAULIC THROTTLE CYLINDER

1019 WILLIAMS WM-607-C1

BRAKE AIR VALVES / TREADLES

1003 WILLIAMS WM318-G VALVE & REPAIR KITS

1251 WILLIAMS WMR318 REPAIR KIT

1265 MAXI BRAKE SWITCH

1270 WM498P REPAIR KIT

W NE

1252 WM472/352 CARTRIDGE

TWIN DISC TRANSMISSION CONTROL VALVE GASKETS

1266 TWIN DISC 2 SPEED TRANSMISSION COIL

1279 TWIN DISC 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION COIL

1178 WM 305 SINGLE TREADLE DUAL VALVE & REPAIR KITS

1047 WILLIAMS 472 & WM325 / WM472 REPAIR KITS

1177 BENDIX DUAL ACTION BRAKE TREADLE

1176 WILLIAMS WM352F MODULATING VALVE

AIR DUMP VALVES

1208 WPT DUMP VALVE

1174 WILLIAMS QUICK RELEASE VALVE

1186 DUMP VALVE

1026 TWIN DISC CLUTCH DUMP VALVE & REPAIR KITS

EDW BUT

MADI TRANS S

1052 FAIRCHILD MODEL 20 HIGH CAPACITY VOLUME BOOSTER

1179 WILLIAMS AIR DUMP VALVE & REPAIR KITS

1172 BENDIX T-240004-D DUMP VALVE

MAD GUY

AIR COMPRESSORS

1229 BENDIX AIR COMPRESSOR GOVERNOR

1276 BENDIX DF596 MAJOR SERVICE REPAIR KIT

1109 BENDIX DF-596 COMPRESSOR

1226 1190 CAT CUMMINS COMPRESSOR BRAKE AIR COMPRESSOR

1187 QUINCY 325, 350, 370 NEW & EXCHANGE

1230 PILOTED UNLOADER CHECK VALVE

WM80A SHUTTLE VALVE

1192 BENDIX 1260 SHUTTLE COMPRESSED VALVE AIR REGULATOR LUBRICATOR

1225 AVANTICS SHUTTLE VALVE

HYDRAULIC PUMPS / MOTORS

FINAL DRIVES VOLVO EC290, CAT 329, EX300

1212 MADILL 124 SLEW MOTOR AND GEARBOX

1077 1077 ENSIGN MADILL 123/124 HYDRAULIC MOTOR GUY WINCH HYDRAULIC MOTOR

GUY ROPE MOTORS

WICH 19", W PA SP

1154 WARATAH 626 MAIN DRIVE MOTOR

1202 SATCO 630 SAW MOTOR

SUPPLIERS OF OREGON HARVEST CHAIN + CHAIN SHARPENING SERVICES

www.drdiesel.nz

sales@drdiesel.nz

WIC

ULTRAA DEGREASER 1000

OLD

COOLING SYSTEM TREATMENT

Dissolves Black-Tac

1241 COMPLETE DIESEL FUEL TREATMENT

1164 POWERUP GEARMAXX

1055 FULLER'S EARTH POWDER 250G

1004 OREGON 3/4 HARVEST CHAIN

DEUBLIN VALVES

1010 DEUBLIN 5/8”-18

1009 DEUBLIN 1” NPT

1012 DEUBLIN 3/8” NPT

1011 DEUBLIN 5/8”-18

1156 WICHITA LONG WATER UNION ADAPTER

1016 DEUBLIN 1/4” NPT

DEUBLIN SERVICE KITS

9 AMS 7-C1

76 AMS 52F ATING VE

2 IX 04-D ALVE

WM80A HUTTLE VALVE

1017 DEUBLIN 3/8” NPT

1129 DEUBLIN

1057 WICHITA CLUTCH AIR TUBE BLANK ADAPTER

1159 DEUBLIN THUNDERBIRD WATER UNION

1013 DEUBLIN WICHITA CLUTCH 18”, 19”, 21”

1015 DEUBLIN 1”-14 NPT

WATER PUMPS

SWITCHES / BUTTONS

W NE

1014 DEUBLIN 1” NPT

E YL ST

1201 EDWARDS 820 BUTTON (NEW STYLE)

1101 DETROIT 60 SERIES ENGINE THROTTLE SWITCH

1008 POTENTIOMETE R 4 POLE TERMINALS

1024 MADILL 122-123 TRANS F-REVERSE SWITCH

1023 MADILL 122-123HI-LO TRANS SWITCH

1203 ACT 8 WATER PUMP 90252008 + KITS

1081 ACT 06 WATER BRAKE PUMP

1206 MONARCH NT2L8S

1082 BE70-85 WATER BREAK PUMP

1194 WATER BRAKE RETURN SCREEN FILTER

1262 DETROIT 60 SERIES ENGINE THROTTLE SENSOR

AIR RAMS 1021 MADILL 122/124 GUY WINCH AIR RAM

1022 MADILL 122 GUY WINCH AIR RAM

1035 MADILL 122/123 SPRING MAXIBRAKE M2475

1153 THUNDERBIRD TSY 155

1205 THUNDERBIRD TMY50/70 GUY WINCH MAXIBRAKE

1204 12/16 STRAWLINE MAXIBRAKE

MADILL 009/046/071 FUEL / HYDRAULIC PUMPS

1025 WABCO / BENDIX AIR DRYER

1211 CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR MADILL & THUNDERBIRD

1181 STRAWLINE PADS

WICHITA 224 WATER BRAKE

1193 BRAKE PARTS 4”, 4.5”, 5”, 6”, WILLIAMS WM-325 PARKING BREAK 7”, 8” CONTROL VALVE

1242 / 1243 CHOKER BATTERIES CR-P2 & CR2

1199 MADILL 124 HYDRAULIC PUMP DRIVE SHAFT

W ED E N OV N R G P SI IM DE

25 TICS E VALVE

WICHITA 18", 19", 21", 24" WEAR PACKING SPACER

REACTION DISCS 14”, 16”, 18”, 24”

1087 WICHITA 18”, 21” ALUMINIUM REACTION DISC

COPPER PLATES EATON 18”, 24” WICHITA 18’, 19”, 21”, 24“, 30”, 36”

1045 TWIN DISK CLUTCH SEPARATOR PLATE KIT

1184 1163 ADT WICHITA EATON 118 - 218 WICHITA 19" 18”, 19”, 21”, 24” NUT BOLT SET FRICTION PLATE PANCAKE STYLE 5/16 X 2 INNER KIT AND OUTER COPPER PLATES

30 OR

WICHITA / TWIN 1188 DISC WICHITA 16" 14”, 18”, 21”, CENTER FRICTION 24”, 36” TWIN PUCK

1070 EATON 224 RUBBER DIAPHRAGM

1161 ADT WICHITA VENTED DRIVE DISC

1065 EATON 18” / 24” FRICTION DISC

WICHITA 3 SPUD TUBE 18”, 19”, 21”, 24”

BFG OIL TUBE / BAG 20¼ X 5, 22 X 5, 26 X 5, 26 X 7

1191 BFG OIL BAG BLOCK 22X5, 26X5, 26X7

HAULER PARTS NZ

NZ LOGGER classified

For Sale

2008 WOODSMAN PRO® 800

harvesting head

www.chains.co.nz ENGINEERED WITH EXPERIENCE....

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

62 NZ LOGGER | April 2017

• • • • LG27833

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

• •

ully efu bished a e 15 000 hou s ncludes new cont ol valve hose kit wi in loom saw moto s and feed wheel moto s deally suited fo 30 45 tonne e cavato with diamete s up to 00mm on nuous 360 de ee ota on ncludes ou new cont ol system so wa e upe io back up se vice and eld suppo t

175 000

ontact Adam if you a e inte ested P: 07 34 12 6 o 027 475 055 E: adam ensi n.co.n W: www.woodsmanp o.co.n

LG28480

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.

NZ LOGGER classified

CONTRACTORS PLANT NZ LTD 59 Broadlands Rd - Taupo

EQUIPMENT SALES

NEW STOCK

BROKERS

HIRE

NEW STOCK

Cat 527 Track Skidder: NZ new, genuine 4,000 hours, full forestry guarding, Cat winch and fairlead. Later ball trunnion PAT blade. $315,000 plus GST

Komatsu PC400LC-8 Processor: John Deere 909KH Level Swing Feller 9,500 hours, Purpose built Forestry cab, Buncher: Only 6,800hrs, harvester boom bonnet, Logger boom and arm, Waratah and arm, Satco 424T Processing head with Caterpillar 325DFM Waratah 624 Processor: 7,360 hrs, FM 625C processing head. measuring. Purpose built Forestry machine, 624 Processor with Logrite $P.O.A $495,000 plus GST measuring system. $P.O.A ROTORUA PALMERSTON NORTH CONTACT: PHIL TODD

E: philt@heavymachineryservices.co.nz

M: 027 595 0019

P: (07) 345 4343

LG28739

Tigercat 630D Grapple Skidder: Rotating seat model, 35.5 Cat 511 / Southstar Processing head: Higher hours but Caterpillar 324DL Log Loader: Full guarding, Ensign tyres, 8,600 hrs. Very tidy example of late model skidder. grapple, immaculate machine for hours. cheap purpose built machine with near new undercarriage $185,000 plus GST ready for work. $125,000 plus GST $145,000 plus GST

Komatsu PC220LC-8 Log Loader: 11,000 hrs, full guarding John Deere 648GIII Grapple Skidder: package, Ensign grapple, good undercarriage. 30.5’s, dual function, winch. $135,000 plus GST

John Deere 548GIII Grapple Skidder: 5,700 hrs. NZ new, genuine low hour machine presented in excellent condition. $85,000 plus GST Popular size for woodlot harvesting. $175,000 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 63

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB SITE

www.blackduck.co.nz

SEAT COVERS

Forestry Equipment • Trucks • Utes – Vans – Commercials Construction Machinery • Agriculture Machinery • Quad Bikes

Tree Hugga Eco-Friendly Chain Bar Oil Key Benefits: • Cheaper, only $1.99 per litre (based on 1000L) • Eco Friendly/Vegetable Based • Better Lubrication • Non Carcinogenic • Easy to clean from clothes

• Genuine high quality 12oz canvas • Manufacturing for over 25 years

SEAT COVERS • Water & rot proof

• Side airbag compatible

Genuine high quality 12oz canvas • Tailored specifically to fit each type of seat Manufacturing for over 20 years • Over 3000 patterns available Water & rot proof Easy to fit - easy• to clean your vehicle investment Protect Side airbag compatible • Overnight available on most products Tailored specifically to fit each delivery type of seat Over 3000 patterns available Protect your vehicle investment Overnight delivery available on most products

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

0 158 479 - sales@blackduck.co.nz - www.blackduck.co.nz

“We’ve been using Tree Hugga in our Harvesters since 2015, the only differences are the environmental benefits and the price!” Roger - Owner of Sika Logging, Taupo. Proudly made in New Zealand by: Flower Power (NZ) Ltd. 3 Manga Rd, Silverdale. M: 021 022 04 106 E: brendon@flower-power.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 | October 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

LG23949

• • • • • • • • •

LG28734

• Easy to fit - easy to clean

LG28714

UPER OUGH

NZ LOGGER classified

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

A O uc AL

NZ LOGGER classified

NOW AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

www.facebook.com/RWFSfieldservice

Ph: 07 348 0501 Email: Info@rwfs.co.nz Mob: 027 817 9448 Workshop 41 Riri Street, Rotorua

66 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

LG26859

visit us on

A O uc AL PE kl L N and NE IN B W G ra SO n O ch N !

CUSTOMISED

TRACK

GROUPS Now in stock for most makes & models of Excavators & Dozers ■ Highest Quality Greased & Sealed

Excavator Chains & SALT Type Dozer Chains.

■ Huge range of 1, 2 & 3 Bar Shoes,

600-700mm wide to suit your needs.

■ Heavy Duty Forestry Shoes with extra

Grouser Bar grip fitted if required.

■ 2000 hour warranty on all parts! ■ Free freight NZ wide!

Be into WIN a Makita 18V Cordless Tool Set valued at $1800.00! For every set of Track Groups ordered during October 2018, you’ll enter the draw! (entries close 31st October 2018)

Call 0800 654 323 to order now! Get in fast while stocks last

Truckers & Loggers FISHING TOURNAMENT Put yo u chair rself in the for th e Truck ers & 2017 Logge rs

30th March to 1st April 2017 Paihia, Bay of Islands Hosted by the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club (Inc)

www.nztruckanddriver.co.nz/truckers-loggers.html

Bra hea felli

2017 TEAM NAME:______________________________________________________________

BOAT NAME: ____________________________________________

MOB NO:

VHF RADIO:

______________________________________________________________

YES

ANGLER: 1. _________________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________

5. _________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________

6. _________________________________________________

Tim Loc

IF MEMBERS OF YOUR CREW ARE NOT MEMBERS OF A CLUB AFFILIATED TO NZ SPORT FISHING INCORPORATED A TOURNAMENT MEMBERSHIP OF $25 PER ANGLER IS REQUIRED. PLEASE TICK BOX IF TOURNAMENT MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR ANGLERS.

TOURNAMENT MEMBERSHIPS REQUIRED No: __________________ @ $25, TOTAL: $ _________________ (Tick Box Alongside Anglers Name) $125 PER ANGLER, No: ___________________________________________ TOTAL: $ _________________ GUEST ENTRY (non anglers) $50 each, No: ___________________________

TOTAL: $ _________________

WE WILL BE FISHING FROM ANOTHER AREA ON THURSDAY MORNING:

YES

NON-REFUNDABLE 25% DEPOSIT with entry to Tournament. Balance payable no later than Wednesday night briefing. Cheques payable to: Truckers & Loggers Fishing Tournament. DEPOSIT: $ ____________________________

TEAM CONTACT NAME: ______________________________________________________________________

PH:________________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EMAIL:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ VISA

MASTERCARD

TD25820

CHEQUE

CARD HOLDER NAME: _______________________________________________________

EXPIRY DATE ________/ _________ AMOUNT: $ _______________

SIGNATURE: _______________________________________________________________

SECURITY CODE ________________

TOURNAMENT SPONSORS:

Ap Loc

P 0

d e t i m i L s e c i v r e S y r t s e r o F h a t Wara Floor Stock on Hand Rebuilt 626 Bigwood 2007 New motors, line bore, new pins, hydraulic valve bank reseal, repaint. New TimberRite automation system. Location Rotorua New Zealand

$180,000 + GST Rebuilt 626 Bigwood

n the 2017 gers

New FL95 Series II

New FL95 Moving Saw Box

Brand new Rotorua floor stock, Fixed saw box felling head with 1000mm log cut. Ready to replace any existing felling head plug and play. Auto tension main saw NZD $85,000 + GST

HTH622C

Brand new Rotorua floor stock, The ultimate shovel logging felling head with moving saw box. Ideal for steep country logging, shoveling and bunching. NZD $85,000 + GST

FL85 Series II

TimberRite Head Only Approx. 5000 hours. Location Rotorua New Zealand. As is price NZD $103,190 + GST

Approx. 500 hours. Location Rotorua New Zealand. As is price NZD $40,000 + GST

Waratah 622B

Waratah 622C

Approx. 6330 Hrs. TimberRite Head only. Location Australia

Approx. 2349Hrs. TimberRite Head only. Location Australia.

As is price AUD $40,000.00 + GST

As is price AUD $120,000.00 + GST

Waratah Forestry Services Limited Parts/service 0800 492 728

Product support helpdesk 0800 492 728

New FL85 Series II Brand new Rotorua Floor stock, small felling head ideal for small 20 ton carrier, auto tension saw NZD $69,000 + GST

Waratah 622B Approx. 16000 Hrs. TimberRite Head only Location Australia As is Price AUD $25,350.00 + GST

Waratah 622C Approx. 2850Hrs. TimberRite Head only. Location Australia As is price AUD $114,000.00 + GST

of the the ofof the of of the the ofofthe the

Equipment Equipment Equipment MONTH MONTH MONTH Equipment MONTH

Finance Finance Finance rates rates rates available available available Finance Finance Finance rates rates rates available available available 0800 0800 346 346 346 275 275 275 Finance0800 rates available 0800 0800 0800 346 346 346 275 275 275 0800 346 275

HITACHI HITACHI HITACHI ZX400LCH-3 ZX400LCH-3 ZX400LCH-3 VOLVO VOLVO VOLVO EC360CL EC360CL EC360CL JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 903KH 903KH 903KH HITACHI HITACHI HITACHI ZX400LCH-3 ZX400LCH-3 ZX400LCH-3 VOLVO VOLVO EC360CL EC360CL EC360CL JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 903KH 903KH 903KH 2011. 2011. Ensign 2011. Ensign Ensign 1730 1730 log 1730 log grapple, log grapple, grapple, livelive heel. live heel. Gary heel. Gary Douglas Gary Douglas Douglas sideside door side doordoor LogVOLVO Log Processor Log Processor Processor with with Waratah with Waratah Waratah HTH626 HTH626 HTH626 BigBig Wood Big Wood Wood head. head. head. Devine Devine Devine 2011. 2011. Tracked 2011. Tracked Tracked Harvester Harvester Harvester fitted fitted with fitted with Southstar with Southstar Southstar TS610 TS610 TS610 Processing Processing Processing HITACHI ZX400LCH-3 VOLVO EC360CL JOHN DEERE 903KH guarding guarding guarding package, package, package, hydraulic hydraulic hydraulic door on door on cabin on cabin cabin ROPS ROPS ROPS frame. frame. frame. Tidy Tidydoor Tidy engineering engineering ROPS, ROPS, ROPS, FOPS, FOPS, OPS FOPS, OPS and OPS and forestry and forestry forestry guarding. guarding. guarding. Estimated Estimated Estimated 2011. 2011. Ensign 2011. Ensign Ensign 1730 1730 log 1730 log grapple, log grapple, grapple, livedoor live heel. live heel. Gary heel. Gary Douglas Gary Douglas Douglas side side door side door Logengineering Log Processor Log Processor Processor with with Waratah with Waratah Waratah HTH626 HTH626 HTH626 Big Big Wood Big Wood Wood head. head. head. Devine Devine Devine head, head, 330hp head, 330hp 330hp Tier Tier IIHarvester engine, Tier IIHarvester engine, II fitted engine, 24" 24" Single 24" Single Single Grouser. Grouser. Grouser. 9,600 9,600 hrs. 9,600 hrs. hrs. 2011. 2011. Tracked 2011. Tracked Tracked Harvester fitted with fitted with Southstar with Southstar Southstar TS610 TS610 TS610 Processing Processing Processing machine machine machine for for hours for hours read hours read for read for work. for work. 15,181 work. 15,181 15,181 hrs.on hrs.cabin hrs. 11,000 11,000 11,000 hrs. hrs. hrs. guarding guarding package, package, hydraulic hydraulic door on door cabin ROPS ROPS frame. frame. Tidy engineering engineering ROPS, ROPS, FOPS, OPS FOPS, and OPS forestry and forestry guarding. guarding. Estimated Estimated guarding package, hydraulic door on cabin ROPS frame. TidyTidy engineering ROPS, FOPS, OPS and forestry guarding. Estimated 2011. Ensign 1730 log grapple, live heel. Gary Douglas side door Log Processor with Waratah HTH626 Big Wood head. Devine head, head, 330hp head, 330hp 330hp TierTier IIHarvester engine, Tier II engine, II engine, 24" 24" Single 24" Single Single Grouser. Grouser. Grouser. 9,600 9,600 hrs. 9,600 hrs. hrs. 2011. Tracked fitted with Southstar TS610 Processing 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 $140,000. $140,000. $140,000. $380,000. $380,000. $380,000. $240,000. $240,000. machine machine forpackage, hours for read hours for read work. for 15,181 work. hrs. 11,000 11,000 hrs.#E1217095 hrs.#E1217095 machine for hours read for work. 15,181 hrs.hrs. 11,000 hrs.#E1217095 guarding hydraulic door on15,181 cabin ROPS frame. Tidy Hastings engineering ROPS, FOPS, OPS and forestry$240,000. guarding. Estimated head, 330hp Tier II engine, 24" Single Grouser. 9,600 hrs. 00 00 00Hastings Palmerston Palmerston Palmerston North North North #E0818078 #E0818078 #E0818078 Hastings Hastings Hastings Hastings #E0218021 #E0218021 #E0218021 00 00 00 00 00 00 $140,000. $140,000. $140,000. $380,000. $380,000. $380,000. $240,000. $240,000. $240,000. machine for hours read for#E0818078 work. 15,181 hrs. 11,000 hrs. Palmerston Palmerston North North #E0818078 Hastings Hastings #E1217095 #E1217095 Palmerston North #E0818078 Hastings #E1217095 Hastings #E0218021 Hastings Hastings #E0218021 #E0218021 $140,000.00 $380,000.00 $240,000.00 Palmerston North #E0818078 Hastings #E1217095 Hastings #E0218021

JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 909KH 909KH 909KH TIGERCAT TIGERCAT TIGERCAT 630D 630D 630D JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE JD624K JD624K JD624K JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 909KH 909KH 909KH TIGERCAT TIGERCAT TIGERCAT 630D 630D 630D JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE JD624K JD624K JD624K 2010. 2010. 2010. Tidy Tidy machine. Tidy machine. machine. Well Well maintained. Well maintained. maintained. FireFire suppression Fire suppression suppression system. system. system. 2014. 2014. Excellent 2014. Excellent Excellent example example example of aoflate aoflate amodel late model model 630D 630D Tigercat 630D Tigercat Tigercat Skidder. Skidder. Skidder. 2010. 2010. Trinder 2010. Trinder Trinder LogDEERE Log Forks, Log Forks, Groeneveld Forks, Groeneveld Groeneveld autoauto lube, auto lube, rear lube, rear radiator rear radiator radiator guard, guard, guard, JOHN DEERE 909KH TIGERCAT 630D JOHN DEERE JD624K South South Star South Star FD750 Star FD750 FD750 felling felling felling head. head. 13,883 head. 13,883 13,883 hrs. hrs. hrs. Winch Winch Winch & grapple. & grapple. & grapple. 3,900 3,900 hrs. 3,900 hrs. 2010. 2010. 2010. Tidy Tidy machine. Tidy machine. machine. Well Well maintained. Well maintained. maintained. Fire Fire suppression Fire suppression suppression system. system. system. 2014. 2014. Excellent 2014. Excellent Excellent example example example of hrs. aoflate aoflate amodel late model model 630D 630D Tigercat 630D Tigercat Tigercat Skidder. Skidder. Skidder. 2010. 2010. Trinder 2010. Trinder Trinder Log Log Forks, Log Forks, Groeneveld Forks, Groeneveld Groeneveld auto auto lube, auto lube, rear lube, rear radiator rear radiator radiator guard, guard, full full mud full mud guards, mud guards, guards, one one owner one owner owner driver driver from driver from new. from new. 16,342 new. 16,342 16,342 hrs. hrs. hrs.guard, South South Star South Star FD750 Star FD750 FD750 felling felling felling head. head. 13,883 head. 13,883 13,883 hrs.hrs. Winch Winch & grapple. &Excellent grapple. & grapple. 3,900 3,900 hrs. 3,900 hrs.of hrs.a late model 630D Tigercat Skidder. 2010. Tidy machine. Well maintained. Firehrs. suppression system. 2014. example Trinder Log Forks, Groeneveld auto lube, rear radiator guard, Winch full mud full mud guards, mud guards, guards, oneone owner one owner owner driver driver from driver from new. from new. new 16,342 new. 16,342 16,342 hrs. hrs.hrs. 00 00 00 full2010. 00 00 00 00 00 00 $317,000. $317,000. $317,000. $79,500. $79,500. $79,500. $350,000. $350,000. $350,000. South Star FD750 felling head. 13,883 hrs. Winch & #E0917063 grapple. 3,900 hrs. Whangarei Whangarei Whangarei #E0718073 #E0718073 #E0718073 Hastings Hastings #E0917063 #E0917063 Nelson Nelson #E0718076 #E0718076 #E0718076 full mud guards, one owner driver from new. 16,342 hrs.00 00 00 Hastings 00 00 00 Nelson 00 00 00 $317,000. $317,000. $317,000. $79,500. $79,500. $79,500. Hastings $350,000. $350,000. $350,000. Whangarei Whangarei Whangarei #E0718073 #E0718073 #E0718073 Hastings Hastings #E0917063 #E0917063 #E0917063 Nelson Nelson Nelson #E0718076 #E0718076 #E0718076 00 00 $317,000.00 $79,500. $350,000. Whangarei #E0718073 Hastings #E0917063 Nelson #E0718076

CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR 525C 525C 525C CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR 535C 535C 535C JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 748H 748H 748H CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR 525C 525C 525C CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR 535C 535C 535C JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 748H 748H 748H 2006. 2006. Recovery 2006. Recovery Recovery winch winch winch (no (no rope), (no rope), 80% rope), 80% rear 80% rear & rear 5% & 5% & front 5% front tyre front tyre wear tyre wear wear 2012. 2012. Tidy 2012. Tidy low Tidy low hour low hour grapple hour grapple grapple skidder, skidder, skidder, nearnear new near new Firestone new Firestone Firestone Forester Forester Forester 2007. 2007. 2007. Direct Direct Direct drive drive skidder drive skidder skidder in good in good in mechanical good mechanical mechanical condition. condition. condition. 6000 6000 6000 CATERPILLAR 525C CATERPILLAR 535C JOHN DEERE 748H remaining. remaining. remaining. Set Set of Set chains of chains of for for front for front tyres. front tyres. New tyres. New New radiator radiator recently recently recently 2006. 2006. Recovery 2006. Recovery Recovery winch winch winch (nochains (no rope), (no rope), 80% rope), 80% rear 80% rear & rear 5% &radiator 5% & front 5% front tyre front tyre wear tyre wear wear special special special tyres. tyres. Approx tyres. Approx Approx 4,027 4,027 hrs. 4,027 hrs. hrs. series series winch. series winch. winch. 7,849 7,849 hrs. 7,849 hrs. hrs. 2012. 2012. Tidy 2012. Tidy low Tidy low hour low hour grapple hour grapple grapple skidder, skidder, skidder, nearnear new near new Firestone new Firestone Firestone Forester Forester Forester 2007. 2007. 2007. Direct Direct Direct drive drive skidder drive skidder skidder in good in good in mechanical good mechanical mechanical condition. condition. condition. 6000 6000 6000 fitted. fitted. fitted. A/CA/C working, A/C working, working, cabin. ROPS cabin. cabin. 14,500 14,500 14,500 hrs. hrs. hrs. remaining. remaining. Set ofwinch Set chains ofROPS chains for front for tyres. front New tyres. radiator New radiator recently recently remaining. Set ofROPS chains for front tyres. radiator 2006. Recovery (no rope), 80% rear &New 5% front tyrerecently wear special special special tyres. tyres. Approx tyres. Approx Approx 4,027 4,027 hrs. 4,027 hrs. hrs. near new Firestone 00 series series winch. series winch. winch. 7,849 7,849 hrs. 7,849 hrs. hrs. in good mechanical condition. 2012. Tidy low hour grapple skidder, Forester 2007. Direct drive skidder 6000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 $180,000. $180,000. $180,000. $87,500. $87,500. $87,500. $230,000. $230,000. $230,000. fitted. fitted. fitted. A/CA/C working, A/C working, ROPS ROPS cabin. ROPS cabin. 14,500 14,500 14,500 hrs.New hrs.hrs. remaining. Set ofworking, chains forcabin. front tyres. radiator recently Christchurch special tyres.#E0618059 Approx 4,027 hrs. series winch. 7,849 hrs. Palmerston Palmerston Palmerston North North North #E0818080 #E0818080 #E0818080 Christchurch Christchurch #E0618059 #E0618059 Whangarei Whangarei Whangarei #E0818088 #E0818088 #E0818088 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 $180,000. $180,000. $180,000.00 $87,500. $87,500. Christchurch $230,000. $230,000. $230,000. Whangarei fitted. A/C working, ROPS cabin. 14,500 hrs. $87,500. Palmerston Palmerston Palmerston North North North #E0818080 #E0818080 #E0818080 Christchurch #E0618059 #E0618059 Whangarei #E0818088 #E0818088 Christchurch #E0618059 Whangarei #E0818088 00 00 00 $180,000. $87,500. $230,000. Palmerston North #E0818080 Christchurch #E0618059 Whangarei #E0818088

JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 748H 748H 748H JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 848H 848H 848H TIGERCAT TIGERCAT TIGERCAT 630B 630B 630B JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 748H 748H 748H JOHN JOHN JOHN DEERE DEERE DEERE 848H 848H 848H TIGERCAT 630B 630B 630B 2009. 2009. Popular 2009. Popular Popular John John Deere John Deere Deere 748H 748H direct 748H direct drive direct drive skidder, drive skidder, skidder, recent recent recent front front front 2012. 2012. Popular 2012. Popular Popular John John Deere John Deere Grapple Deere Grapple Grapple Skidder Skidder Skidder on 35.5 on 35.5 ontyres, 35.5 tyres, includes tyres, includes includes OneTIGERCAT One setTIGERCAT One set of band set of band of new band new tracks new tracks tracks supplied supplied supplied butbut notbut not fitted, not fitted, fitted, winch winch winch fitted. fitted. fitted. JOHN DEERE 748H JOHN DEERE 848H TIGERCAT and and rear and rear diff rear diff overhaul, diff overhaul, overhaul, near near new near new front new front chains. front chains. chains. 8,400 8,400 hrs. 8,400 hrs. hrs. 6,000 6,000 series 6,000 series winch. series winch. winch. Approx. Approx. Approx. 9,800 9,800 hrs. 9,800 hrs. hrs. 2009. 2009. Popular 2009. Popular Popular John John Deere John Deere Deere 748H 748H direct 748H direct drive direct drive skidder, drive skidder, skidder, recent recent recent front front front 2012. 2012. Popular 2012. Popular Popular John John Deere John Deere Grapple Deere Grapple Grapple Skidder Skidder Skidder on 35.5 on 35.5 ontyres, 35.5 tyres, includes tyres, includes includes 8,055 8,055 hrs. 8,055 One One set One set ofhrs. band set ofhrs. band of630B new band new tracks new tracks tracks supplied supplied supplied butbut notbut not fitted, not fitted, fitted, winch winch winch fitted. fitted. fitted. and and rear and rear diff rear diff overhaul, diff overhaul, overhaul, near near new near new front new front chains. front chains. chains. 8,400 8,400 hrs. 8,400 hrs. hrs. front 6,000 6,000 series 6,000 series winch. series winch. winch. Approx. Approx. Approx. 9,800 9,800 hrs. 9,800 hrs.Skidder hrs. on 35.5 tyres, includes 2009. Popular John Deere 748H direct drive skidder, recent 2012. Popular John Deere Grapple 8,055 hrs. 8,055 hrs.band hrs. new tracks supplied but not fitted, winch 00 One8,055 set of fitted. 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 $210,000. $210,000. $210,000. $120,000. $120,000. $120,000. $155,000. $155,000. and rear#E0918094 diff#E0918094 overhaul, near new front chains.$155,000. 8,400 hrs. 6,000 series winch. Approx. 9,800 hrs. 8,055 hrs. North Hastings Hastings Hastings #E0918094 Taupo Taupo Taupo #E0518052 #E0518052 #E0518052 Palmerston Palmerston Palmerston North North #E0818089 #E0818089 #E0818089 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 $210,000. $210,000. $210,000. $120,000. $120,000. $120,000. $155,000. $155,000. $155,000. Hastings Hastings #E0918094 #E0918094 Taupo Taupo #E0518052 #E0518052 Hastings #E0918094 Taupo #E0518052 Palmerston Palmerston Palmerston North North North #E0818089 #E0818089 #E0818089 00 00 00 $210,000. $120,000. $155,000. Hastings #E0918094 Taupo #E0518052 Palmerston North #E0818089

Northland: Northland: Northland: PhilPhil McKenzie Phil McKenzie McKenzie 0276 0276 202 0276 202 505 202 505 | 505 North | North | North Shore: Shore: Shore: Luke Luke Larsen Luke Larsen Larsen 0275 0275 884 0275 884 064 884 064 | 064 Auckland | Auckland | Auckland / Coromandel: / Coromandel: / Coromandel: Malcolm Malcolm Malcolm Pascoe Pascoe Pascoe 0275 0275 949 0275 949 941 949 941941 Northland: Northland: Northland: McKenzie McKenzie 202 0276 202 505 202 505 | 505 North | Birchall North | North Shore: Shore: Shore: Luke Luke Larsen Larsen Larsen 0275 884 0275 884 064 884 064 | Island: 064 Auckland | Auckland | Duncan Auckland / Duncan Coromandel: /0275 Coromandel: /0275 Coromandel: Malcolm Malcolm Malcolm Pascoe Pascoe Pascoe 0275 0275 949 0275 949 941 949 941941 Auckland Auckland Auckland / Phil Hamilton / Phil Hamilton / Phil Hamilton /McKenzie Taranaki: / 0276 Taranaki: / 0276 Taranaki: Simon Simon Simon Birchall Birchall 027 027 809 027 809 6211 809 6211 6211 |Luke Central | Central |0275 Central North North North Island: Island: Terry Terry Terry Duncan 943 0275 943 550 943 550 550 Northland: Phil McKenzie 0276 202Simon 505 | North Shore: Luke Larsen 0275 884 064 | Auckland /0275 Coromandel: Malcolm Pascoe 0275 949 941 Auckland Auckland Auckland / Hamilton / Hamilton / Hamilton / Taranaki: / Taranaki: / Taranaki: Simon Simon Birchall Birchall Birchall 027 027 809 027 809 6211 809 6211 6211 | Central | Central | Central North North North Island: Island: Island: Terry Terry Duncan Terry Duncan Duncan 0275 943 0275 943 550 943 550 550 Hawke’s Hawke’s Hawke’s BayBay / Gisborne: Bay / Gisborne: / Gisborne: PaulPaul Laird Paul Laird 0272 Laird 0272 047 0272 047 289 047 289 | 289 Lower | Lower | Lower North North North Island: Island: Island: Cameron Cameron Cameron Wait Wait 0275 Wait 0275 427 0275 427 250 427 250250 Auckland / Hamilton / Taranaki: Simon Birchall 027 809 6211 | North Central North Island: Terry Duncan 0275 943 550 Hawke’s Hawke’s Hawke’s Bay Bay // Gisborne: Bay / Gisborne: / Gisborne: Paul Paul Laird Paul Laird 0272 Laird 0272 047 0272 047 289 047 289 | 289 Lower | Lower | West Lower Island: Island: Island: Cameron Wait Wait 0275 Wait 0275 427 0275 427 250 427 250 250 Nelson Nelson Nelson / Marlborough: / Marlborough: Marlborough: Todd Todd Blackwood Todd Blackwood Blackwood 0275 0275 223 0275 223 445 223 445 | 445 | North West | North Coast West Coast Coast / Canterbury: /Cameron Canterbury: /Cameron Canterbury: Andrew Andrew Andrew McCoy McCoy McCoy 0275 0275 320 0275 320 238 320 238 | 238 Otago | Otago | Otago / Southland: / Southland: / Southland: Daryl Daryl Highsted Daryl Highsted Highsted 0275 0275 771 0275 771 264 771 264264 Hawke’s Bay / Gisborne: Paul Laird 0272 047 289 | Lower North Island: Cameron Wait 0275 427 250 Nelson Nelson Nelson / Marlborough: / Marlborough: / Marlborough: Todd Todd Blackwood Todd Blackwood Blackwood 0275 0275 223 0275 223 445 223 445 | 445 West | West | Coast West Coast Coast / Canterbury: / Canterbury: / Canterbury: Andrew Andrew Andrew McCoy McCoy McCoy 0275 0275 320 0275 320 238 320 238 | 238 Otago | Otago | Otago / Southland: / Southland: / Southland: Daryl Daryl Highsted Daryl Highsted Highsted 0275 0275 771 0275 771 264 771 264264 Nelson / Marlborough: Todd Blackwood 0275 223 445 | West Coast / Canterbury: Andrew McCoy 0275 320 238 | Otago / Southland: Daryl Highsted 0275 771 264

LG28744

Contact Contact Contact your your your local local local CablePrice CablePrice CablePrice sales sales sales representative representative representative forfor all for all enquiries all enquiries enquiries Contact Contact Contact your your your local local local CablePrice CablePrice CablePrice sales sales sales representative representative representative forfor all for all enquiries all enquiries enquiries Contact your local CablePrice sales representative for all enquiries

YC230-8LCF

• • • • •

POWER BY CUMMINS HYDRAULICS BY KYB & KPM HIGH + WIDE OPTIONS STRONG • SMOOTH BASE WEIGHT 22360KG STRONG COMMON COMPONENTS • VALUE • RELIABILITY • POWER

SD16F 17000 KG 160HP / 120KW

• BULLDOZERS • LOADERS • WIDE FORESTRY RANGE • STRONG & RELIABLE • OUTSTANDING VALUE

0800 344 425 LG28744

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: John Giltrap 0274 329 921 john@diggalink.co.nz

www.diggalink.co.nz

NZ LOGGER classified

Tyres that mean business.

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 to the harshest of conditions and heaviest of applications. To get the best from your gear, choose Nokian.

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

LG28749

2010 Komatsu PC300LC/8

14,000 hours, 626 Bigwood – delimbs knives and drive motors replaced less than a year ago and new pins, bushes and line bore. Purpose built boom High & Wide, ROPS/OPS/FOPS certified, Hydraulic bonnet Full service history

$400,000 + gst

1991 Thunderbird TMY70 – 450 Horsepower

Detroit engine. Rebuilt January 2018. Machine was fully rebuilt in 2015 which included bearings, clutches, bull gears, transmission & cab refurbished. Machine is currently working so can be viewed in Northland.

Price $600,000 + gst which included rigging, ACME carriage & talkie tooter

72 NZ LOGGER | October 2018

LG25750

For more information or to view contact Tom Skipps on 0274 333 185

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, HEA 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

reduce downtime. 3 WAYS COOKES CAN HELP MAXIMISE ROPE LIFE AND REDUCE DOWNTIME

Swage 6x31

Larger blocks

BriLube

Our Swaged 6x31 rope provides improved flexibility and increased bend cycles, meaning reduced downtime. Ensuring optimum performance from your graple yarder.

Are your blocks part of the problem? Increasing the diameter of your blocks means increasing the bend cycle performance of your ropes lowering your production costs.

Forestry ropes work hard and fast and with this generate heat and loss of lubricant. Brilube 30 will ensure you get the maximum life from your wire ropes.

YOUNGS LIGHTWEIGHT HEAVY DUTY HAULBACK BLOCKS. When using quality rope, complete the package with Youngs quality blocks. High Strength Alloy Steel Sheaves

Price Competitive

Timken Taper Roller Bearings

Quality U.S Manufacturing

S PEA K T O T HE T EAM THAT KNOWS THE R O P E S 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