July 2024 | 9.50
robust weather, robust men, robust machine
ISSN 2703-6251
Deep South muscle
Steep terrain, specialised cartage
Harvesting trees and data
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FOREST TALK ETS fees scrapped as Government promises support for the industry; Costly legislation repealed; Forestry levy and rate hikes in the offing for Gisborne; New EU deforestation rules imminent; Time for a Health and Safety review; Remote Felling Machine concept unveiled; Wood clean-up for Tikapa Beach; Shining through in difficult times; Wellearned retirement; Australia’s first electric log truck – one year on; Forest technology in the spotlight. SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST It’s good to see family working well together at McCallum Harvesting’s operation in the Deep South near Fiordland. Our Iron Test team is
30 testing the Eltec FHL317L – Eltec’s biggest tilter running a fixed head Quadco QB4400. And boy is this one powerfully built machine! 30
LOG HAULAGE Combine a steep forest road network, erodible terrain, high-cost earthworks and destructive weather events and you’ve got a recipe for finding new log transport solutions. Qube Forestry New Zealand’s East Coast operation, based in Gisborne, did just that, in the form of a fleet of ten Scania G500 8x6 trucks to assist in harvest planning, loading and log transport in these difficult conditions.
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FOREST TECHNOLOGY Modern harvesting equipment with electronic controls routed through a Controller Area Network (CAN Bus) encompassing all operator inputs and all the signals that control the movements and functions, plus engine parameters and diagnostics, is tested and compared at two forest sites – with intriguing results.
DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 42 fica 46 top spot 50 Greenlight New Iron 52 classifieds
July 2024 | NZ LOGGER 1
from the editor July 2024 | 9.50
robust weather, robust men, robust machine
ISSN 1176-0397
PHOTO: TIM BENSEMAN
Deep South muscle
Harvesting trees and data
Steep terrain, specialised cartage
The Eltec FHL317L taking hold of a decent pine at McCallum Harvesting’s operation in the Deep South.
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A bright future? THE NEW COALITION GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO BE MAKING ALL THE RIGHT moves when it comes to forestry. Already walking the talk, firstly with the repeal of the compulsory registration for log traders and forestry advisors that had proven to be a costly scheme low on delivery, and now scrapping Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) fees. Add to that a recent sterling talk by Forestry Minister Todd McClay at Fieldays last month on a bunch of intended initiatives supporting the growth of forestry and wood processing in New Zealand (in collaboration with industry players), and the future looks bright. Hopefully not blindingly so. From opening new trading markets to supporting domestic wood processing, Government’s promises are extensive but, of course, still subject to factors such as economic fluctuations, international turbulence and other unpredictable influences like our own home-grown weather – not to mention local councils sometimes seeming to be a law unto themselves and curveballs like international regulation changes. See our Forest Talk pages for more. And getting those logs to their destination can be quite a challenge when dealing with difficult terrain combined with severe weather. Qube Forestry New Zealand’s East Coast operation has added ten Scania G500 8x6 trucks to its fleet to tackle those hard to reach, steep and tight projects that bigger trucks tend to struggle with. Results are clear, with reduced costs, less road maintenance, a more flexible fleet and benefits to both the forest owner and the truck supplier. All thanks to some clever thinking. And it’s not just people who are thinking smart. Machines are getting wiser too. Our Forest Technology feature asks you to imagine a system that captures data from every machine on site, regardless of the brand, and consolidates it in one place, in real time. Such an innovative system would not only track each machine’s operational status, location, productivity and fuel efficiency but could also monitor the wear on machine parts. Well, wait no longer – we’re almost there, says Patrick Humphrey, a recent graduate of the Forest Engineering programme at the School of Forestry, University of Canterbury. Plenty to look forward to if we all put our minds to it. Until next time, stay safe.
forest talk
ETS fees scrapped as Government promises support for the industry
Photo: New Zealand Forest Owners Association.
4 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
“It is important to ensure there is sufficient pipeline of logs to support domestic wood processing as well as encouraging the planting of new trees on suitable land to meet our international climate change commitments. “This government will drive investment to unlock the industry’s economic potential for growth,” he added. Chief Executive of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA), Mark Ross says, “With only 40% of New Zealand’s harvested trees processed within New Zealand this announcement by the Minister provides a positive way forward to grow our domestic processing, create more jobs in the regions and increase our export revenue through producing high quality valueadded wood products.” The Minister emphasised that these goals can only be achieved by close collaboration between Government and the sector to find solutions to the challenges. New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) Chief Executive, Dr Elizabeth Heeg, says, “We look forward to working with officials to ensure that the setting of ETS charges is done with transparency, efficiency and reasonableness. It has been a challenging time for forest owners. The encouragement from government to add more value domestically and address the climate crisis will go a long way in helping the sector grow revenue and jobs for New Zealand. “New Zealand’s forests – plantation, native or otherwise – are the only tangible means we have at present for mitigating climate change and meeting our 2050 emissions target. “Amendment to the administrative costs forest owners face for forests entered into the ETS will ensure forestry continues to be part of the solution to reducing our nation’s emissions. “We agree with the Government that transparency and collaboration is key and we look forward to helping them deliver their priorities.” The Minister referred to the event as ‘Forestry Day’, noting the importance of this collaboration and the value of forestry to communities. “This government will drive investment to unlock the industry’s economic potential for growth. The sector’s success is critical to rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, boosting our Gross Domestic Product and providing regional jobs in a highly productive sector,” Minister McClay said noting that forestry has a permanent place in the New Zealand economy. NZL LG34466
ANNUAL SERVICE CHARGES PAID BY FOREST OWNERS WITH trees in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will be cancelled for the 2023-24 year. Forestry Minister, Todd McClay, announced the ETS change while outlining Government’s vision to grow forestry as part of his address to the Fieldays Forestry Hub last month. He said Government wants to rebuild confidence in forestry, noting that the charges imposed on growers for administering the ETS felt excessive, with insufficient transparency around them: “We want to ensure the ETS is cost-effective and efficient for participants.” Participants will continue paying for specific services, but they won’t be charged the $30.25/hectare. The introduction of a series of initiatives supporting forestry and wood processing’s growth was also announced by Mr McClay during his address, including four key priorities to drive more positive outcomes across the supply chain. These include encouragement of economic growth through forestry and wood processing jobs and exports, delivering low emission solutions and products, supporting land use resilience, adaptation, biodiversity and social benefits; and providing carbon removals to support climate goals. Government will be introducing a package of initiatives during the course of this parliamentary term to support industry growth and to deliver positive outcomes across the forestry and wood processing value chain, he said. “This includes working with the industry to increase onshore wood processing, opening new, and improving access to existing, trading markets, supporting sensible planting, easing burdensome regulations, enabling and supporting the development of new and innovative wood products, adjusting investment settings and supporting New Zealand’s climate change goals. “Nearly 60% of New Zealand’s harvest is exported. Increasing our domestic processing will grow the economy, create more regional jobs and help us double our exports by value in 10 years. “Alongside domestic reforms, the Government is working to expand access to overseas markets for producers to export highquality wood products, also by addressing non-tariff barriers. This will provide the market certainty wood processors need to expand and innovate.” Government is also considering how to get the balance right for New Zealand’s wider forestry system.
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forest talk
Costly legislation repealed THE REPEAL OF LEGISLATION SURROUNDING log traders and forest advisors, coming into effect this month, will provide relief and assurance to growers facing increased regulatory cost and complexities, says New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) Chief Executive, Dr Elizabeth Heeg. The repeal will do away with the compulsory registration required of log traders and forestry advisors under the Forests (Regulation of Log Traders and Forest Advisors) Amendment Act (2020) and refund any fees or levies paid this season. Dr Heeg says that while assurance schemes are important for maintaining integrity throughout the supply chain, the introduction of the registration scheme through the Act was an “unnecessary and costly intervention” for growers. “The registration scheme was meant to improve information across the forestry and wood processing supply chain, improve professional standards and build greater confidence in the sector,” she says. “Unfortunately, it has achieved the opposite
– delivering added cost rather than added value. “Forest owners and employees required to register ended up paying fees for a system duplicating the work of pre-existing schemes. Those fees were also passed onto small forest owners with smaller revenue streams. “Fees were imposed without a sufficient consultation period with forest owners, and the scheme was overbuilt – landing the sector with a costly registration scheme that didn’t deliver.” She says the issue is not about having an agreed standard, it’s about ensuring regulation does not duplicate or undercut the assurance systems, standards or services that are already available. “Forest owners are very supportive of ensuring a high degree of performance standards across the supply chain and often opt into voluntary schemes to achieve that,” she says. “The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) is one such example, maintaining a robust Code of Ethics and strong performance standards that all members who
register must follow to ensure they provide the best service. “Forest owners understand that to be a valued part of rural communities, they must uphold those high professional standards. “Minister McClay’s decision will restore forest owners’ confidence and ensure continued sector growth without burgeoning regulatory costs.” NZL
Forestry Minister, Todd McClay.
LG34466
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forest talk
Forestry levy and rate hikes in the offing for Gisborne UNDER A GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL PROPOSAL, FORESTRY companies could face a rate hike to cover legal costs as well as a “pay as you go” levy to cover road damage. While committing to investigate these funding options from forestry to help cover sector-related costs, the council has also adopted a higher roading-targeted differential of 13.75, up from 12.5, and a new woody debris-targeted rate. As part of deliberations for a three-year plan, Mayor Rehette Stoltz says, “Part of our job is to investigate whether we are doing our jobs in the best possible way. Are our rate systems fit for purpose? “At this stage, if we prosecute a company, we do not cover our costs with the small amount under the law that they are allowed to be fined.” Council Chief Executive, Nedine Thatcher Swann, says that for every $1 million spent on legal and investigation fees, “you may get $250,000 back”. If the Resource Management Act changed, the additional targeted rate for court and prosecution costs might not proceed, she says, adding that if there were changes, fines from successful prosecutions might cover council costs. The council will also investigate introducing a forestry levy for road repairs. For forestry companies, this would more likely align the charges for road damage with when they received revenue, compared with the targeted rate based on property values. “A forestry levy would be a ‘pay as you go’ or ‘user pay’ principle,” a council staff report said. According to the report, the council’s current rating model was based on “rates are a tax”.
“While industries damaging the roads are paying, individual ratepayers are not paying for specific damage they cause,” said the report. Deputy Mayor, Josh Wharehinga, says: “Our community expects us to investigate ways to make forestry pay. I’m happy for us to investigate these potential new targeted rates to recover legal and prosecution costs for forestry damage. The ratepayer has had to carry the burden between the difference of the legal costs, and the fine that we get back. This is not saying we are going to make a decision right now. This says to our community we are going to investigate this.” Councillor Debbie Gregory points out that the rate options would impact on the region: “At this stage, our economy depends on the forestry industry. This feels like a knee-jerk reaction to the weather.” The proposed changes would not be implemented until the 2025/26 year, following modelling to see the overall impact. The report continues: “Forestry would not be able to be singled out; all heavy users would need to be factored into fees and charges. A change in legislation to have a localised solution is the most transparent way of raising a levy in the future.” The report said the previous Government had said there would be no new localised funding legislation, however, the new central Government had “signalled a willingness to look at new funding options”. A new targeted rate for woody debris removal has been set at 70% for the forestry industry, as research has shown that exotic pine makes up between 69 to 86% of woody debris found in the Uawa and Waimatā catchments. Pastoral farms will cover 15%, and the other 155 will be a public good component collected from the community. NZL
New EU deforestation rules imminent WOOD PROCESSORS AND MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION Chief Executive, Mark Ross, says there is some confusion around the new deforestation regulations for exports passed by the European Union (EU) last year and how they will play out. The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) specifies that those sending product to Europe must prove that their supply chains are free of deforestation. New Zealand exported $100 million worth of wood products to Europe last year – with more than half going to the Netherlands. “We support the idea, but the way they’re going about it, it’s going to be really hard to meet the criteria that they put out there for New Zealand exporters to the European Union countries,” says Mr Ross. He says processors would need to provide documentation detailing where the trees came from before products were processed, and if the forest site was replanted. “They’ll need to have geolocation data that shows where those forests have come from when it comes to wood products. “We will need to have satellite images like GPS coordinates 6 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
showing where those trees were harvested before they were processed.” He adds that there could be a challenge for agriculture due to the provision that the export products would not be linked to conversion of natural ecosystems. “If the land is harvested then converted into agriculture, then you won’t be able to export those products. So if it’s harvested and then replanted, you’ll be fine.” This comes as New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreement with the EU comes into force. Mr Ross says the wood processing sector will hold workshops with interested parties to help them adjust to the changes, before then searching for possible forest tracing software available in the market. He adds that New Zealand is in a good position and could carve out some competitive advantage. “When it comes to forestry and planting trees, we have good systems in place when it comes to knowing where our products come from.” NZL
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forest talk
Time for a Health and Safety review AS GOVERNMENT STARTS CONSULTATION ON A REVIEW OF Health and Safety laws, Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) Chief Executive, Brett O’Riley, says the current Health and Safety Act is almost 10 years old, and the time is right to review it. “The current Health and Safety framework is not working as well as it should be. We know that because there are still far too many New Zealanders being hurt at work and our rates of harm are far higher than other comparable countries,” says Mr O’Riley. “One of the issues we hear from our members is that the current legislation has built an overly complex system based on compliance, which isn’t delivering any meaningful change. “Instead of a system focused on ticking boxes, we need to create a Health and Safety framework that supports the creation of an environment that keeps workers safe. “As a first step, we need legislation and regulations that are clear, consistent, understandable and effective. They also need to be adaptable and allow employers to implement appropriate Health and Safety policies and procedures that reflect the actual risk of different work environments. “We can’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Clearly the risks associated with working in sectors like primary industries are totally different to risks associated with working in a service environment. Our Health and Safety framework should reflect this difference.”
Mr O’Riley says that while it is important that we get the legislative settings right, it is just as important that the system is overseen by a modern and well-resourced regulator. “Unfortunately, this isn’t currently the case. The Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety recommended an inspector ratio of 10.7 inspectors per 100,000 workers, but the current ratio is only 6.3 per 100,000,” he says. “It is important that this inspector ratio is improved as part of the wider work being done to improve our Health and Safety framework, enabling a system that enforces minimum standards and is better positioned to prevent workplace accidents before they occur. “There are opportunities to engage business organisations like the EMA in the process, building on the work we have been doing with member charters covering compliance and ongoing training obligations.” He adds that technology has an important role to play in improving Health and Safety, including surveillance and using AI for predictive analysis on potential risk area. “We need to be doing all we can to keep our workers safe and we look forward to working collaboratively with the Government to improve Health and Safety legislation so that it is fit for purpose and keeps people safe at work.” NZL
Remote Felling Machine concept unveiled THE MADILL RFM 1100 (REMOTE FELLING MACHINE) CONCEPT was unveiled as DC Equipment recently celebrated the manufacturing debut of Madill log loaders in New Zealand at its headquarters in Tasman. When mechanisation kicked off with avengeance in the New Zealand forestry industry in 2012 with innovation all over the country, DC Equipment founder and owner, Dale Ewers, was one of the first in line with his dream of building a grapple carriage that would pull and fall trees. At that time he had no intention of selling to the public but when the dream became reality, he realised safer machines could save more people. Now operating in six different countries, the company has sold more than 260 Falcon Winch Assist machines since it began. The RFM 1100 (pictured) is currently in concept stage and DC Equipment plans on testing and developing it to have a working prototype next year at the earliest. It is designed to fell trees remotely while being attached to or “assisted by” the Falcon Winch Assist. The machine is designed to weigh between 11 and 15 tonnes once an attachment is installed. The operator will control this machine from the cab of the Winch Assist by remote communication and a camera system on the Remote Felling Machine. It will also be able to ride on vertical faces. “This is the first new product from Madill since the ’90s. Ten months in from merging, we’ve got our first product out there!” Mr Ewers says. “Market research has shown, especially in New Zealand, that 8 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
there is an urgent need to reduce the injuries of workers on the hillside, as well as account for the environmental impact large and heavy machines have on the land, which has forced the forestry industry to propose some audacious goals in terms of reducing or eliminating these issues. This aligns with the direction in which DC Equipment is heading in terms of developing product to make the industry productive, environmentally friendly and, of course, safer,” he adds. With the company’s incident rate reduced by over 85% in the last 10 ten years, it is living up to its intentions. Mr Ewers says, “The downturn over the past year has pushed us to look to other industries, not just the forestry industry and we have just launched in Canada. “Our suppliers are key, our customers are so important to us, but we couldn’t do what we’re doing without our staff.” NZL
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forest talk
Graeme Atkins with his wife, Makere.
Wood clean-up for Tikapa Beach AS AN AWARD-WINNING CONSERVATIONIST, GRAEME ATKINS HAS deep roots in Tikapa that span generations of his whānau. He is an advocate for the protection of delicate ecosystems, including the abundant foreshore at Tikapa, which has suffered huge damage after every storm event. Mr Atkins, 57, lives in Tikapa, which sits on the East Coast past Ruatorea. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Gisborne on a mix of gravel and tar-sealed roads. The secluded beach has borne the brunt of run-off from the largest catchment in Tairāwhiti – the Waiapu Catchment – because it sits directly south of the Waiapu River mouth. Waiapu Catchment has some of the steepest, most erosion-prone hills in the region. When combined with forest harvesting on steep slopes followed by severe weather events, the repercussions have hugely impacted the way of life for everyone who lives downstream, he says. And because Tikapa Beach is so remote, with only six households who call it home, any funding that does come into this region is generally given to clean beaches more widely used first. This funding in February this year came from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon when he announced $23.6 million to help Gisborne District Council continue urgent work, removing and disposing of sediment and debris left from Cyclone Gabrielle. Last month’s 2024 budget announced a further $27 million towards wood debris and sediment removal. Local contractors were hired, with Dewes Contractors cleaning to the south and Rewi Contractors to the north. Piles of logs were burned on site as this beach “is in the middle of nowhere”. While he is grateful the beach has finally been cleaned, Mr Atkins says, “The next lot of heavy rain will bring more wood down.”
He’s seen the waste wood still lying in the upper catchment from prior harvests: “It’s a hundred times more than what came down the river last year.” Mr Atkins says in the first five years after Cyclone Bola (1988) 100,000 hectares of former pastureland was converted to pine. “And they all matured at the same time. For those of us who live downstream, it affects our way of life. “NIWA was up here recently to look at the impacts of sediment from the Waiapu Catchment on marine life. “They had a research vessel with an underwater camera and dragged it along the sea floor for a kilometre.” It told them what they already knew: “There was nothing there. Just mud and logs. There’s a two-kilometre dead zone in front of Tikapa Beach where ‘a generation of seafood’ was wiped out after Cyclone Gabrielle last year – thousands of koura, paua, crayfish, kina and mussels died. The mud killed them, the sea smelled like mud and looked like soup.” Thousands of tonnes of wood and debris washed up along a 10-kilometre stretch of beach, which added a hefty layer to what’s been piling up for 20 years, he adds. Council’s Principal Scientist, Dr Murry Cave, has noted in his reports that Tikapa Beach differed from other coastal beaches as the wood waste was more weathered – indicating a long residence time in the catchment. He also said the make-up of the waste wood was around 50% pine. Bit by bit Restoration is happening even if it can feel like one step forward and two steps back. “The kai moana will regenerate but it will take a generation,” says Mr Atkins. However, the rangatahi who call Tikapa home can now
10 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
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forest talk
experience their beach with sand. “For 20 years we’ve had to time any visit to the beach with low tide, now we can go anytime we want, like we used to.” The removal of the wood brings plenty of environmental benefits. As contractors take away large logs with machinery, they often see dozens of rats scurrying away from underneath them. The nesting birds are returning too. If he sees a Totara log among the waste on the beach, Mr Atkins spray paints it pink to ask contractors to leave it be. He’ll come back and collect it later as the wood is prized for its carving properties and will be used for projects at Pokai Marae up the road. The golden grass growing on the dunes called Pingao was planted by Mr Akins and a group of local Nannies. Pingao has the dual purpose of trapping sand to rebuild dunes as well as being woven into tukutuku panels for the marae. In the year 2000 he and a group of others from the area planted a Pohutukawa every 100 metres along Tikapa Road. He wants to get as many people bitten by the ‘tree bug’ as possible and he’s focused on natives. “I honestly believe there’s space for us as humans and also space for native trees – the original owners of this place. “Over 25 years the regeneration and regrowth have been such that you can no longer see across the gully with the top storey and understorey both going well.” The restoration of Raukumara has been his focus for the past 30 years. The hill country is well-known internationally for its steep and dangerous terrain. Gullies are super prone to erosion and can’t cope with the rain.
Tikapa Beach in the clean-up process. “We’ve known for more than a century how vulnerable this landscape is. We haven’t learnt a bloody thing.” Social media has meant he can now share this part of the world and what is happening. In 2020, he spent six hours with then Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage, resulting in $35 million funding being given to Raukumara Pae Maunga to be spent between 2020 and 2026. The Raukumara Pae Maunga project is a 50/50 share between Ngati Porou and Te Whanau a Apanui. The number of employees jumped from just Mr Atkins to 44 people who can now focus on restoring the taiao and an iwi-lead project was established. Mr Atkins (Ngāti Porou and Rongomaiwahine) was a finalist in the Ministry for the Environment Environmental Hero of the Year Category 2024, and the 2020 winner of the Loder Cup awarded by the Minister of Conservation each year to a person or group to celebrate their outstanding conservation work in New Zealand. NZL
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forest talk
Shining through in difficult times
THE EASTLAND FORESTRY AWARDS brought together 500 colleagues in Gisborne to celebrate the nominees and winners put forward by their peers and their companies. Taking out the top award was Curtis Hawkes of Hawkes Logging. Mr Hawkes took away the Skilled Professional of the Year 2024 trophy as well as Harvesting Excellence, Crew of the Year and Outstanding Health and Safety awards. He came to the region from Northland with his family and leads his crew on the extreme terrain of the East Coast. MP East Coast, Dana Kirkpatrick, who presented the top award says: “Mr Hawkes is described as having shown nothing but a high level of professionalism and work ethic in all aspects of the job. He was recognised as a true leader by example, not asking anything of anyone that he himself would not do.” Total nominations for the Eastland Forestry Awards stood at 66, a record high for this region. In several categories, there were close runners up. “There was a true sense of camaraderie and compassion among those who attended, but also a lot of reflection. It has been a difficult period for the industry, through Cyclones Hale
and Gabrielle, so it was nice to come together to acknowledge our colleagues who have worked tirelessly and resiliently throughout this time,” says Eastland Wood Council (EWC) Chair, Warren Rance. Those attending also reflected on the support given to workers and their communities, voting on the Good Deed award on the night. This was awarded to Pourau Incorporation and Kuru Contracting, joint winners. Pourau Incorporation (owned by the Potae family) and Kuru Contracting worked together to meet the needs of the coastal community as well as primary industry by building a bypass road between Hikuwai One and Hikuwai Three Bridge to reconnect the state highway following the loss of Hikuwai One Bridge after Cyclone Gabrielle. Tania Gibb, of Ra Whakapono Logging, took the top prize for Woman in Forestry. Tania’s passion for ensuring the rights and safety of workers was described as truly inspiring in her nomination, and her significant impact on the local forestry community was acknowledged. EWC CEO, Philip Hope, was acknowledged for his unrelenting advocacy across the region with local and national government during his
tenure at the helm. “The Eastland Forestry Awards evening was a true testament to outstanding role models and innovative initiatives and services that have seen the industry continue to operate and survive the last few years,” Mr Rance says. “We are grateful for our workforce who have continued throughout significant adversity this past 18 months, and we look forward to our future together as we continue to work hard for our East Coast community.” NZL
MP East Coast, Dana Kirkpatrick with Top award winner, Curtis Hawkes.
The Winners Skilled Professional of the Year 2024 (sponsored by Eastland Wood Council): Curtis Hawkes (Hawkes Logging).
Faller Mechanised Excellence (sponsored by Forest Enterprises): Levi Gibson-Parks (Forest Enterprises)
Emerging Leader (sponsored by Ernslaw): Rowena Marshall (Summit Forest).
Harvesting Excellence (sponsored by Summit): Curtis Hawkes (Hawkes Logging).
Logistics Excellence (sponsored by Qube Forestry - Pacific Haulage): Roger Callow (ISO).
Cartage Excellence (sponsored by MITO): Rodel Calipes (Pacific Haulage Limited)
Woman in Forestry (sponsored by Blackstump Logging): Tania Gibb (Ra Whakapono Logging).
Crew of the Year (sponsored by UDC): Hawkes Logging
Outstanding Health and Safety (sponsored by Qube Forestry - ISO): Curtis Hawkes (Hawkes Logging)
Environmental Initiative Management (sponsored by TDX): Eastside Logging
Industry Support (sponsored by AP Plant & Machinery): Krissy Mackintosh (Hear 4 U).
Roading Civil Excellence (sponsored by Eastland Port): Val Milham (Kuru Contracting).
Forestry and Establishment Excellence (sponsored by Competenz: Te Pukenga): Samuela Donu (Vailea Silviculture).
Outstanding Innovation Excellence (sponsored by JNL): Ace of Spades Contracting
Faller Manual Excellence (sponsored by Aratu Forests): Ben Hohepa (Tairawhiti Timber Training).
Wood Processing & Manufacturing Excellence (sponsored by Aratu Forests): David Rameka (Kiwi Lumber (Gisborne))
Sponsors GOLD:
UDC, Qube Forestry - ISO Limited, TDX, Ernslaw One, JNL, Eastland Wood Council, Colvin’s Tait
SILVER:
Aratu Forests, Competenz, Eastland Port, Summit, MITO, Forest Enterprises, Qube Forests – Pacific Haulage, Te Uru Rakau, WIDE Trust, Blackstump Logging, FISC
BRONZE:
Bain & Sheppard, Trimble, NZME, NZ Safety Blackwoods, Finance NZ, P F Olsen, The Gisborne Herald, Deals on Wheels, FICA, AP Plant & Machinery, Workable
12 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
forest talk
New Timberpro factory in Wisconsin, USA.
Lee Crawford.
Well-earned retirement AFTER 13 YEARS AS PRESIDENT OF TIMBERPRO, LEE CRAWFORD has announced his retirement. This draws to a close Crawford’s nearly 40 years in the forestry machinery business, during which he consistently exemplified entrepreneurial spirit and a caring attitude. Pat Crawford, Lee’s father, was a third-generation logger whose company, Wisconsin-based Timbco, was known for its popular line of levelling machines. But Mr Crawford did not plan on entering the forestry industry, when he became an engineer at the Oshkosh Truck Company in 1982. In 1985, however, his father asked him to join the family business at Timbco, where he started on the assembly line. “It gives you credibility with your people,” Mr Crawford says. “And you learn the products. You learn what needs to be changed.” After his assembly line shifts ended, he kept working, ordering parts and writing warranties. Mr Crawford became Vice President in 1992. In 2000, Timbco was sold to Partek, a Komatsu-owned company. The Crawfords
bought back the wheeled division from Partek in 2002 to form TimberPro, which later became recognised for its innovative track machine products. TimberPro was acquired by Komatsu in 2019. In retirement, Mr Crawford plans to stay involved in charitable work with the Ruth and Pat Crawford Foundation, which has donated millions over the years to community organisations and food pantries. While the TimberPro family is sad to see him go, they say the legacy of the Crawfords’ ingenuity and generosity will continue with Komatsu at the helm. “By taking Komatsu’s strengths and combining them with TimberPro’s, we can be a leading supplier. We’re really excited about the future,” says Vice President, Forest Machine Business Division at Komatsu, Doug Morris. Mr Crawford says he feels secure leaving his companies in Komatsu’s hands: “Komatsu wants TimberPro to grow. Komatsu has the means and ambition to plan and grow our offerings over time. My family was comfortable. Komatsu has the drive to get bigger and bigger and bigger. It’s going to be exciting.” NZL
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WoodTransport & Logistics 2024
Australia’s first electric log truck – one year on WE CAUGHT UP WITH AUSTRALIA’S FIRST ELECTRIC LOG TRUCK AT Wood Transport & Logistics 2024. One year on it is proving its worth and, “does the job delivering logs from the forest to the sawmill with performance offroad comparable with, if not superior to, conventional diesel trucks,“ says Mount Gambier-based Fennell Forestry Owner, Wendy Fennell. The trial began in 2023 with Janus Electric converting a once diesel-powered Kenworth prime mover to a fully electric and rechargeable operating system. “We embarked on this trial through our commitment to the NetZero initiative to see if it could be productive in our forest applications and if it is a financially viable solution. Also, to provide a smarter, safer, zero emissions solution to road transport, potentially reducing operating costs and providing an alternative to fluctuating diesel prices,” says Ms Fennell. So, how is it doing since she last presented on the project a year ago? The distance achieved per battery is 250-300km, affected by factors like driver performance, terrain and loaded weights. Added to that, the constant torque allows the truck to take off effortlessly in soft, sandy terrain, with the truck delivering on average four b-double loads of logs to local sawmills per shift, she says. In terms of weight, after conversion, due to the weight of the batteries, the GVM was two tonnes heavier than when powered by diesel. To operate with a comparable b-double payload it requires seven tonnes on the steer axle and 18,5 tonnes on the drive axle. For the first year of the trial, the truck operated at reduced weights and reduced payloads. After consultation with regulators and Government, a permit was issued in February this year for an increased total mass weight of 70.5 tonnes. Ms Fennell says the truck hauls the extra weight without difficulty. Two challenging issues through the process have been Government support and driver acceptance. “The Government default is to protect the infrastructure and reduce increased weight. Government is lagging when it comes to policy and legislative framework that will enable industry and businesses to find the solution if targets are to be met,” says Ms Fennell. She adds that driver acceptance has been varied because of the skills required and a stigma against electric trucks. There has been in-depth driver training and drivers must be multi-skilled. For example, being able to change batteries requires forklift training, and there must 14 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
be good communication with the technical support team. “Those with an interest in electronics and who are mechanically minded are best suited, but don’t ever underestimate the change management component of emerging and new technology,” Ms Fennell says. Upgrades to battery technology are continuous with six different sets to date and no heat or temperature concerns. Battery technology is a moving goalpost though, she adds. And the environmental impact? Calculations to date show the company has reduced carbon emissions by 100 tonnes. The charge station is programmed to charge the batteries in off-peak times, thus reducing the burden on the electrical grid, and solar energy contributes to charging the batteries. Looking forward she says, “The next 12 months or Stage 2 involves collaborating with industry and government using our evidence-based data to further understand the benefits of green energy technology and to demonstrate the need for electric heavy vehicles in Australia. “We want to develop economic viability and cost structures to provide customers and government with information on how to reach environmental targets while maintaining financial sustainability.” Goals include: • Further analysis of operating costs/reductions. • Negotiating with customers on how electric heavy vehicles will be remunerated through the supply chain. • Analyses of the life cycle of the asset and infrastructure. • Battery technology upgrades and potential increase in battery range. • Assisting government in establishing policy and the framework required for transport operators to transition to a decarbonised fleet. • Continual driver training and support. “So, what we’ve established over the last 12 months is that the technology is here, and it will continue to improve but the question is how the environmental targets are going to be achieved economically. Every transport task is different and will require a different approach. Australia’s geography is vastly different to Europe’s and so is the Australian heavy vehicle road transport industry. There are many ways transport operations can reduce emissions and this is just one of them.” For more from Wood Transport & Logistics 2024 turn to page 30 for our feature article on specialised cartage for steep terrain, first presented at the conference. NZL
Hea
ForestTECH 2024
Forest technology in the spotlight THE ANNUAL END-OF-YEAR FOREST TECHNOLOGY SERIES, ForestTECH, continues to draw in foresters, resource managers and forest contractors from across Australasia. Over the last few years, well over 300 delegates have attended, both live and virtually, from over 15 counties. Two key themes that have been developed and used successfully over the last few years will again be covered in November 2024 – remote sensing and mechanised planting. Remote sensing, forest data capture and inventory management have been the core focus since the annual Australian technology series began back in 2007. Since 2020, with remote sensing and machine automation increasingly being integrated into silvicultural operations, new innovations around tree crop management, automated silviculture (including mechanised planting, thinning and pruning operations) and forest establishment have again been added to the series. The economics in New Zealand are now starting to stack up for mechanised or automated operations for both planting and silviculture. The technology addresses the growing issue of labour shortages being faced by forestry companies over the planting season and with thinning and pruning operations. As well as in New Zealand and Australia, mechanised planting (pictured) is already successfully being used across Scandinavia, Brazil, Chile, the USA and Canada. As detailed at recent ForestTECH events by forest companies
and planting contractors, operational trials have successfully been undertaken, with commercial planting already underway in New Zealand in the central North Island (CNI), Hawke’s Bay and the top of the South Island, and in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia in Australia. At this year’s ForestTECH 2024 event, presentations will include recent results from the M-Planter working now on steeper forest sites of up to 30 degrees in the top of the South Island, insights into operational trials from Brazilian forests for John Deere’s new mechanised planter, lessons from the first planting season in Queensland forests (Araucaria & Southern Pine) using the Risutec and Bracke planting heads and, from Sweden, updates on a new autonomous soil preparation and tree-planting machine that’s being developed. ForestTECH 2024 will highlight innovative approaches that have been or are being developed by technology providers and users from across New Zealand, Australia, Finland, Sweden, USA, Canada and South Africa. The 2024 ForestTECH programme is now out with details on the content and coverage for the 20-21 November Rotorua, New Zealand event and 26-27 November event running in Melbourne, Australia the following week, now on the ForestTECH 2024 website: www.foresttech.events NZL
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Iron Test
robust weather, robust men, robust machine Story & photos: Tim Benseman
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Regular operator and owner, David McCallum, walks the Eltec FHL317L out for inspection.
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Top: The large track frame makes for a stable platform. Above left: Rear view of the hydraulic doors/catwalks. Above centre: The rollers and idlers look super hard wearing. Above right: David McCallum briefs Alister Hudson on the finer points of fixed head felling with the Eltec. DAVID MCCALLUM AND HIS THREE SONS, ALONG WITH A couple of other crew members, are working smoothly and efficiently when we arrive at McCallum Harvesting’s operation in the Deep South near Fiordland. It’s good to see family working well together. There are a lot of big, shiny and notably straight machines on site but we’re here today to do an Iron Test on the Eltec FHL317L, Eltec’s biggest tilter running a fixed head Quadco QB4400. After over two years doing Iron Tests I finally get to sit in an Eltec. First impressions are that this is one powerfully built machine. And power is the number one reason why David bought the 317L. “I needed something that could lift our big fuel tanks and the first new machine I tried out couldn’t get them high enough, only maybe knee height off the ground, whereas the Eltec lifts it up to
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the height we need it easy,” he says. The bare pin lifting capacity is over eight tonnes, so that’s a tremendously large amount of fuel tanks it can lift. The 8.9 litre Cummins engine supplies 320HP to the four Linde hydraulic pumps. “It’s actually crazy how fast and powerful this machine is. The power levels go from 1 up to 5. I run it on 1 and it’s awesome. I accidentally bumped it up to 3 one day when we were resetting things after a service and holy f*ck was it quick. I wondered what the hell I’d struck, so I put it back to 1 again. Apparently over in Canada where there’s a lot of these, there are some guys that get it up around the 3 but I think that’s because they have the disc saws running and they’re bowling over bunches of pulp stems at a time,” adds David.
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Left top: The Cummins engine and the 1143mm cooling fan. Left: The hydraulic pump stack. Above left: The Eltec’s Grammer seat is excellent and the cab is spacious. Above right: The screen stack and view from the operator’s seat.
Deep South Eltec One thing I observe via pattern recognition about the two guys I now know who own Eltecs is that they are both pumping loads in tougher ground or conditions, and they are both big, heavyset blokes who you would want on your side if there happened to be a street brawl on the go. This is David’s second Eltec and the other owner I know has four of them. Reading Eltec’s brochure they state the 317L has an “Extremely robust design” – they’re not joking. At 43 tonnes this unit is sitting on a D7 tractor undercarriage with some seriously meaty track chains and the rollers and idlers look hard AF, like they are made of something a lot harder than normal. The tether mounts, track frame, tilt rams etc all look humungous. As well as IQAN there is a huge, variable speed and reversible 1143mm/45 inch cooling fan for when Southland’s notorious winters turn into their brief hot summers and the Eltec is called upon to log hill country that was harvested with a hauler last rotation. In the cab there are plenty of screens as all functions are adjustable here. Great for lowering stress or addressing any Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) or Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) symptoms by softening controls to reduce strain in a particular muscle or tendon group “The other reason for going with the Eltec is the service from Shaw’s,” David says. “It’s pretty bloody good. Nothing is a problem. Plenty of parts too. Cummins engine which is very common. The tilting on this machine is a lot stronger than previous machines I tried too. The tilt rams are massive. Everything vulnerable is tucked away too… no hoses poking out. They’re all tucked up through the centre of the machine. It’s pretty well protected. They are also shorter hoses, they just go to the bulkhead so if you do crack one
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open you don’t have to track a big long hose all the way up inside the machine.” When David hops out of the Eltec he is in his socks and fetches his work boots from a spot behind the cab. The floor and pedals of the machine are spotless despite having the machine on site for around eight months. Behind us, truck after truck from DT King Transport is getting loaded out by a Tigercat 865 operated by David’s son Flynn. The debarked logs are slipping around a fair bit on the second layer but a few skilful repositions soon have the bunks full and another two trucks arrive. Employee, Turi Dallas, is on a Doosan fleeting and loading while David’s other sons, Jackson and Ethan, run the Tigercat 875 processing and the Komatsu PC300 shovel loader which fleets or loads and does a bit of shovelling. The saw logs (A’s and K’s) are going to the port at Bluff which is about 100 kilometres to the East. The rest is going to the Daiken chipboard plant in Mataura. There’s almost no pruned wood in this forest. There were a few select areas where targeted pruning and thinning was done but the notorious high winds and snowfall have taken a toll on a lot of the rest. “It is a bit of a shame about that,” David says. “The first rotation of this forest was pruned and it was all logged with a hauler too. This time it’s almost all ground-based although I am looking for a Harvestline type machine as there is a fair bit of country that would benefit from one of those, and it would save us a lot of mucking around.” David was born into logging. His Grandfather was a logger. His father was a saw doctor at the local sawmill all his life. David left SERIOUS FOR BIG TIMEloader LOGGERS POWER FOR BIG TIME school SERIOUS and went logging inPOWER the native, driving a LOGGERS wheel in the Wop Wops in the back of Tuataupere. After three years there he went
ALWAYS SWING A BIG STICK
EST EST 1909 1909 | TOCALL WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 944944 894894 WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER NEW TOCALL NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 20 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
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David McCallum and Alister Hudson discuss the Quadco’s 50 inch bar and 1400mm opening.
breaking out in the pine for a 071 Madill with the 50-foot pole. He was there for six years and has been “plodding away” at logging ever since. “I’ve only been out on my own for about 10 years,” he says. It looks like a smooth operation has resulted from all that experience and there’s plenty of capacity sitting in reserve with a two-speed Falcon winch on an SH300 that is hooked up to either the Eltec or the six-wheel Tigercat skidder when required to cope with the atrocious amount of rain the area receives. Driving down the island it is plainly evident that the drought in Canterbury and Otago comes to an abrupt halt in Southland where miles of bright green grassy flats and rolling hills are in evidence from all that rain. “In Southland you get nine months of winter sometimes. The snow was over knee deep last winter but it doesn’t stay for long. The
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last two weeks it’s been so wet that it’s probably the worst weather we’ve had since winter 2023. We had 320mm just recently,” David says. He does a side gig as a winch assist assessor so he gets to travel around various South Island crews and recently visited Gamble Forest Harvesting near Mount Allan where the trees were 38 years old with a 49 metre mean tree height. “Beautiful trees. Almost too big.” Not surprisingly then, the tether rigging is immaculate on the Eltec and David is impressed by it too. “That comes standard these days on Eltec and saves us a lot of money in engineering, time and certification.” Iron Tester, Alister Hudson, notes that the tail of the machine is very tidy, no drag marks from interactions with the tether rope or chain. “I have a piece of stovepipe about 1500mm long that I put
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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
July 2024 | NZ LOGGER 21
Top: A good load of logs heading out of Twinlaw Forest from McCallum Harvesting’s skid. Above left: The Eltec’s tilt rams are massive. Above centre: The Quadco QB4400 fixed felling head with 360 degree rotation. Above right: The clamshell guarding/catwalks make for easy cleaning of the coolers. on the tether chain,” David says. “It just kind of rolls around there instead of grinding up the counterweight.” Fixed head stability “It’s a lot better in the cutover with the fixed head,” David says. “You don’t get that wobble that the dangle heads have. There’s not as much shock loading on the whole machine either.” We have heard rumours that fixed heads were being favoured by forest companies and David says with contracts coming up before Christmas last year, he decided to jump on the bandwagon as he was thinking about it anyway. “We got a three-year contract so that must have worked.” Another surprising benefit of the fixed head is in lower fuel consumption. David explains that diesel consumption went down around three litres an hour and he puts that down to reduced requirement for shovelling and being able to put the stems down in the right spot first time, bunched for the skidder. That will also translate to less ground disturbance, probably by quite a bit in some tighter spots.
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David likes to start the week with the 1491 litre fuel tank full and that will last him the whole week: “You do feel it a bit when it gets low but this machine is fairly well balanced actually.” The seat in this machine looks and feels like above average quality too. It’s made by Grammer in Toledo, Ohio, USA, a company that specialises in high quality seats for offroad vehicles, trucks, buses and trains. They also custom build seats. Good to know. One of the screens in the cab is for the mapping computer which cost $20k and records every tree felled. “It has diameter sensors in there as well as measuring height up the tree too, so it GPS’s every cut and sends that data to town every night,” David says. Another thing that catches the eye in the cab is the RAM mounts used to hold those computer screens. These are quite heavy screens and the RAM mounts look appropriately sturdy. They’re assembled in the USA and aimed at the extreme offroad vehicle market. There’s not a lot of things more alarming than a phone, tablet or GoPro ditching itself into the footwell while running a machine, so I’ll be checking these mounts out for sure.
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Left: The Eltec 317L at work in Twinlaw Forest. Above: Some of the boulders littering the cutover. Right: Iron Tester, Alister Hudson, prepares to fell another tree. During our ramble through the cutover we see some granite boulders the size of a small car. David says these are definitely a local hazard, some are much bigger and difficult to get around, while the smaller, car-sized ones need to be carefully placed aside to stop them rolling down the hill onto the road. Prior to this Eltec, David had one with a Woodsman on it: “We did look at getting a new boom and arm set on that to run the fixed head. The fixed head runs on a shorter set, but the difference between doing that and getting a new machine already set up for fixed heads was only about $20k.” Strong reputation One of the notable references on Eltec’s website is that of 87-year-old Vermont logger, Joe Gagnon, who states that he still has his first Eltec with 55,000 hours
on it and it is still in daily use. Looking back to 1965 when Donat Element moved to Val-d’Or, (‘Valley of Gold’ in French) in Quebec, Canada with his wife and 14 children, it’s perhaps not surprising that big things were going to happen. A background in construction and logging led to expansion into a hydraulics and steel water cutting business, on top of logging machinery sales and repair. The obvious next step was thinking about stronger logging gear from these experiences and in 2011, third generation logger, Patrick Element, established Eltec. The cutover at this Twinlaw Forest operation varies between easy and steeper slopes with a few really steep spots, so the tether is required for the Eltec about 50% of the time. There is a lot of wind and snow damage here too. David says the mean tree height is only 26 metres as a result. Fiordland National Park looms in the background. We’re only about 15 km from the South Coast here. Alister quips that it feels like Antarctica is only about 15 km away too as there is a good frost on the ground and nearby, farmed stags are roaring.
The Eltec 317L has 22 degrees of forward tilt.
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EST EST 1909 1909 | TOCALL WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 944 894 THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 24 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
Above left: The Eltec 317L heading back up the hill after the test. Above centre: The Eltec 317L returning to the skid. Above right: Iron Tester, Alister Hudson, heads back to the skid, saying that the Eltec is “a bit of a weapon”. David says the wind overnight was dreadfully bad: “It felt like the house was going to blow down. I’m sick of that.” He lives just 8 km away from the job site. I’d spent the same night at nearby Winton and thought somebody was breaking in to our room but on checking the door it was just gale-force winds trying to knock it down. The crew has three or four weeks left in this setting and then they are off to cut some Douglas fir on top of Blackmount Hill for a month or two then back to Otautau for the winter. As Alister and David talk cutting strategy with a fixed head, David says it’s common to encounter eight or nine hundred
millimetre cuts due to butt flare: “If you’re falling downhill you do need to do a front cut, otherwise it will start to fall before you’re all the way through if it’s a heavy leaner. It does have a float mode which lets a bit of the pressure off the ram and the rotate to make it a bit easier to move, but once you have a stem cut off and in the head standing, you do have to pick it up and chase it, otherwise you will tend to snap the stem off as it tries to lever against the head while falling.” That’s some serious engineering to withstand those kind of forces and a steep learning curve from dangle heads. You can read more about that in Alister’s Iron Test report which follows.
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Iron Tester: Alister Hudson
“A bit of a weapon” THIS IRON TEST HAD ME INTERESTED for a couple of reasons – for one, I’ve never looked over an Eltec machine or a Quadco fixed felling head. The other is, the forest David McCallum (Daggy) is working in is the forest I started my forestry career in over 20 years ago, for Gavin and Janice Keenan. Daggy believes it was 26 years ago as he was working in the same forest for DT King at that time. Fixed felling heads have become more popular in recent years but they aren’t a new concept in New Zealand forests. Gavin had one back when I started in the bush – a Timberjack 2618 with a Koehring Waterous hot saw, and in the right going it was very effective. Although some things don’t change too much in the industry, if you parked Daggy’s Eltec beside the Timberjack you would see how much the machines have changed over the years, especially around operator comfort, hydraulic systems and the technology they carry on board. The main question I’ve had asked is about the cabin: Is it okay or is it equipped like an outback dunny? The cab is actually really good; it’s quiet, you can hear the engine humming but there’s no droning or pumps whining or reliefs squealing. There’s loads of space in there with
plenty of storage behind the seat and heaps of leg room. The seat is very comfortable, with all the usual adjustments. It seems to be mounted further back in the cab than an excavator style setup but it doesn’t take you too far away from the action to be a problem. It does help to give you plenty of room to work the foot pedals which are positioned well and are comfortable to operate. The switches and controls feel high quality and durable, with the joysticks falling easily to hand and the head controls well laid out. The controls are electric over hydraulic and feel lighter than I was expecting for some reason. And it was a lot more responsive than I was expecting for a big machine too. Daggy has the machine set on 1 for the speed and it goes up to 5, so it’s fairly quick. The boom controls are ISO but the head crowd is opposite to a bucket digger which did take some getting used to. Visibility is overall fairly good, being much better out past the right hand corner than an excavator due to it being set back a lot further. Visibility out to the work area is good except for the four screens on the righthand pillar, which does make that area quite busy. The machine does have a skylight and it’s forward of the operator. Visibility down to the tracks is good until you go down
Iron Tester, Alister Hudson. a hill, then it’s not too flash but that’s fairly normal for a leveller. The levelling system is pretty slick, you just turn it on and forget about it, and it’s very smooth; you don’t feel the system working at all. The ground just drops away as you go over the brow of the hill. The machine feels rock solid while travelling up and down the hill without it feeling like it wants to tip or rock around. Track power is very strong and although it has extensions on the grousers it still turns fine. The head mates to the boom set very well and although it’s 3.3 tonnes, you wouldn’t think so when you’re running the machine, simply because the machine is so planted and the boom and slew so powerful. The arms and wrist on the head are really grunty and can easily move large trees around to wherever you need them to be. Two piece cuts with the fixed head aren’t as simple as with a dangle head
The McCallum crew near Fiordland.
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IFICATION
SPEC S ELTEC FHL317L/QUADCO QB4400 – SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE
BOOM / ARM
6-cylinder, 8.9L Cummins QSL9 turbo diesel. 239 kW (320 hp) @ 2100 rpm Peak power
Model Max reach
HYDRAULICS
HARVESTER
Main machine pump 1 420L/min Main machine pump 2 312L/min. Swing and pilot pump 241L/min Attachment pump 197 L/min Swing speed 8rpm Swing torque 115,243NM Cooling Fan 1143mm/45 inch wide hydraulically driven, variable speed, reversing.
Model Rotation Weight Max Opening Min Closing Max cut Bar
UNDERCARRIAGE
REFILL CAPACITIES (LITRES)
Model D7 tractor 711mm,single grouser Track shoe width Tractive effort 135,582 NM/ 100,000lb/ft 870mm Ground Clearance Max Speed 4.2km/hr Tilt Front =22 degrees, Side=16 degrees, Rear = 4 degrees.
Fuel tank Hydraulic tank
but the bar does come out to around 250 degrees, so you can sit the head beside the tree and send the bar out for the first cut, then do the second cut as you normally would. There is a float function while cutting if you choose to use it, to reduce the risk
Eltec FB33 10.5mtrs/33FT Quadco QB4400 360 continuous 3300kg 1400 170 1000mm 50 inch 1491 284
DIMENSIONS (MM) Length Width Height Tail swing radius Operating weight
13,411} 3,472 3,453 1422 45,000kg with Quadco QB4400
of pinching that 50-inch bar. The Eltec/Quadco performed very well with a good combination of power and clever engineering and I can see why Daggy rates the machine so highly – it’s a bit of a weapon. NZL
Log Haulage
STEEP TERRAIN, SPECIALISED CARTAGE Combine a steep forest road network, erodible terrain, high-cost earthworks and destructive weather events and you’ve got a recipe for finding new log transport solutions. Qube Forestry New Zealand’s East Coast operation (formerly Pacific Haulage), based in Gisborne, did just that, in the form of a fleet of ten Scania G500 8x6 trucks to assist in harvest planning, loading and log transport in these difficult conditions. Story: Hayley Leibowitz
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ITH A FULL FLEET OF 90 TRUCKS predominantly working for corporate forest companies we “rarely venture outside the region” says General Manager, Campbell Gilmour. The seeds for the company’s new acquisitions began after Cyclone Bola hit back in 1988. In the aftermath of the cyclone the land was no longer deemed suitable for farming, and was planted in trees instead. The East Coast thus had a
30 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
large planting boom in the early 1990s, with the catch being that these plantations were on steep, highly erodible areas. From 2016 onwards this harvest commenced and, being first time rotation, they were, and are, all Greenfield operations with little, if any, roading infrastructure available. As a result, roading operations became year-round operations to keep ahead of the increased harvesting task, says Mr Gilmour.
Add to that high-cost earthworks wth a limited supply of good quality aggregate in Gisborne, with resulting high metal haulage and supply rates, and the lower quality aggregate tends to get used for the forest roading networks. That’s when they’re not being eroded and destroyed by severe weather events. “When these occur, they absolutely destroy the region,” says Mr Gilmour. “A whole hillside will just let go and take
a road with it. When this happens, the council will actually park us and ban us from operating. Because the roading infrastructure is so fragile, they can’t afford to take the risk of the heavies working on the road and deteriorating it even further. “So we could be parked for two to three weeks at a time and just not allowed to operate. During that period we just have to sit with our arms folded and wait to get the green light to operate again.” Cartage alternatives No wonder then that in 2019 the company started thinking about some sort of cartage alternative. “We’ve got a difficult operating infrastructure and these terrain difficulties cost us all – the forest owner with the high establishment cost and maintaining the roads, and us with the difficulties operating in these sorts of terrains. So we needed to think outside the square about what we could do that would assist our customers but also assist us,” says Mr Gilmour. It was then that the idea of an 8x6 truck was floated, enabling the use of a specialised unit, but still operating within the fleet undertaking cartage duties as normal. Forestry customers were involved in the vehicle specification and planning of the project right from its commencement, starting with a site visit to the lower North Island at McCarthy Transport where the Scania 8x6’s were operating within the Waimarino Forest Estate. With customer buy-in secured, the next step was field testing with McCarthy’s bringing one of the 8x6’s to Gisborne for a few days. “We visited each customer’s forests and got them to nominate some of their most gnarly and challenging terrain and we put the truck through its paces. We also had the Scania engineers visit the region to conduct their own field testing to confirm the correct specification prior to us going ahead and ordering,” says Mr Gilmour. Due diligence done, the first truck entered the fleet in 2022. With a strong allegiance to the Kenworth brand, driver acceptance was a bit of a challenge, he adds. However, with a front steer axle that can be engaged as a drive axle from within the cab, and different levels of traction assistance, this European truck, on the verge of being an off-highway truck
Opposite: Steep, erodible terrain, high-cost earthworks and destructive weather
events called for new log transport solutions at Qube Forestry, in the form of Scania G500 8x6 trucks.
Above: Slippage on hillsides resulting from severe weather events can significantly delay operations.
but with on-highway characteristics, soon found its place in the company’s largely American fleet. Set up with four-axle trailers, the units run on an HPMV permit of 48-tonne and deliver a Payload of 28-tonne. While they could be permitted up higher, “you would start losing your axel weight flexibility” and a bigger trailer would “undermine the benefit of the traction offered by this unit up front”, says Mr Gilmour. “We wanted the truck to have the best possible chance to deliver our intended result.” Individual training from Scania National driver trainer, Radu Radulescu, included live training in the forest locations. “There’s a lot of merit in this,” says Mr Gilmour. “It’s easy enough to show someone a truck around a yard but to have someone in the passenger seat who knows exactly what the truck is capable
of, is a hell of a lot better than the driver learning by himself via trial and error. This whole training exercise was highly valuable in the success of these trucks coming into our fleet.” He adds: “On paper these trucks can run at 14 degrees or a 25% gradient. This is maximum on the move (direct pull with no stopping), however we continue to operate within the ACOP guidelines of 11 degrees or 20%. It’s not a one size fits all though. There are other factors to consider such as the width and elevation of corners which affect the truck’s ability to deliver the desired result. Mr Gilmour emphasises that it’s important to continue to build roads to the same specs, something agreed upon with the forest owner and the truck suppliers. “We’re not going to start building roads at steeper grades just because we have a truck available to us now to do so.” July 2024 | NZ LOGGER 31
Log Haulage
As to why these trucks are so well suited to forestry, well the proof is in the action. So far Qube Forestry has used them on some green roads “that need some TLC” to help condition the road. Steeper roads too pose little challenge. “If there is a regular truck in the fleet having difficulty on a section of road, we can put the 8x6’s in there knowing they can negotiate that section with no issues at all. However this is limited to small volumes. For larger volumes, obviously the road needs to be reconfigured or realigned to suit the general fleet.” Then there’s the weather. “When the sites are weather dependent, if the weather is not playing ball and cartage is interrupted because of this, we can put the 8x6’s in there. This gets cartage resumed again and is helpful to all concerned,” explains Mr Gilmour. The 8x6’s are also used from the initial load for some sites “just to gauge cartage limitations moving forward”. “If there is a site we feel is going to present some challenges, we’ll put these trucks in there and from there we can work
Top: Thanks to the Scania 8x6’s, not a dollar was spent on roading at this site in Wharerata where the wood was starting to age with bad weather. Bottom: Weather events have played havoc in the region. 32 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
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Log Haulage
out what the requirements are going to be for cartage on that job going forward.” While Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is the review the company does of a job prior to commencing cartage, indicating where to use the 8x6’s, again, Mr Gilmour emphasises that the decision on where the trucks are operated is a collaborative approach “made by either us or the forest owner”. It’s a joint decision “that works well”. Clear benefits There are a number of benefits from this approach, the first being reduced start-up roading costs. This is more so in the woodlot sector, however it can occur within the corporate estates, says Mr Gilmour. “If there is a job where the road is not quite up to spec, however it is passable for the 8x6’s, we can put these trucks in there. It gets the harvest started and the return back to the owner sooner. “It lessens the need for continuous
maintenance and metaling too. If a regular truck does have issues on a road, obviously it’s going to damage the road surface and this will require some fresh metal or the roading crew to come and dress and tidy up the road. If we can minimise this, it takes away that cost.” He emphasises that roading maintenance costs are limited when harvest is near completion. So, if the crew has finished on the landing and the road’s not quite up to spec, “obviously we don’t want to go and spend money on the road to get the small volume out but we can put the 8x6’s in there to move that wood”. In some cases roads are built to suit the 8x6’s. “We can now build the roads differently but still within the ACOP, knowing that we have these trucks available and what they are capable of,” says Mr Gilmour. The use of the Scanias also improves machines’ productive time, with less time assisting trucks. “So if a truck does
get into issues on the road, someone or something’s got to go and rescue it – whether it’s a machine from the harvesting crew or from the roading crew or another truck. If we can minimise this, it keeps those machines doing what they’re intended to do and improves their productive time.” In turn, this allows for better distribution flows. “We all know if a truck does get stuck, everything concertinas behind it. It’s not helpful for the harvesting site. It’s not helpful for the delivery site. If we can keep more time steady trucking, it’s helpful for everyone in the supply chain.” Specific benefits aside, in terms of daily operational integration, the 8x6’s are still part of the usual fleet, says Mr Gilmour: “They are operated all year round. We don’t just keep them parked in the yard and only use them when a specific job arises. They are a part of our cartage plan each day. They are a part of our dispatch. They go to work every day alongside our normal fleet.”
Top: Up the coast from Gisborne, past Tolaga Bay, 4000 tonnes of wood was inaccessible after a bridge washout. The 8x6’s were able to take full loads directly to port, eliminating the need for transhipping (opposite top). Left: In this job on the outskirts of Gisborne, the 8x6’s saved the day when a planation beside a local water supply needed urgent harvesting. Right: The East Coast topography necessitates high-cost earthworks through steep and erodible terrain. 34 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
Each forest company has a commitment to an agreed number of trucks for their operation. The number of trucks used per operation varies depending on each customer’s needs. “So we manage that for the customers, because we overview the cartage, we manage the dispatch, we can mix and
match the trucks to suit. And to give credit where credit’s due, our customers are very accommodating, they work well together and at the end of the day everybody gets what’s required for their own individual operations.” As an example, he cites a water dam job on the outskirts of Gisborne last year
of just over 7000 tonnes. The plantation was beside a local water supply in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle where the water infrastructure was damaged Urgent harvesting was required for the construction of a water pipe to feed the treatment plant for local consumption, and council requirements disallowed any sort of
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Log Haulage
aggregate to be placed on the access road. “As we were heading into winter conditions, it was going to be impossible to use truck and trailers, so the job required the wood to be transhipped out. This was either going to have to be on a forwarder or a dedicated off-highway 8x8 truck.” Add to this a soft, muddy road and the result was deep wheel ruts with the large trucks essentially grading the centre of the road as they entered and exited. When the Scania’s were brought in, any damage was mitigated and the job flowed smoothly, with the trucks easily coping with the restricted space and difficult conditions. In another example North of Gisborne near Tolaga Bay, as mentioned earlier, the original road plan was adjusted and the road built to suit the 8x6’s. Instead of a 400 metre section at a 10% grade originally intended for the general fleet, the road was built as a 250 metre section at a 16% grade for the 8x6s, knowing what they’re capable of and that these trucks could enter and exit all day long “with no issues whatsoever”. This delivered road construction savings of just under $40,000 back to the owner – and with a shorter distance of road, it’s less to maintain going forward. In another example up the coast from Gisborne past Tolaga Bay, 4,000 tonnes of wood was inaccessible after Cyclone Gabrielle due to a bridge washout.
Again, the original idea was to tranship this volume out which puts another link and cost into the supply chain. The alternative route was to take the wood out on an adverse gradient between 18 and 20%. So the 8x6’s were able to take full loads of 28 tonne ex the site directly to port and completely eliminate any requirement for transhipping. Lastly, at a site in Wharerata, South of Gisborne, the crew had finished on the landing but the weather hadn’t been favourable and a hoped for break in the weather was not forthcoming. The wood was starting to age and truck-only carting had been unsuccessful with two sites on the job, so the requirement to get the volume out was increasing. Understandably the forest owner didn’t want to spend money on the road just to get that small volume out, and for the road to sit idle for a long time afterwards. With only one 8x6 on the road at that stage, this was the first job for the company’s second truck, “So I was pretty anxious that we were going to deliver the desired result here,” says Mr Gilmour. “And just to really turn the pressure up, the Forest Manager decided he was going to go for a ride on the truck on the very first round!” He needn’t have worried, with this comment coming back from the Forest Manager: “These things are good. I thought we were stuck for sure but no problem.”
ents, for the diameter. This heavy
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The full 28-tonne load was carted out with not one dollar spent on roading. Mix and match Mr Gilmour points out that with 10 out of 90 trucks in the fleet being Scania 8x6’s, it’s “a good number to mix and match”. “We wouldn’t convert the entire fleet. Having a percentage of the fleet is a good fit. The 8x6 is a good tool to help with difficult operating environments and I’d certainly recommend it to anyone who operates in a similar environment or who has similar challenges to what we have. It enables the forest companies to plan ahead for difficult blocks, knowing they have these trucks at their disposal. “However, as mentioned, while there are instances where it is appropriate to adjust the road plan, in most cases, the roads need to be built to the current spec – not to suit the truck’s ability. This is very important. Just because we have these trucks available to us, it doesn’t mean we need to build roads to very steep gradients. If we do that we’re going to end up having the truck and the driver operating right to the limit of their ability. And we’ll end up having a roading infrastructure on which only a handful of trucks can operate. “This has been a project where both parties have benefitted and I would certainly recommend this approach. If it helps our customers, it helps us. If our customers are successful, we’re successful.” NZL
Ten out of 90 trucks in the Qube Forestry fleet are Scania G500 8x6’s.
ents, for the 36 NZ LOGGER | July 2024 diameter. This heavy at set it apart from
C
QB3500
STANDARD CONFIGURATION
WEIGHTS & DMS
FIXED FELLING HEAD
METRIC
IMPERIAL
Weight
2,450 kg
5,400 lbs
Height
2,150 mm
85”
Depth
1,962 mm
77”
Width (Arms Closed)
1,422 mm
56”
Width (Arms Open)
1,856 mm
73”
Rotate Motors
2 x MCR05
SAW
GRAPPLE SECTION
Degree of Rotation
IMPERIAL
Weight
3,300 kg
6,820 lbs
Height
2,692 mm
106”
Depth
2,478 mm
97”
Width (Arms Closed)
2,045 mm
80”
Width (Arms Open)
2,191 mm
86”
Rotate Motors
SAW
GRAPPLE SECTION
Degree of Rotation
Minimum Closing Diameter
140 mm
5.5”
Maximum Opening Diameter
1,100 mm
43.3”
Cutting Capacity
870 mm
34”
Bar Lenght
1,092 mm
43”
Saw Motor
F12-40
Motor Size
60 cc
3.66 in3
Chain Size
19.05 mm
3/4
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HYD.
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225°
Pressure
300 bar
4,350 psi
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24 – 28 ton
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170 mm
6.6”
Maximum Opening Diameter
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55”
Cutting Capacity
1,000 mm
39”
Bar Lenght
1,270 mm
50”
Saw Motor
QB4400
FIXED FELLING HEAD
F12-60
Clean hose through design Motor Size
60 cc
3.66 in3
Chain Size
19.05 mm
3/4
HYD.
Saw Bar Rotation Pressure
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250 lpm
66 gpm
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Forest Technology
HARVESTING TREES AND DATA
38 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
Deeper understanding By using this system and analysing data from two different sites, many interesting findings and comparisons between the two sites were possible. For example, there was a noticeable difference in utilisation, which is the amount of time
the machine was working compared to the total time it was on. Engine speed was categorised into ‘Operating’, ‘Idling’, ‘Idling Up or Down’, and ‘Off’, based on RPM ranges. In Chaney’s Forest, the felling machine was found to operate 76% of the time, compared to 80% in Ashley Forest.
A th q e W
LG34395
Y
OU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH MACHINE monitoring systems such as JD Link or RemoteLog, introduced by John Deere and Tigercat, respectively. These systems offer machine owners the opportunity to monitor details of individual machines, including utilisation, location, and performance. Now, imagine a system that captures data from every machine on site, regardless of the brand, and consolidates it in one place, in real time. Such an innovative system would not only track each machine’s operational status, location, productivity, and fuel efficiency but could also monitor the wear on machine parts. Well, wait no longer – we’re almost there! Patrick Humphrey, a recent graduate of the Forest Engineering programme at the School of Forestry, University of Canterbury, is one year into his PhD, working on developing this system. All modern harvesting equipment has electronic controls routed through a Controller Area Network (CAN Bus). This encompasses all operator inputs from the operation, as well as all the signals that control the movements and functions, plus engine parameters (such as RPM, temperatures, etc.), and diagnostics (such as fault codes and warnings). The CAN data is collected and stored on the data logger and, if connected via an onsite Wi-Fi signal, data is uploaded to the internet to be analysed and displayed in real-time. After the system was designed, Mr Humphrey (supervised by Dr Campbell Harvey) collaborated with Simon and Adam Brand (of Brand Logging, Canterbury) to test the system by implementing it on their John Deere 959 MH felling machine. Data was captured over a total of 224 days from two different forests: Chaney’s Forest (from 10th July to 5th October) and Ashley Forest (from 9th October to 19th February). A total of 104 different machine and GPS metrics were collected, including engine speed, position, engine fuel rate and pitch/roll angles. These variables were then analysed and ultimately presented in an interactive dashboard.
Patrick Humphrey in the cab of a Konrad Forsttechnik Yarder.
9 T N
Interactive dashboard presenting the John Deere 959 MH machine data.
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and/or repair and maintenance needs, as working on slopes is more demanding on the machines. Another opportunity lies in gaining a more detailed understanding of fuel consumption or even aiding in the calculation of the carbon footprint of machinery. How about automatically calculating these metrics for each machine and each harvest area? This becomes feasible with machine data. In Chaney’s forest, the felling machine used 43 l/h during tracking, 25.3 l/h when operating but stationary (average 35.7 l/h). In Ashley Forest it was 40.1 l/h tracking and 27.2 l/h when operating but stationary (34.3 l/h average). The differences in fuel consumption during tracking are counterintuitive since Ashley Forest is steeper. However, the foot pedal data already indicated the operator spent
Examining the foot pedal data, more time was spent moving/tracking in Chaney’s Forest with 59%, with slightly less in Ashely Forest at 55%. This type of detail could help contractors understand how different forest areas affect operational effectiveness and to introduce data driven decisions into their planning for future harvest areas, says Mr Humphrey. Understanding the terrain of the forest is also feasible using the machine data; for instance, by using the roll (side tilt) and pitch (forward and back tilt) angles of the machine. A comparison of the two forests found that time spent at higher roll and pitch angles was significantly greater in Ashley Forest than in Chaney’s Forest. This not only indicates that Ashley Forest is steeper but can also help machine owners understand changes in productivity Chaney's Forest
Ashley Forest
4% 4%
6%
1%
7% 0%
51%
Predictive maintenance One exciting opportunity Mr Humphrey is focusing on is predictive maintenance. The idea is that analysing a range of signals can help predict when a part may fail. For example, a combination of decreasing oil pressure together with an increase in temperature could suggest that a hydraulic pump is starting to deteriorate before it Ashley Forest
3% 14%
32% 59%
Chaney's Forest
less time tracking in Ashley, limiting uphill movement where load on the engine is higher. The higher stationary fuel consumption can be attributed to the increased load on the engine when working on steeper slopes. Work is being done on combining more machine and operating parameters where a more detailed understanding for such differences can be found.
22%
-10 to -5 -5 to 0 0 to 5 5 to 10 10 to 20 20+
19% 24%
0% 49%
73%
32%
0 to+/-5 +/-5 to+/-10 +/-10 to+/-10 15+
Top: Comparison of pitch (top left) and roll (top right) angle of John Deere 959 MH felling machine between Chaney’s Forest and Ashley Forest. Above: John Deere 959 MH felling machine. 40 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
reaches the point of sending a fault signal indicating it is outside the expected range. Optimising scheduled maintenance is also feasible, moving from relying solely on engine hours to a more accurate measure of machine component degradation. Promising future This system is currently in its infancy, capturing only basic machine data and employing simple analyses and displays. The next step in Mr Humphrey’s project is to start utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide more advanced and insightful analyses and metrics. The goal is to eventually connect an entire harvest system. This project is part of a larger Forest Growers Research project exploring these opportunities. About the authors: Patrick Humphrey is a Forest Engineering PhD student, Dr Campbell Harvey, and Professor Rien Visser are lecturers at the School of Forestry and Mr Humphrey’s doctoral supervisors. NZL
Right: CAN data logger attached to the diagnostic port of a John Deere 959 MH felling machine.
Grooved Drums and Sleeves
DIAGNOSE • DESIGN • DELIVER
FICA.ORG.NZ
your voice The voice of forestry contractors since 2002
latest from fica Contractors provide input at FGR workshops Forest Growers Research (FGR) workshops held on 5th June in Christchurch and 7th June in Rotorua were attended by a number of FICA members. The specific purpose of these was to review current methods of industry funding for the development of new technologies. Members gave some valuable input along with researchers, equipment suppliers and forest management companies. General consensus amongst those attending is that we are currently doing some versions of all the models put forward on the day. One model put forward by a forest manager was a base day/rate of 80% with 20% remaining for production paid at end of month. Contractors generally agreed that if the business case stacks up then contractors will operate under the model, provided there are the right relationships, environment and flow. Having an understanding of who benefits the most between suppliers, contractors, forest companies and industry is key, dictating the appropriate amount of risk taken. “As with any workshop, the casual conversations with contractors and industry representatives about innovation,
“As a fan of the Madill product it’s great to see Dale and his team taking ownership of the brand. I look forward to seeing them add modern tech to a brand that is known for it’s durability and reliability.” TONY GAMBLE, GAMBLE FOREST HARVESTING LTD
financing, and the risk-reward dynamics of implementing new technologies was highly valuable,” says Harriet McCormick from McCormick Logging. “It underscored the importance of fostering open dialogue among both industry peers and stakeholders. This collaborative exchange of experiences and challenges is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of our industry.”
FICA has been working to build a closer relationship with Forest Growers Research (FGR). The aim is to contribute at a governance level and provide a contractor perspective, focusing on innovation projects that create opportunities for the industry.
DC Equipment debuts first NZ manufactured Madill log loader in NZ DC Equipment recently celebrated the manufacturing debut of Madill log loaders in New Zealand at DC HQ in Tasman. Dale Ewers is the founder and owner of DC Equipment and a valued FICA board member and FICA sponsor. The event set the scene of what’s to come for DC Equipment’s journey with Madill, with the surprise unveiling of the Madill RFM 1100 (remote felling machine) prototype. DC Equipment contributes 130 jobs to the local economy in Nelson and is selling forestry equipment around the world, improving environmental and H&S outcomes. This is a great example of Kiwis leading the way in innovation. Congratulations to Dale and the team! We are all watching with interest as the journey continues.
42 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
FICA.ORG.NZ
Excavator Guarding – WorkSafe says not mandatory Some of you may have received communications from machinery and parts suppliers/salesmen stating that “Worksafe is making all forestry machines mandatory to have hand rails installed to the AS 5327 requirements.”
Worksafe has confirmed to FICA that hand/guard rails are not mandatory. Scan here for guidance.
0800 433 373 Brandt.ca/nz
July 2024 | NZ LOGGER 43
FICA.ORG.NZ
Dale Digs In DA L E R UTG E R S, LOGGABULL
When you meet Loggabull’s Dale Rutgers, you quickly appreciate her down to earth nature and ‘get on with it’ attitude. It’s easy to see why she and husband Brian have been successfully running their logging business, Loggabull, in the Taupo/Tokoroa area for the past eight years.
Dale and the Loggabull Crew.
The couple have been together for the past 22 years, meeting at a party as teenagers in 2002. Dale was 17, while Brian was 19 and working for his uncle Ron Thomassen at Thomassen Logging at the time. “When I met Brian, I was a cadet at the Taupo District Council, working in the property and land department,” says Dale. “It was like an apprenticeship where you do all sorts of jobs like titles, connecting services to properties, GIS mapping and aerial photography and the Council puts you through Polytech courses to upskill while you work.” “I worked my way up in the Council and moved into the admin team, working on Resource Management and liquor licencing requests and other council services.” At the same time, Brian continued to work with his uncle Ron. He and Dale built up some equity and went into partnership with Ron in 2007, setting up a ground based crew (BR Logging). Dale continued with her job in the Council, developing her admin skills, before coming over to work in the Thomassen Logging office in 2015. “I worked with Ron’s wife Nicola in their office for a couple of years and that was really invaluable in terms of learning about forestry and building up my knowledge of things like payroll and accounts payable. I’d have had no idea otherwise,” she laughs. The contrast with Council was immediately obvious. “Coming from Council it was quite a change, particularly dealing with bush people instead of corporate people. I really enjoyed the change and loved how relaxed people were generally. “Also, working in corporate you see so many things that could be fixed but you can’t change them. When you work for yourself, you can usually do something about it.” Eight years ago in 2016, Brian and Dale were ready to take the next leap in their business. Ron agreed to buy them out of their partnership and the couple set up Loggabull with 100% ownership of a ground based crew. Daughter Chloe came along in 2018, making things even more busy but way more wonderful too. “In the early days, Brian was running a Harvester, falling and processing with the same machine,” says Dale. “We gradually grew from there and now have two crews (one ground based and one hauler), employing 21 staff.” “There have definitely been ups and downs, but we’ve been pretty lucky with ManuLife. We really feel for some of the other contractors in other regions who have had it tougher,” says Dale. 44 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
Dale (right) pictured with Danielle Lowe (JDL Contracting) at a WIF event at Port of Tauranga. Dale has attended a couple of Women in Forestry (WIF) events recently and has enjoyed having the opportunity to see what others are doing. “It is good to have a place to go and see how other people are doing things. So often you’re just on your own and you don’t really know if what you’re doing is the right way or the wrong way. Getting to know some of the other ladies and share ideas has been great,” says Dale. “You realise you often have the same challenges as each other when you get talking.”
F
Dale says she and Brian have a good working relationship and they rely on each other a lot. “He has the expertise on so many things and I pick his brain if I don’t understand something. He does it to me too – it goes both ways. I guess we keep tabs on each other,” she says. “It helps that we have different offices too,” she laughs. “Plus, one rule we have at home is if he wants me to do something, he has to text me rather than just tell me and I’ll deal with it the next morning. It’s like the shopping list, you have to write it down!” When asked what she’d tell others she says it’s all about “making hay while the sun shines”. “Don’t overcommit and you’ll do alright.”
S
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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 all New Forestrywho Industry. Thank you to of Zealand’s the organisations 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.
BUSINESS PARTNERS BUSINESS PARTNERS
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TO ONLINE AT AT FICA.ORG.NZ FICA.ORG.NZ TOJOIN, JOIN,CALL CALL 0800 0800 342 342 269 269 OR OR SIGNUP ONLINE
Safety/performance/quality
People and technology I DON’T THINK ANYONE CAN DISAGREE that technology has made a huge difference to our industry. Safety and productivity are just two words that come to mind. However, we need to be mindful that technology generally doesn’t function without people at the controls at some point. So, a focus on people is also key to the success we strive for both now and into the future. A key focus of managing people is to keep them engaged and motivated with what they do. Recognition of this can come in many forms, from simply a pat on the back with a “well done” through to formal recognition within our industry. All are important and should not be undervalued. That’s what we are about, engagement and recognition. Engagement to lift and maintain professional standards. Recognition to acknowledge those standards. So, while we continue to work towards recognition, we include some general photographs of people going about their work. We have also included a couple of cheeky photographs illustrating the stark differences between where we have come from and how some folk elsewhere still have to operate. And, yes, these are real people doing this real work. Ka mau te wehi! Awesome individuals, awesome teams and awesome people behind the scenes supporting them in what they do!! Sponsors – they don’t have to do this but they choose to! Awesome companies, awesome people and awesome support! They back you and your workmates to succeed as professionals, so why wouldn’t you support them? They believe in what we do and what you do.
46 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
So, a big ongoing thank you to our Strategic Partners – STIHL and NZ Logger and sponsor SWAZI. The best way to keep our industry working is to get out and support those businesses that support New Zealand. Participating companies This competition wouldn’t be what it is without our participating companies 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, 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
Griffin Logging work site – Wenita Forest Products estate
Safety/performance/quality
Forest work in Asia
Logging.
Log extraction/transport.
Felling cuts.
Saw work.
Griffin Logging staff
July 2024 | NZ LOGGER 47
Safety/performance/quality
Roxburgh Contracting work site and staff – Wenita Forest Products estate
48 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
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BOGIE SKIDDER FOR HELLFIRE LOGGING Hellfire Logging has taken delivery of a new 768L-2 bogie skidder, fitted out with Veriga tyre tracks from West-Trak. This machine will assist Hellfire’s ground-based crew in Springhill Forest near Mohaka. Owner, Scott Paradis, says he is happy with the performance, comfort and visibility of his new machine. Machine sold by the Hastings Brandt Equipment team.
NEW MACHINERY FOR WISE ON WOOD Northland-based Wise on Wood recently took delivery of a new Gen-4 Falcon Winch on a repurposed base excavator.
TIGERCAT FOR FERRIS LOGGING
NEW MACHINERY FOR FLAVELL LOGGING Flavell Logging has taken delivery of a new APEX HD Grapple Camera. Pictured from left are operator, Dan, with Hamish of APEX Equipment.
50 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
Ferris Logging has added another new machine into its growing Southland-based logging operation. Pictured with the new Tigercat 635H are Jimmy and Cullen Ferris, Butch McDonald, Jared Hammond, Mathew Low, Kyle Blyth and Ben Collins. The new Tigercat joins a fleet of Sumitomo Forestry spec’d machines as well as two Tigercat 630E four-wheel skidders which are spread throughout the crews. Specialising in forest and woodlot operations throughout the South Island region, Jimmy chose to spec his new 635H with long range fuel tank (no winch), 25 foot plate tong grapple and rear F2 tyre and band track configuration as the best option for year-round production. Machine sold by Dean Cousins, AB Equipment Invercargill.
NEW CAT PROCESSOR FOR BROWN LOGGING Brown Logging Crew 30 has taken delivery of a new Next Generation Cat 336GC processor. Operating in the Kinleith Forest, the big Cat is guarded by Ensign and runs a Woodsman 750 processor. The 336GC operator says he is “very pleased” with the performance of the unit which features the Cat GC configuration and all new technology. Machine sold by Mark Costello, Terra Cat Territory Account Manager Forestry.
NEW MACHINERY FOR FORESTPRO ForestPro, working for Ernslaw One out of Gisborne, has taken delivery of a new 1910E fixed cab forwarder to assist with its road lining operation. Hamish and Lukas were looking for something smaller than their previous machine to minimise the damage to the roading. Machine sold and serviced by Brandt Equipment.
JOHN DEERE FOR RA DOUGLAS HARVESTING A new John Deere 959MH fitted with a SATCO 3L2 head was recently delivered to the RA Douglas Harvesting Crew 029 working for Timberlands in the Kaingaroa Forest. Machine sold and supported by Brandt Rotorua.
NEW CAT FOR TOMBLESON LOGGING Tombleson Logging has added another new Cat 538LL forest machine to its operation. The Next Generation unit is running the big Ensign 2430 grapple and is performing fleeting and loading duties in Woodhill Forest for owner, Nick Tombleson. It features a purposebuilt cab with greater visibility, increased track speed and torque, as well as increased slew torque. Machine sold by Terra Cat Territory Account Manager, Mark Costello.
July 2024 | NZ LOGGER 51
Kevin Graham Mobile: 021 811 057
sales@drdiesel.nz
ALL PRICES EXCLUDE GST 415 Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson
1007 FX2 1003 Williams Valve WM318
1004 ¾ Harvest chain
1006 Wichita springs
1011 1115-000-001
1012 115-130-002
1013 1205-154-155
1018 VUH4304
1020 VM90DM
1037 Pucks
1008 Kobelt potentiometer
1009 1690-000-015
1010 17-025-012
1014 2117-001-013
1015 2200-000-003
1016 1102-070-081
1017 1107-003-121
1021 1062 SUS 2-00-2
1022 2000 SUS 2-00-2
1053 Thunderbird TSY 155
1026 ORV WOO-10101
1035 Madill 122-122 Maxibrake
1045 Twin disk clutch separator plate kit
1046 Straw drum pads
1047a Brake pedal
1049-1050 Lining bolts/nuts
1051 Madill 124
1052 Volume booster
1055 Fuller earth
1058 Humphrey
1077 Ensign 1500
1078 Bell V20
1079 Madill 123/124 GUY
1080 BE85 GUY
1081 Act 06
1082 BE85 M1
1084 22x5, 26x5, 26x7
1085 Wichita 18,19, 21, 24
1087 Wichita 21
1101a Detroit throttle switch
1107 Twin disc gear selector
1109 Detroit compressor
1118 Bell grapple
1121 Wichita 224
1025 Bendix Air Dryer
101529 Madill/Thunderbird accumulators
1124 1054 Waratah 626 All makes and sizes main drive motor
GEAR TAC 300 / 400 The ultimate replacement for black tack. 101656 Madill 124 swivel join seal kits
102023 Eaton 18&24 inch new and old style piston seal kits
102451 Water Brake and engine Treatment
102812 Madill 124 slew motor and box
www.drdiesel.nz sales@drdiesel.nz PLEASE NOTE ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO THE EXCHANGE RATE
LG34296
102241 Madill water union rebuild kit
NZ LOGGER classified
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CAT 568 FORESTRY HARVESTER.
JOHN DEERE 909KH FELLER BUNCHER.
11,000 hrs. Southstar QS630 attached. Good undercarriage. Located in Rotorua.
14,292 hrs. Waratah 623C attached. Located in Hastings.
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027 285 1015
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027 411 2330
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54 NZ LOGGER | July 2024
POA
POA
027 285 1015
Call 0800 433 373 for current pricing.
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
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LG34478
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RADIATORS
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Get the right exposure through NZ Logger magazine and capture the Forest industry buyers directly.
INTERCOOLERS
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NZ LOGGER classified
USED FORESTRY EQUIPMENT - AVAILABLE NOW MAKE AN OFFER!
#208692
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Sumitomo SH370 TLFS
John Deere 1910E
Tigercat 625E
2017, 13433 hours Contact Lochin Smith - 027 204 7623
2018, 5200 hours Contact Jason Fahey - 027 386 4544
MAKE AN OFFER!
#208526
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CAT 330DL
with Waratah 625C 2009, 20391 hours Contact Jason Fahey - 027 386 4544 #
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with 626 Bigwood, new pins and bushes 2018, 3657 hours Contact Lochin Smith - 027 204 7623 #208731
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CAT 324D FM
Komatsu 895-1 Forwarder
2014, 9378 hours Contact Lochin Smith - 027 204 7623
2019, 4191 hours Contact Darrin Barr - 027 201 1031
Make us a reasonable offer, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. Offers are non-binding and we are not obliged to accept your offer. Ts & Cs apply, see in store for details.
View our full range online
www.dne.co.nz July 2024 | NZ LOGGER 55
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TCUDORP DNZ$ ENZ$ SU New NewZealand ZealandStock Stock New New New Zealand Zealand Zealand Stock Stock Stock NZ$ NZ$ NZ$ New NZ$ $ZN kcotS dnalaeZ weN NewZealand Zealand NZ$ H290 H290 Rebuild Rebuild inStock progress, inStock progress, Available Available early early 2024 2024 TBC TBC H290 H290 H290 Rebuild Rebuild Rebuild in progress, in in progress, progress, Available Available Available early early early 2024 2024 2024 TBC TBC TBC H290 Rebuild in in progress, Available 2024 TBC CBT 4202 ylrae elbaliavA ,ssergorp ni dliubeR 092H H290 Rebuild Rebuild progress, Available early 2024 TBC Rebuild available available early early 2024 2024 early TBC TBC H624C H624C Rebuild Rebuild Rebuild available available available early early early 2024 2024 2024 TBC TBC TBC H624C H624C H624C Rebuild available early 2024 H624C CBT 4202 ylrae elbaliava dliubeR C426H Rebuild available early 2024 TBC H624CComplete Complete rebuild, rebuild, with with new new chassis. chassis. AVAILABLE AVAILABLE NOW. NOW. TBC H625C H625C Complete Complete Complete rebuild, rebuild, rebuild, with with with new new new chassis. chassis. chassis. AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE NOW. NOW. NOW. H625C H625C H625C Complete rebuild, with new chassis. AVAILABLE NOW. H625C .WON ELBALIAVA .sissahc wen htiw ,dliuber etelpmoC C526H Complete rebuild, with new AVAILABLE NOW. H625C#109, H626 H626 #109, AsAs traded, traded, working working prior prior tochassis. to removing, removing, Danfoss Danfoss Valve Valve H626 H626 H626 #109, #109, #109, As As traded, As traded, traded, working working working prior prior prior to to removing, to removing, removing, Danfoss Danfoss Danfoss Valve Valve Valve H626 #109, As traded, working prior to removing, Danfoss Valve evlaV sWaratah soWaratah fnaD ,gniv625C om625C er ot roirp gnikrow ,dedWaratah arWaratah t sA ,901#624C 626H H626 #183, #109, As traded, working prior to removing, Danfoss Valve H626 H626 #183, AsAs traded, traded, good good working working condition, condition, Danfoss Danfoss Valve Valve 624C H626 H626 H626 #183, #183, #183, As As traded, As traded, traded, good good good working working working condition, condition, condition, Danfoss Danfoss Danfoss Valve Valve Valve Waratah Waratah Waratah 625C 625C 625C Waratah Waratah Waratah 624C 624C 624C H626 #183, As traded, good working condition, Danfoss Valve evlaV sWaratah swith oWaratah fwith naDnew ,nnew oit625C ichassis, d625C nchassis, oc gnikrow dComplete ooComplete g ,dedarWaratah t sWaratah A Rebuild, ,381# 624C 6available 26H H626 As traded, good working H626-S2 H626-S2 traded, traded, good good working working condition, condition, Rebuild, available Rebuild Rebuild 624C C426#216, h#216, a#183, tAs arAs a W C 5condition, 26 hParker atParker aDanfoss raValve WValveValve H626-S2 H626-S2 H626-S2 #216, #216, #216, As As traded, As traded, traded, good good good working working working condition, condition, condition, Parker Parker Parker Valve Valve Valve Complete Complete Complete Rebuild, Rebuild, Rebuild, available available available Rebuild Rebuild Rebuild with with with new new new chassis, chassis, chassis, $TBC traded, good working condition, Parker Valve available Rebuild eRebuild vH16 laH16 V rH16 ecompatible, kwith rcompatible, awith Pcompatible, ,nnew oinew tidnchassis, occhassis, gnikrow dooComplete g Complete ,dearly edearly art s2024, A Rebuild, ,2024, 61Rebuild, 2# $TBC 2 S 6 2 6 H As traded, good working condition, Parker Valve H626-S2 #231, Low Low available available mid-2024, mid-2024, Parker Parker Valve Valve available elbH626-S2 aH626-S2 liaH626-S2 va ,dl#231, iu#216, be#216, R As etHours, e lHours, p mo C , s i s s a h c w e n h t i w d l i u beR H16 H16 compatible, compatible, early early early 2024, 2024, 2024, $TBC $TBC $TBC Available Available Now Now H626-S2 H626-S2 H626-S2 #231, #231, #231, Low Low Hours, Low Hours, Hours, available available available mid-2024, mid-2024, mid-2024, Parker Parker Parker Valve Valve Valve H16 compatible, early 2024, $TBC H16 compatible, , e l b i t a p m o c 6 1 H early 2024, $TBC C B T $ , 4 2 0 2 y l r a e H626-S2 #231, Low available Parker Valve Available evAvailable laAvailable V rekraPNow ,4Now 20Now 2-dim elbaliava ,sruoH woL ,132# 2S-626H H626-S2 #231, Low Hours, available mid-2024, Parker Valve H626 H626 FullFull range range of Hours, of 2nd 2nd hand hand parts partsmid-2024, $POA $POA Available Now Available Now H626 H626 H626 FullFull range Full range range of of 2nd of 2nd hand 2nd hand hand parts parts parts woN elbaliavA $POA $POA $POA H626 Full range of 2nd hand parts $POA TASMAN TASMAN AOP$ sHEAVY traHEAVY p dnah dnDIESEL 2 DIESEL fo egnar lluF 626H H626 Ex-Trade-in’s Full rangeavailable ofavailable 2nd hand $POA Ex-Trade-in’s in various inparts various conditions conditions H626 H626 TASMAN TASMAN TASMAN HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY DIESEL DIESEL DIESEL Ex-Trade-in’s Ex-Trade-in’s Ex-Trade-in’s available available available in various in in various various conditions conditions conditions H626 H626 H626 TASMAN HEAVY DIESEL LEx-Trade-in’s ESEID Yavailable Vavailable AEHin inN AM Sconditions Aconditions T todiscuss various H626 snoitProvider idTASMAN noc suoirav ni eHEAVY lbaliava s’nDIESEL i-edarT-xE various 626H H626 Ex-Trade-in’s Nelson Nelson Service Service Provider Phone Phone to discuss further. further.
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North Mech
Blen Onsit
Komatsu Xtreme Excavators
Komatsu PC270HW Log Loader
Komatsu PC300TL Tractionline
Komatsu PC270HW
Log Loader
Shovel Logger
Komatsu PC300FX
Harvester/Processor
Komatsu PC270LL
Komatsu PC300HW
Harvester/Processor
Komatsu PC400HL Harvestline
Komatsu PC300LL Log Loader
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