Game changer

Our customers tell us that the stability they gain using fixed top grapples dramatically improves log handling control. That means the good guys can work faster, and the new guys can learn faster. That explains why over recent years, more and more Ensign customers have opted for fixed top grapples. We’ve got a range of standard fixed top grapple designs, or we can engineer a design to suit your needs.

TO VIEW OUR RANGE OF FIXED TOP GRAPPLES VISIT ENSIGN.CO.NZ

4 Forest Talk

Forestry under fire after Cyclone Hale; Fifth fine in Tolaga Bay disaster; ITP to boost industry; Exports largely stable, says report; Don’t compromise on safety; Mitigate against alcohol in the workplace; Fletcher Building invests in wood sector; Government drags its feet on Māori foresters; Brandt Group to acquire Agrowquip NZ; New forestry championship; Accolades for industry heroes.

16 SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST

At 9.5 metres long and 285 horsepower, the Tigercat 635H is one big mother of a skidder. And big is what Tainui Logging owner, Phil

Hemopo, was looking for when he planned this new machine purchase. As our Iron Test team found out, it does not disappoint.

30 LOOKING BACK

This photo essay by historian, Ron Cooke, from his book Logging the Punga takes a look at the enterprising King Country sawmilling operation of Ellis & Burnand, focussing on their steam haulers.

36 BREAKING OUT

The Kobelco ED 160, aka the Blade Runner, using an MDE Koala 400 tree shear attachment, is doing the job of three machines when we meet Henry

Fear in Kaingaroa Forest. It may be small, but it packs a punch!

40 WORKER WELLNESS

Operating a high-value machine in a high-production environment can be very stressful, which is why operator wellbeing is more important than ever.

Departments

2 editorial

42 fica

44 top spot

49 Sweeney Townsend New Iron

51 classifieds

Additional lights make early mornings safer and more efficient as the Tigercat 635H skidder gets to work for Tainui Logging in central Kaingaroa.

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