NZ Logger August 2021

August 2021

A modular

marvel

ISSN 2703-6251

Changing it up

PF Olsen: The Man

Tough iron in British Columbia

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contents AUGUST 2021

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FOREST TALK Government needs a rethink, says FOA; MPI rebrand spend questioned; Outcry at methyl bromide extension; Visa streamlining a good start; Tairāwhiti elevation data invaluable; $800 million US forest acquisition; JP Morgan acquires leading forest management player; Local Government underpins policy; Tragic fatality could have been avoided; A true loss; Addressing COVID-19 mental health burnout together; Seriously cool loader; More than just sowing seeds; New factory options for excavators; Ultimate stump removal; Making inroads with off-highway tyres; Telematics boost productivity, minimise downtime; ForestTECH 2021 is a go!

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SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST When is a log loader, not a log loader? When it’s a processor. The Eltec 317LL is impressing in its role as a processor for Tohaia Forestry Harvesting in the Maramarua Forest.

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TALL TIMBER This year, PF Olsen celebrates its 50-year milestone. We take a walk through history with a look at founder, Peter Francis Olsen’s life.

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BREAKING OUT Most of Tyler Backer Contracting and Pro-Link Logging’s wood is in the Barkerville area of the B.C. interior – hilly and broken country to the north and east of Quesnel. The

40 logging logistics are changing there, with the company doing a lot more moving between smaller blocks and in steeper ground.

DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 44 fica 46 top spot 51 new iron 57 classifieds

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 1

from the editor

August 2021

Our own best watchdogs

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A modular

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ISSN 1176-0397

PHOTO: JOHN ELLEGARD

Changing it up

PF Olsen: The Man

Tough iron in British Columbia

This new Eltec 317LL tall cab processor, complemented by a Woodsman Pro 750 head, is working with Tohaia Forestry Harvesting in Maramarua Forest.

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2 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

THE RECENT NATIONWIDE PROTESTS BY THE RURAL SECTOR GAVE PAUSE for thought. The breaking point was a ute tax, but freshwater regulations and workforce shortages were already placing pressure on farmers.

Are foresters going to follow suit and down tools anytime soon? Shifting decisions on land classes for plantation and carbon forests; the question of more wood processing and use within New Zealand versus sending whole logs overseas; that painful initial decision that forestry would not be classed as an essential service during COVID… there are certainly bones to pick. Most bush workers though, would sooner pick up a chainsaw, relying on Government to make the right choices.

A fair expectation, but how our industry progresses is not only down to Government Bills and regulations. Sometimes we need to be our own best watchdogs, and never more so than in the area of Health & Safety. In our Forest Talk pages you’ll find an article on a tragic logging fatality that could have been avoided, after safety audit results had previously identified clear issues on site. If we expect Government to do better, we need to do better too.

On a lighter note, this month we take a look at one man’s journey to become a forestry legend at a time when there was a distinctly pioneering element about the New Zealand Forest Service. Peter Francis Olsen may have come from humble beginnings, but he left us with New Zealand’s largest independent forest management company and one of Australia’s significant land management companies.

Also in this issue are some impressive images of tackling harvesting in thick snow, as we take a trip to British Columbia. The dedicated team and tough iron at Tyler Backer Contracting and Pro-Link Logging are a match for the elements in this steep, forbidding land.

Our Iron Test this month takes a look at changing things up. Modern technology lets forestry equipment manufacturers build off a common platform that can be easily tailored to suit a specific task. Tohaia Forestry Harvesting’s Eltec 317LL was originally designated as a log loader but has taken on a life as a processor. Perhaps there’s a lesson to be learnt here in adaptation in the face of change, something our farmers may be struggling with…

Until next time, stay safe.

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forest talk

Government needs a rethink, says FOA THE FOREST OWNERS ASSOCIATION (FOA) IS SYMPATHISING with some farmer frustrations over the pace of regulations being imposed on the primary sector which last month played out in nationwide protests.

FOA President, Phil Taylor, says the time has long since passed for anyone to think there are free rides on the environment.

He says it’s vital to acknowledge the need for new exotic forests to sequester enough carbon for New Zealand to reach zero carbon by 2050, without putting impossible burdens on sectors of the economy, including agriculture.

He adds that some of the constraints on agriculture now being imposed, or suggested, don’t make sense and jeopardise the viability of the productive land economy throughout New Zealand, pointing out the rules around designating Significant Natural Areas (SNA) in particular.

“It seems as though there is no vestige of vegetation anywhere – town, city or rural that can’t be arbitrarily classed as an SNA. “The more foresters, farmers, or anyone who plants native trees in city backyards as well, and then takes care of and looks after these native trees or wildlife, then paradoxically the more officials are going to prevent them using their land in a productive way,” he says.

“If the government really wants to maintain and enhance indigenous biodiversity then it should turn its attention to a chronically under-resourced Department of Conservation estate.

Or it should supply conservation services to meaningfully assist landowners in their own biodiversity efforts.”

Mr Taylor says plantation forests, like many farms, intrinsically have extensive native reserves, riparian strips and wetlands all

throughout their forest blocks.

Forestry companies have undertaken to follow best practice conservation measures to protect endangered species of birds, reptiles, bats, amphibians and plants. There are many examples nationwide where forest owners are leading conservation efforts with endangered species, he adds.

“It seems that there is a regulatory approach which Forest Owners Association starts with a rushed list of rules President, Phil Taylor. and then looks for places to make them fit.

“We all want to see better protection of our biodiversity, but one size does not fit all land and if we users of a land resource – foresters or farmers – are prevented from using that land then the national income takes a big hit in the long term.

“We do support many of the changes the government is undertaking. They are essential to preserve our environment, but they need to create a more sustainable economy at the same time.

This is not in the least because forestry has a huge role to play in carbon lock-up and increased export earnings.

“However, if private land is going to be appropriated for the provision of public good, the government needs to rethink how the costs are going to be met and where the efforts are applied.” NZL

MPI rebrand spend questioned “THE MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES (MPI) HAS SPENT almost three times as much on an unnecessary rebrand as it did on a support package for under-pressure fruit growers,” says ACT’s Primary Industries spokesperson, Mark Cameron.

“The ACT Party can reveal through Written Parliamentary Questions that MPI splashed out a million bucks to rebrand its existing business units. Meanwhile, fruit growers who are facing dire skills shortages and have been affected by weather events received just $350,000.

The rebranding was for New Zealand Food Safety, Fisheries New

4 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

Zealand, Biosecurity New Zealand, and Te Uru Rākau – established within existing branches of MPI in April 2018. It cost a total of $959,688.

“How can stationery, templates, logos and vehicle signage for departments that already exist within MPI be more of a priority than fruit growers who are struggling because Government won’t let a labour force in to help them?

“When a branded pen is more important to the Government than an entire industry, you’ve really got to question what they’re thinking.” NZL

forest talk

Outcry at methyl bromide extension IN OCTOBER 2010, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Authority (EPA) told the logging industry it had 10 years to stop releasing the significantly ozone-depleting gas, methyl bromide into the atmosphere.

That deadline elapsed in October last year, but industry calls for more time have now been granted for a fourth time with methyl bromide use more than doubling from 245 tonnes in 2006 to 663 tonnes in 2018. Three-quarters of a billion dollars’ worth of export logs were treated with methyl bromide in 2019, about a quarter of the total amount sent abroad.

The gas is used as a fumigant to kill pests on logs for export to India and China, pumped under tarpaulin-covered stacks of logs and then released into the air.

It is also toxic to humans and damaging to the ozone layer, and international agreements require it to be phased out.

Industry group STIMBR says full recapture is “impossible” and it has asked the EPA to reassess recapture requirements.

The EPA has now pushed the recapture deadline out to February 2022 to give exporters to India certainty they can fulfil orders.

“We say enough is enough. It’s completely unacceptable. We feel that what’s being lost sight of is the amount of this ozone-depleting

neurotoxin that is used at the Port of Tauranga so close to where our kids play sport, the workers at the port and the residents nearby,” says Clear the Air Mount Maunganui spokesperson, Emma Jones.

“We don’t have the resources to keep fighting this and we just expect our institutions to do the right thing,” she adds.

Tauranga Moana Fumigant Action Group lawyer, Kate Barry-Piceno, says parts of the extension decision were unlawful, adding that some companies had sunk serious money into cleaner but more expensive alternatives expecting the deadline to be enforced, while those that did not were benefiting from the continued extensions.

“Ultimately the buck stops with the regulators. It is their job to force industry into line. It appears as if the Ministry for Primary Industries has, alongside the EPA, allowed the logging industry to not step forward into the space and show sound environmental leadership around the regulation that, at an international level, New Zealand had committed to,” she told RNZ. “The EPA is failing in its duty to protect the environment and the health and safety of people.”

An application to allow an alternative fumigant called EDN, developed and sold by the international Draslovka Group, has been before the EPA for nearly four years. The group says EDN has a negligible environmental risk and very low risk to health. NZL

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 5

forest talk

Visa streamlining a good start GOVERNMENT IS INCREASING THE duration of Essential Skills visas and streamlining the application process to smooth the way for employers and their people, says business service organisation, EMA. Chief Executive, Brett O’Riley, says it is a step in the right direction to addressing labour demand.

“We’ve long said that we need to prioritise those we already have in the country to fill the skills gap that has always existed here but been exacerbated by border closures.

“Our members have been telling us they’ve been losing people to their home countries because they haven’t had applications processed quickly enough, or had any certainty,” he says.

“The increase in duration of Essential Skills visas for jobs paid below minimum wage from 12 months to 24 months from

July 19, is a good start.

“Equally important is the streamlining of the application process for Essential Skills visas remaining in their current roles.

Removing the labour market test, and medical and police certificate requirements, if Immigration New Zealand already has the information, just makes sense,” says Mr O’Riley.

“We understand the Government’s longerterm vision is to grow more talent here and build a more self-reliant labour market and we wholeheartedly support that, but migrants are part of the fabric of our society and will always be needed.

“The EMA is keen to continue to work with Government to break down barriers that enable migrants to continue to contribute to the New Zealand economy and strengthen its communities.

“We look forward to hearing more

about further changes so we can keep our members up-to-date,” he says.

He adds that EMA supports calls for an amnesty for Pacific Island overstayers, given the resulting opportunity to increase participation in the workforce and in education. NZL

Tairāwhiti elevation data invaluable “ACCESS TO THIS LEVEL OF RICH DATA FOR TAIRĀWHITI IS A monumental achievement as it covers the entire district. This is the first time the area has been surveyed in this level of detail,” says Principal Scientist for Gisborne District Council, Dr Murry Cave, of data from the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne district LiDAR project. Now available on the LINZ Data Service (LDS), the data will enable better erosion and flood hazard management in the region.

“It has unlocked opportunities to help address wide-scale erosion control problems in the district. Other projects will include LiDAR differencing in Gisborne City’s water supply catchment, rural landslide risk assessments, legacy landfill risk assessments and revised tsunami inundation zones,” adds Mr Cave.

Council plans to use LiDAR for active fault mapping across the region, flood hazard mapping for rural towns, forestry management and compliance monitoring.

Gisborne District Council received funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Erosion Control Funding Programme and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to develop a high accuracy regional elevation model of the entire district using airborne LiDAR surveying.

Council has already started using the data to work on revised flood hazard mapping for the Taruheru and Waimata River systems, using the high-resolution LiDAR data to define the ground surface more precisely and enable the development of a more reliable flood hazard model.

It has also been used as a gravel management tool in a recent project assessing the gravel resources in the Waiapu River system. It highlighted areas where gravel extraction has resulted in increased

6 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

erosion and areas where the river is aggrading.

The data has also helped Council to get a better understanding of landslide risk in Gisborne’s hill suburbs and changes to sediment loads in the Waipaoa Catchment.

The full dataset has already been provided to agencies undertaking regional research and projects including GNS, Scion, Auckland University and Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research.

A workshop will be held later in the year to allow Council staff and other users to showcase how the data is being used. NZL

GDC Land Manager, Mark Cockburn, looking at a LiDAR model of the lower Waipaoa River.

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forest talk

$800 million US forest acquisition NEW FORESTS, HEADQUARTERED IN SYDNEY, HAS ACQUIRED the 156,000-acre (63,000 ha) Hilt-Siskiyou Forest, a mixed-conifer forest along the California and Oregon border, from the Fruit Growers Supply Company (FGS) alongside an institutional investor client.

“This announcement marks a significant milestone for us, both in terms of growing our assets under management in California and Oregon and with respect to the ecological significance of the area.

We look forward to continuing Fruit Growers Supply Company’s tradition of stewardship of this forest, including maintenance and protection of critical wildlife habitat and watersheds, alongside the sustainable harvest of certified timber,” says Jon Loevner, Director of US Investments at New Forests, The Hilt-Siskiyou Forest is the latest sustainable forestry investment by New Forests in the United States. New Forests says its investment strategy in the US is to acquire and manage forestry assets for sustainable timber production, environmental market exposures, and conservation, in order to generate higher returns than a timber-only management approach and to create climate change mitigation outcomes and positive community impact. The global forestry investment management firm seeks to deploy at least $500 million in capital for multiple clients in US forests over the next 24 months and is actively considering additional investments in the

8 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

Pacific Northwest, Lake States, New England, and Appalachia.

The Hilt-Siskiyou Forest is a high-quality asset currently managed for sustainable timber production under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification standard. FGS has owned and operated core areas of the Hilt-Siskiyou Forest for over a century.

This acquisition forms part of New Forests’ broader investments in the Klamath River watershed. In 2011, New Forests financed and developed the first forest carbon project in the California regulatory carbon market in partnership with the Yurok Tribe on land held by the Tribe near the Klamath River.

In 2016 and 2018, New Forests acquired, on behalf of investors, several forest properties in the Klamath River watershed, including the Ke’pel Creek and Pine Creek forests, which the company enrolled in California’s climate programme to conserve the properties for long-term carbon storage and growth. In April of this year, New Forests, the Yurok Tribe, and the Trust for Public Land announced a transaction that returned Ke’pel Creek, a property that forms part of the Yurok Tribe’s ancestral territory, to the Tribe.

FGS, a sister organisation to the Sunkist citrus growers’ cooperative, has a long history on this property, dating back to the early 20th century, when FGS acquired the core Hilt block to provide raw material for citrus crate manufacturing. NZL

forest talk

Local Government underpins policy LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND’S (LGNZ) MEMBER COUNCILS last month passed seven remits to direct LGNZ’s policy advocacy, several of them relevant to the forestry industry.

LGNZ is the body representing New Zealand’s 78 local councils, providing a unified voice for the sector and a pathway for continuous improvement.

All 78 member councils were able to debate and vote on proposed remits at the LGNZ Annual General meeting.

The remits included rating value of forestry land, tree protection and carbon emission inventory standards and reduction targets.

The rating value of forestry land remit calls for LGNZ to request the Valuer General to amend legislation to allow local government to address growing disparities between the rating valuation of forestry land and other land uses. It was proposed

by Gisborne City Council and supported by: Hauraki District Council; Western Bay of Plenty District Council; New Plymouth District Council; Hastings District Council; Manawatū District Council; Ruapehu District Council; Whakatāne District Council; Central Hawkes Bay District Council; Wairoa District Council; and Waikato District Council. This remit was passed with 81% support of the sector.

The tree protection remit calls for the urgent repeal of current provisions in the Resource Management Act (RMA) that restrict tree protection, restoring councils’ rights to adopt and enforce locally appropriate policies to protect trees in their district.

Proposed by Auckland Council and supported by Auckland Zone, it was passed with 79% support of the sector.

The carbon emission inventory standards and reduction targets remit calls for LGNZ to work with central government to develop consistent emission inventory standards for use by local and regional authorities; to set science-based emissions reduction targets to support delivery on New Zealand’s National Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, and on the nationwide emissions budgets being established by government via advice from the Climate Change Commission. It was proposed by Palmerston North City Council and supported

by Zone Three. This remit was passed with 96% support of the sector.

Other remits passed included funding of civics education, promoting local government electoral participation, WINZ accommodation supplement review, and liability – building consent functions. NZL

JP Morgan acquires leading forest management player IN WHAT IT SAYS IS AN EFFORT TO DIRECTLY IMPACT THE transition to a low-carbon economy and provide ESG-minded investment opportunities related to climate, conservation and biodiversity, JP Morgan Asset Management has acquired forest management and timberland investing company, Campbell Global.

The terms of the deal with Campbell Global’s parent company, BrightSphere Investment Group, were not disclosed. The acquisition does not impact current investment strategies for Campbell Global clients.

“This acquisition expands our alternatives offering and demonstrates our desire to integrate sustainability into our business in a way that is meaningful,” says George Gatch, Chief Executive Officer of JP Morgan

Asset Management. “Investing in timberland, on behalf of institutional and high net wealth individuals, will allow us to apply our expertise in managing real assets to forests, which are a natural solution to many of the world’s climate, biodiversity and social challenges.”

Campbell Global is a recognised leader in global timberland investment and natural resource management. Based in Portland, Oregon, the firm has over three decades of experience, $5.3 billion in assets under management and manages over 1.7 million acres worldwide with over 150 employees. All employees will be retained and Campbell Global will remain headquartered in Portland. JP Morgan oversees forests around the world, including in 15 US states, New Zealand, Australia and Chile. NZL

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 9

forest talk

Tragic fatality could have been avoided FORESTRY BUSINESSES ARE BEING REMINDED ONCE again to make sure work is being done correctly, safely and to higher industry standards – or risk seeing their workers injured or killed.

This follows a tragic forestry fatality on the East Coast which could have been avoided if industry guidance had simply been followed, after safety audit results had previously identified clear issues, says WorkSafe.

Two companies appeared in court on 24 March 2021 for sentencing following the incident, with the sentencing decision being released on 16 July 2021.

Ernslaw One had engaged Pakiri Logging to assist with harvesting at West Ho forest in Tologa Bay. In February 2019, a breaker out worker for Pakiri Logging was struck by a log being hauled out of the valley on a skyline cable. The victim died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

A WorkSafe investigation found both parties had failed to ensure the dangerous work was being carried out safely.

“Pakiri were not ensuring crew were following correct protocols while breaking out and harvesting work was taking place,” says WorkSafe’s Area Manager, Danielle Henry.

“Our investigation found that the parties’ workers were not abiding to recommended safe retreat distances.

At the time of the incident, the victim was 18-20 metres away from the skyline cable when he should have been at least 45 metres away.

“Audits commissioned by Ernslaw and Pakiri from May to September 2018 highlighted issues with the way in which a particular break out crew for Pakiri was operating. Despite issues identified in these audits being available to the companies months prior to the incident, the companies failed to take corrective action.

“Had the two companies discussed the audit results as and when they were provided and taken action as a result of the issues identified, then this tragic incident could have been avoided.

“This highlights the importance of clear communication and the need to follow industry practice – especially in a high risk industry,” she says.

Pakiri Logging was fined $468,000 and Ernslaw One was fined $288,000 at the Gisborne District Court while the companies have been ordered to share in reparations to the families for a total of $238,000.

Both were said to have a duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking. Their failure to comply with that duty exposed break out workers to a risk of death or serious injury, arising from breaking out activities. NZL

10 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

A true loss WorkSafe Forestry Lead, Grant Duffy, left his mark on the forestry industry.

THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY HAS LOST one of its most passionate safety advocates.

WorkSafe’s Forestry Lead, Grant Duffy, passed away at just 59 on 23 June 2021 after a fall.

“Grant worked relentlessly throughout his career to achieve better outcomes for workers in New Zealand, and for the last eight years his focus was on health and safety in the forest estate,” says WorkSafe Chief Executive, Phil Parkes.

“His commitment to making forestry safer was borne out of his fundamental belief that every worker has the right to go home healthy and safe at the end of every day. I have no doubt that there are many forestry workers who continue to earn their livelihoods as a direct result of Grant,” he says.

In the days before his tragic accident Grant was still calling out the risks in the sector. He had been at a Rayonier Matariki Forestry contractor day presenting on what Forest Industry Contractors Association CEO, Prue Younger, calls ‘de-risking the industry’ with a particular focus on the risks for tree-fallers.

“Contractors at the event are telling me of the very sobering overview he presented.

“Although Grant was the regulator, he ‘got it’ and he worked hard to find a balance in providing support and playing devil’s advocate. He was a deep thinker and he provoked great debates,” says Ms Younger.

Others have also paid tribute to Grant’s work, including Fiona Ewing, National Safety Director of the Forest Industry Safety Council who praised Grant for his strong advocacy of worker welfare. “His willingness to tackle things differently led to our successful co-design work on Toroawhi, learning reviews and understanding risk workshops. He was also prepared to hold the sector to account. There’s still much work to do in the sector and we should continue that work to honour Grant’s legacy.”

Mr Parkes says people, families and communities in forestry are better off because of Grant’s passion and commitment.

“What Worksafe, FISC and many others across the industry are doing today in forestry that is so different from the past is in no small way because of Grant,” he says.

Glen Mackie from the Forest Owners’ Association says Grant had a particular focus on how work is actually done rather than as imagined.

“Grant understood the challenges there are in working in forestry and had a deep appreciation of the people working in our industry. Just recently Grant was introducing a strategy he called “The Journey” – an 18-month programme to promote existing solutions, and develop entirely new thinking and methodologies.

“We were very fortunate to have such an active, forward thinker working to make forestry safer,” Mr Mackie says. NZL

forest talk

Addressing COVID-19 mental health burnout together Story: Robyn Bennett MPhil (OSH), President of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM).

THERE HAS BEEN A GROWING VOLUME OF discussion about the health impacts of burnout on workers.

Longer hours, expectations to do more and an ongoing feeling of uncertainty due to COVID-19 fatigue continue to take a toll.

For many it can seem like a never ending treadmill that is almost impossible to escape.

Two years ago the World Health Organisation (WHO) took the significant step of adding burnout to its International Classification of Diseases – it’s defined as a syndrome resulting from unmanaged chronic workplace stress.

Other research from WHO and the International Labour Organisation links long working hours to health impacts, concluding that 55-hour work weeks increase the chance of stroke by 35% and dying from heart disease by 17%, compared to working 35-40 hours. The study was based on pre-COVID data so it’s possible the statistics are now higher.

Closer to home, an AUT study by Professor Jarrod Haar found that workers under the age of 30 years old are 206% more likely to be burned out and young people can be affected just as much as managers.

Productivity, or actually the lack thereof, is also a drum that continues to be beaten in New Zealand – leading companies are on average less than half as productive as top companies in other small advanced economies, says the Productivity Commission. And clearly, adding hours does not make us more productive but does increase workplace stress, and subsequently worker burnout.

In the workplace, the pressure of catching up after 2020 and coming to terms with a new abnormal brings more burden and can affect performance and productivity, when exactly the opposite is required – for many it is becoming a vicious circle.

The challenge is that, while we acknowledge burnout is prevalent, very few see it as a workplace risk that needs to be proactively raised and managed, when the opposite is needed.

Burnout should be managed collectively – we should all be comfortable raising our hand and not having to deal with it alone. There are many ways to reduce it, but recognising it as a wider issue and then managing it with fairness, understanding and support is vital.

Over the past year we’ve all seen this approach in action. We have been fortunate

to have very clear, concise and direct messaging in response to COVID-19 – Be Kind, Stay Home, Save Lives. This became the foundation for a new language of care that has touched every workplace and home.

It’s been a good start but there’s also a need to move a step further towards a duty of care for each and everyone around us.

This involves checking in and looking after one another, being honest and open, and not only talking about everyday happenings but being able to express thoughts and feelings without judgement.

The issue of burnout is ubiquitous and the problem insidious. It has crept up on us as we’ve taken on greater loads while trying our best to make things work during an uncertain time.

We can limit its impact, despite the softer discussion of how we are feeling or coping perhaps being alien or even uncomfortable.

We all know COVID’s been stressful but we can put misgivings aside and encourage each other to talk more openly. Whatever our role at work, we all have a part to play. Now is the time to have conversations fairly and truthfully so we can start to address burnout together. NZL

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 11

forest talk

Seriously cool loader AFTER 63 YEARS OF WHEEL LOADER PRODUCTION, CASE Construction has released the next series in its line-up of wheel loaders. The G Series, from 12-27 tonne, takes the F Series platform and introduces a whole new cab, full of industry leading features.

1987 saw the introduction of the innovative CASE Cooling-Cube system, which shifted the engine to the rear of the machine and brought the inter-cooler, engine, transmission and hydraulic coolers forward behind the cab, arranged in a cube shape. This meant none of the coolers were stacked together and each had clean cool air to better manage machine and component temperatures.

The introduction of the hydraulic reversing fan solidified the CASE Cooling-Cube design as market leading and the optimal way to not only keep the machines cool, but also reduce maintenance and downtime due to the radiators working at maximum efficiency.

That radical platform change led to the engine sitting at the back of the machine, up to the 20-tonne model. This allows the engine to act as an extra counterweight over the back axle, at a low centre of gravity, allowing the CASE machines to lift more payload than other equivalent machines. Owners quickly found more payload with a smaller machine equals a lower running cost, with an increased return on investment (ROI). This design change also allows easier access to the engine for regular maintenance and daily checks at ground level.

With this platform to leverage off, the G Series builds major efficiencies through a brand-new operator platform and moving to a

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FPT’s patented HI SCR 2 Stage 5 rated system.

Moving the dash monitor on to a new pillar-mounted 8-inch display and replacing the 3-piece windscreen with a single rounded piece of glass has taken visibility to a whole new level, virtually eliminating blind spots for the operator. Combined with a low sloping rear bonnet and built-in reversing camera, the operator knows exactly what is going on around the machine at all times.

Add in the premium air-seat mounted console, electrohydraulic controlled joystick, built-in proportional auxiliary sliders, new system control keypad and the operator has everything in close reach, making for a highly productive work area that is low fatigue in any application.

The new optional factory-integrated payload weighing system increases accuracy for loading out, making sure the optimal weight is achieved every time and allows for material, production and output tracking easily, through the Sitewatch portal.

Plus, the optional joystick steering and adaptive sensitivity across all electrohydraulic controls means the machine can be set up to suit all operators, providing them with a loader that is easy to use and highly productive.

Combine all those features with an efficient powertrain that allows the engine to produce the horsepower required to achieve a high daily production with minimal fuel use, and the G Series running costs and productivity are sure to keep Kiwi owners happy. NZL

forest talk

More than just sowing seeds THE PAST DECADE HAS SEEN SIGNIFICANT INCREASE AROUND environmental issues from the public, local and central government on the primary sector. Whether these issues are real or perceived, the general public and government are expecting the primary industry to do better, says OsGro Seed Services.

The forestry sector is no exception to these pressures. On 1 May 2018, the new National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) took effect which replaced the Regional Council plans. The NES, as its name suggests, is a National Standard for harvesting and roading operations and regulations are based on soil Erosion Susceptibility Classes (ESC) for the area in question.

There is increasing pressure to ensure correct environmental practices are followed, to ensure such issues as erosion and sediment are not contributing negatively on New Zealand freshwater quality.

OsGro Seed services has been working with the forestry sector for the past nine years, developing a range of products to help companies meet the obligations of local authorities, working with a growing number of forestry companies throughout New Zealand to establish a specific range of seed mixes suitable for use within the forest.

Over this time OsGro has developed a range of seed mixes with the following key attributes: • To provide ground cover as quickly as possible.

• To establish on a range of soil types.

• To establish in far from perfect sowing conditions.

• To establish and persist in low soil fertility soils.

Developing this range has been no easy task considering nearly

all plant breeding of grasses and the like in New Zealand is either focussed on the agriculture or turf industries. These mixes can either be applied by hand sowing or hydro seeding.

The company has seen a significant uptake in oversowing cutover forest within the sector, especially on environmentally sensitive site.

Most oversowing of cutover forests is happening in the Autumn within 18 month of the forests being harvested. Oversowing cutover forestry is happening on sites and benefits include: • Reduction of erosion and sediment into waterways.

• Weed suppression.

• Reduction in numbers of self-sown seedlings pines.

Companies that are currently using this method are finding once the oversowing seed is established it forms a mat, which reduces competition from weed species and significantly decreases the number of self-sown seedling pines. OsGro is planning on doing further trial work this coming year on oversowing cutover forests in the Hawkes Bay Not all situations are the same, says the company’s Jeremy Oswald.

“Over the past nine years we have developed an understanding of current forestry practices and challenges the industry faces, Although we have developed a range of base seed mixes for roading, earthworks and oversowing, we still customise these specifically for your individual forest and situation.”

OsGro Seed Services is a family-owned Seed Company based in Marlborough, servicing clients throughout New Zealand and offering a range of high quality seed to the agriculture, forestry and horticulture sectors. OsGro is a firm believer in modern science coupled with traditional family values. NZL

forest talk

New factory options for excavators KOMATSU FOREST HAS MADE STRONG MARKET GAINS OVER the past decade in the New Zealand market with the Komatsu excavator range from Japan. This has been greatly assisted by the major guarding shop companies who carry the various excavator modifications to meet the demands of the local market for forest cabs, high/wide undercarriages, guarding packages and the like.

Over the years the modification level and sophistication has risen dramatically which unfortunately has had a huge impact on pricing due to the large number of labour hours involved, says MD of Komatsu Forest, Brett Jones.

Machine pricing has always been a major factor for contractors with the harvesting rates being so competitive. Therefore over the last couple of years Mr Jones has been negotiating with Komatsu’s Osaka factory to supply the high-cost items from the factory at factory production price levels. This will help to reduce the overall machine pricing in the long term and provide a faster turnaround in the guarding shops.

“It has been a step by step process, with the first item to arrive in New Zealand being the PC300LC-8 high/wide undercarriage which has just been followed up by the special forestry booms set,” he says.

The development of these items has been a joint effort between Komatsu Forest and the Osaka factory with these two major items soon to be available on the PC270LC-8 as well. In recent months Komatsu Forest has delivered two of the PC300LC-8 factory high/ wides to the following contractors, saying feedback to date from both contractors has been excellent: • Anderson Logging from Southland has a Komatsu PC300LC-8 fitted with a factory high/wide undercarriage, along with an EMS rear entry cab and log loader boom set. This grapple loader can also be used for a shovel application. This is Doug Anderson’s fourth

14 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

PC300LC, all fitted with high/wide undercarriages but the last two were supplied with the factory-fitted Komatsu undercarriage. “I’m especially impressed with the extra frame strengthening of the factory high/wide as well as the standard bottom roller guards,” comments Doug. He had hoped to have the new factory booms but unfortunately they weren’t ready at the time. “Still got a good price advantage as it was still cheaper than a smaller purpose-built and the Komatsu has a good proven record,” he adds. “Great value for money”.

• Graham Logging has a Komatsu PC300LC-8 fitted with a factory high/wide. In this case the guarding was carried out by Active Engineering – involving the forestry cab and general guarding package. This unit has been set up with a Woodsman FH 1350 felling head. Chris Graham operates a couple of Komatsu wheel machines and recently required a felling machine due to changes in his logging requirements. After careful consideration he selected the Komatsu PC300LC with the new factory high/wide which provided a quicker delivery due to less modifications. “I was impressed with the high/ wide design and the quick delivery time was the real tipping point in my purchase decision,” says Chris. “The track power has been impressive and the PC300LC is very flexible being the right size for a processor and it’s rigged for an easy swap in the future,” he adds.

Komatsu Forest will continue the development of its Komatsu hydraulic excavators to match the New Zealand and Australian market demands. The PC300LC-8 and PC270LC-8 high/wides will be shipped from the factory without their standard cabins to save costs and time. These models will also be available from the factory with a Komatsu WG forestry boom set. The next project, which has already started, will be a purpose-built forestry cooling system which will include a complete new cooler matrix with a reversible hydraulic fan, taking this product range to another level. NZL

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forest talk

Ultimate stump removal AS PART OF ITS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO, Mobile Screening and Crushing (MSC) NZ offers Dipperfox Stump Crusher attachments, which are several times faster and a lot more fuel efficient than the traditional methods of stump removal. Now the same job gets done four times faster, with a much cleaner end result.

The Dipperfox Stump Crusher 850 Pro is ideal for clearing the ground after deforestation, preparing plots for construction or farming, trenching or urban landscaping. Stump Crusher attachments attach to various sized excavators, by Dipperfox.

The Dipperfox Stump Crusher’s new technology for stump removal, is 8-10 times more efficient than other methods currently used, says MSC. The outcome is similar to a stump grinder – the whole

16 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

stump and roots will be cut into 30-50mm chips, but compared with stump grinding, the whole process will take 20-120 seconds, depending on hardness and diameter of the tree. Plus, Dipperfox is capable of drilling 900mm under the chip to smash the roots. Its blades are made from wear resistant steel and are “basically rock-proof ”.

MSC says the main benefits compared to other methods include: • 10 times faster than other known stump removal methods.

• 180 stumps in one hour – fastest and most efficient drill on the market.

• Drilling speed per stump: 20 seconds.

• Suitable for forest and urban challenges.

• No waste to utilise left behind (grinded stump will be used as fertiliser for the ground).

• Can be used with any excavator between 14 to 30 tonnes.

• Automatic speed/torque adjustment (built-in long-lasting 2 speed dynamic gearbox).

• No electricity, no cables to connect (fully hydraulic operation).

• Unit can be stored in outside conditions.

• Bolt-able consumables (double-sided cutting blades, screw).

• Easy to maintain – long (250-hour) oil change cycle.

• Light weight – which allows for transport to the jobsite with pick-up truck or car trailer.Reduced nose pollution, compared with grinders.

• Unique in its class – patented technology.

• MSC is a nationwide provider of material processing equipment and services, with over 25 years in business. NZL

forest talk

Making inroads with off-highway tyres GLOBAL OHT (OFF-HIGHWAY TYRE) BRAND, ASCENSO, HAS BEEN making a name for itself in this country since Whangarei-based Treadway was appointed New Zealand distributor. Ascenso is the newest major brand to be added to Treadway’s inventory.

With more than 40 years in the field, family-owned and operated Treadway offers a wide range of industrial, construction, agricultural and earthmoving tyres and ancillary equipment, together with the expertise to accompany them.

Ascenso OHT products range from bias ply tyres (suitable for higher loads) to high-end steel radial (for superior tread wear), as well as all-steel belted tyres for the toughest applications.

New Zealand is experiencing a boom in infrastructure expansion and large-scale construction projects. With the economy accelerating following the most recent pandemic lockdowns, a surge of government and private investment in works that require off-road vehicles is ramping up demand.

And the demand for robust and reliable OHT tyres has probably never been greater worldwide, with many countries – notably China and the United States – making massive investments in infrastructure, driven by factors as diverse as climate change, population growth, geopolitical rivalry, shipping bottlenecks impacting traditional global supply-chains, and (in developing countries) the availability of funding from the World Bank or China’s Belt and Road Initiative. A key reason for its popularity is the brand’s positioning in the medium price range sweet spot.

Ascenso is a Spanish word meaning ‘ascent’ or ‘rise’; hence the tagline ‘never stop rising’, which signifies brand-owner Mahansaria Tyres’ (MTPL) commitment to constant improvement and innovation.

MTPL’s state-of-the-art manufacturing base, located within one of India’s Special Economic Zones, has a current capacity of 40,000 units

annually, projected to rise to 70,000. Pursuing new products and processes, the Indian facility is already manufacturing tyres featuring innovative tread patterns with self-cleaning capabilities and extrastrength carcasses.

“Quality tyres with longer life deliver lower total ownership cost – an attractive proposition to purchasing officers, farmers, earthmoving and construction companies. Having previously created two of the world’s leading off-highway tyre brands, we are excited to now be taking Ascenso to global markets,” says MTPL CEO, Yogesh Mahansaria.

“As we are already exporting to 45 countries, we believe Ascenso can be a serious competitor in the value segment,” he adds. NZL

Telematics boost productivity, minimise downtime JOHN DEERE IS IMPROVING THE ABILITY for customers to maximise machine performance and uptime through updates to the JDLink™ platform. Available on most new models, John Deere’s JDLink telematics solution delivers valuable fleet insights directly into the hands of the machine owner or fleet manager.

Customers now no longer need to renew their JDLink connectivity service subscription and can enable their JDLink service on any compatible machine in their organisation at no additional charge.

Additionally, once customers enable JDLink connectivity, they can select to automatically

activate all future JDLink compatible models, further streamlining fleet management. With this update to the JDLink service offering, it is easier than ever before for customers to maximise machine productivity and minimise downtime.

“John Deere has offered telematics for well over a decade and the boost in machine monitoring and machine uptime has been an overwhelming benefit to our customers,” says John Deere Product Marketing Manager, Connected Solutions, James Leibold.

“With the next phase of our JDLink offering, we are making it easier for customers to manage their fleets. Instead of needing to

keep track of renewal dates by each machine, owners and fleet managers can look at monitoring their equipment holistically and can focus on what’s important – keeping their job sites running.”

The JDLink service enables customers access to vital data, such as machine location and utilisation, time in idle, fuel level, upcoming maintenance, machine alerts, and more, all from a web or mobile platform. Beyond machine monitoring, the JDLink solution also enables John Deere Connected Support, for the dealer to remotely identify critical issues and act, or remotely send software payloads to ensure the machine is running efficiently. NZL

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 17

forest talk

Photo: FCNSW

ForestTECH 2021 is a go!

EVERY YEAR ONE MAJOR FOREST TECHNOLOGY SERIES IS run in this region. It’s designed by and for Australasian forestry resource managers and inventory foresters. It’s been the one event each year since 2007 where remote sensing, GIS, mapping and forest inventory specialists and, for the first-time last year, tree crop and silvicultural managers – get together.

Amidst the uncertainty of events in the COVID-19 environment, the Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) is delighted to announce that ForestTECH 2021 on 23 and 24 November is on!

The format for the annual technology series run in both Australia and New Zealand has been modified to enable planning with some degree of certainty for ForestTECH 2021 delegates, presenters and exhibitors.

This year, like 2020, the conference, workshops and exhibitions, will be run physically in one location, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Live links from the New Zealand event are being set up for those unable to travel into Rotorua. With the uncertainty still surrounding international travel and whether borders will be open later in the year, the live virtual linkage will ensure that international delegates can still be actively involved. Last year, a record number of international delegates from over 20 countries were able to pick up this option.

Two distinct themes will be covered. In addition to the usual technology updates on remote sensing, data collection and forest inventory management, a second day will focus on mechanised or automated operations for planting and silviculture. This was

18 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

trialled last year for the first time. Overwhelmingly the written feedback from delegates and exhibitors said that this same focus should be applied for 2021.

The economics are starting to stack up and the technology addresses the growing issue of labour shortages that are being faced over the planting season. Mechanised or machine planting is already successfully being used across Scandinavia and in South America. Research, trials and commercial operations were successfully undertaken in the central North Island of New Zealand last planting season. More extensive plantings using the mechanical planting systems are planned for this year in both the CNI and in northern NSW (with both pine and eucalypts).

In addition to New Zealand presenters, key technology presenters and forestry companies from Canada, Finland, Germany, South Africa, Chile and Australia will be presenting this year. Three additional half-day pre-conference workshops for those delegates attending in Rotorua have also been set up for delegates.

Workshops on Imagery & Remote Sensing with ArcGIS, changes to the Forestry Emissions Trading Scheme, updates on National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry and a half-day Remote Sensing Cluster Group meeting to cover recent research on tree inventory and detection with an update on the Tools for Foresters initiative have been organised for the day before the conference.

Full details can be found on the event website: www.foresttech. events/ft21. NZL

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The 34-foot boom and arm provides sufficient reach for the Eltec processor to perform most tasks without having to move too much on the skid.

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UESTION: WHEN IS A LOG LOADER, NOT A LOG LOADER? Answer: When it’s a processor.

That appears to be the case with the Eltec 317LL because it was originally designated as a log loader in the company’s model line-up and yet contractors in New Zealand have decided that it works better for them as a processor.

No matter. It works damn well as a processor too, judging by the most recent 317 to go into the forest, which is working with Tohaia Forestry Harvesting in the Maramarua Forest, in northern Waikato.

This machine is the perfect example of how modern technology enables forestry equipment manufacturers to build off a common platform that can be easily tailored to suit a specific task.

All the Eltec models use the same basic formula of identical superstructure, engine, hydraulics, electrics and so on. To make a specific model Eltec just bolts on, or swaps around, bits that are required for the designated task. It’s a real modular marvel.

In the case of the 317 recently purchased by Tohaia, the standard base is complemented by a tall rear-entry cab and an extra-high capacity pump to run the processor. Without that pump it would just be a log loader. Swap the tall cab for a low cab and retain the dedicated implement pump and it would be a harvester. Replace the standard base with a tilter and you’ve got a steep slope harvester.

There’s nothing new in that approach. All the major manufacturers use a similar recipe when developing and building their forestry machines. It just seems that Eltec has refined the recipe to its simplest form.

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“All the machines are pretty much identical, same engines, controls, pumps – it just comes down to the shape of the chassis and what configuration you want,” confirms Jonny Edwards, Eltec Manager for the New Zealand market.

“This makes it much easier when choosing a machine because it simplifies everything.”

And it means that parts are common across all the models, so there’s less need to carry a variety of spares if you have more than one Eltec in the fleet. Parts availability is not an issue either, with all the running componentry able to be purchased off-the-shelf from suppliers around the country, with Shaw’s Wire Ropes holding a huge amount of parts in stock as well.

The only downside? You can’t rock up to the Cambridge showroom and buy one off the floor to go into the forest tomorrow. They’re all sold out until the end of the year and Jonny is now taking orders into 2022.

Things have been going well for Eltec since the brand was first introduced to New Zealand mid-way through 2018, with machine number 20 recently delivered to Nelson, the second to go into the South Island. Most have been sold as harvesters, with three machines spec’d for processing – this one in Maramarua being one of those.

“There’s lots of interest, but we’re still restricted to one a month SERIOUS BIG TIME LOGGERS and truthfully, we POWER don’t wantFOR any more than one a month at the moment – we like to get everything right and ticking along before

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Tohaia’s new Eltec processor usually works under the swing yarder but has moved to a skid 300 metres away due to space issues on the landing.

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DIAGNOSE • DESIGN • DELIVER

Main: The new Eltec processor is complemented by a Woodsman Pro 750 head.

Insert left: A fourth, larger pump is supplied with the Eltec 317 to drive the processing head.

Insert right: Access to the side steps leading up to the rear-entry cab is just behind the front corner post, next to the boom.

pushing the numbers up,” says Jonny.

“It’s a good problem to have, rather than stock sitting around doing nothing. The products have been outstanding, so we’re pleased with the way things are going.”

Increasing production When NZ Logger spoke to Jonny back in 2018 about the prospects for this market he mentioned there were plans for Eltec production in Canada to be lifted and that’s still on the cards.

“They are still working on increasing the production, but it takes time,” says Jonny.

“They are wanting to ramp up to five units a month, they are around three per month at the moment. They have bought another property and are doing some fabrication changes so it will happen.”

In addition to the New Zealand market, Shaw’s Wire Ropes also has the distribution rights for the brand in Australia but has not sold any machines there yet, as New

Zealand is soaking up all the demand for now. There’s also another reason for holding off on that move.

“For us, we want to have full confidence in the product before sending it further away (to Australia), just so we can keep an eye on it,” adds Jonny.

“I’ve worked really closely with Eltec on a lot of stuff, I talk to them daily and I just want to make sure everything is right. You always have teething issues and bits and pieces that need attention.”

The commonality of parts does help to simplify the process and ensure that quality becomes the focus, but it doesn’t mean customers can make changes to their order on the spur of the moment.

Jonny says: “It can be hard trying

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to work out a build list, you need a crystal ball. I need more than three months’ notice before I can make a build slot change, so if it’s within three months I cannot change that machine.

“But because we’ve got forward orders and a lot of interest I can plan my build list, so I’m working on my New Year build list at the moment and I’ve already got orders for next year. It’s good for my planning and it’s good for the factory because they know what’s coming up.”

All good then. But at this stage, no one seems to be ordering an Eltec LL317L as a log loader, even though it would probably make a very capable one.

“Although no one has yet purchased one of these as a dedicated loader I think we’ll see that happen, I’ve had people asking me about it,” reckons Jonny.

“Put a live heel/grapple on it and it would be a great allrounder for loading and shovel logging stems. It is expensive for a log loader, but lots of people want something different.”

The Tohaia 317 was brought in to Maramarua Forest to deal with the specifics of the work in this particular location. It’s working on the western side of the forest, where the terrain is steeper and the landings/skids are often more compact, so the operator needs as much vision as possible to be able to work safely… especially under the yarder.

The other part of the equation is the wood produced in this forest, which tends to be on the small side, averaging 1-to-1.5 piece size, and it’s also denser.

Putting all those factors together led to the decision to go for a tall cab Eltec 317 teamed with a Woodsman Pro 750 processing head to replace a standard cab Cat 336 and Waratah 626 Bigwood combination.

“They’re a good match,” says Jonny. “The higher cab is really a no-brainer in this situation and the Woodsman may be smaller but it’s really fast.”

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just beyond a Cat loader that is currently filling the bunks of a log truck. We have no idea where the swing yarder is and it’s only when I return the following week for photos that the layout is revealed.

Our last experience with a 317 was the first tilting harvester to arrive in New Zealand, working in Mana Logging’s road lining crew south of Gisborne.

It’s funny how a tall cab can completely alter the look of a machine because this one appears very different to the Mana 317 tilter.

Regular operator, Matt Prisk, has shut it down so we can get a close-up look and guest Iron Tester, Shaun Field mentions that it reminds him of another Canadian forestry machine, the Madill 3800. That’s a reasonable comparison, because the Madill is only a little bigger (46 tonnes versus 42 tonnes for Eltec, not including the head) and is one of the most admired purpose-built processors in the forest.

The Eltec doesn’t have quite the cabforward stance of the Madill, which may have something to do with the tall cab on the Tohaia 317 being the smaller of two height options offered by Eltec. This so-called ‘short’ version of the tall cab reaches up to 4,826mm in height, while a bigger riser boosts the ‘high’ version to 5,232mm. Both of these taller cabs can be hydraulically tilted for transporting.

Matt climbs up to the cab to open up the bonnet and the new fold-down side door covering the radiator which was previously side-hung. The new door is strong enough to allow someone to stand on when working on This side flap now folds down instead the auto-reversing radiator. of opening from the side, thus The stairs up to the rear of the machine providing a platform to stand on. make it much easier and safer to climb than the side steps on the other models. With the Tall cab There’s another issue. The whole site is clamshell bonnet opened out, the layout of In the Tohaia Forestry Harvesting set-up, the shrouded in thick fog when we arrive and the engine compartment looks very familiar.

The 8.9-litre Cummins QSL9 common rail new Eltec usually operates with the swing it doesn’t lift the whole day. We’ll be able yarder crew on the landing next to the Madill to conduct the test safely, but photography Tier 3 diesel that delivers 239kW (320hp) of 124, while the second crew is ground basing will wait for a clearer opportunity – exactly a peak power dominates the space, but there’s still plenty of room to walk around and reach week later, as it happens. down in the valley.

Crew owner, BJ Tohaia, is working with the various parts. Also familiar is the layout However, the day the NZ Logger Iron Test team visits, the landing being used to pull ground base crew today, so we crack on with of the hydraulic system, which features 0% stems up on this part of the job is too small to the rest of the team on the skid, along with Linde pumps and valve banks, all placed accommodate processing and loading. So the Jonny Edwards, who is there to provide us in sequence for easy access. Jonny points out the bigger fourth pump spec’d for the insight into this machine. pitch crew has set original up a skid site 300 metres back with an aining chain SERIOUS POWER FORnext BIGtoTIME LOGGERS processor, the two machine pumps From our vantage point on the edge of the from the landing and is 2-staging the wood ocket wear skid, the red Eltec is barely visible in the fog, and dedicated swing pump. using a skidder.

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26 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

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The new concrete counterweight on the rear of the Eltec 317 processor adds 3 tonnes for extra stability.

Larger space Tucked in by the steps is the 40-litre auxiliary tank just in case a hydraulic hose blows, so there is no need to carry cans of spare oil to top up the system.

The fire suppression system remains standard, even though it’s not quite as necessary in this machine because it doesn’t spend any time under the tree canopy, so no danger of build-up around hot bits – nevertheless, it’s still nice to have.

The steps to the rear of the cab do take up a bit of extra room in

this model, so there isn’t as much storage space for a box to keep chains, bars and lubes, like we saw in the Mana Logging harvester.

This is compensated by additional storage in the riser under the cab, which is much easier to access than having to lift the bonnet.

Stepping up to the cab, the rear door opens to a much larger space than in low, side-entry cabs. Lots of room behind the seat – great for someone instructing a new operator or for storing your dirty boots and other items. And good walk-around space to the right of the air-sprung seat for the operator to get into position.

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The view from this height is superb, especially without bars across the front, thanks to the use of 32mm polycarbonate in the screen. The only thing missing is an exterior electric wiper – Matt has a squeegee on a stick to clean the outside of the screen as there’s nowhere to stand to reach it by hand.

A nice touch is the pair of glass windows in the footwell, either side of the drive sticks, to see down to the front of the tracks. They look bigger than in other tall cabs we’ve experienced. A reverse camera is standard. So is the Bluetooth-equipped radio mounted up by the ceiling.

Inside the cab the finish could best be described as basic, with lots of painted metal and none of the plastic trim you’d find in the cab of a machine from a larger manufacturer. But it’s neat and

serviceable and it looks like it’s built to last.

All the controls are the same as in the last Eltec we sampled – same Suregrip levers running a drive-by-wire, electric-overhydraulic system. And all adjustable through the touchscreen over on the left-hand pillar. Jonny demonstrates how easy it is to adjust the sensitivity in the joysticks.

“The adjustability on the Eltec is just awesome and even dropping 10% you get a noticeable reaction,” he says.

“It’s there for everyone to play with and its basic. You can input different settings for six operators and you can individually tailor it to each one. So here, his (Matt’s) boom is 100% up, stick is 70% out and 90% in and slew is 70%, and while the speed is dialled down you don’t lose any power or grunt, it’s just the speed of the

The medium height riser under the rear-entry cab provides a good view of the surroundings for the Eltec operator.

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EST EST 1909 1909 | TOCALL WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 944 894 THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 28 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

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function. Beforehand you had to get used to the way an excavator worked, now you can make it work the way you want.”

Back on the ground Jonny also points out the new concrete counterweight on the rear, which replaces the previous metal slabs attached to the base, providing three tonnes of extra balance on the back. Plus, there’s also 1,491 litres of fuel in the tank, positioned to the rear to provide extra stability for lifting heavy stems. Should Matt grab a stem that’s far bigger than normal, at least he knows there is enough counterbalance for him to stretch the boom and arm out to its maximum 10.1m (34ft) reach and grab it with complete safety, even with a 3.8-tonne head on the end of the stick.

Two-staging Matt confirms that the 317 is perfectly stable… and fast: “It’s all fly-by-wire so it’s a lot more responsive. I’ve got it adjusted to the levels that I find comfortable.”

He goes on to add that the Woodsman Pro 750 is also faster than he has been used to. It’s set up with four knives, rather than two so it can do one-pass trimming and then process, which further improves speed. The top saw is bigger, too.

“Good to have that speed, because we’re pushing through anywhere up to 400 tonnes a day, depending on the trees,” says Matt, adding that the other big difference is sitting in a purposebuilt processor with a tall cab.

“Instead of looking up now I can look down. Great being able to see all around the machine. Normally I sit next to the swinger so

because we are two staging here I’m actually away on a dedicated processing site and that’s quite good because it allowed me to get the feel of it before I jumped in under the swinger.”

We leave Matt and Shaun to confer on the layout of the buttons controlling the processor before the real test begins.

Shaun walks the Eltec back to the middle of the skid and swings around to grab a stem from the bunch just delivered by the skidder.

The Rexroth driver motors deliver a decent walk speed, with a choice of three modes; turtle, standard and rabbit, topping out at 4.2km/h.

In his day job, Shaun mostly operates a tilting harvester but he still does the odd bit of processing, so it doesn’t take him long to get into a steady pace.

Fortunately for him, there aren’t many cuts to remember, just a selection of S and K grades, running from 3.7m up to 7.4m in length and some random pulp. Some of the logs go just down the road to the Max Birt sawmill, others head off to a pallet mill, the pulp is carted to Kinleith and the rest is trucked to the Mount Maunganui port.

An interesting feature of this Woodsman head is the paint marker which sprays a series of dots to mark the ends of the logs.

Quicker and much better than hand stencilling.

With a procession of trucks arriving – up to 14 per day – the Eltec has to maintain a good pace to keep the loader well supplied.

It’s certainly got the speed and grunt to meet the challenge. And maybe one day we’ll find out what sort of job it can do as a log loader. NZL

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iron test: Shaun Field

Sitting tall HAVING OPERATED A LOW CAB ELTEC IN the past I was keen to see what this one would feel like and it was certainly different sitting up high, yet still very familiar.

I’ve always liked the speed and power and the way you can easily change the settings to make it work just the way you want.

I was pretty happy with how Matt set it up and didn’t need to make any changes, so I just concentrated on the way the Woodsman head works.

The last processor I was on had a Bigwood, so the 750 obviously works a little differently.

It has extra knives that make it easier and quicker to delimb and shed loose bark.

Accurate, too. Being smaller and lighter, the 750 just felt more nimble.

The Suregrips are nice. The way they are set up on the Eltec just seems natural and comfortable. The head responds in a nice, positive way and shows just how well they are matched.

And the paint marking is great. It’s a bit different to paint markers I’ve used, which have been small end and colour coded. It puts a decent mark on every log and refills should last a day.

Being a tall cab, there’s a great view of the

skid site. It’s not as high as a Madill 3800, but still good and I love the windows in the floor.

The cab seems a bit bigger than some rearentry cabs I’ve experienced, bit wider, so that makes it feel roomier. Plenty of storage space and the seat is super comfortable. Driving a high cab is a little different to driving a low cab. You do get a little bit of a rock – you can walk over pine cones and you’ll feel it, so it does take a little getting used to if you haven’t been in one of these cabs before.

The real advantage is the vision, you can see what’s going on.

The reversing camera in here is down to me. There wasn’t one on the leveller I had so they listened and now it’s standard.

I’ve heard people describe Eltec as being a bit agricultural, but that’s unfair. They don’t have lots of flash plastic trim around the cab but in my book that’s a plus because the mouldings will get trashed in the bush. This one is built to be out here doing its job. Very solid. No fancy gimmicky sh*t. In saying that, the finish seems tidier than the early ones I saw. Sure there aren’t any cupholders, but you can go down to a servo and buy one for a few bucks.

What you do get is a machine that works

Iron Tester, Shaun Field. bloody hard. It’s well balanced, especially now they’ve hung that big piece of concrete on the back, which has made it sit a lot better.

The track power in these things is ridiculous. There’s so much of it. The boom speed and slew is just strong and fast and very reactive. These aren’t heavy stems – the wood reminds me of what I was cutting in Gippsland – and it doesn’t have any problem dragging them around to cut. I tried dragging out wood from under the pile to see how it responded and no problem. Good lift, too.

You never feel like you are going to run out of power.

This combo is ideal for the wood in Maramarua and does the job for Tohaia. You can’t ask more than that. NZL

Below left: It doesn’t have the tallest cab in the forest, but the height is still useful for extra vision on the skid.

Below right: Great access to the engine, pumps and other key components when the clamshell bonnet is opened up fully – even with some space now taken up by the new steps to the cab.

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IFICATION

SPEC S

ELTEC 317L PROCESSOR - SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE 6-cylinder, 8.9-litre, Cummins QSL9, Tier III Bore/stroke Power Max torque Max travel speed

114 x 145 mm 239 kW (320 hp) @1,900 rpm 1,400 Nm @ 1,300rpm 4.2 km/h

Main saw ¾” pitch, 36”, 38” or 40” bar options Max saw cut (main) 850mm Top saw ¾” pitch (0.404” option), 28” bar Max saw cut (top) 590mm Rotation continuous Weight 3,800 kg REFILL CAPACITIES (LITRES)

HYDRAULICS Implement pump Swing pump Swing torque Swing speed Tractive effort

dedicated displacement piston dedicated displacement piston 115,200 Nm 8.0 rpm 100,000 lbs

BOOM Model Eltec Reach 10.1 m (34 ft 7 ins) Counterweight 3 tonnes PROCESSING HEAD Model Max de-limb opening

Fuel tank Hydraulic tank Aux hydraulic tank

1,491 284 40

DIMENSIONS (MM) Outstretched length 13,411 Height (to cab top) 4,826 Width 3,472 Ground clearance 864 Track length 5,207 Track shoe width 710 (single grousers, doubles optional) Base machine weight (without head) 41,549kg

Woodsman Pro 750 774mm

Great space behind and to the right of the seat in the new rear-entry cab.

Unobstructed vision for the operator – the top display is for the rear camera that our Iron Tester, Shaun Field, prompted Eltec to make standard.

Tohaia Forestry Harvesting’s regular Eltec 317L operator, Matt Prisk.

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9

Tall Timber

Peter Francis Olsen is a name synonymous with New Zealand forestry. He founded one of the first private forest management companies and has made a huge contribution to the sector. Through the success of PF Olsen, the company he founded in 1970, his influence lives on to this day. This year, PF Olsen celebrates its 50-year milestone. The following is an excerpt from the book (shown here), PF Olsen The First Fifty Years, compiled by Margaret Horner and Harriet Palmer in honour of the occasion.

34 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

P

ETER FRANCIS OLSEN WAS BORN in Taihape in 1930. Descended from Scandinavian stock, Peter’s father was a government worker in the social welfare department. Growing up in a white-collar family and a blue-collar town, Peter developed a strong social conscience. His outstanding empathy for others and his social values later became the backbone of his company. Peter’s sister June commented that Peter had “a great way of believing that everyone was special and everyone had a contribution to make”.

“He always listened. He had a tremendous understanding of people.” She recalls their father’s insistence on being positive in the face of any challenge: “Father always said to us: ‘What do you mean you can’t do something?

Just go and do it.’ For us, there was no such thing as can’t: we would always find a way.”

This philosophy, which rubbed off on Peter as a child, sparked several audacious enterprises and would cause many headaches for his forestry staff.

When he was about 16, Peter worked for a neighbour who was running a small sawmilling operation for native logs. This experience whetted his appetite for forestry work and at the age of 18 he joined the Forest Service as a junior labourer. After a period of time working on the National Forest Survey, Peter was accepted as a forestry trainee and attended Victoria University to do a BSc in botany.

There was a distinctly pioneering element about the New Zealand Forest Service at the time. Foresters were posted to remote regions in very basic conditions with minimal equipment. At a time when forestry was undergoing rapid development at nearly all levels, the young Peter Olsen with his fertile mind, innovative ideas, practical skills and innate sense of adventure found the perfect niche for himself.

After completing their science degrees, Peter and a few friends travelled to Canberra where they studied for a Diploma in Forestry

1 Above: Peter Olsen at Kohatu Forest in October 1993.

Below: Olsens vs the NZ Forest Service (circa 1980s).

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 35

Tall Timber

1

2 at the Australian Forestry School in 1954 and 1955. In those days, there was no specialist forestry school in New Zealand so trainees were sent overseas to study. Peter was relatively young to be attending postgraduate study, but he was always ahead of the game.

Upon completing his forestry diploma and returning to New Zealand in 1955, Peter was posted to the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Rotorua for two years. During this time he developed an abiding interest in science, particularly in genetic tree improvement. His commitment to research became an important part of the company culture and Peter’s fascination with genetic tree improvement was particularly fruitful.

After his stint at FRI, Peter was sent to Kaingaroa as a forester and rose quickly through the ranks. Even then he was recognised as one of the bright young prospects in the Forest Service.

36 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

3 Making his mark In 1965, Peter Olsen travelled to the States to do a consulting job that involved assessing forest resources. While there, Peter also undertook a job for John Spencer to investigate a deal on a paper machine. Upon his return to New Zealand, Peter wrote a report for the American company on behalf of the New Zealand Forest Service. The recipients were impressed with his attention to detail and accuracy. While this result highlighted Peter’s potential and talent to the Forest Service hierarchy, it also opened his eyes to other opportunities. This experience helped to lay the foundation for what happened 10 years later when he started his own company. It gave him ideas about how he could assist his clients in their understanding of opportunities.

During the 1960s, Dothistroma began to emerge in New Zealand’s pine forests. Peter

Olsen played a prominent role in an effort to overcome the disease. Dr Colin Bassett, forestry scientist at FRI who headed the Dothistroma project, said that one of Peter’s achievements was that he organised industry control operations. Colin believed that Peter Olsen’s part in the organisation of Dothistroma control was invaluable. The industry-wide programme devised at that time remains in place to this day, despite the many changes in forest ownership.

Peter’s biggest driver was his love of forestry. He recognised that planted forests were a sustainable way to generate economic wealth and create jobs. He saw New Zealand as a country that was looking to the future, where fast-growing planted forests would be used to supply wood.

Peter served on the Executive Committee of the Forest Owners Association for more than 20 years. He was described as an

1: Forest Survey Reunion.

2: Past CEO, Peter Clark, with Office Manager Pat Towersey in the 1970s.

3: Celebrating Peter Olsen’s 60th birthday with forester and shareholder, M Geenty.

4: Planning meeting in Rotorua.

5: Peter Olsen in debate in typical style with Peter Clark (circa 1999).

4 excellent leader in industry development matters. The intensity of his involvement in the industry was more than notable, it was possibly unequalled. Such was the character of Peter Olsen, he thought nothing of phoning MPs, often in the middle of the night, to advocate on behalf of the industry.

He was the champion of the small forester, particularly when other such champions were lacking, and always he was on the side of clear and simple solutions. Anyone who wanted an opinion could always rely on Peter. His sincerity was unquestionable, and amongst his peers, colleagues and competitors, respect for him was immense, even in those offended by his sharp tongue.

The early years Peter Olsen’s company started in the garage of his home in 1970. The first decade saw the business grow from a tenuous operation

5 to a successful enterprise. This success was largely due to Peter Olsen’s relationship with Caxton owner, John Spencer, and new forest planting during the 1970s and early 1980s. By the end of the 70s, the company had activities going on all over the country, plus a few international contracts thrown in.

This was a period of rapid growth and constant excitement as staff made manifest Peter Olsen’s vision.

By the 1980s, the list of Olsen clients had expanded dramatically and new rows of trees were marching across hillsides around the country. As the business expanded, so too did the risks associated with it. While staff had plenty of freedom to get on and make things happen, the absence of proper systems put the company in a vulnerable position. During the 1980s, a crisis in Vanuatu pointed to an urgent need for better risk management. All this was part of

a massive learning curve for the young, energetic company.

In October 1998 Peter Olsen died at home at the age of 68 after experiencing heart problems. It was unexpected and devastating to all of his staff when he died.

Richard Quinlan recalls the shock waves that swept through the company.

“Everyone was thinking ‘whoa – what happens now?’ Luckily we had a bunch of really strong leaders coming through the ranks – people like Clarkie and Keachie.

They had big shoes to fill, and they did an amazing job of stepping in.”

The new millennium The new millennium brought in a new era of business systems for the company.

Initiatives put in place during the 1990s developed into a distinctively “Olsens’ way” of operating. Under Peter Clark’s leadership,

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 37

Tall Timber

1

2

1: Ngongotaha office, now closed.

2: The office today.

3: Planting a memorial tree at the Rotorua Tree Trust Park, Tihiotonga in the 1990s.

4: The Consulting Team in the 1990s.

5: Senior Accounts Clerk, Karen Warburton, at the office in Ngongotaha (circa 1970s).

3 the business grew, flourished and won awards. As other forestry companies underwent constant changes in ownership and structure, Olsens’ competitive advantage lay in its stability. Any doubts about the future of the company were laid to rest.

The 2010s saw the company take a prominent position within the industry.

Expanding into Australia, Olsens grew from a medium enterprise into a large business.

The company had the continuity and independence that other management companies don’t have. Its scale allowed it to offer the full range of forestry services from seed to market. Forty years of hard knocks had seen the company evolve from being crisis creators to leading risk managers in increasingly sensitive areas like Health & Safety and environmental compliance.

The final few years of Olsens’ first halfcentury have seen the company continue to evolve and respond to the ever-changing environment within which it operates.

The decade ended and the next one began tumultuously with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and New Zealand going into lockdown in March 2020. The forestry industry was deemed to be non-essential, meaning all forest-based operations had to stop and staff had to work from home.

Thankfully the New Zealand lockdown was short-lived, and the forestry industry responded with a range of new COVID-related work practices to ensure staff

38 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

K

4 and contractors were able to re-start work safely.

Past CEO, Peter Clark, sees a bright future for the company: “The ingredients for the continued growth of Olsens are all there. The company has a good platform from which to support and grow staff skills and productivity, invest in new technologies and continue to be a major player in forestry services in both New Zealand and Australia.

Current CEO, Ross Larcombe, could be considered a classic product of Peter Olsen’s ethos of spotting talent in keen young people and giving them the scope to develop their potential within the company.

Ross began work in Blenheim and his first couple of years with the company included stints at the new and rapidly expanding seed orchard as well as in the forest. He then moved to Rotorua and worked his way up to regional forest management. With a thorough grounding in all aspects of the business, Ross made a successful application for the CEO role in 2020.

Ross says that two of Peter Olsen’s qualities – his entrepreneurial energy, and his focus on staff as the most important company asset – have endured and will continue to feature under his leadership.

Other pervading characteristics include the lack of corporate bureaucracy and layers of decision making.

So PF Olsen moves into the 2020s as New Zealand’s largest independent forest management company, and one of Australia’s

5 significant land management companies.

The regular Zoom meetings of the recent lockdown would have been unimaginable and a far cry from the early days of Peter Olsen operating out of his garage on Goodwin Avenue, with a small handful of staff. What is apparent though, is that the underlying vision and values of Peter Olsen still make up the backbone of the company formed 50 years ago.

Celebrations are well under way to recognise PF Olsen’s Golden Anniversary and the people who have been involved in the company since its founding days.

Scheduled to be held over two days in November, there will be an opportunity to look through the current premises, reconnect with friends and celebrate the launch of the book. This will be followed by a gala dinner, storytelling, live music, great food, awards and celebrations. Contact Janine Branson for further information: janine.branson@pfolsen.com NZL

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Breaking Out

Dealing with changing

logging logistics

3 40 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

4

2

1

1: The company’s Hitachi log loader loading its T880 logging truck with magnum trailer.

2: Tyler Backer heads up Pro-Link Logging, a family-rooted business based in Quesnel in B.C.’s North Cariboo region. Pro-Link is a full stump-to-dump logging contractor with all the equipment needed to produce up to 250,000 cubic metres of wood a year.

3: Tyler Backer credits the success of Pro-Link Logging to its employees, many of whom have been with the company for years, and know their jobs inside out. Tyler’s uncle, Ed Backer (pictured with the John Deere 850J dozer), is 72 and still works with the company.

4: Tyler Backer Contracting’s Caterpillar D6T dozer at work.

5: The 870C fellar buncher doing its job.

Story: Jim Stirling Photos: Pro-Link Logging

I

5

F THERE IS A NORMAL WORK WEEK for logging contractor Tyler Backer these days, it would be roughly organized into twos and threes. Two days in the office and around town tackling essential business there, and three days in the bush getting his boots dirty.

Tyler is owner of Tyler Backer Contracting, Pro-Link Logging and Quesnel Sand and Gravel, all based in Quesnel in British Columbia’s (B.C.) North Cariboo region.

At the age of 36, Tyler has grown up during a technological revolution within B.C.’s forestry industry. The results of that revolution embrace and direct many day-to-day activities. Tyler says he’s always got an eye open for new harvesting equipment developments and techniques

that might enhance Tyler Backer Contracting’s efficiency.

The virtual world that technology makes so readily available is handy for many things – but Tyler still prefers reality when it comes to other parts of the logging contractor’s job.

Checking out a new block prior to harvesting is an example. It makes more sense to Tyler to do that in person, slogging it out on the ground the old-fashioned way. It helps him to better understand the lay of the land and identify issues before they can develop into problems.

“Being in the bush just helps clear the head out.

It works for us,” he says.

Tyler Backer Contracting is a family-rooted business: “We’re a full stump-to-dump logging contractor with all the equipment needed to

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 41

Breaking Out

1

4 produce up to 250,000 cubic metres of wood a year,” says Tyler.

That level of wood volume is a long haul from the company’s early days in Quesnel, back in the late 1980s. Tyler recalls one of his Dad, Rob’s, early jobs was running a small skidding contract for Weldwood of Canada, whose operations were later taken over by West Fraser Timber. Besides his Dad, other direct family involvement in the business included Tyler’s sister, Samantha, and his uncle, Ed, who at 72 still works with the company.

Tyler began his working career in the bush as a high schooler working with his Dad. But later fate was to derail the company’s development and equilibrium. Rob Backer was killed in a road traffic accident in 2009. The younger Backer found himself with a load of responsibilities at the toughest of times.

“I was so young at 25 and we had no secure contract at the time and we had people to find work for,” he relates.

42 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

Moving forward The Backer family buckled down and regrouped.

This process included forging a key business relationship with West Fraser Timber. Today, Tyler Backer Contracting has an Evergreen contract with West Fraser to supply 140,000 cubic metres of wood a year to the company’s sawmill in Quesnel. The balance of wood the company harvests—up to the 225,000 to 250,000 cubic metre range—is sourced through timber sales and private wood.

Most of the company’s wood is in the Barkerville area, hilly and broken country to the north and east of Quesnel.

“The logging logistics are changing there.

We’re doing a lot more moving between smaller blocks and in steeper ground,” explains Tyler.

“We have to build more new roads. All the easier blocks have gone.”

The company’s log harvesting activities are neatly complemented through a sister operation. Quesnel Sand and Gravel involves

a gravel pit operation complete with all the material moving equipment and a batch plant.

“We can gravel our own logging roads and that’s helped us keep the trucking moving,” he points out.

The logging company has an in-house low bedding capability. “There are some good low bedding contractors locally, but every company has its own approach and having our own has worked for us.”

The company-owned gravel pit operation has added benefits. “It helps keep our employees working during break-up or when we’re rained out of the bush. The graveling operation also helps when the logging industry is slow, as it has been for the last couple of years,” continues Tyler.

The backbone for any successful logging contractor is the people working for it and the equipment supplied and supported to get the job done efficiently. Tyler reckons he’s on solid ground on both those critical levels. “This business has been successful because of my

2

3

5 dedicated employees,” he states. Many of the 50 or so people involved including the truck drivers, office staff and equipment operators have been with the company for years, he adds. They know their jobs. People like bush supervisor, Todd Lloyd, and head mechanic, Dustin Dick, help keep the operation’s core logging functions running smoothly, he says.

“And I feel it’s important to maintain a good relationship with our suppliers like the Inland Group which supplies us with Tigercat equipment and our Kenworth logging trucks.

Wajax supplies us with our Hitachi equipment, that we use for our processing and log loading duties,” explains Tyler. “Both of those dealers offer us good service.” And both have full dealerships in Quesnel, making them readily available when required.

Equipment galore Tyler Backer Contracting has assembled an interesting and versatile cast of production

1: Most of Pro-Link Logging’s wood is in the Barkerville area of the B.C. interior – hilly and broken country to the north and east of Quesnel. The logging logistics are changing there, with the company doing a lot more moving between smaller blocks and in steeper ground.

2: Tyler Backer Contracting’s mechanic, Dustin Dick.

3: This John Deere 959 fellar buncher is part of the interesting and versatile cast of the company’s production logging equipment.

4: Supervisor, Todd Lloyd.

5: The company’s Tigercat 635E skidder with the 240 Hitachi log loader.

logging equipment for it to meet its obligations.

There are three feller bunchers, a John Deere 959M and a 903K which are joined by a Tigercat 877C. Skidding duties are provided by Tigercat machines, a 635E and a 630D. A Tigercat 875 decking machine is joined by a Hitachi 240 log loader used as a decking machine. There are four processors: two Hitachi 260s with Waratah 623C processing heads; a Hitachi 240 with a similar Waratah head; and a Hitachi 210 with a Waratah 622B head.

Other key equipment includes a Hitachi 260 road builder; a John Deere 210G excavator; Cat D6T and D6D dozers; a Deere 850J dozer and a Case CX210B excavator. There’s also a Hitachi 370 log loader and a 976G Volvo grader for use on bush roads.

Tyler favours using Kenworth trucks in both his logging and gravelling operations, typically eight units and five respectively, with a couple of Western Stars complementing the fleet.

Adhering to preventive maintenance schedules

and conscientious operators are key to getting the optimum performance from logging trucks and logging equipment, he says. Tyler says he looks to replace his logging trucks every four years or so. Replacement decisions for log harvesting equipment vary depending upon a number of factors, he explains. These include function. For example, if main production machines like processors and bunchers are regularly double shifted, the additional hours can influence the machines’ resale value.

These are volatile times for the forestry industry in general and no less so than in Central B.C. Tyler feels his logging company has weathered the storm relatively well so far.

“Our company is at a good size right now to operate in the most efficient way we can,” reckons Tyler. “We will always look ahead at what’s available for us to log and we will plan accordingly.”

First published in Logging & Sawmilling Journal January/February 2021 edition. NZL

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 43

www.fica.org.nz www.fica.org.nz

ChangingProfile Profileofofour ourWorkforce Workforce Changing Prue Younger, CEO Message Prue Younger, CEO Message

Last month Ministry Primary Industries their report Workforce Statistics showed Last month Ministry of of Primary Industries putput outout their report on on Workforce Statistics andand showed that primary industries backbone of New Zealand's economy of life.

They that thethe primary industries areare thethe backbone of New Zealand's economy andand ourour wayway of life.

They bring billions dollars every year make in every 7 jobs.

Forestry a fast-growing sector bring in in billions of of dollars every year andand make up up 1 in1every 7 jobs.

Forestry is aisfast-growing sector primar offering a broad range career oppor tunities whether setting forforprimar y, y, offering a broad range of of career oppor tunities whether justjust setting out out on on a a career, or looking for a career change with great potential.

While the majority of our workforce career, or looking for a career change with great potential. While the majority of our workforce in in forestry New Zealanders with very little reliance migrants, sectors silviculture forestry areare New Zealanders with very little reliance on on migrants, sectors likelike thethe silviculture workforceoften oftenneed need topping through peak seasonal period.

Ministry Social workforce topping upup through thethe peak seasonal period.

Ministry of of Social Development have come party occasions now to increase opportunities Development have come to to thethe party onon twotwo occasions now to increase thethe opportunities to to engage “NZ Kiwis” and make it more attractive contractor to take them engage “NZ Kiwis” and make it more attractive forfor thethe contractor to take them on. on.

ThisThis hashas included $5000 subsidy scheme that was in 2020 post COVID-19 when borders were included thethe $5000 subsidy scheme that was setset up up in 2020 post COVID-19 when borders were closed and now more recently $10,000 twelve week challenge.

Soon going to roll a similar scheme closed and now more recently thethe $10,000 twelve week challenge.

Soon we we areare going to roll out out a similar scheme for for harvesting which a significant subsidy available to support entrants industry. been harvesting which willwill seesee a significant subsidy available to support newnew entrants intointo the the industry.

FICAFICA has has been working pretty hard in providing career information at the schools around central north island is being received working pretty hard in providing career information at the schools around central north island andand it is itbeing received well, backed onto thethe work with ourour national recruitment campaign over thethe next yearyear andand the the support we will be giving well, backed onto work with national recruitment campaign over next support we will be giving to to the new Generation programme that willwill have its first intake mid-July in Tokoroa.

TheThe greatest emphasis is the change the new Generation programme that have its first intake mid-July in Tokoroa. greatest emphasis is the change to to thethe profile of of ourour workforce as as thethe demands on on those new entrants is to skills based around highly technical profile workforce demands those new entrants is have to have skills based around highly technical and mechanised equipment.

Exciting times forfor forestry ahead andand thethe figures below show a greater reliance on females and mechanised equipment.

Exciting times forestry ahead figures below show a greater reliance on females in in our industry to to sustain a workforce.

I leave youyou to interpret thethe statistics as they areare presented. our industry sustain a workforce.

I leave to interpret statistics as they presented.

8,500 8,500 32,335 32,335

40,835 40,835

Between 2012 2012 and and Between 20192019 therethere was awas a 6.8 percent increase in in 6.8 percent increase worker counts in forestry worker counts in forestry

people in production people in production

people people

Employed in the forestry Employed in the forestry industry in 2019 industry in 2019

people in processing / people in processing / commercialisation commercialisation

Gender Gender

In 2019, the the composition of the forestry In 2019, composition of the forestry workforce was:was: workforce

82% 82% 18% 18% Ethnicity Ethnicity

Forestry has a high proportion Forestry has a high proportion of workers identifying as of workers identifying as Māori, particularly in the Māori, particularly in the production part of the value production part of the value chain. chain.

Age and Employment Age and Employment The median age for The median ageemployees: for employees:

4141 years years Is lower thanthan for self-employed: Is lower for self-employed: 5454 years years

Self-employment is high in theinprimary Self-employment is high the primary industries, however, self-employment in in industries, however, self-employment the forestry industry is similar to theto the the forestry industry is similar national average. national average.

9.8% 9.8%

10.0% 10.0%

Forestry Forestry

National National population population

New Entrants (2013) New Entrants (2013) There were 6,100 new entrants to the forestry industry in 2013. The largest source of new entrants

There were 6,100 new entrants to the forestry industry in 2013. The largest source of new entrants was other industries including administrative and support services, manufacturing, and construction. was other industries including administrative and support services, manufacturing, and construction.

New Entrant Gender New Entrant Gender The proportion of new entrants to the forestry

The proportion of new entrants to theinforestry industry that were male was higher than the industry that were was in higher than in the primary industries newmale entrants general. primary industries new entrants in general.

78% 78%

58% 58%

21% 41% 21% Primary 41% Industries Forestry Forestry

Primary Industries New Entrants New Entrants

New Entrants - Temporary Migrants New Entrants - Temporary Migrants A relatively small proportion of new entrants to

relatively small were proportion of new entrants to the Aforestry industry temporary migrants: the forestry industry were temporary migrants:

5% 5%

20% 20%

Forestry Forestry

Primary Industries New Entrants Primary Industries New Entrants

44 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

2,615 2,615

people people

Education Education

The qualification levelslevels for 15-29 year olds The qualification for 15-29 year olds who hold formal qualification in thein the who ahold a formal qualification forestry workforce are lower than the forestry workforce are lower than the national population.

Of thisOfgroup: national population. this group:

7% 7%

23%23%

Men Men Women Women Hold a degree-level qualification or Hold a degree-level qualification or higher. There is an upward trend in higher. There is an upward trend in numbers holding a qualification. numbers holding a qualification.

Of the 15-29 year olds formally qualified Of the 15-29 year olds formally qualified in the forestry workforce: in the forestry workforce:

11%11%

of the processing / of the processing / commercialisation commercialisation workforce workforce

5% 5%

of the production of the production workforce workforce

New Entrant Age New Entrant Age The proportion of new entrants to the

The industry proportion new under entrants forestry thatofwere 30 to wasthe forestry that were under 30 was smaller than industry the proportion in primary smaller than the proportion in primary industries new entrants in general. industries new entrants in general.

Hold a degree-level qualification or Hold a degree-level qualification or higher. higher.

49% 49%

66% 66%

Forestry Forestry

Primary Industries Primary Industries New Entrants New Entrants

New Entrant Retention Rate NewhasEntrant Rate Forestry a slightlyRetention lower retention rate for

slightly loweraverage. retention rate for newForestry entrantshas thana the national new entrants than the national average.

After After After After After After 1 year 2 years 3 years 1 year 2 years 3 years Forestry 56% 38% 30% Forestry 56% 38% 30% Nationwide 56% Nationwide Average 56% Average

42%

42%

34%

34%

Reference: Human capability in the Reference: Human primary industries: Parts capability 1 and 2. in the primary industries: Parts 1 and 2.

Data source: Anonymised data from the Data source: Anonymisedwhich data from integrated Data Infrastructure, is the integrated Data Infrastructure, which is managed

by Statistics New Zealand. The managed Statistics New Zealand. The datasets includebyCensus data, tertiary datasets include Census data, tertiary education data, tax data and industry education data, data. tax data training organisation Theand dataindustry is organisation data. Thedata data is from training 2019 except for new entrants 2019 except for new entrants data whichfrom is from 2013. which is from 2013.

www.mpi.govt.nz www.mpi.govt.nz June 2021 June 2021

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

Silviculture Period 1 THIS ISSUE IT’S A SILVICULTURE SPECIAL featuring results for both Thin to Waste and Pruning.

We believe the investment made in these guys through Top Spot by forestry companies is showing dividends in work habit, professionalism and increased forest value.

Bold claims you may think, but that’s the feedback we get from forest managers and contractors.

Remember, we are talking about a huge value-added investment made through these folk in the first ten years of your forest’s growth phase.

We are particularly pleased with the results from the Thin to Waste crews (below) as everything starts to tighten up at the top end.

The team at Wayne Cumming Forestry

THIN TO WASTE RESULTS

CREW

ESTATE

PARTICIPANT

PLACING

Inta-Wood Forestry

Private

Dion Kahi

1st=

Wayne Cumming Forestry Contracting

Ernslaw One

Wayne Cumming

1st=

Otautau Contractors

Matariki Forests

Jim Dodds

3rd=

Otautau Contractors

Matariki Forests

Todd Irvine

3rd=

X-Men Forestry

Ernslaw One

Kalib Te Ngahue

3rd=

X-Men Forestry

Ernslaw One

Russell Te Ngahue

3rd=

Wayne Cumming Forestry Contracting

Ernslaw One

Koroi Cirinakaumoli

3rd=

Wayne Cumming Forestry Contracting

Ernslaw One

Whetu Pullen

3rd=

Contracting are the bolters from the first period – adding to the group of top performers that we have seen develop through this competition.

There are also a bunch of participants just outside of these top placings who are really putting the pressure on.

The likes of Trent Soper and Reece Vazey, who have shown the skillset that makes the difference between a good and excellent operator, will continue to press for top placings towards the end of the year.

While that is the upside, the chart included (bottom left) shows we still have some work to do in bringing the results up consistently across all participants.

Not to be outdone by the Thin to Waste crews, we are also seeing excellent results from the Pruning competition (opposite).

Our assessor noted that some of these guys are machines, the way they go about their work.

Johnson Forestry Services’ Adam McLennan

46 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

1 results 2021 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

PRUNING RESULTS

CREW

ESTATE

PARTICIPANT

PLACING

Johnson Forestry Services – Raz

Wenita Forest Products

Michael Scott

1st

Johnson Forestry Services – Adam Wenita Forest Products

Adam McLennan

2nd

Johnson Forestry Services — Raz

Cameron Gascoyne 3rd=

Wenita Forest Products

Johnson Forestry Services – Tyrone Wenita Forest Products

Moehau Logging, Thomassen Logging, Te Waa Logging, Inta-Wood 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

Tyrone Stevens

3rd=

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

Wayne Cumming Contracting crew.

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 47

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

Johnson Forestry Services’ Cameron Gascoyne and Michael Scott.

Inta-Wood’s Dion Kahi and Aaron Motutere.

48 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

From left: Otautau Contractors’ Todd Irvine, Jim Dodd, and Nacanieli Tui.

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE SUPPLY OF OILS AND LUBRICANTS The purpose of this call for EOI is to identify appropriate providers who can fulfil JNL’s requirements for Oils & Lubricants. We have consolidated the supply of these products across our four operational Sites, two at Kaitaia, and one each at Gisborne and Wairarapa.

Heslip Forest Contracting’s Trent Soper.

LG31840

FM Silviculture’s Reece Vazey.

Interested Vendors may send their expression of Interest to: Mark O’Leary Procurement Manager Juken New Zealand Limited Level 3 AMP Centre 29 Customs Street West Auckland 1010 New Zealand Or email: mark.oleary@jnl.co.nz Closing date for receipt of EOI: Friday 27th August 2021 A pursuant RFP will be issued to Interested Parties and will run for the month of September 2021.

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 49

new iron

DUXSON FOR B HAHN LOGGING This Duxson FX142 felling head was fitted to a John Deere 959MH for B Hahn Logging. It is being put to work near Greymouth on the West Coast. The machine was sold by Matt Mills of Drummond & Etheridge in Greymouth, where Jason of Duxson Donaldson carried out the install and fit up.

MOLD LOGGING GETS MOVING An existing Duxson GX171 grapple fitted onto a new Tigercat 865 in Whangarei over a weekend, ready for work for Mold Logging.

JOHN DEEERE/SATCO COMBO FOR GOODMAN LOGGING Goodman Logging is working in the Kinleith Forest with its new John Deere 959MH harvester, set up by SATCO with a 630H felling head. Nick is extremely happy with the new purchase. Delivered

by Terry Duncan, Agrowquip, Rotorua.

ANOTHER DUXSON FOR DOUGLAS LOGGING Another Duxson GX171 Grapple for Douglas Logging. Fitted to a Cat 538LL ready to be put to work, the machine was ordered, delivered to the workshop and grapple-fitted ready to work all within 24 hours!

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 51

new iron WOODSMAN PRO FOR JENSEN LOGGING Long-time Ensign customer, Jensen Logging recently took delivery of its first Woodsman Pro harvester – a 750, sold

by Adam Aldworth. Jensen Logging works in the Rotorua area and is finding the harvester and LOGGIC control system very easy to use. The 750 is fitted to a John Deere 959MH machine.

NEW LOG LOADER FOR BOWMAN CONTRACTING Brad Bowman of Bowman Contracting has taken delivery of a new FX3230 log loader. Brad runs a crew of four, currently working out the back of Huntly, Waikato harvesting a farm block. This Hyundai FX Series has been designed and built for the toughest forestry conditions. Featuring a newly enhanced cabin and heavy-duty factory guarding package, these machines prove their worth on the skid. Machine delivered by Porter Equipment Territory Manager, Anthony Wanoa.

JOHN DEERE FOR TRIMAX LOGGING Trimax Logging’s new John Deere 948L II is working in the Tarawera Forest, supplying full length stems for Hancock Forest Managers. In the background is a John Deere 959MH. Delivered by Terry Duncan, Agrowquip, Rotorua.

52 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

BURSON LOGGING ADDS IRON Burson Logging is growing its number of green machines, with thanks from the team at Drummond and Etheridge.

new iron

MORE IRON FOR KSB LOGGING

CAT 538LL FM FOR KM LOGS

KSB Logging adds another FX3230G to its fleet of machines working in the Gisborne area. Kayle Beckett is building a top-performing logging operation with great people and good machines. These machines provide maximum uptime, increasing profitability.

Machine delivered by Porter Equipment Territory Manager, Colin Duley.

Murray and Kina from KM Logs have taken delivery of a new Cat 538LL from Terra Cat. As with all purpose-built Cat forest machines it provides great stability, smooth operation and increased visibility. Murray is also impressed with the power of the 538 after coming off an older 320B. The unit was delivered by Territory Account Manager, Brent Van Der Burg from Rotorua.

DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR CMH CONTRACTING Its double delight for Conan Hemsworth from Rotorua-based CMH Contracting with the recent delivery of Cat 568LL and 548LL forest machines into his new job in the Te Matai Forest. The big Cat 568 has a Woodsman 850 and guarding package by Ensign, while its ‘smaller brother’, the 548 has an Ensign FTR1770L (fixed top grapple). Both machines are performing very well since being put to work. Rotorua-based Mark Costello from Terra Cat sold both the machines.

VOLVO IMPRESSES This Volvo L180H boasts an Ensign 3.2m3 log fork and logging counter weight CDC steering single hydraulic lever with proportional slider for the log grab. Lou, the operator, loves everything about the machine from the smooth hydraulics to the transmission. He says he is amazed at how much lifting power and stability it has over the previous loader. Machine sold by Marcus Stevens of TransDiesel.

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 53

new iron

JOHN DEERE FOR JENSEN LOGGING Jensen Logging, working in Kaingaroa Forest, was really excited to receive its new John Deere 1470G wheeled harvester – the first in the North Island. This machine is perfect for the company’s thinning operations. Operator, Phil, had been practicing on a simulator in the AGrowQuip Rotorua branch, so is now enjoying operating the real thing! Delivered by Terry Duncan, Agrowquip, Rotorua.

ELTEC/WOODSMAN COMBO FOR NIGEL BRYANT Nelson’s Nigel Bryant Logging has taken delivery by Shaw’s of an Eltec FHL317L tilter fitted with a Woodsman Pro CFH1400 fixed head. This machine is taking care of all the felling duties for the company’s swing yarder operation.

54 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

LUMBERJACK LOGGING GETS FIT A new Hyundai 290LC-9 fitted at the Hamilton workshop with an existing Duxson GX171 grapple for Dan at Lumberjack Logging in Gisborne, ready to get to work.

ANOTHER SAT630E-S2 OUT IN THE WOODS Stacy is really enjoying using the 630E with its impressive grab power and saw capacity.

new iron

DUXSON/TIGERCAT COMBO FOR HCD CONTRACTING

JOHN DEEERE FOR BRAND LOGGING

A Duxson GX171 Grapple fitted onto a Tigercat 865 heading out to work for Daniel Purcell of HCD Contracting in Wanganui. Fit-up by the team at Donaldson Mechanical in Hamilton. Sold by Ryan Peterson of AB Equipment.

Brand Logging has taken delivery of a new John Deere 959MH tracked harvester. Pictured are Adam and Simon Brand.

CAT 326FL FOR SINTON HERDMAN

ELTEC/WOODSMAN COMBO FOR MC CALLUM HARVESTING

This new Cat 326FL is a recent arrival from Terra Cat to the operation of Sinton Herdman working in the Tokoroa region. It’s the first machine for Gareth Herdman, and the 77th for long-time Cat customer Alan Sinton. The Sinton Herdman team is pictured on delivery day with the 326FL which was sold by Brent Van Der Burg from Terra Cat.

Mc Callum Harvesting from Tuatapere has taken delivery by Shaw’s of an Eltec FHL317L tilter with a Woodsman Pro 1350c felling head.

This machine is performing all the felling and shovelling duties.

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 55

new iron

BOAPOD FOR MT HESLINGTON LOGGING

KOMATSU PC 270LC-8 FOR EF HANSEN Philip and Lynne Hansen of EF Hansen from Matakana, have recently taken delivery of a new Komatsu PC 270LC- 8. The Komatsu has a full Ensign Heavy Duty Forestry Guarding Package and is fitted with an Ensign 1730C log grapple. Young Indie looked cool in her pink hat, pink Hi Viz and pink gumboots… an up-and-coming lady logger.

Pictured from left: Antz Sowry, Hayden Fletcher, Chris Rust, Herb Jansen, Philip Hansen, Indie Viliua, Pete Stanfield (operator), Chris Fletcher, Darrin Collet (Woodbank Trading), Lynne Hansen and John Kosar (Komatsu Forest NZ). Photographer – Hank.

MT Heslington Logging, based in Masterton, recently took delivery of a BOApod hydraulic hose repair facility. With four logging crews, Aaron Clarke understands heavy equipment and the need to treat his hydraulic machinery with first rate servicing – and who can do that better than the trained operators themselves? One of BOA’s onboarding technicians trained and BOA certified Aaron and his team to safely carry out hydraulic hose repairs on-site, increasing productivity and hydraulic uptime.

SAT3L2 FOR GORDON FLIGHT

ANOTHER SANY FOR STEVEN STOKES Steven Stokes of Stokes Logging has added another Sany to his fleet. Delivered by Shaw’s, this SY415H is complete with full Ensign guarding package and a Duxson arm mod and installation of a refurbished 625c Waratah.

56 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

Gordon Flight has taken delivery of a new SAT3L2. Gordon is using the SAT3L2 to fall, trim and bunch large trees ready for extraction in the lake Taupo forests. With his new 3L2 he has included measuring. This gives him the versatility to cut to length if needed.

With the large capacity, minimal weight and reliability of the SAT325 which Gordon had been using, he made the decision to go with the latest SAT3L2. As an owner/operator Gordon is impressed with the ongoing product changes and improvements SATCO has made. These changes are the result of listening to customers and the changing forestry industry.

IN-FIELD HYDRAULIC HOSE EMERGENCY REPAIR KITS

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 57

NZ LOGGER classified

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

Grapplesand andall allspares sparesinin Grapples stockwith withovernight overnightdelivery delivery stock

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

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• 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

LG31252

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

PROTECT YOUR POLYCARBONATE WINDOWS

A DIVISION OF

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

58 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

AFTER

CONTACT: SHANE 027 626 2231

@ExtremeWindowTints

extremewindowtints@xtra.co.nz

Extreme_Window_Tints

NZ LOGGER classified

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.

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 59

NZ LOGGER classified

Forestry Insurance Solutions LG23616

0800 55 54 53 info@stal.co.nz

www.sweeneytownsend.co.nz

Forestry Insurance Solutions

WANT FALL AND DELIMB THINK

60 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

SATCO

NZ LOGGER classified

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

August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 61

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mobile. 021 925 600 phone. 09 571 3544 August 2021 | NZ LOGGER 63

NZ LOGGER classified

Hauler Engineering Ltd 021 365 812

Brightwater yarder parts + servicing – 70 main/tail shafts in stock Sept – genuine Witchita 19kk parts in stock Sept – Gears all engineered parts available

LG29851

Brightwater yarder grapples + parts

service@hauler.co.nz

Engine + trans setups with chaincases

Yarder Rebuilds

Yarder clutch convertions with BFG clutches thunderbird 155, 255, 355, TTy70, TMY70-50

SPECIALISING IN BRIGHTWATER YARDERS IN FORESTRY, IT’S THE SIMPLE THINGS

DONE WELL THAT REALLY WORK

ENQUIRE NOW Nick Andrews New Zealand Sales

027 548 7761 dcforestryequipment.com

64 NZ LOGGER | August 2021

Nort Mec

Sample photo

New Waratah 864 Grapple Heavy duty fleet and stack grapple.

Priced $59,000.00

Priced $105,000.00

Priced $20,000.00

Priced $150,000.00

Waratah 626 Used 626 - soon to be rebuilt POA

Under rebuild POA

Priced $50,000.00

Under rebuild POA

5% OFF

10% Delimb Covers OFF

Machine set of cylinder seal kits

Delimb Covers

Northland Mechanised logging services

Nelson Ryco 24/7

Dunedin Heavy Diesel support

Waratah Clothing

Southland Heavy Equipment Repair

10% OFF

Sx631 Video.pdf

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