NZ Logger April 24

April 2024 | 9.50

Just what you need

ISSN 2703-6251

Fast and robust

Down to business with Robert Stubbs

Addressing fatigue connection failures

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contents

APRIL 2024

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FOREST TALK Forestry prices turning; Rotorua steps into action; Carbon credits too costly?; Funding cuts end FISC’s Toroawhi initiative; Northland’s new Kāeo Bridge up and running; Support during dry weather; Farewell to paper logbooks; Transport in the spotlight; Forestry loader champion; Otago legend takes fourth title.

SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST This month we test a John Deere 803MH harvester at Hamurana just north of Lake Rotorua, hosted by Jensen Logging. It’s the newest of

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two 803’s in this crew and there’s a third on the way, so Russell Jensen must be happy with them. We find out why.

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TALL TIMBER The industry’s boom and bust cycle might have become as natural and unavoidable as the seasons but for Robert Stubbs, and many others, the bust is personal, and permanent. Ian Parkes investigates in the second of this two-part report.

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FOREST ENGINEERING When it comes to addressing potential fatigue failures of connections to tethered machines, it pays to be proactive says Guildford Engineering Consultants’ Denis H Smith.

DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 42 fica 46 top spot 49 Greenlight New Iron 52 classifieds

April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 1

from the editor April 2024 | 9.50

Just what you need

ISSN 1176-0397

PHOTO: TIM BENSEMAN

Fast and robust

Down to business with Robert Stubbs

Addressing fatigue connection failures

Operator, Manaia Gage (left) and Iron Tester, Shaun Field, with the John Deere 803MH harvester at Jensen Logging.

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Give and take ALREADY A QUARTER WAY INTO THE NEW YEAR, THE INDUSTRY IS buzzing. Awards and training sessions are underway, conferences are in full force, planting season is shortly upon us and, our bread and butter, harvesting, continues reliably in the background. Drier weather makes for safer forests, and we are finally getting to a point where we can catch our breath after the post-cyclone clean-up.

Many are cautiously optimistic for the bulk of the year that remains, after a volatile time for the industry. If Chinese mythology is anything to go by, we can take that optimism to heart. If you didn’t already know, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Not just any dragon, mind you – the Wood Dragon. That comes with predictions of abundance and good fortune, said to slowly take hold… well, I’m certainly no astrologer, but if it’s good enough for our biggest trade partner, we’ll take a bit of that.

Someone who could have done with better fortune is well-known contractor, Robert Stubbs. This month we return to his honest and blunt account of how his business went from thriving to floundering. Though he got caught up in feeding the beast, in hindsight it’s clear to him what he could and should have done differently. His story tackles this, not only on a personal scale, but also highlighting broader issues in the forestry sector and the need for consistency and support on all levels to help address and smooth out the challenges that come with the boom and bust cycle – a cycle that he says is too easily accepted in this industry.

“To build actual sustainability, Government needs to create mechanisms that put an end to the boom and bust cycle which has such a litany of devastating downstream effects, smooth out the lumps and add value to our wood and end products,” says Robert.

Perhaps his hindsight can serve as somebody else’s foresight.

And foresight is what it’s all about in the feature that follows. A practical approach to addressing potential fatigue failures of connections to tethered machines is prudent, given the increasing use of tethered machines to replace fallers on slopes, sometimes well beyond the original limits of ‘traction assist’ – not only a cost issue but a safety one too!

Because, at the end of the day, coming home safely to our whānau is really what matters most.

Until next time, stay safe.

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forest talk

Forestry prices turning ASB’S LATEST RURAL QUARTERLY REPORT, OUT LAST MONTH, indicates that forestry prices are turning slowly and are expected to bolster construction activity and domestic demand.

The downturn in forestry prices came sooner – and hit harder – than the earlier softening in other commodities, particularly given the concentration of the sector in China.

“With Chinese economic activity projected to slow in 2024 (albeit not as much as previously expected), and the Chinese property market not looking particularly flash, we are expecting modest support from the export market,” says ASB Economist Nathaniel Keall.

“However, we are anticipating a slightly more supportive environment domestically. With OCR cuts likely in the second half of the year, we expect house prices to gain ground over the course of the year somewhere in the region of 7-8%. That’s a much slower upswing than during the last house price cycle, but should bolster construction activity and ultimately domestic demand for New Zealand forestry products to some degree.”

ASB General Manager Rural Banking, Aidan Gent, adds, “The combination of fluctuating commodity prices, on-farm inflation, Official Cash Rate rises and some extreme weather events have tested the resilience of our growers and farmers. The food and fibre sector, as always, has shown great resilience.

There are always challenges, but we believe from challenge comes opportunity and we are backing the sector all the way.”

Overall the report contains a more positive outlook for the rural sector compared with previous quarters, as prices for key commodities have rebounded and forecasts have been nudged upwards.

Mr Keall says the more bullish growth outlook has a lot to do with changing expectations around what monetary policy will do.

4 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

“Markets have become more bullish so rates won’t need to move as high, and the global economy might manage the fabled ‘soft landing’. Traditionally ‘safe’ assets like government bonds and the US dollar are out of favour, and ‘risk’ assets like equities and commodities are back in vogue.”

On other fronts, dairy prices have managed a decent rebound of about 22% since their lowest point earlier in the season, but are still around 30% below the peaks they enjoyed the previous year.

“The main feature of recent auctions has been the enduring absence of Chinese purchases. Over the past three months, the world’s largest dairy importer has purchased less than 40% of the Whole Milk Powder (WMP) on offer at each auction, versus a historical average of 55-60%.

“We’ve twice revised our 2023/24 milk price forecast since our last report. The recent uptick has also pushed our forecast for the 2025 season higher, to a fairly robust $8.30 per kgMS.” While a weaker global economy curbed commodity prices in general in 2023, meat consumption looks to have been harder hit than some other staple commodities.

“Accounting for adverse currency movement given the higher NZD, the average producer is earning a little over 9% less than they were at this point in the previous season – and as much as 21% below what they could hope to be paid at this stage in the 2022 season.

“Lower demand has crashed into stronger meat supply in many parts of the world. Oversupply has been an acute issue in the Australasian lamb market, explaining the sustained weakness in lamb prices.

“Australian lamb production rose a whopping 13% to record highs in calendar year 2023, releasing a glut of supply onto global meat markets and placing downward pressure on wholesale prices.” NZL

forest talk

Rotorua steps into action A KEY DOCUMENT HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE forestry sector to Rotorua has been launched. The Rotorua Forest Futures Action Plan brings together much of the work that has been completed in the past, recognising Rotorua’s natural strengths in the sector and highlighting key focus areas – emphasising the importance of community engagement, environmental stewardship and economic development.

The Action Plan takes a te ao Māori approach to deliver Rotorua-led initiatives to bring the community benefits from forests as the region moves towards becoming a Centre of Excellence in forestry and wood processing.

Development of the Action Plan was a collaborative effort, led by an oversight group made up of seven Rotorua-based organisations: CNI Wood Council, Scion, Te Uru Rākau New Zealand Forest Service, Toi Ohomai|Te Pūkenga, Rotorua Lakes Council, RotoruaNZ and Whenua Oho. The action plan contains 32 different actions with a series of different action owners.

Highlights include: • Research, science, innovation and commercialisation: The plan highlights the role of forestry in driving economic growth, with a focus on innovation, research and the development of a circular bioeconomy. This includes investments in wood processing and technology that leverage Rotorua’s position as a hub for forestry excellence.

• Engaged communities: Recognising the vital role of the community, the plan emphasises engagement and education to ensure that the benefits of forestry are widely understood and shared. This includes efforts to enhance recreational access to forests and educational programmes to inspire the next generation of forestry professionals.

• Moving to carbon zero: With a strong focus on sustainability, the Action Plan aims to contribute to climate change mitigation through increased tree planting and the adoption of carbon-zero practices. This aligns with broader environmental goals and the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. The Action Plan outlines a commitment to diverse planting, supporting a mix of species that contribute to ecological resilience and economic viability. This approach ensures forests are more adaptable to changing climates and market demands.

• Māori and forests: Central to the plan is the incorporation of te ao Māori perspectives, ensuring that practices are aligned with Māori values and the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship). This includes initiatives designed by Māori for Māori, supporting their significant role in the forestry sector.

Stakeholders say the Rotorua Forest Futures Action Plan is not just a document but a call to action for all involved to work together towards a shared vision. It represents an opportunity to shape the future of forestry in Rotorua, ensuring it is sustainable, inclusive, and economically vibrant. NZL

Carbon credits too costly?

THE CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION’S recent advice on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), if accepted, would continue to keep carbon prices arbitrarily high, pushing up prices for consumers and making it more expensive to reduce net emissions for absolutely no additional environmental benefit, says Taxpayers’ Union climate policy spokesperson, Connor Molloy.

“The Commission emphasises that social and economic equity must be considered as we respond to climate change while continuing to advocate for an arbitrarily high minimum price for carbon credits that does

not even reduce emissions. This and the lack of any real attempt to legalise cheap international offsets makes life harder for the most economically marginalised,” he adds.

“The Climate Change Commission also has it back to front when it comes to how we decarbonise. They argue that if other policies outside of the ETS reduce gross emissions, the ETS cap can be lowered to lock this in as a net emissions reduction. The Government could simply lower the ETS cap instead and the net emissions reduction will occur where it is most affordable to do so.

“Both scenarios reduce net emissions but,

for some unknown reason, the Commission seems obsessed with doing things as expensively as possible through picking winners rather than allowing an efficient market.

“This advice should also act as a warning for the Government. Relying on ETS revenue is not a sustainable way to deliver lasting tax relief when the revenue is so variable.

The Government should instead focus on cutting waste to fund its tax relief and use ETS revenue to provide a universal carbon dividend to all taxpayers which may vary year to year.” NZL April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 5

forest talk

Funding cuts end FISC’s Toroawhi initiative THE TOROAWHI/WORKER CHAMPION INITIATIVE RUN BY THE FOREST Industry Safety Council (FISC) came to an end last month after WorkSafe pulled out of funding safety programmes to the tune of up to $15 million a year.

The Toroawhi initiative started in February 2020 as a pilot, sponsored and funded by WorkSafe. But with the WorkSafe funding ending last year, FISC was unable to find other funding to keep it going. Thirty-five to forty percent of FISC’s $1.1-2 million annual funding will be hit.

“So the amount of work that FISC can do is clearly now reduced,” says Council Chair, Simon O’Grady.

He says the rationale for the move had not been made clear to them.

“If there is reduced funding going into the programmes that directly affect Health and Safety in our forests and other industries, then you would imagine that that would have a flow-on effect and we’re certainly concerned that might be the outcome.”

FISC/Safetree CEO, Joe Akari, says it is sad that the Toroawhi initiative has ended but he is proud of the work done by Toroawhi, Richard Stringfellow and Wade Brunt, over the last four years.

“They have visited many forestry businesses across the country, talking with thousands of people working in forestry. They have worked hard to improve worker engagement and wellbeing, and to support crews and workers to achieve Safetree Certification.”

The Toroawhi spent much of their time engaging with businesses and crews on the importance of wellbeing and having a good team culture, he says.

“That led to a number of crews developing their own initiatives aimed at improving both physical and mental health within the crew, including exercise groups and wellbeing check-ins.”

The Toroawhi ran training sessions, including on how to run

Toroawhi Richard Stringfellow (left) with crew from Moir Logging in Nelson.

6 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

forest talk

a good toolbox meeting and how to engage workers. They also helped FISC create case studies of what good practice looked like in action.

“While Richard was based in the Central North Island and Wade in Tairāwhiti, they both visited crews outside of these regions, including in the South Island.

“By travelling from site to site they were able to learn how different crews were tackling common issues, and to share these good ideas with other crews.”

They also helped the industry manage emerging risks.

“For example, following the cyclones last year they helped share information about how to manage the additional risks of harvesting windthrown trees,” says Mr Akari.

He adds that the Toroawhi played an important role in supporting crews and workers going for Safetree Certification.

“Sometimes crews were resistant to getting certified and saw the audit as a ‘test’ that aimed to catch them out. The Toroawhi were able to explain that Safetree’s audits aren’t like that. They’re about helping contractors and workers to demonstrate high levels of competency in health and safety.”

The Toroawhi’s contribution to health and safety in forestry was recognised by the industry in 2021 when they won a Judges’ Commendation Award at the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards.

Following the announcement that the initiative would end, the Toroawhi received many messages of thanks and support from people they had helped.

“Some people were dismayed about the end of the programme. Others wanted to thank Richard and Wade for their efforts.

“The Toroawhi have had a lasting influence on FISC’s work, and on many of the crews and individuals they interacted with. We wish them both well for the future,” he says. NZL

Above from left: Joe Akari with Wade Brunt and Richard Stringfellow.

Below: Wade Brunt holding the Health and Safety award won by the Toroawhi in 2021.

Grooved Drums and Sleeves

DIAGNOSE • DESIGN • DELIVER

forest talk

The second beam is lifted onto the pier.

Northland’s new Kāeo Bridge up and running THE NEW STATE HIGHWAY 10 (SH10) KĀEO BRIDGE, TO BE FULLY completed by the end of this month, will improve safety and traffic flow to and from the Far North.

Some 5,000 vehicles use this route every day, including around 350 freight trucks. During the summer peak, numbers can more than double to over 10,000 vehicles.

“This is an important piece of infrastructure for the Northland region that will help freight vehicles, members of the local community and tourists get to where they need to go, safely and efficiently,” says Transport Minister, Simeon Brown.

The Kāeo Bridge had been opened in a reduced capacity to allow one-way traffic but was fully open to two-lane traffic in time for the Easter break. All that remains is to remove the old bridge and undertake associated maintenance.

The new design, with two lanes and a roundabout at the intersection of SH10 and Whangaroa Road, will make it safer and easier to travel through the intersection and over the bridge, as well as improving traffic flow.

“We have heard from the local community that the old single-lane bridge and intersection was dangerous and that there was a serious risk of flooding in Kāeo, even before the extreme weather events of 2023,” says Mr Brown.

“At 110 metres long, the new bridge is over twice the length of the previous bridge. This will allow for a larger volume of water to move underneath it, increasing transport resilience in the region.”

“It will be a welcome relief to motorists to have the new bridge open, and I want to congratulate NZTA and the local Fulton Hogan construction team for completing it two months ahead of schedule.” NZL

Support during dry weather AS DRY CONDITIONS WORSEN ACROSS THE TOP OF THE SOUTH Island, the coalition Government is providing support for growers and farmers.

“Conditions on the ground across the Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson districts are now extremely dry and likely to get worse in the coming months,” says Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

“Funding of up to $20,000 will be made available to the Top of the South Rural Support Trust to plan for events and support growers and farmers where needed.

“The top of the South Island is not in meteorological drought, but this step will ensure early support is available for growers, farmers and rural communities.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been working collaboratively with central agencies, sector groups, regional 8 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

bodies, and growers and farmers across the country to prepare for El Niño since its arrival last year.

“Growers and farmers in the Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson districts are experienced with dry summer months and prepare for this,” says Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson.

“But this additional support is needed as forecasters predict the dry weather will linger into autumn.

“The Top of the South Rural Support Trust, MPI, Federated Farmers, plus growers and farmers, representatives of the forestry and viticulture sectors, and local councils have been meeting regularly to discuss the situation.

“I know growers and farmers in other parts of the country are also experiencing dry conditions and we’re keeping a close eye on the situation in those regions,” Mr McClay adds. NZL

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forest talk

Farewell to paper logbooks

WITH CRASHES INVOLVING TRUCKS TOO frequent and often fatal, and many truck drivers in New Zealand still using old paper logbooks, a new, free phone app for truckers to easily log their driving hours is long overdue.

Log Ninja founder, Bodhi Vette, says crash statistics need to come down, and automating logbooks is an essential step towards safer roads.

“When I drove buses, I found all that paperwork created a massive administrative burden, on top of driving long hours.

“There’s the stress of recording your hours properly so you’ll be paid what you’re owed, and then as drivers you also need to ensure you’re taking regular breaks as required by law, because you can face big penalties for non compliance.

“If you’re checking the paper logs to calculate when you’re next due for a break, your focus isn’t solely on the road.”

In New Zealand, there are approximately 200,000 commercial drivers. Truckers are mandated by law to take a break every fiveand-a-half hours, for a maximum of 11 hours’ driving each day.

Log Ninja automatically reminds drivers when they’re approaching a mandated rest break, reducing driver stress about compliance with the rules.

“Log Ninja records time on the move, and a notification will tell the driver when they are due for a break. Truck drivers can focus on driving safely and not have to worry about paperwork.”

Mr Vette says there is a real cost and burden to staying compliant, which is worn by the trucking industry.

“Our market research found that the cost to buy these digital tools is a barrier for drivers, and there’s still cost and a significant 10 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

management burden with paper logs.

“If all drivers were using the existing digital logbooks, it would cost the industry approximately $24 million dollars every year.

“Even those using the approved paperbased version still pay between $10 and $18 for the 50-page triplicate logs, which require physical transfer and storage for a minimum of two years.

“We’re removing that barrier by making Log Ninja free to every driver in New Zealand. More drivers using digital logs will save money and make the roads safer.”

Mr Vette says drivers still favour paper logs because of the autonomy and simplicity it affords.

“We want drivers to be able to make the switch to digital easily, so Log Ninja is usable by any driver with a smartphone and keeps logging data under their control.”

Dan Burt has been driving trucks and buses for 12 years and has just started using Log Ninja. He says the biggest barriers to going digital have been the cost, and unfamiliarity with the new systems.

“I’ve tried other digital logbooks and quickly gone off them. I found them difficult to use, and making edits was very time consuming.

It wasn’t worth paying more over the paper version.

“So, to have a free option which is modelled on the paper logs is a lifesaver.

“Everything is familiar, and Log Ninja works even without cell reception. Now if I get a late call-up to work, I just grab my wallet and phone and I’m good to go.”

Mr Vette says he took inspiration from the aviation industry, which requires pilots to record their hours in different kinds of aircraft to build up a portfolio of experience.

“Log Ninja is the first NZTA-approved logbook

that allows drivers to record hours for different kinds of driving disciplines.

“When a driver starts logging, they’ll be able to choose from 92 different types of driving across five license classes – from B-train truck and trailers to tractors and taxis.”

Log Ninja aims to have 30,000 commercial drivers using the logbook in its first month, says Mr Vette.

“The app can be used by anyone who is required by law to record their driving hours. As well as knowing when to take a break. The main purpose of keeping logs is to be able to show your employer, companies you contract to, or police, evidence of how many hours of driving you’ve done.

“Log Ninja makes it easy to select the driving period you want, in the type of vehicles you’ve driven, and easily export logs with the press of a button.

“Every sign-up will make a driver’s life easier, their record-keeping more meaningful, and New Zealand roads safer.”

Log Ninja is approved by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and can be downloaded free on the App Store and Google Play. NZL

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Log Ninja founder, Bodhi Vette.

forest talk

Transport in the spotlight THE LONG-AWAITED UNVEILING OF TRUCK OF THE YEAR Australasia was announced at the recent TMS Teletrac Navman Technology/Maintenance/Safety Conference & Exhibition, with the Western Star X-Series declared the 2024 winner.

“Trucks coming to Australasia must cope with a very different trucking environment to many of their home countries and need to be adapted accordingly. The winning Truck of the Year needs to offer solutions that are as much varied as they are cutting-edge which makes it a very tall order for the judges who need to determine the contender has made the best overall contribution to freight transport safety and efficiency across Australasia,” says David Boyce, CEO of the New Zealand Trucking Association. “In the end, the winning truck is the one that is most successful across New Zealand and Australia and has been adapted in a way that makes it more useful.”

The Western Star X-Series faced some pretty strong competition from the Volvo F-Series Electric and Scania’s Super Series but at the end of the day the X-Series delivered an up-to-date design that not only looked great but performed well. With a powerful driveline, enhanced safety features, comfortable and ergonomic cab, the X-Series was considered by the judges to be a huge step forward for the brand. For customers who value safety, without compromising on capability, the X-Series delivers a serious competitive challenge.

Along with over 50 exhibitors at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, the event attracted a high calibre of speakers addressing a

range of topics including how to enhance fleet productivity through performance-based designs, telematics, AI, and how transformational technology can be for the industry. Attendees were also challenged to think more deeply about the future of transportation fuels especially how diesel, hydrogen and electric can all play their part.

“Industry safety was central to the conference and delegates appreciated the opportunity to hear how industry-led initiatives such as HARMfree Transport and Logistics and TruckSafe NZ can enhance safety outcome and contribute to operator well-being,” says Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO, National Road Carriers. NZL

Truck of the Year Australasia 2024, the Western Star X-Series.

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forest talk

Forestry loader champion Above: Travis Young with his trophy.

Below: Loading the trailer.

THE FORD RANGER NEW ZEALAND Rural Games celebrated its ninth year with a heightened level of competition across various events including timbersports, shearing, sheep dog trials, fencing and highland heavies competitions.

Newton Harvesting’s Travis Young of Urenui (40), took first place in the Golden Loader Forestry Championship.

The competition required the competitors to load a logging truck’s trailer with two sets of logs (packets) within a 15-minute timeframe.

12 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

He says criteria to be accepted as a participant included being employed in the forestry industry, being a loader operator and loading trucks regularly.

“We were assessed on health and safety (ensuring we maintained safe distance from the crowd, seatbelt wearing, three points of contact for entering and exiting the digger, to name a few), flushness of the load (ensuring the logs were flush at each end) and ensuring the logs were stacked with the butts all at one end. We also unloaded the trailer but it wasn’t a

requirement to finish the unloading in the allocated timeframe,” he explains.

Mr Young, who started in forestry via a work experience programme through school and has been “hooked” ever since says he is “very proud” of his win: “I am passionate about my job and doing it to the best of my ability, so to be able to compete in this competition and win makes all the early mornings and dedication to accuracy and detail all the better. My boss (Rob Newton) has said he values the dedication and energy I put

forest talk

Above: Waiting to compete.

Right: Getting the thumbs-up to start.

Bottom right: Travis Young choosing his digger. into my role, and the attention to detail in organising the truck flow each day to ensure we get enough export loads to the Port.

The weekend extravaganza, watched by tens of thousands of spectators over three days, marked a significant celebration of rural sports in Palmerston North.

This year’s event introduced new features such as axe throwing and a relaxation zone catering to individuals with accessibility needs, young families and retirees, with plans for further expansion in the future.

Margaret Kouvelis MNZM, outgoing Chair of the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, says it was great to witness athletes in action and engaging young participants in traditional activities like tree climbing, egg throwing, and haybale racing. She emphasised the event’s mission of getting kids active, supporting rural sports and helping to bring rural and urban families together.

Other results included: The Golden Loader Forestry Championship, presented by the Forest Industry Contractors Association with the Southern North Island Wood Council, John Turkington, McCarthy’s Transport, Foxpine Haulage, Tigercat Pts Logistics, and AB Equipment: • 1st: Travis Young – Newton Harvesting, Urenui • 2nd: James MacFarlane – Bat Forest Harvesting, Hastings • 3rd: Max Gibson – Mangoihe Logging Company, Marton • 4th: Colin Bush – ATS Logging, Napier.

• 5th: Kelvin Bouskill – Havendale Logging, Masterton

STIHL New Zealand Men’s Timbersports Championship: • 1st: Jack Jordan from Taumarunui • 2nd: Shane Jordan from Stratford • 3rd: Kyle Lemon from Rotorua • 4th: Nathan McDonald from Waiuku • 5th: Bobby Dowling from Adelaide • 6th: Hayden Rasmussen from Otaki • 7th: Chris Lord from Otorohanga • 8th: Laurie Honey from Rotorua • 9th: Neil Hateley from Westport • 10th: Jesse Whitehead from Christchurch STIHL New Zealand Rookies Timbersports Championship: • 1st: Cleveland Cherry from Tokoroa • 2nd: Mathew Gower from Whangamomona • 3rd: Sam Bellamy from Stratford STIHL New Zealand Women’s Championship • 1st: Anne Paterson from Australia • 2nd: Raewyn Windley from Rolleston • 3rd: Alma Wallace from Otaki NZ Speed Tree Climbing Pairs Championship Cup with Husqvarna and Guardian Tree Services: • 1st: Steph Dryfhout and Noel Galloway from Waikato/BOP – Points: 103.12 • 2nd: Sam Smith and Brie Uivel from Auckland – Points: 95.93 • 3rd: Dom Ritter and Ruby McNab from South Island - Points: 82.68 • 4th: Samantha Fraser and Callum Toms from Wellington – Points: 64.15 Top Ascent Times: Sam Smith: 13.35, Brie Uivel: 17.16, Dom Ritter: 18.40.

Top Work Climb Points: Noel Galloway: 70.67, Steph Dryfhout: 66.33, Dom Ritter: 64.18. NZL April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 13

forest talk

TAKING THE TITLE FOR THE FOURTH TIME, OTAGO’S TROY CALTEAUX has emerged as New Zealand’s ultimate digger driver at the Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition. Demonstrating his expertise he defended his title against 12 of the country’s top operators.

The Milton local and Andrew Haulage 2011 employee became the first person to win the competition four times – and the first to win three titles in a row. He took the title over Waikato champion, Michael Brown, of Fulton Hogan, while last year’s runner-up, Steven George of Northland, took third place.

Mr Calteaux’s success in this competition, held at Manfeild Park in Feilding during the Central Districts Field Days, follows national titles in 2018, 2021 and 2022. He was supported at the competition by his brother Kieran and father Colin.

He says the win felt great – all the more so because of the nerves of competing for his fourth title in what he knew would be a very close competition.

“This year has been an awesome one, the competitors have been wicked. A mean group.

“I put myself under that much pressure on the course that I thought old Steve had it. Thanks to CablePrice for putting the gear up for us, and all the other sponsors. I’m just blown away.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon tests the Connect Challenge.

14 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

Troy Calteaux of Milton (centre) won a historic fourth title at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition. He is pictured here with runner-up Michael Brown (right) and third-place finisher Steven George.

This year’s event marked the 30th anniversary of the excavator-skills clash and featured a serious upgrade to the usual tests of on-the-job skills and crowd-pleasing activities.

Competitors amazed fans in new challenges, including scooping ice cream into a cone without damaging it using a newly designed scoop attachment. The ice cream was then served up to delighted young spectators at Central Districts Field Days.

Another never-seen-before challenge was the ‘Connect Challenge’, which required operators to beat opponents by dropping giant game pieces into a jumbo-sized Connect Four-style stand using their excavators. This new task was designed for the 30-year celebration and trialled successfully by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon the day prior to the competition.

Existing challenges had a new twist for the 30th event, most notably the conversion of the traditional ’Slam Dunk’ to a marble run by the competitors, who had to plan and dig a course of trenches raised above ground for the ball to follow after it exited the concrete tower.

Runner-up, Michael Brown of Fulton Hogan, put in an impressive showing on the ice cream challenge in his first shot at nationals. A classic ‘dark horse’ competitor, Mr Brown flew under the radar to lead the pack at the end of Day One of the two-day competition.

He said he was proud of his achievements on the challenging course.

“It’s a bit different to digging rock. I had a good day out there, and I’m really proud of myself.

“I did not expect this at all. Thanks to my wife Megan, to the sponsors, all the guys out on the course, to the competitors, they’re a good bunch of bastards. And a real special thank you to my father… for giving me a love of machines.”

One of the challenges designed to test the full range of operators’ skills was the Z One-day Job Challenge, which examined operators’ start-to-finish competence for a task such as planning, layout, and execution of a job. John McMillan of Whanganui-based Loaders Civil impressed the judges with his in-depth understanding and clear communication to claim the coveted Z Energy One-Day Job Challenge trophy for 2024.

The Humes MVP award went to Wellington Wairarapa champion Bronson Jones of Bryce O’Sullivan Contracting, who demonstrated camaraderie with the competitors, judges and supporters through the event.

Invercargill local, Brad Fallow of SouthRoads, won the Geoff Duff Memorial Trophy. The trophy, which recognises the person demonstrating the best scores across the truck-loading challenges featured in the competition, commemorates Geoff Duff of Carterton – a former nationals judge and highly-skilled truck driver.

CCNZ Chief Executive, Alan Pollard, congratulated all the competitors for taking part, and Mr Calteaux on his victory.

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Otago legend takes fourth title

forest talk

“Troy was outstanding throughout the competition and triumphed on what was possibly the toughest course ever seen in the competition. To handle the pressure throughout the whole competition and maintain his focus and consistency the way he did was exceptional.

“He has cemented his place in the history books as New Zealand’s top excavator operator with his fourth win and achieved true legend status. For him to beat the best of the best once again is incredible – he is a shining example to the rest of the industry.

“All the competitors are champions not just for triumphing at the regionals, but also for the critical work they do day-to-day maintaining and developing New Zealand’s infrastructure. I know all the competitors gave it their best shot during the competition and made their regions proud – I salute them all.”

The 2024 winners were: • Champion: Troy Calteaux, Andrew Haulage 2011, Otago • Runner-up: Michael Brown, Fulton Hogan, Waikato • Third Place: Steven George, Steven George Contracting, Northland • Z One-day Job Challenge: John McMillan, Loaders Civil, Manawatū Whanganui • Humes MVP Award: Bronson Jones, Bryce O’Sullivan Contracting, Wellington Wairarapa • Geoff Duff Memorial Trophy: Brad Fallow, SouthRoads, Southland NZL

Above right: Two scoops or 20? Runner-up, Michael Brown of Fulton Hogan, nails the ice cream challenge.

Right: Troy Calteaux doing the tea pouring challenge as part of the CCNZ CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition.

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Iron Test

Everything you need... nothing you don’t Story & photos: Tim Benseman

IT WAS A PLEASANT SURPRISE TO HEAR THAT RUSSELL JENSEN HIMSELF was going to host us for this John Deere 803MH harvester Iron Test at Hamurana just north of Lake Rotorua. It turns out this is Russell’s ‘Pet Crew’ operating in a forest managed by Todd Cheeseman from Waipa Forest Management.

Russell does the earthworks on a JD700 dozer most of the time in here, pushing in tracks and skids for loading out the thinned logs. Most of these are going to Kawerau pulp mill and there is a small amount of K grade going to export via the Port of Tauranga which is under an hour away to the Northwest.

There are two 803’s in this crew. We are testing the newest one with a newer operator while the other one is getting its scheduled maintenance done when we arrive.

There’s a third 803 on the way too, so Russell must be happy with them. That will bring Jensen Logging’s John Deere stable to eight in its seven crews, being the three 803’s, a 959, two 1470’s and two 1910 forwarders, one fixed cab and one rotating cab.

Terry Duncan from Brandt says, “The 803’s drive train is very similar to the 959, you have the nine-litre engine but with smaller track motors. The 803 and the 859 are similar bodies. The 859 is the short radius leveller which is what Iron tester, Shaun Field, is usually in, so the cab layout will be fairly familiar to him. The head controls will probably be a bit different.”

So, this one isn’t a leveller? “No, it isn’t required in the thinnings role where they are working the easier slopes close to the road for forwarder extraction.” Terry says.

So, basically everything you need and nothing you don’t, less moving parts, less rams and hoses to look after.

This machine had something of a baptism of fire in some respects as, instead of going into the thinnings that it was spec’d out for it was delivered directly into the carnage of Cyclone Gabrielle near Turangi, but more about that later.

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Operator, Manaia Gage, processes another stem in the John Deere 803MH harvester.

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April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 17

Above: Terry Duncan from John Deere dealer, Brandt New Zealand, demonstrates the essential steps for servicing. Note the AFEX fire suppression system to the left.

Right:The view from the operator’s seat. The floor windows make for easy downhill navigation.

Far right:The Log Mate screen.

Pushing boundaries Driving into the block, the access road is almost ground to bulldust but that’s a good problem to have compared to it being wet. We hear the roar of the 803 before we see it and at first it makes me think we have a disc saw on our hands. It sounds pretty impressive but that’s actually those 300 horses’ worth of power roaring and the cooling fan required to expel the high volume of pine needles raining down on the machine.

It seems to be quite a bit more than you would see on a clearfell machine and I’m thinking it’s because a lot of the trees are left standing and the machine is running under them most of the day and rattling the needles loose as it rumbles past.

And the head is a Southstar regular 32-inch bar and chain job which Russell says is a good little head. It will delimb up to 575mm stems and trim them down to 75mm and has a feed speed of up to 7.6 metres per second.

Jensen’s is obviously impressed with Southstars too, having 10 of these QS450 heads and three of the bigger QS630 heads.

There’s a fair bit of other noise going on for a thinnings crew too. A QC is busy trimming up some logs with a chainsaw and the contract loader is loading a truck with his Cat grapple excavator.

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Regular 803 operator, Manaia Gage, hails from Omaio, east of Opotiki and enjoys pushing himself and his boundaries in the 803.

He started out in the industry QC’ing and then breaking out in a crew with his dad near Paeroa and then moved into wheel loaders and logmaking, then processing on the landing.

“When I joined this crew, I started learning how to fall on machines,” he says. “Then I moved into the thinnings, yeah I’ve been pretty much everywhere now.”

Manaia was on a leveller before the 803. “This one has more power. That was noticeable right away in the base and in the boom.”

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 18 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

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Clockwise: Brandt’s Terry Duncan checks the machine from the platform above the ladder; The well spaced-out cooling bay with regular operator, Manaia Gage, getting the access ladder returned; Operator, Manaia Gage, Brandt’s Terry Duncan, owner, Russell Jensen and Iron Tester, Shaun Field, discussing the 803; The well protected aftermarket reversing camera and the standard full boom rubber debris protection shield.

What do you enjoy about your job? “The challenge and the adrenaline from tackling tasks. I like dirt biking as well; I have a Honda CRF 450 and the adrenaline I get from that is similar to operating this machine. I like tackling the hill country rather than the flat, straight lines. It’s just more interesting and challenging in this type of ground. It’s like a bit of an adventure really. But I do know my limits. Some ground you can just tell you shouldn’t be going there.”

Kiko Road windthrow When he first got in the new John Deere 803, Manaia spent some time in it salvaging windthrow on Kiko Road (Turangi), one of the main Ground Zero windthrow areas for Cyclone Gabrielle – handling stems “a bit bigger than this machine was designed for but it handled them pretty good” and doing about 10 loads a day with the two 803’s, a Komatsu 865 eight-wheeled forwarder and a Cat loading out. “We did four or five months there and there is still heaps of salvage work there but we pulled out because we are supposed to be in the thinnings here.”

How did you find that windthrow work? “It was a change. Heaps of broken wood. That was a bit of a nuisance, but we got through it and it was actually nice to have a bit of a change at the same time.

You always have to work from the butt end with that stuff so if you

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arrive at a block and its heads down facing you, then you have to get behind it and log it where you can grab the butt ends first. What was good was the roads and skids could be pushed in quickly because of the pumice.”

How’s the visibility in the 803? “It’s a lot better. It’s quite good especially on the boom side because it’s angled up, so you get a better view. Having the boom back so it’s not right next to your window, that gives you better vision too. I like the floor windows too by the pedals. That really helps as you can just glance down and see your tracks going down the hills instead of having to lean forward to see. The pedals are nice and big so you can touch them better.”

Asked if he is glad to be out of the windthrow and back in the thinnings, Manaia says, “Yeah sort of both, I like changing to different roles like that. I like thinnings because it’s always something different but give it a few months and I’ll probably want to go back to clearfell. You up your skills a lot in here, it is challenging as you’re not allowed to bark the trees and you have to get through the gaps. If you want to get that tree at the back there you have to position your machine to get it without damaging other trees.”

So, it’s not just wiping out every second row in here, it’s quite a lot SERIOUS BIGthe TIME more technical thanPOWER that? “WeFOR harvest lowerLOGGERS quality ones first, there are a lot of them in this block so it’s not too much of a problem.”

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 20 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

From left: Jensen Logging’s thinnings log stacks at Hamurana; Brandt/John Deere out and about in the forest; The peaked skylight gives an improved view overhead.

Judging how many trees to thin out takes some skill. “It’s kind of by feel. Or by eye. You have the obvious multi leaders and crooked stems but sometimes there’s still too many after they are gone, so you take the smaller ones not performing and eventually the amount of light being let in just looks right,” he says.

“We have an actual 16-metre radius measurement we test regularly as well so we can audit ourselves and check if we need to adjust our judgement up or down to reach the target of 36 trees in that plot. But generally, it’s an art rather than a science and we’re pretty much on the button most times we check. You can see the sunlight come in when the stocking is about right, and it looks better too when it’s all thinned out.”

Manaia is based in Rotorua, so gets to have a bit of a sleep-in being only 30 minutes from work now versus the hour and forty minutes to the previous job in Turangi.

One of the mods the 803 has had is a push bar on the track frame to roll stumps out of the ground rather than just thump into or get

stuck on them. Manaia used it a fair bit on the Kiko Road salvage operation but has not used it much with this smaller thinning wood.

Terry Duncan explains, “This is their own design and modification that they’ve fitted. If they need to clear a road or path in the thinnings they use that push bar to push the stumps out.”

Manaia adds “The lip on this push bar is the secret to getting them right. It works really well at pushing the stumps over and freeing them up to be moved aside.”

As Iron Tester, Shaun (who works in clearfell), is about to climb in and start the thinnings test, Russell takes me aside and demonstrates his classic sense of humour, “Now you tell Shaun, he is not to clearfell.”

He is joking. Sort of.

Extreme duty In the undercarriage department, John Deere has fitted some nice, effective looking integral track guides to the 803 made from thick,

high-abrasion-resistant material to ensure the Extreme Duty U6 size tracks stay on. I can see this would be super important in the thinnings where movement and assistance from other machines is very restricted. That’s definitely somewhere you want a reliable undercarriage.

While we have looked into Intelligent Boom Control (IBC) a bit in earlier John Deere Iron Tests, the more we hear about it, the better it seems to get. Operators say its predictable speed is a major bonus for keeping your day running smoothly.

The IBC also regulates the boom more when the head is further out from the slew ring, making it safer by slowing it down out there (in recognition of the greater leverage it has against the base) and increasing its speed and aggressiveness closer in, so you have more power and control with the stability that closer proximity provides.

Another theme we picked up on a few issues back with the JD 959ML was the big flow rates through John Deere’s pumps, and despite this being a smaller thinnings machine there are still big pumps on this unit with the main load sensing, closed centre, pressure compensating pump delivering 494LPM and the

Above: The John Deere 803MH walks out of the forest for inspection.

Inset: Operator, Manaia Gage, changes the Southstar’s chain every day or two depending on wood cleanliness.

Right: Operator, Manaia Gage, gives Iron Tester, Shaun Field (centre), a briefing on the cut plan before the test; Iron tester, Shaun Field, sets off to cut some trees in the 803MH.

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MADE IN CANADA FOR NZ CONDITIONS

EST EST 1909 1909 |TO CALL WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 944 894 THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 22 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

People and Production looked after in forestry Reliable equipment is essential in New Zealand’s thriving yet challenging forestry industry.

High altitudes, rough terrain and extreme weather conditions put pressure on your people as well as your machinery. An environment where the right oil or lubricant is key to a safe, uninterrupted and profitable forestry business. www.tenz.nz

Above from left: Iron Tester, Shaun Field, and operator, Manaia Gage, discuss the new design of the Southstar wheel which reduces stem damage; Owner, Russell Jensen (left) and Brandt’s Terry Duncan with the 803 and Southstar; From left: Owner, Russell Jensen, Brandt’s Terry Duncan, Iron Tester, Shaun Field and operator, Manaia Gage, discussing logging. attachment pump pushing 209LPM out to the felling and processing head. That’s a lot of oil. Like a full barrel.

Reliability and support When Russell first started in the forest industry 52 years ago it was at the planting, thinning and pruning end of the business after training with the New Zealand Forest Service at the Woodsman’s Training School in Kaingaroa Forest.

At 77, Russell is pretty sharp for his age. I mentioned that I’d landprepped a block he logged way down in Minginui around 2010 with mixed species including Western Red Cedar, Douglas fir and quite a bit of old native firewood logs. He knew right away which block and that it was on South Road which runs along part of the southern border of the Kaingaroa/Whirinaki area.

That area has some short, sharp slopes and slippery ground so Russell and his crew had processed deep beds of branches onto the old logging tracks, making the land prep a lot safer to do on our smaller machines.

“We had a local guy running our security on those blocks,” Russell says. “He would set up camp on the skid with our gear and look after it overnight for us. That was really good and worthwhile.

All the jobs we had out there, we never had a piece of gear touched.

But he isn’t available now. We are going back in there soon so we are setting up a heap of cameras and high tech security for the site this time.

“The 803 is a well laid out machine for cleaning out debris which is important when production thinning,” Russell adds. “This one’s

done close to 1000 hours now and is going great.”

What are the main reasons for going with the John Deere?

“Reliability and support would be the main reasons,” Russell says. “We are having a good run out of our current John Deere’s and get prompt service from the company. The 803 is a better size for the production thinning environment as it is more compact, so causes less damage when moving through the stand. There is also a better possibility of parts availability as many of the parts can be interchangeable with the 959 which is a reasonably prevalent machine in the industry.”

The six-cylinder John Deere 6090H industrial diesel engine has been used in logging machines since 2017 and can be downregulated to 225HP and up to 400HP. It’s sitting at 300HP in this machine so it’s just cruising really.

The four-valve cylinder head provides excellent airflow, resulting in greater low-speed torque and better transient response.

The HPCR fuel system provides variable common-rail pressure, multiple injections, and higher injection pressures, up to 1600 bar (23,000 psi). It also controls fuel injection timing and provides precise control for the start, duration and end of the injection, making for very efficient use of every drop of your diesel which seems to be now long overdue for a price reduction. The fuel tank is up there with the bigger John Deere harvesters at 870 litres which must be great for minimising disruptions like refuelling.

On the performance side there are higher peak torque ratings and higher levels of power bulge which will be part of what Manaia noted with more power stepping into this new machine.

Another truck arrives for load-out while the QC trims some logs.

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Arriving June 2024

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Iron Tester: Shaun Field

Fast, light and robust THIS 803MH IS A LITTLE WEAPON. IT’S a fast, zippy little thing while also not actually being that little at 30 tonnes. I remember the early Waratah Warriors that were purposebuilt for this thinnings role and they were only about 20 tonnes, so this is quite a step up in a role that has limited room to manoeuvre.

This machine reminds me of the 859MH zero tail we tested at Gareth White’s operation in 2022. It’s way smoother than the 521 we tested in thinnings a few years further back, and more comfortable.

Climbing in, it’s very familiar and similar to my daily John Deere 959 leveller ride, just without the leveller. I’m not that used to thinnings or the Southstar setup, so I started

the throttle off on stage one and worked up through the stages felling and processing until I got to 100% on the throttle control and it was sweet.

There’s more track power than grip, that’s for sure but we are in soft ground here and being a thinnings machine you are crossing roads frequently so if you put bigger grousers on you will just tear up the roads more, so this sized grouser is probably about the sweet spot for the job at hand.

Looking at the specs explains why it’s so zippy in the travel department with a quite staggering 494 litres per minute flow rate from the main pump.

That skylight is cool. That’s different.

You have that coned view of the front and

Iron Tester, Shaun Field. you’re not getting that glare from the back, whereas mine’s just a straight, flat skylight.

Angled up like that it gives you an easier view overhead and forward.

Left: Operator, Manaia Gage, walking the John Deere 803MH out of the forest for inspection.

Below left: Operator, Manaia Gage, heads back into the forest in the John Deere 803MH. Below: The sloven cut and falling.

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IFICATION

SPEC S JOHN DEERE 803MH – SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE

Max Attachment weight

6-cylinder, 9-litre John Deere 6090H PowerTech™ diesel.

Peak power 224 kW (300 hp) @ 1,900 rpm Torque 1270 Nm (937 lb.-ft.) at 1500rpm

HARVESTER

Main pump 494LPM Attachment pump 209 L/min.

Swing speed up to 6.8rpm Cooling Fan – Suction type, hydraulically driven, variable speed, reversing UNDERCARRIAGE Model Track shoe width Tractive effort Ground Clearance Max Speed

U6 Extreme Duty (EXD) 610mm,Double grouser 241kN (54,224 lb/f) 715mm 4.6kph

BOOM / ARM Model Max reach

John Deere 8.84 (6.13M sweep)

Being purpose-built, this machine is fast, light on its feet and robust as well.

It’s quite amazing to me really that we are zipping between rows of standing trees in a 30-tonner and that is down to good, compact design.

Model Rotation Weight Feed speed Max cut

Southstar QS450 360 continuous 2086kg 7.6MPS 813mm /32inch bar, ¾ pitch chain

REFILL CAPACITIES (LITRES) Fuel tank Hydraulic tank

870 146

DIMENSIONS (MM) Length 9,910 Width 3,280 Height 3,430 Tail swing radius 1,940 Ground clearance 725 Operating weight 28,400kg (without processor, 30,486kg with Southstar)

And the new feed rollers on the Southstar head are wicked. Way less damage to the stems which is really surprising considering the quite lethal looking shape of them. Some well thought out design has gone into that.

The head overall is robust and high speed

and that’s due to the high flow of the John Deere and, again, purpose-built for this role.

The service points are all easily accessible and as we saw with Terry climbing up the ladders, it’s all well laid out for inspection, cleaning and servicing. NZL

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Tall Timber: Part Two

Robert Stubbs attending a logging trade show in Oregon on behalf of FICA.

A WILD RIDE

Robert Stubbs stood down as Chairman of the Forest Industry Contractors Association just six months into his tenure, after his business collapsed. The industry’s boom and bust cycle might have become as natural and unavoidable as the seasons but for Robert, and many others, the bust is personal, and permanent. Ian Parkes investigates in the second of this two-part report.

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WO DECADES ON IN HIS CAREER, Robert Stubbs (Stubbsy) had built a successful forestry contracting business employing around 70 people.

In 2018 he won the Westpac Gisborne Business Leadership Excellence Award and Stubbs Contractors was a finalist in several other categories including Supreme Business of the Year. As outlined in part one of Robert’s story published last month, he had overcome massive personal setbacks, including an accident that left him confined

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to a wheelchair, and had ridden out earlier industry boom and bust cycles. He was a board member of the Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) and a key figure on the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) that had helped transform industry practices and worked at turning around its bleak safety record.

Then along came COVID. “The industry came off that huge high just before COVID then, of course, the industry crashed as China started to grapple with

COVID,” Robert says. “We were stuck with it for the following 12 months as the market never really bounced back after that. For the first time in a long time corporates laid off their core crews and I was a casualty of that with a couple of my contracts.

“I suppose this is where a lot of people start to slowly fall into that trap when the industry is not buoyant and it’s stop/start,” he says. What’s more, Gisborne has other issues that make trading your way through a bit harder.

“If it’s not market conditions, it's infrastructure that’s slowing it down or the port that’s slowing it down… and all the time you have got forest companies coming at you and reducing your production from 100 percent to 80 percent, asking you to pull back a dollar or so on your harvesting rates, so all of that is pulling back on your cashflow.”

Robert says absorbing the repercussions of a boom and bust cycle can easily set up an erosion of equity that undermines a business. It’s a slow increase in a slope that business owners don’t often see, or acknowledge, or not soon enough.

“It erodes the business’ ability to turn over equipment as it ages,” he says. “So then you start to hold onto it and you think, ‘oh well, I bought some good gear, that can last a bit longer, it can go another 40005000 hours longer’, but you are falling into the trap of holding onto gear that’s getting older and older, it’s depreciated, the values have fallen right out of it, the trade-in’s no good.”

The business’s equity erodes. That makes it harder to sustain long industry downturns as well as making it even harder to get into the new machines needed when the industry does improve and contractors need to ramp up production again. It can get to the point where it even becomes difficult to sustain interest-only payments for any length of time, Robert says.

“In my situation the gap between the value of the machinery and the debts still owed got too wide to pay back, while trying to work with and maintain aged, unproductive equipment and work towards replacing that equipment.

“The other corporate laid me off and turned round a month later and took on another contractor. A lot of it sometimes comes from change of managers and they have their own agendas or relationships with contractors and sometimes you are left on the outer but definitely, yes, there were issues with performance.

“When I did lose those corporate contracts, for sure the crews weren’t performing as well as they could have been or should have been. We weren’t the highest up the ladder at the time. We had been in the past, but at that particular time the two lowest hanging fruit got dropped off: me and another contractor. I lost core guys and foremen, men and women I had spent a lot of money on leadership training and business mentoring that had been with me for a long time. Some of them moved on and some of them got poached.

Robert Stubbs’ drone shot of his swing yarder and a loader working at Te Puia.

April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 31

Tall Timber: Part Two Looking Back

1

2

“You know, I used Trevor Hall at The Lean Hub to teach my staff how to operate with lean principles, yet, somewhere along the way, I lost my focus on those principles and let my business slip away from my control and grasp. It was very frustrating after all that effort. I even spoke about it at a forestry convention and yet lost focus on taking my own advice – very embarrassing.

“Then, of course, woodlotting wasn’t happening so that’s when I shifted half of my gear and two crews to Opotiki to a privately-owned forest there.

“I ended up with nothing here in Gisborne bar our depot workshop and offices, and I really struggled to break back into the market here. One contract I lost with a corporate started again six months later with an outside contractor while there were probably five or six local contractors desperate for work.”

It was tendered for cheaper rates and supposedly more mechanised crews, he says. The work in Opotiki was just too far away to manage effectively, and the rates weren’t good enough. He couldn’t produce enough cashflow to buy new gear or show the finance company some signs of positivity and recovery.

Robert says Steve Dewes, a good friend and mentor, who had also previously given him a contract at a critical time, was one of

5

32 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

the people who got him to think through the options, as he had done after Robert’s accident.

“Steve and I talked about options of downsizing and liquidation and had sound advice on the complications and road ahead, which gave me some determination to succeed.”

Difficult conversations “Looking back, I did have advice from very good people, very good businessmen wellrecognised in the industry. Some of it I took.

I should have taken more of it. But you sort of get caught up in your own business and maybe from inside, we fail to step back and look in again from the outside to come up with solutions – downsizing, security, stronger contracts, strong relationships with forest companies, financial reserves, good teams of loyal, focused, quality staff, good equipment, mechanisation and technology, committed quality Health and Safety led from the top, a good lean business model with highly productive crews.

“When you create a big business you create such an animal, such a beast with four or five crews and all this equipment, you just think you’ve got to keep feeding it to get to bigger numbers, get back to a profitable position where you can service the debt. In hindsight, downsizing probably

6

Above: 1. A Stubbs Contractors falling machine working down a steep hill on an EMS traction line.

2. Robert Stubbs and partner Jane Jarvie.

3. The new Cat loader goes to work.

4. Robert Stubbs, in the truck, planning the day’s operations in the Whareratas. He says the crew had hoped it would be Santa, giving them the day off. was the better option. But with downsizing you have to be able to have conversations with your banks and finance companies saying, ‘this is the path we’re taking’ and they have to come along with you and support you through that process, and there will be some pain for both parties on the path back to profitability.

“That path will involve equipment being parked up while it’s put on the market, and you have to endure the pain of it not being paid for and on an interest-only basis until its sold.

“I suppose people are scared of that conversation or don’t think it’s an option. Of course, it’s better if the gear is working but if its working and not being profitable and just increasing the hours and wear and tear

7

3

on it, is it worth it? These conversations with finance companies need to be had early and include sound advice, maintaining close relationships to front-foot these traps.

“So, is the gear better parked up earning nothing with a 'for sale' sign on it and can that be sustained short- or long-term? You get in that trap too, if you know that the market’s turned or the market’s on its way up and you think, ‘Right! I’ll put it back to work and grab that extra cash flow off it’.”

Long before Robert and his company and staff were taken down by the latest boom and bust cycle, he had been working through FICA to try to stabilise the business model. He says with each upheaval the cuts and layoffs see many good people and valuable experience leaving the industry and the repercussions in the service towns are equally savage.

“My argument has always been that we are a service provider, harvesting trees and putting them on the truck, so when does it become our responsibility to take the hit on the highs and lows of the export market of the industry? Isn’t that the game that the forest owners play? Aren’t they the investors in the forests that are looking for a return on their investment long-term? That’s the risk they take, riding out of the highs and lows in the export market, seeking that.”

Regardless of broader issues of fairness,

7

4

it’s hard to get away from the fact of forest owners coming back with an ultimatum: that if the contractor won’t take a 20 percent cut in production or a dollar or two off their logging rate then they will have ‘no option’ but to cut that contractor.

Robert says contractors are always expected to take a share in the losses of a downturn through reduced production and rate decreases, yet in the market highs, logging rates aren’t increased in line with the previous rate decreases. What’s more, in a weakened state contractors don’t have the ability to scale up quickly. Forest owners bank on a generally upward trend but few contractors could ever scale up quickly enough to make up for production lost in cutbacks.

“Production lifts of 20 percent are generally unachievable on top of claw back from the previous reductions. Even if this is achieved, trucking or infrastructure generally can’t cope, or the market quickly becomes flooded again and the downward cycle starts again.”

Robert says finding ways to create enough stability to allow the industry to become more resilient and sustainable remains the industry’s biggest challenge.

“That’s what as an association we’ve been battling for a long time: trying to get contracts with the forest companies a whole

lot stronger so there’s more substance to them, keeping consistency in the business and allowing the business to have some longevity. There are some good examples with some forest companies, and some of the best examples are New Zealand-owned, owned by New Zealand shareholders.

“They have some of the best contractors in the district and they give them the ability

Below: 5. A high point, good friend Tony (Irish) Shanahan from Big Bark Loading demonstrating the country’s first Caterpillar FM at a Gisborne A&P show.

6. Robert wins the 2018 Westpac Gisborne Business Leadership Excellence Award. Stubbs Contractors was a finalist in several other categories including Supreme Business of the Year. (Photo: Stephen Jones Photography, Gisborne.)

7. Memory lane: Revisiting one of the first roads Stubbsy built in Juken Nissho’s forest in the Whareratas that they were kind enough to name after him.

8. A side-by-side modified for hand control meant Robert could still go hunting with pilot friend Pete Moore and his boys, Jimmy and Matt.

8

April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 33

Tall Timber: Part Two

to keep their businesses in good shape with good equipment and some of the best staff.

They are New Zealand shareholder-owned forests, Gisborne New Zealand-owned forests. They make it work.”

Fighting for a fair deal Of course, Robert says, all forest companies are entitled to seek a return on investment.

Negotiating decent contracts was a big part of his work during his 15 years on the board of FICA. Steve had nominated Robert to take his place, after he retired from the Board.

“We were putting together a contractor template for contractors to use with forest companies. We had been working on that sort of stuff in the background to try to get some sort of continuity and consistency in the industry.”

However they are up against forest owners’ own association which is equally determined to protect its own patch, and overseas owners with their eye on the balance sheet are naturally less concerned with the issues that play out on the ground in New Zealand.

“They don't have any physical relationship to it, it’s just business to them,” says Robert.

“On their websites, it’s all about the regions they work in, or own businesses in, and the environment they are going to look after. It sounds good. It reads well.”

Clearly the forest owners who went into the business with a long-term view are in the best position to ride out the highs and lows.

As Robert says, they would also benefit more from a strong and stable contracting industry but it appears that it is simply too easy for them, when there are no checks or balances, to turn the contractor tap on and off at will.

There is no easy solution but the one body that does have the power to ensure the industry operates in a sustainable way that supports the whole ecosystem is the government, he says.

“To build actual sustainability, they need to create mechanisms that put an end to the boom and bust cycle which has such a litany of devastating downstream effects, smooth out the lumps and add value to our wood and end products.

“The forest owners are still going to end up with a good return on investment. It will just be more consistent and it does business better, communities better, the regions better, people better – the whole

Above: Flying in a helicopter still puts the biggest smile on Roberts’ face.

Below: Diverted from his chopper pilot dream into logging, Robert enjoyed the chance to check out heli-logging in Vancouver on a contractors' trip to a Canadian logging expo.

supply chain,” says Robert.

“I get that businesses need to be profitable. I wish I had focussed more on that on mine. Maybe I should have drawn a line with some of the stuff I was trying to do for the industry at a time when I should have been focussing on the business at 110 percent, but I was big enough at the time to support myself doing that sort of stuff for the industry,” Robert says.

“Most of us that are on the Board, it’s our own time that we’re giving, its our own contribution to it. That’s what we do, I suppose, for the industry.”

New horizons It was Robert’s time on the FICA board, apart from his time on the ground in the forest and growing his business, especially in the early years, that provided many of his fondest memories. “Gisborne can be a bit isolated at times.”

He hugely enjoyed getting around the country, meeting other contractors, seeing and working on some of the incredible technological developments that have occurred in the industry over the past decade or more, and introducing mechanical falling and extraction line systems into his own business.

Highlights included attending logging conference with Jonny Schick of Shaw’s Wire Ropes and other contractors in Vancouver and seeing heli-logging with sky cranes and’ a few years later, going to another conference in Oregon.

He also played a key role in transforming the industry after the independent review which saw the formation of FISC. It addressed the high-risk practices of manual falling and breaking out, moving the industry into mechanisation, and systems and processes for managing people off the ground.

“A number of us on the Board got nominated into some of those roles within that safety council. I ended up on the operational advisory group of FISC that year and was there for seven years. During that time we worked on, or put together, contractor certification and individual faller and breaking out certification.”

Fresh start Robert Stubbs is now working in an industry – civil construction – that has absorbed more than a few ex-forestry workers, offering them a more consistent income and longterm employment.

He says the construction industry has been struggling for drivers and importing them but a lot of people have made the move from forestry.

34 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

Robert, centre, takes over as Chairman of FICA, with board members (from left) Nathan Taylor, Tony Gamble, former CEO Prue Younger, Ross Davis, Kevin Ihaka, Nick Tombleson and Matt Winmill. (Absent: Dale Ewers, Steven Yeoman and Sonya Elmiger.)

“If you drive up the coast now you can probably count on one hand how many logging trucks go past. A year or two years ago you would be passing one every five minutes.”

Robert is grateful to have found a place that is a good fit. He’s running a transport operation for construction company Fulton Hogan that he says is effectively like running his own business, except that it has less stress and he gets time off at the end of the working day and at weekends.

“It’s been a bit of fresh air. I was familiar with the roading side of things but some of the civil engineering pavement work is interesting, some of the projects we do are pretty awesome. Learning new skills and business knowledge from a big corporate company is interesting and informative.”

They have an office in Gisborne and tapped on Robert after his business wound up to help them manage some of the cyclone recovery work. Other forestry contractors turned their hands to help clean up and get roads opened up again.

“They weren’t able to continue in the forest at the time – well they had no access into the forest at that time, so the quickest way for them to get back logging was to help out with cyclone clean-up. You know, slips to be cleaned off roads, roads to be opened up, drop-outs to be sorted out, and roads to be re-metalled.

“We’ve got all the main roads opened and access for everyone and then the funding dried up so now it’s just back to business as usual.

“I probably only had a week-and-a-half or

two weeks off after the business winding up.”

Robert feels he really needed a month or two to wind down from the stress of his business collapse but, once again, having something to focus on might also have helped.

Even now six months on, it is always there in the background.

“I still have plenty of contact with some in the industry I deal with on the civil side and some very close acquaintances.”

He sees the damage to the forestry contracting industry continuing. Robert understands one of his former employees who went out on his own has lost a contract and the future now looks bleak for him too.

And Robert’s own financial strife continues to bite. Bankruptcy is a threeyear process that takes all of your assets, leaving you just enough to pay your living expenses. Robert is grateful for the support of his partner Jane but tough times still lie ahead as the bankruptcy squeeze continues. They were able to enjoy the Christmas break with the family but now Robert has to face up to the imminent sale of his property, a lifestyle block on the outskirts of Gisborne.

But if there is one thing Robert has learned over the course of his life so far, it is that he has the inner strength to go on, and get through, somehow. NZL

Robert Stubbs today, embracing a desk job managing another company’s fleet.

April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 35

Forest Engineering

ADDRESSING FATIGUE CONNECTION FAILURES Story: Denis H Smith, Director Guildford Engineering Consultants

W

ITH THE INCREASING USE OF tethered machines to replace fallers on slopes, on occasion well beyond the original limits of ‘traction assist’, there is high wear and failure at the connection of the shackle/s, wire rope/s or chain/s within the first ten metres from the machine.

While some failures can be identified as ‘mechanical damage’ due to the ropes and chains being picked up by the machine grapple or being worn by dragging over rock faces, or even by rubbing against the counterweight as the machines rotate, there are events which are classified as ‘normal wear and tear’ that may be

premature failures.

The tether connections to the downhill machine are made with bow shackles on both single and twin rope winch systems.

For Timbermax, Climbmax, Falcon and some early designs which use a single rope system, one set of unlubricated bow shackles is used. For double rope systems there are two versions of the tether connection to the downhill machine – unlubricated bow shackles used by EMS and lubricated twin pivoting clevises as manufactured by Lars Rosewarne with his ROB system, RWFS in Rotorua, and AP Hydraulics and Red Stag Engineering in Gisborne (see photos below).

Moving the machine causes most 'shocks' and not from felling shoveling.

A: Spikes are from the machine moving.

B: Flat sections are the machine felling.

Falcon / Timbermax unlubricated single tether connection.

Bow shackle system The bow shackle is the most commonly used connection in New Zealand, probably because of the familiarity with bow shackle use on hauler towers, swing yarders and trailer winches.

Guildford Engineering Consultants, involved in the design and certification of tether winch systems and downhill machine tether connections used in North Island forests since 2005, believes that they are a source

Rosewarne / John Deer lubricated double tether connection.

Typical winch and tether machine setup. of fatigue when used in unlubricated tether connections which could result in premature or potentially catastrophic failure.

Reports from both New Zealand and the USA which measure the loads in the tether ropes, show that the line tension on the rope/s is more or less constant when the machines are cutting or placing logs but show spikes when the machines are moving. The explanation by the authors of these reports is that the machines jerk when moving (see graph to left).

We contend that the spikes are caused by the jerking which takes place when the two bow shackles slide over one another as the machines move up and down or side to side. The jerking is caused by friction welding. The normal process used in friction welding is when two pieces of metal to be joined are slid or rotated against

AP Hydraulics lubricated double tether connection.

36 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

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each other at speeds of 75-110 metres per minute, with moderate joining pressures of 55-135 MPa. With the double bow shackles each having inner curved profiles while the sliding speed is low, assuming 10-tonne load and a 1-2mm square contact area, the contact pressure can be as high as 45,000 MPa. More than enough for minute friction welding to occur.

The peak loads shown in this load

trace show loads fluctuating between five tonnes and 20 tonnes or a 381 MPa stress range, which on a nominal 22mm diameter shackle pin or 7/8 inch double wire or the 1 1/8 inch single wire rope will result in failure well within the normal allowable two million cycles that is used on heavy vehicle towing connections. This fatigue loading will be experienced by every component used in the tether connection – the tether

welds, shackles, hammerlocks, chains, wire rope connections and the tether rope right back to the winch machine. The larger the wire rope, shackle, hammerlock, or chain used however, the longer its fatigue life will be (see photos below).

Below: Similar spalling shown on unlubricated bow shackle to hammerlock tether connection.

Above: Severe spalling from excess pressure during friction welding.

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Forest Engineering

For twin unlubricated shackle connections, this fatigue load is halved so the fatigue life is extended and hopefully only one side will fail leaving the other to support the machine but for single tether

connections any failure could result in an operator fatality.

An unfortunate consequence of this design is that a conscientious operator who replaces the bow shackles on a regular

basis, actually creates higher fatigue loading as the friction welding is greatest when the bow shackles are new and the friction welding the most severe (see photos below).

Wear showing on the large shackle with grooves where the smaller shackle runs on a single unlubricated tether after two years.

Severe wear showing on the larger green bow shackle after six months’ operation in Kaingaroa on an unlubricated tether.

Green bow shackles showing wear and spalling after three years in Gisborne on a Cat/EMS tether.

Rosewarne double lubricated tether.

RWFS double lubricated tether.

Lubricated shackle system For lubricated shackle systems, this fatigue will be minimised, thus reducing the likelihood of connection failure. A twin connection system, either from a twin rope winch machine or a single rope winch machine with a connecting double bridle is considered the best method of reducing the risk of tether connection failure. I have been advised that engineers from Tigercat in USA have visited operators in New Zealand with the task of designing a new lubricated version of their bolt-on tether connection. (see photos to right and below).

The first John Deere tether being installed by Shawn Rosewarne in 2019. There are now 15 in service from Kaitaia to Invercargill.

38 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

When your life hangs on a thread, two threads are better than one.

Chain only shackle system A chain only connection system used by Performance Mechanical in Taupo has been installed on a small number of machines.

It is designed for twin connections to the machine and the design also eliminates the fatigue caused with sliding bow shackles. (see photos to right).

Right top and bottom: Two chains connected directly to the machine pass through a ‘nosecone’ extending out adjacent to the front of the tracks to stop the chains dropping or snagging on the tracks.

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

Forest Engineering

Guildford 40-tonne tether using sealed bearings being built by Red Stag Engineering, Gisborne.

Solutions Any existing twin tether connection designed for two bow shackles can be modified by the replacement of the first bow shackles with two bushed, lubricated clevises as shown. The second smaller bow shackles can then be connected by their pins through the bushed holes in the clevises. This system allows these shackles to be always loaded at right angles and eliminates the fatigue-causing friction.

Single connections can either be modified with the addition of a top plate welded with an eye lining up with the lower one fitted with lubricated bushes and a double lubricated machined connection installed as shown or replaced as necessary. Care should be taken not to extend the connection too far forward as it can be grounded when the machine tips forward (see photos above).

Costs to the manufacturer The additional cost to manufacture the recommended double dual swivel lubricated tether will vary according to manufacturers’ processes, but one price obtained from a North Island engineering workshop suggested that it should be of the order of an additional $2,000-$3,000 compared to an unlubricated version.

The cost increase to change from a single unlubricated connection to a double dual swivel lubricated would be more.

Cost-benefit to the forest contractor The cost-benefit to the forest contractor will vary according to the nature of the operation. More severe topography and pumice dust will cause more shock loading and general wear than areas without these conditions. Typical cost savings can be shown for an operator already using a double unlubricated setup as follows: • Rebushing the single or double holes in 40 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

Single tether modified with an additional top plate welded by Logweld for Satherlies allowing a lubricated machined twin connection. the tether – $2,000 (every three years for single) • Replacing the two large bow shackles – $1,450 (every 12 months) • Replacing the two small bow shackles – $502 (every three months) • Renewing the spliced rope eyes and other connections in the system – increase in machine productivity due to less down time. Possible effect on the winch machine?

The cost-benefit for single, non-swivelling, unlubricated tether connection will be greater over the lifetime of the machine because of the higher loads carried on the single connection and faster wear of the holes in the welded tether and faster wear of the bow shackles.

Risk mitigation A risk assessment analysis shows that the potential hazard to the operator is severe if the tether connection were to fail when the machine was operating on a steep slope with no substantial growth to capture the

somersaulting machine.

Risk mitigation, by requiring frequent inspections or frequent shackle replacement, may not always be actioned and fatigue wear cannot be identified by visual inspection.

Risk mitigation by specifying double dual-swivelling lubricated tether designs can substantially reduce both the likelihood of failure and operating costs.

Conclusion Most Chartered Professional Engineers will reference the crane standard AS1418 Part 2 1997 creeper winch during design and certification of tether connections.

While the standard does consider fatigue for design verification, it would not likely permit the levels that can be shown in these unlubricated tether designs.

As a best engineering practice, we will not certify or re-certify single point unlubricated tether connections and encourage operators with double connections to modify to lubricated types. NZL

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FICA.ORG.NZ

your voice The voice of forestry contractors since 2002

Here’s some of what FICA has been up to lately...

FICA and WorkSafe We’ve been working on building a closer relationship with WorkSafe and having an open line of communication.

WorkSafe has had a presence at our last two face-to-face board meetings which has given us more insight into where things are at within WorkSafe and what their priorities are.

We’ve discussed their focus and increase in inspectors, the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and the WorkSafe notification process and their follow-up. While we don’t have anything concrete to report, we think it’s a positive that we’re in the same room and having these conversations, so that industry can work together for the greater good and everyone can come home safe.

Keep watching.

Silviculture ACOP workshop held in January 2024.

Working more closely with the Wood Councils

We discussed how FICA can work more closely with the Wood Councils including through regional forestry awards and involvement with programmes. We also talked about working collaboratively at the National Fieldays this year.

Overall, the key thing that came up for Contractors was the opportunity to have more of a contractor voice within regional groups that the Wood Councils attend/ sit on within Council such as environmental and Health and Safety groups. If you’re interested in being involved in your region, you can email office@fica.org.nz Watch this space.

A protocol/guideline for forestry contractors has been developed as a joint project between Women in Forestry, FICA and Safetree, designed to be used before/when engaging a contract tree faller to work.

There is no set standard when engaging a contract tree faller so this document provides a standard guideline to mitigate business risk and any safety concerns when engaging in this type of work. The PCBU has the primary duty of care – the primary responsibility for people’s health and safety at work. www.fica.org.nz or scan the QR code

42 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

ENGAGING A CONTRACT TREE FALLER TO WORK

Protocol / guide for forestry contractors

FIRST PUBLISHED OC TOBER 2023

Ursula Buckingham (Northland) and Damita Mita (Central North Island) came along to our last board meeting, representing Wood Councils. The Wood Councils work separately in their regions but come together to work on areas nationally under the New Zealand Regional Wood Council Group Accord.

Engaging a Contract Tree Faller - New Guide

FICA.ORG.NZ

Cable Yarder Safe Access and Guarding Guide Under the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC), a Technical Advisory Group was appointed to review current information and provide some clear guidance to owners and operators in a way that makes it easy to understand and apply. The aim was to create a simple and understandable reference to address the lack of clarity and consistency that Contractors and Forest Owners have been encountering in recent years, to manage these risk areas most effectively.

This guide can be used by owners and operators of yarders/ haulers to ensure that their machines are appropriately guarded or, if requiring additional protection, what that acceptable guarding might look like. It will be reviewed annually from the date of launch.

The work that this Technical Advisory Group (TAG) has predominately dealt with includes substitution, isolation and engineering controls which are more effective than administrative controls i.e. policies. www.fica.org.nz

Cable Yarder Safe Access and Guarding

Best Practice Guidelines

Cable Yarder Safe Access and Guarding Best Practice Guidelines

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Thank you Toroawhi FICA extends our thanks to Safetree Toroawhi/Worker Champions Richard Stringfellow and Wade Brunt.

Thank you for your service, supporting our forestry contractors and workers over the past four years. We wish you all the best for your future endeavours.

Golden Loader Comp FICA was proud to support the Golden Loader Competition in Palmerston North on 9-10 March at the New Zealand Rural Games.

Leading forestry machine operators had to load and unload big loads of wood, with absolute precision, testing their skill and attention to safety.

12 competitors from across the motu competed in knock-out rounds to find out who is the best loader driver!

Congratulations to: 1st Place: Travis Young 2nd Place: James MacFarlane 3rd Place: Max Gibson 4th Place: Colin Bush 5th Place: Kelvin Bouskill

11/03/24 10:35 AM

Women in Forestry hits Christchurch Let’s face it – if you want something done, give it to a woman! Just jokes. But we’re pleased to be talking with Women in Forestry (WIF) about how we can work together to get things done. Here’s some info on their recent trip to Christchurch…

WIF recently had a trip to Christchurch and was hosted by long-standing FICA member, Brand Logging. The pick-up from Christchurch’s Cathedral Square literally painted the town red, with a fleet of bright red Brand Logging Utes driving through town.

It was Brand central with seven of the family involved - Tony (big boss dad), Kerin (real boss mum), Gemma (daughter), Craig (son-in-law), Simon (son), Emma (daughter-in-law) and Adam (son) all there.

The Brands pulled out all the stops, touring their logging operation with a visit to one of their crews in the Ashely Forest, their massive workshop and parts department, Tony’s logging museum in progress and Brand HQ. Those in Tony’s ute also got a special bonus tour of Rangiora.

“We had an awesome bunch of female contractors come and check out the Brand Logging operation. A lot of the group were from the North Island, and it was useful to witness some of the regional differences in the operating environment,” says Sarah Davis from WIF. “We also welcomed some new faces from the South Island and it was really valuable to bring everyone together to have conversations and share ideas. Thank you again to the Brand Family for hosting us.” www.womeninforestry.co.nz

44 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

FICA.ORG.NZ

your voice The voice of forestry contractors since 2002

At Blackburne Group we are building partnerships.

Our commitment to this is evident in the hardworking nature of our team and the high standard of services we offer to our clients.

At Blackburne Group we like to think we’re a little different; while we do carry out the normal accounting work, we also offer a much wider range of services than your average accountant, with the intention of adding value to your business.

At Blackburne Group we work hard to get to know you in order to deliver advice that is relevant to you and your business. Our extensive involvement in different industries across New Zealand, and access to specialised knowledge through businesses we are partnered with, ensures we keep up to date with all that is happening in your industry, so we can respond to your changing business needs.

Mark Blackburne and Sonya Elmiger are assisted by a fantastic team of people whose enthusiasm provides clients with a friendly team of professionals who are eager to use their expertise to help you succeed in business.

Blackburne Group has been servicing forest industry contractors for over 35 years, Our acknowledged industry expertise has enabled us to provide the following specialist services to our New Zealand-wide client base; • Employment agreements, payroll preparation and advice • Detailed machine/crew costings • Insurance reviews • ACC and asset protection planning • Contract review/negotiation services • Financing • Succession planning AND we can also look after your normal “boring’’ accounting needs!

We have a commitment to maintaining; • The highest standards of professionalism • Excellent client service • Absolute integrity in what we do • Excellent product knowledge • Your respect

Contact Blackburne Group today.

Freephone 0508 376 0092 www.blackburnegroup.co.nz

info@blackburnegroup.co.nz

74 Kaimanawa Street, Taupo

GOLD PARTNER

Sonya Elmiger (Partner) - ext (835) or 027 373 0910 | Mark Blackburne (Partner) - ext (821) or 021 288 6662

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

TO JOIN, CALL 0800 342 269 OR SIGNUP ONLINE AT FICA.ORG.NZ

Safety/performance/quality

More excellence KEEPING IT SIMPLE, THIS ISSUE WE have more photos of top achievers, both individuals and crews.

While bushmen are not the most expressive people in the world, these folk appeared genuinely stoked to have achieved what they have and to be recognised for it.

We spoke with some pretty happy company folk who were impressed with the results achieved.

Not so much excellence – Food for thought We have included a couple of photographs of thinning for value that illustrate issues with poor chain management and felling technique. These reinforce the rationale/need for the use of tools such as Safe Behaviour Observations and/or infield audits.

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

succeed as professionals, so why wouldn’t you support them?

They believe in what we do and what you do.

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

Participating companies

Awesome companies, awesome people and awesome support!

They back you and your workmates to

This competition wouldn’t be what it is without our participating companies who have all participated in or continue to influence the way in which we operate.

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,

Daniel Keefe, CMH Contracting.

Grant Talbot, CMH Contracting.

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

46 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

OneFortyOne New Zealand, Crown Forestry, Forest View Contracting, Makerikeri Silviculture (2020), Mitchell 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, Aratu Forests, McCallum Harvesting and Swain Logging.

Into safety?

Into performance?

Into quality?

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

Maddison Hona, CMH Contracting.

Safety/performance/quality

Shaquille Docherty, Mangoihe Logging.

Maddison Watkins, Mangoihe Logging.

Tim Paxton, Mangoihe Logging.

Witana Murray, CMH Contracting.

Tory Hona, CMH Contracting.

Hadyn Johnson, Mangoihe Logging.

April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 47

Safety/performance/quality

Crew members from CMH Contracting 59 and 60.

Crew members from Shane Griffin Logging 2.

Food for thought

Chain management

Crew members from Roxburgh Contracting 2.

Poor chain management – depth gauges filed down from new and aggressive hook put in the side plate of the cutter = increased risk of kick back, inefficient cutting, saw is harder to use and excessive motor unit damage and maintenance (e.g. mufflers coming loose).

Poor felling technique

Inta-Wood Forestry’s Nathan Fogden, Aaron Motutere and Dion Kahi.

48 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

Overcuts, scarf cuts not meeting up accurately, lack of hinge = loss of directional control and risk of the butt popping off the stump and sliding back towards the operator.

NEW MACHINERY FOR MHE LOGGING

FALCON CLAW FOR MCLEAN CONTRACTING

MHE Logging’s Mike Harris has added a new EC300DL forestry carrier to his fleet. The new Volvo has been equipped with an Ensign 1770 fixed-top grapple with linked arms. The EC300DL will be used to do machine-assisted felling. Machine sold and delivered by Ewen Satherley for TDX.

McLean Contracting has taken delivery of a new Falcon Claw 1750.

The crew is pictured here with DC Equipment Technician, Steve Thorn, during the commissioning of the machine.

KOMATSU FOR JENSEN LOGGIING

VOLVO LOADER GETS TO WORK

Jensen Logging has recently taken delivery of a New Komatsu Forest FX. The pilot system in the FX cab has been replaced with IQAN controls. Jensen’s says this setup is proving good for smooth operation which in turn has helped reduce fuel consumption. A new reverse fan function makes for effective cooling too. Machine sold by Paul Roche, Komatsu Forest.

Grant and Ian Thom have added a new Volvo L120GZ loader to their fleet. The new loader will be used to assist with their forestry road maintenance operation. It has had an armoured engineering protection package fitted. Machine sold and delivered by Ewen Satherley for TDX.

April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 49

JOHN DEERE FOR BELL HARVESTING

THREE NEW SENNEBOGEN’S FOR ISO

Jordan Bell of Bell Harvesting is pictured in his new John Deere 948LII grapple skidder. It is the first John Deere skidder with a new seat design and control layout. Jordan is working with Jensen 045 in the Kaingaroa Forest, picking up trees felled by a 959MH and feeding a John Deere E400 processor. Machine sold and serviced

by Brandt, Rotorua.

ISO has put three new Sennebogen 835MHDS material handlers to work in its Mount Maunganui operation. The Sennebogen 835’s are a well-proven machine on the ports and will perform various log handling duties. Machines sold and delivered by Ewen Satherley of TDX.

SUMITOMO FOR DOUGLAS HARVESTING

NEW CAT FOR MCCORMICK LOGGING

When R.A. Douglas (Spud) needed to update his log loader, the Sumitomo SH300LF-6 was his go-to choice. He says the reliability of these machines, together with backup and support from AB Equipment in Taupo made it an easy choice. Pictured here at the controls is operator, Jay Marshall.

McCormick Logging has added another Next Gen 500-Series forest machine with the arrival of this new Cat 538 log loader. The 538 package features an Ensign 1730 grapple and a rear-entry cab. The new Cat has been put to work by Connor McCormick on fleeting and loading duties in the Kaingaroa Forest. Machine sold

by Mark Costello, Terra Cat Territory Account Manager Forestry.

50 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

SATCO FOR AFT LOGGING

SANY FOR LAKES HARVESTING

Gisborne’s AFT Logging has taken delivery of a Satco 3L2T fitted with the logmaker control system and colour marking for large end marking. The 3L2T was fitted onsite to an existing base machine which was running an older Satco processor.

The team at Lakes Harvesting has taken delivery of a new Sany SY330H high and wide log loader. This machine is kitted with a complete Ensign guarding package, grapple and purpose-built forestry cab. Machine sold and serviced by Shaw’s.

JOHN DEERE FOR GOODMAN LOGGING

NEW CAT FOR PINERIDGE HARVESTING

Goodman 52 had just moved into a block in the Pureora Forest when they took delivery of a new John Deere 768LII 6x6 bogie skidder. Set up with band tracks giving the 768LII plenty of traction, Nick's first impressions were positive bringing a big smile to his face. He is pictured here with his new machine.

Machine sold and serviced by Brandt, Rotorua.

This Cat 330GC is a new addition for Pineridge Harvesting.

Featuring PFS guarding and an Ensign 1730 grapple, the 330GC is fleeting and loading for the Tokoroa-based operation. The operator says he is enjoying the combined Cat GC configuration and new technology, making for a smooth and powerful machine.

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

April 2024 | NZ LOGGER 51

www.drdiesel.nz

IN-FIELD HYDRAULIC HOSE EMERGENCY REPAIR KITS

LG33288

IN-FIELD HYDRAULIC HOSE EMERGENCY REPAIR KITS

NZ LOGGER classified

Thunderbird TSY 355 BC

www.chains.co.nz

$450,000 + gst

ENGINEERED WITH EXPERIENCE...

Clark Tracks from Scotland Single tracks Bogey Tracks 30.5x32 710/45-26.5 35.5x32 750/55-26.5 780/50-28.5

Chain Protection have been selling these brands of forestry Chains & Tracks for 20+years.

We carry spare joining links and tensioning tools We also have chains for cars, trucks through to graders

Contact David davidbolsennz@gmail 021 162 7468

LG34227

1995 Swing Yarder for sale

LG31497

Trygg Ring Lug Chains from Norway are available from 16mm to 25mm 23.1x26 30.5x32 24.5x32 35.5x32 28Lx26

Chain Protection Services

Ph: 03 338 1552 E: info@chainpro.co.nz www.chains.co.nz

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

54 NZ LOGGER | April 2024

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

CONTACT OLIVIA TO ADVERTISE 027 685 5066

RADIATORS

Swing Units for Madill’s & Kenworth Logging Trucks

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

sales@bopradiatorspecialists.co.nz

RADIATORS

GET THE RIGHT EXPOSURE THROUGH NZ LOGGER MAGAZINE AND CAPTURE THE FOREST INDUSTRY BUYERS DIRECTLY.

CONTACT OLIVIA TO ADVERTISE 027 685 5066

POA

JOHN DEERE 959MH. Approximately 8,300 hrs. Southstar FD750 felling head attached, new undercarriage. Located in Whangarei.

MANSELL NGAROPO

027 445 9840

AP32758

Madill Komatsu CAT Thunderbird John Deere Hyundai Tigercat Sumitomo

CHARGE AIR COOLERS

WE CUSTOM BUILD -STOCK, OVERHAUL & REPAIR WE MANUFACTURE THE BEST HEAVY DUTY CORES IN NZ

EXPOSE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE

OILCOOLERS

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

LG32968

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

INTERCOOLERS

OILCOOLERS

EXPOSE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE

NZ LOGGER classified

POA

POA

JOHN DEERE 909KH FELLER BUNCHER. 14,292 hrs. Waratah 623C attached.

Located in Hastings.

NICK CLARK

027 411 2330

POA

JOHN DEERE E400 FORESTRY CONVERSION.

JOHN DEERE 909KH FELLER BUNCHER. 12,374 hrs. Top rollers instead of plates, head refurb at 4k hrs. Includes Satco 630 felling head.

NICK CLARK

027 411 2330

Comes with Clamshell Package. Ready to choose your harvester. Located in Rotorua.

TERRY DUNCAN

brandt.ca/nz

55 NZ LOGGER | October 2023

027 285 1015

Call 0800 4 DEERE for current pricing.

October April 2024 2023 | NZ LOGGER 55

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MYSTERY CREEK FIELDAYS 2024 Site location H6 Come on in and talk to one of the team

FL100 Felling Head Suitable for carriers in 30 ton + range. starting from $102,419.00 limited time only.

For more information contact:

New & Used Product Sales -

H6

North Island - Karl Christensen 021 192 6567 South Island - Gerard Crichton 0274 794 664

Waratah FL100 Felling Head

USED PRODUCT

0

6

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S

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Waratah 625C

Waratah 624C

Rebuild, available April $205,000.00

Complete Rebuild, available early 2024, $TBC

HEAVY EQUIPMENT REPAIR Southland Service Provider Heavy Equipment Repair owned and operated by Mark Evens is based in Tapanui and have been servicing Waratah’s for over 25 years.

Get in touch with Mark and his team for Waratah service and support in the Southland region.

Ph 027 433 4148

New Zealand Stock NZ$ H290 Rebuild in progress, Available early 2024 TBC TBC H624C Rebuild available early 2024 H625C Complete rebuild, Available April 2024 $205,000.00 H626 #109, As traded, working prior to removing, $40,500.00 Danfoss Valve H626 #183, As traded, good working condition, $40,235.00 Danfoss Valve H626-S2 #216, As traded, good working condition, $65,000.00 Parker Valve H626-S2 #231, Low Hours, available mid-2024, $155,000.00 Parker Valve $POA H626 Full range of 2nd hand parts H626 Ex-Trade-in’s available in various conditions

Phone to discuss further.

Australia Stock H622B Complete rebuild H622B Partial rebuild H616B As Traded

10% OFF

10% OFF

5%

AUD$ $240,000.00 $165,000.00 $ 11,000.00

15% OFF

OFF

Delimb Covers 10% off Measuring Wheel Rebuild Kit

5% off Grease Nipple Kits

10% off Full Head Cutting Edges

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

Hawkes Bay Forestry Maintenance HB

Gisborne AB Diesel

Nelson Tasman Heavy Diesel

Blenheim Onsite Mechanical Repairs

Dunedin Heavy Diesel support

Southland Heavy Equipment Repair

Southland Frontier Forestry Ltd

Greymouth SM Hydraulics

15% off Chain Sharpener Discs

Komatsu Xtreme Excavators

Komatsu PC270HW

Komatsu PC270HW

Komatsu PC300HD

Komatsu PC300FX

Komatsu PC300LL

Komatsu PC300TL

Attachment Carrier

Attachment Carrier

Log Loader

Attachment Carrier

Komatsu PC270LL Log Loader

Attachment Carrier

Tractionline

Komatsu PC400HL Harvestline

The Komatsu Extreme models have been developed by collaboration between Komatsu Forest & Komatsu Osaka Factory to meet our tough forest conditions.

Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd 15C Hyland Cresent Rotorua, New Zealand John Fisken M: 027 771 5254 Paul Roche M: 021 350 747 E: info.au@komatsuforest.com

26238 Komatsu PC Range AFT NZL adverts D3.indd 1

27/10/2023 1:59 pm