NZ Logger July 2023

July 2023

S T S I T N IE C S T E E ROCK

G N I G G O L F

TH

O

e l b a i l e r d obust an

ISSN 2703-6251

R

Blowing up klinkii pine in PNG

Harvesting widespread windthrow

| $8.00

Big, really big or bloody massive?

WE’VE GOT YOUR LOG FORK.

Since the mid 60s, Ensign has been designing and building some of the world’s toughest log forks and supplying them to customers all over Australasia. Clamps, kickers, pivots, locks, high lifters… you name it, if it’s a feature that’ll help you pick up and put down stuff easier, faster or safer you can guarantee we’ve already built it.

So whether you're in the market for the biggest and baddest or something a bit more modest give us a call and we’ll build your perfect log fork.

Sales: KERRY BARTOSH P. +64 27 338 4355 E. KERRY@ENSIGN.CO.NZ ENGINEERING SERVICES ROTORUA LTD 73 Biak St, Waterford Park, Rotorua, New Zealand.

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

contents

J U LY 2 0 2 3

20

4 4

34

FOREST TALK Contractors at breaking point; Forestry restrictions ‘ill-considered’; National planting policy ‘a step backward’; Foresters need greater certainty on ETS; Planting well first time; Woody debris clean-up ongoing; Safe harbour for kiwis; DC Equipment acquires Madill brand; Performance meets comfort; Lighting up; Getting the green light; Conference coverage: Decarbonising wood transport, Chaining up; Conference coverage: Building climateresilient landscapes; On biodiversity and beetles.

44 20

SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST This month we chat to another Kuru brother, Arana of A & R Logging, as our Iron Test team checks out the FFE system – the Falcon Winch Assist Gen 4, 2-speed on a Sany SY305H base, tethered to a Tigercat 855 felling machine.

34

LOOKING BACK Forestry pioneer, Ross Lockyer, is back with an excerpt from his second book, Cannibals, Crocodiles and Cassowaries, about his time in pre-independence Papua New Guinea – this time blowing up klinkii pine.

44

HARVESTING Many harvesting crews have never experienced the scale of windthrow trees left behind by Cyclone Gabrielle.

We talked to crews working near Taupo about harvesting cyclone-ravaged forests.

DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 48 fica 52 top spot 56 Greenlight New Iron 58 classifieds

July 2023 | NZ LOGGER 1

from the editor July 2023

S IENTIST KET SC HE ROC

| $8.00

GGING OF LO d reliable T

ISSN 1176-0397

PHOTO: TIM BENSEMAN

Robust an

Blowing up klinkii pine in PNG

Harvesting widespread windthrow

Iron Tester, Tony Hill, prepares the Falcon Winch Assist Gen 4, 2-speed on a Sany SY305H base machine for tethering.

Slinging mud

ents, for the diameter. This heavy 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: 021 411 950, accounts@trucker.co.nz PUBLISHER: Trevor Woolston, 027 492 5600, trevor@trucker.co.nz ADMINISTRATION: Sue Woolston, 021 411 950, accounts@trucker. co.nz EDITOR: Hayley Leibowitz, 027 211 5048, hayley@trucker.co.nz ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT: Olivia Beauchamp, 0276855066, sales@nzlogger.co.nz DESIGN: Luca Bempensante Zarko Mihic 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.

CHANGING POLICY, NEW REGULATIONS, PLANTING RESTRICTIONS, the ETS, NZUs, slash review, severe weather events, falling log prices – it’s been coming at foresters from all sides for the better part of this year.

Just past the halfway mark and we are seeing some of our most respected longstanding logging companies shutting down. Add to that the usual winter downturn, with construction reducing over the Chinese summer, and the mood is grim.

In an open letter to the media and MPs, the New Zealand Institute of Forestry expressed its concern about “the cumulative impact of recent decisions” on the future of forests and forest investment in New Zealand. This incorporates Government’s “disregard” for the Climate Change Commission’s advice regarding ETS auction settings; restriction of new planting “swinging the pendulum too far” and the Ministry for the Environment’s two cents on ETS changes too. Add both National and Labour’s recently announced planting limits and you could be forgiven for thinking forestry has become the mud in a game of political mudslinging, in an effort to garner votes and placate the public ahead of the coming election.

As always, loggers aren’t just sitting back and watching the show. The effects of Cyclone Gabrielle are still hanging around like an unwanted house guest and workers are honing their skills as a result. This month we ask crews working near Taupo what it’s like harvesting widespread windthrow? The answer? Don’t expect to break any production records.

Between tensioned logs, root balls, site access and safety issues, slow and steady wins this race.

Quite the opposite of the story forestry adventurer Ross Lockyer tells us this month about his gung-ho adventures in Papua New Guinea. He might have taken on the job of forest ranger a bit green himself back in 1967, but it wasn’t long before a few klinkii pine and experienced workers humbled him as he navigated around “the art of blowing things up”.

Is the forestry sector blowing up at the moment? From the outside, some might think so but on the ground it’s all-hands in, and now is the time to make our voices heard as decisions are being made that could affect the future of forestry for decades to come. We can only hope someone out there is listening.

Until next time, stay safe.

at set it apart from

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

ents, for the 2 NZ LOGGER | July 2023 diameter. This heavy at set it apart from

C

The Quadco QB4400 has awesome clamping and rotate power allowing the Tigercat to lift and control trees with ease, coupled with awesome saw cutting performance, I have been converted to the fixed head concept.

Brendon Harmon - Harmon Harvesting.

QB4400 The QB4400 large capacity Quadco Fixed Fellinghead is purpose-built to handle the toughest of felling applications.

With a large customized slew bearing and 225 degrees of saw bar rotation the well-proven QB4400 is the right choice for controlled felling applications. Features include: Built-in float function, Proportional control of grapple & rotate functions, Fully adjustable chain lube system, User friendly IQAN control system.

Clean hose through design

0800 784 787

www.quadco.com

Main control valve

LG33635

Southstar Equipment New Zealand, 03 View Rd. Rotorua

forest talk

Contractors at breaking point THE FOREST INDUSTRY CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (FICA) is hugely concerned for the viability of forestry contracting businesses, says FICA Spokeperson, Ross Davis. Pressure has been exacerbated by Cyclone Gabrielle but it comes on the back of a tough three years, with COVID-19, fuel hikes, high inflation resulting in significant interest rate rises, and continuous wet weather all thrown into the mix.

New Zealand’s forestry contractors are at breaking point, with compounding pressures from the last three years mounting, says Mr Davis. Some are already in liquidation and many more are at risk of losing their livelihoods.

Pressure is compounding with increased operational costs, staffing/employment issues, market instability and contractual issues. The already low log price will mean reduction of harvest targets and cancelled contracts, which many will not be able to endure this time round, says Mr Davis.

“A recent survey of our members showed a widespread reduction in production over the past year. 57% of respondents indicated their production had been reduced by 20% or more, with 16% down more than 30%,” he says.

“When asked if they could survive at an 80% production level for a year, only 26% of respondents indicated that they could.

“At the moment 21% of the responding contractors do not have a current contract while 40% only have a one-year contract.”

In recent weeks, two larger Gisborne-based contractors have had no option but to cease operations and ‘shut up shop’, after operating in Gisborne for 15-20 plus years.

4 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

Robert Stubbs has had to pull the plug on his 23-year-old business, Stubbs Contracting, now trying to sell his gear on a flooded second-hand equipment market (with the resulting knock-on effect lowering harvesting rates).

At its peak, Stubbs Contracting employed up to 70 people. In recent years that had dropped to three harvest crews and about 25 people.

“Each day we are getting phone calls that confirm more and more contractors are falling over,” says Mr Davis. “Our role at FICA does not stop at the forestry gate – we want to support our members.”

“Working with the wider industry and the Ministry of Social Development on the best possible subsidy schemes is imperative.

We are working with Ministry for Primary Industry – Te Uru Rakau to get better recognition at Government level.”

He adds that the situation is extremely worrying and FICA is calling on Government and the wider industry to understand what is happening: “We’re still seen as a turn-on, turn-off industry.

It’s not a blame game at all, but if we want logging contractors to be around in another 12-24 months then something needs to change now. We employ thousands of people, and we cannot keep operating at a loss. Jobs will be lost. Homes will be lost.

Communities will be lost.

“Without enough contractors, the industry will really slow down and that is not something any of the sector groups want. It is a matter of becoming more business savvy and having a good partnership between contractor and principal, with any negotiation being fair and demonstrating the sharing of the risk.” NZL

forest talk

Forestry restrictions ‘ill-considered’ GOVERNMENT IS TIGHTENING UP RULES ON FARM-TO-FORESTRY conversions by giving communities greater control over the planting of forests, says Forestry Minister, Peeni Henare.

“These changes are about getting the right tree in the right place, by seeing fewer pine forests planted on farmland and more on less productive land,” he explains. “We are empowering local councils to decide which land can be used for plantation and carbon forests through the resource consent process.

“This gets the balance right by giving communities a voice, while not restricting the purchasing of land or ability for farmers to choose to sell their farms to whomever they want.

“Amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry will see the environmental effects of permanent pine forests being managed the same way as plantation forests.

“This means many standards such as ensuring firebreaks and rules around planting next to rivers, lakes and wetlands will now be required for any new forestry conversions,” he adds.

Forest Owners Association (FOA) President, Grant Dodson, says placing planting decisions in the hands of local authorities “adds another layer of ill-considered regulation that will dictate and limit what landowners can do with their land”.

“Foresters will be subject to a lengthy resource consent process and restricted by the quantity and type of trees they can plant – if the process permits planting at all.

“Farmers wanting to plant their land in trees or sell their land for

forestry will be unable to step away from sheep and beef farming.”

Mr Dodson says the proposed suite of changes focuses unduly on the expansion of forestry and displacement of highly productive land.

“The premise that forestry is swallowing valuable pieces of highly productive land simply isn’t true. Plantation forestry occupies just 1.76 million hectares of the 13.5-million hectares of agricultural land and has an export return that’s three times greater than sheep and beef production per hectare.

“In 2021, the estate expanded by just 1.1% and even then, it is still 70,000 hectares smaller than it was 20 years ago.

“Even if we achieve by 2035 the hectarage of new forestry planting that the Climate Change Commission is recommending, this would still only mean a three to four percent conversion of land from farming to forestry.

“An effective land-use framework should balance the needs and deliver benefits across all major land uses – agricultural, horticultural, housing, climate change mitigation and adaptation and infrastructure – not focus on controlling one part of the mosaic.

“Restricting and dictating plantings will only result in reduced investment in both production and carbon forests and puts at risk the biodiversity, community and economic benefits that sectors like ours offer.

“For New Zealand, these proposals mean the use of forestry to offset industrial and transport emissions over the next few years won’t be available in near enough area.” NZL

Grooved Drums and Sleeves

DIAGNOSE • DESIGN • DELIVER

forest talk

National planting policy ‘a step backward’

THE NATIONAL PARTY’S RECENTLY unveiled new forest planting restrictions represent a significant step backward in New Zealand’s climate goals and will have detrimental effects on the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, says President of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF), James Treadwell.

The party has announced a National Government will limit the conversion of farmland to forestry for carbon farming purposes.

In terms of the policy’s impact on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and forestry, he says, “Basically, this policy will cost every New Zealander their hard-earned dollars as we have no chance to meet our commitments now unless we buy even more carbon credits from overseas at increasingly higher prices.”

Mr Treadwell estimates this cost to be $180m for the three years of reduced planting.

Drawing attention to the Climate Change Commission’s current draft advice, Mr Treadwell emphasises the need for an average new planting of 32,000 hectares of

fast-growing exotic trees per annum to achieve the budget goals. He contends, “Halving this goal makes absolutely no sense.”

The restriction on planting only 25% of a property is another aspect of the policy he finds concerning. He argues this limitation will drastically decrease farm values, compel farmers to stick with traditional sheep and beef farming practices, and limit their ability to sell their land when desired.

Questioning the decision to ignore the guidance of the independent body, the Climate Change Commission, Mr Treadwell asks, “As a country, with cross party support, we have put in place the Climate Change Commission to provide advice on how to meet our commitments. Why then would National ignore this independent body?

“New Zealand needs more forests, not less. We need to reduce erosion via tree planting, and we need to pull carbon out of the atmosphere by growing timber. Every tonne of wood removed represents a tonne of carbon removed from the atmosphere.

Nothing else achieves this, and we have the

land and species to make a real difference through new planting.”

Furthermore, Mr Treadwell expresses concerns about the policy’s potential impact on bioenergy, an essential component of New Zealand’s efforts to reduce reliance on oil and coal. He says, “The forced reduction in planting will put at risk the bioenergy New Zealand desperately needs.” NZL

Foresters need greater certainty on ETS THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED REFORM OPTIONS FOR REVISING THE Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will cause a shortfall of plantation forests for sequestering carbon in New Zealand and make meeting our 2050 emissions target impossible, says the Forest Owners Association (FOA).

FOA president, Grant Dodson, says it’s important to realise that both the 2030 and 2050 targets are net emission targets and that’s what matters.

“Gross emissions have flatlined for the past decade, but net is what counts in the end and that is where forestry is the contributor,” he says.

“More than half of the nation’s carbon emissions are reabsorbed by plantation forests. They are an essential element in most, if not all, viable projections in carbon accounting; even more so if agricultural emissions are addressed in some way.

“If gross emission costs are to be completely removed from forest incentives, New Zealand will fail to meet its climate targets.

“One of the proposals included in the reform options talks about having a forestry-generated NZU at a lower value than an emission reduction NZU. Deeming forestry-generated NZUs to be of a lower or differential value to an emissions reduction NZU will only compound an already complicated ETS framework and its implementation. An NZU is an NZU, just like a dollar is a dollar.

“The uncertainty of the ETS framework has already seen the market for forest NZUs diminish,” says Mr Dodson. “Who will buy NZUs 6 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

knowing they may be made worthless by the government?”

Mr Dodson adds that foresters need greater certainty to invest in forest planting.

“The changes announced since last year have already had widespread implications for our industry. Planting programmes are in disarray and there will be very little planting occurring after 2023.

“Further actions from the Climate Change Commission, or the government, to reduce tree planting and in turn, reduce the supply of forestry credits, will knock all confidence in forest investment, setting New Zealand on a clear path of failure to meet its climate targets of net zero.

“The result will be billions of dollars of taxpayer money spent on overseas carbon credits, instead of government solving the problem collaboratively, with New Zealand’s domestic forestry industry.

“That money could be better spent on New Zealand jobs and profitable forest investments that add to the local economy.

“Anyone who invests in forestry is making a big investment that lasts eight to ten terms of government, whether it is a farm forester, or a bigger company.

“They are doing it for the long term and need certainty, which has been taken away on multiple fronts.

“This is an issue far too important to play politics with. By the time politicians discover they have put forestry into reverse, it will be too late. Climate change will not wait for us to catch up.” NZL

VALUE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES. Expanded Reach. Unrivaled Support.

Wherever the job takes you in the North Island, Brandt will be there too. With our recent purchase of AGrowQuip, we have brought together all 17 NI John Deere dealerships to ensure you always have the equipment you need to succeed, backed by the hardest-working, best-equipped support team in the business, every single day. That’s Powerful Value. Delivered.

MORE LOCATIONS

MORE EQUIPMENT

MORE SUPPORT

17 stores in the North Island to serve you

From lawn mowers, golf, and agriculture to construction and forestry

An expanded parts inventory, up to 50%

Terry Duncan : 027 285 1015 brandt.ca/nz

forest talk

EmGuards before flooding (left) and protecting new plantings post-flooding in Cable Bay, near Nelson.

Planting well first time

8 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

plants get big they just sort of push the guards over and the guards act as a bit of weed supression and then just fade away.

“We would certainly be uncomfortable with putting plastic guards anywhere. It defeats the purpose of trying to do the right thing and create a better environment.”

FuturEcology’s Rob Fryer adds, “When we chose the plants for the project, we ensured we used species for riparian planting which are found naturally growing along the banks and river flats of streams.

“We also used quality plant guards to protect the new planting in the early stages to ensure the plants got off to a great start and had the best chance of survival.”

Plant guards are particularly valuable in the first year of establishment, especially where root trainer or small grade plants are used. Their introduction has seen survival rates of new plants increase from 40% to close to 90% using carefully applied and robust cardboard products.

Traditionally, plastic plant guards have been used in situations like the Wakapuaka plantings. While these help boost plant survivability, they also pose the risk of plastic debris entering waterways when plantings are near riparian margins.

In many cases the EmGuard protector marked where a tree was buried and the guard was still in place though filled with silt, making the clean up relatively straightforward.

“We do know from past experience that unguarded plants, or plants protected by products using a lesser quality cardboard, tend to disappear, either through flooding or just weed growth,” says Mr Ussher.

Successful planting, especially of native species, is a key aspect of managing our land and addressing serious issues such as climate change, he adds.

“If a plant guard isn’t robust enough, it can degrade before a plant is established, meaning the actual cost of planting increases significantly. We advocate planting well first time.”

FuturEcology has just passed the two million sales mark of its EmGuard plant guard. The EmGuard product is made in New Zealand and uses a specialist rigid board to maximise plant survival and to make sure the guards last long enough to allow the plant to be established. NZL LG33598

THE VALUE OF QUALITY PLANT GUARDS FOR RIPARIAN PLANTING has been clearly shown throughout recent weather events in Nelson in a project on the banks of the Wakapuaka River.

A major weather event last year, when a metre of rain fell in a few days, saw some 30,000 plants inundated by the flooding but only 5-10% were lost. For good measure, the planting received another round of flooding during May’s latest bout of heavy rainfall.

The planting is part of a joint project between The Cable Bay Adventure Park and the Kidson family, who are currently transitioning the land use from traditional grazing to lowland forest habitat. The project includes planting approximately 70,000 trees and shrubs over a five year period, including Totara, Ribbonwood, Lacebark, Pittosporum, Akeake, Mingimingi and Karamu.

Nelson environmental company, FuturEcology has worked on the project for the past four years. FuturEcology’s product, EmGuard uses cardboard which is fully biodegradable and made from 70% recycled pulp to protect new plantings. Quick and early establishment helps ensure the plant can get to a stage where it is able to survive periodic inundation.

The project itself is supported by more than $1 million in funding from the Ministry for the Environment’s Jobs for Nature initiative.

“We knew we couldn’t self-execute the planting so we needed someone like Rob (co-owner of FuturEcology) to do it,” says Matt Kidson.

“In our initial conversations we could see his knowledge and passion for the catchment in particular, as well as regeneration generally. I love innovation and I love products that are created in Nelson. I know how hard it is to get a product to market and I was intrigued and thrilled that they’d managed to do that.”

“We’re just starting the third year of planting now,” adds Richard Ussher of Cable Bay Adventure Park. “Pretty much all of the plants are being guarded with the Emguards created by FuturEcology and we’ve seen them being really effective at getting that initial growth off to a good start.

“The nice thing about the Emguards is that if we have a flood, as we’ve had several, you’re not putting something that’s not biodegradable down the waterways. That’s defniitely a big bonus.

They seem to naturally just disinetegrate at about the right time. As the

forest talk

Woody debris clean-up ongoing WITH THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HAWKE’S BAY Chamber of Commerce (HBCoC) of the successful distribution of over $22 million in funding to local businesses affected by Cyclone Gabrielle; the Regional Council, assisted by the Wairoa District Council, is still working to clean up woody debris left by Cyclone Gabrielle around the Wairoa district.

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has begun its scoping work and will start removing wood and debris at Māhia, Opoutama and Whakamahia beaches, with the Regional Council Works Group tackling the clean up at Nuhaka.

“We are working with local infrastructure teams to gather information for the Regional Council around bridges throughout the district, including the railway bridge in Wairoa,” says Wairoa District Council Chief Executive, Kitea Tipuna.

Mr Tipuna says around a dozen sites have been identified so far, with the project expected to take many months to complete.

Priority sites have been determined based on health and safety requirements.

“Where possible local contractors will be used, and disposal options will include repurposing and recycling, such as mulching and chipping, working in partnership with the community and in the most environmentally-appropriate way.

“Because this project is being started as we head into winter, we

expect some weather-related delays. This work is an integral part of our recovery, and we aim to have local connectors on the ground to work with communities. We are also working collaboratively at a regional level with both our provincial neighbours.

“Our wood clean up and recovery programme is being informed by the information our team is gathering, what we’re hearing from the public, in collaboration with the Wairoa District Council and by the two reports from the Regional Council and the Hawke’s Bay Forestry Group analysing the make-up of woody debris.”

Two funds from Government will support the clean up of woody debris, including the $10.15m wood debris fund and the $62.6m Sediment and Debris Recovery Fund for commercial entities. NZL

Proven Performance Off Road Axles & Suspensions German engineered for a superior ride

LG33598

Axle and suspensions shown may differ from those used by this fleet

bpwte.co.nz

forest talk

Safe harbour for kiwis A COLLECTIVE CONSERVATION EFFORT HAS SEEN the one hundredth kiwi released into a plantation forest on Coromandel Peninsula.

The milestone is part of an 11-year collaboration between Project Kiwi and Summit Forests who have been working together to provide safer environments for dwindling kiwi populations.

The hundredth kiwi was released into Summit Forests’ Whangapoua site – a pine plantation block.

New Zealand pine plantation forests provide an increasingly important habitat for this endemic manu (bird).

Project Kiwi hatches and rears the juveniles to a ‘stoat-resilient’ weight, then releases them into Whangapoua forest. After a decade of monitoring, kiwi continue to inhabit the forestry block, with many staying in the plantation over successive years.

Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) Environment Manager, Rachel Millar, says the project identifies the important role that New Zealand plantation pine forests play in protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s wildlife.

“Pine forests are a rich ecosystem that protect soil, help to keep waterways clean and complement the biodiversity of our native forests and native species,” she says.

“Pine do not produce fruit like other trees and so have the natural advantage of attracting fewer predators.

“The forest litter produced from pine plantations is an ideal habitat and ecosystem for insects – one of kiwi’s main food sources. This is perhaps why a higher population density of kiwi has been achieved in plantation forests compared to native forests.”

Ms Millar says the success of the programme is indicative of the industry ‘good-sorts’ and their commitment to improving biodiversity.

“Foresters have a wealth of ecological knowledge to contribute to these conservation causes. They’re passionate about the environment they work in and are actively engaged in dedicating their time, forests and resources to the benefit of the kiwi population and its resilience.” NZL

The one hundredth kIwi (named Whina after Dame Whina Cooper) being released by Project Kiwi Project Manager, Paula Williams, with Whangapoua Forest Manager, Norbert Klein, holding the lid open and Summit Forests Managing Director, Kenji Okawa, observing.

DC Equipment acquires Madill brand

10 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

Group, owned Madill since 2011 and incorporated its equipment line-up into its current operation, including the manufacturing of its own debarker equipment range.

John Jennings, Director of Capital Sales for Nicholson Manufacturing says, “We have the utmost confidence that DC Equipment and agents will continue to provide customers with outstanding products and services. We look forward to the future growth and success of the Madill brand under DC Equipment’s stewardship.”

While more will be disclosed soon, Mr Ewers says “Madill will always be Madill”: “There’s history, heritage and a heck of a lot of customer loyalty there that needs to be recognised”.

“We don’t plan to reinvent Madill products – we believe there’s tremendous heritage, and the Madill machines work exceptionally well in steep slope ground. However, we do see an opportunity to integrate some of DC Equipment’s current and future technology and innovation.”

The Madill brand has been in operation for over 100 years with over 3,000 Madill yarders produced. The company currently has machines across the world, with prominent coverage in North America and New Zealand. NZL

A Madill 124 swing yarder operating with a Falcon Claw grapple carriage in the Tasman region.

LG33372

LOGGING EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER, DC EQUIPMENT, HAS acquired the respected Madill brand from B.C.-based Nicholson Group, which has held the brand for the past 12 years.

Owner and founder of Nelson-based DC Equipment, Dale Ewers, also a logger, has a connection with the Madill brand dating back 40 years. “It was a childhood dream to own a Madill tower yarder,” says Mr Ewers. “Madill is known for its durability, ability to perform and longevity, which is important in this industry - and those strong equipment features align with our current brand, Falcon.”

Mr Ewers believes adding the Madill brand and intellectual property under the DC Equipment manufacturing umbrella provides an opportunity to achieve the company’s mission of “creating a safer and more productive steep-slope logging industry throughout the world,” and also opens up additional benefits to other industries.

He sees this as a stepping stone to not only helping the forestry industry progress but also providing customers with the solutions they need: “We’re not here to be the biggest manufacturer; we’re here to provide the best solution for our customers.”

He started DC Equipment to mechanise and de-risk the environment of steep-slope logging operations after a series of incidents affected the forestry industry. Since 2010, DC Equipment has been a manufacturer of a range of steep-slope logging equipment, under the Falcon brand. The range, including motorised grapple carriages, winch assist machines, yarders, and camera systems, has been a popular option for logging contractors working in steep-slope terrain.

Mr Ewers says with over 1,000,000 operational hours across the product lines and zero harm, DC Equipment is looking to provide logging contractors across the world with a more integrated solution by including automation, data capture, and a transition into loweremission machinery – and, now, with the addition of the Madill brand.

With a history dating back to 1911, former owner, Nicholson

LG33372

“Definitely the best grapple carriage on the market” 0800 300 434 SALES@APEXEQUIPMENT.CO.NZ APEXEQUIPMENT.CO.NZ

forest talk

From left: McDougall Logging operator, Joe Albert, owner, Ray McDougall and crew foreman, Arnold Henry, say the Cat 538 has plenty of reach.

Performance meets comfort TERRA HAS DELIVERED ITS FIRST TWO NEXT GENERATION CAT 538 forest machines featuring a rear-entry operator cab to Mangoihe Logging and McDougall Logging. Both machines have been put to work in the Hunterville region.

“The rear-entry cab focusses on operator comfort and safety for operators often spending up to 12 hours in the cab. The feedback we are getting is extremely positive. Operators are commenting on low fuel burn and say the performance is outstanding, lifting 5x axle trailers,” says Terra’s Wayne Baker.

McDougall Logging owner, Ray McDougall, says he is rapt with the fuel efficiency compared to the 320DFM: “This is my second Next Gen machine and I’ve noticed the massive fuel savings these machines deliver which is critical to controlling costs in this tough industry. I also like the rear-entry cab. It’s a lot easier and safer for my operators.

I like the power this machine has and I’m glad they kept the heel as it’s made our operator, Joe Albert’s job so much more efficient around the skid site.”

Joe, who had done over 22,000 hours on his 320DFM, says it was worth waiting for the first ordered 538LL rear-entry cab. “Great visibility, seeing my tracks and no blind spot on the right-hand side make it easier to operate. Along with the 360 degree cameras, I get total visibility on tight skids.

“I’m real impressed with the room inside the cab too. The rear-entry is a huge improvement on the side entry. Plus there’s the heel and extra reach, which comes into its own on tight skids,” he says.

“Overall Joe likes all the new features the Next Gen has and, given the way he looks after the gear, I’m sure this will do 22,000 hours and still look like new,” adds Ray. The all-new 538 Next Gen rear-entry and side entry units are manufactured in Caterpillar’s Akashi facility in Japan. The engineers that developed the new Next Generation construction machines are the same who developed the new 538 series machines.

Wayne says the manufacturing focus was structured around safety, reliability and durability, cab Improvements, lower maintenance costs, technology, and fuel efficiency and performance.

The certified Forestry ROPS Cab has a larger 32mm (1¼”) polycarbonate front window, smaller cab pillars and a flat engine hood 12 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

to improve visibility by 50%. The car body is 15% higher off the ground with a heavy-duty bottom guard to make travelling over stumps and obstacles trouble-free.

Features include a wide track gauge and available slope and grade indicator on the monitor to enhance stability and lift, as well as groundlevel maintenance with new right-hand steps for quick and safe access to the engine. The steps and service platform have anti-skid plating to prevent slipping. The machine starts securely with Operator ID or the optional Bluetooth key fob. There is a standard rearview camera with optional right hand-sideview camera.

Along with the 50% better operator visibility and higher ground clearance, there is 25% more cab room, 10% increased swing torque and 12% faster travel speed.

Both Ray and Joe like how smooth the controls are in the Next Gen, saying they feel refreshed at the end of a long day. Mangoihe Logging owners, Bryan and Olivia McCarthy, say they too are impressed with the performance of their new machine. NZL

From left: McDougall Logging’s Joe, Arnold and Ray with the new Cat 538 rear entry cab.

Lighting up FOR FORESTRY AND LOGGING OPERATIONS, MAXIMISING productivity and ensuring the safety of workers are paramount concerns. As the demand for timber continues to rise, there is an urgent need to enhance operational efficiency and extend working hours during the winter months. However, with limited power supplies, forestry operations often face the challenge of limited daylight.

MOMA Solar Pop Up street lights provide reliable and sustainable lighting that extends daylight working hours for logging yards well into the night. These easily portable Pop Up solar-powered lights offer many benefits. Powered by solar energy, they can be deployed quickly, be manoeuvred around the site and provide ample illumination without relying on traditional power sources.

Illuminating the work area with bright, reliable lighting significantly improves safety too. Poor visibility during low-light conditions can pose significant risks to workers, leading to accidents and injuries. Clear visibility improves the accuracy of machinery operations during processing and loading, and enhances overall situational awareness, ensuring a secure working environment for contractors and landowners.

The MOMA lights promote the latest in battery technology from Philips with modes that conserve energy and output when it is needed most. Available from 20W to 100W they feature four

Getting the green light AS OF 2 JUNE THIS YEAR, SWEENEY Townsend is known as Greenlight Insurance Brokers Limited.

The company’s Brenden Townsend and Steve Gale say that the old name and brand were a significant part of having been a trusted insurance partner for clients since 1988, and their commitment to their clients remains firm.

14 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

modes of operation so the level of brightness required can be adjusted. The lights are always charging and will automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. These innovative lights require minimal ongoing maintenance and are built to withstand harsh New Zealand conditions.

The base is lightweight when empty, at only 37kg and easily positioned where required by two people with no lifting equipment necessary. No trenches or digging are necessary to secure the base to site as, once water filled, the base weighs around 637kg. Fitted with forklift slots, the lights can be easily transported while filled, when water supply is unavailable on site.

As concerns about climate change and environmental conservation intensify, incorporating sustainable practices into every industry becomes crucial. MOMA Solar Pop Up street lights offer a green alternative to conventional lighting options. By harnessing the power of the sun, these lights eliminate the need for fossil fuel-based energy sources, reducing carbon emissions and minimising the ecological footprint of forestry operations.

This environmentally-conscious approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices in the logging industry.

Totalsite Supplies, the New Zealand distributor of MOMA Solar Powered Pop Up lights, also supplies solar-powered speed signs designed to ensure safety in low-speed areas and access roads. NZL

“The name change and new branding reflect our goal of standing out from the crowd with a modern, fun and fresh approach. The management team remains the same and clients can continue to enjoy the unparalleled service that they have come to expect from the Sweeney Townsend team, just in a different colour scheme,” says Mr Gale.

He adds that the company has seen plenty of change and growth in the last eight years, and the Greenlight brand will help them stand out as they continue to

grow their network and capability across New Zealand with established offices in Rotorua, Tauranga, Hamilton, Cambridge, Auckland and Palmerston North. There are also plans to open offices in New Plymouth and Christchurch in the coming months.

“We know it has been a tough few years in the forestry sector but our experienced team will continue to use our collective expertise in the forestry insurance market to benefit all current and prospective clients,” Mr Gale says. NZL

A CUT ABOVE

CLEAR THE WAY FOR COMFORT with a 25% roomier cab

THESE ARE THE NEXT GENERATION CAT® 538, 548 AND 568 FOREST MACHINES. If a tree falls in the forest, it sounds a lot easier from the 25% roomier cab of a Next Generation Cat Forest Machine. 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, 548 or 568 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

Talk to us about a deal today. terracat.co.nz

0800 93 39 39

© 2023 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.

Wood Transport and Logistics 2023

Decarbonising wood transport WOOD TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS 2023 gave a definite taste of the future. From electric trucks to hydrogen fleets, largescale refuelling stations, automatic chain throwing and tensioning, wood scheduling and wood flow, and even scheduling around eagle nesting times, developments in heavy transport are moving at pace. So too are the potential pitfalls, many of which can already be mitigated in the form of current driver safety precautions.

Presenter, Alisha Francis, of company Keith Andrews, covered the pros and cons of an electric truck trial around Auckland city. “We thought we were prepared but we weren’t.

You don’t know what you don’t know. How do you take the learnings from this trial into long-distance logging?” she asked.

Log haulage company, Fennell Forestry Australia’s Managing Director, Wendy Fennell, took that step, presenting on Making the Conversion: Diesel to Electric.

She teamed up with Janus Electric to convert the company’s Kenworth T609 and spoke about their experiences so far.

She said it wasn’t the first time she had ever been told something “couldn’t be done” which only spurred on her decision to embark on this trial, pointing out that the approach (electric or hydrogen) needs to be specific to the transport task at hand.

As emissions standards increase, the costs

of operating diesel engines are high and it is time for some changes, she said. With no Government support, charging battery station costs were high (around $200 000) and it became clear that the regulations are not where the targets are being set.

Following risk assessments and training workshops, initial loads were assessed for weight distribution and requirements for driving characteristics.

Along with the obvious benefit of emissions reductions, she said most impressive was the constant torque and that regenerative braking in particular is “a game changer”. Other benefits include lower operating temperatures, noise reduction and potential operating cost reduction.

Batteries are leased and a “swap and go” system could work well on a larger scale, added Ms Fennell. With the battery range expected to improve with time, overall, the electric truck was deemed ‘suitable for the task’.

“Lack of infrastructure and government support are still a concern but it’s a chicken and egg situation for the heavy vehicle industry to change over. Policy needs to catch up in terms of aspects like incentives for energy credits vs diesel fuel rebates. The technology is here but infrastructure and government policy feel a long way off. All in all, it has surprised me, in that we went from

Fennell Forestry Australia Managing Director, Wendy Fennell. straight diesel to straight electric and it did the job,” she concluded.

With the TR Group set to bring New Zealand’s first fleet of 20 Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) electric trucks into the country in the coming months, including a log truck, we have an eye keenly on this space.

In a panel discussion, presenters debated the benefits and drawbacks of various low emission, alternative fuel sources looking at refuelling stations, modular equipment, heavy transport networks, the value chain, energy generation, centralised or distributed centres, and beyond. The price of energy and making it green, truck variables, terrain, road conditions, wildlife and weather variables, all came into question. NZL

The Fennell Forestry Kenworth electric vehicle from Janus Electric.

W 16 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

w

Wood Transport and Logistics 2023

Chaining up “YOU CAN GROW TREES BUT IF YOU CAN’T CUT THEM AND YOU can’t haul them, we don’t have a sustainable industry,” said the Australian Forest Contractors Association’s Carlie Porteous, as she gave an overview of challenges in Australia. With similar difficulties in New Zealand, Stephen Divers of Dynes Transport went back to basics with his presentation titled Tackling Speed, Fatigue and Distraction Using Technology.

With the focus for the company’s project arising from a fatality, he said logbooks were essentially “a blunt tool”. He explained that both known risks and unknown risks were taken into account, with fatigue emerging as the primary critical risk. Key considerations included creating a practical system with an electronic solution for fatigue management, including a number of onboard cameras.

Also working with safety in mind, Ian Brown and Phil Kirk’s presentation on automatic chain throwing and tensioning was impressive. With injuries resulting in drivers exiting the industry before they could or should, this was part of a multi-year programme to address labour shortages, productivity, safety, cost and environmental issues facing the industry. With the total cost of supporting drivers to recover from chaining-related industries since 2016 being $4.6 million as reported by ACC, not to mention the physical and emotional costs, the objective of the project was to develop an automated log truck load securing system with in-cab monitoring suitable for debarked and slippery logs, thus eliminating manual chain throwing and tensioning. As a bonus, it allows older

drivers and women to take on the job more easily.

The Trinder/Waimea Engineering chain thrower and auto tensioner demonstrated at Wood Transport and Logistics 2023 was deceptively gentle given the tough job it achieves. As one driver said, “I’ve gone from 20 minutes chaining up to about 5-10 minutes now with the new air winches and chain thrower. It’s less wear and tear on myself and it makes it more enjoyable to come to work.” NZL

The Trinder/Waimea Engineering chain thrower.

MSA 220 T BATTERY POWER MADE FOR PROFESSIONALS __

WITH STIHL YOU CAN www.stihlshop.co.nz

Environmental Forestry 2023

Building climate-resilient landscapes

Above: Entomologist, Carl Wardhaugh, and Kaipara Moana’s Steph Versteeg, in the panel discussion.

Right: Dan Fraser, Chair of the Eastland Wood Council Environmental Focus Group.

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A MORE APPROPRIATE time for a focus on the forestry environment, than with the current industry battle with policies and regulations following the recent severe weather events and their impact on forestry. Environmental Forestry 2023 started with an opportune presentation by Dan Fraser, Chair of the Eastland Wood Council’s Environmental Focus Group. His presentation titled, An Overview of Post-Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery and Resilience of the Eastland Forestry Sector took a look at various approaches to forest and harvest residue management over the years; what worked and what didn’t.

From his first experience as a young forester building a skid site alongside a river which left him wondering why all that was left of the site was some spare wheels after a massive storm, to working with the Gisborne District Council, he explained approaches to management of harvest residues long before woody debris migration began to hit the headlines – from storing slash on land shoulders, to burning and slash catchers (both picket fences and live trees).

In 2012 the Environmental Focus Group 18 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

had its first meeting, and risk management in this area has developed significantly over the years, with some tried and tested methods being revisited.

Managing risk is now tackled through harvest planning incorporating, among other considerations, aspect, slope maps, streams, gradient of gullies and connectivity to waterways, skeletal soils, woody debris in streams (existing before harvest), stream gradient and locating best site for a slash trap, mosaics, gullies, catchments and skirting.

As an example, he cited the Emerald Hills Forest which now has good riparian zones, a small number of natives (poplar and willow) and a mosaic on the go.

While every forest is different and there are no blanket rules, there are definitely strategies to stop migration, he said.

Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme’s Steph Versteeg reiterated this sentiment in her presentation, saying forests are part of the solution. She said we need integrated farmforestry system expertise and partnerships, as well as interdisciplinary teams of trusted advisers, and to mentor younger people in

order to achieve this. Innovation and lifting forestry practice, with all land users taking part with shared catchment objectives, is also part of the solution, she said.

Sean Weaver, CEO of Ekos, speaking on continuous cover forestry, added that a key area of investment is building climate-resilient landscapes: “We can’t stop the cyclones from happening, but we can reduce the cost impact when they do. We need to use the opportunity to scale it up by changing the land use. Continuous cover forestry is a significant part of the solution.”

Chair, John Shrider added that while it feels like industry is in a never-ending battle with policies and regulations, “trees don’t consider social license”.

“We need single-handed focus on the hillside, practices and performance. We have choices. While we can be proud of our legacy, we are also acutely aware of our shortcomings.” NZL

O y

a t

L

c

Environmental Forestry 2023

On biodiversity and beetles BEETLES WERE THE HIT OF THE CONFERENCE WITH SCION Entomologist, Carl Wardhaugh, asking how many beetle species an exotic plantation forest can support.

Quite a lot as it turns out. So, why should we care? Well, it’s all about diversity, encompassing decomposition, soil aeration, pollination, and incorporating that all-important social licence to operate.

With the myth pervading that pine plantations are lifeless monocultures, the reality is that they support a high number of indigenous species, said Mr Wardhaugh. The data though, he said is limited and, with beetles being the most common species of organisms on earth, this pilot study was undertaken to inform development of a larger study.

The beetles were sampled from 15 sites across Kinleith Forest.

With over 9000 beetles collected, increasing diversity was seen with increasing rotation and it was concluded that pine supported a high diversity and abundance of beetle species, with a high proportion of native species.

“This means exotic plantations in New Zealand can support a substantial number of native species over the long term,” said Mr Wardhaugh.

While not all pine plantations support high biodiversity, plantations next to native forest in higher rainfall areas will likely support more species – which covers most plantation forests in the country.

Native restoration, creating a mosaic, reducing compartment size and slash retention are ways plantations can further enhance biodiversity.

Temporal and spatial variations in biodiversity need to be addressed further, he said with future work including comparisons with other crops.

If compared with other crops, forestry will “look pretty dam rosy”. “We need comprehensive large-scale studies to be able to reclaim the narrative”.

There are a lot more beetles than we knew of in pine forests and it seems the assertion of a lack of biodiversity in plantation forests by the Climate Change Committee was overstated. NZL

Rhipistena lugubris (Ripiphoridae). A parasitoid of longhorn beetles. The study collected seven specimens of this rarely collected species; five from pine and mostly from the canopy.

Optimise your workforce and get your crew trained for the technical skills they need.

Learn more at

competenz.org.nz/forestry

Iron Test

THE ROCKET Story & photos: Tim Benseman

OF L

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 20 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

The FFE system – A & R Logging’s Falcon Winch Assist Gen 4, 2-speed on a Sany SY305H base – tethered to the Tigercat 855 felling machine which is ready to go down the slope.

SCIENTISTS

LOGGING BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 21 W

EST EST 1909 1909

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

July 2023 | NZ LOGGER 21

Arana Kuru lays out the safety device for the base machine.

DRIVING THROUGH TO GISBORNE FROM Opotiki, several concerning things came to our attention. The first was a loaded log truck heading away from the Port of Gisborne and towards the Port of Tauranga. Apparently high port costs coupled with bad weather at the port – something loggers in this area have struggled with for years – make that extra 130km from Matawai worth it. The other concerning thing was the height of flood debris on the fences before Te Karaka.

On the highway the flood waters have obviously been well above the roof of our 4WD D-Max, and then near the turn off to Mangatu Forest there are signs of the flood water being around seven metres deep – a colossal and dangerous, amount of water.

Many bridges are still out, and many roads are still either unpassable to log trucks or are barely more than goat tracks, so they are slow and expensive to cart logs on.

With costs so high and the earning window restricted by the weather, Gisborne-based crews like A & R Logging are looking to new technologies like the Falcon 2-speed winch to make their operations faster, more resilient and more efficient.

Falcon’s Winch Assist 2-speed Project Manager, Shaun Mills, says the concept was very much customer-driven at the instigation of another Gisborne logger, Blake Speirs:

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 31 W

“We collaborated with Blake and Tigercat on this development and Blake has pretty much been running this skidder set-up since about 2018.”

Presumably as a result of this collaboration, Tigercat went ahead and made front-facing winch mounts and tether holes in the blade as factory standard. So that tells you they saw the writing on the wall. Thinking about clearing of possible driftwood from creeks, the skidder on a tether probably has quite a lot of potential too.

Blake was not available to talk – and given the atrocious state of Gisborne infrastructure, it’s not surprising that he is short of time – but our new Iron Tester for Gisborne, Tony Hill says Blake has “a massive tethering operation going on” a little further north of A & R Logging’s operation.

in that field in Auckland.

“I soon figured out that Auckland was a place I never wanted to raise my kids. I hated Auckland,” Arana says. “ I was prowling around looking for something different when I heard a crew was for sale back home here in Gizzy. Me and Dad went and saw Bob Rye of Rye Logging, the crew owner, and I got finance from UDC. We were into it. I never thought I’d be doing this stuff for a living, but here we are.”

After some paperwork at Arana’s container, the Iron Test team follows the Madill swing yarder up the road. It has made good time up the hill and is already on the new landing

Tony Hill and Arana Kuru discuss tethering before hooking up the Tigercat 855 to the Sany/FFE two-speed winch assist.

Logging’s in the blood Logging wasn’t the first plan in life for Arana Kuru of A & R Logging. Although he did a bit of it in his teens because a lot of his family were into it (Dad, Jack and brother Ricky), Arana went off to Europe for 10 years – a few of those spent filleting and packing fish and doing ground work for property developers, among other adventures, before returning to New Zealand. He studied civil engineering project management and then went to work

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 22 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

Far left: The Sany’s 7.79L engine.

Left: Rear-facing camera.

Right: Tony Hill prepares to go down the slope on the FFE tether.

Below: Tony Hill prepares the machine for tethering.

A h

• • • • • •

SERIOUS POWER FOR BIG TIME LOGGERS

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 41

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 24 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

TO

Cameras keeping watch on the winch.

Arana Kuru and Maka observing the set up.

with some huge piles of shovelled stems ready to be fed into the grapple about 100 metres away down in the broken ground.

It’s mostly papa around here. Some short, steep pinches but generally moderately steep slopes with tall straight trees wherever the wind hasn’t gotten into them. A manual faller (Hamish Campbell, aka Ma Dredd) is making good progress up beyond the Falcon Winch Assist and its tethered 855. The steady barp-barp of the chainsaw followed by the thump of trees hitting the ground is a good background to the discussion about tethers.

Arana says the ground that is worked by the tethered machine is really only limited by your mind rather than the machine.

“I challenge myself a fair bit on it and

think it’s amazing where it will allow me to operate, and then I will have a wander through some ground harvested by the other guys and you just ask yourself, how the hell was this achieved? And then I realise how much more capability I have to acquire. I am surprised by some of the situations the tether has assisted me out of while down the hill felling actually. In most situations I find myself being the element that restricts its abilities rather than the machine itself.”

Expanding the capability was also part of the reason why Arana bought the new Sanybased Gen 4 Falcon Winch Assist in August 2022. The previous Hitachi-based Falcon is with his tower crew running a Madill 171. The new machine has done a bit over 500 hours in that time and so far, has impressed with

its increased strength and stability – much needed attributes in what has so far been a rocky year.

So what does Arana think of the Sanybased Falcon Winch Assist? “Pretty mean.

It’s grunty compared to the old one. It runs like a nice smooth 30-tonne digger. High and wide. Heaps of grunt. No ad blue. Straight 6 Isuzu. It’s basic and that’s all I wanted, apart from digging the odd deadman it just sits on the ridge and idles most of the time. And when you want to move it, the thing just tears it up. Massive track power. I’m happy as with it so far.”

Steep slope tethered skidders The intention was to match this unit with a skidder (Tigercat 635H) in A & R’s roadline

Temporary Pop Up Solar Street Lights An affordable solution to extend daylight working hours and safety in forestry & logging operations!

• No cables • No noise • No pollution • No fuel • No cranes • No generators

• Available from 20W to 100W • Built to withstand harsh conditions • No trenches or digging • Fitted with forklift slots • 2 person set up • Environmentally friendly

TOTALSITE SUPPLIES | Ph 0508 88 5656 | sales@totalsite.co.nz | www.totalsitesupplies.co.nz

Above from left: The Falcon modified boom; the view from the cab door with A & R’s Madill swing yarder in the background; the view from the operator’s seat; the view from the Winch Assist machine down the rope to the tethered felling machine.

Below right: The Falcon Winch Assist two-speed at work with Wild Hog Logging’s skidder. Photo: DC Equipment. crew when required, and generally float between the three crews as required. That roadlining crew also has a felling machine (Caterpillar 552 series 2) working full time.

So what does a new Falcon Winch Assist cost these days? It depends on the base machine and the extras that are added to the build, however DC Equipment, the manufacturers of the Falcon brand, work with customers to make sure it fits with their requirements.

Loggers have a wide range of base machines they can choose from to ensure it fits in with their operational needs and maintains the current relationships they have with service providers.

“One of the problems we have,” Arana says, “is it’s either summer so we don’t need a tethered skidder or it’s just too wet to work at all. The road lining crew often encounters little triangles that would be more efficient for this tethered skidder set up, and the original plan was we would do those triangles but as there have been a few setbacks with the port, the roads, the windthrow and the markets, plans have had to change and its basically in a holding pattern.

At the moment our roadlining crew are just confined to corridors and they are outstripping the road builders as they only have a 40-tonne digger and a bulldozer and they aren’t able to keep up with us.”

The higher-speed gear is way too quick for the felling machine so as yet, second gear on A & R’s machine is still brand spanking new and rearing to go.

We catch up on the phone briefly with Josh Williams over at Wild Hog Logging an hour or so north who has tried out the Falcon in second gear.

“It’s a game changer,” says Josh, “probably 25% of our tether time is using the sixwheeled skidder. We require less logging tracks because of it, so there’s way lower

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 51

disturbance of the environment. We can do bigger drags with the enhanced traction and consequently we can drag from further away and still make it viable. In a way you could say it gives us the capability of a small hauler crew. Our felling machine will shovel onto a ridge and then we send the skidder down the rope for the bunches.

“We also had a traction issue in the wet on flat to moderate slopes and as soon as we put the tether on it, all the wheel spin stopped, so you’re expanding your weather window and not disturbing the soil anywhere near as much. We will still stop when it gets too wet though as this soil on the coast tends to get a bit messy when it’s really wet.”

Back at A & R Logging we discuss what it’s like for Arana going from no tether to tethered back in 2017 when he was the first on the coast to get a Falcon tether: “The obvious major difference is you end up manual cutting more of the setting with no tether, as you are unaware of where you can get to on an untethered machine. You don’t want to open up a piece only to find you can’t get back in there and have to send the manual faller into a dangerous situation.”

slack as you move around the hill, which minimises the chance of walking over it and it also feels more stable as the tether pulls the carriage frame into the ground.

“Before the tether, the machine felt stable, but you would always be aware of the changing weather. I was often walking the machine out to the entry point if the rain was setting in. Now, with the rope, that is not a question as I know I can safely get out.”

So how often does Arana bind around

Tether 101 So what’s it actually like running one of these tethered machines?

“The tether control screen is fixed in the top corner of our Tigercat’s cab where it can be easily viewed,” Arana says.

“The control buttons are on the joystick and are easy to access and use. By pushing a button, you can turn the winch mode on or off, increase or decrease the desired rope tension, manually pay rope in or out and it has an emergency winch stop. Very easy to use and accessed with one thumb.

“It’s also easy with just the one rope to think about. The Falcon Winch Assist system ramps up the revs and picks up the rope

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 26 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

PROTECT WITH PRECISION: Advanced Machinery Guarding Packages For Enhanced Safety

Hitachi ZX400 Harvester Package

Rear Entry Cabs

Komatsu PC300 Harvester Package

CONTACT OUR TEAM ABOUT YOUR GUARDING NEEDS TODAY! Call Michael on 021 742 814 MACHINERY

INVEST IN A FIXED TOOTH MULCHER FROM FAE: Tried, Tested And Proven In New Zealand For Over 20 Years

FAE UML/SSL-175 Skid Steer Mulcher

FAE Prime Tech PT-300 Mulcher

FAE UML/HY-125 Excavator Mulcher

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO DISCUSS YOUR MULCHER NEEDS TODAY! Call Ray on 021 786 525 ATTACHMENTS

3-7 McCloskey Road, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand PO Box 7264, Rotorua 3042, New Zealand Office: (07) 345 5609 Email: admin@activevma.co.nz

VEHICLES

MACHINERY

ATTACHMENTS

Above: Rear view of the machine with doors open ready for inspection.

Right top: Hydraulic pump and filter bay.

Right middle: Tony Hill (right) and Maka are both happy with the Falcon machine.

Right bottom: Arana Kuru inspecting the fire suppression system. stumps (side washing)? “I try to avoid it as it uses some of the available assisting force.

When a felling face has a top leading ridge that is too narrow to fit the tether and felling machine on, I will point the tether parallel to the ridge, bind on a stump and fell down the hill perpendicular to the stump. This allows me to fell a strip from top to bottom. Once the strip is felled, I flick the rope off the stump and onto the next one and follow this process working my way back to the winch machine.”

Hanging on a rope on steep slopes seems pretty risky, so what does Arana look for in an operator when selecting someone to run a tethered machine, apart from big cojones and big brains?

“You really want a person that has great communication skills, has a sound process to evaluate a situation that assists them in decision-making. And someone who works well in a team environment. Communication is essential when planning the setting before felling starts, to avoid unsafe practices down the line. You want a person who knows how to make the right call after weighing up the

BANNER BANNER BANNER 1 31 W

options and someone who has shown a solid history of that in the crew.”

The other regular operator (when Arana isn’t running it) is Maka and he says the set-up is way more comfortable after moving into the new Falcon/Sany/Tigercat combo.

“The controls are quite easy. You can spend all day working it and still come out feeling fresh.”

Maka has been in this crew a bit over 10 years, having started with the previous owner up in Coromandel and then moving down here before Arana bought it. “I started off on the skids and then into breaking out, then slowly started getting into the machines.”

It’s fair to say that steady progression has led to what is arguably the pinnacle of forestry machine operation with Maka running a purpose-built harvester down on the latest model tether machine.

Compact winch fits on more bases DC Equipment’s Design Manager, Darin Borcovsky, says the Gen 4 introduced a suite of changes to the previous versions including

a swept up rear end, interface upgrades and a generic version unit to fit on any 30-tonne weight class machine.

In addition, DC Equipment Marketing Manager, Tom Filmer, says, “It’s giving contractors more agility for the equipment in their business. If needed, contractors can re-purpose suitable second-hand base machines which helps with costs, especially at a time where there’s a range of challenges within the industry. Combined with more use-applications for the winch such as using for ground base skidders, it’s providing additional value across a diverse range of logging operations.”

Landing on your feet in a downturn following a devastating cyclone is a pretty cool skill to have gained. That’s a team effort here with A & R Logging being placed by Forest Management New Zealand (FMNZ) in a forest just 15 minutes from Gisborne to keep crew travel and log transport costs super low, with an on-site rock quarry to further lower costs.

With 4000 tonnes of logs left on the skids at a previous block due to road closures

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 28 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

1. The Falcon’s tension monitoring while under load shows some interesting information.

2. A & R’s manual tree faller, Hamish Campbell, aka Ma Dredd observes another tree falling as he prepares a track for the tail hold machine.

3. Tony Hill gets a briefing on the controls from Arana before the Iron Test.

4. Arana Kuru (right) and Maka heaving the tether chain up to the felling machine. caused by Cyclone Gabrielle at Putere (Wairoa) when the Iron Test team visited Gisborne, it’s pretty astounding to hear A & R also have about 1000 tonnes on the skids on this new block that couldn’t get into the local Gisborne port due to lack of space last month.

And as Arana says, “They don’t pay on stocks.”

“We were actually told about a week ago we might have our month’s target in stocks which is a bit alarming to hear mid-month.

Then we found an ugly little triangle that we could do, that took three days, and then we got this uncapped windthrow deal.

And just looking around we are pretty sure there is another couple of hectares of windthrow we can get to, so bit by bit we are getting work through the month. It’s just trying to keep everybody busy, it’s just horrible times at the moment. For the next month all three crews will be operating but

1

2

under supervised harvest caps,” Arana says.

“It will be enough to cover costs but not help claw back the losses from the last four months.”

That 4000 tonnes is finally on the move with the highway to Napier log port now open so that should finally give the cashflow a much needed jolt in the right direction next month.

Our Iron Tester, Tony, is logging just over the ridge in the same forest but managed

by Summit and Tony reports that they are still uncapped and will likely hit 10,000 tonnes this month as Summit has longerterm secured markets.

At A & R, Tony climbs into the Sany/ Falcon and moves it into position ready to connect the chains up to the 855, digging the rock bucket into solid ground and adjusting the rope so it is ready to connect.

It’s not the normal scheme of things

3

4

to be running two machines in an Iron Test but in this context we are essentially testing the whole system.

Tony has spent a bit of time on several other tether systems.

“The advantages of the Falcon Winch Assists are that they are versatile; you can easily use them to load a truck or dig deadmen in. The Falcon is a weighted clutch system, so it’s smoother than some other systems.”

Tony heads down the slope on the tether and you can read about his test on the next page. As he climbs back up the slope to the road, the rope tension monitor shows 17 tonnes on a steep pinch as Tony climbs over a stump but the base is completely unaffected.

Other partners in the set up include PFS Engineering providing the ROPS for the Sany and Duxson providing the cab protection upright bar for the Tigercat.

DIA DG I ANGONSO E S•E D•E D S IEGS N I G•N D•E D L IEVLEI V RER

iron tester: Tony Hill

ROBUST AND RELIABLE I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO seeing what this latest Falcon Winch Assist Sany-based machine is like after spending a fair bit of time running the previous model.

First impressions of this machine are that it is robust and well made – pretty important aspects if you’re going to be down a steep slope on the end of a rope.

Nice high and wide undercarriage.

The cab is easy to climb into with the extra step off the catwalk. Falcon has kept the design simple, reliable and compact which is surprising given it now has more capabilities.

I usually run an earlier model single speed Falcon Winch Assist mounted on a Sany 305 with a Cat 552 leveller down the tether. The Cat has more ground clearance than this Tigercat here but the reach on this machine is good.

The controls are Falcon’s tried and trusted set up which is easy to get used to even though it’s in a different machine.

My first introduction to tethers was watching and learning about a Trinder type tether system and about six years ago I got a Falcon Winch Assist on an SH300. I’ve also run an EMS system off

and on for the last four years or so.

The regular rock bucket on this machine is a good choice; you’ll be able to track through all types of rock and dig nice tidy slots for burying deadmen for the hauler.

The bucket controls are smooth, accurate and powerful, as well as being exactly where you’d expect them to be. It’s got a good standard reach and the balance is okay.

It has very good side-on stability which is probably why they’ve gone high and wide. It can be a bit of an issue if all your gear is high and wide except your winch machine and then you want to send it somewhere challenging. You’ll probably get there but not without a bit of stress that it might tip over.

Walking-wise the Sany is like a 20-tonner on steroids, very fast and powerful. They could actually button that back a bit but I guess we can just turn the revs down a tad so it’s not so aggressive going up steep areas. Far better to have some power in reserve than be wanting more.

No RT in this machine but we are all carrying handhelds today so that’s not an issue. Climbing out of the Sany and

Iron Tester, Tony Hill. into the Tigercat to head down the slope tethered, I had to call up a few times to clarify the Tigercat felling head controls with Arana and Maka and that was sorted clearly on the handheld. I like that felling head too, it works well.

The cameras are nice and clear and well placed. The view of the drum in particular is very good. You want to be sure in that department and Falcon has provided that clarity of what’s going on with the winch.

I am looking forward to using one of these to run a skidder down the tether when circumstances allow, that’s for sure.

For a tether machine this is more than enough, while at the same time not over -capitalising with a more expensive base brand. I’d be happy to run one of these on a daily basis. NZL

IFICATION

SPEC S

FALCON WINCH-ASSIST TRACKED CARRIER – SPECIFICATIONS BASE MACHINE Model Sany SY305H high and wide, forestry guarded Engine Isuzu GH-6HK1 6-cylinder, 7.79-litre diesel Net power 212kW (284hp) WINCH SYSTEM Winch Drum Size: 500mof 1 1/8’ swaged wire rope.

Maximum Line Tension: Felling Mode: 21T – Skidder Mode: 17T Gearbox ratio 75:1 Max Motor speed: Felling Mode:3000rpm – Skidder Mode:3500rpm

Max Line speed – top layer: Felling Mode: 3.6km/h(1.0MPS) –

Skidder Mode:5km/h(1.4MPS) Max Line speed-bottom layer: Felling Mode:2.34km/h(0.65MPS) –

Skidder Mode:3.2km/h(0.9MPS)

(Indicative only, varies depending on base machine) Surveillance: Cameras provide view of drum and wire rope

spooling on screen and a rear view camera on the winch Fire Suppression System: Stat-X Fire Suppression

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 30 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

N

GREAT FINANCE DEAL ON JOHN DEERE 2156G LOG LOADERS

GET IN QUICK! OFFER ONLY VALID FOR A LIMITED TIME

163HP 6.8L ENGINE 2 X 236 L/M HYDRAULICS 35,724KG OPERATING WEIGHT

% 2.99 p.a.

RELIABLE EFFICIENT PRODUCTIVE

*Conditions apply. Offer applies to D&E stock John Deere 2156G models. Finance available to approved commercial applicants only. Offer is based on 2.99% interest, 10% deposit, GST back in month 3 and 36 month term. Fees and charges of $425 apply. If not amended or withdrawn earlier, the promotion expires on 31/8/2023.

Nelson/Marlborough 027 201 1031

West Coast 021 579 129

Canterbury 027 204 7623

Otago/Southland 027 214 6599

0800 432 633 | www.dne.co.nz

PERFORMS THE REST ALWAYS SWING AOUTBIG STICK

CONTACT 021 944 944 894 894 CONTACT JONNY JONNY EDWARDS EDWARDS FOR FOR MORE MORE DETAILS DETAILS WOODCUTTER@SHAWS.CO.NZ WOODCUTTER@SHAWS.CO.NZ || 021

NZ’S LARGEST STOCKIST OF GENUINE YARDER PARTS

M

PR

CO CO

S

O

FULLY REBUILT EXCHANGE BRAKES, CLUTCHES + WATER UNIONS

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

POWER TO BURN

KST

94 94

T

STAY ON TRACK WITH ORDER NOW SO YOU’RE NOT STUCK IN THE MUD THIS WINTER

S

9

MOST POWERFUL IN CLASS

PROVEN COMPONENTRY WITH ISUZU ENGINE + KAWASAKI PUMPS THEY’RE WEAPONS JUST ASK THE OPERATORS CONTACT JONNY EDWARDS FOR MORE DETAILS WOODCUTTER@SHAWS.CO.NZ | 021 944 894 CONTACT JONNY EDWARDS FOR MORE DETAILS WOODCUTTER@SHAWS.CO.NZ | 021 944 894

]

INCREASED TRACTION AND LOAD CAPACITY BETTER GRIP AND PULLING POWER LET YOUR TYRES LAST LONGER REDUCED FUEL CONSUMPTION

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

Looking Back

Another klinkii pine stump gets blown up to clear a road line for logging operations. CNGT, Bulolo, 1967.

Story & Photos: Ross Lockyer

THE ART OF BLOWING THINGS UP Forestry pioneer, Ross Lockyer, is back with an excerpt from his second book (of five), Cannibals, Crocodiles and Cassowaries, about his time in pre-independence Papua New Guinea (1967-73). Having spent his working life living and working in the forestry and logging industries in remote locations of South-East Asia and the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, Borneo Irian Jaya/West Papua, Sumatra, Burma, Thailand, The Philippines, Malaysia and Kiribati, Ross captures a time in history when real adventure was still possible. This excerpt is set in 1967.

R

OSS LOCKYER, FOREST ENGINEER, COMMONWEALTH NEW Guinea Timbers (CNGT), Bulolo, Papua New Guinea (PNG). That was me at 23 years of age and only 18 months out of NZFS ‘Ranger School’.

I was issued with my first ever company vehicle a couple of weeks after I started work; a 1942 Willys Jeep. Completely original, it included left-hand drive, crash gearbox, canvas top, no doors, heaps of built-in rattles, and minimal suspension. In fact, it felt like it had no suspension at all on those Bulolo forest roads! It was one of many ex-army Jeeps salvaged from the Americans when they departed PNG after the Second World War. One of the subjects omitted from Ranger School training and from my previous experience was explosives and the art of blowing things up. I was very keen to learn how to use dynamite, but I really knew little about the subject other than watching my Dad loading his log-splitting gun with gun powder and blowing big, old, knotty pine logs apart.

As Roading Engineer, I was required to work ahead of the pioneer

34 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

(rough) track-forming dozer and blast the big klinkii pine stumps out of the ground. Many of the trees felled along the road lines were giant klinkii pines (Auracaria hunstenii). These huge trees grew up to 90 metres tall with a girth often exceeding three metres. Most of the other tree species had root systems which could be torn out by the bulldozer rippers or chopped and prised out with the cutting edges of the dozer blade, but not the klinkii pine roots. Klinkii pines had massive tap roots which went deep down into the soil for many metres, and this made them impossible for the dozers to dig up or rip out.

My predecessor at CNGT had trained a crew of three Sepik bois (workers) to dynamite stumps and handle gelignite and blasting caps, and I inherited this crew along with the job. Shortly after I started at CNGT, I was given the key to the explosives shed located out in the middle of what was known as “the rock pile”. The rock pile consisted of kilometres of gold dredge tailings deposited by the action of the gold dredges. The tailings were up to 800 metres wide and covered the entire upper Bulolo Valley on either side of the river.

Above: Another klinkii pine stump goes up in a cloud of smoke and dirt for a new logging road. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

Below: A Cat 966 sorting klinkii pine logs on a landing prior to loading. Obviously it rains a lot in the tropical jungle. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

July 2023 | NZ LOGGER 35

Looking Back

Above left: Cat D7 snigging a klinkii pine log to the landing. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

Above right: Cook bois at the logging camp divvy up the lunch packs for the crew – rice and canned bully beef wrapped in banana leaf. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

Below: Klinkii pine on the BuloloWatut divide. These forest giants grow to 90 metres tall with over three metres’ girth. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

The explosives shed was a corrugated iron affair about three metres square, and it was located down inside a crater in the rock pile.

The surrounding walls of rock tailings acted as a blast shield in case the dynamite ever blew up.

Of course, I didn’t let on to anyone that I knew nothing at all about explosives. So, on the first day that we had to blow some stumps, I got the crew together and told them to just go ahead and carry on as usual, and I would supervise operations in case they were doing something different to the way that I would do it. We collected two boxes of Semigel (dynamite), a box of blasting caps, and a couple of coils of yellow safety fuse from the explosives shed, loaded them into the back of my Jeep, and rattled off across the rock pile and into the jungle.

We then collected the hand augers from the road-crew caravan (where we had our lunch and stored some equipment) and carried all our gear along the partially cleared road line to the first stump. We first sized up the stump and decided how many holes we needed to bore. This decision was based on the diameter of the klinkii pine stump. A smaller stump might only require three or four holes, while a very big stump might need up to eight holes. Two of the crew operated the augers, which were about 20 centimetres in diameter, and started drilling the bore holes at approximately 45 degrees to the stump. The holes were angled so that the auger hit the tap root about 50 cm below ground level, but the auger hole was no deeper than the length of a man’s arm plus a stick of dynamite. The holes were finished and cleaned out by hand.

Again, depending upon the size of the stump, we would place two to six sticks of Semigel down each hole and tamp them down firmly with a tamping pole that we had cut for the job. We then cut off a two36 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

NO LIMITS. NO NO LIMITS. N OLIMITS. BOUND AR IES.

NO BOUNDARIES. STOC K A V A I L A BNO L E NBOUNDARIES. OW UNBEATABLE UNBEATABLEOFF-ROAD OFF-ROAD OPERATOR OPERATORCOMFORT COMFORT

6X6, 6X6,8X6 8X6AND AND8X8 8X8DRIVELINE DRIVELINEOPTIONS OPTIONS UNBEATABLE OFF-ROAD AVAILABLE AVAILABLE COMFORT OPERATOR

6X6, 8X6 AND 8X8 D AVAILABLE

GVMUP UPTO TO63TN 60TN GVM

EUROUP 3&5 UP TO560HP 560HP GVM TO 60TN EURO 3&5 UP TO

EURO 3&5 UP TO 560

PAYLOADEXCEEDING EXCEEDING40TN 40TN PAYLOAD

LOWRUNNING RUNNING COSTS 40TN PAYLOAD EXCEEDING LOW COSTS

LOW RUNNING COS

C A L L F R E E 0800 483 739

W W W.A D VA N C E Q U I P.C O.N Z

Looking Back

metre length of safety fuse for each hole (it was important that all fuses were the same length so that they would detonate at the same time) and fitted a blasting cap onto one end of each length of fuse. The blasting caps had to be crimped onto the fuse. I found out much later that you are supposed to crimp the caps onto the fuse with a special crimping tool to prevent accidentally exploding the cap and blowing your hand off.

My crew, however, had their own system which I didn’t interfere with (not knowing any different at the time anyway), and I adopted it myself after I had watched them do it a few times without blowing off any of their appendages.

They placed the cap on a flat tree stump, poked the safety fuse up into the hollow base and then – with the back edge of their bush knife (machete), which everyone in PNG carried – they

Above: Head feller, Kinoi, cuts the scarf in a klinkii pine. CNGT, Bulolo, 1968.

Below left: Kukukuku headhunters enact an attack on a rival village in the klinkii pine forest of the Watut Valley. PNG, 1969.

Below right: Kinoi and Arto felling a klinkii pine with Arto hammering in the wedges. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

38 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

Top left: Knotty klinkii pine tops not suitable for the plymill are sawn up at the CNGT sawmill. Bulolo, PNG, 1967.

Top right: Kukukuku headhunters head into town, closely followed by a White Autocar logging truck with a load of klinkii pine logs destined for the plymill. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1969.

Above left: My first ever company vehicle. An original 1942 Willys Jeep, one of many abandoned by the Americans after WWII. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG 1967.

Above right: No. 5 gold dredge now lies idle among the miles of dredge tailings in the Bulolo River Valley, since it closed down in 1964.

My explosives shed is hidden in the rocks in the foreground. Bulolo, PNG, 1967.

Looking Back

Ron in his new D7 opening a pilot road in the CNGT logging area. The flash safety canopy was pinched off the verandah of the Pine Lodge Hotel. Bulolo, PNG, 1968. pressed down hard on the end of the cap and crimped it tightly onto the fuse. The next move was to push a sharpened stick about the size of a wooden meat skewer down into the centre of each packed-down cake of Semigel at the bottom of the drill hole, making a smaller hole.

They would then gently push the blasting cap with the fuse attached into that hole and press the Semigel around the cap with their fingers to make it firm.

The crew would repeat the procedure for each auger hole, back-fill all the holes with clay, and tamp them all down tight. That left three to eight lengths of safety fuse sticking out from around the stump.

Two of the crew then trotted off in opposite directions to warn anyone in the area (such as the roading crew or any wandering natives who might simply appear out of the jungle) that we were going to make a big bang and that there would be dirt and chunks of wood flying about in all directions. We also moved all our gear well away from the stump and out of harm’s way.

Once we were satisfied that all was clear, members of the crew each took one or two fuse ends, lit a clump of about half a dozen matches, and on the word from me, lit all the fuses at the same time. When all fuses were fizzing away, we shouted out a final warning to the world at large and took to our heels to get as far away from the action as possible.

That thundering WHOOOOMP, and the sight of a huge cloud of dirt and smoke and bits of stump heading skywards was always a satisfying spectacle and indicated another job well done. I loved blowing things up!

consideration, I had a brainwave: “Why not save some effort and blow it up from the inside?”.

I got the crew to fill the bottom half of the hole with clay so that it was then only about 80 centimetres deep. Then I packed about 20 sticks of Semigel down the hole. The crew looked a bit worried about the use of so much dynamite, as we hadn’t tried this trick before. Anyway, we got the blasting cap and fuse down into the hole and packed the rest of it up to the top with more clay.

The roading crew had a steel four-wheeled caravan that they towed with one of the bulldozers to keep it close to the roading operations for convenient access during lunch and smoko breaks. When we had left the camp in the morning, the caravan had been parked about 250 metres away through the bush, and the bulldozers were working a similar distance away. Unbeknownst to us, however, Foreman, Laurie Davis, had decided to tow the caravan up to where they were about to start on the new cut and had parked it just below the bank less than 40 metres away from the high ground where we were about to blast. We had shouted out the usual warnings, but apparently the road crew hadn’t heard because they were directly below us and the dozer engines were running at the time. By the time we messed around

Like a bomb One day I rediscovered a very big klinkii stump, which I hadn’t blasted previously because I reckoned it was far enough off the road-line not to be a problem. We needed to do a slight road realignment on a bend, however, and the forming-up dozers needed to cut an extra few metres off a bank to get the batter right. This brought the big stump into the road line, so it had to be removed.

The interesting thing about this stump was that it already had a 15 centimetre diameter hole down the centre. The hole went a couple of metres down into the tap root. I reckoned it would need at least ten auger holes to blow this beast, all drilled by hand. So, after due 40 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

My trusty Sepik blasting crew who unknowingly taught me all I know about blasting stumps. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1967.

The Waratah H212 designed and purpose built for small hardwood debarking and softwood thinning operations. High quality delimbing with the efficiency to be mounted on any 13 - 15 ton tracked or wheeled carrier.

www.waratah.com

Looking Back

1 deciding which way we were going to run and had lit a single, rather longer fuse than usual, the roading crew had knocked off for smoko.

The roading crew bois who worked with the dozers were squatting around the fire eating their kaukau (sweet potato) on the far side of the caravan. Three of the dozer operators had already gone into the caravan, and Laurie was standing in the doorway at the top of the steps, kicking mud off his boots, when the stump went up.

The stump blew into a few million splinters, which showered all over the bush leaving a massive hole in the ground. Total success – from a demolition point of view, anyway.

Because of the enclosed, hard casing of the stump around the dynamite and the excessive amount of explosive that I had used, the bang was so loud and sharp that it sounded like a bomb going off. It was heard as far away as Bulolo township!

2 The roading crew’s caravan was a steel shell with no lining. When the shockwave hit, it must have been like being inside an empty drum with someone pounding the outside with a sledgehammer.

The roading crew bois outside by the fire hit the ground in terror.

Bulldozer operators, Chook, Jack and Ron in the caravan fell off their seats and banged their appendages on various projections, while poor old Laurie, who was still standing in the doorway, whipped his head up and cracked it on the steel door frame, resulting in a decent cut to his head with blood pouring everywhere.

For some reason, I was persona non grata around the roading crew for a few days. “That bloody ‘Kayway’ [that’s ’Kiwi‘ in Orstralian], I’ll kill the bastard!” was the consensus of the day. I thought it wise to lie low for a bit after that, so I found some urgent work that needed doing far away on the other side of the jungle. NZL

THE RIVER IS MY HIGHWAY: LOGGING IN BORNEO

L

IVING AND WORKING IN THE REMOTE SOUTHERN Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Ross Lockyer had never heard of Indonesia. Yet in 1973, he was offered a forestry supervisor’s job based in Samarinda, Indonesian Borneo, and fell in love with the place on his first day.

Ross worked on the rivers and in the remote jungles of Indonesian Borneo for the next five years, quickly learning local languages, immersing himself in the Indonesian way of life, and learning the ways of the mighty Mahakam River and the Makassar Straits on which he spent most of each working day.

Compared to pre-independence PNG, living in isolated Samarinda seemed like the height of luxury to Ross, although coming from sparsely populated PNG, Ross’ first experience of Samarinda was a true assault on the senses with its crowds of people, dozens of mosques, crazy drivers, and myriad overpowering smells. Yet, overlooking the city was the new and illustrious Lamin Indah Hotel, which boasted a classy bar and restaurant and attractive and sophisticated female staff from Java, in particular the beautiful Lestari – surely a Javanese Princess!

The third book in the adventurous series about Ross’ life, 42 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

The River is my Highway, brings to life a whole new series of exploits, including provoking and then assuaging a local war; single-handedly destroying village ablution facilities with a speedboat and facing a barrage of nasty consequences; hunting local wild-life in the most committed way imaginable; loading log ships at sea; smuggling hi-fi gear; searching for log pirates; and fronting up to the Dayak Queen.

This book includes some 75 photographs from Ross’ vast collection which richly illustrate his colourful, laugh-aloud yarns.

For a copy of this, or any of Ross’ books, login to TradeMe Books or visit the author’s website at: www. rosslockyer.co.nz

3

4

1. White Autocar logging truck with a load of klinkii pine logs stops at the workers compound for lunch on the way to the mill.

CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

2. Plymill worker at the peeling lathe with a klinkii pine log being peeled for veneer. CNGT Plymill, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

3. White Autocar logging truck with a load of klinkii pine logs for the plymill while Kukukuku warriors scatter off the road.

CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1969.

4. Over she goes. A giant klinkii pine tipping over after hammering in the wedges. The klinkii were so straight that they had to be wedged to tip them off the stump. CNGT, Bulolo, PNG, 1968.

Carbon Forestry is an industry-led event discussing the future of forestry and carbon markets.

It covers new opportunities and policies in carbon planting, investment and the growing carbon offset markets

Harvesting

Blair Cooper, part-owner of Lakeland Cable Logging.

What’s it like harvesting widespread windthrow?

Many harvesting crews have never experienced the scale of windthrow trees left behind by Cyclone Gabrielle. Safetree Toroawhi/Worker Champion, Richard Stringfellow, talked to crews working near Taupo about what it’s like to harvest cyclone-ravaged forests.

H

APETA FLIGHT (TŪWHARETOA), FROM TURANGI-BASED Flight Logging, has some advice for anyone harvesting a windthrow forest: “Don’t expect to break any production records”.

“This stuff is pretty gnarly. There are a lot more hazards in it – standing spars, heavy leaners, tensioned logs, root balls. You’ve got to be more cautious and take your time. The work doubles,” he says.

Flight Logging is one of several crews harvesting forests in the Central North Island owned by Lake Taupō Forest Trust and Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust, which are managed by NZ Forest Managers. The need to harvest the cyclone-damaged trees before the wood deteriorates means several crews have been brought into the area, including crews from Hawke’s Bay who are unable to work in their own region due to the effects of the cyclones.

Flight Logging and Lakeland Cable Logging, both Safetree Certified Contractors, are two of the crews involved in the harvesting.

Dealing with the direction of the trees Hapeta says one of the biggest differences with windthrow is that generally the trees have all blown over in one direction – which might not be the direction you want them to be in for extraction to the skid site.

44 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

Ideally, you want the extraction operator to be able to pick up the butt end to avoid any more damage to the tree, he says.

“So, to get the trees bunched in the right direction for the extraction operator, the harvester operator sometimes has to spin the trees around, which can be tricky.”

Turning the trees without causing further damage is a bit of an art, particularly when some of them weigh up to four tonne.

Hapeta’s uncle, Gordon Flight, is the crew’s harvester owner/ operator and his approach is to turn the trees slowly and only halfway around.

“When I turn a tree, I’ll turn it sideways so the extraction operator can get it, and it’s still safe for me – without branches or the tree coming into the cab.”

The forest floor is littered with fallen trees that are sometimes layered on top of each other, so planning the extraction is essential, Gordon says.

“If you’re in the block and the wood’s been blown the wrong way you’ve got to plan how the extraction is going to work, what’s going to be easiest for you and your operator. You’ve got to take your time, don’t rush.”

Getting access to the site The fallen trees also cause problems with site access and roading.

“All the existing roads were covered in trees,” says Hapeta. “Normally you go to a block and the roading and other infrastructure is already in there for you. Here, there was a road, but it was covered in trees. So, we had to cut our way in through the windthrow.

“We also have to clear the way for the roading crews to get in to make the new roads for us.”

Harvesting wood under tension Gordon says often the windthrow trees are tangled and are under tension, meaning they can spring up when cut. In some cases, there are hairline fractures in the timber and they’ll split apart when cut.

“With trees under tension, what I do is try to get as close as possible to the root ball then use the head to put weight down on the tree while I cut it. That stops the high spring or the kickback.”

With hung-up trees, Gordon pushes them over with the machine if he can, or uses another tree to push them over.

Another thing he has to watch out for is stones and grit on the fallen trunks that can damage the machine’s chains.

“The fallen trees get covered in stones and grit which means I’ve gone through a few chains. To help reduce that, I run the head up and down the trunk to clean it as much as possible before I cut it.”

Dealing with root balls About half an hour north of where Flight Logging is working, Danny Rakete is operating a tethered harvester for Lakeland Cable Logging, working on some of the steeper slopes in the estate.

This is the first time Danny (Ngāti Kahungunu) has harvested windthrow, and he says the biggest thing he’s learned is how much slower the production is, and the potential hazards windthrow causes.

“You’ve got to deal with root balls, wrenched trees, hang-ups, spars, holes, trees under tension… the roads are blocked. You’ve got to take your time.”

Root balls are a key hazard on the sloping sites he’s working on because they can roll down the hill onto the road below that is used by forestry trucks and vehicles.

Damage to the trees from Cyclone Gabrielle makes harvesting slow work.

“They can also be a risk to planters, later on when they come through, if the root balls get dislodged and start to move. I want to leave it safe for those guys,” Danny says.

“Our control is, we leave the stems a bit longer so they have something to lean on or we interlock them, which helps stop them from rolling. We leave them on the ridges that already exist on the site or bring them down to the flat.”

Where possible, he’ll leave the root balls in the ground when he cuts the trees, though that’s often not possible because many of the trees were uprooted by the wind.

The large holes left by the root balls can be a hazard for machine operators too.

“You need to be aware of where they are or you could fall into them,” Danny says.

Managing stress and fatigue The slow, difficult nature of the work can be stressful for operators.

Both crews manage this by having other trained operators who can jump into the harvesters if Gordon or Danny need a break.

Harvesting

Top left: Gordon Flight, machine owner-operator with Flight Logging.

Top right: Danny Rakete, machine operator with Lakeland Cable Logging.

Above left: Dan Hart, Foreman, Lakeland Cable Logging.

Above right: Hapeta Flight, owner of Flight Logging.

They also use tailgate meetings to talk through the day’s plan – who’s doing what, where – so everyone knows what to expect.

“Each morning me and Dan, our foreman, talk about the plan for the day – how we’ll keep the work flowing, what the hazards are and how we will control them,” Danny says.

“Then we discuss the plan with the rest of the crew and go from there.”

In some ways the challenge of dealing with windthrow has actually supported the crew culture, he adds.

“Everyone is coming up with ideas for how to get the job done.

Everyone’s trying their hardest. Everyone’s more on the same page.”

His advice for other operators working in windthrow is to “take your time and don’t stress”.

“You don’t want to rush it ‘cause that’s when accidents happen.”

Working with the forest manager Lakeland Cable Logging crew part-owner/Manager, Blair Cooper, says good communication and partnership with the forest manager are especially important in windthrow conditions.

“The landscape is ever-changing for all parties involved. So, we’ve got to keep talking about what we’re coming up against.”

Good communication was important for making sure the production targets were realistic for the conditions, and that crews didn’t end up feeling under undue pressure, Blair says.

“Obviously falling and bunching for extraction is a lot slower in

windthrow so the targets did have to come down. We negotiated to a point that we feel is safe and productive and we can do the job. And NZ Forest Managers have supported us the whole way on that.”

Blair says to get his crew ready to go into the windthrow he brought in additional machinery to avoid likely pinch-points and made sure the staffing requirements were right for the level of work.

“I talked to the older guys with experience in windthrow about what we had to do, and what the crew needed from me so they could do their jobs safely and productively. I see my job as being there to make sure they have what they need so they can do the best job possible.”

Mechanisation is a game-changer Lakeland Cable Logging crew foreman, Dan Hart, was a manual faller the last time he worked in widespread windthrow. He says the introduction of mechanisation has been a game-changer for harvesters.

“You wouldn’t be able to send manual fallers into this sort of windthrow – it would be much too dangerous.

“The shift to mechanisation from motor manual has made it a lot safer to deal with large amounts of windthrow. There are no men on the ground in the cutover, so it’s much, much safer,” he says.

Danny, Dan, Hapeta and Gordon have all made short videos talking about their experience of harvesting windthrow. To watch them, visit Safetree’s TikTok page at: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetree.nz Photographer: Ivan Turdeich. NZL

46 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

3qtr_bc_

Gordon often has to swing the logs around so they can be collected by the skidder.

®

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOROF DISTRIBUTOR GB FORESTRY FORESTRY GB PRODUCTS PRODUCTS

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

"

"

PITCH GAUGE

3/4"

"

PITCH GAUGE

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

3qtr_bc_nz_logger_advert_rev_220721_1.indd 1

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

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

26/07/2021 4:00:18 PM

FICA.ORG.NZ

your voice The voice of forestry contractors since 2002

A perfect storm A MESSAGE FROM PRUE YOUNGER, CEO, FICA

Most people I talk to are saying this is the worst log market ever seen. The immense financial pressure and constant threats to business, coupled with totally destroyed public perception from slash, can feel pretty deflating and difficult to climb back up from. It’s definitely taking its toll financially and mentally, and the overall concern is for the people, viability of our contracting businesses and long-term sustainability of our industry.

Log prices have fallen so low that they’re not sustainable for anyone. When you look at all the elements in the supply chain, from silviculture to mechanised harvesting, haulage and port operations, sustainability at these low prices simply doesn’t stack up. Generally, the response from forest owners is to introduce quotas or end contracts altogether. Why has the price dropped? It’s a combination of factors, from windthrow and other lower wood grades being exported, to weak export demand particularly from China, competition with Australia who are supplying to China, and reduced domestic demand with a construction downturn.

Costs have increased everywhere with high inflation, and margins have been squeezed or wiped out altogether. This has been experienced across the board, from established and newer contractors alike.

We’re hearing from finance contacts that many contractors have already received multiple periods of payment holidays and/or term extensions due to COVID, weather and unstable market conditions. These periods have eroded both contractors working capital reserves and equity in their financed machinery.

Mr Strong says, “While we appreciate many operators have not experienced the economic environment we are currently in, UDC has worked with customers to help them navigate through tough periods in the past and believe there are ways for the forestry industry to get through the current challenges.”

From an accountancy perspective, we’re hearing that clients with IRD debt are proving difficult deals to get ‘across the line’ and in many cases, are more likely to be denied lending.

While mechanisation is aimed to improve the health and safety aspects of logging, the increase in costs associated with financing and operating this specialist gear is huge, as are the monthly finance repayments that must continue, regardless of income levels being realised. Although requiring contractors to have this equipment, forestry companies have been slow in adapting rates to keep up with the associated costs. The break-even point is now a lot higher than the old manual style crews.

How are we in this perfect storm?

• COVID interruptions and lockdowns having severe impacts on the demand for wood and the ability to supply.

• Continued (and accumulating) adverse fluctuations in log prices for the past three years.

We’re hearing that ‘lender fatigue’ is growing with signs of increased reluctance from lenders to fund forestry equipment. We’re told this may worsen and finance costs may increase in the future.

• Short term (i.e. turn-on turn-off) mentality of harvesting principals.

General Manager for Commercial at UDC Finance, Morgan Strong, says, “UDC Finance is seeing significant distress in the forestry industry at the moment. There are a number of factors which are contributing to the pressure on the industry, including rising costs, a reduction in export log prices and the impact of the cyclone.“

• Significant weather events, causing access and supply chain issues across the nation.

During these challenging periods, it is very important that operators keep a close eye on costs and revenue to ensure changes can be implemented as early as possible to help manage cashflow. In addition, working closely with advisors such as an accountant as well as funders to get a plan in place early and keep lines of communication open is vital for getting through this period. Over the last few months several forestry contractors have been supported with reduced loan payments or other relief.

48 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

• A flooded domestic log market.

• Significant increases in capital and operating costs being endured by the contractor with (often) minimal adjustments to contract rates.

• Ongoing reductions to production levels.

• High inflation and increased costs of servicing/ acquiring debt.

• Diminished working capital and ability to service debt and capital commitments.

Comments have been provided by Morgan Strong at UDC Finance and Sonya Elmiger at Blackburne Group. This column is not intended as professional advice and is provided on an information basis only.

It’s really tough and there is no silver bullet. Professional advice can be expensive, but it can also help save you in some situations. Here are some general recommendations: • Communicate with your finance company. Don’t be afraid to have upfront discussions with them as to what support they can offer.

• Communicate with your forest principal. Ask the hard questions re forward work, timeframes, production levels and crew configurations.

• Talk to your workers. Use up any holidays due. Negotiate a standdown rate for the next few weeks if you can.

Agreement to any standdown rates must be signed off by both parties to be legally valid.

• Check whether your personal assets are protected.

- What guarantees (both personal and corporate) have been provided?

- What assets are held as security?

- If a Company structure, what are the positions of your shareholder/related party current accounts?

- Do you have ownership of your assets separated from your operating activities (i.e. in a trust)?

- If a Trust structure, do the assets or liabilities of the trust include amounts owed to or by you as settlor/ beneficiary, which may expose the trust assets (or you personally) to risk?

• Try to negotiate IRD debt whether via your accountant or directly. We have heard of some contractors having FICA continues to support members and won’t turn anyone away that is wanting to get better advice. We can put you in touch with experts and finance specialists. We are also there to offer support for your welfare, mental wellbeing and just to be a sounding board 24/7.

New Zealand Owned & Operated

success negotiating with IRD for remission of penalties and core tax debt. Each case is different but if you don’t ask you won’t know. Be prepared to provide further information to IRD to support a request for financial relief.

• Discuss with your accountant: - Your current/projected cashflow position.

- Alternative income streams and the impact on net cashflow.

- Work options to get other funds into the equation.

That may involve using equipment you’ve got or going becoming an employee for a while.

- Options when you’ve gotten over the shock of what’s happened – is it actually a case of sustainability?

• Review your insurance. Can you reduce your premiums temporarily (i.e. do you have equipment that is (securely) parked up and not being used? Is the level of liability cover appropriate given the current circumstances?)

• ACC. Are the current level of wages that you are paying consistent with the prior year? If significantly less, then it may well be worth a discussion with ACC to request a review of levies. We’ve heard of some contractors negotiating their ACC bills down while working reduced quotas or parked up.

• Face it head on. The key to all of these steps is communication. Hiding from the problems just worsens the consequences. Seek help, face the tough decisions head on and be brave.

Prue Younger CEO, FOREST INDUSTRY CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

Design Matched Hose & Fitting System

0800 747 835

24/7 MOBILE HYDRAULIC HOSE REPAIR SERVICE WE’LL KEEP YOU OPERATING

65+ Fully Stocked Mobile Service Units

LOOKING FOR A CAREER CHANGE?

24/7 On-site Hose Repair

Rapid Response Time

www.pirtek.co.nz sales@pirtek.co.nz

Pirtek Trained Hose Specialists

We have Mobile Service Technician roles available around New Zealand now!

Check out www.pirtek.co.nz/careers July 2023 | NZ LOGGER 49

FICA.ORG.NZ

your voice The voice of forestry contractors since 2002

Scan here for details

SKIDDERS / FELLER BUNCHERS / HARVESTERS FORWARDERS / SWING MACHINES / ATTACHMENTS The full line-up of sought after John Deere forestry equipment is available from your local John Deere dealer. #anewdayanewdeere

FICA Partners

Thank you to all of the organisations who support FICA, which in turn works to promote business growth and improved safety and efficiency amongst forestry contractors for the benefit of New Zealand’s Forestry Industry.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

BUSINESS PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

T O J O I N , C A L L 0800 342 269 O R SIGNUP ONLINE AT FICA.ORG.NZ

FICA.ORG.NZ

your voice The voice of forestry contractors since 2002

fica at fieldays!

Safety/performance/quality

Top performers THIS ISSUE IS VERY SIMPLE – IT’S ALL about photographs of top performers.

While, as an industry we are going through some tough times, we still need to celebrate excellence and those who achieve it.

So, congratulations to all those who feature in this issue.

Next month, it will be the turn of some of our thin to waste folk.

Ka mau te wehi! Awesome individuals, awesome teams and awesome people behind the scenes supporting them in what they do!!

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

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

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

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, Ernslaw One, OneFortyOne New Zealand, Crown Forestry, Forest View Contracting, Makerikeri Silviculture (2020), Mitchell

James Sell.

Nigel Kenger.

52 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

Silviculture, Puklowski Silviculture, Gutsell Forestry Services, Johnson Forestry Services, McHoull Contracting, Wayne Cumming Contracting, Howard Forestry Services, Inta-Wood Forestry, Heslip Forest Contracting, Otautau Contractors, X Men Forestry, Proforest Services, FM Silviculture, Tane Mahuta, Waikato Forestry Services, Rai Valley Silviculture, Thomassen Logging, Forest View Logging, Griffin Logging, Penetito Forestry, Pride Forestry, Mangoihe Logging, CMH Contracting, Kaha Logging, Roxburgh Contracting, Te Waa Logging, Mike Hurring Logging, Bluewood Logging, Storm Logging, Onward Logging, Down and Out Logging, Forest Pro Logging, Eastside Logging, Lahar Logging, Moutere Logging, JD Harvesting, Whisker Logging, Kimberly Logging, Dewes Contractors, Dempsey Logging.

Into safety?

Into performance?

Into quality?

Contact Shane Perrett on 0274 781 908 at primefm@xtra.co.nz NZL

Jarob Verdoner.

S I

©

Liv

Safety/performance/quality

Aaron Buchan.

Chris Cousins.

Tegan Anderson.

Phil Jones.

Jacob Jenkins.

Devon Stewart.

The Wood Project in Hastings, Victoria was started

by Sarah and Nath Worth with a mission to make the most of valuable timber throughout the region. The familyowned and operated business has grown from a small firewood business to a full-service salvage sawmill making furniture and other finished timber products.

Many sawmill models available: from hobbyist to industrial!

Start sawing your way to success.

SAW YOUR OWN LOGS INTO TIMBER © 2023 Wood-Mizer LLC Live the Wood Life® is a registered trademark.

woodmizer.co.nz

CALL TODAY!

A portable sawmill with a large 90cm sawing capacity!

Contact: Conrad Swart

0273 210 450

Safety/performance/quality

Tim Paxton.

Ross Hitchman.

Kris Trevena.

Maddison Watkins.

Charles Marshall.

Pou Anderson.

Hariata Wipaki.

Kit Bradley.

From left: Jimmy White and Haydon Smith.

Nigel Hutchinson.

54 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

Hadyn Johnson.

Insurance solutions from experienced brokers Best fit now and for the future New Zealand wide - Kaitaia to Bluff

Longstanding supporters of the NZ forestry industry

Call Brenden or Steve today

• Wherever you are in the chain, we can help you • Standing timber, forestry consultancy, silviculture, saw-milling, harvesting, forestry loading, log transport • Cover for your assets, business interruption and liability

LG33637

Working with the forestry sector across New Zealand

Brenden: 021 853 840 Steve: 029 348 1634

0800 55 54 53 www.greenlightinsurancebrokers.co.nz

NEW CAT FOR CMH CONTRACTING

SUMITOMO/SATCO LOGGING

COMBO

FOR

OLLERENSHAW

CMH Contracting’s Conan Hemsworth has added a Cat 336GC EMS tractionline package to his Rotorua forestry operations. The Next Gen 336GC package combined with the tractionline winch system will be tethering a Weiler B758 felling machine and Weiler S550 skidder to carry out safe, productive steep slope harvesting with comfort and stability. Unit sold by Mark Costello, Terra Cat Territory Account Manager Forestry.

Otago-based Ollerenshaw Logging has taken delivery of a new Sumitomo SH300LF-6. Fitted with a Satco 630H felling head and guarding done at Duffy Engineering. The crew says this versatile machine is a great new addition to the fleet and they couldn’t wait to put it to use and drop some trees. Sold and serviced by AB Equipment, Dunedin.

QUADCO/TIGERCAT COMBO FOR HARMON HARVESTING

NEW WOODSMAN PRO FOR ROXBURGH CONTRACTING

Partners, Hayden Barnes and Brendon Harmon of Nelson’s Harmon Harvesting recently took delivery of a new Quadco QB4400 Tigercat L855E combo. Machine sold by Adam Aldworth from Quadco Group, Rotorua.

Roxburgh Contracting recently upgraded to a new Woodsman Pro 850, fitting it to an existing Tigercat 880D. The 850 replaces the company’s old Woodsman Pro 800. The team say they are enjoying the capabilities and features the 850 provides. Sold by the Ensign/Woodsman Pro team.

56 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

NEW KOMATSU FOR BLUEWOOD THINNINGS

BLUEWOOD LOGGING GETS A DOOSAN

The Bluewood Thinnings operation in Southland recently took delivery of a Komatsu 931XC. The 931XC is the first 8-wheel drive base in New Zealand, designed for steep slope applications. It carries the Komatsu S132 harvester head, well-suited for the New Zealand thinning scene. Kath and Clint McIvor have put Hutchie on the new machine, Devon onto the old 951 and have a new operator in-training on the 875 forwarder.

Bluewood Logging based out of Tapanui, recently took delivery of a new Doosan DX300LL log loader. Kath and Clint McIvor say they love the new addition to the fleet. This is number five for them and they highly rate the ROI and reliability of the product. Operator, Adam, says he is enjoying the ease of the machine and its ability to load and fleet with the high-rise cab, and the long reach of the forestry boom. In addition to the standard factory options, Mark Evans and the team at H.E.R did the ROPS and specialised engineering work. Sold and supported by AB Equipment.

JOHN DEERE FOR LAHAR LOGGING

NEW CAT FOR McCORMICK LOGGING

Smiler and Janina of Lahar Logging based in Raetihi have taken delivery of a new John Deere 959MH. Log 9 is a three-man crew working at the foot of Mount Ruapehu in the Karioi Forest for Ernslaw. Operator, Steven, says he is keen to take on the new John Deere after spending the last five years in a 909KH. Machine sold and serviced by Brandt Equipment.

Connor McCormick of McCormick Logging has replaced a trusty Cat 336F with a new Cat 568FM LL, which is the second Next Generation Cat 568 unit in the country. The big 568 package incorporates an 850 Woodsman and has been put to work in the Kaingaroa Forest. Connor opted to go for the rear entry cab on the Cat giving his 568 operator enhanced comfort and greater visibility. The Next Gen features have also provided noticeably increased performance throughout the machine, he says.

Unit sold by Mark Costello, Terra Cat Territory Account Manager Forestry.

July 2023 | NZ LOGGER 57

Delivering the solutions

BUCKETS

BUCKET & BLADE PROTECTION

BUCKET TEETH & ADAPTERS

Are you digging for a new Bucket? Boost productivity with a tougher rock or cleaning Bucket on your machines! Available for all brands of 20-100 tonne size Excavators!

Are your Buckets & Blades Protected? Armour up your gear to protect from wear & tear, with our large range of pin-on & weld-on wear protection products for Buckets & Blades!

Are you having Bucket Teeth issues? G.E.T them fixed forever with the world’s safest, most trusted MTG Starmet Tooth System. Available in stock for Excavators & Loaders!

CRUSHER WEAR PARTS

CUTTING EDGES & END BITS

RIPPER PRODUCTS

Are you crushing it? We offer a large range of wear products for all makes & models of Cone Crushers, Jaw Crushers, Impact Crushers, Hammer Mills & Screening Plants!

Have you got the edge on your machines? Sharpen up & cut through the clutter with our weld-in & bolt-on Cutting Edges for Excavators, Dozers, Graders, Loaders & Scrapers!

Are you ripping into it? You’ll need tough ripper solutions to get the job done! We stock a range of Rippers for all makes & models of Excavators, Dozers, Graders & Tractors!

RUBBER TRACKS

STEEL PLATE & PROFILES

UNDERCARRIAGE PARTS

Are you on the right track? Keep your rubber on the road with our huge range of Rubber Tracks for all brands of mini Excavators, CTL & ASV Compact Track Loaders!

Do you need tougher wear steels?

We’ve got the largest range of abrasion resistant steels & profiles in NZ! Available in various grades & thicknesses to suit your needs!

Are you making tracks? We’ll help you stay on track for longer with our huge range of Track Gear in stock, to suit all makes & models of Excavators & Dozers!

West-Trak DPS_Logger.indd All Pages

you need to stay productive

CNC PROFILE CUTTING

DRAWING & DESIGN

MACHINING & LINEBORING

Do you want faster steel plate processing? We’re experts at profile cutting the heaviest & hardest steels to any shape or size, using Plasma & Oxy-fuel CNC cutting!

Need help with improving your wear parts? Our team of mechanical design engineers can interpret your drawings & templates using SolidWorks software to make it better for you!

Do you need precision machining services? We can cut, drill, mill, bevel & tap the hardest wear steels with our 6-axis CNC Machining Centre, CNC Lathe & Line Boring unit!

FREE ONSITE SUPPORT

ROLLING & PRESSING

TRACK GROUP BOLT-UPS

Finding it hard to measure your wear parts? We come to you with our experienced engineers who have the tools & techniques, to measure & make solutions to suit your needs!

Need your steel plate pressed?

With our 500 tonne CNC Press Brake we can form the hardest & toughest wear steels to suit any curve or shape up to 6000mm wide!

Save yourself the hassle of bolting Track Shoes to your Chains & get them ready to roll on your machine. We have the gear & expertise to ensure correct shoe fitment & bolt torque settings!

TRACK WEAR REPORTING

TRACK PRESS & REBUILDS

WELDING & FABRICATION

With our 400 tonne hydraulic Track Press, we can service & rebuild any make or model of Excavator & Dozer Chains that need pin & bush turns or other track repairs!

We’re experts at heavy engineering wear products from the toughest steels. Our team of qualified welders have the skills & know-how to work with these specialized steels!

Our Undercarriage technicians can monitor & measure your Track Gear for upcoming replacements to help prevent unexpected breakages & downtime!

CALL US ON 0800 654 323 TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS Head Office: 32 Robertson St, Westport Auckland Branch: 14 Hobill Ave, Wiri

...........................

Visit our Website west-trak.co.nz

...........................

Email us at sales@west-trak.co.nz

...........................

Phone us on 0800 654 323

...........................

Contact us:

27/02/23 9:15 AM

USED FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

LATEST OFFERS LATEST OFFERS USED FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

JULY 2023 1996 Thunderbird TTY6170 Pole Hauler 1996 Thunderbird TTY6170 Pole Hauler NZ new with new Alison Transmission 12 months ago.

Main drum upgraded. Ex Palmerston North.

Device# D131932.

NZ new with new Alison Transmission 12 months ago.

2015upgraded.

Tigercat Feller Main drum ExLS855C Palmerston North.Buncher Device# D131932. with Tigercat 5195 Felling Head 10,330 hrs, +GST Ex Taupo. Device# D130351. $675,000*

$675,000* +GST

$280,000* +GST Komatsu PC400LC-8

Komatsu PC400LC-8

2,303 hrs, Woodsman 850 Processing Head, EMS Guarding Package.LH855D ExTaupo. Device# D127470.

2017 Tigercat Harvester

2,303 hrs, Woodsman 850 Processing Head, EMS Guarding Package. ExTaupo. Device# D127470.

WAS 8,385 $280,000 +GST hrs. Woodsman pro 750 Processing Head.

Ex Whangarei.

Device# D125653.

NOW $250,000* +GST WAS $550,000 +GST

WAS $280,000 +GST

NOW $250,000* +GST

NOW $495,000* 2015 Tigercat LS855C+GST Feller Buncher

2015 Tigercat LS855C Feller Buncher

8,800 hrs, Tigercat 5195 Felling Head & new undercarriage.

Ex Christchurch.

Currently on hire 2014 Sumitomo SH350 Processor Device# D128219. with 625 Waratah

8,800 hrs, Tigercat 5195 Felling Head & new undercarriage. Ex Christchurch. Currently on hire Device# D128219.

NOW $420,000* +GST WAS 13,518 $450,000 +GSTundercarage. hrs, good Ex Taupo. Device# D130448.

WAS $450,000 +GST NOW $420,000* +GST

Harvestline Cat 336DL $240,000* +GST

9,875 hrs. Harvestline conversion carried out in 2018 at 4,000 hours. Machine in good condition, comes with 2 Hawkeye Carriages. "OBO" ex Hastings.

9,875 hrs. Harvestline conversion carried out in 2018 at 4,000 hours. Machine in good condition, Volvo EC300DL Feller Buncher comes with 2 Hawkeye Carriages. "OBO" ex Hastings.

4,200 hrs, Duxson 142 Felling Head, New Engine fitted @2,000 hrs, Donaldson H/D guarding, Tow Hitch, $900,000* +GST Fire Suppression. Ex. Nelson. Device# D133568.

$900,000* +GST

$340,000* +GST Feller Buncher 2015 Tigercat LS855C

2015 Tigercat LS855C Feller Buncher

13,500 hrs. Just serviced, good undercarriage, 5195 Tigercat Felling Head,LH855E Ex Dunedin.Harvester Device# D128219.

Harvestline Cat 336DL

13,500 hrs. Just serviced, good undercarriage, 5195 Felling Head, Ex Dunedin. Device# D128219.

WAS $350,000 +GST

WAS 4,829 $350,000 +GST hrs, Southstar 600 Processor, extra corner posts both sides & grouser extensions NOW $295,000* +GST Ex Palmerston North. Device# D134042.

WAS $650,000 +GST NOW $625,000* +GST

NOW $295,000* +GST

Caterpillar 336DL Processor

13,535 hrs, fire suppression, hydraulic 2016 bonnet, high &Tigercat wide, goodLS855C track gear. Feller Buncher 7,650Device# hrs, Tigercat FD5195 directional felling head, Ex Taupo.

D129364. new undercarriage $227,000* +GST to be fitted, custom corner posts, tethering tow hitch fitted, well maintained from new.

Ex Whangarei. Device# D129256.

Caterpillar 336DL Processor 13,535 hrs, fire suppression, hydraulic bonnet, high & wide, good track gear.

Ex Taupo. Device# D129364.

$227,000* +GST 2018 Tigercat LS855E Feller Buncher with 5195 Tigercat Felling Head 6,935 hrs, brand new track group, fully serviced.

Ex Taupo. Device# D131505.

2018 Tigercat LS855E Feller Buncher $495,000* +GST with 5195 Tigercat Felling Head SH350TLFS 6,935Sumitomo hrs, brand new track group, fully serviced.

Ex Taupo.

Device# D131505.

10,750 hrs, 625C Waratah Processing Head, Hydraulic Bonnet, Good Track Gear. $570,000* +GST Ex Taupo. Device#D131090.

$265,000* +GST

$570,000* +GST

Lending is subject to Speirs Finance Group lending criteria, terms and condition

Get in touch with your local AB Equipmen Marcus Bourke Northland 027 241 6126 I Phil McKenzie Central North Island 0 Get in touch with your local AB Equipment Branch Ben Kendrick Gisborne Hawkes Baytoday.

021 658 554 I Ryan Petersen Lower North Lending is subject to Speirs Finance Group lending criteria, terms and conditions.

Marcus Bourke Northland 027 241 6126 I Phil McKenzie Central North Island 027 565 3956 Martin Talbot-Price Upper South Island 027 574 1712 I Hayden McCulloch Lowe Hazners Lower North Island 027 221 3293 Ben Kendrick Gisborne Hawkes Bay 021 658 554 I Jamie Ryan Petersen Martin Talbot-Price Upper South Island 027 574 1712 I Hayden McCulloch Lower South Island 027 288 1952

0800 30 30 90 I abequipment.co.nz 0800 30 30 90 I abequipment.co.nz *Ts&Cs apply.

NZ LOGGER classified

Powerful Value. Delivered.

CALL FOR CURRENT PRICING

CALL FOR CURRENT PRICING

John Deere 909MH Feller Buncher

John Deere 959MH

14,292 hrs. Waratah 623C attached. Located in Hastings.

Approx. 8300 hrs.

Southstar FD750 felling head attached, new undercarriage. Located in Whangarei.

CALL FOR CURRENT PRICING

CALL FOR CURRENT PRICING

John Deere 909MH Feller Buncher

John Deere E300 Forestry Conversion

12,374 hrs. Top rollers instead of plates, head refurbed at 4k hrs. Incl Satco 630 felling head.

New machine with Ensign 1730c Grapple.

Located in Rotorua

brandt.ca/nz

Terry Duncan: 027 285 1015

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

Grapplesand andall allspares sparesinin Grapples stockwith withovernight overnightdelivery delivery stock

LG31252

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

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

July 2023 | NZ LOGGER 63

NZ LOGGER classified

WE CUSTOM BUILD -STOCK, OVERHAUL & REPAIR WE MANUFACTURE THE BEST HEAVY DUTY CORES IN NZ Madill Komatsu CAT Thunderbird John Deere Hyundai Tigercat Sumitomo

$525,000.00 (+gst)

OILCOOLERS

Large Stocks of Heavy Alloy Cores & Completes Full Custom Build Service Fast & Efficient

Comes with all rigging, blocks, carriage and 5 electronic chokers. Machine is in excellent condition, ready to go to work.

Excellent service history.

RADIATORS

Contact Rob bushlinefh@outlook.co.nz 027 5555 192

11 ISSUES

11 ISSUES

ONLY ONLY

$180

$95

36.00

$

$80

ONLY

INCL. GST

for Saving $49 – 22% GET YOUR COPIES EVERY MONTH! SUBSCRIBE NOW!

4 ISSUES

$88.00

105.00

$

Saving $8.00

(INCLUDES EQUIPMENT GUIDE)

(INCLUDES EQUIPMENT GUIDE)

INCL. GST

Saving $2.00

10%

9.5%

$32

ONLY

INCL. GST

Saving $10

LG33490

sales@bopradiatorspecialists.co.nz

SUBSCRIBE TO ALL 3 MAGAZINES

(9000 hrs)

US

Swing Units for Madill’s & Kenworth Logging Trucks

Grabasub

2015 Active 60 Hauler

CHARGE AIR COOLERS

BOP Radiators Te Puke 07 5739109 Heat Exchanger Services Hornby Chch 03 3729240

LG32968

INTERCOOLERS

OILCOOLERS

RADIATORS

6%

SUBSCRIBE TO ALL 3 MAGAZINES FOR $180 SAVING $49 – 22% GET YOUR COPIES EVERY MONTH! SUBSCRIBE NOW!

5 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

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

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

3 TITLES $180 incl. GST

Please tick appropriate magazine title box MY DETAILS NAME:

FOR ME

ADDRESS:

A GIFT

Renewal of current subscription:

No.

RECIPIENT DETAILS FOR GIFT SUBSCRIPTION NAME:

PHONE (day):

ADDRESS:

EMAIL: PAYMENT

VISA

Me

PHONE (day):

MASTERCARD

EMAIL:

AP21328

CARD HOLDER NAME: SECURITY CODE:

64 NZ LOGGER | July 2023

EXPIRY DATE: SIGNATURE:

SEND A GIFTCARD TO (tick one):

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 and Driver and NZ Logger subscriptions. Rates include GST and postage. For overseas prices please enquire.

Wa

Nort Mec

Blen Onsi

FL100 Felling Head Suitable for carriers in 30 tonne + range.

Priced from $110,634.00 For more information contact:

New Product Sales Barry Gates 0272 727 496

Waratah FL100 Felling Head

USED ATTACHMENTS - Used product sales - Daniel Honore 021 531 376

Waratah 626

Waratah 626

#183 as traded.

Danfoss/TimberRite

#089 fully rebuilt.

Parker valve TimberRite

Waratah H290

WMAN750

To be refurbished

As traded. Less than 1000 hours. New edges fitted.

10%

10%

OFF

OFF

New Zealand Stock H626 As traded H626 As traded H626 As traded H626 As traded H626 As traded H626 Complete rebuild H626 As traded H626 As traded H626 As traded H625C As traded WMan 750 Near new H290 As traded Australian Stock H624C Complete rebuild H622B Complete rebuild H622B Partial rebuild H616C Complete rebuild H616B As traded

RRP $378.50+gst

NOW $340.65+gst

10% OFF

NZ$ 26,000.00 13,000.00 43,750.00 13,000.00 13,000.00 212,000.00 45,500.00 26,000.00 18,750.00 127,000.00 255,600.00 21,750.00 AUD$ 251,251.98 240,000.00 165,000.00 135,056.81 11,000.00

RRP $162.68+gst

NOW $146.41+gst

Delimb Covers Measuring arm spindle rebuild kit

All merchandise

Auto tension kit

Waratah Forestry Services 24/7 phone 0800 492 728 or +6 47 343 1550 Northland Mechanised logging services

CNI, Waikato, Wairarapa Waratah Forestry Services

Hawkes Bay Forestry Maintenance HB

Nelson Tasman Heavy Diesel

Blenheim Onsite Mechanical

Greymouth SM Hydraulics

Dunedin Heavy Diesel support

Southland Heavy Equipment Repair

Grease Nipple Kit

10% OFF

Komatsu PC300HW

Komatsu Forest’s Unique Forest Combinations The Komatsu PC270HW & PC300HW Extreme models have been developed by collaboration between Komatsu Forest & Komatsu Osaka Factory.

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