from the editor August 2022
ISSN 1176-0397
PHOTO: JOHN ELLEGARD
N’ S “ RE AL MA t traction! LOGG ING“ ”Grea
Tree jacking: Simple and safer
Liquid biofuels from plantation forests
| $8.00
The Tatra 8x8 forwarder climbing the hill at River Ridge, just north of Whanganui.
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2 NZ LOGGER | August 2022
Getting the job done THE USUAL WINTER HEADLINES ARE GLARING FROM OUR PAGES AND screens: “Heavy rain, strong winds, snow and swell batter New Zealand”. While those headed for the ski fields are grinning, what we don’t read about is the battering forestry crews take as they find themselves parked up or on short weeks during this period. While this is not an unusual temporary scenario for forestry in New Zealand, this year it is exacerbated by rising shipping costs impacting log prices, along with Chinese COVID lockdowns putting a spanner in the works. Then again challenges are what this industry thrives on… our machinery too. Our Iron Test this month takes a look at the little truck that could. With a history of being used for everything from mine service trucks to mobile drilling rigs, it’s no surprise that, come rain or shine, the Tatra 8x8 forwarder takes on the “suicide track”, just north of Whanganui, with vigour. Of course, it takes some hard-headed, experienced and skilful operators to climb in that cab and tackle the steep, muddy terrain to get the job done. And getting the job done is what it’s all about. When Tairawhiti Timber Training’s Alan Paulson needed a solution for edge trees that were difficult to fall, he saw a need for purpose-built tree jacks. Safer, cost-effective, requiring minimal effort compared to wedging and less tiring, he made a plan to get his first purpose-built jack over from the United States. Turn to our Tree Falling feature to learn how, with a bit of trial and error, he soon figured out what worked best for his purpose. Our feature on liquid biofuels also offers some food for thought on taking things into our own hands. With the potential for up to 30% of imported fossil fuels to be processed in this country, mostly from woody biomass derived from plantation forestry, this sustainable, renewable resource could offer a big saving on greenhouse gas emissions. With no shortage of forest residue in New Zealand, Jim Childerstone asks if the time has come to look seriously at building local plants to process the materials needed to achieve the economy of scale necessary to make affordable liquid fuels. The climate is certainly right for it, in more ways than one. Until next time, stay safe.
