editorial

February 2021 | $7.20

30 TONNES EASY

A challenging harvest solution Logging influencer keeps it positive

The recently upgraded D-series TimberPro TF840 doesn’t fail to impress.

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Taking lessons

2021 IS ALREADY IN FULL SWING WITH HOPE ON THE HORIZON AS the COVID-vaccine continues to be disseminated around the world and political upheavals gratify some while horrifying others. Through it all, loggers continue to do what they do best, rising before dawn and making their way into the ngahere, giving it their all and returning to their families tired but satisfied each night.

New Zealand log stats are looking good, with strong demand from China and the United States driving log recovery. But we have only to look at our closest neighbour to know that in today’s volatile world, things can change in an instant.

China-Australia relations continue to falter. It may have started with beef and barley but it moved to an ongoing tussle over logs, one which is kicking Australia hard. Already having suspended log timber from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania on grounds of live pest infestation; at the time of going to print China had halted timber imports from New South Wales and Western Australia too.

What lessons can New Zealand take from this? With some 80% of New Zealand logs going to China and having felt something of what Australia is going through now this time last year – when Coronavirus first reared its head and offtake for log processing at Chinese ports came to a halt – diversification and exploring other markets is surely key. With 95% of its timber exports going to China, the old adage about putting all your eggs in one basket rings true as Australia tries to piece together its broken eggs.

If there’s one thing Kiwis are good at, it’s problem-solving. Our Breaking Out feature this month shows that skill at its best. A challenging harvest was no match for the team at New Zealand Forestry and Rosewarne Logging, as a shipping container crossing proved a practical and cost-effective solution to limiting environmental impact while completing a successful project.

Coincidentally, also from Rosewarne Logging comes our Tall Timber focus this month. Logging influencer JDubb has transformed his own negative experiences into positive ones, spreading a message of positivity wherever he goes and using social media to his advantage. He takes his inspiration from his father and his father before him. Proof that lessons from our past can only serve to strengthen our future.

Until next time, stay safe.

The MARKET Leader…

Komatsu 875 & 895

Komatsu Forest have maintained a very strong market position with their two most popular forwarders being the Komatsu 875 (16 tonne) which really compliments the 895 (20 tonne). These two current models have been further refined to meet expectations and to cover all the contractors’ extraction requirements with the latest developments in these key areas.

• New transmission system for greater traction and control. • Improved crane performance with a large bunk area. • Introducing Maxifleet to provide the ultimate service and production tool. • New electric engine hood and new access panels for much improved serviceability • Stylish and modern cab with central locking and remote key.

The latest Komatsu forwarders have been taken to another level in lifting the overall standards for forwarding which make them the best in their class.

Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd 15C Hyland Cres Rotorua, New Zealand John Kosar M: 0274 865 844 E: john.kosar@komatsuforest.com Paul Roche M: 021 350 747 E: paul.roche@komatsuforest.com