NZ Logger December 2021

December 2021/ January 2022 | $8.00

ISSN 2703-6251

s e k a m ver o e k a Am ! e c n e r a diffe

Firefighting: Ground or air?

Log truck drivers: 17 years incident-free

A CUT ABOVE

CLEAR THE WAY FOR COMFORT with a 25% roomier cab

terracat.co.nz

THESE ARE THE NEXT GENERATION CAT® 538 FOREST MACHINES. If a tree falls in the forest, it sounds a lot easier from the 25% roomier cab of the Next Generation Cat 538 GF and LL Forest Machines. With a deep-rooted presence in forestry, these productivity-inducing machines prove, once again, that Caterpillar stands a cut above the rest. Whoever said money doesn’t grow on trees clearly hasn’t run a Cat 538 Forest Machine.

See for yourself at Terra Cat.

LOG MORE HOURS

with up to 10% more productivity

CUT COSTS

with up to 15% lower maintenance costs

0800 93 39 39

© 2021 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

contents DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

16

4 4

16

FOREST TALK Significant drop in log exports predicted; Sawn timber key for construction; Forestry crews feel the pinch; Export Barometer: Kiwi businesses adapting; Mobile harbour cranes for Eastland Port; Port results buoyed by record log exports; Name change for Hancock Forest Management NZ; ArborGen sells to Hugh Fletcher; Forest sales for Ernslaw One; How ‘good’ is your ‘good’?; Home-grown meth detection; Mobile hose service for Rotorua.

SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST It seems like only yesterday that we were testing the all-new Cat 538 tracked forestry machine after it had

30 just been introduced and yet, just four years later we’re in the bush eyeing up its successor – the Next Gen 538.

30

SPECIAL FEATURE: FOREST FIRES Without sufficient experience and field-hardened firefighting crews working alongside ground machinery, having a heavy reliance on aircraft to suppress our unwanted forest and rural fires is like steering a boat without a rudder says Forest Fire Advisor, Murray Dudfield. Though fighting wildfires from the air may seem miraculous, it is no godsend.

If aircraft are overused, it is because citizens, perhaps too often, expect them to show up and perform the impossible.

38 38

TALL TIMBERS The Log Haulage Contractors Association Incident-free Awards came about with the help of the Association’s insurance brokers to recognise the excellent work drivers do in the log truck industry. Six drivers recently celebrated 17 years incident-free.

DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 44 fica 46 top spot 48 new iron 50 classifieds

December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 1

from the editor December 2021/ January 2022 | $8.00

ISSN 1176-0397

PHOTO: JOHN ELLEGARD

es ver mak A makeoence! a differ

Log truck drivers: 17 years incident-free

Firefighting: Ground or air?

Gisborne-based BBL Logging is among the first in New Zealand to put the Next Generation Cat 538 LL to work.

ADVERTISING, ADMINISTRATION, SUBSCRIPTIONS POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 112 062, Penrose, Auckland 1642 STREET ADDRESS: 172B Marua Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051 PHONE: 09 571 3544 WEBSITE: www.alliedpublications.co.nz SUBSCRIPTIONS: $80 (incl. GST) for one year (11 issues) within NZ. Overseas rates available on application.

Sue Woolston: accounts@trucker.co.nz PUBLISHER: Trevor Woolston, 027 492 5600, trevor@trucker.co.nz ADMINISTRATION: Sue Woolston, accounts@trucker.co.nz EDITOR: Hayley Leibowitz, 027 211 5048, hayley@trucker.co.nz ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT: Trish Barnett, 021 925 600, sales@ nzlogger.co.nz DESIGN: Luca Bempensante PRINTING: Bluestar DISTRIBUTION: ARE Direct Distribution NZ Logger is published on the second Tuesday of every month except January. NZ Logger is published by Allied Publications Ltd. CONTRIBUTIONS: Editorial contributions are welcomed for consideration, but no responsibility is accepted for loss or damage of submitted materials (photographs, graphics, printed material etc…).

If the return of material is required please include a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Please contact the editor by mail or email prior to submitting material. NZ Logger reserves the right to edit submitted material.

COPYRIGHT: Articles in NZ Logger are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form – in whole or part – without the permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by, the publisher or editor.

NZ Logger Magazine

Net circulation – ended 30/06/2015

3,271

www.nzlogger.co.nz Official Magazine of

NZ LOGGER MAGAZINE AN ESTIMATED

30,000 READERS THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA

2 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

Ups and downs 2021 IS COMING TO AN END AND SADLY DID NOT COUNTERACT THE miserable year that was 2020. Our Forest Talk pages are a bit grim this month as many crews find themselves parked up and facing a tight Christmas thanks to a drop in global log prices, lockdowns, shipping congestion worldwide and supply chain disruptions. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise with global economic woes compounding as COVID has captured the world’s economies.

Forestry is a long-term game though, and as Forest Enterprises’ Bert Hughes points out, more investors are looking to the forestry sector in these uncertain times, given that it is not affected by the short-term peaks and troughs of the economy. As investors re-evaluate their portfolios in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are turning to forestry for diversification and to reduce exposure to volatility in the financial markets, he says. Along with good returns, there are the social and environmental benefits to boot. The demand for local timber also stands strong.

In the meantime, everyday realities don’t go away and while summer signifies the great Kiwi migration (at least for the more than 3.4 million people eligible for their My Vaccine Pass) it’s also the time to be aware of forest fires.

In our special feature this month, Forest Fire Advisor, Murray Dudfield, asks if the increased use of aircraft becoming the norm to fight wildfires in New Zealand is appropriate, or if we should return to greater use of fire crews and heavy earthmoving machinery. His evidence makes for thoughtful reading.

Also this month, we celebrate an industry that bolsters our own and which perhaps doesn’t feature enough in these pages. Where would we be without log truck drivers? Six exceptional drivers were recently honoured for seventeen years each without an insurance claim incident, by the Log Haulage Contractors Association. NZ Logger chatted to them and their employers about their service, their history and their love for the open road.

They’ll be enjoying a good summer and a well-deserved rest with their whãnau. We hope you do too!

Until next time, stay safe.

Komatsu 895.2 Stage II 210 kW Hydraulic Lifters

Maxi XT Control System

Heavy Duty Load Gate

Optional Speedshift Transmission

Optional Xtreme Transmission

Heavy Duty Bogie Assembly (Xtreme only)

New Intelligent Transmissions for Increased Productivity The new Komatsu 895.2 Forwarder offers increased productivity with two unique transmission options; • SpeedShift … gear change “on the fly” with high 262 kN torque • Xtreme … severe/steep conditions with very high 307 kN torque • New Maxi XT Control System

Komatsu Forwarders lead the way in production

Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd 15C Hyland Cresent Rotorua, New Zealand John Kosar M: 0274 865 844 Paul Roche M: 021 350 747 E: info.au@komatsuforest.com

forest talk

Significant drop in log exports predicted LOG EXPORTS, WILL PEAK AND THEN DROP by more than a third within a decade, says investment house Forsyth Barr in its latest industry report.

“Export volumes will peak by 2026 then decline as insufficient planting activity after the 1990s boom means total harvest volumes will fall,” says report author and head of research, Andy Bowley. “The use of wood domestically is undergoing a transformation through the use of trees to sequester carbon, power boilers and as a low carbon building material alternative.”

The medium-term outlook is driven by small forestry owners, who will influence export log volumes depending on demand and supply chain constraints, he explains.

Industry dynamics are changing along with the government’s plan to shift the industry towards more domestic processing and higher value processed products. A further shift to net-zero emissions will further impact the industry as moves to biofuels and carbon sequestering may spur more planting and higher prices, but not for the export trade as it currently operates, says Mr Bowley.

“Over the medium term this could be detrimental to export volumes but over the longer term could be very beneficial,” he adds.

Forest Owners Association Chief Executive, Phil Taylor, agrees that small forest owners will remain influential in the near term but that could change depending on market conditions.

“Back in the 1990s, it was the small forest owners who largely developed or established new forests on the back of very strong markets at that time, so they currently represent quite a significant component of the harvest volumes coming out of New Zealand.

“Typically, the small forest owners have one opportunity in say, 28- to 30 years, to

optimise the return on their investment so they are very sensitive to what’s happening out in the market, and they have the ability to either harvest or stop harvesting at very short notice.”

He adds that large owners can weather out market downturns but bigger challenges to the sector loom on the horizon with ambitions to encourage more local processing. “We may actually see a high proportion of the logs that are currently exported processed domestically, and then exported as a higher value product.” NZL

Sawn timber key for construction NEW ZEALAND FACES CHALLENGES IN meeting demands for key construction materials for infrastructure, with a risk of delays to major projects, says The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, These findings are among those detailed in Te Waihanga’s Infrastructure Resources Study, which looks at four key materials: timber, aggregates such as gravel and stone, cement/concrete, and steel.

Te Waihanga Chief Executive, Ross Copland, says New Zealand is blessed with an abundance of natural resources but over time various constraints have emerged which are limiting the supply of these resources, creating cost pressures, environmental challenges, and access issues for important

4 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

infrastructure projects.

“New Zealand has a wealth of physical resources at its fingertips, but this study highlights the need to better manage them to ensure they are available for our critical infrastructure projects. Without ready access when they’re needed, we risk creating an unnecessary handbrake for the construction sector.”

Mr Copland says sustainably produced timber is a material with attributes that mean it will be in high demand for years to come.

“Recent advances in engineering and the need to reduce carbon emissions is leading to a wider range of uses for timber including in multi-storey construction, but there are obvious land-use implications to large-scale production forestry which need

to be balanced as well,” he says.

“This study finds that work needs to be done to both improve the domestic supply of sawn timber and look at the opportunities and risks of importing it. Research is also needed on how to best value the carbon benefits of timber as a construction material.

“Based on this study, Te Waihanga has included recommendations for ensuring a secure supply of these materials in our recently released draft New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy, which we are currently working to finalise,” Mr Copland says. NZL

forest talk

Forestry crews feel the pinch Story: Murray Robertson A DRAMATIC DROP IN GLOBAL LOG PRICES HAS IMPACTED ON operations in the East Coast region and some forestry crews face a lean Christmas until prices lift again and full production hopefully resumes.

Eastland Wood Council (EWC) Chief Executive Philip Hope says global economic factors could have major repercussions for the forestry industry while a prominent contractor says the industry is facing “a very bleak year-end”.

“Right now the forestry industry is dealing with the impacts of a log export crisis that has seen prices plummet,” says Mr Hope.

“The cost of shipping wood to China has almost trebled since January – the result of COVID, increased fuel prices and so on.

“The slowdown in the China economy extends to the construction industry. “As we speak, 10% of the global shipping fleet is sitting in the water off China waiting to discharge and incurring demurrage costs daily,” adds Mr Hope. (Demurrage is a charge payable to the owner of a chartered ship on failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed.)

“Many ports have been shut down due to COVID and the holiday season has added further to delays. These factors have resulted in significant increases to inventory costs and a drop in demand for wood.”

Mr Hope says pundits expect the market to recover in the first quarter of 2022. “However, this is little comfort to the forestry industry, which includes everyone in the supply chain. Everyone is facing a very tough time.”

The EWC has been in regular contact with member forestry companies and reached out to many contractors and industry stakeholders across Tairāwhiti to help them understand the challenges they face so the EWC can help with solutions.

“While member forestry companies are doing all they can to retain contractors, at the present time it is uneconomic to harvest, especially the smaller woodlots.

“We are aware some contractors have received notice to finish harvesting operations, others have been placed on reduced harvest volumes and others have been given notice of an extended break over Christmas.”

In one example, a forestry contracting company with six crews in Tairāwhiti faces a long shutdown.

“Two crews will stop on December 3, two others have been given notice to stop on December 3, but potentially could go until December 17, and two crews remain, but on 80% of their usual production — a month’s shutdown for them from December 17 until January 17.”

The business manager for one of the region’s biggest forestry contractors told Mr Hope they were facing port storage issues even before the price drop.

“We were still facing issues at Eastland Port with a lack of storage

again,” the manager says. “You’ll find lot of crews have huge amounts of stock sitting on skids, and this is money sitting there that the contractor needs.

“After the August lockdown the port cleared the storage and we had a clear run for a few weeks. Then the log grade restrictions started again and lack of shipping hasn’t helped either.

“Now, combined with the price drop, we are facing a very bleak yearend. We are worried for our staff.”

Mr Hope says EWC members, forestry contractors and industry stakeholders have faced many challenges, especially over the past six months.

“The resilience of the forestry industry in Tairawhiti relies on the supply chain continuing to move.”

The contracting manager says they are trying everything possible to keep every single person employed and to ride out this slump.

“But we need help from Eastland Wood Council, local and national government and industry leaders to help ease financial pressure.

Ultimately, forestry contractors don’t want to lose staff so if we could have financial help to pay wages while on standdown for instance, then that would be a huge help.”

Mr Hope says the current pressure points for many in the industry include freeing up cashflow to be able to continue paying wages, meeting creditor payments and retaining those key relationships; having to explain to bankers and finance companies the situation; seeking support with fill-gap measures; and the uncertainty the workforce of more than 1000 face to provide for their whānau.

“The safety and wellbeing of our workforce and their families is our priority. For this reason, EWC has made an approach to MP Kiri Allan and Tairāwhiti’s regional leaders to inform them of this crisis and the need for a support package.”

He says a rough estimate of the number of contractors being impacted on to varying degrees could be around 70 across Tairāwhiti.

“Those contractors employ a large number of workers and have machinery, too, whether it be haulers, diggers, trucks and so on. If we can get a support package for our industry, it would certainly help prevent people from going to the wall,” he says.

“Collaboration across the supply chain, together with regional leadership, will help us rebuild resilience and enable the industry collective to respond.”

Forestry Industry Contractors Association Chief Executive, Prue Younger says the trends of export log prices have always been cyclical “but this next hump is one out of the norm”.

“We have never been here before where the China market, sea freight and international pressures of COVID are coming to roost.”

First published in The Gisborne Herald. NZL

December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 5

forest talk

Export Barometer: Kiwi businesses adapting TIMES MAY BE TOUGH BUT THE 2021 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer has found that as New Zealand continues to move through the pandemic, Kiwi exporters remain confident and optimistic. However, the impact of COVID-19 has changed the course of the industry’s future and created an unsettling year.

Catherine Beard, Executive Director of ExportNZ, says, “Kiwi exporters are working hard to maintain their indispensable relationship to the global exporting industry.

Businesses are increasingly concerned that while the rest of the world is getting back to business, New Zealand exporters risk losing business to competitors and/ or gaining a reputation of being unreliable, expensive and potentially slow to deliver.

While it is positive to see ingenuity from Kiwi exporters and the increasing value of greater investment in Research & Development – it may still take time for these changes to pay off.”

According to the 319 New Zealand exporters surveyed, COVID-19 has brought new barriers to the forefront. 78% of Kiwi exporters cite the increased costs and unpredictable transport options as the number one barrier to exporting. This is followed by 51% who stressed the inability to travel due to border/MIQ restrictions.

With the congestion at Ports, lack of space on underbellies due to the reduced passenger flights by commercial airlines and a border system that has been dubbed “broken”, the ability for New Zealand businesses to operate is heavily impacted.

Furthermore, concerns were raised around the increasingly high cost of doing business in New Zealand and the cost of labour, which are both reflected by the increased minimum wage, the low unemployment rate and the lack of ability to get talents domestically and into New Zealand due to an immigration reset.

The effects that the global freight congestion is having on Kiwi businesses is staggering. 88% of Kiwi exporters experienced an

6 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

increase in logistics costs, 86% experienced delayed transport times and 57% are unable to even get shipping space, prompting the need for the government to monitor the situation closely.

Furthermore, 44% of Kiwi exporters want to see government assistance in a border system that prioritises exporters for vaccinations and safe travel, with no MIQ being necessary. Kiwi exporters have stressed that the closed borders are heavily impacting their business; forcing them to make staff cuts, shut down or relocate offshore until the border closure rules offer a solution.

Nonetheless, as experienced exporters looked beyond previous assumptions that supported years of stable, predictable growth, they instead searched for opportunities and developed new products and services to increase export sales.

Because of this, just over half of Kiwi exporters (51%) saw an increase in their sales and 62% have indicated the potential for a strong year ahead in 2022.

66% of Kiwi exporters have had to change the way they work due to COVID-19. The pandemic has fundamentally shifted the way Kiwi businesses work, with many forced to plan for the long term until they see some stability. With the lack of trust in supply chains among Kiwi exporters, they now hold surplus stock onsite, and have increased product costs or re-looked at their export markets due to the increased logistic costs.

Selina Deadman, Vice President, Commercial, DHL Express New Zealand, says, “While this year’s ExportNZ DHL Export

Barometer results highlighted another tough year for our Kiwi exporters, it is pleasing to see that 51% experienced an increase in their international export orders; a statistic that is reflected in the strong export shipment growth that we have seen through our network. The pandemic has once again put the spotlight on Kiwi exporters investing in innovation, new product development and sustainable initiatives to reach international audiences.”

This year’s ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer results highlight that there have been some substantial changes in the way that New Zealand businesses work, with NZ exporters thinking hard about their supply chain reliability and the markets they operate in.

One of the biggest challenges Kiwi exporters will be facing from now and into the future is how they manage the supply chain disruption and how they transform their traditional supply chain models, she says.

Throughout 2021, we have seen a greater reliance on the digital world to keep businesses running and New Zealand has adapted. 44% of Kiwi exporters implemented online initiatives such as zoom calls, delivering online sales and automation, but the majority of our manufacturing exporters are still reluctant to invest in online channels to generate sales. Ms Deadman adds, “We expect the boom in e-commerce to continue to grow and adapt with the market, as more and more of our customers tap into online sales and benefits for their business”. *The results of the 2021 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer were compiled before the current Delta outbreak in New Zealand. NZL

If you’re a tree, look away now The Woodsman Pro 850 is built tank-tough

by ENSIGN to take on New Zealand’s harshest forest conditions. The largest of our harvesters, the 850 makes light work of the most demanding trees and effortlessly produces cleans stems and high-quality logs with speed and efficiency. If you don’t like the thought of grown trees trembling as you approach, the 850 is probably not for you.

360° CONTINUOUS ROTATION

FEED SPEED: 3.5 M/S (11.5 FT/S)

LARGE TOP SAW MAX CUT: (Ø590 MM) MAIN SAW MAX CUT: (Ø930 MM)

ONE-BOLT DELIMB KNIVES NZ patent application no. 742153.

INDIVIDUALLY CONTROLLED HEAVY DUTY DELIMB ARMS

REVERSIBLE FEED WHEELS TO PROLONG SERVICE LIFE

EASY ACCESS FABRICATED STEEL VALVE BONNETS

STRONG UNYIELDING CHASSIS

COMPATIBLE WITH LOGGIC SOFTWARE

P. +64 7 348 1286 | E: INFO@ENSIGN.CO.NZ

WOODSMANPRO.CO.NZ

@woodsmanpro

© Copyright 2021 Engineering Services Rotorua Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The Ensign, Woodsman Pro & Loggic brands are registered trademarks of Engineering Services Rotorua Ltd.

J003430 DEVCICH.CO.NZ

ENGINEERING SERVICES ROTORUA LTD 73 Biak St, Waterford Park, Rotorua, New Zealand.

forest talk

Mobile harbour cranes for Eastland Port

TWO MOBILE HARBOUR CRANES WILL PROVIDE FOR SAFER AND more efficient handling of cargo at Mount Maunganui-headquartered port logistics company, ISO’s operation at Eastland Port.

CEO of ISO, Paul Cameron, says, ”The new technology will remove our people from high-risk areas on the wharf and enable cargo to flow more efficiently through the increasingly pressured supply chain.

With the implementation of the cranes we are upskilling and training staff we move out of high-risk areas into other machinery-based roles within the business.”

ISO commissioned the German-manufactured Liebherr mobile harbour cranes to suit its operating environment, with advanced technology and safety specifications designed by its technology team.

Eastland Port is the second port to benefit from introducing ISO’s mobile harbour cranes, following the introduction of four cranes in Mount Maunganui in August 2020.

Andrew Davies, COO of ISO says, “We’ve seen significant improvements in safety and productivity in Mount Maunganui with the introduction of mobile harbour cranes, including a 75% reduction in incidents. The cranes provide a safer, more efficient and reliable method of loading logs directly from trailers into the vessels’ holds with mobile cranes instead of ships’ cranes. We expect to see similar results in Te Tairāwhiti. The mobile cranes allow us to handle all types of cargo for a wider range of vessels, which increases handling cycles, lift capacity and vessel turnarounds – which means a better result for our customers, our business, and the port.”

Eastland Port Infrastructure Manager, Marty Bayley adds, “We have the largest infrastructure developments in a century happening at Eastland Port over the next few years — including stage one of

8 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

the Twin Berth project beginning in a few months. ISO is the sole stevedore operator at the port, and their new mobile cranes will help keep exports moving as volumes grow in Te Tairāwhiti. It’s fantastic to see ISO’s commitment to investing in world-leading technology to help improve safety and cargo flow throughout the entire forestry supply chain, providing an improved service for our customers.”

ISO will ship one of its Mount Maunganui-based mobile cranes to Te Tairāwhiti, so three cranes are available at each port. A world-first in terms of size and capacity, each fully mobile crane weighs 465 tonnes, has a 51-metre maximum lifting height, a 54-metre maximum outreach, and can lift a maximum load of 124 tonnes.

ISO, which handles more than half of New Zealand’s log exports, is applying robotics, automation and IT across its operations nationwide to minimise exposure to hazards and move its people into more skilled roles.

Over the past three years, 13 Robotic Scaling Machines (RSM’s) for scaling logs have been installed across ISO’s North and South Island operations to automate the accurate volumetric measurement (scaling) of export logs on trucks and trailers. The world-first robotic technology was developed by Tauranga-based Robotics Plus in collaboration with ISO. Earlier this year, ISO started the rollout of its Automatic Tally Stations, developed by its technology team, to replace manual scanning of tickets on packets of logs at the wharf following scaling through the RSM offsite. When the truck drives through the new stations, tickets attached to the logs are scanned automatically while drivers safely stay in the truck. In addition, mobile harbour cranes allow logs to be loaded directly from trucks onto vessels. NZL

forest talk

Port results buoyed by record log exports New Zealand’s ports have reported varied results for their financial year ends with performance impacted by the global supply chain and shipping challenges.

Strong log exports helped to buoy results, with more positive than negative indications.

CentrePort CentrePort has recorded a positive financial result despite ongoing COVID-19 related impacts with the 1.8m JAS of logs exported being the highest in CentrePort’s history and a 21% increase on the previous year. The 194,000 JAS exported in June was the largest volume for a single month.

CentrePort recorded an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $7.2m (this is before Kaikoura earthquake-related items, Changes in Fair Value, Abnormal Items and the tax impact of these items) compared to $14.7 million in FY20.

Operating revenue of $80.2m compared with $84.9 million the previous year reflected the absence of cruises due to the ongoing COVIDrelated ban on international cruise ship visits.

These visits are not anticipated to resume in the coming year.

Effective cost-management saw significant reductions in operating expenses. CentrePort received the final earthquake related insurance settlement in FY20, however quake-related costs continued during the year such as roadbridging until March, and machine hire and generator costs.

Dividends of $5m were paid to the shareholders – Greater Wellington Regional Council and Horizons Regional Council - (FY20 $5m) as well as a special dividend of $15m.

CEO, Derek Nind says all trade volumes were up, with log exports particularly strong.

Vehicles were another area of strong growth, up 21% on FY20, with more than 24,000 units processed through the port.

Mr Nind says despite the global logistics supply chain disruptions CentrePort maintained container volume levels.

Good progress was made on the $38.6 million Thorndon Container Wharf reinstatement project, which will increase the operational length of the gantry cranes from 126 metres to 261 metres. The project is due for completion in early 2022.

Ground-resilience improvements throughout the port continued while damaged and redundant structures were removed, creating thousands of square metres of additional operational space.

Mr Nind says implementation of the port’s carbon emissions reduction strategy finalised in August 2020 is well underway.

“We are focused on meeting our targets of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030 and the port being a net zero emitter by 2040,” he says.

Napier port Napier Port’s revenue for the year to 30 September 2021 rose 9% to a record $109.5 million from $100.4 million in the same period a year ago, driven by increases in bulk cargo volumes and record log exports in particular.

Napier Port, which operates the leading freight gateway for the central and lower North Island, achieved the record despite the challenges from global container shipping disruptions and the absence of cruise ship visits to the region.

The Port has invested to improve services to customers including work to deploy an on-port log debarker, which will allow the company to cease on-port log fumigation.

“Our base-case volume forecast for log exports in FY2022 is in-line with FY2021. We have been a beneficiary of buoyant log export markets for the past year, but we are not complacent about the potential for a cooling in these favourable conditions to impact volumes through Napier Port,” says Chief Executive, Todd Dawson.

Bulk cargo revenue rose 32.7% to $41.5 million from $31.3 million principally due to higher log volumes, which increased 27.6% to a record 3.02 million tonnes. Average revenue per tonne improved due to tariff increases, one-off cost recoveries, and an improved cargo mix.

Container services revenue increased by 4.8% to $65.3 million from $62.3 million, thanks to a 2.9% increase in container volumes to 276k TEU and improved average revenue per TEU. Napier Port’s result from operating activities rose 6.4% to $43.8 million from $41.2 million, with the unwinding of the protective cost saving measures introduced at the start of the pandemic in 2020 and ongoing investment in capability to drive growth, together with costs associated with increased activity, partially offsetting the impact of revenue growth.

Underlying net profit after tax, after adjusting for non-recurring reported net gains, increased by 7% to $22.0 million from $20.5 million, while reported net profit after tax increased 5.2% from $22.0 million to $23.2 million.

Chair Alasdair MacLeod says: “In the face of a global pandemic, lockdowns, global shipping congestion, disrupted shipping schedules and supply chains, we have kept the cargo flowing and have moved record volumes, the majority of which was the food and fibre exports that underpin the prosperity of our region. Meanwhile, we have continued to invest in infrastructure to support our region and our customers for the long term. “Our new 350m-long 6 Wharf is the centrepiece of this investment. We expect it to be operational next year.

Port Nelson The 2021 financial year saw Port Nelson’s performance impacted by the global supply chain and shipping challenges. The Port had previously set its lowest profit budget in five years for 2021, due to concerns over how trade would respond in a COVID environment. This budget was exceeded despite lower cargo volumes due to strong cost control and increases in property valuations.

Port Nelson reported a Net Profit After Tax (NPAT), excluding one-off property revaluations, of $9.1m, up $1.7m (23%) on budget, and up 12% on the previous year. Strong commercial property revaluations contributed to an equity increase of $3.9m, impacting positively on the year’s profitability.

The final NPAT was $13.0m. The Port declared a fullyear dividend of $4.0 million.

The Port’s cargo volumes for 2020/21 were 3.25 million tonnes, down 3% on budget, and 1% on the previous year. This result masks some key variances in major cargo groups. Log exports were up 8% on budget, reflecting strong demand and prices in China. Container throughput was 102,995 TwentyFoot Equivalent Units (TEU), down 13% on budget and 11% on last year.

As a consequence of lower cargo and container volumes, non-property-related revenue was well down on budget.

Chief Executive, Hugh Morrison, says the Port focused on several cost-saving and cost deferment initiatives to mitigate the lower revenue: “The most significant was a deferral in wharf maintenance costs and a slowdown in capital investments. These costs will now be spread over future years. Savings were also made through a review of administration costs.

A number of one-off savings also worked in our favour, in particular foreign exchange transactions”.

The lack of containers, difficulty in finding and retaining vessel booking slots, omitted or delayed vessel calls, and significant cost increases have been ongoing obstacles for all parties to overcome. These challenges come on top of the impact of the Boxing Day hailstorm and other climatic events.

During the year, the Port finalised its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. These targets have been set at levels that allow the Port to play its part to meet New Zealand’s Paris Agreement obligations.

Funding has been approved for the development of a modernised marine maintenance facility for vessels up to 400 tonnes. The Main Wharf North upgrade was completed in July 2021. The Port also purchased a new Liebherr Crane, an investment of nearly $9 million, and the Port’s first Reach Stacker. The new equipment provides safer, more efficient and environmentally-friendly container operations. NZL

December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 9

forest talk

Name change for Hancock Forest Management NZ

Southern Kinleith Forest.

HANCOCK FOREST MANAGEMENT NZ HAS CHANGED ITS NAME TO Manulife Investment Management Forest Management NZ (MFM NZ), or Manulife.

The change represents a visual transition to align with the parent company, Manulife Investment Management (MFM).

There are no changes to how the business will operate in New Zealand with the wider business strategy and investment decision-making processes remaining the same. The change also has no impact on jobs within the company.

Managing Director Australasian Timberland Operations, Robert Green, says the rebranding signals an ongoing commitment to the company’s future in New Zealand: “It is an important moment for us. We’re confident that clients will benefit from the strength and resources of Manulife Investment Management while continuing to tap into our deep, strategic timber and agriculture expertise.”

The change has been taking place behind the scenes for 24- to 36months, with consideration to how this could be rolled out across the global business. “By aligning our capabilities, MFM NZ provides the company with a base to keep building upon moving forward,” says Mr Green.

The global business is headed by Christoph Schumacher, who recently joined Manulife Investment Management as Global Head of Real Assets, Private Markets. The role unites the firm’s real asset capabilities across real estate, infrastructure, timberland, and agriculture, all of which have been key drivers of diversification, offering sustainable and nature-based solutions and have a long history of helping to generate differentiated returns for clients, Mr Green adds.

In New Zealand, Robert Green will remain in his role as Managing Director Australasian Timberland Operations, in addition to General Manager Kerry Ellem and the existing team. NZL

ArborGen sells to Hugh Fletcher TREE SEEDLING COMPANY ARBORGEN HAS SOLD ITS NEW ZEALAND and Australian assets to a consortium led by Hugh Fletcher for $22.25 million.

ArborGen is one of the last remnants of the former Fletcher Forests, and has a range of nurseries producing seedlings for the timber and agriculture industries. The company disclosed in June that it was undertaking a strategic review on its future options after receiving a bid.

The company produces some 30 million tree stocks a year in New Zealand and 5.5 million in Australia and would require “significant” additional capital to expand capacity, said ArborGen Chairman David Knott in a statement: “The board believes the money would be better spent in its higher growth markets in the United States and Brazil. It will also use the funds to explore new growth opportunities and repay debt.”

The purchasers are a consortium of New Zealand investors including charitable trusts and private families, led by Hugh Fletcher who was a director of ArborGen predecessor Rubicon until September 2019. An independent assessment of the deal by corporate advisory firm Grant Samuel found the offer was “fair”.

ArborGen, which is now based in South Carolina in the US, owns one of the world’s largest and most diverse genetic libraries for commercial tree germplasm, and is one of the world’s largest providers of advanced genetic seedlings.

In New Zealand and Australia, where it has seven nurseries and two orchards, its key seedling species are radiata pine, eucalyptus and other native horticultural species. The operations generated US$9.9m (NZ$14m) of revenue last year, making up 19% of the group’s US$52.7m revenue. NZL

10 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

3qtr_bc_

forest talk

Forest sales for Ernslaw One ERNSLAW ONE HAS COMPLETED AN AGREEMENT TO SELL THE Whangapoua and Ruatoria forests with a combined area of 15,100 productive hectares to Summit Forests New Zealand.

Yong Tiong, Executive Director of the Oregon Group, the parent company of Ernslaw One, says this is a significant step forward in executing Ernslaw One’s strategy in New Zealand.

“This reflects a continued focus on positioning our estate to meet our strategic goals of creating high value downstream products,” says Mr Tiong.

Part of the proceeds from this transaction will facilitate further investments in the Group’s timber and pulp processing facilities located in the North Island.

Takashi Sasaoka, Managing Director of Summit Forests New Zealand, says this is an important day for Summit Forests as it continues to establish a long-term business in New Zealand.

“This acquisition of highly productive forests will complement the other assets acquired over the last decade in New Zealand. We look forward to continuing to manage these forests in line with Summit’s commitment to best practice and the highest environmental standards,” says Mr Sasaoka.

Ernslaw One’s advisor Cranleigh Partners’ Managing Partner Stephen Cozens says the sale and purchase are

in-line with both companies’ strategy: “This largely reflects the ongoing international interest to acquire high quality, sustainable Pinus radiata New Zealand Forest estates, given both the current and forecast international fibre supply concerns being faced.” NZL

®

®

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOROF DISTRIBUTOR GB FORESTRY FORESTRY GB PRODUCTS PRODUCTS

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

"

"

PITCH GAUGE EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOROF DISTRIBUTOR GB FORESTRY FORESTRY GB PRODUCTS PRODUCTS

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR

3/4"

"

GB FORESTRY PITCH GAUGE PRODUCTS " " PITCH GAUGE

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF GBEXCLUSIVE FORESTRY NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

GB FORESTRY GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS PRODUCTS 3qtr_bc_nz_logger_advert_rev_220721_1.indd 1

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF GBEXCLUSIVE FORESTRY NEW ZEALAND EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

EXCLUSIVE " " 3/4 NEW ZEALAND PITCH GAUGE DISTRIBUTOR OF GBEXCLUSIVE FORESTRY NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY FORESTRY GB PRODUCTS PRODUCTS

26/07/2021 4:00:18 PM

forest talk

How ‘good’ is your ‘good’?

Story: Fiona Ewing, FISC National Safety Director

RECENTLY I CAME ACROSS A FOREST MANAGER THAT HAS ADOPTED a great way of collaborating with their harvesting contractors.

They’ve come up with an ‘integrated’ model – which means that in addition to using their machinery to mechanically harvest, their contractors also harvest the road-line corridors, they build the roads, and they clear-fell the ground-base and the hauler terrain.

For the contractors, the benefit of this approach is that they can maximise use of their expensive machinery, making it easier for them to cover the costs of mechanisation. For the forest manager, having better equipped contractors is delivering productivity gains and cost reductions. For workers, it’s delivering a safer work environment and more job security.

This is a great example of a forest manager creating what I call ‘good work’. The term ‘good work’ sums up three key concepts that in health and safety ‘geek-speak’ are known as: ‘safety in design’, ‘higher order controls’ and ‘upstream duties’.

Traditionally in forestry much of the responsibility for creating safe, healthy worksites has been shouldered by the crews contracted in to do the planting, tree maintenance and harvesting. However, decisions made by forest owners and managers also have an enormous impact on contractors’ ability to work in a safe, healthy way. This includes decisions about where trees are planted, and how they will be maintained and harvested. Forest owners and managers have an opportunity to build in health and safety when they make these decisions. This process is known as ‘safety in design’.

‘Safety in design’ is the idea that work should be designed in a way that is safe – rather than safety being a ‘clip-on’ added later. A good example of ‘safety in design’ is not planting trees on slopes that are too steep to harvest mechanically. Another example is the one above – a forest manager designing the harvest so contractors can maximise use of their machinery, making it easier for them to invest in mechanisation.

Mechanisation itself is an excellent example of using ‘higher order controls’ – which are the most effective means of protecting workers from risks. Mechanisation removes workers from doing the two most dangerous tasks in forestry – manual tree falling and manual breaking-out. It is far more effective in protecting people than ‘lower order controls’ like hard hats and paperwork.

While mechanisation brings its own challenges – for example, sitting in a cab all day can have a negative impact on worker health – to date no worker has died in New Zealand while felling or breakingout trees mechanically. The anecdote above is also a great example of a forest manager using their commercial influence to support contractors to adopt the ‘higher order control’.

So why should forest owners and managers care about ‘safety in design’ and ‘higher order controls’? Well, in addition to the obvious argument about the need to stop fatalities (33 forestry workers have died on the job in New Zealand since 2015) these concepts also help forest owners and managers meet their ‘upstream duties’.

‘Upstream duties’ refers to the legal responsibilities forest owners and managers have for the health and safety of their contractors and contractors’ workers. The revamped 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act emphasised the importance of these upstream duties,

12 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

FISC National Safety Director,Fiona Ewing. and recently WorkSafe put them to use when it prosecuted a forest manager, along with the contractor, over a worker’s death. One of the best ways forest owners and managers can fulfil these duties is by using ‘safety in design’ principles and ‘higher order controls’ that will prevent fatalities and serious injuries occurring.

Encouragingly, there are already good examples of forest owners and managers recognising their role in creating ‘good work’ – like the one described. Their challenge now is to make sure their ‘good’ continues to improve and that they challenge themselves about what they could do better. This challenge is relevant to all forestry companies because serious harm and fatalities occur right across the industry, irrespective of the size of the forest.

This approach to health and safety – that it’s about designing ‘good work’, not just compliance and assurance – is one that needs to grow in forestry. That is why Safetree has made creating ‘good work’ one of three pillars in its new strategy – along with promoting an improved certification scheme and encouraging greater worker involvement in health and safety.

Safetree will be encouraging and supporting forest owners and managers to use ‘safety in design’ and ‘higher order controls’ to help create ‘good work’. We’ll also be sharing stories of how people have done this and the commercial and wellbeing benefits that have resulted.

How ‘good’ is your ‘good’? Tell us about it so we can share it with the sector.

Fiona Ewing runs Safetree, operated by the Forest Industry Safety Council. The Council’s members include representatives from the industry, workers, the Council of Trade Unions, WorkSafe, ACC and Māori. NZL

Engineered for Extreme.

The smart choice for Skidders.

Nokian Tyres, rugged but very clever!

Call AB Equipment today.

Proud to now supply Nokian Tyres nationwide.

Contact your local AB Equipment branch on 0800 30 30 90 abequipment.co.nz

forest talk

Home-grown meth detection THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY HAS NOT ESCAPED THE IMPACT OF drugs in the workplace. Whether planting or harvesting, it is essential that workers are not impaired by drugs or alcohol, especially when operating heavy machinery or driving log trucks. Even strict policies on drug-taking and random testing can miss, especially with forest owners often employing contractors to do the work.

Now a New Zealand-developed methamphetamine detector and alarm system is being fitted in trucks.

Road Block can be installed in either concealed or visible locations – sending an instant alert to an operator’s mobile phone if traces of meth are detected in a vehicle… or even on the clothing, hair or shoes of its occupants.

The device, which is battery-powered and measures 150mm x 70mm (slightly smaller than A6-size paper), is an evolution of Te Awamutu-based P Alert Industries’ meth detection and alarm device installed by landlords and commercial property owners.

The company says it has found a demand in the trucking industry for the Road Block meth detector and alarm system – along with interest from forestry and earthmoving operators and companies with large fleets of cars.

P Alert co-owner Jamie Hansen, a Te Awamutu mechanical engineer who developed the system, says road transport customers are already discovering how sensitive the Road Block device is.

“The P Alert and Road Block are very sensitive, detecting down to one part per million. And it’s very accurate.

“We had one unit go off and the vehicle owner realised their truck was still in the yard. It wasn’t the driver but one of the mechanics who was smoking in the workshop. The unit in the truck was sensitive enough to pick it up,” says Mr Hansen.

“And there has been a case where the alarm went off at the same time each night. It turned out a driver who was starting his shift had been smoking earlier in the evening and the Road Block picked it up.”

He says that the methamphetamine alarm has deterrent and

14 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

detection benefits as well as obvious road safety benefits: “It’s a massive safety issue. I think everyone on the road would be happy to know that the vehicle coming the other way, or right behind them, isn’t being driven by someone under the influence.”

The Road Block unit operates on a 4G network – using AA lithium batteries with a 12-month lifespan. It reports via a SIM card to a nominated mobile phone – usually the vehicle owner or fleet manager.

The device tests the air every 30 minutes and can detect both smoking and manufacture of methamphetamine. In addition to the silent real-time alerts sent immediately any trace of methamphetamine is detected, it will also send a weekly report to a nominated mobile phone.

Road Block is programmed to individual vehicles and registration plates, so it can’t be moved between vehicles. It also has a tamper alarm. Mr Hansen says it’s extremely rugged and can be used in harsh environments.

P Alert Industries, owned by Hansen and Te Awamutu accountant Allan Spice, began research and development work on the system 10 years ago and has been marketing it since 2017.

“The product was developed here in Te Awamutu and is manufactured in East Auckland to Telarc ISO9001 certification. We hold a worldwide patent and have been exporting to Australia and America,” Mr Hansen says.

The device has regulatory approvals in the US and Canada, but P Alert has only recently set up a network of distributors nationally.

Nevertheless, he says, the number of units already in use in New Zealand and Australia “is now in the thousands”.

“We were at Fieldays earlier this year and there was a lot of interest and feedback.”

He says campervan hire companies, taxi and Uber operators, along with the mining and excavation industries, were among those interested. NZL

forest talk

Mobile hose service for Rotorua TERRA CAT HAS INTRODUCED A MOBILE HOSE SOLUTION TO ROTORUA and surrounding regions, with a focus on hose and coupling solutions for logging businesses.

Fully trained and experienced Mobile Hydraulic Hose Technician, Kim Harland, services the greater Rotorua region. Why Rotorua? With logging being a key driver of New Zealand industry in the region, what better location to service customers?

Caterpillar has designed and manufactured hydraulic hoses since the 1960s, refining and testing products, not just to meet the international standard but to exceed the standards. “These hoses suit any machine, no matter the make or model. Caterpillar’s safety mindset and quality support delivers value for your fleet, in turn driving better value for your bottom line,” says Product Manager for Hydraulics, Paul Verwey.

He adds: “As New Zealand’s dealer for the industry’s leading brand, we know the hoses and coupling on your machines best. We will always make sure the parts we use to build your hose assembly are what’s required for the application. There’s no guessing and no changing out fittings and adaptors to make the product fit.

“We have user-friendly technology that saves you time. Each hose assembly comes from the factory with a hose part no tag that has all the information we need to build the hose assembly the way the original manufacturer intended. If your hose is without its tag, we are good with that and we can build it too.

“Our new mobile capabilities mean we can build hoses to the Hydraulic Information System (HIS) specification or custom-make them.

Our aim is to get you your hoses faster and make sure your machines are working reliably for longer, this means helping to minimise downtime.

“Caterpillar hose and couplings are made to an extremely high-quality standard compared with those on the general market. You’ll experience a lower failure rate when using Caterpillar hose and couplings, giving you more machine uptime,” he says. NZL

Kim Harland – Mobile Hydraulic Hose Sales and Hose Technician.

Iron Test

Story & Photos: John Ellegard

BANNER BANNER BANNER 111

B

EST EST EST 1909 1909 1909

THE THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER SUPPLIER TOTO NEW TO NEW NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 16 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

Gisborne-based BBL Logging is among the first in New Zealand to put the Next Generation Cat 538 LL to work.

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 21 W

EST EST 1909 1909

THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER TO NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY

December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 17

A good 11m reach means fewer movements on the skid with the Next Generation Cat 538.

I

T SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY THAT we were testing the all-new Cat 538 tracked forestry machine after it had just been introduced and yet, just four years later we’re in the bush eyeing up its successor – the Next Gen 538.

Back in 2017 we got to grips with one of the first early generation 538’s to go to work in New Zealand with Goodman Logging in the Kinleith Forest, performing loading duties on the skid and also shovelling out in the cut-over. Even though it wasn’t designed for that letter role it still proved to be a major step forward over its predecessor, the longserving 320 DFM. This time we’re with BBL (Big Bark Logging), south of Gisborne to check out what has changed in the Next Generation Cat 538 and how much difference it’s made to everyday operations.

There are two versions of the 538, the low cab General Forestry model and the high cab Log Loader, which is the version that appeals to a large number of Kiwi logging contractors because the extra viewing height enhances safety when performing skid duties, although buyers can also get the LL model with a low riser.

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 41

That’s the version BBL’s Tony ‘Irish’ close to the front of the queue for the new Shanahan has put to work in one of his Cat, being one of the first to take delivery of two crews, currently operating in the Kopua a Next Gen 538 in New Zealand in August.

Having clocked up a couple of hundred Forest, situated on the northern flanks of the hours already, the BBL crew has had time imposing Wharerata range.

Caterpillar has a strong following among to assess the merits of the Next Generation logging contractors in New Zealand, but updates and ‘Irish’ is very complementary: ‘Irish’ is a pragmatic fellow and has spread “It’s going really well and the operator is his purchasing favours across numerous very happy with it – he’s driven 538’s before brands over the years, tending towards but this being the new version, he’s very whatever machine suits the allotted task. impressed with it.”

And yet, looking at the new Cat, it doesn’t His purchase of the Next Gen 538 LL follows really appear much different to the Goodman a similar path.

“I had an old guarded-up Komatsu machine we tested four years ago. So what’s working in that role before, but with the cost changed?

Externally, the most obvious change is of converting excavators these days it made sense to go for a purpose-built forestry the redesigned forestry cab, which stands loader, plus it’s just about impossible to get out through the larger flush-mounted into a build shop now,” says ‘Irish’. “And the glass screens (the front being extra-thick polycarbonate so no heavy guarding bars price of the Cat was pretty good.”

His 538 arrived almost ready to go into the now) and smaller cab pillars that allow forest, apart from getting the local TerraCat in much more daylight and increase allteam to add some extra railings behind the round vision – about 50% greater overall cab to make it safer when people are up on visibility than the previous 538, according top of the bodywork, as well as fitting the to Caterpillar.

The cab is also 25% larger than before, Ensign 1730 grapple.

POWER FORmuch BIG TIME providing more LOGGERS elbow room and With long lines forming forSERIOUS any sort of new equipment, ‘Irish’ was fortunate to be additional fore and aft space. That’s good,

ALWAYS SWING A BIG STICK

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 18 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

Improved track speed helps the Next Gen Cat 538 get around the skid quicker, making it more productive.

because the previous model did feel a wee bit tight inside – especially for larger operators – and this 538’s regular man on the controls, Zak Parker, says he definitely noticed the difference when first getting into his new machine.

“The old one was very cramped and door was too small, but this one is way roomier and the front screen doesn’t come right up against your knees,” he says.

Rear-entry cab coming Like the Goodman loader we tested in 2017, this one also has the ladder up to a side entry door sitting on top of a 1.22 metre riser, which tilts forward for transporting. It’s easier to get in and out, due to the wider and taller door and extra space in front of the operator’s seat. Caterpillar has also painted the hand grabs black instead of yellow to make them easier to locate. But where’s the rear-entry? Wayne Baker, Manager Forestry Industry for TerraCat, says the rear-entry cab option is a late arrival and probably won’t be seen here until the New Year.

Personally, I prefer the rear cab entry from a safety point of view because there’s less potential for the operator to fall.

Especially given that this Next Gen model is slightly higher than the previous one.

The reason? Well, the eagle-eyed might have spotted the bigger high & wide track base, which has improved ground clearance by 15%, now 758mm against the old machine’s 660mm. That means the Next Gen machine is better placed to clear stumps and lumps on the skid and even out at the cut-over if it needs to go and help with shovelling.

The track base is longer than before, too. It’s been stretched out from 4,555mm to 4,665mm to provide a steadier platform

Above left: The upgraded electro-hydraulic system lifts productivity while reducing fuel consumption.

Above right: Softer feel to the controls makes for more precise handling.

Right: Increasing the track length, doubling the size of the fuel tank and moving it to the back of the machine results in greater stability for the Next Gen Cat 538.

when reaching out to grab heavy loads. Particularly useful for offloading a 5-axle trailer from the back of a log truck.

Touching on the new cab again, you may have noticed from the photos that Caterpillar has redesigned the body layout next to the boom so that even with this left-side-entry design there are still steps placed next to the boom that lead up to the top of the machine, in readiness for the rear-entry option. The other thing to note is that the bodywork on top of the engine is now completely flat, with no protruding cover – you lift up a trapdoor that sits flush with the rest of the bonnet to access the engine.

The fuel tank has moved to the back of the machine and has more-than doubled in size to 990 litres so that it can now act as the counterweight when fully topped up, allowing for the steel counterweight to be reduced by almost half. The DEF tank is also repositioned under the first step by the boom.

But if these were all the changes being made, Caterpillar wouldn’t have gone to the bother of calling it a Next Generation model. Our experience of other Next Generation Cats – namely the 325 and 336 – has taught us to expect a lot of hidden upgrades in the electronic and hydraulic systems.

You see, when Caterpillar launched the first 538 four years ago it hadn’t yet completed the development of the Next Generation systems that feature in the latest models. The first 538 was good, but not as good as it could have been. A bit cramped in the cab. Not quite as responsive. Not quite as efficient. And not as fast.

Has the Next Generation solved those issues? Have they ever!

We’ve already noted how the cab has been given a dramatic makeover and we’ll get into more detail shortly. But it’s those hidden upgrades that really make this an all-new model.

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 31 W

One of the most significant changes to the Next Gen 538 is the move to a new electric-over-hydraulic control system, which provides about 10% more swing torque, says Caterpillar. That may not sound like much, but in practice it works really well, as it builds on the improved hydraulics that were developed for the earlier generation 538. Those previous changes included a larger main hydraulic pump to allow the engine to effectively operate at lower revs, along with a new back-to-back main hydraulic control valve design that reduces oil flow restrictions to boost response. Combine those changes with snappier electro-initiated controls in the Next Gen machine and the feeling is way better according to Zak. Smoother and more precise He says it feels faster, smoother and more precise in the way the controls work “not too touchy, like some other machines”. Changes to the smart mode programme automatically match the engine and hydraulic power to suit the working conditions, which reduce fuel consumption by a further 5%.

‘Irish’ likes the sound of that, saying, “5% would make a huge difference over the course of a year, especially with the price of diesel these days”, though he did admit he hasn’t actually checked on the PRODUCT LINK™ system yet to see what it’s doing. TerraCat expects fuel burn around 14.5- to 15-litres per hour, depending on which mode they are using. Our guest Iron Tester, Tapu Dixon, who also runs an older 538 says he averages in the high teens, which is not unexpected with the bigger wood harvested on the East Coast, so anything less would be a bonus. Zak says he only needs to fill the tank once a week, although it was suggested he should do it more often to retain the weight in the tail.

SERIOUS POWER BIG TIME LOGGERS

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 20 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

Above left: Slew has increased by 10% in the Next Generation Cat 538.

Above right: The first Next Gen Cat 538 log loaders arriving in New Zealand have side entry, but rear-entry cabs are on the way.

Right: The taller cab and increased glass gives the operator better vision, important for tasks such as loading bin wood trucks.

The Next Gen 538 still offers a choice of three power modes to select from, based on the workload to be undertaken (high, standard and eco modes). These can be called up on the new console pad as before, but Zak says he has left it in the standard setting that the TerraCat techie dialled in for him on delivery and hasn’t felt the need to change it yet.

Another area that has improved is the travel speed, which we reckoned was only adequate in our previous 538 test. Updates to the drive system have resulted in a 12% increase in travel speed, enabling the Next Generation 538 to cover more ground faster and get more done in a day. Zak says the walking speed is a bit quicker – “the old one was pretty slow” – and although it’s only a small improvement, at the end of the day it all adds up and he can achieve more each shift.

The Tier 4 Final Cat 7.1 engine remains largely as before, with Caterpillar adding that it is also designed to run on bio-diesel mixes up to B20. With the New Zealand government looking to use biodiesel as part of its climate change strategy in future, it’s good to know the Next Gen 538 won’t be handicapped if such a move is mandated across all industries.

Tier 4 Final technology has been around long enough for users to feel comfortable with it and ‘Irish’ had no problems taking it on with this purchase – it is the way of the future, after all. While

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 51

these engines do run hotter than their Tier 2 or Tier 3 counterparts, Caterpillar has increased cooling in Tier 4 Final-powered machines to compensate and temperatures stay well within the normal range, even on hot East Coast days, according to Zak. The Next Gen 538 can operate across a wide climatic range, from a cold-start capability of -32˚C right up to temperatures reaching 48˚C, so shouldn’t be troubled by our weather. It also operates effectively at altitudes reaching 3,000 metres without derating and to our knowledge, there are no forests grown at that level anywhere in New Zealand, so no worries on that count either.

Mind you, it can get cold on top of the Wharerata range in extreme winters and, in addition to the uprated A/C system that keeps the cab toasty in winter and cool in summer, the seat also comes with built-in heating and cooling – we eventually find the switch on the left side of the backrest, under the seat cover.

The seat itself is very comfy and the visibility from the cab is superb, even to the rear, thanks to the new flat-topped bonnet (and a window in the floor to see the tracks). For extra vision, Zak has the advantage of two cameras that display in the top segment of the display screen. One of them shows what’s immediately behind, while the other is placed on the right-hand side of the body, ostensibly to get over the blind spot created by the boom. But Zak says the camera still doesn’t overcome that blind spot and the lens needs to

MADE IN CANADA FOR NZ CONDITIONS

EST EST 1909 1909 |TO CALL WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 944 894 THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 22 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

Used Forestry Equipment be pointed more forward. Shame it doesn’t have the 360˚ camera views of what is all around the machine that we experienced in other Next Generation Cat models.

That big expanse of glass does come with one drawback – heat build-up from the sun, as there are no blinds fitted to any of the windows and Zak says it can be an issue later in the day when the sun is lower in the sky.

The larger 254mm (10-inch) highresolution touchscreen monitor is placed out of the way on the right pillar, with easyto-navigate menus. Above this display is another screen that tells Zak when log and bin wood trucks are scheduled to arrive.

Tapu describes the cab and controls in greater detail in his Iron Test column on page 26 but I have to say the overall impression is of a much nicer working environment.

Back on the ground, Zak opens up all the doors and points to the new lower position of the dipstick that can now be reached from the ground, along with all the other daily checks.

Service costs are expected to be lower, too. Improved filters and replacement intervals result in 50 fewer filters being consumed over 12,000 hours. For instance, fuel filters feature a synchronised 1,000hour change interval, which doubles the service life of the previous model. A new hydraulic oil return filter improves filtration and delivers a 3,000-hour service life, which is 50% longer than previous designs.

Moving to the new electro-hydraulic control system also eliminates the need for a pilot filter and pilot oil altogether.

Lower maintenance costs Compared to the previous model, Caterpillar says the Next Generation 538 lowers maintenance costs by up to 15% over the course of 12,000 hours of operation.

We’d like to have had a bit more time to poke around the inner workings of this machine, but there’s a bin wood truck on the way, followed by a flotilla of log trucks.

This is a busy site. While BBL is primarily a road-lining operation, it does harvest a lot of wood and there are tight deadlines to meet.

“Doing 300-to-350 tonnes a day on average,” says ‘Irish’. “We’re probably overproducing a little at the moment, just because we’re a little ahead of the roading due to all the restrictions that are now in place.

“We’re doing a lot of end hauling. Being extra careful about cleaning up around creeks and that. A lot of built-up edges on the roads to direct the water flow to the culverts and flumes and make sure they

are kept clean. A lot more compaction is required, too. More emphasis on that now and more recording of everything that we do, with photos as well as writing it all down – much more since the floods and court cases.

“We do something called Survey 123, which is a spreadsheet so we can record everything step by step. We do that on a daily basis, all done on a tablet that we submit on the cloud.”

When we previously visited BBL, it was just a single crew but has now expanded to two crews and a total of 28 people – they would like more staff, as there are three machines parked up with no one to drive them.

But even with those limitations, ‘Irish’ says that having the two crews is “the perfect combination, really does the job and allows us to keep ahead.”

Just as well. After only a week creating roads and new skid sites in this part of the forest, they’ll be out of here the next day.

So the pressure is on to clear the remaining wood and move.

That’s why you need fast and reliable equipment, like the Next Gen Cat 538. It’s the sole fleeting and loading machine on the skid, fed by a Cat 336F with a Woodsman processor sitting on a ledge just above.

Zak is back in the driver’s seat to demonstrate the pace of the machine with the arrival of the bin wood truck. He uses the Ensign 1730 grapple to grab big fistfuls of waste and soon has the truck loaded up and on its way.

No time to rest. The next log truck is just minutes away and Zak finishes laying out the heavier logs on the ground in readiness for loading into the bottom of the truck and trailer bunks. Just 5.9s going out on this load.

The truck arrives and Zak lifts the 5-axle trailer off with ease and plonks it down next to the ready-made log piles. We detect a small hint of rocking on the tracks, which is down to the fuel tank nearing empty, even though the machine itself weighs in at 31 tonnes. The heavy logs go on first – some weighing two-and-a-half-to-three tonnes – and the thinner ones further up. A good way to keep the trucks stable on the twisty Gisborne region roads.

After the log truck, the diesel fuel truck arrives to top up the 538 and restore balance. The fill needs to be quick, as there is another log truck waiting to come up to the skid.

Refuelling done, it’s Tapu’s turn at the controls and he goes through the same

AVAILABLE NOW #207834

John Deere 648H Skidder

$99,500 +GST

2007, 13252 hours Contact Brodie Keen - 027 214 6599 #207835

John Deere 1910E Forwarder $240,000 +GST 2014, 12200 hours Contact Brodie Keen - 027 214 6599 #207945

Tigercat 635G Skidder

$490,000 +GST

2019, 4200 hours Contact Brodie Keen - 027 214 6599 #207756

Hyundai 210LC-9HC Excavator $89,995 +GST 2010, 12721 hours Contact Matt Mills - 021 579 129

View our full range online

www.dne.co.nz

Left: The new cab is 25% larger than in the previous Cat 538.

Right: The bigger display screen has plenty of room for the two camera views to be shown at the top and leaves space for other information below.

Below: No problem lifting and holding onto these four logs in the Ensign 1730 grapple tongs.

procedure – laying out heaver logs on the ground to make up the base layer in the bunks. Then lifts off the trailer, this time without the rocking, thanks to almost 1,000 litres of diesel keeping the rear of the track firmly planted on the ground.

As Tapu starts filling the bunks, I ask Zak if there is anything in particular he likes about his new steed and he says: “I pretty much like everything about it, very happy.

Especially the bigger cab.

“The electro-hydraulics feel very good, it’s fast around the skid and quick to load. Great on the skid work, although it doesn’t have the slew power to drag some of those big heavy stems around. But I don’t do much shovelling anyway, so that’s not a problem for me.”

Before we know it, Tapu has completed loading the truck and he’s now laying out heavy logs on the ground for the next truck.

The 538 is kicking up a fair bit of dust as Tapu walks across the skid, which causes the hydraulically driven, auto reversing cooling fan to work over-time to keep the radiator fins clean.

As the morning progresses the trucks come and go, and the wood pile shrinks. The Next Gen 358 has no trouble keeping up and ‘Irish’ is confident it will continue to perform like that for years to come. NZL

BANNER BANNER BANNER 111

EST EST EST 1909 1909 1909

THE THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER SUPPLIER TOTO NEW TO NEW NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 24 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

QB2500

QB3500

QB4400

0800 784 787

www.quadco.com

LG31424

Southstar Equipment New Zealand, 03 View Rd. Rotorua

iron test: Tapu Dixon

T

HERE’S NOTHING LIKE A NEWLY released model to give you machine envy and that’s what I’m suffering from after testing BBL Logging’s Next Generation version of my own Cat 538.

Mine’s just 18 months old but it feels way older after spending time in the new model.

What a difference. Heaps of room and heaps of vision in the bigger cab. Huge door and no bars in front of you, like on mine.

My knees almost touch the front screen in my machine, so I like how it has been pushed out a lot and there’s also the glass screen in the floor to see the tracks – I used it quite a bit when I was walking around the skid. More space behind the seat, I could even fit my vacuum cleaner in there, which I can’t do in mine.

Much easier to get into the cab with the larger door, though it would be nice to have a rear-entry cab to put your boots in the

back. Safer too.

Much better vision all round and it goes right up to the roof, which means you’ll need blinds for hot Gizzy days. The rear-facing camera gets over the blind spot behind the machine, but I agree with regular driver, Zak that the side camera needs to be pointed more to the front so you can see what’s on the other side of the boom.

Another difference from mine is that you start the 538’s engine with a push button.

Each operator can programme their own machine settings and function preferences, though I just left them all as Zak has them.

I’m not one to keep changing the settings.

The A/C is much quieter than on my machine and I do like the fixed microphones on stalks positioned on either side of the cab. All you do is hit the mic button on the controls to speak; your hands don’t leave the sticks.

1: Access to daily checks inside the left door is much improved and the DEF tank is now situated under the first step on the right.

2:The redesigned layout features steps behind the boom and protection plate up to the top of the body, in readiness for a rear-entry cab.

Iron Tester, Tapu Dixon.

The seat is nice but it still doesn’t raise up enough. You can’t adjust the handles to bring them to a more comfortable height, so you’d need the seat to do that and it would be good if there was more adjustment.

The controls feel very light and it would take you a while to get used to it if you came

3: The Tier 4 Final Cat 7.1 engine now sits under a flush bonnet.

4: Regular operator, Zak Parker, is very impressed with the extra space and vision in the new cab.

1

2

3

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 21

4

W

EST EST 1909 1909

THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER TO NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 26 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

IFICATION

SPEC S

SPECIFICATIONS – NEXT GEN CATERPILLAR 538 LL LOADER ENGINE

REFILL CAPACITIES (LITRES)

6-cylinder, 7.01-litre, Caterpillar 7.1, ACERT, Tier 4f Bore / stroke 105mm x 135mm 128.5kW (172hp) @1,800rpm Net power 742Nm @1,400rpm Max torque 4.9km/h Max travel speed

Fuel tank Engine coolant

990 17.5

Engine oil tank Hydraulic system (incl tank) DEF tank

25 262 41

HYDRAULICS Main pumps Max flow Swing speed Swing torque

DIMENSIONS (MM) Two variable displacement axial piston pumps 2 x 234L/min 11.0rpm 98,000Nm

BOOM / ARM Model Caterpillar forestry model Reach 11.0m

Shipping length Shipping height (cab tilted) Shipping width Ground clearance Track length Track shoe width Tail swing radius Operating weight

boom/stick out) 13,690 3,400 3,490 758 4,665 700 3,135 31,460kg (minus grapple and extra rails)

GRAPPLE Model Ensign 1730 Rotation Continuous 1,700mm Max clamp opening Capacity 0.47m2 Weight 1,180kg

from an older machine. You can adjust the feel through the computer, but I didn’t need to. It’s very smooth and responsive.

It has the standard Cat control pattern – stick and slew on the left with boom up and down on the right, RT buttons on both sides, but the grapple rotator is on the right, instead of the left, where it is on my machine.

The locker switch is on the right, too.

W

I’ve got a Duxson grapple on my machine and it’s been a while since I’ve operated an Ensign, but this one is a lot faster than I remember and it holds onto the logs nicely.

The machine is very smooth and effortless.

Really good lift and slew. Before the fuel truck arrived it did feel a bit rocky, but once the tank was filled it was very steady, so it pays to keep more diesel on board. I didn’t

walk it far, but it felt fine to me, maybe a bit pacier than mine.

I see Cat has fitted more lights to the front roof – I have four LEDs whereas this has six, which would light up the skid better on dark mornings.

I’m not trading my 538 in just yet, but the Next Gen model would be on my shopping list if I was. NZL

ALWAYS SWING A BIG STICK

CONTACT JONNY EDWARDS FOR MORE DETAILS WOODCUTTER@SHAWS.CO.NZ

|

021 944 894

GET YOUR SITE SORTED WITH SIGNS, FIRE SAFETY + FIRST AID EQUIPMENT FROM

PR

CO

CA

[ SALES@SHAWS.CO.NZ | CALL THE TEAM 0800 4 SHAWS 07 823 4029 ]

POWER TO BURN

K

94

Y

9

PROVEN COMPONENTRY WITH ISUZU ENGINE + KAWASAKI PUMPS CONTACT JONNY EDWARDS FOR MORE DETAILS WOODCUTTER@SHAWS.CO.NZ | 021 944 894

CALL

]

+ SAVE ON OREGON FORESTRY GEAR

[ SALES@SHAWS.CO.NZ | CALL THE TEAM 0800 4 SHAWS 07 823 4029 ]

Special Feature: Forest Fires

Forest fire f challenges Story: Murray Dudfield, Forest Fire Advisor

N

EW ZEALAND IS NOT SHIELDED FROM PERIODS OF extreme wildfires generally associated with Australia or North America. The annual average direct financial impact of unwanted forest and rural fires on New Zealand's economy in 2020 was $142 million, with indirect costs estimated to be at least two to three times this.

To suppress unwanted fires within a forest landscape, the forestry industry has access to heavy machinery used for harvesting, road building/maintenance, and the formation and maintenance of fire breaks. This equipment becomes a valuable resource and an effective means to assist in the containment of any unwanted forest wildfires.

Within this environment, the fire suppression equipment technology trends have changed little over the last 50 years. Forestry resources such as bulldozers, diggers, forestry crews, 4x4 fire tankers/vehicles, etc, remain as a practical in-forest resource for the tasks associated with the containment of fires which threaten the forest environment.

During initial and extended attack scenarios, tasks performed include direct and indirect tactics, fire breaking, mop-up, rehabilitation and hazard reduction. The forestry industry also has a workforce of more than 3,000 persons engaged in forest management, planting and silvicultural work. The majority of this forestry workforce are trained in forest firefighting and hold the required skills and awareness for safely working within and around a tall timber environment.

30 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

Incorporating aircraft Over the past five years, there appears to be a trend that aircraft are becoming the leading tool in suppressing unwanted fires in our forest and rural landscape. With this increase in aircraft comes a threefold increase in expenditure to fund the costs of aircraft. Is this noticeable change the best use of resources in the containment of our future unwanted vegetation fires? To help understand the use of aircraft in forest fire management perhaps an awareness of the past and recent history would be useful.

The first aircraft used in New Zealand for forest fire management purposes was in a surveillance role at the Eyrewell Forest fire in 1943.

Planes were first routinely used for fire patrol duties in the Rotorua district in 1943. Early in 1944, very dry conditions prevailed, and the haze and smoke caused assessment difficulties. Given the prevailing fire danger conditions, the New Zealand Air Force provided an aircraft to the New Zealand Forest Service for general patrol duties and an Oxford aircraft, later replaced when a Harvard was assigned for this purpose. It was based at Rotorua Airport and flew with a Forest Service officer as an observer. At this stage, there was no radio on board that could communicate with Kaingaroa Forest HQ, and reports were phoned through after landing.

Following the Second World War, there were plenty of ex-military pilots and planes. Aerial top dressing of fertiliser became established

e fighting

Above: Mount Cook Station Wilding Pine fire, January 2008.

Below: Logging site fire (Photographer: Peter Houston).

in New Zealand's rural areas. A newspaper article claimed that the first water bombing trials in the South Island were undertaken at Lincoln in January 1956. The trials were sponsored by the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council with the cooperation of Canterbury Agriculture College. Ground crews ignited simulation fires in a fallowed field at the college, and two aircraft from Auster Air Services flew from an area adjacent to the burn site. The fires were in straw and pine branches, laced with diesel and with light wind. One of the planes was a Taylorcraft plane (360-litre water load), and the other a Tiger Moth (180 litres). The aerial attacks were not quite as effective as had been hoped. Most of the observers thought that aircraft use had possibilities, but there was a lot to learn.

The adoption of helicopters for aerial firefighting coincided with their use in the deer recovery business. The early helicopters used were small with limited load capacity but sufficient for the 500 litre buckets. Only the Air Force had Iriquois – Hueys of the Vietnam War – capable of loads up to 1800 litres; however, they were used infrequently at wildfires. As the use of helicopters increased, the bulk of aerial firefighting was from private companies. Indigenous forest logging saw the introduction of heavier machines such as the Iroquois UH-1 and Russian Mil Mi-8, but Jet Rangers, Eurocopter AS350, and BK-117's were becoming the most common types for use in firefighting. The larger machines facilitated development in

December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 31

Special Feature: Forest Fires

Main and inset: Mount Cook Station fire, 2008. underslung buckets with greater capacities. The air-operated fiberglass buckets (BA cylinders had to be carried to drive the solenoid plunger) had given way to electrically-operated collapsible fabric buckets. The use of fabric reflects the original intent of the Forest Service in 1969. These days, buckets are usually either the Bambi or purpose-built air-operated buckets. Modern buckets can be compressed or folded for easy cartage by the responding helicopter, along with onboard Class A foam injection equipment. The helicopter companies generally own buckets and foam equipment and they are sized appropriately to the helicopters supplied.

Of course, costs have escalated far beyond $100 an hour in 1970. A 1996 study by fire researchers from the Forestry Research Institute/SCION showed that bigger was better in terms of dollar cost/litre delivered.

The researchers undertook several trial projects throughout 1996/97 to provide guidelines in the use of helicopter water bombing.

Ongoing research in New Zealand and overseas has shown that aircraft used in the initial attack phase of a wildfire can be very effective.

However, following the initial attack phase, aircraft become less effective as a wildfire area increases between water drops. When the containment of a wildfire fails in the initial attack phase, ground crews will backburn, use bulldozers to clear firebreaks, crew hose lines, or hack away combustible biomass in advance of the coming flames to starve and contain them. Fireline construction is grueling, necessary, and practical work—but it makes for lousy television. “For sixty years now, the sign of active fire protection has been an aeroplane dropping retardant or a helicopter dropping water,” says Stephen Pyne, a professor of history at USA Arizona State University and the author of over two dozen books on wildfires. "The public expects it." Some informed commentators also have a term for the unnecessary use of aerial resources to fight wildfires: "The CNN drop".

32 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

Role of climate change overestimated As part of this article, it is timely to mention climate change and its fire management impacts on the New Zealand forest and rural landscape. Global temperatures are slowly increasing, and the need to reduce carbon emissions is an ongoing challenge for us all. Associated with climate change is the number of recent public statements which have suggested that our summers in New Zealand will become drier and fire seasons are becoming longer. They also indicate that climate change will see more severe fire danger conditions for New Zealand and could lead to a more significant number of larger, more extreme wildfires.

To understand whether fire danger levels in New Zealand are likely to increase over the next 20 years, a research project on this question was undertaken in 2020. The published Impact of Recent Climate on Fire Danger Levels in New Zealand report clearly shows this research does not support such statements. These

Sa S

Fire danger sign.

F Fa

E EN

conclusions were based on trends from up to 60 years of historical weather data from 15 weather sites across New Zealand.

The following links provides access to this report to provide readers with a better understanding of the data and evidence presented in this research: https://www.nzif.org.nz/assets/Uploads/ Impacts-of-climate-on-fire-danger-levelsin-NZ-Feb-2021.pdf https://www.nzif.org.nz/assets/Uploads/ Overview-Graphs-Tables-15-RAWS-Final.pdf.

In addition our maritime climate significantly impacts the New Zealand forest and rural landscape when compared with Australia. Research has indicated a likelihood of more rainfall in the future across eastern parts of New Zealand.

Media reports have stated that by the year 2040 fire risk levels are projected to increase by 70 percent. However the 2020 Impact of Recent Climate on Fire Danger Levels in New Zealand Report findings indicate it will take a significant swing in current weather patterns to suggest that the average annual frequency of elevated fire danger levels across New Zealand will increase dramatically over the next 20 years.

Timberland forest fire truck.

A return to ground?

As fire danger levels in New Zealand remain stable, is the increased use of aircraft more wildly used at wildfires becoming the norm in New Zealand, or should we return to greater use of fire crews and heavy earthmoving machinery?

The past five years have seen more and more aircraft deployed to wildfires. For example, on days two and three of the 2019 Tasman wildfire in Nelson, we saw 22 helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft in use at this wildfire.

To the casual observer, it may appear that fire managers are committing more resources to

Safety Safetydoesn’t doesn’t happen happen by by accident. accident.

FalconClaw Clawgrapple grapple carriages carriages now in stock.

Falcon stock.

ENQUIRETODAY! TODAY! ENQUIRE

03 03544 5447438 7438• •027 027548 5487761 7761 www.falconforestryequipment.com www.falconforestryequipment.com

Special Feature: Forest Fires Figure 1 fire suppression. However, the ratio of air-to-ground resources seems out of balance as a successful and efficient fire suppression strategy.

Reported media comments on the 3rd January 2018 wildfire at Roys Peak near Wanaka saw eight helicopters and only five ground crews involved for a 200-hectare wildfire. In addition, a small fire incident that occurred in an area of scrubland adjacent to the State Highway, 40 kilometers north of Kaikoura, on 7th July 2021 is a further example. This winter fire involved four helicopters deployed to assist a small number of firefighters when fire danger levels were low. The four helicopters arrived on the fire site more than five hours after the fire started.

Expenditure in New Zealand on aircraft has increased threefold in the past four years (Figure 1, right). Given the separated accountabilities of the National Rural Fire Authority (NRFA) and regional Rural Fire Authorities before July 2017, the critical role the NRFA had was as a gatekeeper and ensuring fire expenditure incurred by Rural Fire Authorities remained fair and reasonable. Following this assessment, 90% of the fire suppression costs involved were reimbursed to Rural Fire Authorities from a national fund. With a single fire service entity now in place for New Zealand, a key question remains as to what entity is playing the independent gatekeeper role to ensure the productivity and value for money aspects for the management of wildfires in the forest and rural landscape are delivered. The February 2019 Tasman wildfire saw the aircraft cost involved as the most expensive in the history of wildfires in New Zealand. Research for another day could look at the background to this threefold increase in aircraft use at wildfires over the past four years.

It is also interesting to note that even with an increase in the use of aircraft deployed to wildfires for the past four years, the three-year average area burnt, due to unwanted wildfires, has also increased (Figure 2, right).

Are we too reliant on aircraft?

Comments from several experienced fire managers on their observation on water dropped from aircraft, without the necessary support of sufficient machinery, ground crews with pumps and hose lines, have raised an uneasiness with the management of wildfires.

Their impact assessment for water dropped from helicopters was estimated as less than 40% effective, whereas heavy equipment and

Figure 2

the practice of water delivered through a ground crew and hose line is more than 90% effective. Are we becoming too reliant on aircraft attempting to put out wildfires?

To review an example of the suitable mix of ground and aerial resources in firefighting an assessment of several wildfires in the USA was compared with New Zealand. To make a comparison between New Zealand and the USA this assessment included only USA wildfires involving areas of less than 6,000 ha. For New Zealand, covering a four-year period from 2015 to 2019, an assessment of eight wildfires showed an average ratio of 8.0 firefighters per aircraft.

For USA, involving sixteen 2019 wildfires, the ratio of firefighters per

Mount Cook Station fire crew briefing.

34 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

1

2

3

4

Above: 1. Forest fire water supply; 2. Mount Cook Station firefighter; 3. Forest fire depot hose store; 4. 1942 Quad forest fire truck.

Below: Firebreak and hose lay (Photographer: Peter Houston).

December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 35

Special Feature: Forest Fires Figure 3

O

$

K aircraft was 94.9 (Figure 3 above). The results of this study show a huge difference in the levels of ground firefighter resources deployed at similar-sized wildfires in the USA when compared with New Zealand.

Aerial firefighting is also a risky business. In New Zealand, over the last eight years, four helicopters have crashed due to firefighting activities. This resulted in three fatalities. It's a risk taken that many believe is far too frequent. Aerial firefighting – by helicopter or fixedwinged aircraft – has inherently higher safety risks than ground firefighting. It is also expensive, can be regularly misused and, as some experts argue, is symbolic of a misguided approach to fire policy. While firefighters and fire researchers agree that "the aerial attack" can be an essential component of an effective firefighting strategy, its imprudent use can come at a steep financial, ecological, and human price. And for that, we, the public, might bear some of the blame. Without sufficient experience and field-hardened firefighting

crews working alongside ground machinery, having a heavy reliance on aircraft to suppress our unwanted forest and rural fires is like steering a boat without a rudder.

Though fighting wildfires from the air may seem miraculous, it is no godsend. If aircraft are overused, it is because citizens, perhaps too often, expect them to show up and perform the impossible.

About the author: Murray Dudfield served as the New Zealand National Rural Fire Officer from 1990 to 2014. He was awarded an FAO Certificate of Excellence for exemplary service to International Cooperation in Wildland Fire Management in 2014 and appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015. Murray was a board member of the Australia Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre from 2007 to 2014 and a Board member of the Otago Rural Fire Authority from 2014-2017. He is a Fellow member of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry and Chair of the Institute’s Forest Fire Committee. NZL

H (

Pigeon Valley fire site visit.

O

K

H

W H

A p

M

36 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

T O H S E C I R P

Offer A:

$314,000 + GST KOBELCO SK350LC-10 High & Wide Specification (Straight boom & stick arm)

Offer C:

$278,000 + GST

Offer B:

KOBELCO SK300LC-10

$285,000 + GST

High & Wide Specification

KOBELCO SK350LC-10 High & Wide Specification

CONTACT US TODAY ONLY 1 AVAILABLE

A

KOBELCO SK350LC-10 High & Wide Specification

ONLY 2 AVAILABLE

B

ONLY 4 AVAILABLE

KOBELCO SK350LC-10

C

KOBELCO SK300LC-10

High & Wide Specification

High & Wide Specification

With Straight Boom assembly and HD Straight Stick arm assembly

ALL MACHINES COME WITH 600mm shoes, auxiliary piping, BT/USB radio, camera, APS, 12v PS, air seat, INDT, HLM (no QH piping), high & wide undercarriage with upper roller props, reinforced idler covers inside & outside, reinforced travel motor covers.

Machines are located in Matamata. Terms and conditions apply.

0800 806 464

|

www.mimico.co.nz

BRANCHES NATIONWIDE MATAMATA (HQ), AUCKLAND, PARAPARAUMU, CHRISTCHURCH

Tall Timbers

Keep on trucking!

Story: Hayley Leibowitz

W

ITH 150 YEARS OF DRIVING LOG TRUCKS between them, six exceptional drivers were recently honoured for seventeen years each without an insurance claim incident, by the Log Haulage Contractors Association (LHCA).

Why seventeen years? “The Incident-free Awards came about with the help of our insurance brokers to recognise the excellent work our drivers do in the log truck industry,” says LHCA President, Graham Sheldrake. “It was part of the Safe Driving Scheme which was established seventeen years ago in 2004, getting our claims records refined to indicate which drivers were achieving very low incident claims. We started by awarding certificates to the drivers that had an incident-free year from July to June each year. We now have drivers in our group that have achieved seventeen years incident-free, so for each year of achievement they

receive the recognition with a gift and a year-certificate.”

The LHCA was started thirty years ago by a group of log truck operators that contracted to New Zealand Forest Products (NZFP) based in the Kinleith forest, says Graham. “With the move away from company trucks to owner drivers, the LHCA was formed to give the 80 or so contractors a voice in terms of rate negotiations and health and safety in the forests at Kinleith, and help them become good, profitable operators.

We negotiated with fuel companies for supply and with insurance companies for cover of the members’ trucks. We still do this today.”

Every driver that belongs to the LHCA and has their truck insured within the Association’s package is eligible for the incident-free awards.

NZ Logger chatted to this year’s recipients and their employers about their service, their history and their love for the open road.

JOHN NUKU John Nuku caught the log truck bug when he was made unemployed from a job in industrial water blasting: “I had friends and family working as log truck drivers and they gave me the bug.”

With 21 years of driving under his belt, for him the best bits are “being outdoors, the scenery changing every day and the comradery of the other drivers I work with, stability of employment and the people in the industry”.

As to his dislikes, bad weather and “idiotic driving” from other members of the public top the list.

John says conditions of driving off-highway and some of the terrain is challenging. The reward though, is twofold – getting to go to some parts of the country that you can only see as a log truck driver and being able to go home every night.

He cites patience, steadiness and concentration while driving on all road types, as well as going to bed early, as essential abilities for a log truck driver.

Getting this award “feels pretty bloody good” says John who sees his future as “unchanged and exciting”.

Employer, Mathew Sheldrake, Director of Sheldrake Haulage says, “We are very proud of John and this great achievement, considering the conditions of our roads and some of the people that use them. He is a very experienced driver who enjoys training new drivers to the industry and is one of the pillars of our company. Anyone that has driven

38 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

with no incidents for 17 years deserves some recognition.

Sheldrake Haulage was formed in 1980 and has been carting logs around the central North

Island ever since. “We run 15 trucks and have recently had new ownership and have plans to keep carting logs for many years to come,” says Mathew.

RICHARD BAKER “I have been driving log trucks for 24 years although I was previously known as a ‘bush man’ doing things like cutting down trees. In a way I migrated from being the ‘collector’ to the ‘transporter’,” says Richard Baker.

His father owned his own truck when he was young and he taught Richard to drive and work in the forestry industry: “He was always driven in his work and this led me to follow in his footsteps. I love the great outdoors, the freedom, the challenge of driving from place to place, both in forests and on public roads, seeing all types of crazy drivers and meeting new people from all corners of the earth.

Richard has worked for Phillips Cartage Contractors/Aztec Forestry Transport Developments for 18 years and has been incidentfree since 2003.

Everyone has their bad days where work “is a pain”, Richard admits, especially when “driving in shitty weather or dealing with impatient, crazy drivers who think they own the roads”.

He adds: “I would recommend this job to anyone keen and willing to gain the experience.

As long as you are good at your job you will always have a job.”

Richard points out that hauling logs is different from other types of driving: “You get to work offhighway carrying loads with gross weights from 50-tonnes plus on all types of road conditions and gradients. You get to see all types of animals including wild deer and pigs. Big trucks are made for big loads.”

As to the difficulties, he cites controlling a heavy truck and trailer in bad weather on different road surfaces and “the current appalling state of New Zealand public roads” with pot holes, broken surfaces and slippery surfaces, “not to mention driving amongst some of the maniacs in light vehicles”, watching weights, and "trusting yourself" that the tyres are good and loads are secure.

“On the positive side of driving, there are rewards including simply making it to the destination safely, having a laugh and spending time with my fellow truckie and forestry mates.

Seeing sights that on-highway drivers don’t get to see, being able to say now I am 17 years incidentfree and getting back home to my whãnau safe and well every night.”

Along with the obvious Class 5 driver's license, he cites fitness, a good diet, a good night’s sleep, concentration, determination and the ability to work up to 70 hours per week as essential skills for the job.

“The hours are long and waking up as early as I do five days a week can be a pain, making me a bit of a grump sometimes. At the end of the day it does, however allow me to earn a good consistent income as we can work at COVID Level 3 due to the measures my employer and the forestry companies have put in place, which in turn enables me to provide for my whãnau’s health and education.

“I am grateful for this award, plus I feel honoured that my safe driving has been acknowledged; also it is great to know that my whãnau is proud of me receiving this award as I have worked hard to do well in my job.

“Like my father, one day I hope to own a truck for myself and to teach my son Hayden (14) to one day drive these big loggers.”

“This is a massive achievement,” says Richard’s employer, Peter Phillips. “I am very proud of Richard having driven around 1,870,000 kilometres in four different trucks during this period incident-free.

“Richard is a hardworking, professional log truck operator who comes to work every day without fail, he is safety-conscious and just gets on with the job. He is respected by all of his peers, both log truck drivers and loader operators.

Richard has the ability to, above all else, handle his rig in a safe manner, always watching for hazards on the roads and putting safety first.

“To sum it up Richard is a very professional

truck driver who puts safety and whãnau first, this award is the very least we can do to recognise his contribution to road safety and the log transport industry.

Trucks Richard has operated for Phillips Cartage contractors are: • 2003 Foden S108; • 2007 DAF; • 2012 Kenworth K108; • 2018 Kenworth K200.

Phillips Cartage Contractors was formed in 1983 by Peter Phillips. In 1998, along with Steve Segetin and Ken Angus, Peter formed Aztec Forestry Transport Developments, becoming a key supplier to Carter Holt Harvey. Over the years the company has expanded to run a fleet of 90 to 100 loggers made up of mostly owner operators.

Phillips Cartage Contractors’ fleet these days consists of all Kenworth K200’s. Aztec currently transports between 30,000 to 50,000 tonnes of logs per month.

LHCA President, Graham Sheldrake presents Richard Baker with his 16-year incident-free driving award pre-COVID lockdown in 2020.

December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 39

Tall Timbers

Great views up the back of the Whakamaru.

BRENT HAMLEY Brent Hamley, Transport Manager at Gilmour Transport has been working in the log transport industry for over 25 years: “I started my working life with six years in the Stihl Shop in Putaruru, and then went to Canada. Upon returning home I moved into driving log trucks. It was in my blood (as they say). Dad was in the industry for years so I grew up with it. I spent my school holidays in the cab of a K124 and later learnt to drive in Dad’s Foden self-loader.

“Once I had my licence, Dad would load up the export and I would take the load over after I had finished work at the Stihl Shop, along with doing the odd Saturday for him (for free of course).”

Brent says what he likes most about the industry is the people he has met, friends he has made, good employers and “early start with early finish” as well as being outside in the forest.

“Dislikes would have to be the queues at the ports… winters can be hard, but for the most part there’s not too much to complain about. In the summer it is fantastic.

“I would absolutely recommend this job to newbies, as long as you can get out of bed in the mornings, it is a great profession. Generally, the job is five days a week and at Christmas the trucks are parked up.

A real benefit for family life.”

He adds that the skills required in the forestry industry differ from general transport because of the road and skid conditions that drivers encounter in the forest. “Also, you have to have good health and safety practices. Safety is such a critical part of the job, both in the forest and on the highway. You need to have a good sense of humour and be able to give and take a bit of banter. As some of the locations are in the clouds you need a head for heights, but the views are amazing.

“I really enjoy my job as Transport Manager but still enjoy getting behind the wheel to do a few loads. I think being out in the forest keeps me in touch with the ground floor and helps with the day-to-day planning and understanding of the issues the drivers face on a daily basis. I have no intention of leaving this industry that has given me so much. I love it.”

Alan Forbes, Director of Alan Forbes Transport (AFTL) and Brent’s former employer, says he purchased his first log truck in 1979 and contracted to NZFP. “As the years went by the business expanded to 20 loggers, contracting to numerous forestry companies. On the 1st June 2021 I sold the business to Gilmour Transport and am settling into retirement!

“I am really proud of Brent and his 17-year accident-free driving

40 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

record; it is a very small group of exceptional drivers that have reached this milestone. Brent worked for AFTL for over 20 years and I could see the huge potential for him to grow into our business.

He originally started as a log truck driver and then moved into the Transport Manager role.

“Brent is a great mentor for young drivers and has immense patience when it comes to training new drivers. He has great industry knowledge which means he has become involved in various industry committees over the years.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the 17-year recipients; it is such a massive achievement in what we all know is not an easy profession.”

Brent Hamley (left) and Alan Forbes discuss the day's events.

STEVE LIVINGSTON Steve Livingston is an Owner Driver for Alan Forbes, now Gilmour Transport. His days as an apprentice spray painter are long gone with 28 years of driving trucks under his belt.

His parents owned a fleet of log trucks and Steve started as an owner driver with them in 2000. When they sold their business to McCarthy Transport, Steve continued on with McCarthy’s then, approximately 16 years ago, started with Alan and Karen Forbes.

He enjoys the challenge of getting out and about, “because each day is different”, though he says the state of the public roads “is becoming a huge issue”.

As to newcomers to the job, Steve says it’s a good, secure job but “unfortunately you aren’t able to take passengers anymore so they don’t get the opportunity to really get a feel for log truck driving and an interest in it. That's how I started out, going with other drivers when I was younger”.

Common sense and expecting the unexpected are a big part of the job, as you are always thinking, he says. And as for the family, while there are early starts, "you really look forward to having the likes of Christmas holidays off".

“It’s great to receive the recognition, and I will continue to drive for as long as I am enjoying it,” says Steve.

LOOKING TO SELL?

Buy equipment via our online marketplace today!

Weekly Online Auctions

Quality Equipment

Call Paul today!

Global Marketplace

Scan me to view current listings

or contact: Paul Windle 027 880 4992

Tall Timbers

Robbie Lincoln chaining his load down to the load requirements.

ROBBIE LINCOLN After 31 years of log truck driving, Robbie Lincoln says he likes the gears, the good bosses and working on his own. “The forestry industry is an exciting industry to work in, and there is always plenty going on with a variety of destinations to go to and great communities.”

Though wet weather causes hazards and hold-ups and the public road conditions could be better, Robbie likes the variety – “no two days are ever the same and part of being a log truck driver is being able to deal with different road conditions and traffic, and having the knowledge and skills for carting out of woodlot roads", he says.

“You get to meet a lot of people and get to see the bush crews working, and see the big new machinery and how the whole operation works,” he adds.

He says logs are more stable and secure on the roads than some other goods and there are “not too many difficulties”.

Robbie adds that the rewards of the job include starting early and getting home early, being home every night, well-maintained, good gear and being proud of the company image while driving that gear.

42 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

“I’m proud to achieve this award, especially with driving with more traffic on the road nowadays, so yeah, very proud of it. I’m here to stay – doing what I love to do!”

Gordon Dahm, Company Director at Rob Dahm says this is a great achievement for Robbie, who has been in the Safe Driving Scheme since it started (two other drivers, were also accident free, but have since retired – Jimmy Rouse (JR), and Chris Southwick (Critter).

“Robbie has been working for the company since 1990, driving freight and stock trucks prior to log trucks. He has actually had over 30 years accident-free, and he has now been recognised for his 17 years accident-free since the LHCA Safe Driving Scheme has been in place,” says Gordon.

The company has been going since 1967 (54 years in business). It is a family busines operating: • 35 Scania trucks, • 6 off-highway doubles.

Annual tonnage carted: • Taumata – over a million tonnes, • Oji – 50,000 tonnes, • 3rd Party – 200,000 tonnes.

BRUCE HYDE With 46 years on the road, Bruce Hyde says good bosses, the freedom of doing his job on his own, working with a great bunch of locals, and the fact that he is not pressured to exceed driving hours keep him going.

Though he is not keen on the waiting times while getting loaded, he would recommend the job to anyone who enjoys the bush and driving.

For him the plusses of hauling logs include varied destinations, shorter cycle times, interaction with a variety of people, one driver one truck and, of course, “the view outside the window every day… peaceful and tranquil settings in the bush, and the different destinations you get to go to." Plus, the weekends off.

Difficulties include dealing with public traffic due to the high volume that can build up on the roads, slippery logs at certain times of the year, and the conditions of some of the roads, both sealed and unsealed, he says.

Bruce adds that it is important to be able to read the road conditions and the other skills that come with experience are vital, like knowing how the load is going to handle due to different heights, weights, lengths, sizes, bark off and bark on. Good communication skills on RT radio and being able to interact with different people, under different pressures is also a big part of the job, he says.

Though the job can involve unsociable hours at times and early start times, “we are home every night”.

As to his award, he says he is “proud of my achievements to get to where I am today. I’m pretty much here to stay after 46 years”.

Gordon Dahm, Company Director at Rob Dahm says he is proud

of Bruce, who has been in the LHCA Safe Driving Scheme since it started.

"Bruce has actually worked for over 45 years accident-free, and he has now been recognised for his 17 years accident-free since the LHCA Safe Driving Scheme has been in place," says Gordon. NZL

Grooved Drums and Sleeves

DIAGNOSE • DESIGN • DELIVER

FOREST INDUSTRY FOREST INDUSTRY CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION

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

11 11

FICA ROUND UP FOR 2021 FICAPrue ROUND FOR 2021 Younger, UP CED Message

Prue Younger, CED years Message this has been explored and, as a

There must be more to life than COVID but it was hard to not start my must AGM be Report with anything but, as to it has There moreofftolast life month than COVID but it was hard not had a huge impact on our industry and other sectors start my AGM Report off last month with anything but, as it has There must be more to life than COVID but it was hard to not over Sooffsignificant had postpone hadmy a2020-2021. huge Report impact on our that industry andtobut, other start AGM last month withwe anything as it sectors hasthe Safetree Conference and our FICA Conference in Queenstown over 2020-2021.

So significant that we had to postpone the had a huge impact on our industry and other sectors over 2020due tosignificant COVID. Last year we FICA just made itthe through the COVID Safetree Conference and Conference in Queenstown 2021.

So that weour had to postpone Safetree lockdown when Auckland had put into lockdown earlier in due to COVID. Last year we been just inmade it through COVID Conference and our FICA Conference Queenstown duethe to August.

The Wellington event well as a joint event with lockdown when Auckland haditworked been put into lockdown earlier in COVID. Last year we just made through the COVID lockdown Safetree - FISC being ourevent partners in crime. that time, August.

The Wellington worked well earlier asI think a joint event with when Auckland had been put into lockdown in at August.

The we were -unsure whereour this was towith up,at but all Safetree FISC being partners ingoing crime.

I end think that-we time, Wellington event worked well as a all joint event Safetree FISC enjoyed aunsure greatwhere summer the time, COVID emerged we were thisIoff. wasThen allat going to end up, but we all being our partners in crime. think that wefactor were unsure againthis butawas this withto aend new Delta variant andfactor one which is enjoyed great summer off.

Then COVID emerged where alltime going up, but the we all enjoyed a great not up easily.

Levela 3factor is aDelta positive level for our againgiving but time new variant and one which summer off. this Then the with COVID emerged again but thisindustry, time is we amight have to stay indoors Levelis 4, but we back to a not giving up easily.

Level 3one is at a positive level for get oureasily. industry, with new Delta variant and which not giving up Level admiration, most normal we might have to level stayatindoors atWith Levelmuch 4, we have get back to ofa Level 3 is environ­ment a positive for our3.industry, webut might to stay the industry beback a3. With resilient bunch andment we admiration, most of normal attoget Level much athave indoors atenviron­ment Levelappears 4, but we to a normal environ­ progressed with life well FICA and and the we collective the industry appears to beI most abelieve. resilient bunch Level 3.

With much admiration, of the industry appears tohave be organisations have been FICA working tirelessly with progressed withandlife Iprogressed believe. theI believe. collective a industry resilient bunch we well have with and life well Government to ensure the industry a high for industry have been remains working tirelessly with FICA and theorganisations collective industry organisations have beenpriority working economicwith contribution COVID. the Government to ensureduring the industry remains a remains high priority for tirelessly Government to ensure industry a high economic during COVID. At the last AGM,contribution we spoke about new Strategic Plan and priority for contribution economic duringa COVID. setting three key pillars in this months we and have last AGM, weand spoke about new Strategic Planmost and AtAt thethe last AGM, we spoke about a past newa12 Strategic Plan certainly channelled our time andpast energy into these key topics setting three keypillars pillars and this past 12months months wehave have most setting three key and ininthis 12 we most rather than a multi-scatter gun I remind you the certainly channelled our time and energy into these key for topics certainly channelled our time andapproach. energy into these keythat topics next than few years our priorities sit approach. with: rather than multi-scatter gun approach. remind you rather a amulti-scatter gun II remind you that that for for the next years ourour priorities sit • few Influencing Reform of with: Vocational the next few years priorities sit with: Education • Influencing ReformReform ofSafetree Vocational Education • Influencing of Vocational Education Strengthening Certification • Strengthening Safetree Certification • Strengthening Safetree Certification Co-designing partnerships • Co-designing partnerships •That partnership Co-designing partnerships and relationship-building has most definitely That and relationship-building improved, and I believe COVID first time up has has taught us to be Thatpartnership partnership and relationship-building hasmost mostdefinitely definitely improved, and I believe COVID first time up has taught usus to be respectful closerCOVID with others in the Working improved, and and work I believe first time up industry. has taught towith be respectful and closer with the Working forest owners' regional companies hasin top of Working the list with and respectful andwork work closer with others others in been the industry. industry. with forest owners' regional been thelist list invitations to regional attend theircompanies contractors' meetings have been forest owners' companies has has been toptop ofofthe and and invitations toattend attend their contractors' meetings have beenbeen invitations to their contractors' meetings have invaluable – thanks Hancock, Timberlands, Port Blakely, Rayonier invaluable – thanks Hancock, Port opportunity Blakely, Rayonier Matariki and Olsen.

This hasTimberlands, been an invaluable to get in invaluable – PFthanks Hancock, Timberlands, Port Blakely, Rayonier Matariki Olsen.

Thismembers. has been invaluable opportunity to front of and more than justThis our It an isinvaluable our aim toopportunity work hard to with Matariki and PF PF Olsen. has been an getthe in get in front of more than just our members.

It is our aim to most groups and signIt isupourmore members, front ofappropriate more than just our members. aim towoodlot work hard with the work hard that with be the with mostNZFFA appropriate groupsFarmers and signorupNZIF, more whether Federated while most appropriate groups and - sign up more woodlot members, woodlot members, whether that be with NZFFA Federated maintaining andbesupporting our -existing membership whether that with NZFFA Federated Farmersbase. or NZIF, while Farmers or NZIF, while maintaining and supporting our existing maintaining existing membership A coupleandofsupporting highlightsourthat FICA has beenbase. working on membership base. through the year thethat MSDFICA Silvi culture Subsidy, and we couple of included highlights been AA couple of highlights that FICA has beenhas working onworking through on have hadthe justyear overincluded 125 registrations made for 2021 withand claims through the MSD Silvi culture Subsidy, the year included the MSD Silvi culture Subsidy, and we have had we of $500,000 paid out125 to that sector. Onmade the back of thewith silviculture have had just over registrations 2021 claims just over 125 registrations made for 2021 withfor claims of $500,000 subsidy, we paid have out been fortunate to get opportunity from MSD of $500,000 to that sector.

On the back of the silviculture paid out to that sector. On the back of the silviculture subsidy, we to roll out a have substantial campaign withthethe harvesting sector. subsidy, been fortunate to get opportunity from have been we fortunate to get the opportunity from MSD to roll outMSD With limited spaces restricted to 50, I suspect this will be at to roll out a substantial campaign with the harvesting sector. a substantial campaign with the harvesting sector. With limited high astothe over $8K per if With demand limited spaces restricted to 50, I suspect thisemployee will as bethe at spaces restricted 50, pay-out I suspecttotals this will be at high demand they remain in employment for the six-month period.

I would high demand as the pay-out totals over $8K per employee if pay-out totals over $8K per employee if they remain in employment compliment MSD on for the relationship grown they remain in period. employment six-month that period. would forlike theto six-month I would likethe to compliment MSDhas onI the and maintained with and we with are grateful for like been to compliment MSD onforestry the maintained relationship thatforestry has grown relationship that has grown and been and their support. maintained with forestry and we are grateful for weand arebeen grateful for their support. their support.

FICA has been identifying several other funding opportunities FICA has been identifying several other funding opportunities and funding proposals place opportunities toFICA support FICA haspending been identifying several otherinto funding and hashas pending funding proposals in place support FICA whichincluded have included ouryear of the and initiatives haswhich pending funding proposals in second place to support initiatives have our second of the year National National Frontline Recruitment campaign. thank the FICA initiatives which have included ourtheWe second year ofWIDE the Frontline Recruitment campaign.

We thank WIDE Trust and Trustfor and FGLT funding for successful funding support MOE National Frontline Recruitment campaign. thanktoand the WIDE FGLT successful support and MOEWe funding allow funding to FGLT allow FICA to Expos deliverinfunding School Career Expos inMOE the Trust and for successful support and FICA to deliver School Career the Waikato region.

We Waikato We FICA also thank the support of the late inGrant funding to to late deliver School the also thankregion. the allow support of the Grant DuffyCareer who weExpos remember Duffyfor who remember fondlythe for support his Waikato region.

We also of and thecommitment late Grant fondly his we passion and thank commitment topassion the Forestry sector right totothe Forestry sector right up for toencouraged hispassion untimely passing. He we remember fondly his andNational commitment upDuffy hiswho untimely passing.

He really the really encouraged National template project to the template Forestry sectortheright up other to Contract hisaspects untimely passing.

Contract project amongst of forestry andHe amongst other aspects of National forestry wantedyears FICA supply to take the really encouraged the Contract template project wanted FICA to take the lead on this. and For many lead factors on other this.

For many years chainas amongst of forestry and wanted FICA to takehave the chain haveaspects consistently been supply recognised afactors critical but consistently beenFor recognised as a critical butchain a wellbeing, hardfactors to influence lead oninfluence this. many years supply have a hard to factor in forestry workplace health factor in forestry workplace aswellbeing, health andtosafety.

You consistently been recognised a critical but a hard influence and safety. will appreciate for many factor in forestry workplace wellbeing, health and safety. You will appreciate for many 44 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

result, this it has remains a focus and, for asthea years been explored Forest Industry Contractors Association result, it remains a focus for the You will appreciate for many years this (FICA) and its partners. a project Forest Industry Contractors Association has been explored and,We as ahave result, it team and working on andhave albeit there (FICA) its partners. a project remains a focus forthis theWe Forest Industry have been delays COVID, wethere team working onthrough this and albeit Contractors Association (FICA) and itsare looking at mid-2022 to complete this. have been delays through COVID, we are partners. We have a project team working looking at mid-2022 to started complete this.

Two ago, we upgrade on this years and albeit there have an been delays to Two the years integrity of our Yarder Tower ago,we weare started an at upgrade through COVID, looking midInspectors' credentials, and we are close to theto integrity ofthis.our Yarder Tower 2022 complete toTwo achieving the ensure our industry has a sound Inspectors' credentials, and we are close years ago,final we outcomes started antoupgrade and credible system inspections.

Implementation and to achieving the final outcomes to ensure our industry has a sound to the integrity of ourbehind Yardertower Tower use of a Yarder Towerbehind APP and development dashboard report is and credible system tower and Inspectors' credentials, and we areinspections. close of aImplementation now on APP theand FICA website and updated Best use of aavailable Yarder development of aindustry dashboard is to achieving theTower final outcomes to ensure our hasreport a sound Practice Guidelines willbehind bethe available the end of this month. and credible system tower inspections.

Implementation now available on FICAby website and updated Best and usecomplexities of a Yarderwill Tower APP and ofmonth. a dashboard Practice Guidelines be by the end of this The of theavailable Reform ofdevelopment Vocational Education continue report is now available onwith the FICA updated Best now two years down an end date ofand 2023 to complete the andThe complexities of the Reform ofwebsite Vocational Education continue Practice Guidelines bewith available the of end of this month. reform, haswill been beavering away to stay very connected. date 2023 to complete the and nowforestry two years down an endby complexities the Vocational Education continue WeTheare pleasedhas toofbeen haveReform FICA of and forestry represented with reform, forestry beavering away to stay very connected. and yearsto down with an end of 2023 to complete the positions across the various ROVE entities and with the We now are two pleased have FICA anddate forestry represented reform, forestry away stay very connected. establishment ofhasabeen newbeavering group - toForestry ROVE Advisory positions across the variousFRAG ROVE entities and the We are pleased to FICAgroup andclosely forestry with &Advisory Group.

The FRAG working the Forest Wood establishment of have ais new FRAG with -represented Forestry ROVE positions across theplaying ROVE and theand establishment Processing Council, both a entities strategic role an &advisory Group.

The FRAG isvarious working closely with the Forest Wood of a new group - Forestry ROVE FRAG role, with the FRAG vision to both develop aAdvisory skilled, qualified, and Processing Council, playing a strategic roleGroup. and The an safe advisory is working closely with the & Wood Processing Council, effective achieving recognised qualifications which are role, withworkforce the vision to Forest develop a skilled, qualified, safe and playing both strategic role andrecognised an advisory role, with thewhich visionare to current and fitafor purpose. effective workforce achieving qualifications develop a skilled, qualified, safe and effective workforce achieving current and fit for purpose.

Review of the Safetree Contractor Certification has taken most of recognised which anda fit fortaken purpose. theReview year but in Safetree 2022, the workare tocurrent relaunch developed 'Safetree ofqualifications the Contractor Certification has most of Review of the Safetree Contractor Certification has taken most Certification' sizeable ensure athe credibility of the the year butwith in 2022, thechanges work towill relaunch developed 'Safetree of the year but inonly 2022, thechanges work towill relaunch a the developed programme.

Not a name change, but broadening it to'Safetree both Certification' with sizeable ensure credibility of the Certification' withonly sizeable changes willbut ensure the credibility ofand worker and forest management certification programme.

Not a name change, broadening it to both the the programme.

Notforest only name change, but broadening it to both enhancements willa encourage transparency to government worker and which management certification and the workerthat andthe forest management certification andwelfare enhancements agencies continued health, safety and of our enhancements which will encourage transparency to government which willisthat encourage transparency to government that the industry a priority.

The relationship with FISC very close agencies the continued health, safety andisagencies welfare of and our continued health, safety and welfare of our industry is a priority. benefits is from across the withwith relationships withclose Te and Uru industry a priority.

The industry relationship FISC is very The relationship with FISC is very close and benefits from Rakau, the regional wood and LTSC. benefits from across the councils, industry with relationships withacross Te Uru the industry with relationships with TeLTSC. Uru Rakau, the regional Rakau, the regional councils, and My finale to this wood last issue for NZ Logger 2021 goes without any wood councils, and LTSC. reservation, our 2021 sponsors, partners My finale tofirstly, this lastsupport issue for from NZ Logger goes without any My finale to this last issue for NZ Logger 2021 goes without amazing positive with and associatesfirstly, has been reservation, support from and our remains sponsors, partners any reservation, firstly, support from our sponsors, partners and their willingness has to been continue beingandpart of our industry. and associates amazing remains positive with associates has been amazing and remains positive with their Their willingness contribution tocontinues ensure part FICA of can our operate and continueto being industry. their willingness to continue being part of our industry. Their contribution work in many spaces of interest and importance.

Equally I thank Their contribution continues to ensure FICA can operate continues to ensure FICA can operate and work in many spaces ofand you, members for of your resilience continue waiting patiently work the inand many spaces interest and to importance.

Equally thank interest importance.

Equally I thank you, the members forI your through lockdown.

Itfor hasyour beenresilience a saviour to to continue our industry getting back you, the members waiting patiently resilience to continue waiting patiently through lockdown. It has been to work inlockdown.

Level 3,It has it may seem to fairour at industry times, but we back are beennot a back saviour athrough saviour to our industry getting to work in Level 3, getting it may not ahead of others in that lockdown list and the supply infrastructure to work in Level 3, it may not seem fair at times, but we seem fair at times, but we are ahead of others in that lockdown listare has stood others up toin significant challenges.

My final thanks go to ahead that lockdown list and the supply infrastructure and the of supply infrastructure has stood up to significant challenges. my Board as volunteers that work alongside me, some on agodayhas stood up to significant challenges.

My final thanks to My final thanks go to my Board as volunteers that work alongside me, my Board as and volunteers that work alongside me, –some a– she dayshe onprobably to-day mybasis administration colleague some onbasis a day-to-day and my administration colleague gathers more information from members than I often do as she is – she probably to-day basis andmore my information administration probably gathers from colleague members than I often do as the is day-to-day contactcontact for from thefor FICA the in office, so isa gathers information members than I in often do as office, she she themore day-to-day theorganisation FICA organisation the huge thanks Jocontact for your ability read aheadin game thea day-to-day for FICAtotoorganisation office, soanda so huge thanks Jo for yourthe ability read ahead ofofthe thethe game and read ahead of Jo me!for your ability to read ahead of the game and hugeahead thanks read of me! read ahead ofan me! end with an uncertainty about about what what the the next next few few months months bring II end with uncertainty bring forI New New Zealand let industry. guess the thing that end Zealand with an uncertainty about whatI Ithe next few months bring for let alone alone our our industry. guess the thing thatkeeps me awake for let our industry and life inthe general what for New our industry.

I guess thing that keeps keeps meZealand awake foralone our industry andfor for life in general is,is,what will "normal" "normal" look going forward? me awake for our industry and forWishing life Wishing inyou general is, all, whata will look likelike going forward? all,you a family/ family/whanau-centric festive break.forward? Wishing you all, a will "normal" look like going whanau-centric festive break.

Noho oraora maimai family/whanau-centric festive break.

Noho Stay well, looklook afterafter yourself, goodbye Noho ora mai Stay well, yourself, goodbye Stay well, look after yourself, goodbye

;Drue-;Drue--

top spot

Safety/performance/quality

Excelling in uncertain times THIS ISSUE WE BRING YOU RESULTS FOR Period 3 from the competition and more photographs of top performers.

These folk continue to impress with the standards achieved and maintained.

As in previous years, Period 4 and Full Year results will be included in the first issue of NZ Logger for 2022.

Until then, we hope you all keep safe and focused until you are able to enjoy a well-earned break in what continues to be uncertain times – both with COVID and log price fluctuations.

On another note, we’ve included a couple of photographs to test your interpretation skills.

Photo A (damaged mitt) plus Photo B (poor chain condition) plus Photo C (hang up) = ????

Remember the photograph of the helmet in the November edition? These photographs are unrelated to that helmet but show the build-up of issues that, if not corrected, can quickly result in the kickback outcome, or worse.

A

B

C

1: Roxburgh Logging's Blair McColl.

2: Roxburgh Logging's Shae McKenzie.

3: Roxburgh Logging's Egan Anderson.

4: Log 1 Forest Pro's Nick Reid with Bill Wheeler (Regional Manager EOL East Coast).

5: Log 1 Forest Pro's Freedom Stevens with Bill Wheeler.

1

2

4

46 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

3

5

6: Log 1 Forest Pro's Caitlin Markie with Bill Wheeler.

6

top spot

Safety/performance/quality Sponsors – they don’t have to do this but they choose to!

Awesome companies, awesome people and awesome support!

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

They believe in what we do and what you do.

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

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

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

Our ongoing thanks to Rayonier/Matariki Forests, Wenita Forest Products, Port Blakely, Crown Forestry, CMH Logging, Hauraki and

Moehau Logging, Thomassen Logging, Te Waa Logging, Inta-Wood Forestry, Otautau Contractors, Heslip Forest Contracting, Waikato Forestry Services, Makerikeri Silviculture, XMen Forestry, Central Forestry Services, Mangoihe Logging, Kohurau Contracting, Dennis E Hayes Logging, Ernslaw One, Blue Wood Logging, Mike Hurring Logging, McCallum Harvesting, Whisker Logging, Kaha Logging, Lahar Logging, Dempsey Logging, Moutere Logging, JBD Harvesting, McDougall Logging, Forest View Logging, Kimberley Logging, Dewes Logging, Manaia Logging, Storm Logging, Eastside Logging, Veal Forestry, McHoull Forestry, Pride Forestry, Bay Pine, Penetito Forestry, FM Silviculture, Forest View Forestry, Wayne Cummings, Rodco Forestry, Johnson Forestry, Pro Forest Services, Eastside Logging.

Into safety?

Into performance?

Into quality?

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

FUNCTION

PARTICIPANT

CREW

FOREST

Breaking Out Cable

Harlem Hawira

Lahar Log 4

Ernslaw One Bulls

PLACING 1st

Breaking Out Cable

Andre McDonnall

Lahar Log 4

Ernslaw One Bulls

2nd

Breaking Out Cable

Piripi Kerr

Eastside Log 16

Ernslaw One Gisborne

3rd

Breaking Out Cable

Dennis Te Kahika

Eastside Log 16

Ernslaw One Gisborne

4th

Forwarder

Kelvin Stratford

Mike Hurring Logging

Ernslaw One Tapannui

1st

Forwarder

Devon Stewart

Bluewood Thinning

Ernslaw One Tapanui

2nd 3rd

Forwarder

Haydon Smith

Mike Hurring Thinning

Ernslaw One Tapanui

Ground Base Extraction

Matiu Williams

Te Waa 17

Crown Forestry

1st

Ground Base Extraction

Reef Aston

Mike Hurring Private

Ernslaw One Tapanui

2nd 3rd

Ground Base Extraction

Kyle Mikaere

Roxburgh 1

Wenita FP

Shovel Logging

Andrew Shanks

Roxburgh 2

Wenita FP

1st

Shovel Logging

Michael Aitken

Griffin 1

Wenita FP

2nd

Shovel Logging

Kane Sanson

Roxburgh 1

Wenita FP

3rd

Mechanised Felling

Dean Beauchamp

Mike Hurring Private

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st= 1st=

Mechanised Felling

Damian Mikaere

Roxburgh 1

Wenita FP

Mechanised Felling

Shaydon Richards

Forest View Logging 12

Ernslaw One Bulls

3rd

Mechanised Felling and Processing

Nigel Hutchinson

Bluewood Thinning

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

Mechanised Felling and Processing

Jimmy White

Mike Hurring Thinning

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

Mechanised Felling and Processing

Alister Hudson

Mike Hurring Thinning

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

Mechanised Processing

Walter Beamsley

Mike Hurring Private

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

Mechanised Processing

Dave McKey

Mike Hurring Logging

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

Mechanised Processing

Phillip Hansen

Kaha Log 15

Ernslaw One Bulls

1st=

Mechanised Processing

William Callaghan

Lahar Log 4

Ernslaw One Bull

1st=

Machine Operation on the Landing

Clint McIvor

Bluewood Logging

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

Machine Operation on the Landing

Adam McIvor

Bluewood Logging

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

Machine Operation on the Landing

James Sell

Mike Hurring Private

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

Machine Operation on the Landing

Tegan Anderson

Roxburgh 2

Wenita FP

1st=

Machine Operation on the Landing

Shae McKenzie

Roxburgh 2

Wenita FP

1st=

Manual Tree Felling

Shannon Todd

Bluewood Logging

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st

Manual Tree Felling

Daniel Cole

Lahar Log 4

Ernslaw One Bulls

2nd

Manual Tree Felling

BJ Sidney

Onward Log 12

Ernslaw One Gisborne

3rd

Poleman/ Spotter

Simon Katene

Lahar Log 4

Ernslaw One Bulls

1st=

Poleman/ Spotter

Paneta Wiari

Kaha Log15

Ernslaw One Bulls

1st=

Poleman/ Spotter

Peter Murry

Roxburgh 2

Wenita FP

3rd

QC/Retrim

Kane Heads

Bluewood Logging

Ernslaw One Tapanui

1st=

QC/Retrim

George Hinana

Lahar Log 4

Ernslaw One Bulls

1st=

QC/Retrim

David Waitoa

Kimberly Logg 22

Ernslaw One Gisborne

3rd

Yarder Operation

Blair McColl

Roxburgh 2

Wenita FP

1st=

Yarder Operation

Bronson Hiroti

Kaha Log 15

Ernslaw One Bulls

1st=

Yarder Operation

Smiler Katene

Lahar Log 4

Ernslaw One Bulls

1st=

PERIOD 3 RESULTS December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 47

new iron

GIBBS LOGGING GETS EC250DL FORESTRY CARRIER ELTEC/WOODSMAN COMBO FOR NIXIN Nixin Contractors has taken delivery of its second Eltec by Shaw's.

This beauty is an LL317L fitted with a Woodsman Pro 850. Nathan is performing all the processing duties for the JNL crew just out of Masterton.

Holden and Maddy Gibbs took delivery of a new Volvo EC250DL at Te Kaha in the eastern Bay of Plenty. With the transporter towed by a grader for the first 3km then a 3km walk to site, the machine was sitting high above the Bay ready for work. The EC250DL will work alongside Holden’s EC380DL forestry carrier and two other Volvo's (EC290CL and ECR305CL) fleeting and loading for the crew.

Sold and delivered by Ewen Satherley of Transdiesel.

TIGERCAT/WOODSMAN COMBO FOR HIGH COUNTRY HARVESTING Rhys Ferguson and Jamie Cook of High Country Harvesting (based in Waimate) have taken delivery of their first new Tigercat 890 fitted with a new Woodsman Pro 850 processor. The 890 replaces their older Tigercat 880 also with a Woodsman Pro 850. They had such a great run out of the 880 it was a no brainer to stay with the Tigercat/Woodsman combo. They went a bit bigger for the base this time as the added HP and lift power makes the job easier. Sold By Steve Varcoe of AB Equipment.

Pictured from left: Rhys Ferguson and Jamie Cook.

NEXT GENERATION CAT FOR KING COUNTRY HARVESTING

JOHN DEERE FOR ROSEWARNE CONTRACTORS

This Next Generation Cat 336GC with an EMS traction line has been put to work with a hauler in the Tokoroa-based operation of King Country Harvesting for owners Paul Olsen and Will Marshall. Pictured with the crew, it is the second Cat unit to work in conjunction with the hauler, taking productive steep slope harvesting to the next level on the site.

Sold by Terra Cat's Brent Van Der Burg.

When Rosewarne Contractors needed some serious might in the forest for stumping they looked to the 950K John Deere, seen here under the control of Rex making short work of large stumps high in the hills out the back of Pipiwai in Northland. Rex is an experienced dozer driver. It was his first time on a hydrostatic dozer and he says he can’t believe how intuitive the machine is.

Sold and supported by the team in Whangarei.

48 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

new iron

SATCO FOR FLIGHT LOGGING

NEW MACHINERY FOR ULTIMATE LOGGING

Dave Flight has taken delivery of a Satco 3L2T. The 3L2T is delimbing and cutting stems to length on the landing. Visiting the crew, Harps had a smile from ear to ear and his quality control team were sitting in the crew wagon thanks to the accuracy of the Logmaker measuring system. The Flight crew are working in the Lake Taupo Forest.

Ultimate Logging has taken delivery of a new 630H. This has been installed on an existing machine. The Engineering Co Hawkes Bay looked after the installation and some other modifications that were requested. The machine will be falling and setting up stems for extraction for both the ground-base and yarder crews. The feedback so far is that the 630H has excellent grapple power/force and the operator is impressed with the saw cut speed.

HYUNDAI/DUXSON COMBO FOR ‘THE TREE PEOPLE’ Northland Forestry contractors, The Tree People have taken delivery of a new Hyundai FX3026G. The new machine is fitted with a Duxson FX121 felling head and certified tow hitch for the T winch. The FX was picked for its light weight to minimise damage to the ground and has had priority valving put in to ensure saw speed is not affected when multitasking the machine, making for the perfect cut and placement of a tree on any ground. The Tree People work on a lot of smaller blocks including farms where minimal damage is required to protect the land and waterways. Having the certified hitch for safe working on steeper ground and assisted by the T winch, single bar grouser and a four-point harness seat, the FX3026G is a productive and safe felling machine.

Sold and delivered by Porter Equipment Territory Manager, Selwyn Tilly.

SANY/FALCON WINCH ASSIST COMBO FOR MANA

SECOND JOHN DEERE FOR FOREST PRO

Mana Logging of Gisborne has taken delivery by Shaw's of a new SANY SY305H fitted with a Falcon Winch Assist tether system. The winch is hooked to its new Eltec Tilter FHL277L falling machine making it a brilliant combo working in the Waikatea Forest, North of Wairoa.

Seen here in the Mangatu Forest in Gisborne is Forest Pro taking delivery of its second John Deere leveller, a 959MH fitted with a Woodsman Pro 750.

Sold and serviced by the AGrowQuip team in Hastings.

From left: Woodsman’s John Van Boven and Jayden O’Connell, Operator, Freedom, owners, Lukas Krkavec and Hamish Campbell, Caitlyn and Phil McKenzie.

December 2021/January 2022 | NZ LOGGER 49

new iron

NEW DOOSAN FOR GILLION LOGGING Matt Winmill of Gillion Logging has taken delivery of his first new Doosan DX300LL forestry excavator fitted with a Priceright guarding package and Duxson grapple. The machine was delivered out the back of Waimate township where Matt will be working for the next while. The new machine complements a variety of other machines in his hauler crew that is contracting to Port Blakely. Matt is very happy with the overall performance of the new Doosan and is looking to tether the machine to bunch for the hauler.

Pictured from left: Matt Winmill, operator, Brodie, and AB Equipment’s Steve Varcoe.

NEW CAT FOR WAIMA LOGGING Waima Logging has recently purchased a Cat 330 GC excavator to add to its East Coast operations. The machine includes a bucket package and a manual Ensign forestry quick coupler.

The Cat 330 GC is a smart choice for operations where high reliability and low-cost-per-hour performance are priorities.

Heath Stewart from Terra Cat sold the machine.

NZ LOGGER classified

Forestry Insurance Solutions LG23616

0800 55 54 53 info@stal.co.nz

www.sweeneytownsend.co.nz

Forestry Insurance Solutions

50 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

IN-FIELD HYDRAULIC HOSE EMERGENCY REPAIR KITS

NZ LOGGER classified

expoSe youR pRoduct oR SeRvIce

LG18594

Get the right exposure through NZ Logger magazine and capture the Forest industry buyers directly.

contact tRISH to adveRtISe

mobile. 021 925 600 phone. 09 571 3544

CAT® USED FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

2018 CAT 552-2 FELLER BUNCHER ROTORUA 5,287 HRS  EQ053875  $POA +GST

0800 BUY CAT 0 8 0 0 2 8 9 2 28

52 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

2014 CAT 555D WHEEL SKIDDER ROTORUA 8,663 HRS  EQ052986  $280,600 +GST

2019 CAT 538 FOREST MACHINE ROTORUA 2,662 HRS  EQ046320  $388,000 +GST

2003 CAT 988G WHEEL LOADER ROTORUA 41,605 HRS  EQ051365  $125,000+GST

2017 TimberPro TL765C FELLER BUNCHER ROTORUA 5,687 HRS  EQ053147  $POA +GST

Branches Nationwide TERRACAT.CO.NZ

NZ LOGGER classified

PROTECT YOUR POLYCARBONATE WINDOWS

BEFORE

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

AFTER

► Extend the life of the polycarbonate,

► Reduce need for screen replacement, only film when necessary

► Restore visibility for operator,

► Enable use of windscreen wipers

MOBILE SERVICE NATIONWIDE

CONTACT: SHANE 027 626 2231 extremewindowtints@xtra.co.nz

@ExtremeWindowTints Extreme_Window_Tints

LG31921

By applying our protective window film to your machine windows, you will:

TOUGHEST TRACK GEAR! Keep your forestry machines on track with our new range of genuine BERCO Track Gear now in stock! n Available to suit John Deere 909-959, Sumitomo SH240, SH300, SH350TLFS, Tigercat 855-875 & other forestry models

4

n Premium quality, Italian made Track Gear

used by OEM companies all around the globe

n Heavy duty double & single flange Track Rollers. Bigger Track Chain bushes for longer wear life n 12 month/2000hr warranty on all parts Proven for over 100 years, the BERCO brand is well known for its reliable performance in the most extreme forestry & mining industries around the world.

Call 0800 654 323 now to order your BERCO Track Gear & stay on track for longer!

AP32106

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

54 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

11 ISSUES

11 ISSUES $ 00

88. $80

105.00

Grabasub

$

ONLY

$95

ONLY

INCL. GST

INCL. GST

Saving $10

Saving $8.00

(INCLUDES EQUIPMENT GUIDE)

(INCLUDES EQUIPMENT GUIDE)

4 ISSUES

4 ISSUES

10%

9.5%

36.00

$

36.00

$

$32

ONLY

$32

ONLY

INCL. GST

INCL. GST

Saving $4.00

Saving $4.00

6%

6%

NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS

4 SUBSCRIBE EASY WAYS TO

Post PO Box 112062 Penrose, Auckland 1642

Ph 09 571 3544

Email accounts@trucker.co.nz

www.alliedpublications.co.nz

Tick boxes NZ TRUCK & DRIVER 1 year (11 issues) for $95 incl. GST

FOR ME

NZ LOGGER 1 year (11 issues) for $80 incl. GST

Renewal of current subscription:

No.

NZ TRUCKBODY & TRAILER 1 year (4 issues) for $32 incl. GST

RECIPIENT DETAILS FOR GIFT SUBSCRIPTION NAME:

GROUNDSPREAD MAGAZINE 1 year (4 issues) for $32 incl. GST

ADDRESS:

3 TITLES $180 incl. GST

Please tick appropriate magazine title box

MY DETAILS NAME:

SEND A GIFTCARD TO (tick one):

EMAIL: VISA

MASTERCARD

CARD HOLDER NAME: SECURITY CODE:

EXPIRY DATE: SIGNATURE:

TO ME

TO RECIPIENT

Terms and conditions: Subscription rates and a free copy of Equipment Guide are for NZ orders only and only for NZ Truck & Driver, NZ Logger and Groundspread Magazine subscriptions. Rates include GST and postage.

For overseas prices please enquire.

PHONE (day): PAYMENT

PHONE (day): EMAIL:

ADDRESS:

AP32106

A GIFT

XMAS SUBSCRIPTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 14TH DECEMBER 2021

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

Knight Logging Ltd

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

ProvenAfter AfterSales Sales Proven Service Service

LG31252

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

A DIVISION OF

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

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

WA

LG29851

Su

SPECIALISING IN BRIGHTWATER YARDERS

Nort Mec 56 NZ LOGGER | December 2021/January 2022

Sample photo

New Waratah 864 Grapple

Waratah 626 Series II

Heavy duty fleet and stack grapple.

POA

Priced $105,000.00

Priced $20,000.00

Priced $150,000.00

Currently under rebuild POA

Priced $50,000.00

Rebuilt Unit POA

Waratah 626 Used 626 - soon to be rebuilt POA

WA103777

WA100170

Suregrip Joystick 8 button overlay - $32.92 ea

Northland Mechanised logging services

Nelson Ryco 24/7

TS100111

Delimb Covers

Delimb Covers

Waratah 3/4 Chain Bar Tips - $90.80

Chain Grinder - Oregon - $867.77

Dunedin Heavy Diesel support

Southland Heavy Equipment Repair

10% OFF

Complete Machine set of Cylinder Seal Kits

V.1.pdf 1 20-Nov-19 2:57:01 PM

MERRY

Christmas AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR