NZ Logger May 2021

May 2021

One ‘L’ of a skidder ISSN 1176-0397

Power aplenty

Bushmen are born, not made

Probing woodlot roading

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contents MAY 2021

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FOREST TALK CHH, China, Russia, the building boom and the FTA: A recipe for Domestic shortages; Log prices soaring; Help is on the way; Farm foresters have their say; A new era for Scion; A little mentoring goes a long way; Industry-first ‘right to plant’; Forestry scoops primary industry awards; Applications open for NZIF Foundation awards; 875 Logger advances to E-series; Dolling up the dozers; Last of the Redwood Loggers?; HarvestTECH 2021: How technology impacts business; Taking tech into the forest; Lessons learned from electronic log docketing; Linking NZ and Australian sawmills.

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SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST The 648L-II operated by Hodgson Logging of Benneydale is one of the first John Deere L-II series skidders to go to work in New Zealand. With 1,600 changes to reduce complexity and improve productivity, it proves its worth.

TALL TIMBER The Green family’s logging connection to Golden Downs goes back almost 65 years, and four generations. It may have started with the old boys but the new generation is taking the reins.

SPECIAL FEATURE: ROADING FOR WOODLOTS Many of our woodlots coming up for harvest are areas with limited infrastructure. Just how much forest

42 roading do we need for woodlots?

You’d be surprised.

42

SPECIAL FEATURE: BIOENERGY It’s an interesting time to be involved in the sectors of bioenergy, land use, biodiversity and carbon. From contracts in the Auckland region to advising on chip fuel boilers in Southland, Ahika Consulting is flat out on the job.

DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 44 fica 46 top spot 51 new iron 54 classifieds

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 1

from the editor

One ‘L’ of a skidder Power aplenty

ISSN 1176-0397

PHOTO: JOHN ELLEGARD

May 2021

Probing woodlot roading

Bushmen are born, not made

A matter of debate

| $7.20

There’s plenty of power in the new John Deere 684L-II skidder, but you do need to be careful how and where you use it.

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2 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

I SEEM TO BE STARTING THIS PIECE WITH THE WORDS ‘AS WE GO TO print’ a lot lately, however with the ever-changing political and economic landscape it seems a prudent choice so… As we go to print the Trans-Tasman bubble has just opened up, along with some cautious optimism. Log export prices are at a three-year high and COVID vaccines are being disseminated around the world.

While that is good news for exporters and wood traders, of course the scales always find a way of balancing out. On the flip side are exploding freight prices and then there’s the stagnation of value-add wood exports and the shortage of domestic lumber which is making itself felt. A perfect storm of reasons has emerged for the shortage, with many blaming our reliance on China for export and the lure of those same high export prices. Others say it’s got little to do with construction in China and a lot more to do with construction at home.

Between the Whangarei mill closure and Carter Holt Harvey’s subsequent controversial decision to cut timber supplies to Mitre 10, Bunnings and ITM in the midst of the COVID-induced residential building boom, industry players are butting heads. Some say the short supply is not an export-related issue but more about the supply chain and long term underinvestment in wood processing. For others, well, it’s all about China. Turn to our Forest Talk pages for a round-up of opinions.

Controversy and difficult times are not new to this industry. It’s perseverance and hard work that always shine through. Our Tall Timber feature this month is testament to that. It should be titled ‘Tall Forest’ as we take a walk through the Green family’s six decades in the forestry industry, with no sign of breaking the family tradition anytime soon.

Also in this issue you’ll find a company that is breaking boundaries in the field of bioenergy, land use, biodiversity and carbon. From generating secondary biomass from wilding tree residue to using native reforestation to enhance water quality, it’s no coincidence that Ahika Consulting is named for the Māori concept of sustaining our home fires.

If you’ve ever looked around a woodlot and wondered how much forest roading it would take to harvest it, you’ll find our feature on just that offers some interesting revelations.

Lastly, this month’s Iron Test puts one of the first John Deere L-II series skidders in the country to the test. The one thing you need in a skidder is plenty of power and it doesn’t disappoint.

Lots to get your teeth into these chilly autumn evenings.

Until next time, stay safe.

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forest talk

CHH, China, Russia, the building boom and the FTA: A recipe for domestic shortages WITH THE WHANGAREI MILL BEING the latest casualty in the closure of up to 15 mills in recent years by the country’s largest structural timber supplier, Carter Holt Harvey (CHH), debate is raging over the true cause of domestic structural timber restrictions.

Grant Dodson, Chief Executive of City Forests and Chair of the Southern Wood Council, says while demand in Asian and other markets for New Zealand logs remains solid, domestic mills are now “flat out” due to escalated building sector demand.

In contrast to complaints by producers that the current supply issue stems from China’s inflated and subsidised prices for New Zealand logs, he says domestic use still represents about 43% of this market, indicating this is more than a simple export issue, with the root cause of supply restrictions of structural timber relating to chronic, long-term underinvestment in wood processing .

“This really starts with processors, who are limited by a lack of capacity,” he says.

Now CHH has cut supply to its smaller customers, prioritising Placemakers,

4 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

owned by Fletcher Building, and Carters Building Supplies. This leaves building supplies cooperative ITM and Mitre 10 on the lookout for alternative supplies on the back of a residential building boom that saw building consents move up 5% to a record 39,725 dwellings for the year to February. The CHH move has sparked a Commerce Commission enquiry.

CHH issued a statement that the shortage was short-term and industrywide caused by a huge timber appetite as well as CHH’s difficulties with upgrading capacity at its Kawerau mill.

Red Stag Chief Executive, Marty Verry says there is a worldwide building boom and New Zealand is no exception with COVID and its construction aftermath.

Chief executive of the New Zealand Building Industry Federation, Julien Leys, explains that CHH only closed its Whangarei plant because the Northland region no longer has any more structural graded timber to make the sawmill economically viable. “Closure of the Whangarei plant has been planned for many years, so despite the unfortunate job losses, it had no impact on CHH’s

manufacturing capacity or the structural timber supply for domestic housing,” he says. The total shortage of structural wood in the building supply chain is approximately 5 to 10 per cent – not ideal in the middle of a housing boom.

President of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF), James Treadwell, emphasises that this short supply is not an export-related issue “as about 90% of logs that are exported don’t meet the structural specification for domestic mills anyway”.

“What we’re exporting is what the domestic mills don’t want in general,” he says.

The Wood Processors and Manufacturers’ Association’s (WPMA) Jon Tanner disagrees, saying the increase is because New Zealand is shipping an extraordinary amount of logs overseas.

“New Zealand wood processors pay the price that is being set at the wharf, so we’re paying the same prices as the people who are importing.”

Of all the logs New Zealand cuts down, more than half of them end up at the port to be shipped overseas. China is

forest talk

our biggest buyer, purchasing the large majority – 85 percent of those raw log exports.

Mr Tanner says he’s been warning the Government about the impact of foreign buyers on prices here.

“What we’re saying is, let’s make sure the market for those logs is free and fair so that domestic processors can compete on the same footing as overseas processors.”

The New Zealand Forest Owners Association’s (FOA) Phil Taylor says the WPMA claim that the problem is log exports to China goes back to the drive to get the government to cross subsidise local production with exports, which was the aim of Shane Jones’ Log Bill last year.

“The WPMA was wrong then and it’s unfortunately wrong again now. Their colourful stories of Chinese buyers flying over forests to spot log supply from the air has nothing to do with this short-term problem.

“The WPMA is using a completely unrelated framing timber shortage to try to get Government support for intervening against exports which is the type of move the entire primary sector completely rejected last year.”

Mr Taylor says the volume of the New Zealand timber market has been remarkably stable for at least the past two decades.

“On top of that you can’t expect processors to have capacity on stand-by for extra sales at a level which hasn’t happened in the past 20 years.”

The NZIF’s Mr Treadwell says the cutting of supplies is most likely a commercial issue between a supplier and its customers, rather than a supply issue

within the New Zealand Forest and Wood sector.

“Current domestic supply of logs is strong – there is a good supply of logs for domestic processing,” he says.

“This isn’t an export vs domestic supply issue. Most forest owners are more than happy to supply domestically and will continue to do so. Forum Members are well placed to keep the domestic supply chain well stocked with New Zealand logs,” he says.

Prue Younger, CEO of the New Zealand Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA), says there have been some suggestions that there is not enough wood being harvested overall. She says there is pressure on the overall supply chain, rather than it being a specific harvesting issue.

“Rather than a specific wood supply issue, we’re seeing the whole supply chain under pressure, affecting the expediency of getting logs to processing and export,” she says.

Added to the mix is the new law proposed by Russia’s President to ban the exportation of softwood logs and highvalue hardwood logs as of 1st January, 2022. The Russian government is also considering new regulations aimed at reducing the exportation of green softwood lumber. This regulation is loosely planned to also commence in 2022 and is intended to incentivise investments in dry kilns to produce dried lumber for exports.

From that country’s perspective, reducing log and green lumber exports will likely stimulate further value-added processing within Russia and better control illegal logging.

While the proposed ban is not yet law, it

is widely expected to be implemented and passed into law in the second quarter of this year. Considering that Russia exported 15 million m 3 of logs in 2020, which accounted for almost 12% of globally traded roundwood, if enacted, the law will have a significant impact as China looks to source more sawlogs from other regions of the world, such as Europe, the US and, of course, Oceania. The increased competition for logs in those markets will likely put upward pressure on sawlog prices. In time, China may change its focus from importation of roundwood to importation of lumber.

Added to this is New Zealand’s 2019 upgrade to its China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which allows for tariff-free entry for almost all of New Zealand’s $3 billion wood and paper trade to China, and phased tariff elimination on additional wood and paper products worth $35 million.

None of this bodes well for the current domestic lumber shortage. “Not surprisingly, very few countries including New Zealand managed to successfully plan for the tremendous upswing in consumer housing demand that followed the viral curveball that turned all societal and economic norms upside down,” says Mr Leys, predicting that New Zealand’s shortage of structural building wood is likely to last until June 2021 until supplies catch up with demand, combined with a winter seasonal slowdown.

“Perhaps we will realise that investing consistently in increased wood production capacity needs to be matched to long-term procurement contracts from Government for the building supply chain irrespective of what the crystal ball economic forecasts say,” Mr Leys concludes. NZL

Log prices soaring AS LOG PRICES SOAR ON THE BACK OF DEMAND FROM CHINA, strong domestic construction activity and tight global supply, particularly from Australia and Europe, forestry is helping power a recovery in regional New Zealand.

According to BusinessDesk, in the latest ASB Regional Scoreboard, the two top spots in the rankings were held by the forestry powerhouses of Northland and Gisborne. The New Zealand Regional Economic Scoreboard takes the latest quarterly regional statistics and ranks the economic performance of New Zealand’s 16 regional council areas.

Prices aren’t far off the highs they hit back in 2018-19, with ASB Bank’s forestry indices lifting 5% in New Zealand dollar terms over Q4

2020 and then a further 6% over Q1 this year. The index is currently $10 above the two-year average, $6 above the three-year average, and $6 above the five-year average.

The PF Olsen Log Price Index remained at $130 in March due to the stable at wharf gate (AWG) prices. The cost and freight prices for New Zealand pine logs in China increased approximately US$5 over the last month and continue to increase.

The price for A-grade logs is now around US$158 per Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) cubic metre and it is expected log exporters will continue to ask for increased pricing to compensate for increased shipping costs. NZL

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 5

forest talk

Help is on the way WITH CARTER HOLT HARVEY (CHH) UNABLE TO MEET DEMAND, the opening of a new CLT wood processing plant in Rotorua this month will help alleviate New Zealand’s domestic timber shortage.

Red Stag group CEO, Marty Verry, says the plant will add five percent to the capacity of the New Zealand wood processing sector.

That equates to around two thousand dwelling units, or most of the estimated shortfall in current timber supply.

The factory will produce cross laminated timber, or CLT as it is commonly known. CLT is a ‘mass timber’ construction product made by gluing successive layers of timber laid crossways over the layer below, to form large panels three, five or seven layers of timber thick.

The rigid engineered timber panels are then precision cut by CNC machines in factory and rapidly assembled on site.

In Red Stag’s case the CLT panels can exceed 16 metres x 4 metres in size, making for fast construction and few connections.

Kaianga Ora is a major CLT user in New Zealand and use internationally is widespread. Google last week broke ground on its first mass timber building in Silicon Valley using CLT. Costing $50 million, the CLT factory is co-located with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest sawmill, Red Stag, in Rotorua. It will employ forty people initially, rising to double that over time, and is partfunded by a $15 million loan from the Provincial Growth Fund.

Mr Verry doesn’t expect all of the CLT factory’s capacity to be used in residential units though as there is already a waiting list of other projects, including retirement villages, student accommodation, office buildings, educational facilities and cultural buildings.

“CLT has a value sweet spot in large-format structures, buildings of three storeys or more, and for mid-floors in terraced housing built to the NZS 3604 standard. Apartment buildings and fast-to-install CLT mid-floors will be our residential focus areas.”

Supply of flooring materials such as joists, I-beams and flooring panels has been delayed in recent months, and Mr Verry expects the building community will be quick to take up CLT mid-floors, which drop into place to provide a finished platform to construct the next level on without delay.

Meanwhile the CLT factory’s sister company, Red Stag Timber is also flexing to help with the timber shortage. The country’s largest sawmill, supplying around 25 percent of New Zealand’s needs, is pulling back uncommitted supply from export markets and squeezing out more hours and capacity to help keep its ITM, PlaceMakers, Mitre 10 and independent clients.

“We plan to bring forward further expansion of both the mill and CLT factory on the back of CHH’s decision to stop supply to key merchant chains,” he says. “There are many in the industry that will want to source from an independently-owned supply chain, rather than relying on product from a competing merchant chain.”

Also commenting on CHH’s decision to discontinue supply of structural timber to some merchants, the New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTIF) says this comes as no surprise.

In recent months all New Zealand sawmills have been under pressure to supply a booming domestic timber market for all end uses; residential building and outdoor timber including fencing, decking and landscaping, says the NZTIF. However, based on other available timber milling production

6 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

17 metre lamella running through the new plant followed by boards that will be auto cut into 4.5 metre wide lamella. capacity and previous cyclical shortages, the Federation doesn’t expect the current timber shortage to be overly prolonged.

Efforts are being made to keep up with the demand, including the diversion of export timber back into the New Zealand market.

However, sawmills’ ability to ramp up production quickly has been constrained in regions by a lack of availability and rising costs of logs and labour, the NZTIF adds.

Apart from the two remaining CHH sawmills, there are still a good number of other mills operating and all are lifting capacity as much as they are able, to meet this current increase in demand. “The biggest challenge to lifting production for mills is getting enough logs and in turn, competing on supply and price with the Chinese buyers and the export demand for New Zealand logs. The next challenge then is getting enough skilled staff to put on additional shifts. Getting the mix of skills required, or training staff, has been an ongoing issue to the timber industry for a number of years,” says the Federation.

They suggest that Councils and building consenting authorities put provisions in place to remove compliance barriers and that Government includes the specialised skills applicable to sawmilling, on the Essential Skills Shortage List so the immigrant labour could be utilised in the short term.

“New Zealand sawmills have historically been able to supply all of the country’s timber needs with few shortages ever occurring or lasting for long. Timber retailers and builders have, in the past, been spoilt with timely deliveries and choice of timber suppliers, leading to few supply constraints and timber prices being held down.

However, the squeeze between rising log and labour costs and sawn timber sales prices has led to numerous sawmill closures over recent years. Some regions of NZ now have no, or few, sawmills making these communities more exposed to timber supply shortages.

“Over the last two years alone, we have seen five significantly sized sawmills close down, representing an estimated 400,000 cubic meters of production. While the remaining sawmills have taken steps to plug the shortfall, lost capacity to service the local market is evident.” NZL

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forest talk

Farm foresters have their say WHEN FARM FORESTRY NEW ZEALAND started in the 1950s, the idea that trees be planted as a commercial crop was novel and needed considerable support and practical demonstration. The need for an integrated approach to trees in the landscape and greater promotion of the farm forestry concept is now clear, says incoming Association President, Graham West.

Following the Association’s annual five-day conference in Wellington, themed ‘Trees and the political landscape’, a number of issues emerged. Climate change impacts, adaption, and building resilience were a consistent backdrop to many of the presentations.

Incentives for tree planting and regulations around tree crop establishment or harvesting are now commonplace. Numerous senior officials informed the conference of key new regulatory developments that will either encourage or control trees in the landscape.

However, few provided answers to how 680,000+ hectares of new planting will be incentivised to achieve the goals suggested in the recent Climate Change Commission (CCC) advice.

Mr West says if a consistent programme of tree planting is desired by New Zealand, several strategic issues need to be

addressed concurrently to encourage private investment. Voluntary groups like the Farm Forestry Association have the practical skill and need to be supported with funding to coordinate professional field officers that facilitate information transfer via field days and preparation of case study material, he says.

“The heavy reliance on radiata pine to do many roles in the forestry sector, is a major risk in terms of biosecurity. But species diversification needs to be addressed by government because it is a national risk that individuals don’t address. Knowledge of alternative species options and management practices is well developed in farm forestry, but the significant risk around processing and markets remains. While we cannot de-risk the future, we can reduce the upfront costs when establishing these alternative species, if Government mitigates that risk through larger grants”.

Farm foresters are getting into the peak years of harvesting from their 1990s plantings, he says, and they don’t want the government to control or tax their longawaited harvest as it appears the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA) was wanting the government to do.

New President of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association, Graham West.

“The WPMA says it wants the government to make a level domestic and export playing field, but it is in fact demanding the complete opposite.

“Plus the logs supplied for export, are generally not suitable to meet the house construction grades here in New Zealand.

There is not that much overlap.” NZL

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forest talk

A new era for Scion Te Whare Nui o Tuteata showcases innovative technologies for large “WE ARE AT A DEFINING POINT FOR NEW ZEALAND, WITH THE potential for forestry to fuel a bio-based and sustainable economy. buildings in timber that are climate-friendly, earthquake-resilient and Scion’s work has the potential to power the transformation that New cost-effective. The building stores approximately 418 tonnes of CO2Zealand is making as we look to meet our climate change commitments, eqv for the life of the building. This is equivalent to the emissions from build our economy back better, and improve environmental and social 160 return flights from Auckland to London. New Zealand’s radiata pine outcomes,” says Scion Chair, Dr Helen Anderson of the opening of its forests can regrow this amount of wood in just 35 minutes – making it truly sustainable. new innovation building.

See the April 2021 edition of NZ Logger magazine for a full feature on Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, has been officially opened by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Research, Science & Innovation, Dr the new building. NZL Megan Woods marking a new era in Scion’s evolution.

The building name “Te Whare Nui o Tuteata” was gifted by Ngā Hapū e Toru who hold mana over the whenua. The name acknowledges the mana of the tupuna Tuteata, from whom Ngā Hapū e Toru descend and the connection to the whenua, Tītokorangi.

Te Whare Nui o Tuteata is now the ‘front door’ to Scion’s campus – Te Papa Tipu Innovation Park – which is already home to more than 30 different organisations and companies.

Scion Chief Executive, Dr Julian Elder, says, “Te Whare Nui o Tuteata is an example of timber technology and innovative design and construction that has been created through collaboration with New Zealand designers, wood processors and construction firms. This building is a symbol of the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern opens Scion’s new doors, surrounded by powerful connections we foster between Scion, local iwi, children from Whakarewarewa School and some 500 guests. government, industry and the local community.”

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forest talk

A little mentoring goes a long way ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FORESTRY AND WOOD Processing Workforce Council is to “increase on-the-job training, professional development, and knowledge and application of best practice”. Another is to “strengthen and support professional identity and pride among forestry and wood processing workers”.

Part of its Action Plan, the Council’s General Skills Project was developed to meet these objectives, thereby helping manage and develop workforce capability for the industry.

“Nearly every new employee in the forest and wood processing industry lacks knowledge about the industry, the commercial aspects of the employer’s work in the forest or processing site, and his/her role in the industry,” says Council Chair, Fraser Field.

This project recognises that a new employee has a task to perform for the employer that will create a financial benefit to the employer. As such, training for this task takes precedence, he says. “Having started the training required for the task, we see the need to also give the new employee a ‘grounding’ in the industry, to develop greater maturity, to deliver training needed to operate within the industry as well as within task elements,” he adds.

This project has grown out of that perceived gap in knowledge, plus the opportunity to mentor new employees, especially young rural people fresh out of school, the need to recognise achievements, and the need to record training at the employee level.

The concept identifies the skills and knowledge needed to make a fully rounded worker – one who will stay in the industry. Currently concentration on new employees is geared to developing task skills as soon as possible.

This could be headed ‘the how’. Too often ‘the what’ and ‘the why’ don’t feature in their training, says Mr Field.

“We try to recognise that people will always perform better if they know why they are doing certain things rather than just ‘how’. To deliver this extra training we plan to make wider use of mentors. So we need to identify mentors and train them – in coaching, face-to-face contact and in building trust and confidence between parties.

“We have also determined that recognition can be given at the completion of milestones throughout early employment – for example after a first month of employment,” he adds.

Consider the employee’s story – he/she has: • completed the first month in a new role, • become used to new tools or materials (spade, chainsaw, fillets), • become work-fit and completed 20-odd full working days, • learned techniques to complete elements of the task, • learned to cooperate with others in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

10 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

These accomplishments are worth noting on their own, Mr Field says: “Add in the D&A requirements, necessary emergency procedures, the need to report even minor incidents; and for a young person, not long out of school or changing career, a month is a milestone. Our suggestion is that an award may consist of no more than a certificate, awarded by say the crew boss at a tailgate meeting or at smoko.”

Support for a new employee from a mentor will encourage the successful completion of a first month (or three months which will be the next stage).

This mentor should ideally be from within the crew, he adds.

“We are aware that the abilities and skills of mentors are not within every crew member and it may be that no worker in a team demonstrates the characteristics of empathy and experience that will be required.

Contractors do, in fact, bring in training capacity from outside the crew and that training includes, by default, mentoring. In any case, there is within this project the need to develop those skills both within and outside the crew. We see, at completion of the project, a mentor in each crew who will complement training purchased or brought in,” he explains.

Lastly a system of recording progress is needed, he says: “Unit standards are the building blocks of qualifications but even they are broken down into small deliverables. These are called outcomes, and even these are broken down again into pieces of evidence of learning. When each small element of an outcome is achieved, we need to record it. The learning can then be completed in a logical sequence, on the job, as the worker progresses. The project will seek out and develop a suitable process.”

In summary, the benefits of the project include: • Increased knowledge, at an earlier stage in employment, about Health & Safety, productivity, quality, environmental aims, and commercial aspects of the industry and, in particular, the benefits of the task being learned to the industry.

• A mentor for each employee from day 1, who can deliver basic Health & Safety, quality, environmental and productivity training and provide guidance, encouragement, and primary pastoral care.

• A mentor who gains experience at this role in preparation for more complex training and assessing further on.

• Planned and graduated recognition of progress from the first few weeks through to maturity as a competent employee able to take a full part in the industry. This may well include being a mentor in his/her own time.

• A recording process that creates a transparent record of achievement The Council has secured funding from the Forest Growers Levy Trust to get this project underway, so expect to see progress reports.

For more on the Forestry and Wood Processing Workforce Action Plan, search it on: https://www.mpi.govt.nz NZL

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forest talk

Industry-first ‘right to plant’ ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S TEN LARGEST FREEHOLD FOREST plantations, Aratu Forests, has announced an industry-first, 90-year ‘right to plant’ land management agreement with sustainable land-use company, eLandNZ – with the backing of the Gisborne District Council.

Set to create a permanent native forest buffer alongside waterways within Aratu Forests, the scheme has been under development for two years. This month, ground will be broken as part of a community launch event involving Iwi, community groups and the Gisborne District Council. eLandNZ Managing Director, Sheldon Drummond, says: “The 90-year agreement for mixed land use within Aratu Forests will see eLandNZ progressively manage revegetation of streamside buffers within the Aratu Forests estate that are unsuitable for timber plantation.

“In the first 25-years the project will establish a permanent streamside native forest with primary species planted including manuka, belts of larger native trees in higher areas and flax in flood zones. The specific environmental improvements will include greater biodiversity, improved water quality and reduced offsite wood debris movement during any future flood event,” he says.

“Community expectation on improved environmental management of our land and waterways requires the forestry industry to be thinking long-term while also taking action today. We are confident this project will pioneer a new standard for sustainable forestry practices, which can be replicated across other fragile forestry environments,” he adds.

In the first year of the agreement approximately 170 hectares of the Aratu Forests estate will be prepared for planting, which will kick start this month. Ūawanui Environmental Sustainability Project spokesperson, Victor Walker, adds: “Our iwi and community, including our schools have been

facilitating meetings to discuss environmental remediation and the impacts of the woody debris and flooding on our community in numerous forums for over a decade. These have been challenging times. The community hui at Reynolds Hall in Uawa, after the floods in 2018, was a touchstone for a highly connected approach to explore proactive solutions for what was required to keep our waterways and coastlines pristine and our community safe.” Ūawanui acknowledges the training and employment pathways that the industry provides and is optimistic that the project will also help build relationships to create opportunities.

Tara Strand, General Manager Forest and Landscapes at Scion says: “Scion is excited to support this long-term initiative to bring the health and wellbeing (the mauri) back to the forest and community. Establishment of these permanent forests enables us to better understand how forests help to mitigate flooding, lock soil and improve water quality, biodiversity, soil health and ultimately the wellbeing of the people.”

Aratu Forests Chief Executive, Neil Woods, adds: “As more forestry owners become more proactive in activities that facilitate the environmental remediation of streamside land it will reduce costs to local and regional councils, while also assisting the Government in meeting its Paris Accord commitments through additional permanent forestry and carbon sequestration.

“This is a commercial solution to an environmental problem and there are going to be a lot of learnings for the industry as this project develops,” Mr Woods says, “This project stands to bring our communities together and there will be opportunities for other partners to participate in the future, including to involve other forests in the region and, ultimately, across New Zealand,” he says. NZL

Forestry scoops primary industry awards TAKING THREE OF THE FOUR CATEGORY prizes in the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Good Employer Awards this week is a sign the forestry sector has come of age as a leading primary sector industry, says Forest Owners Association (FOA) Vice President, Grant Dodson.

“Many people still think the land-based industries are only about food production.

But we have companies and individuals in our forest industry who are equally proud of the work they do. It’s great to see three of them have been recognised through these awards. They are representative of many other individuals and companies who are working to high professional standards in our industry,” he says.

“On top of forestry’s key role in absorbing greenhouse gases, the government also expects an increase in our forest products overseas earnings of $2.6 billion within ten years.

“That’s a growth volume in our primary sector that only horticulture is going to equal. We need good companies and people to achieve this, and doing so well in these awards, against the best in the whole

12 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

primary sector, shows we can do it,” adds Mr Dodson.

The three award winners were: South Island based forest company Port Blakely for Health & Safety, Rewi Haulage, a Māoriowned and operated log trucking company based in Rangitukia north of Gisborne for the Māori Agribusiness Award, and the Supreme Winner was Rayonier Matariki Forests.

The Supreme Award recognises employers who provide great employment conditions, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, have a highly effective employee development programme and excellent health and safety record.

Managing Director of Rayonier Matariki Forests, Brendan Slui says he’s thrilled to receive such a prestigious accolade for the company’s good employer practices.

“We have worked hard to be a successful company and provide a workplace where our people are valued, respected, and contributing at all levels. The calibre and passion of our people is what makes us a great company and one which people want to be a part of.” NZL

Applications open for NZIF Foundation awards APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE awards and scholarships offered by the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) Foundation for 2021. The total value of awards offered is $34,700.

The awards open for application are: • Two Future Forest Scholarship awards for post graduate research, each up to $10,000.

• The New Zealand Redwood Company Scholarship of $5,000 for an undergraduate scholarship at the University of Canterbury School of Forestry.

• One or more Otago Southland Awards up to a combined total of $5,200 to assist a project or projects of relevance to forestry in the Otago/ Southland region.

• Mary Sutherland Scholarship of $1,000 for a polytechnic student.

• University Undergraduate Scholarship of $1,000.

• Frank Hutchinson Postgraduate scholarship of $1,000.

• Student poster prizes at NZIF Conference (1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes of $800, $500 and $200).

Applications are now open. Further details and an application form are available on the Foundation web page (https://www.nzif.org.nz/about-us/nziffoundation/ ) NZL

forest talk

875 Logger advances to E-series TIGERCAT’S 875E LOGGER INTRODUCES SEVERAL NEW FEATURES, including an updated operator station, two undercarriage options, and various grapple configurations to tailor the machine to specific needs.

This multi-purpose carrier has two boom options for loading or processing applications. The machine can be equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 Non-certified, Tier 4f or Stage V engine, producing 210 kW (282 hp).

The undercarriage is designed and built to withstand rigorous, fulltime forest duty applications. Two options are available. The F7-150 undercarriage is standard. The larger footprint F7-162 undercarriage provides additional stability for heavy timber applications.

The 875E can be configured as a loader equipped with various power clam, butt-n-top, live heel, pulpwood and log grapple options.

The carrier can also be configured as a high-capacity processor capable of running large harvesting heads in demanding duty cycles.

The spacious cabin has a new operator’s seat with built-in heating. Controls are now integrated into both sides of the joystick pods, eliminating the need for any bolt-on control pods. The optimally positioned controls and a large touchscreen display improve ergonomics and machine monitoring. Reduced in-cab noise levels help the operator enjoy the auxiliary audio input port, Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling. Additional new features include a standard equipped rearVIEW camera system, emergency stop button, and a key FOB to turn on exterior lights remotely when entering the cab in the dark.

Some of the many advantages of the 875E over excavator

conversions include better service access, higher cooling capacity, a better operating environment, more robust undercarriage components and efficient hydraulic circuits. The result is higher production, uptime and fuel efficiency. NZL

Dolling up the dozers DELIVERING IMPROVED RIDE QUALITY AND INCREASED productivity on the industry’s toughest and most challenging job sites, John Deere has announced updates to its largest dozers, the 950K and 1050K models.

Based on customer feedback, the updates improve productivity, durability, and operator satisfaction. The upgraded 950K and 1050K models include a suspended double-bogie undercarriage, new Extended Life undercarriage options and updated blade offerings.

“Our time spent on customer sites has allowed us to confidently design an undercarriage for the 1050K that drastically improves operability and productivity on rough terrain,” says Matt Goedert, solutions marketing manager, John Deere. “With these updates, we’re delivering increased machine uptime while significantly enhancing the operator experience.”

The suspended double-bogie track frame on the 1050K improves ride quality. Featuring a second layer of bogies, new isolators and refined geometry, the 1050K delivers increased durability and a smoother ride that reduces fatigue for operators on long shifts.

Another update for both the 950K and 1050K models is the Extended Life undercarriage option. A successful option on the smaller dozer models, the Extended Life undercarriage features the John Deere-exclusive SC-2™-coated track chain bushings. Produced using a proprietary coating that forms a hard shell, the SC-2-coated bushings deliver up to twice the wear life of standard bushings, significantly increasing machine uptime.

In addition, the 1050K Semi-U blade now features a more productive

profile. The new profile delivers several benefits, including increased capacity with improved roll performance and standard cast end bits.

As a result, the Semi-U blade reduces material plugging and carries more dirt where it needs to go with every pass, boosting machine productivity.

Other updates include a 950K stockpiling configuration addition and exterior hose upgrades. Intended for coal handling and wood chip applications, the new factory stockpiling configuration for the 950K provides specialized sheet metal guarding to increase protection from material spilling over the blade and falling through the horizontal hood perforations and grille. This configuration also includes a special high-debris cooling package. The exterior hoses on both machines have also been upgraded, offering improved flexibility and extended durability in cold-weather environments. NZL

The 1050K Crawler dozer.

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 13

forest talk

Last of the Redwood Loggers ?

Above: The loaded rig of Tokoroa contractors Rob Dahm.

Below left: This CAT 538 loader was limited by the opening of the grapple arm.

Below right: Like kauri some redwoods reached giant proportions. The Atiamuri trees were more modest like those in the background.

Humboldt State University Library Special Collections. Photographer A.W. Ericson.

Story: Paul Mahoney HISTORY WAS LIVED AGAIN WHEN REDWOOD LOGS AS BIG AS kauri were felled recently in the central North Island. In the March edition of NZ Logger magazine, we featured the last of the kauri bushmen in the 1920s. In the 2020s this may be the last of the big redwood loggers. The giant Sequoia semperviren trees came from Hancock’s Forest on State Highway One near Atiamuri, near where it crosses the Waikato River. The species are native to central and northern coastal areas of California, and for more than a century were the impetus for a thriving old-growth lumber industry.

It is thought the 15 trees were planted in the 1920s when this forest was being established as part of the giant New Zealand Forest Products (NZFP) estate that extended south from Kinleith for 50km towards Taupo. At that time there was no state highway, few inhabitants, and just a local road. The NZFP planting focus was radiata pine from its Tokoroa nursery. However, it was common in forestry at that time to plant examples of other species in amenity areas, so there may have been a forestry camp located beside the road which was just a scratch in the pumice.

The logging contractors for this harvest were PJ & DA Stevens of Taupo. A three-foot chainsaw bar was used for the felling, which was done by hand. Each tree was bucked into four-metre logs, the largest of which weighed six tonnes. These logs are too large to fit in any

14 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

New Zealand sawmill, so they are being exported. A few large stands of redwoods were planted in New Zealand in the 1920s as part of species diversification, but most of these were logged in their prime in the 1980s. The forgotten Atiamuri trees may well be the last to go for utilisation unless some other lost gems are found.

Though it is legal to fell them, an outstanding group of 120-yearold giant redwoods remain protected at Rotorua as the Redwood Grove, and you can enjoy them on an elevated treetop walk. These Atiamuri redwoods somehow survived three or four rotations in the surrounding radiata forest before their time was up – a tranquil period which enabled them to grow to such a giant size. Back in their heyday redwoods were renowned for strength and durability, so were in demand for structural timbers and railway sleepers. These ones now being so rare will likely find some premium use. NZL

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HarvestTECH 2021

Taking tech into the forest Lastly, on Government and tech, he says policy in government struggles with technology. For instance two recent new Bills – Water Services and Reserve Bank – had no mention of digital technology, real-time monitoring or digital currency or cryptocurrency. Considering it can take up to three years to change a Bill, this is a concern, he says.

On the plus side, Government recently announced that it will establish a connected national digital strategy.

Key take-aways he left the delegates with are: • Remember the supply chain – what you and your suppliers do impacts further down the line.

• Think about offering opportunities to see technology in action for the future generation.

• Push Government to move fast enough by contacting agencies like the New Zealand Tech Alliance.

Digital Twins

Keynote speaker, New Zealand Tech Alliance CEO, Graeme Muller.

THIS YEAR’S HARVESTTECH CONFERENCE INCORPORATED WOOD Transport and ran alongside the Forest Industry Safety and Technology conference (both of which were cancelled last year thanks to COVID). A busy couple of days left delegates with plenty to think about, covering topics ranging from virtual reality to wood haulage, log scaling, mechanised felling and extraction, managing harvest residues, and supply chain innovation and optimisation.

Keynote speaker, Graeme Muller, CEO at the New Zealand Tech Alliance, spoke on Technologies Shaping New Zealand.

The New Zealand Tech Alliance, is an NPO consisting of 20 different technology associations in one, funded by some 1500 member organisations including universities, banks, agri businesses and government agencies.

With that backing behind him, Mr Muller’s message was clear – technology is everywhere but there is not enough of it shaping New Zealand.

A recent Productivity Commission survey showed that emerging technology supports productivity growth, higher income growth and increased resources. Mr Muller says there are three arms to this – people, business and government.

In terms of people, technology is the highest paid – twice as high as the median average in other jobs – yet one of the least desirable career paths out there. With low investment in upskilling it has a large churn which “feels like a skills shortage and fewer openings for graduates” he says, adding that though there is plenty of emerging technology more is needed “on the ground”.

From a business point of view, 20% of New Zealand’s small businesses are not using any cloud products while 65% experience increased profitability and productivity with just one additional cloud product or service, says Mr Muller. That adds up to $6.2 billion of GDP growth if small businesses just took on one cloud product. We also need to get more serious about cyber security, he says. The average cost of a cyber-attack for a US business is $3.8 million. Mr Muller emphasises four simple things to do to cut back risk: • Update your systems continually.

• Back up – make it automated as we all get complacent about this.

• Use complex passwords – use password safe or password manager.

• Use two-factor identification.

16 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

The University of Canterbury School of Forestry’s Dr Stephan Hoffmann gave a fascinating talk on taking disruptive technologies out of the lab and operationally, out into the forest.

He says the difference between Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) is that while they both interface between the real and digital world, VR is used in digital environments that shut out the real world (like training simulations) and AR is digital content “on top of your real world”.

Both are important to fulfill the vision of forestry 4.0 concepts and they can be seen as digital twins interfacing to humans for training, planning, monitoring and steering.

Though direct communication with machines is a long way off with manual operations still playing an important role in forestry, further improving skills out of the risky environment of the forest while reducing costs with mobile, virtual programmes is real. For instance, the Chainsaw Operator Training programme from Forestry South Africa has proven valuable.

Other uses of VR include operational improvement eg, the high vision system of HIAB. This camera and virtual reality goggle system make it possible to operate a loading train or truck out of the risk zone and in comfort while increasing the payload capacity of the vehicle.

AR developments such as automated digital log pile measurement are as valuable, affecting the entire supply chain.

Compact mobile apps ready to take into the forest have many applications in the timber supply chain. For instance information gathering on stand condition is possible with the Moti inventory app developed in Switzerland. Stump evaluation apps to check work quality and tree felling such as the Stockfibel To Go app developed with the German Safety Association are showing their worth, in this way including AR in quality assurance of an operation. Another example is the iFOVEA timber scaling app which uses a mobile phone application to measure volume on a bulk or single step base and get summaries on overall volume and aspects like quality classification.

AR and VR are not only good for operational applications but also in the recreational and educational sectors, such as the AR-Education App: Forest tour city of Eggenfelden which highlights the role of timber and forest sustainability through the tour.

While we still have a long way to go until we enter the virtual world in established operational forestry we are certainly making strides. NZL

HarvestTECH 2021

Lessons learned from electronic log docketing NIGEL BRABYN, PROCESS IMPROVEMENT Leader for OneFortyOne New Zealand, spoke at this year’s HarvestTECH 2021 conference, sharing lessons learned from implementing a new system of electronic log docketing across the New Zealand side of the trans-Tasman forestry business.

His presentation covered the innovative switch from a paper docket system to a real time, cloud-based system, accessible via tablets, phone Apps, and from any desktop computer or laptop.

OneFortyOne was the first company to officially go paperless here in New Zealand, on 1 May 2019. The system allows for completely contactless log cartage and unintentionally put the company in a uniquely placed position when COVID hit.

The electronic docket system is environmentally friendly, prevents errors, and is delivering material savings to the business each year, says Mr Brabyn. He says it has eliminated communication and downtime issues that were previously caused by contractors and employees waiting in a queue to radio in their stocks.

Each truck driver has a tablet connected to the system, as does each loader driver on each harvesting site. Using the tablets the truck drivers can see where they need to go, how to get there, and what they’re going to pick up. The

loader drivers can upload information such as what logs they have available, and when they have loaded a truck ready for dispatch.

The tablets also have a text messaging service so that everyone can communicate via message. Previously this would all have been done via radio.

Information is able to be tracked and viewed by anyone in the supply chain that needs it, including customers, who can now see when loads of logs are coming and their ETA, with instant information provided about what’s been delivered.

Each harvesting site, customer location, and weighbridge is geofenced so that when a truck crosses the boundary of the geofence, the

system automatically updates to mark the truck as ‘en route’, ‘arrived’, ‘departed’, or ‘delivered’.

Similarly, the tablets in the trucks automatically update with colour-coded entries for the drivers.

Although there was some initial resistance to the idea, a robust method of consultation with the end users of the system worked through and resolved issues that were raised.

Weighbridge-less cartage is next, he says.

“There is a lot of waste and lost time involved with weighbridges, and as an industry there must be millions of dollars per year tied up in this system, not to mention the lost time queueing for weighing. What we’re looking to source now is technology that allows us to weigh the trucks accurately without a weighbridge.” NZL

The new software shows real-time, instant information about truck locations and destinations.

WoodTECH 2021

Linking NZ and Australian sawmills FOR OVER 20 YEARS NOW, SAWMILLERS and saw-doctors have been meeting every two years in New Zealand and in Australia. The occasion? The WoodTECH series. It’s run by the Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) and designed with industry and key technology and equipment providers.

The event provides an independent showcase for local companies to evaluate the latest in innovations, technology and operating practices around saw design and operation, mill maintenance, wood scanning, sawmilling and mill optimisation. It’s also one of few opportunities that mill production and operational staff get to come into one location, get away from the day-to-day production for a couple of days and network. Plans are now set in place to run the 2021 event again. At this stage, it’s expected to be one of few that will be run in 2021 – anywhere around the world,” says FIEA Director, Brent Apthorp. “The format has been modified though based on the

expectation of border and travel restrictions still being in place for international equipment suppliers.

For the first time, the New Zealand and Australian event is going to be run in both countries and at the same time. This means sawmillers and saw-doctors will be connected over the two days with presentations being given from both countries – in person and virtually – from around the globe. “The virtual component enables us to access expertise that ordinarily wouldn’t be able to travel into both countries in the past,” says Mr Apthorp.

Details on the two-day programme have just been uploaded onto the WoodTECH website.

It’s extensive. In addition to new innovations around sawmilling and saw maintenance, a feature of this year’s event will be the number of practical workshops being given (saw guides and lubrication, fine tuning your circular and band saws, making use of machine data in the mill, real time data collection for machine

diagnosis and troubleshooting and the like).

There will also be a focus on one of the major constraints to increased production – retaining and attracting younger skills into the industry.

A series of presentations around new timber treatment and wood modification technologies have also been built in to the event.

WoodTECH 2021 runs in Rotorua, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia on 3-4 August. NZL

Overseeing operations from a sawmill cab.

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 17

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Inset: The new John Deere L-II series skidders have received 1,600 changes to reduce complexity and improve productivity.

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ACK IN THE DAY, WOODLOT CREWS TYPICALLY RAN the oldest, most worn out and least-efficient machines in the forest, but times have changed.

Many of the woodlot crews I visit now are equipped with gear that almost rivals their corporate colleagues as they seek to lift their professional standards, improve performance and safety. Like Hodgson Logging of Benneydale, which runs an impressive, up-to-date fleet of mostly CAT tracked machines in its tidy operation.

But a few months ago, a green interloper appeared amongst its sea of yellow – one of the first John Deere L-II series skidders to go to work in New Zealand.

The whole L-series range of skidders has gone through a makeover recently, with these Mark 2 versions receiving around 1,600 changes in the process.

Most of the changes are quite subtle and hidden from plain view, but collectively they add up to a real improvement on the previous L-series skidders, which in themselves were a significant step forward when introduced more than six years ago.

That much was evident when NZ Logger looked at one of the first L-series to arrive here in 2016, a top-of-the-range John Deere 948L run

by Wild Hog Logging north of Gisborne. It was a machine built to pull massive drags in any conditions. And it did just that.

This time around we’ve gone to the other end of the scale to sample the 648L-II, which shares exactly the same architecture as the 640L-II rope skidder but comes with a grapple as well as a winch.

The more compact size and the versatility of having a grapple and a winch on the same machine makes it an ideal tool for woodlots. But can it hack it on the steep terrain where many forests have been planted in the King Country over the past 30 years?

Driving up the hill where this block had been established on a large farm just south of Te Kuiti, that question was upper-most in our minds, especially after a week of persistent showers, which had made the ground surface very soft. Just as well the farmer has a small quarry on his land and the tracks have been well metalled.

Arriving at the top, where the last few trees of this block are being

harvested before the crew moves to a new loCATion, we’re greeted by Scott Hodgson, who has now taken over the reins of Hodgson Logging from his father, Bruce. They have kindly left some felled Radiata stems at the end of a 300-metre track for us to test the prowess of their new John Deere, which arrived on site in early January.

It will pull to a large skid site perched on the side of the hill currently being served by a CAT 541 processor, with a CAT 326D2L doing the fleeting and loading, both very nice looking machines. They also have a CAT loader on a separate skid at the bottom of the hill and, alternating between sites is a CAT D4 dozer taking care of track work and winching any stems off the slopes.

It’s clear that Hodgson Logging recognises the importance of investing in modern equipment, which can be put down to valuable experience years ago gained working on a Fletcher Forests job for Mike Bartels and later in road lining for Rayonier, and the need to update on a regular basis.

It took a while to achieve that outcome, but having got there, it comes as no surprise then that the old CAT 525 skidder, which the John Deere replaced, had only clocked up 7,500 hours and still had a lot of life left in it.

Compact dimensions of the smallest Skidder in the John Deere fleet makes it ideal for tackling tight recovery situations in woodlots.

SERIOUS POWER FOR BIG TIME LOGGERS

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1: The crane and arch lift that big grapple and its load high off the ground.

2: A very tight turn and slippery conditions provide a stiff challenge to the start of this drag.

3: The track is drying out and the John Deere makes the most of these conditions with its high power and torque, combined with the more direct drive through the CVT transmission.

4: Crew boss, Scott Hodgson (right), with regular skidder operator, Jordan Tutaki are both very pleased with the new L-II John Deere.

Main: Up on the skid, Iron Tester Stan Barlow drops another load for the Cat to process.

1 Boost to productivity

4 And the reason for replacing yellow with green? The Hodgsons were offered a great deal and were impressed with the specifiCATions of the 648L-II, which offered more power and performance on paper, along with the advantages of the Series-2 upgrades that have resulted in a more simplified machine.

The 1,600 changes have mostly been aimed at reducing maintenance and increasing uptime for these new Series 2 machines, including more robust electrical harnesses, fittings, hoses and cylinder guards compared to previous models. Other changes see improved component placement and dramatically reduced complexity of electrical and hydraulic systems.

Those are achieved through simplified electrical routing, which boost reliability and durability, along with similarly improved hydraulic routings and fittings to extend component life and ease of service.

Some of the changes provide a boost to productivity, with hydraulic speed and response improved. There’s a bigger grapple for the 648L-II and it also features increased squeeze force of up to 10%, which reduces the likelihood of dropping stems. Steering stops cushion impact at full articulation to reduce machine stress and deliver a more comfortable ride, while articulation steering sensors improve the operator experience, ultimately increasing productivity.

John Deere also says the skidders are better balanced due to improved weight distribution.

One change that has nothing to do with the machines themselves is that John Deere now has a regional base in Australia, which is closer to customers here and the forestry products are distributed and serviced in New Zealand through AgrowQuip NZ in the North Island and Drummond & Etheridge in the South Island. Some of

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the sales and service staff transferred over, too.

The Hodgsons have been pleased with the support since making their John Deere purchase and say the new skidder is also delivering on its promise. They harvest up to 150 tonnes a day, which is very good for a woodlot, particularly in such hilly country with a partially mechanised crew – falling still done manually.

According to Scott Hodgson and the skidder’s regular operator, Jordan Tutaki, the power and speed of the 648L-II is making its presence felt.

“She’s got some grunt,” says Scott, referring to the 6-cylinder, 6.8-litre, John Deere PowerTech engine, still supplied to our market in Tier 2 specs. Gross power output is 157kW (210hp) @ 1,800rpm and torque tops out at 943Nm @ 1,400rpm. No wonder it feels grunty with that amount of torque peaking at such low revs.

Six years ago. the L-series John Deere skidders were the first to get the much talked-about CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which combines the smoothness of a hydrostatic transmission with the fuel efficiency of a lockup torque converter, and it carries over into the new

model. It’s very new to operator Jordan Tutaki, compared to the hydrostatic system in his old skidder.

John Deere’s CVT is a mechanical transmission with hydrostatic assist to maximise power and durability as well as productivity and operability.

New way of steering The engine runs at a constant speed of up to 1,800rpm when the operator has his foot planted on the accelerator pedal, while the machine’s speed is governed by the ratios programmed into the box. The system is easy to operate and eliminates ‘shift shocks’ due to surging revs. Once the maximum speed is set, the transmission does the rest and there’s no hunting for the correct gear, as with traditional torque converter transmissions.

The CVT automatically senses the load and delivers the torque and tractive effort that is needed to maintain the desired speed using the ratios programmed into its brain (these are set by the factory but can be re-set by the operator) – there are six ratios programmed into Hodgson’s 648L-II. So, if you come to an obstacle the operator can manually bump it down from 6 to 3 in the ratios and it will dynamically slow down to a slower speed until you get around it, then shift up again.

Jordan says he has adapted to how the CVT transmission works and now prefers it.

He’s also had to adapt to a new way

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Forest Focus

Main: The blade is mostly used for pushing stems into place on the skid.

Inset: Sturdy arch is designed to allow a view through the grille – the winch at the base that is still waiting for the rope to be fitted.

of steering – through joysticks instead of a traditional steering wheel. Like the CVT change, he is now sold on the joysticks, especially as they are fixed to the operator’s seat that swivels to allow him to almost face the way the skidder is driving – it also swivels back to the left side of the cab for easy exit/entry.

“Good to be able to turn the seat around – don’t break your neck stretching around anymore,” he adds.

All the controls and switches are attached to the seat and within easy reach, including the buttons to change the gears, which are on each joystick. Flick up to change up and flick down to go down a gear. Or you can just leave it to change automatically.

Mounting all the controls and switches onto the seat leaves the cab remarkably free of clutter and, with just two sets of accelerator and brake pedals on the floor and a display screen on the front/right pillar it feels quite roomy.

Doors on either side of the cab provide a choice of entry for the operator, too.

Vision is pretty good to the front and sides, but still a bit restricted through the arch and crane at the rear, as it is with all skidders, although the open grille allows the operator to see the stems on the ground when approaching in reverse.

Sitting out at the end of the 2.6m boom,

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the standard grapple for the 648L-II is now the 1.24m2 /13.3 sq-ft model, which can hold an extra stem compared to the previous grapple.

Tucked in behind the arch sits the John Deere 6,000 winch that can hold up to 60 metres of 7/8-inch rope or just over 81 metres of ¾-inch rope. It hasn’t been required since the skidder arrived and is currently empty, but Scott says they have some rope to go on it and he predicts that it will mostly be used to pull trucks out of the mud, although he is interested to see how it works pulling stems off the hill – the previous skidder was grapple only, so that job has always been entrusted to the dozer. Ditto the standard size blade on the front of the skidder, which is mostly used for pushing stems into bunches on the skid, while letting the dozer smooth out tracks.

be removed for better access to the engine and transmission. This machine also came with a fire suppression system.

While it’s a great machine, their old skidder still had plenty of life left in it and most woodlot operators would have hung onto it. Why change now?

“We felt we needed to upgrade because of the mix of work we’ve got coming up,” says Great machine Scott.

“This machine has got more power and it’s There are not as many lights fitted around the outside top of the cab as I had expected, way, way quicker when it’s dry. We haven’t but Jordan says the LEDs do provide good bothered with chains yet, although it has been illumination for early starts. They could fit a light very wet here over the last week, so the track is starting to get very boggy. bar if needed.

“It’s able to pull five or six tonnes easily on After pulling off the panels on each side of the bonnet, we couldn’t really see much evidence of good surfaces. We haven’t really loaded it up the re-routed electrics and hydraulic hosing but yet, this block is steep so we keep the drags SERIOUS POWER LOGGERS down. FOR But it’sBIG still TIME going places without chains noted the good positioning of daily check items.

The cab tilts over and the top of the bonnet can that the other one wouldn’t. Traction is real

ALWAYS SWING A BIG STICK

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good. And we have the ability to lock both axles, which we didn’t have in our old machine.

“But I haven’t really sat in the cab much, Jordy won’t let me near it. Just did one drag when it first arrived.”

Iron Tester, Stan Barlow is hoping he’ll get a lot more drags than that. So we move over to the edge of the skid to look down to where a number of stems are laying, just off the end of the track.

A brief walk over the track to check the condition of the surface reveals some very soft patches, so Scott decides to blade it first to provide more traction and then sends down the CAT loader to shovel the trees closer to the track for the skidder to grapple. But as Stan drives down he hits a very soft patch in a dip and even switching in the lockers does little to get him out of the bog and he requires a nudge from the dozer.

After some more track work and shovelling the stems even closer, Stan is able to reach them and grab a decent bunch in the grapple to drag to the skid. Due to the tight bend in the track, the stems are hanging down the hill, making the task more difficult, but the improved grip ensures that none come loose and he uses the CVT to good advantage, in combination with the diff locks, to maintain traction.

Power in the grapple Reaching the skid, he drops the load and positions the stems for the processor. The trees in here are 27 years old and their piece size averages 1.8. They have good, straight form and make very nice logs, with the pruned ones going to the Tregoweth mill in Te Kuiti and the rest to the port at Mt Maunganui.

As Stan drives out to

grab another load I ask Jordan how long it took him to get used to the way the John Deere works and he says: “It took a few days to get the hang of the controls, especially steering with joysticks not a steering wheel – and that CVT transmission is very different to a powershift, but I like it.

“There’s a lot of power in the grapple and arch.

It holds onto the trees real good. Comfortable and quiet inside – except for when the reverse cooling fan kicks in (it’s programmed to do that every 20 minutes).”

We watch Stan progress up the slope with his second load and agree that chains will need to be fitted soon, even with the lockers, as their next job near Taumarunui is expected to be much wetter in the coming winter months.

Bruce Hodgson arrives to see how the Iron Test is going. Although he had a hand in the decision to buy this machine, he mostly leaves the day-to-day running of the crew to Scott, preferring to spend his time doing farm drainage and other contract work with his own bulldozer.

“This is a young man’s game,” he says, nodding to the rest of the crew.

Bruce has spent a lifetime in the forest, starting out harvesting natives around Rotorua and over at Wairoa with an old Komatsu digger and a D7F dozer in the 1980s: “I used to do ag work in the off-season and got into woodlots through that, although we did do road lining for Rayonier, which was good experience.”

These days he’s happy to take a back seat to the next generation.

The track is now drying out nicely and the John Deere is making much better progress.

Jordan says that on long flat stretches it really gets up and flies over the ground,

Above: The electrical and hydraulic systems are much less complex under the bonnet and there is better access to many components, including daily checks.

Below: It’s handy having entry into the cab from both sides. The red hosing under the right-hand door is part of the fire suppression system.

reaching a top speed of 25km/h, but Stan isn’t going to hit anywhere near that today.

In these tricky conditions, the John Deere 648L-II has proved itself very capable of pulling good-size logs and keeping the processor well fed. And that’s all you can ask of any skidder. NZL

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EST EST 1909 1909

THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER TO NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 26 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

IFICATION

SPEC S

SPECIFICATIONS – JOHN DEERE 648L SERIES II GRAPPLE LOG SKIDDER ENGINE

BOOM/GRAPPLE

6-cylinder, 6.8-litre, John Deere PowerTech 6.8, Tier 2 Power (gross) 157kW (210hp) @ 1,800rpm 943Nm @ 1,400rpm Max torque (gross) 25km/h Top speed

Arch/boom Dual function arch, 2.6m Grapple John Deere 1.24m2 (13.3 sq. ft.); 3,226mm (127 in.) tong max opening

Model Cable capacity

TRANSMISSION Type

Axles Differential Locks

Continuous Variable Transmission, six forward and six reverse speed ratios 1400 Super Wide Extreme Duty (SWEDA), front & rear Front & rear, hydraulically actuated

STEERING Type

Fully hydraulic, joystick operated

Inboard-mounted wet disc on each wheel Spring applied, hydraulic released, wet multi-disc

HYDRAULICS Drive Pump

John Deere 6,000 series, hydraulic, 2-speed 279.5-mm drum

BLADE Standard width Full raised height

2,192mm 687.6mm

REFILL CAPACITIES (LITRES)

BRAKES Braking Park Brake

WINCH

Open circuit, variable displacement axial piston

COOLING Type Heavy-duty radiator with continuous de-aeration tack and recovery reservoir Fan Hydraulic driven, variable speed, auto reversing

Fuel tank Hydraulic system

391.8 123.6

DIMENSIONS (MM) Length 8,129 3,233 Width Height 3,365 557 Ground clearance Wheelbase 3,680 19,054kg Operating weight Tyres 35.5-32

Grooved Drums and Sleeves

W

DIAGNOSE • DESIGN • DELIVER

iron test: Stan Barlow

A NIFTY MACHINE THE ONE THING YOU NEED IN A SKIDDER IS plenty of power when you have a heavy drag on the back.

There’s power aplenty in the new John Deere 684L-II, but you do need to be careful how and where you use it.

I was probably a bit accelerator-happy on my first drive down the track and soon had the wheels spinning in very soft ground and going nowhere. A bit more circumspection and earlier use of the lockers might have provided a better outcome. Lesson learned.

Once I got used to how the power is delivered and the ground conditions became drier, everything stepped up a level. It takes a while to get accustomed to the way a CVT works, but I really got to enjoy it as the test progressed.

On a good flat track this thing will get up and go. Even on this relatively short extraction track you could see the potential.

First impressions on getting into the cab is that the headroom is a little limited, knocked my head a couple of times. But once you are seated there is ample room. The seat is excellent, swivelling around on both sides – first time I’ve seen that – and everything is at your fingertips, either on the joysticks or

adjacent panel on the right, which goes with you when you turn the seat. I prefer that to having certain functions on a stationary dash.

There is no dash in the 648L-II, just a screen that you only go into to change things around or check on how it’s all working.

When swivelling the seat you need to activate the forward/reverse switch on your left joystick to make sure the steering is the same. And when underway, I do like how the JD steers it feels direct and responsive, not overly – so it’s very controllable.

Vision is mostly good, although approaching the stems in reverse requires caution as it is still not easy to see through the arch and crane. The grapple clamps firmly onto the wood and never felt like it was going to lose them. You have to hit the close button and the auto hold at the same time, whereas others I’ve driven have just an auto hold. But it works well enough once you get used to it.

The crane lifts the butts nice and high, and I used that to help ‘suck’ everything in on the greasy uphill rises. The diff lock switches are on the right, at your fingertips again. Hit to activate and it brings in everything, hit again to deactivate. You can lock the front and rear diffs individually, too. Didn’t use any of the

Iron Tester, Stan Barlow. gears. Just left the CVT to change itself as I wanted to concentrate on steering.

I only used the blade at the end of the test to nudge the stems into place, the control is on the right, by the joystick, next to the one for the winch. It blades well, very controllable.

Very impressed with the quietness, hardly heard the engine, only the distinctive whirr from the CVT. Interestingly, there’s no key to start the machine, just click the button on the side panel once and then press it again to start. Then a button to turn the hydraulics on.

At day’s end, just remember to kill everything with the master switch by the battery. On cold mornings you’ll also want to use the heated seat. Then you’re set for a nice comfortable day’s work. NZL

Left: Iron Tester Stan Barlow keeps an eye on the load as he tries to keep the stems on the track. Note: The control panel moves around with the seat.

Below: The seat can swivel both sides to allow the operator to enter/exit through either door, but there are only accelerator and brake pedals on the right of the cab.

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9

Tall Timber

Story: Jacquie Walters

G

Photos: Tim Cuff

OLDEN DOWNS NEAR NELSON is an iconic piece of forestry estate that features in the family history of many loggers from around New Zealand, not just those from Nelson Tasman. One

32 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

family, however, has a stronger legacy in the Downs than most.

The Green family’s logging connection to Golden Downs goes back almost 65 years, and four generations. In 1956, Basil

Green and his brother Bob started working alongside their father, Bob Senior, as only the second contractor appointed at that time to work in the Golden Downs.

Basil and his siblings started school

SIX-DECADE GOLDEN DOWNS LEGACY

From left: Basil Green (centre) with his great-nephew Flynn, nephew Mike, son Ken and grandson Ryan. Basil holds one of the original bush hardhats, which he says the bushmen were all very reluctant to wear at the time.

in Whataroa, South Westland, where their father Bob was logging white pine (kahikatea) for A.R Wallace to use for butter boxes.

The family shifted to North Westland,

near Greymouth in 1944. “The war was still going at that time of course,” says Basil, “and I was about eight or nine. We lived south of Greymouth and my father went logging for Ogilvie and Co.”

After Basil left school he went to work at a concrete factory, making tubs. Working life was pretty tough for the spry but diminutive young school leaver. After a short time delivering telegrams for the post

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 33

Tall Timber

Pictured from left at the Green family home in Franz Josef are Bob Senior's siblings Tom, Kit, Sam (fifth from left), and Jess (second from right) with their parents and one of Sam's friends, Dave Thompson (fourth from left). Bob Senior is pictured far right. Sam's son, Bill Green, still owns and lives in the house. office, Basil started cutting posts with his father.

“I only lasted a couple of days before the neighbour and mill manager across the road asked for me to go and see him and offered me a job starting the next day. We were processing rimu logs for Stratford & Blair at South Beach, who had three mills which they supplied with wood they logged themselves at a rate of about 8,000 feet per day.”

After only a week in his new job the mill burnt down so Basil was out of a job.

Fortunately, he was re-hired when the mill

Grandpa Green, a bushman born.

34 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

was rebuilt at Marsden above Shanty Town.

Basil would log in the bush and then go and work in the mill before returning to log more rimu when the mill supply ran out.

“At that stage I followed the money and went to work for the highest bidder. I left the mill to work in a survey gang working on the Haast highway. I was then offered a job at Stratford & Blair before moving to Oneone, near Harihari to work for Ogilvies.”

The next move took Basil back to Greymouth at Stillwater Creek and he was then offered a job at a mill in Fox Glacier, which also involved logging in Bruce Bay.

“The mill was paying about five bob a day more so I went there.”

Logging tools and conditions were very different, says Basil. “You didn’t get much help in terms of the gear we had to use.

You only had the axe and saw and wedges, no power saws. Crosscut handsaws. I was mostly breaking out.”

Meanwhile Bob Snr. was logging, cutting, and splitting silver birch on the West Coast, to supply posts and battens for fences on farm stations towards the Lewis Pass in Hawarden and a big station near the headwaters of Lake Tekapo.

Bob Green Senior stands beside a load of salvage logs leaving the Mount Norris area in 1968.

“The farm stations Dad (Bob Senior) supplied the posts to, would sometimes have to use two D8s to pull a load of posts up the steep terrain to the top,” says Basil.

“There’s some power there! When he got to a steep part he’d unhook one bulldozer to put a track through and then hook the D8s back up together again and go a bit further.”

Basil’s brother, Bob, left school at the age of 14 and went to help his Dad cutting the silver birch post contract. This was done with the use of horses at Rutherglen, Greymouth. Bob Snr. then moved on and went native logging for an Ogilvie’s crew and travelled in and out of the bush blocks on rail jiggers for transport. At 21 years old, Bob Jnr. took a job for a year or so driving a coal truck out from Strongman mine.

Moving to Nelson The next change was sparked by Bob Snr. and his wife Ina, going to Nelson for a holiday in 1956. While they were there Bob got wind of a logging contract being offered

by A.L. Greenslade. They were land agents and also had a sawmill.

Basil, Mike and Ken visit Fraser Logging which is currently logging in the bullock track and compartment five area where E R Greens started its logging in the 1950s. The family has logged all three rotations in the area since the plantation was established.

Tall Timber

“Dad turned up to see him but he had just walked out of the office, so Dad made the office lady chase Greenslade down the street so that he could talk to him about the contract,” says Basil. “After that conversation he rang me in Fox Glacier and my brother Bobby and said that they wanted the three of us. Dad said to me, ‘we all go or nobody goes’. I said, ‘I’ll be home at the weekend’.

“By the time we arrived in Nelson Dad had a D4, chainsaws, and all the gear sorted that our small crew would need. I came when Dad called because family is family. I was a bit dubious at first. I wondered how the three of us would get on.”

The new E.R. Green and Sons Logging venture was contracted to A.L. Greenslade to thin 30-year-old radiata from the first planting in Golden Downs in the late 1920s.

“Our pay rate was 10 pence per cubic foot,” recalls Basil. “Everything was hand measured. The company was very strict. As we thinned, we weren’t allowed to knock the bark off surrounding trees. In those days we would work until 1pm on a Saturday to give us a good start for the following week. We’d do two loads a day, or about 900 cubic feet.”

Being an unknown contractor had its drawbacks when it came to obtaining supplies, says Basil. “We broke an axe handle but the two hardware shops in Wakefield wouldn’t sell us one because they said they didn’t know us. The first time we went into one of the local pubs we wondered whether the same thing would happen as we asked for three beers that we’d pay for the following week. But they served us and we went back to that same pub every Friday for years.”

E.R. Green and Sons Logging carried on in Golden Downs through to clearing up windfall after Tropical Cyclone Giselle in 1968, the cyclone which caused the sinking of the Wahine in Wellington Harbour. “That storm led to the company bringing a lot

36 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

Above: Basil Green's nephew Mike (left) and son Ken (right).

Below: Basil Green's grandson Ryan Green. more loggers over from the West Coast to help with the clean-up. It was dangerous work but we got through it alright.”

Career shift On 29 April 1977 Bob Snr. decided to disband the crew and sold some of the gear.

Basil took a job at SouthPine and finished his working life there. Basil’s brother Bobby kept one of the crew’s D4 tractors which he used to pull logs as well as help train the young men at the Woodsman Training school in the Golden Downs.

“There was no New Zealand qualification framework for the industry then,” says Basil. “The trainers, including Bobby, pieced modules together for logger 1, 2, 3, and senior logger, to try and get some consistency across the industry. This was something that Bob Jnr. was very passionate about as he knew that the industry needed well-trained people to get the work done

safely and build depth in the industry.”

It wasn’t too long before Bob Jnr. returned to contracting, however. This time he had a ground-based, road-lining crew with Timberlands. In 1988 the next generation of the family joined the industry when Bob’s son Mike answered the family calling.

“Dad said it was about time I went logging so I gave my two weeks’ notice at TNL where I was truck-driving and started work with him in his ground-based crew,” says Mike. “This was a pretty cool time as I was working with my Dad. A few years later my cousin Ken and a good few mates were in the crew as well. Work was hard but we made it fun. Over the years we built a solid, proven, and safe logging crew. They were a great team of guys.”

Ken recalls receiving the call to join the crew in 1991, just as he was about to head to Bali from Australia on a surfing holiday.

“I can remember saying, ‘yay I’m going

From left: Ryan Green, Ken Green and Mike Green at the Green Logging site. home!’,” says Ken. Even the atrocious weather of his first few weeks on the job didn’t put him off. “It rained for the first two weeks and the skidder looked like it was floating. But after three days on the job I said to myself ‘this’ll do’ and I’ve been logging ever since.

“It’s in the blood. We all used to go up in the school holidays. We were introduced to logging at a young age. It’s a big part of us.”

Basil adds, “My Dad was always fond of saying bushmen are born, not made.”

In 1992 R.S. Green Logging took the very significant step of purchasing a Madill 071 hauler, contracting to Weyerhaeuser NZ.“Us young guys didn’t know anything about haulers,” says Mike. “But Dad employed guys to help and we all learnt quickly as we went. We had plenty of help and support through our learning curve and it all worked out fine.”

Just two years later Mike’s father Bob passed away and Mike and his mother continued to manage the crew and the business. In late 1997 R.S. Green withdrew from harvesting operations.

“The block we were working at the time was struck by a strong wind event one afternoon causing our setting to blow over in a matter of minutes,” says Mike. “Knowing the capabilities of the hauler, we felt that it was a big ask to continue to complete the setting safely and at the tonne rate being offered to do so. Price negotiations broke down with the forest company.”

Greens and the company agreed to

disagree and, with regret, R.S. Green Logging closed its contract and withdrew from harvesting.

“I contracted myself out as a casual worker to different logging contractors and a forest company for several months,” says Mike. “I was doing anything from machine operating, harvest planning,and log truck driving, to tree felling in a heli-harvest operation.

“In April 1998 Mike Fraser contacted me to come operate an excavator for him that he had on hire as a trial.This job was for two weeks and I ended up staying with Mike until February 2000.” After a stint running

a swing yarder for a local contractor Mike took on the role of Forestry Tutor at NMIT, before returning to work for Mike Fraser as operations manager in March 2003. “I am still here to this day.”

Restoring the Green Logging name Meanwhile Mike’s cousin Ken’s career took a different tack. He worked for iconic Golden Downs logger Zeke Bellis, becoming foreman before buying a half share in Zeke’s business along with Mike Fraser. “Eleven years ago, I bought the whole business and asked Mike and Aunty Di for their permission to restore the Green Logging

Flynn Green, one of the fourth generation of the family to work in forestry.

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 37

Tall Timber

name,” says Ken. “I still have the same iconic Bellis hauler and some of the same people as when Zeke owned the business.

We’ve gone a bit more mechanised now though.”

Ken’s son Ryan joined the crew four years ago after qualifying as a builder but deciding the physicality of logging was more his style. “I always wanted to go logging but I wasn’t allowed to straight from school,” says Ryan. That didn’t stop him getting the job of rebuilding the hauler when he worked for his Dad during the holidays. “Dad offered me $100 a day and I thought I was made. But then I worked 14 hours every day for two weeks and Dad said, ‘you’ll never work as hard as this again in your life son’.”

Mike’s son Flynn is currently studying for a Bachelor of Forestry Science and is a recipient of a OneFortyOne New Zealand scholarship which provides him with a cash grant for each year of his studies, and holiday work in a range of areas within the company. “He could be my boss!” jokes Ken. Flynn says that having the opportunity to get hands-on forestry experience and his family history in logging is a huge bonus. Flynn is able to get holiday work in Mike Fraser’s crews and says that he’s learnt a lot working with the crews and with OneFortyOne, seeing both sides of the operation. “A couple of people have come up to me in the office who knew my Grandad

Bob or were trained by him. I’d love to work for Ken some holidays as well.”

Industry changes The family reflects on the many significant changes they’ve observed over their many years in the industry.

“Back then we helped each other to learn and we passed on what we knew,” says Basil. “We’d point out bad things but you can’t tell a man what to do all the time or he’ll get sick of it.”

“Improved safety, increased environmental monitoring, changes in machinery, more documentation requirements – those are all significant shifts we’ve seen,” says Ken. “It never stays still, it’s always moving.

It’s good to have the family name kicking around the industry for such a long time.”

“There was a willingness in the early days to take risks to get the job done, to put yourself in harm’s way,” adds Mike. “It’s something that is totally unacceptable but it happened unfortunately. If it went pearshaped and you got a close call you laughed it off, when inside you knew how lucky you had been on that occasion. It was seen as ‘acceptable’ risk. We were fortunate we never got caught out.

“In the past there was not as much incident reporting and less learning taken from things as they happened. I don’t think logging is dangerous it’s more that it’s unforgiving. That’s one of the reasons I’m so

passionate about health and safety today. I want to try and do what I can to keep people safe, and it’s also a way of following Dad’s training pathway a little.”

In addition to his Operations Manager role at Fraser Logging, Mike undertakes contractor certification audits for Safetree.

“It’s an opportunity for me to have a chance to get around the country and try help if and where possible,” says Mike. “If a business can’t meet the required standards after that, then perhaps they shouldn’t be in our industry in the first place competing against the good operators that are out there.

“There are many good operators, and I have had the pleasure to meet and have worked with a number of them. There’s an old saying along the lines that many people’s actions can be judged wrongly because of a few. We need to do everything we can so that’s not the case.”

“They’ve lowered the accident rate, which makes us older bushmen so happy,” adds Basil. “I’m very proud of Ken and Mike and their boys. The best thing we ever did was move up here from the West Coast.”

“I know Grandad and Dad will be looking down on us sitting atop the tallest tree and be very proud and happy with how the industry as a whole has developed and how we as a family are working within it,” says Mike. “It started with the old boys and it’s for us all to continue and keep improving.” NZL

Golden Downs today.

38 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

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Special Feature: Roading for woodlots

How much forest roading do we need for woodlots?

Story: Professor Rien Visser

A

S AN INDUSTRY, WE WILL BE HARVESTING a lot more woodlots – and harvesting woodlot is typically more expensive than working in our larger plantation forests. One potentially big cost is building infrastructure to get the job done. But do we need more or less forest roads when harvesting woodlots compared to our larger estates? That was the research question Jacob Allum worked on for his final year Forest Engineering project.

Some basic forest road numbers have already been published. As an industry we are building somewhere between 1600 and 2000km of new forest roads each year, and we will be expected to do so for another 10 years

40 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

– as long as we are still harvesting many first rotation forests. And many of our woodlots coming up for harvest are areas with limited infrastructure.

We also know that building a road can cost anywhere from $30,000 up to $180,000 per km – with a national average of $90,000 per km. While access to quality aggregate is one of the big cost factors, another is the slope of the terrain.

More roads means easier access and shorter extraction distances for our harvesting systems. But roading costs are often paid for ahead of harvesting, so smallscale forest owners can be apprehensive

about justifying such investments.

In terms of the overall harvesting cost we are often looking for an optimum roading density. In terms of our larger-scale forests, a typical roading density is about 22 to 28m per hectare. What that means is that if you have a 100 hectare forest, you might expect 2.2 to 2.8km of forest roads to be built to give you access from the forest gate to all the landings. In comparison, our colleagues in the European mountains are often looking to build at least 40m/ha or more. This is because their cable yarding systems are only really cost-effective with extraction distances less than 250m, but our New Zealand yarders are larger and can pull over 400m.

To get a measure of actual roading density, Jacob sampled 96 randomly selected woodlots from across New Zealand. For each woodlot he measured not only the roading density, but also factors such as woodlot size, average slope, length-to-width ratio, and recorded soil type. The average woodlot size in his sample was 67ha., average length to width ratio was 2.4, and average terrain slope was 41%.

An early and interesting finding was that 15 of the 96 randomly selected woodlots had no roading infrastructure inside the forest boundary. So either the landings were placed on the farmland outside the woodlot, or the landing was just inside the boundary but the access road still outside.

For the woodlots with roading infrastructure, the average roading density was 29.9m/ha.

So overall just slightly more than we would expect in our larger plantation estate. 24 of the woodlots had roading densities higher than 44m/ha. Typically that is not done to help the harvesting systems reduce extraction distance, but simply a lot of woodlots are complex in shape and you need more roads just to reach all the areas. Hence the volume harvested to each landing is less, and the average harvest area per landing area is 12.8ha. As a square block, that is only 350m x 350m in size.

Landing size was also measured in Google Earth and averaged 3000m2. A previous study in larger commercial forests showed landing size averaged 4900m2, so as expected woodlot landings are smaller on average.

However, crew daily production has always been a design factor in landing size. Given that woodlot crews have, on average, lower daily targets, smaller landings can readily be explained.

In more detailed analyses, increasing (a) terrain slope, (b) length to width ratio, and (c) boundary complexity all increased the road requirements. This was also evident when comparing ground-based and cable yarder harvested woodlots.

Road density for ground-based sites averaged 27.4m/ha., while yarder sites were 33.4m/ha. Because it is so hard to define a meaningful difference in soil type, no correlation was found between soil type and roading density.

Variability in the data was high, meaning it is hard to predict exactly how much road you are likely to need just by knowing the size, slope and shape of the woodlot.

However a basic equation that a landowner, and or harvest planner, can use is: Road density (m/ha.) = 7.8 + 0.24 x Ave. Slope (%) + 5.5 x LengthWidthRatio.

Where average slope is in % and length and width ratio is simply dividing the longest distance across the woodlot by the perpendicular measure. With this information Jacob has established a point of reference for our forest industry with regard to roading needs in woodlots.

Note: During his studies Jacob was awarded the NZIF Jon Dey Award to support his research.

His complete dissertation can be downloaded here: http://forestengineering.org • Jacob Allum is now a Forester with the China Forestry Group in their Wellington office, and Professor Rien Visser oversees the Forest Engineering programme at the University of Canterbury. NZL

Above: Jacob Allum, now working for China Forestry Group, inspecting a forest road.

Opposite page: A Google Earth image showing how the boundary of the woodlot was mapped, roads and landings identified and measured.

Below: A Google Earth image showing a more complex woodlot that required quite a high density of road infrastructure.

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 41

Special Feature: Bioenergy

All in a day’s work

Story: Jim Childerstone

I

T’S AN INTERESTING TIME TO BE INVOLVED in the sectors of bioenergy, land use, biodiversity and carbon. From contracts in the Auckland region to advising on chip fuel boilers in Southland, Ahika Consulting is flat out keeping up with work.

In one recent project in the Lake Pukaki area, Ahika has been assisting Pukaki Forestry to create a biomass business model using 1,200 hectares of wilding forest.

The model being proposed is to harvest wilding trees and generate income via log sales while creating a secondary biomass product from the residues. Ahika director, LLoyd McGinty, explains, “Our proposal will assist offsetting the ongoing costs associated with wilding control.

“Timber is a valuable product, so highquality logs will be sold into the timber market while the residue from harvesting will be sold into the biomass energy market.” This includes all slash and logs SED <12cm.

One challenge is that due to the location and distance from biomass markets, transport becomes a significant cost.

“However, to offset this cost, biomass logs will be stacked on site during harvesting and air-dried for the purpose of adding value,” says Lloyd.

“Wilding forests are unlike any other type of forest. For example, a typical plantation forest will be thinned to 280 sph while a wilding forest can have more than 3000 sph.

Because of this, it is difficult to estimate the volumes that would be expected from this type of forest,” he explains.

The trial started in early August 2020 and will assess the volumes of merchantable logs, biomass logs and slash from different age class forest blocks. “It will evaluate harvesting costs and measure the effectiveness of natural drying in the Mackenzie Country,” says Lloyd. The trial has Environmental Canterbury support.

In another recent trial with the Canterbury Woodchip Company’s Morbark chipper, capable of chipping or hogging 100 M3/hr, it flattened a 4ha. stand of mixed age contorta pine within 12 hours. Although post timber could have been extracted, the chips were blown over the area covering about 100mm ready to be replanted in native wood or the hybrid Attenuata Cedrus – also being trialled at nearby Pukaki Downs Station.

42 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

Ahika headquarters staff at the Dunedin HQ. The rest are working on sites in both the North and South Islands, involved with both wood-based biofuels and replanting experimental sites with native and exotic trees and shrubs.

Top from left: Lloyd McGinty, Rhys Millar and Mike Thorson (Director, Biodiversity).

Bottom from left: Niki Bould (sustainability), Sharon Teavae (chief organiser), SarahWright (ecology) and Ray Morgan (carbon and energy).

(See December/January edition of NZ Logger for more on this trial).

Talk of native reforestation, the firm’s co director, Rhys Millar, is fully involved with landscape-scale restoration of the Hunua Forest Restoration project. Helped by team mate, James Tweed, the pair have been working on the policy, advice and strategy since 2016.

Rhys explains the majority of Auckland’s water supply is sourced from reservoirs in the 17,500 ha Hunua Ranges – Auckland’s largest mainland tract of regenerating and mature indigenous forest.

“Within the Hunua Ranges there is approximately 2,300ha of exotic forest that is managed for timber production under forestry right. The aim is to restore this area (post-harvest) of pinus radiata forest back into native forest, and in doing so, protect and enhance the water quality so that Aucklanders can have secure, highquality water,” he says.

Essentially the goal is to successfully achieve a large-scale forest restoration project for the purposes of creating secure high quality water for Aucklanders.” In doing so the aim is to provide a significant area of managed biodiversity that is contiguous

with Hunua Regional Park.

“In time, this will provide large areas of habitat for threatened species. It is anticipated that area will become a part of a network of recreational trails, linking Auckland to the Coromandel and beyond,” Rhys says.

“We are monitoring the operations and resultant success of the different management techniques being used to achieve native forest cover.”

He hopes the learnings from the project will be applicable across other forest restoration projects elsewhere in New Zealand.

LLoyd explains that planting natives can be costly – from $15,000 to $20,000 per hectare and registered for carbon uptake.

But in the longer term carbon credits could pay off establishment costs. Natives, he says, are long term, “very long term”.

Current value under the ETS is just under $40/t sequestration. Predictions are that values could reach $70/t which could provide a net return.

Up in the Lakes District the firm is involved with the 55,000 ha Mount Soho QE2 Trust to establish native beech and manuka where practical on land between

U F

w

Y

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Arrowtown and Glendhu Bay, Lake Wanaka.

Lloyd says experiments are underway looking at methods to apply beech seed on inaccessible steep slopes.

In a submission to the Climate Change Commission the company asked the Government to align volumes with emissions budgets, taking into account the need to reduce the NZU stockpile. Also, to increase the cost of containment reserve trigger price to $70/t as soon as practical and then every year by at least 10% plus inflation. Lastly, to maintain continuity with recent prices, immediately increase the auction reserve trigger price to $30 as soon as practical, followed by annual increases of 5% plus inflation per year.

They say these changes are needed because maintaining current settings will lead to failure to meet commission budgets.

LLoyd agrees it is a hectic schedule, and even stopping for an interview and photos breaks into the various activities. The company has gone from a couple of staff eight years ago to 10 today.

Managing to collar seven of them in the Dunedin office was some achievement. NZL

Ahika Consulting was launched eight years ago by Rhys Millar (Managing Director) and Lloyd McGinty (Director and Energy Consultant).

LLoyd says the world is changing at such speed at the moment and it is “mind blowing” to be involved.

“From my perspective, I think we need to look back to find solutions for the future. These are interesting times to be involved in the sectors of bioenergy, land use, biodiversity and carbon containment.”

He trained as a plumber/gas fitter gaining over 15 years’ experience in this field. Later, he attended Otago University, graduating with a science degree in energy studies. LLoyd believes his plumbing skills complement his professional qualifications and provide an additional insight into practical processes and building services. He is in charge of Ahika finances “ensuring our vessel is robust in all weathers”.

He says he has been heavily involved in all aspects of energy management including feasibility assessments for energy efficiency projects, site metering for large industrial processes and developing intensity benchmarks and plant audits. Added to that, Lloyd is very involved in the Otago and Southland wood biomass sectors and has been involved in a large number of wood feasibility projects for energy plants.

Most recently he returned from Europe after visiting large biomass district heating and co-generation plants to ensure Dunedin follows and learns closely from Europe for local applications.

He is an accredited energy auditor with the Energy Management Association of New Zealand.

Rhys Millar has been working in conservation, forest restoration, land use and environmental planning for 20 years. LLoyd says Rhys has well-developed skills in conservation management, project management, community stakeholder engagement, business management and developing effective partnerships that have a collaborative impact.

Rhys successfully develops early concepts into successful and sustained projects, and mixes work with corporates and councils throughout New Zealand. LLoyd adds that Rhys is heavily involved in the not-for-profit environmental sectors and led the initial development roles in The Halo Project and predator-free Dunedin.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry Science, Rhys is currently a member of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) and Institute of Directors.

He also sits on the Standards Development Group for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSCNZ) and the Environmental Advisory Committee (Te Ao Turoa) for the Dunedin City Council. NZL

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Good Things Take Time!

It is amazing what can happen when everyone pulls together and works towards a common goal. That collective mahi has now seen the implementation of the Generation Programme in South Waikato that will operate under the management of the new Central North Island Wood Council.

The Generation Programme – Whakatipua to tatou iwi (Act upon Growing our People) is the Eastland Tairawhiti forestry industry’s solution, that was established in 2018, to face the challenges of attracting, recruiting, training, and retaining its workforce. Many of those same challenges continue to be faced by the Central North Island (CNI) forestry community and in conversations held with the sector since March 2019, the drive to establish a localised forestry training offering has resulted in a solid exploration of the Generation Programme and a partnership model with Eastland Wood Council (EWC). Over the last 12 months an advisory committee of local industry stakeholders has taken a journey to fully appreciate the intent and kaupapa of the Generation Programme while looking at options to tweak the delivery model to respond to local CNI industry needs. While designing a CNI version of “The Generation Programme,” the local forestry industry has also been developing a collective voice through the establishment of the CNI Wood Council (CNIWC).

For the sector and its stakeholders this is a period of significant collaboration to advance opportunities for the industry. As recognised during the initial development for Eastland Tairawhiti, strategic partnerships needed to be developed across all stakeholders in order to progress the Generation Programme. The requirement for strong leadership and collaboration among industry representatives saw the EWC lead the development and implementation of the Programme. Likewise, the CNI Wood Council will govern the future CNI programme. The CNIWC is a membership body formally established in August 2020 to promote a positive forestry sector profile to encourage investor confidence, community prosperity and responsible forest stewardship/ kaitiakitanga.

A commitment to a strong pastoral support component will be critical to ensure successful outcomes for both trainees and employers and bringing rangatahi into the forestry industry is a major focus of this proposal. We understand that South Waikato is an area of interest for Central Government and as a recent recipient of Provincial Growth Funds for a significant Trade Training Centre, the CNI Generation Programme design has ensured strategic alignment with key partners, Toi Ohomai, Ministry of Social Development, the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust and South Waikato District Council. As recognised in the He Poutama Rangatahi/Youth Employment Strategy (HPR) there are significant numbers of young people that do not transition successfully into work or training. This proposal intends to make an impact on this entrenched problem by implementing a responsive, well organised, industrybacked work experience pathway for young people to good

Prue Younger, CEO Message local jobs in the forestry industry.

Despite the impact of COVID on the sector since February 2020, job opportunities continue to be abundant due to the aging workforce across all industry streams leaving vacancies needing to be filled by a new, innovative local labour market.

There are several initiatives expected to run in parallel with the proposed CNI Generation Programme that will scaffold experiences and training opportunities for trainees. These are highlighted later in the document.

Leading the Generation Programme for South Waikato is the newly appointed Generation Programme Manager, Damita Mita. She has a fabulous background in managing teams and understanding of adversity. She worked as a Team Leader for the Department of Corrections at Waikeria Prison and New Plymouth Prison and then as a Principal Advisor Rehabilitation and Learning. At the Prison her core role was to manage a team involving education tutors, volunteer coordinators and release-to-work brokers. Damita then went on in the same sector, as a Business and Finance Advisor. Her previous role was working as General Manager for the Te Rongoroa Forest & Farm Trust taking a diverse role across Damita Mita leadership, communications, Generation Programme Manager for South Waikato governance, and finance to name a few.

For those of you that have met Damita, you will know she is well suited to being the ideal manager for this programme which offers a twelve-week base camp course introducing the industry and what it offers, work-ready skills and pastoral care to enable the learner to succeed.

Having seen how successful the programme in Eastland has been, I am sure the Central North Island will relish the opportunity to have a dedicated training programme for forestry which takes the learner in a short space through to paid employment with credible contractors.

FICA led the completion of a full and complete Business Case for the Generation Programme in South Waikato through the support of the South Waikato District Council, CNIWC, the Swift Trust and 1BT Partnership Funding. The advisory group engaged with the business case also had a diverse but invested interest in getting this programme off the ground.

We will watch this space, supporting Damita and the CNIWC on their venture to guide new entrants into the industry and maybe look at replication into other forestry areas in the future.

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

Finally, COVID-delayed presentations A BREAK IN THE “COVID WEATHER” HAS finally allowed for further 2020 presentations to be completed.

While we wait for 2021 results, we have included some long-awaited presentations for crews and participants from Ernslaw One in the North Island.

Congratulations to the team at Kaha Logging – overall second place for Yarder crews and a specific mention for Chris Winter who topped the manual tree felling competition with a perfect result for the year. From memory, we have only seen this once before in the competition’s history.

So, congratulations to all those who achieved outstanding results in 2020, let’s look to improve on these in 2021.

Forestry, Otautau Contractors, Heslip Forest Contracting, Waikato Forestry Services, Makerikeri Silviculture, XMen Forestry, Central Forestry Services, Mangoihe Logging, Kohurau Contracting, Dennis E Hayes Logging, Ernslaw One, Blue Wood Logging, Mike Hurring Logging, McCallum Harvesting, Whisker Logging, Kaha Logging,

Lahar Logging, Dempsey Logging, Moutere Logging, JBD Harvesting, McDougall Logging, Forest View Logging, Kimberley Logging, Dewes Logging, Manaia Logging, Storm Logging, Eastside Logging, Veal Forestry, McHoull Forestry, Pride Forestry, Bay Pine, Penetito Forestry, FM Silviculture, Forest View Forestry, Wayne Cummings, Rodco Forestry, Johnson Forestry, Pro Forest Services, Eastside Logging.

Into safety?

Into performance?

Into quality?

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

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

Awesome companies, awesome people and awesome support!

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

They believe in what we do and what you do.

So a big ongoing thank you to our Strategic Partners – STIHL and NZ Logger and sponsor SWAZI. The best way to keep our industry working is to get out and support those businesses that support New Zealand Participating Companies This competition wouldn’t be what it is without our participating companies.

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

Our ongoing thanks to Rayonier/Matariki Forests, Wenita Forest Products, Port Blakely, Crown Forestry, CMH Logging, Hauraki and Moehau Logging, Thomassen Logging, Te Waa Logging, Inta-Wood

46 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

Pou Anderson, Moutere Logging and Shane Perrett, Prime Forest Management.

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

George Hinana, Lahar Logging.

Kevin Scarrow, McDougall Logging.

Peter Dempsey, Dempsey Logging.

Kelvin Bouskill, Kaha Logging.

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 47

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

Chris Winter, Kaha Logging.

Ross Bertram, Whisker Logging.

Crew from Kaha Logging.

48 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

Richard Carmichael, Kaha Logging.

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new iron NEW CAT FOR DG GLENN LOGGING This new Cat 330 GC log loader was recently purchased by DG Glenn Logging, located in Napier. The machine was sold with an Ensign guarding package, which includes a 1730 Ensign rotating log grapple. Pictured are Managing Foreman, Ross Cooper and Jermaine, who comment that they really like the power of the unit, as well as the all-round performance it provides. The machine has been put to work in the Mohaka Forest in Hawke’s Bay. The unit was sold by Heath Stewart from Terra Cat.

DG GLENN GETS TRACTION LINE DG Glenn Logging has also taken on a new Cat 336 GC Traction Line package build with EMS that has been put to work in its operation. The Cat Next Gen combo traction line system ensures safe, productive steep slope harvesting with a Cat 552 harvester. Operator, Harry, is putting the new unit through its paces with crew 42 in the Te Waka Forest.

The machine was sold by Heath Stewart, Territory Account Manager for Terra Cat.

COMBO FOR NEWTON LOGGING

SUMITOMO FOR HURUNUI

Newton Logging recently took delivery of a new Woodsman Pro 750/Timber Pro TL775D combo, to work in the Tarawera Forest. This is the Newton family’s fifth Woodsman Pro harvesting head. Head sold by Adam Aldworth.

Hurunui Logging took delivery of a Sumitomo 240/SAT630HA late last year. The machine is working in the North Canterbury area felling, shovelling and stacking stems ready for the skidder.

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 51

new iron

FALCON WINCH ASSIST FOR HWH The team at HWH Logging, based out of Gore in the lower South Island, recently took delivery of a brand new Falcon Winch Assist on a forestry-spec base. This will enable them to tether their 885 Tigercat feller-buncher and safely harvest wood on steeper slopes.

From left: Reese and Jim from HWH Logging with DC Equipment's Hayden Thorn.

ULTIMATE GEAR FOR ULTIMATE LOGGING This mighty John Deere swing machine is new to the East Coast.

The 2156G purpose-built log loader with high rear-entry cab was sold to TDF Solutions and is on a lease-to-purchase plan to Ultimate Logging. The green machine is a great fit in Ultimate Logging’s ground base operations. Pictured from left: Paul Laird (AGrowQuip), Patrick Tasker (Ultimate Logging) and Frankie Davidson (TDF Solutions). Machine sold and supported by the AGrowQuip Hawkes Bay and East Coast team.

KOMATSU FOR SHERWOOD LOGGING

SOUTHSTAR FOR BLUEWOOD LOGGING Southstar has welcomed Otago's Bluewood Logging as a customer with its purchase of the Southstar FD750 felling head. An innovative install by Heavy Equipment Repairs in Tapanui makes for easy changeover between felling head and grapple. Clint McIvor is pictured with the new FD 750 head on his Doosan DX300LL.

52 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

John & Ellen Sherwood of Sherwood Logging have recently taken delivery of a new Komatsu PC 300LC–8 for their harvesting operation in Kaingaroa Forest. The Komatsu PC 300LC-8 has an Active Guarding Package and is fitted with a Woodsman Pro 750.

Paul Groot (Operator) commented to John Kosar of Komatsu Forest NZ that he is very impressed with the new machine. Pictured from left: Mike Lepper (Active Engineering), Steve Palmer (Komatsu Forest NZ), Adam Aldworth (Woodsman), John Sherwood, Paul Groot (Operator), Jordan Sherwood and John Kosar (Komatsu Forest NZ). Photographer – John Van Boven (Woodsman).

new iron

ANOTHER SUMITOMO FOR H&H

NEW MACHINERY FOR FLIGHT HARVESTING Gordon Flight of Flight Harvesting has taken delivery of a new SAT3L2 attached to a Madill 2250C. This machine will be working in the Lake Taupo forests. Its duties are to fall, trim and present stems for extraction.

Southland logging company, H&H Logging, has added another Sumitomo SH240TL machine to its busy logging operation. Crew owner, Terry Harland, chose the 240TL for its speed and agility on the skid, and is very happy with the PFS Guarding Package and specialised PFS Forest Cabin. The ‘TL’ option also gives the flexibility of being able to fit the bucket and linkage back to the machine relatively easily, if required, with the excavator boom and arm configuration. Terry’s fleet of Sumitomo machines already includes a similar 240TL machine and he has been very happy with the performance and speed of the machine, which is important in a high-production mechanised operation such as Terry’s. Jason Harland is pictured with the new machine.

TE WAA GETS A CAT Waa Owens of Te Waa Logging has recently added a new Cat Next Generation 336 to his operation. Son, Manawa, quickly put the 336 to the test with 3.7T plus piece size making it look effortless, with the fine-tuning of individual priority settings giving balanced power to all functions exactly when needed. A key benefit of having a full electric over hydraulic system now means each operator can finetune each operating style while maintaining low fuel consumption.

The new Cat was sold by Terra Cat Territory Account Manager, Brent Van Der Burg.

NEW MACHINERY IN ACTION Steven Yeoman has taken delivery of a new SAT3L2 attached to a new Tigercat 855. The main duties are to fall, trim and present stems ready for extraction.

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 53

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BRAND BRAND NEW NEW QUINCY QUINCY 370 370 AIR AIR COMPRESSOR COMPRESSOR

QUINCY QUINCY 370 370 COMPRESSOR COMPRESSOR AIR AIR COOLING COOLING TUBE TUBE

BENDIX BENDIX SHUTTLE SHUTTLE VALVE VALVE

BRAKE AIR VALVES / TREADLES

WABCO WABCO // BENDIX BENDIX AIR AIR DRYER DRYER

WM WM 305 305 SINGLE SINGLE TREADLE TREADLE DUAL DUAL VALVE VALVE & & REPAIR REPAIR KITS KITS

WILLIAMS WILLIAMS 472 472 & & BENDIX BENDIX DUAL DUAL WM325 WM325 // WM472 WM472 ACTION ACTION BRAKE BRAKE REPAIR REPAIR KITS KITS TREADLE TREADLE

WILLIAMS WILLIAMS WM352F WM352F MODULATING MODULATING VALVE VALVE

BENDIX AIR AIR BENDIX COMPRESSOR COMPRESSOR GOVERNOR GOVERNOR

TALKIE TALKIE TOOTER AIR AIR TOOTER SOLENOID SOLENOID

WM80A WM80A SHUTTLE SHUTTLE VALVE VALVE

W W N NEE

EATON EATON 224 224 RUBBER RUBBER DIAPHRAGM DIAPHRAGM

ADT ADT WICHITA WICHITA 18”, 18”, 19”, 19”, 21”, 21”, 24” 24” AIR AIR TUBE TUBE

WATER PUMPS

SWITCHES / BUTTONS

WM472/352 WM472/352 CARTRIDGE CARTRIDGE

THUNDERBIRD THUNDERBIRD TMY50/70 TMY50/70 GUY GUY WINCH WINCH MAXIBRAKE MAXIBRAKE

CAT CAT COMPRESSOR COMPRESSOR

PILOTED PILOTED UNLOADER UNLOADER CHECK VALVE VALVE CHECK

COMPRESSED COMPRESSED AIR AIR REGULATOR REGULATOR LUBRICATOR LUBRICATOR

MADILL 122/123 122/123 MADILL SPRING SPRING MAXIBRAKE MAXIBRAKE M2475 M2475

CUMMINS CUMMINS BRAKE AIR AIR BRAKE COMPRESSOR COMPRESSOR

BENDIX DF-596 DF-596 BENDIX COMPRESSOR COMPRESSOR

WICHITA WICHITA 3 3 SPUD SPUD TUBES TUBES HHVVV HHVVV 18”, 18”, 19”, 19”, 21”, 21”, 24” 24”

EE YYLL S STT

AIR AIR DUMP DUMP VALVES VALVES EDWARDS EDWARDS 820 820 BUTTON BUTTON (NEW (NEW STYLE) STYLE)

WILLIAMS QUICK QUICK WILLIAMS RELEASE VALVE VALVE RELEASE

WPT DUMP DUMP WPT VALVE VALVE

DUMP VALVE VALVE DUMP

FAIRCHILD MODEL MODEL 20 20 FAIRCHILD TWIN DISC DISC CLUTCH CLUTCH TWIN HIGH CAPACITY CAPACITY HIGH DUMP VALVE VALVE & & REPAIR REPAIR DUMP VOLUME BOOSTER BOOSTER VOLUME KITS KITS

WILLIAMS AIR AIR WILLIAMS DUMP VALVE VALVE & & DUMP REPAIR KITS KITS REPAIR

BENDIX BENDIX T-240004-D T-240004-D DUMP VALVE VALVE DUMP

MADILL MADILL 122-123 122-123 TRANS TRANS F-REVERSE F-REVERSE SWITCH SWITCH

POTENTIOMETER POTENTIOMETER 4 4 POLE POLE TERMINALS TERMINALS

MADILL MADILL 122-123HI-LO 122-123HI-LO TRANS TRANS SWITCH SWITCH

DETROIT DETROIT 60 60 SERIES SERIES ENGINE ENGINE THROTTLE THROTTLE SWITCH SWITCH

DETROIT DETROIT 60 60 SERIES SERIES ENGINE ENGINE THROTTLE THROTTLE SENSOR SENSOR

ACT ACT 8 8 WATER WATER PUMP PUMP 90252008 90252008 ++ KITS KITS

ACT ACT 06 06 WATER WATER BRAKE BRAKE PUMP PUMP

MONARCH MONARCH NT2L8S NT2L8S

BE70-85 BE70-85 WATER BREAK BREAK WATER PUMP PUMP

WATER WATER BRAKE BRAKE RETURN RETURN SCREEN SCREEN FILTER FILTER

NZ LOGGER classified

www.chains.co.nz Clark Tracks from Scotland Single tracks Bogey Tracks 30.5x32 750/55-26.5 35.5x32 780/50-28.5

FOR SALE 2018 Tigercat 632E Grapple Skidder

Trygg Ring Lug Chains from Norway are available from 16mm to 25mm 23.1x26 30.5x32 24.5x32 35.5x32 28Lx26

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

LG30793

Chain Protection have been selling these brands of forestry Chains & Tracks for 20+years

3800 hours. Excellent condition.

$390,000 + GST

Enquiries: Alan +64 0275349440

Built to banish downtime.

For heavy tyres, there’s no such thing as an easy job. 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.

STAYS ON THE JOB. Tyres that mean business.

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

56 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

LG31596

ENGINEERED WITH EXPERIENCE...

NZ LOGGER classified

STICK TO THE SLOPES SAFELY! Maximise your traction & safety on the slopes with our heavy duty, single bar Track Shoes n Huge range available for all makes & models of forestry machines from 10-40 tonne size n Options of square or clipped corners & mud holes to prevent material packing n Thickness range from 13-17mm n Lug height range from 55-82mm n Weld on Grouser Relug Bars can be fitted for extra lug height & maximum traction n Available in 600mm & 700mm wide

Call 0800 654 323 now to order your set of Track Shoes & go more places!

0800 654 323 | sales@west-trak.co.nz Find your parts at: www.west-trak.co.nz

Forestry Insurance Solutions LG23616

0800 55 54 53 info@stal.co.nz

www.sweeneytownsend.co.nz

Forestry Insurance Solutions

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 57

NZ LOGGER classified

BLACK DUCK SEAT COVERS

MUD GRABBA 4ELEMENTS SEAT COVERS

FLoOR MATS

• 650gsm/19.2 oz Cotton Twill Composite • Heavy Protection • UniqueDuty locking system keeps them in place • Easy to remove for Cleaning • 100% Waterproof Fabric • Moulded to fit your vehicle perfectly • Cotton Soft to Touch • Both front & rear available • Machine Washable • Made from quality PVC • Full replacement Warranty • UV Resistant • Tailored Fit for Comfort and Style • Available in Black or Grey • Protect Your Vehicle Investment

Mount Machinery Limited

LG30437

INTRODUCING THE NEW & Revolutionary

HEAVY PLANT & MACHINERY VALUERS

www.mountmachinery.nz

5% Ph: 0800 158 479

Shareholder Rebate

INTRODUCING THE NEW & Revolutionary les@blackduck.co.nz www.blackduck.co.nz

4ELEMENTS SEAT COVERS

• UV Resistant 650gsm/19.2oz ozCotton Twill Composite •• 650gsm/19.2 • Tailored Fit for Comfort CottonDuty TwillProtection Composite • Heavy and Style HeavyWaterproof Duty Protection •• 100% Fabric • Available in Black or Grey 100% Soft Waterproof Fabric •• Cotton to Touch •• Machine Washable • Protect Your Vehicle Cotton Soft to Touch •• UV Resistant Investment Machine Washable • Tailored Fit for Comfort and Style • Available in Black or Grey • Protect Your Vehicle Investment

Ph: 0800 158 479

sales@blackduck.co.nz www.blackduck.co.nz

0 158 479

Email: james@mountmachinery.nz Mail: PO Box 4254 Mt Maunganui 3149

5%

STRONG & RELIABLE GRAPPLES STRONG && RELIABLE RELIABLE GRAPPLES GRAPPLES STRONG Shareholder Rebate

sales@blackduck.co.nz

www.blackduck.co.nz

Made in NZ

Grapplesand andall allspares sparesinin Grapples stockwith withovernight overnightdelivery delivery stock

SERIES852 852and and864 864 MMSERIES STRONG&&RELIABLE RELIABLE STRONG GRAPPLES GRAPPLES LG31252

9

Contact: James Peacocke 0274 222 476

58 NZ LOGGER | May 2021

Knight Logging Ltd

• M SERIES 852 AND 864 – STRONG & RELIABLE GRAPPLES • GRAPPLES AND ALL SPARES IN STOCK WITH OVERNIGHT DELIVERY • PROVEN AFTER SALES SERVICE

ProvenAfter AfterSales Sales Proven Service Service

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

A DIVISION OF

NZ LOGGER classified

PROTECT YOUR POLYCARBONATE WINDOWS

Polycarb windows are prone to scratching causing severe reduction in visibility for the operator creating health & safety issues.

By applying our protective window film to your machine windows, you will: ► Extend the life of the polycarbonate, ► Restore visibility for operator, ► Reduce need for screen replacement, only film when necessary

LG30961

► Enable use of windscreen wipers

BEFORE

MOBILE SERVICE NATIONWIDE

AFTER

CONTACT: SHANE 027 626 2231

@ExtremeWindowTints

extremewindowtints@xtra.co.nz

Extreme_Window_Tints

EXPOSE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE Get the right exposure through NZ Logger magazine and capture the Forest industry buyers directly.

CONTACT TRISH TO ADVERTISE

LG31256

mobile. 021 925 600 phone. 09 571 3544

May 2021 | NZ LOGGER 59

Grabasub

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NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS

Post PO Box 112062 Penrose, Auckland 1642

Ph 09 571 3544

Email accounts@trucker.co.nz

www.alliedpublications.co.nz

Tick boxes NZ TRUCK & DRIVER 1 year (11 issues) for $80 incl. GST NZ LOGGER 1 year (11 issues) for $70 incl. GST NZ TRUCKBODY & TRAILER 1 year (4 issues) for $30 incl. GST

3 TITLES $160 incl. GST

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Sample photo

New Waratah 864 Grapple Heavy duty fleet and stack grapple.

Priced $59,000.00

Priced $105,000.00

Priced $130,000.00

Northland Mechanised logging services

10% OFF

Priced $3,160.00

Nelson Ryco 24/7

Priced $150,000.00

Priced $50,000.00

Waratah Grapples Priced $3,867.87

Priced $25,000.00

Dunedin Heavy Diesel support

Wheel Measure

Southland Heavy Equipment Repair

10% OFF

Length Measuring Arm Bearing & Seal Kit

Sx631 Video.pdf

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CM

MY

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CMY

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21/04/21

12:27 PM

IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY AND HIGHER BREAK LOADS. 23mm - 50 tonne | 19mm - 35 tonne