Australian Forests & Timber News

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APRIL 2013 Issue 2 Vol. 22 • P: (03) 9888 4834 • E: l.martin@ryanmediapl.com.au • www.timberbiz.com.au

Creating a new future for Scottsdale

By Rosemary Ann Ogilvie

I

NNOVATIVE THINKING has been largely responsible for Tasmania’s reputation as one of the great international foodie destinations. Big thoughts have led to the development in recent years of highly specialised – and risk-laden – industries including truffle, saffron, wasabi, and artisan cheese.

Now, the Dorset Research Group is investigating a project that will use innovative, Australian-developed technology to produce ethanol from existing green resource in Tasmania’s northeast, revitalising an area where 600 jobs have disappeared in the past decade through the loss of both forestry and food processing. Dorset is one of the hardest hit municipalities, with an unemployment rate of 9.6% and the lowest household income of Tasmania. Population is moving away, housing prices are falling, retail sales are very poor. “It’s well recognised that Scottsdale has been the most severely affected because of the forestry industry and that’s proven by a number of studies and backed up by ABS data,” says Wendy Mitchell, Dorset Council’s Economic Development Manager.

After identifying this opportunity last July, Wendy contacted several members of the community –

among them Timber Communities of Australia branch president Karen Hall, and harvesting contractor Ken Hall – suggesting they pull together a team to look at the opportunity.

And so the Dorset Research Group was formed to investigate the viability of an integrated timber processing plant with ethanol as the central point, using technology invented

by Russell Reeves Ph.D., managing director and chief chemist of Apace Research Limited. A who’s who of local business identities, many from the forestry industry, makes up the group: John Beattie, Alan Davenport, Health Blair, David Hamilton, Dale Jessup, and of course Wendy, Karen and Ken.

Embracing the concept The community embraced the concept from day one – and indeed, the model the Group is pursuing is very much community based, with the whole ethos underpinning the project being the creation of community wealth. Two hundred people attended the inaugural meeting in August, where various experts spoke about biofuels in general, and presenter John Lord explained how a project like the Dorset Integrated Timber Processing Facility – as it’s now called – could reinvigorate small

Ethtec Process

Conventional ethanol production relies on the sugar and starch content of food crops, and requires the specific planting of these crops for ethanol, which is causing concern about future food security as valuable farmland is turned over to biofuel crops.

Ethtec technology actually converts low-value material – often waste products – into ethanol, eliminating the need to grow special biofuel crops. It utilises the so-called second-generation or lignocellulosic ethanol technology, which has been proven in the laboratory. A scaled pilot plant in Harwood, NSW, is testing commercial production feasibility with a range of feedstock such as wood and sugarcane harvest residue.

The Ethtec plant consists of four independent but linked technologies operating in a continuous process, and featuring water and acid recovery and recycling loops.

Hydrolysis: Concentrated sulphuric acid treatment of lignocellulosic feedstock to produce sugars using a twin screw extruder and tube reactor.

Lignin separation and acid recovery: Separation of the lignin and acid from the sugars, recovery/recycling of the acid for further use in the hydrolysis step, and recovery of the lignin for combustion via cogeneration to produce energy.

Fermentation: Simultaneous fermentation of two types of sugars (pentose and hexose) to ethanol using newly developed micro-organisms.

Ethanol recovery: Recovery of ethanol from the fermentation broth by induced phase separation using potassium carbonate, and recycling of the water back to earlier phases.

Environmental Benefits

Ethtec’s ethanol production technology features strong environmental benefits not found in most other transport-fuel options.

Extremely low life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions and high positive energy balance, compared with other transport fuels, including biofuels.

Closed-loop recovery and recycling of process liquids and energy, with reduced total water consumption and elimination of wasteful effluent.

Waste fibre sources from existing, established industries such as sawmills, sugar mills, etc., eliminating the need to compete with food crops.

 Ken Hall and Dr Russell Reeves.

communities. Subsequent meetings have been equally well attended.

Towards the end of August, the Group visited the small sugar-mill town of Harwood in NSW (between Maclean and Iluka) to see the extraction technology – Ethtec – in action at the Ethanol Technologies Limited pilot plant.

Ethtec technology converts lignocellulosic materials to ethanol in an economically viable way that, according to the Ethtec website, “…is internationally recognised as being the basis of a legitimate and environmentally sustainable ethanol fuel industry …able to produce ethanol in the volume required to meet demand for liquid fuels.”

Almost any lignocellulosic material can be used with this process: wood, paper, sugarcane bagasse, grain crop stubbles, cotton stubble and grasses.

The visit piqued the Group’s interest, and led to Dr Reeves and chairman Robert Carey visiting Tasmania in December for a two-day workshop about the operations and how to progress the project. After being briefed on the technology by Dr Reeves, Deputy Premier Bryan Green agreed that ethanol “…may present an exciting opportunity for our timber and agricultural sectors”.

“Another group in the Huon Valley has been working in unison with our group,” says Karen. “We have slightly different dynamics, of course: different feedstock, totally continued on page 4.

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Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 3

Support for forest & wood products industry T

 Joe Helper (left) and Gary Blackwood speaking at the launch.

HE VICTORIAN Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) welcomed the launch of the Parliamentary support group for the forest and wood products industry.

Convened by Liberal MP Gary Blackwood and Labor MP Joe Helper, the new group was launched by Victorian Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh and saw the attendance of approximately 40 Victorian Members of Parliament and 100 industry representatives.

VAFI chief executive officer Lisa Marty said forestry and the industries that rely on it for wood and paper products had too often been subject to political debate without the appropriate understanding needed to make

 John Klymenko, CEO of Planet Ark.

 John Lenders, Shadow Minister for Agriculture.

 VAFI CEO Lisa Marty.

 Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture.

decisions about this important sector of the economy.

“The forest and wood products industry produces more than $400 million in logs each year, generates $7.8 billion in sales and services income and directly employs approximately 24,000 people,” Marty said.

“We are an important part of the local economy and the products we produce are renewable, store carbon and are always the environmental choice.”

The keynote speaker, Paul Klymenko, chief executive officer of environmental group Planet Ark, spoke about the importance of using forest and wood products to improve sustainability.

Liberal Party convenor and Parliamentary Secretary for Forestry and Fisheries, Gary Blackwood, said the high attendance of the launch was a strong sign that MPs from all major parties recognised the importance of the industry for their electorates and across the State.

“Besides those directly working in forestry, tens of thousands of people are employed across Victoria working in furniture making, manufacturing construction materials for new homes, and paper making using materials from our forests and plantations,” Blackwood said.

Labor convenor and former Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the bipartisan nature of the group showed the forest and wood products industry was recognised for both its economic and environmental importance to Victoria.

“Victoria manages its forests to world’s best standards and the forest and wood products industry is one of the most sustainable sectors of our local economy,” he said.

“It is great to see Victoria’s elected representatives out in force, recognising this important contribution and choosing to engage with the industry.”

The launch was also welcomed by Shadow Minister for Agriculture, John Lenders, who spoke at the event.

VAFI is the peak body of

Boost of confidence to Qld native forest timber industry OPENING 1.2 million hectares of native Queensland forests for the timber industry would not lead to mass logging operations according to Timber Queensland chief executive Rod McInnes, according to an article in The Sunshine Coast Daily.

McInnes said the industry was more than comfortable with the release of the native forests for sustainable timber harvesting, after the forests were removed from the industry’s reach in 1999.

The plan was revealed after leaked departmental documents showed Queensland’s Agriculture Minister John McVeigh had signed off on the release of the native forests for logging.

A departmental letter dated January 16, revealed McVeigh had approved the changes – reversing the Bligh Government’s locking up of the native forests.

“This includes the state forest areas within the 1.2 million hectares previously identified in the western hardwoods and cypress regions for proposed inclusion in the protected area estate and the remaining state forest areas in central Queensland, the MackayProserpine area and the north Queensland ecotone forests,” DAFF Director-General Jack Noye wrote.

“The reinstatement of these state forest areas has

provided a much needed boost of confidence to the native forest timber industry through the provision of greater certainty of supply.”

However, McInnes said the forestry industry would not be logging in sensitive environments, or those in central and north Queensland protected by World heritage status.

He said the industry was bound by independent third party auditing stating which specific areas they could log, and even given access. There would be no clear felling of timber, which has long been a hallmark of the industry in southern Australia.

“In Queensland, we simply don’t clear fell forests – we do everything according to how sensitive the local environment is and of the total 1.2 million hectares, the most we would be sustainably harvesting would be about 30,000 hectares a year,” he said.

“Even then, our sustainable practices mean harvesting in those native forests is the equivalent of removing a few selected trees in an area the size of Suncorp Stadium.”

McVeigh has offered 25-year contracts to 14 licensed timber companies to log cypress forests across state forests in southern and central Queensland.

Victoria’s forest and wood products industry. The launch of the Victorian Parliamentary support group was also supported by the industry superannuation fund First Super, Australian Paper, and involved Farm Forest Growers Victoria,

ForestWorks, Frame and Truss Manufacturers Australia, Friends of Forestry, Hancock Victorian Plantations, the Otway Agroforestry Network, the Timber Merchants Association, Timber Towns Victoria and VicForests.

Political agendas differ greatly COL MCCULLOCH, the new chief executive officer of the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) and the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association (TFCA), has been connected with the forestry industry for a long while but where does he see the industry going, especially this year with the Federal elections in September.

Following is a question and answer interview with Col seeking his views.

How will the next election play out for the harvest and haul businesses?

The real difference in policy between the current Government and Opposition is in their position on further maturing the forest industry, both in plantations and native logging. We see the next phase of our business in the residues from harvest and how they will evolve in the expanding bio-fuel and energy markets. There is a clear difference currently with Richard Colbeck (Senator for Tasmania; Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry; Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Industry and Science) giving great support to the industry along these lines.

But what will that mean for the harvest and haul sector?

Obviously a better opportunity to grow your business in tight export times as well as flatlining cash flows if industry can understand where this fits within current harvest structures.

With the carnage in Tasmania seemingly held at the borders, how will any new Government look to advance Forestry in Tasmania?

Depending on what happens domestically with wood flows from native forest, nothing much until the residues issue has been rectified to be able to attract the RECs and investment is allowed to flow. We cannot see any real uptake on the export scene until the dollar does its bit, and I don’t know how any political party can interfere to help.

What would the harvest and haul businesses around Australia like to see from the next election result?

We desperately need forestry to be seen in a more appreciative light from where it has sunk within the current Federal arrangement.

I think the whole primary industry sector has a vision now of what life looks like with the proliferation of cyber bullies, modern media techniques and market sabotage being the new mode of protest, and when a Government is aiding this process the results can be terminal.

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4 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

ISSN 1444-5824

April 2013

T TC Apprentice Sawdoctors removing saw blade from TTC sawmill head-rig in preparation for checking bandmill wheel and saw guide alignment. Page 10.

Features FWPA ...................................................... 8 Cutting Edge.......................................... 10 Kilns....................................................... 11 New Products........................................ 12 Biofuels & Chipping..........................13-14 Harvesting........................................15-25

MEDIA

VicForests stands tall in community program

 Mill Valley Ranch photos courtesy Pete Davidson, Program Director.

V

ICFORESTS has again assisted a range of regional community groups and services across the East Gippsland region including community groups in Nowa Nowa, Buchan and Orbost and assisted Mill Valley Ranch with a timber donation to help the restoration, renovation and new

construction of parts of the camp.

Last year almost 40 groups and services across eastern Victoria were awarded grants, or the opportunity for ongoing support, through VicForests Community Support Program.

Nowa Nowa Community Development Group is using its VicForests grant to create a

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display for the town and visitors about its historical connection to the timber industry in Victoria.

Heather Costigan, from the Community Development Group, said VicForests assistance was crucial to the success of the display.

“We could not have gone ahead putting together the display without the help of VicForests.

The timber industry has been the backbone of our community - it and the railway are the reasons for our expansion - and therefore it is very important for us to put this display together to celebrate the town’s past and present,” said Heather.

As part of the display the group

will meet with locals who have as many as six generations of timber workers in their family, some of whom worked in the timber industry 80 years ago, to document their stories.

“We hope that this display will show Nowa Nowa’s pride in its historical development as a timber town and its strong connections to the industry. It will show where we have come from and where we are today,” she said.

VicForests Community Support Program assists organisations that contribute to the wellbeing of local communities by providing grants continued on page 5.

Creating a new future for Scottsdale continued from page 1. different types of communities. But the idea is that we can share some of the initial ideas and pursue this opportunity.”

Karen is under no illusion about the risks associated with the project. “If we happen to get it off the ground and it all ticks all the boxes, then the risk is that this would be the first commercial scale of the technology,” she points out, adding that the community is aware of this, but remains excited about the opportunity.

Wendy’s past experience gives her confidence this big idea is achievable.

“One experience that really comes to mind is Benalla in Victoria, a town about the same size as Scottsdale,” she says. “Ten or 15 years ago, they went all out to attract a large Australian Defence Force ammunition factory, which now employs around 300 people. This provides me with the impetus to say that when community and local government get behind a project like this, it is possible to attract a big industry.”

Testing the viability The initial steps have focussed on testing the viability of an ethanol plant. A basic study, which involved GPS mapping of private forestry resource, suggests the 150,000 tonnes of green material needed to produce the targeted 30 million litres of ethanol annually can be drawn from within a 60km radius. Straw and poppy waste from local farmers, council or community green waste, and community-collected paper and cardboard could also be used.

“A large sawmiller is interested

in being an anchor tenant, and they would produce about one-third of our needs for waste,” Wendy says. “We have three potential sites for the plant with road access, three-phase power, infrastructure such as weighbridges, and a willing workforce.”

What they’re really aiming for is a site big enough to take some additional plants and industries that can benefit through shared services and resources, and harvesting and using the water generated as a byproduct. “Another advantage is that hot water at 100 degrees potentially could be piped the few kilometres to the Scottsdale Hospital, while carbon dioxide could possibly be used onsite in a tomato-growing facility. So we’re not just talking about a little plant here: we have a big vision,” says Wendy.

The State Government has provided $60,000 for further resource mapping so potential investors can have confidence that the resource exists. It’s also undertaking some work on the marketing aspect: where would the possible market be for the 60 million litres of biofuels produced from two plants in Tasmania?

“David Hurburgh from the State Government has organised a consultant to undertake this market analysis on our behalf,” says Wendy.

“We’re looking at an E10 blend, which means 10% ethanol mixed with unleaded petrol, and the same perhaps in diesel. Also, we know that every tanker that comes into Tasmania goes out empty, so we believe the opportunity exists to get some ethanol off the island as well.”

“Apart from that, anything made out of oil can be made from cellulosic material, including bioplastics,

 The Group on its fact-finding mission to the Ethtec facility in Harwood (from left) Jason Garrett, Ken Hall, Robert Carey, Karen Hall, Lance Rodman, Wendy Mitchell, John Hurd, Dr Russell Reeves.

biochemicals and food additives such as vanilla,” adds Karen. “One large industrial processing company in the state’s north currently imports one million litres of ethanol a year just for use as a solvent, and has expressed interest in purchasing product from us.”

Moreover, a new technology called nanocellulose presents almost unlimited opportunities. The Global Market for Nanocellulose to 2017, a report published October 28, 2012, says nanocellulose is being developed for use in applications ranging from scaffolds in tissue engineering, artificial skin and cartilage, wound healing and vessel substitutes to biodegradable food packaging. Applications in polymer reinforcement and anti-microbial films will be hitting the market soon, and estimates suggest the market will be worth $250 million in North America by 2020.

“However, the immediate objective is to obtain the $60,000 funding for a pre-feasibility study,” says Karen,

returning to the reality of the present.

This would join all the dots to give the Group the confidence to go on to a fully fledged feasibility study, which would be $80,000 to $100,000 or more.”

“We want to check our numbers before we invest a lot of community funds,” says Wendy, adding that there are some hints of investor interest already. “We’re trying to make it as painless as possible for an investor because the ramifications of this are pretty significant to this municipality, we really need new jobs to reinvigorate this community.”

Karen comments that people – from all age groups – approach them on a daily basis asking about their progress. “So we believe we wouldn’t have any trouble getting the social licence.”

“The community is trying to create a new future for Scottsdale,” adds Wendy. “They’re not saying ‘we need some handouts’; they’re saying ‘provide us with the support we need to make this happen’.”

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 5

$6.2 million expansion paves way for a bright future Skilled team, respected leadership V

ICTORIA’S LARGEST hardwood sawmill, Heyfield’s Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, is set to undergo a $6.2 million expansion.

ASH has received $650,000 in Victorian Government funding for the project.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the Australian Sustainable Hardwood Value Adding/Expansion Project would create more than 40 direct and indirect jobs, high-quality timber products and secure ASH’s business against future market changes.

“ASH is well-known for developing a range of high quality manufactured timber products, such as window and door frames, door stiles and flooring – products which have great potential to replace those which are currently imported,” the Minister said.

“However, in order to take advantage of these opportunities, a more efficient and expanded production is required and this is what the project sets out to deliver.”

The Minister said the project would include an extension to the current finger joining and laminating facility, the establishment of a hard stand site, and the purchase of a new horizontal finger joiner and new equipment for the joiner line.

“This project not only presents the company with the opportunity to replace current imported products with locally made products, but provides the opportunity to join the export market, allowing for further growth into the future.”

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said the expansion

would provide significant benefits to the local economy, including the creation of 15 new full-time equivalent jobs, six indirect jobs, 20 construction jobs and the retention of 190 full-time jobs.

“Being the primary recipient of high-quality logs in Gippsland, the ongoing operations at the Heyfield mill is critical to the viability of the forest industry,” Bull said.

We have short-term plans to invest in manufacturing equipment, and medium-term to invest in a new dry mill project.

Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood said funding for the project was being provided through Regional Development Victoria, including $500,000 from the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund (LVIIF), with ASH to provide the remaining $1.97 million.

“The LVIIF is about creating jobs, leveraging private sector investment, securing existing business operations and benefitting the broader Latrobe Valley community in the transition to a low carbon economy,” Blackwood said.

“The LVIIF falls under the Victorian Government’s overarching $1 billion Regional Growth Fund which represents our commitment to creating jobs, improving career options, boosting business opportunities and creating a better economy for all regional

VicForests stands tall in community program continued from page 4. of up to $2000 to charity groups, sporting groups, educational and community groups located across the Central Highlands, Gippsland and East Gippsland.

VicForests also assisted Mill Valley Ranch with a timber donation to help restoration, renovation and new construction of parts of the camp.

Mill Valley Ranch is a Christian camp and themed horse ranch in Tynong North that has been providing a residential camping program for young people for more than 40 years.

“The donation from Vic Forests is greatly appreciated and will go a long way in the future developments of the ranch. The impact of such a donation is hard to measure as it has positive effects as to the availability of places for young people way beyond the simple provision of materials,” said Matt Weatherhead from Mill Valley Ranch.

Named after the last saw mill in the area, timber facades, traditional fencing and rough saw timber

Victorians.” Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) chief executive officer Lisa Marty said the expansion of the mill would increase the local production of high value timber products during a period where all manufacturing industries were being pressured by weak international markets, a high Australian dollar and cheap imports.

buildings, including a blacksmith’s slab hut and a bark hut located on the original homestead site, make up part of the program.

“With the central activity being a western horse program and safety and compliance being a major focus, the redevelopment of the riding arenas is at the top of the list of projects to be undertaken to improve the facilities of the camp for schools and our holiday programs. The timber will be used to build secure fencing and a safety laneway system, said Matt.

In addition to this, Mill Valley Ranch plans to renovate an old saw log framed workshop so it can be used as a craft and education building.

“As a not-for-profit organisation determined to make a difference in educating the leaders of tomorrow we are extremely grateful for everyone’s involvement in seeing this project through. “It is very significant that the effective use of timber, a renewable resource, is part of our education strategy for schools and very much in keeping with our theme,” said Matt.

“Through this investment one of Australia’s most efficient timber manufacturing businesses will be able to expand its valueadding processes and remain internationally competitive,” she said.

“It will help secure an extension to the existing finger joining and laminating facility and the purchase of a new horizontal finger joiner and equipment for the joiner line, allowing for the more productive use of lower value timbers.”

“The forest and wood products industry is one of the most important employers in Gippsland, on its own supporting more than half the Heyfield workforce,” she said.

“The products these workers make store carbon and are completely renewable.

“They are the environmental choice and this is an investment

in the future of Australian manufacturing using one of the most sustainable resources we have: wood.”

ASH Heyfield chief executive Vince Hurley paid homage to the company’s staff and employees, who were set to reap the benefits for sticking through the tough times.

He said the company’s suppliers and customers were also set to benefit from the expansion project.

“As Peter (Ryan) alluded to we had a difficult time at the end of the ITC period and during the Gunns period where we were a cash cow and cash disappeared,” Hurley said.

“We were left to starve as were our suppliers; in some ways we really struggled with our customers but we managed to keep everyone satisfied and eventually got most things sorted out.

“Operating a manufacturing business today in Australia you really require teamwork; you require good employees; you require shareholders that are supportive; you require a bank that’s supportive.

“We did have a very difficult time in the Gunns era.

“Some of our senior leadership people could have left for more money. They could have gone.

“Every single one of them is here today, so everyone stuck together, and we’ve got a really, extremely tight team, very well skilled and very respected leadership group and that’s really what pulls this company together and drives the whole process.”

ASH bought the mill for about $29 million from Gunns, which

had paid Elders ITC $89 million in 2009 for the mill plus ITC’s forestry assets in Tasmania. Before ITC, Heyfield had been owned for decades by the Neville Smith family. ‘’There is no doubt with updated equipment, more investment in latest scanning and handling equipment from Europe, we will extract more value and more recovery out of each log we buy,’’ Hurley had told the Sydney Morning Herald. ‘’We have short-term plans to invest in manufacturing equipment, and medium-term to invest in a new dry mill project. We do have reasonably long-term licences. The Victorian Government is putting in place steps to enable long-term contracts. We won’t do anything substantial until the longer-term contracts are in place.’’

Heyfield has four factories beyond the kiln-dried sawnwood stage. Hurley said it was not just about creating economies of scale in the volume of output of sawn, kiln-dried boards, ‘’it’s also the economies of scale of having manufacturing plants on site.

Eighty per cent of our product is further value-added through those four plants”.

Heyfield can process 155,000 cubic metres of hardwood timber a year - well over one-third of Victoria’s sustainable native hardwood production - and has a turnover of $55 million. The Victorian Ash timber is bought from VicForests and is certified by the international brand PEFC through the Australian Forestry Standard.

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6 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

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timber events If you would like to promote a forthcoming event, please email details (including contact numbers, email, etc) to: editorial@forestsandtimber.com.au or phone 08 8369 9500

2013 7-10 April 6th International Woodfibre Resources & Trade Conference. Woodchips & Biomass for Global & Regional Markets. Istanbul, Turkey 7-11 April Institute of Foresters of Australia National Conference. Canberra. www.forestryconference.org.au 10-11 April Residues-to-REVENUES 2013 Conference & Expo: Wood Energy and CleanTECH Industry Developments”. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand. http://woodresiduesevents.com/ 15-16 April Residues-to-REVENUES 2013 Conference & Expo: Wood Energy and CleanTECH Industry Developments”. Bayview Eden Hotel, Melbourne. http://woodresiduesevents.com/ 18-19 April NTCA local government forest and timber industry conference. Bayview Eden, 6 Queens Road, Melbourne. RSVP to events@mav.asn.au. 03 9667 5555 by 15 April.

18-20 April Urban Forests & Political Ecologies: Celebrating Transdisciplinarity. Toronto, On, Canada http://www.ufpe.ca/UFPE/Home.html 20-23 April New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (Inc) 57th Annual Conference. Orewa Arts and Events Centre, Auckland. http://www.nzffa.org.nz/conference

Facts win out in Council debate

By Kersten Gentle

A

FTER WHAT seemed a victory last year and the end of the Ethical Paper Pledge for the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Councillor Samantha Dunn used a loophole to raise the issue in Council one more time.

The numbers hadn’t changed and the argument hadn’t changed but given the performance of Dunn and her supporters at the last meeting she had one more chance to peddle her ‘make believe’ stories.

Friends of Forestry attended the council meeting on 12 February to provide support for those councillors wanting to get on with the business of running a council focusing on key issues the community was concerned about such as roads, footpaths, infrastructure etc.

The greens were as easy to read as baby’s bedtime story. After the swearing, yelling and threatening behaviour demonstrated by green zealots at the last meeting we knew they would bring a quieter, older crowd and that they would put forward a young face to speak from the floor supporting Cr. Dunn and this is exactly how it played out.

Lifelong Healesville Resident and ex-sawmiller Annette Hill spoke against Cr. Dunn’s motion highlighting the importance of the timber industry to the township not only in the past but providing more jobs than the numbers being peddled by those opposed to our sustainable industry. Annette spoke

 Back (L-R): Joe Helper (State Member for Ripon), Gary Blackwood (State Member for Narracan and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture), Graham Taylor, Malcolm Warnock.

Front (L-R): Scott Gentle, Brett Robin, Lisa Marty (VAFI) and Wendy Warnock

of businesses not directly employed in the bush or sawmill but who were dependent on the industry -- and there are plenty!

After an excruciating time being forced to listen to the fairytales of Cr Dunn the vote once again supported the removal of the ethical paper pledge. Friends of Forestry would like to thank the five councillors who voted to remove the Shire’s commitment to the pledge for showing commonsense and listening to their electorates.

Friends of Forestry support Collingwood Football Club Dinner The Healesville Football and Netball Club held a community dinner for the Collingwood Football Club on 18 February as a fundraiser for the club and the timber industry.

An integral part of the local

community was there in force; 500 people attended the dinner at the magnificent Rochford Winery with 10% being made up of Friends of Forestry, axemen and VicForests staff.

FoF President Brett Robin in conjunction with FoF member Graham Taylor organised a surprise woodchop with the legendary Lawrence O’Toole Snr, Lawrence O’Toole Jnr, Alan Spencer and of course Brett himself.

Woodchopping is one of Australia’s oldest sports and VicForests sponsors all woodchops in Victoria ensuring this magnificent sport continues to entertain community events throughout the State and on Monday evening the crowd definitely enjoyed the display.

22 April UNECE/FAO/InnovaWood Seminar on Innovation in the Forest Sector. Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland . http://www.unece.org/forests.html 23-25 April 35th Session Joint FAO/UNECE Working Party on Forest Statistics, Economics and Management. Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. http://www.unece.org/forests.html 24-26 April COST Action FP0804 Decision support systems for Sustainable Forest Management: FORSYS 2013 Conference.

Umeå, Sweden. http://www.slu.se/en/ collaborative-centres-and-projects/ forsys-2013/ 3-4 May Northeastern Forest Products Expo. http://www.nefpexpo.net/ 6-10 May LIGNA Hannover. www.ligna.de/home 8 May Global Softwood Log & Lumber Conference. Vancouver, BC, Canada http://www.woodmarkets.com/conf_ conferences.html 14-16 May Esri Forestry GIS Conference. Esri Headquarters, Redlands, CA. http://www. esri.com/events/forestry/index.html 16-21 May 3rd International Congress on Planted Forests “Planted forests on the globe, renewable resources for the future”.

Estoril, Portugal And Other Locations. http://www.efiatlantic.efi.int/portal/ events/2013_icpf

 The Axemen and Collingwood.

Parliamentary Launch On 19 February representatives of Friends of Forestry attended the forest and wood products display in Queens Hall, Victorian Parliament, and the evening launch of the cross party support group for the Victorian forest and wood products industries.

Congratulations must go to Lisa Marty and her team especially Shaun Ratcliffe for their great initiative which produced the ‘BEST INDUSTRY EVENING’ we have seen in Victoria for well over a decade.

Friends of Forestry set up a display and spent all day at Parliament catching politicians as they went about their business and there was no doubt they all knew who FoF were after recent communications and it was pleasing to note the level of support from everyone we spoke to.

In the evening more than 100 industry representatives joined over 30 Members of Parliament for the official launch of the new support group by Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture. The Minister was joined by John Lenders (Shadow Minister for Agriculture) and the support group convenors Joe Helper (ALP Member for Ripon) and Gary Blackwood (Liberal Member for Narracan).

It was an amazing atmosphere with all sectors of the industry from harvesting contractors through to the frame and truss industry and timber merchants and everyone in between. The industry was united and as a united group our voice was loud and clear and the response by the ALP and Coalition members was welcoming.

It’s a sign of the times TWO OF the nation’s contracting organisations have joined forces as belts tighten across the forestry and timber industry.

Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association (TFCA) Chair Karen Hall and Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) Chair Ian Reid announced the restructure of the administration of both organisations and a management arrangement covering both associations.

“The move has come about as a consequence of ongoing restructuring of the forest industry across Australia and has led to

a review of staffing within both organisations. It also recognises that much forest industry policy is now nationally based, with major issues including biomass, bioenergy, carbon farming and new generation forest products being firmly in the national policy arena,” they said in a joint statement.

“There will be significant resource sharing, including the position of chief executive officer, who will provide services to all members of both organisations.

“AFCA chief executive officer Colin McCulloch will assume the joint role, while the TFCA

CEO position held by Ed Vincent for almost three years during the intense involvement in the Tasmanian Forest Agreement talks, has now expired,” the statement said.

AFCA/TFCA will continue to be based in Kings Meadows and will be supported by TFCA administration staff.

The new direction for supply chain responsibility was agreed by the boards of both organisations, who look forward to continuing the necessary harvest, haulage and silviculture representations at all levels throughout Australia.

 Collin McCulloch.

855C Harvester Series

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Tasmania Brighton Mob: 0409 711 117

Western Australia Bunbury Mob: 0439 906 125

South Australia Mt Gambier West Mob: 0488 711 102

Queensland Philip Turnbull Mob: 0418 472 839

8 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

FWPA

Improving plantation hardwoods to bring power to Australians

By Matthew Lovering

 Strength testing.

T

hey’re ever-present in the Australian landscape, sidling along suburban streets and rural lanes, carrying our electricity cables. Current estimates are that more than five million timber power poles are in use throughout Australia’s energy networks.

Most poles are produced from durability class 1 and 2 native forest-grown hardwood species, with durability class 2 species Eucalyptus pilularis (blackbutt) and Corymbia sp. (spotted gum) being the most common species used. However, there aren’t enough of these durability class 1 and 2 poles to meet our needs. In 2006 an industry working group predicted that power suppliers would require 74,900 poles, while only 62,300 durability class 1 and 2 poles were likely to be available from native forests. In addition, anecdotal evidence suggested that up to 70% of the timber poles currently in-service are likely to require replacement or remedial maintenance over the next decade.

It was obvious to the power supply companies that another timber resource is needed.

As a result, the industry’s research and development body, Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), provided funding to a research project led by Jack Norton, then leader of the Timber Protection Group in Forestry Research at the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Queensland.

This ongoing research is looking at how to upgrade the durability and value of four plantation sourced hardwood species: E. globulus (southern blue gum), E. grandis x camaldulensis, E. dunnii (Dunn’s white gum) and E. nitens (shining gum). Currently these plantation hardwoods are used for lower value products such as pulp (at around $30 per cubic metre); if their durability can be improved these hardwoods may sell as power poles for $165 per cubic metre.

Samples from each of the tree species have been treated with preservatives using a technique called through-boring, which has been successfully used in the United States. Through-boring

 Dalby stubs.

involves drilling a pattern of 12 mm holes right through a pole in a zone 600 mm above and below the ground line to increase the take up of preservative in the heartwood of low durability species. The pattern of holes is designed to minimize

a) upgrade the plantation resource and b) give power authorities more options for resource. It was potentially a win win situation,’ says Jack.

The first stage of the research involved developing an optimal

into the heartwood. It also showed that E. grandis x camaldulensis had the least penetration of CCA wood preservative.

The treated samples, together with untreated control samples (including spotted gum and

While the main part of the research was completed in September 2012 on-going field trials are continuing. impact on pole strength and create zones of treated wood to fully protect the pole.

‘Along with Professor Jeff Morrell from Oregon State University we came up with the potential of using through-boring as a possible technique to improve durability of low durability species and thereby expand the range of material available for poles. This research gave us a good opportunity to investigate whether or not throughboring would provide a solution to

timber treatment schedule to get the maximum penetration of copper, chromium arsenate (CCA) wood preservative into the heartwood.

Unlike sapwood, where the level and duration of vacuum has the most impact on preservative penetration, increased periods of high pressure were found to be most important for heartwood.

The research showed that pressures needed to be maintained for up to eight hours to achieve a ‘reasonable’ level of preservative penetration

Pinus elliottii) were placed in the controlled environment of a ‘fungal cellar’ and in the field in three locations in Queensland where decay and insect attack would be expected to occur.

After 21 months the samples were assessed, with no treated timber showing signs of decay or insect attack. The spotted gum specimens were also in almost perfect condition, while the untreated Pinus elliottii and E. grandis x camaldulensis controls suffered ‘moderate’ attack losing an average of three to ten percent of their cross-section. Untreated samples from the other three candidate species suffered between ‘severe’ (30–50% loss of cross-section) and ‘very severe’ (50–75% loss of cross-section) attack. The exposure testing at the field locations is continuing into the future.

The research is also assessing the mechanical performance of the four plantation hardwood species.

Approximately 30 six-metre long through-bored poles of each test species were preservative treated in a commercial pole-treating

facility. After air drying, they were evaluated for strength as measured by Modulus of Rupture (MOR) using a four point bending rig. ‘Breaking the poles was fun. I expected them to break with a loud crack or bang but they were a very ‘sedate’ when they broke,’ says Jack.

The average MOR of the spotted gum control was 167 Mpa. The strongest candidate species was E. grandis x camaldulensis with an average MOR of 95 Mpa followed

by E. nitens, E. globulus and E. dunnii which were in the order of 60 Mpa. Whilst not as strong as C. maculata, the E. grandis x camaldulensis was significantly stronger than the other candidate species.

While the main part of the research was completed in September 2012 on-going field trials are continuing. ‘The chemical suppliers Lonza, Osmose and TimTech have agreed to support on-going inspections. I expect we will need a minimum of at least 5 years, and quite possibly 10 years exposure before we start getting useful results,’ says Jack.

If the research is ultimately successful it will mean higher incomes for plantation owners; for the power supply companies it will mean a larger, sustainable source for economically advantageous timber power poles. ‘Timber is the most environmentally friendly material for this product. Every other material—steel, concrete, glass fibre is more expensive and leaves a hole in the ground—the classic argument for the use of wood,’ says Jack.

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 9

The power of residues to be highlighted Residues to Revenues & CleanTECH Industry Developments

T

HE FOREST Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) has announced the program for its ‘Residues to Revenues & CleanTECH Industry Developments’ conferences. This biennial conference series runs in Auckland on 10-11 April, at the Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel, followed by the Melbourne version of the event on 15-16 at the Bayview Eden Hotel on Queens Road.

Keynote speakers include international bio-energy market analyst Brooks Mendell from Forisk Consulting in USA. Mendell will provide insight into the maturing

biomass for energy markets. Recent market reports have shown that North American suppliers of wood energy products have seen orders from large European wood pellet users ramped up over the past 12 months.

Mendell will be joined by Don Roberts, a former keynote speaker at FIEA conferences, whose role at Canada’s CIBC World Markets Inc is exclusively focused on Clean Technology Developments around the world. Roberts, Vice Chairman, Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, has been named the financial services industry’s top contributor to sustainable

development in Canada. His primary mandate is to develop a renewable energy and clean tech practice. In 2009, he took a year-long sabbatical in order to identify opportunities for CIBC in these sectors and to design and guide the national “Future Biopathways Project.”

The keynote speaker for the second day of the conference will be Keith Richards of Thames Valley Bioenergy – whose experience is in local start-ups. He has long championed the development of regional and local targets as a key part of accelerating local use. He remains an expert evaluator for the European

Woody crop longevity target of new joint venture

US-based agricultural technology company Arcadia Biosciences (AB) has signed an agreement with international woody crops enhancement business FuturaGene to look into sustainable development of eucalyptus and poplar trees. The contract will allow FuturaGene exclusive use of AB’s nitrogen and water use efficiency technologies, which both aim to increase tree yields while reducing resource inputs and their associated environmental consequences. “Plantation forestry is an important and renewable resource, providing socio-economic as well as environmental benefits,” says AB CEO Eric Rey. “Planned and managed forestry preserves water quality, enhances biodiversity and contributes to carbon sequestration. As global demand for wood products increases, sustainable intensification by increasing and protecting yields will reduce pressures for extensive expansion.”

Stump to stump would be better at the pump

Z Energy and Norske Skog, which operates a paper mill at Kawerau in New Zealand, are seeking majority Government funding for a proposed NZ$50 million demonstration plant to turn wood waste into transport fuels.

The two firms’ “stump to pump” strategy aims to make use of the fact that sawdust and forest residues could generate about 10% of NZ’s crude oil requirements, although that would require investment of perhaps NZ$1 billion over several years for 10 such industrial plants.

Commission and Task Manager for the International Energy Agency (IEA), a role extending for more than 25 years.

“We’ve widened the program to include updates from both North America and Europe and well as including clean technology,” conference director John Stulen said.

“The focus is where new clean technology industry opportunities are opening up and how that can be capitalised on by key players in the forest products industries in both New Zealand and Australia. Our Auckland and Melbourne events are also designed to bring together local case studies from a range of innovative energy users combined with developments becoming market-ready. This collection of speakers alongside our global experts is certain to inform delegates in a range of ways – both practical and strategic.”

Forest and wood residues have gained in volume and attractiveness as a sustainable and renewable energy source over the past decade.

“From a diversity aspect, wood residues have an important role for developing diverse markets for forest and wood products as they prove to be the energy source of choice for smart energy buyers. Sustainability and renewable features are not always

 Don Roberts, CIBC World Markets.

the main attraction - wood energy is making good business sense for more companies every day,” Stulen said.

The conference series is expected to attract a wide range of delegates including practitioners and woodflow managers from the forest and solid wood products sector, pulp and paper companies, energy user groups as well as many local government managers and those who manage energy infrastructure for local users of bio-energy.

The latest conference program and updated information is available at www.woodresiduesevents.com

The Forest Industry Engineering Association is pleased to announce:

FIEA Residues to Revenues Conference incorporating CleanTECH Expo - April 2013

10-11 April, 2013, Auckland, New Zealand

15-16 April, 2013, Melbourne, Australia

• Latest residues conversion technologies from Australasia and globally • Case studies of bio-energy / wood energy success stories in Australasia • Science behind emerging industry developments including ‘green’ chemicals • Potential for industrial synergies; eg - wood residues & geothermal energy • Emerging uses of wood plastics to replace fossil fuel-based products • Developments in bio-fuels markets; eg - aviation biofuels • Emerging global trends in clean technology markets

Start planning for Residues to Revenues 2013

10 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

cutting edge

Timber Training Creswick establishes new national sawdoctor training facility O

VER THE past 12 months Timber Training Creswick (TTC) has built and fitted out a new Sawdoctor training centre to train apprentices and mature aged workers in sawdoctoring skills.

The Sawdoctor training centre will cater to clients from all States of Australia, with various training and employer subsidies available to eligible participants.

The sawdoctor training centre has been built adjacent to the existing sawmill building, providing students with direct access to a working sawmill for practical

 T TC manager Rob Rule.

application of their skills. The centre was conceived in 2009 after the sawdoctor training facility in Mt Gambier decided to close. Prior to this TTC had conducted sawdoctor training entirely by face-to-face delivery at the work site. “While this was convenient for the employer, the apprentice only learnt to use the equipment at that worksite, and the time spent travelling by trainers made the solution unsustainable in the long term,” said TTC manager Rob Rule.

“Our understanding is that this is now the only training facility in Australia for block release apprentices in this qualification.

“The revised Timber Training Creswick learning program incorporates eight, 1-week blocks of training at Creswick, and site visits to the enterprise by our trainer in years one and three of the apprenticeship.

This is a considerably reduced off-the-job time commitment to previous block release programs.

We have been able to achieve the reduced time by concentrating on theory delivery during the blocks, and allowing practical exercises to reinforce the theory as soon as it has been completed,” Rob said.

“In comparison to previous sawdoctor training programs this new program offers an increased practical component for hands-on skills in sawing machine alignment

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 T TC Apprentice Sawdoctors in class.

with course focus maintained around the essential skills of levelling and tensioning wide band and circular saws, tipping and welding techniques,” said Trainer Peter Mikelsen, who established the TAFE Mount Gambier training centre in 1983 and managed it for 16 years.

“In recognition of reduced workforce numbers in our industry, this new program substantially minimises time spent away from the workplace and introduces workbased assignments to expand the learner’s technical knowledge about their own work environment,” he said.

TTC has established a Recognition of Prior Learning process for this qualification, meaning that experienced workers may be able to gain credit for part or all of the qualification.

Many state training authorities are prepared to subsidise student travel and accommodation to assist with the costs of apprentices and trainees attending Creswick.

The new facility will be officially opened on 19 April by the Victorian minister for Vocational Education and Training, Peter Hall.

The first intake of sawdoctors to use the new facility will commence on 8 April.

If you would like more detail on the sawdoctor training available please contact Timber Training Creswick on 03 53452018 or send an enquiry to info@timbertrainingcreswick. com.au

Saw Mill Clearing Sale Saturday 13th April 2013 129-133 Learmonth Street Alfredton Vic 3350 Equipment List

Brunner Hildebrand Kiln Precision Chipper 500hp Elec Motor & Debarker Woodchip Screen & Re Chipper Kockums Forwarder 85-35T International Truck with Prentice Crane Rip Saw x4 Wolfenden/Dyco Aluminium Welder Kupfermuhle 4 Sider – Slight fire damage Docking Saw Nolex Log Trailer Spare Debarker Spare Treatment Cylinder Smiths Twin Edger Steel Tanks x2 Weigh Bridge Cat Loader 924 – 2002 11,500hrs Desticker Ensign Log Grab Grain Auger 600L Fuel Tank – For back of Ute inc 12v pump Other Saw Milling Equipment available for a list please call 03 5334 2532 or email office@ballarattimberproducts.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 11

kilns

Clever use of containers in kiln systems S

OLAR DRYERS Australia, in Bellingen is the NSW designer/manufacturer of a range of unique Solar/Gas timber kilns.

These kilns have gained wide acceptance in the past few years with 150 units sold in Australia and abroad.

Sizes ranges from 10m3 to 100m3 and these kilns are characterised by heating costs of well under half that of any other type of kiln.

The auxiliary heating system ensures that drying times are the same as any other kiln, regardless of climate.

The smallest kilns in the range are the SG10 and SG20. “SG” stands for Solar/Gas and “10” or “20” refers to nominal m3 capacity in 25mm boards.

These kilns are based on 20’ or 40’ refrigerated shipping containers which are ideal for the purpose as they are well insulated and sealed, all inside surfaces are either stainless steel or aluminium.

SDA has also converted containers for heat treatment units.

ISPM 15 is an internationally required standard for any export packaging and is aimed at killing insect larvae. The SDA unit automatically performs the heat process and produces a certificate which satisfies the AQIS requirements.

Another conversion was a pine cone dryer for a seed orchard in Mt Gambier.

The drying process opens the cones to release the seeds. A current project is for another dryer for pine cones, but this time for Pinus pinea cones. The seeds of this tree are the product known as “Pine Nuts” used in cooking.

Other dryers on the drawing board are for concrete products, coffee, and variety of fruits.

Container kilns are loaded using a track and trolley system. The stainless steel trolley is rolled out onto a fixed track outside the kiln where it is loaded by forklift and then pushed into the kiln.

 HTU 20.

The kilns are shipped to site with all the components packed inside the container, re-assembly takes around half a day and the kilns is ready for operation.

No concrete footings are necessary; these kilns can be mounted on any reasonably level surface.

The advantage of these smaller kilns is the ease of assembly – about 5 hours - and the ability to move them to a different location at a later date if necessary.

The heating system in these small kilns is identical to SDA’s larger kilns.

An array of solar hot water panels

is mounted on the roof of the kiln or on an adjacent building. Water is pumped in a closed circuit between the panels and the heat exchanger inside the kiln.

Heat is extracted from the water, which then returns to the panel array for re-heating.

An instantaneous gas water heater in the circuit heats the water if no solar is available.

Once a kiln temperature is selected at the control box the system automatically maintains this temperature using either solar or gas or a combination of both.

SDA’s larger kilns range from 30m3 up to 100m3 and are often

built in multiple units. AST at Kempsey runs 13 of the SDA 50 and 75m3 kilns and their company is the largest solar timber drying operation in the world.

For these multiple kiln sites SDA offers a fully automatic SCADA control system that allows control from anywhere in the world.

This BBC control system is fitted to four new 75m3 kilns at Port Moresby and they were managed by SDA staff for the first six months from Bellingen via internet. Solar Dryers Australia can help design specialised kilns for any drying process so give them a call on 02 6655 2100 or email roger@solardry.com.au

Solar/Gas Kilns

 SG 10 Track & Trolley.

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• Unique concept of solar/gas kilns • Australian designed & built • The most energy efficient kilns available • Supplied fully assembled or in kit form • Kilns from 10m3 to 100m3 • Also, heat treatment units for ISPM 15

12 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

new products

Taking things to a whole new level T

HE NEW Komatsu 895 forwarder takes the definition of a 20-ton forwarder to a whole new level.

The entire construction is sturdier and its performance is higher in just about every area.

One example is the new sturdy chassis design and power train.

The shape of the frame, the hightensile steel of the underside of the rear frame, and the bogie’s portal design provide very good ground clearance and cope well with obstacles. The boatshaped underside prevents the forwarder from catching on high rocks and stumps, allowing it to simply glide over them. The new, sturdier front blade can be raised extra high, contributing to the ability to pass obstacles. The new modular frame design enables the Komatsu 895 to be assembled with four different frame lengths to suit different market needs.

The new power train is adapted for 20-ton forwarders. The

new, green E3 Power engine delivers high performance with good handling characteristics combined with effective combustion for low fuel consumption.

The new transmission system adapts to the load, slopes, and any obstacles. This means that the system automatically adjusts the traction and provides high torque at low engine speeds.

The operator can adjust the continuously variable speed range for both high and low gear without stopping the machine.

In order to better utilize the diesel engine’s performance and to improve the new forwarder’s handling in steep terrain, the transmission can further increase traction when the going gets tough and speed drops. This enables the forwarder to climb obstacles with considerable ease compared to machines with the previous generation of hydrostatic transmission systems.

The wheels on the Komatsu 895 measure 28.5”, which is larger than on any other forwarder on the market. The larger diameter reduces the risk of the rims spinning inside the tires, which is important for transferring the high traction to the ground.

The Komatsu 895 also has a new crane. The Komatsu 165F is large, reliable, and delivers high lifting and slewing torque. It has a new, durable slewing motor with a highly reliable pillar solution. ProTec protected hose routing is fitted as standard.

The Komatsu 895 has a new bunk with different configurations for handling timber of different densities and different size loads. Narrow or wide bunk, LoadFlex with or without scales, and separating supports for easier sorting. The new bunk is crowned by the new gate, FlexGate, with a patented design. The FlexGate flexes out the way when making contact with the crane, protecting both the gate and the crane, and as such the gate could be designed with much better visibility from the cab to the bunk.

The Komatsu 895 is incredibly powerful. 28.7 tonf (255 kN) of traction and 60.8 tonf-ft (165 kNm) of gross lifting torque for the crane make it a giant among comparable forwarders.

The Komatsu 895 also has a brand new cab, which is more spacious in all directions. What’s more, visibility and storage have been improved considerably.

No expense has been spared on the new cab’s interior fittings and equipment. Among other

things, it features a light and exclusive interior, the market’s most ergonomic driver’s seat, BeGe 3000, a new smart radio with Bluetooth and handsfree

functionality for cell phone connectivity, and new ergonomic hand controls, Komatsu Comfort Controls, with added functionality.

Your chance to make field trips enroute to Elmia Wood ELMIA WOOD Pre-Fair Tours are a perfect complement to your trade fair visit. The tours make it possible for you to see entire systems and logistics chains. Above all, though, they give you a unique opportunity to meet the people who keep the Swedish forest industry going.

The program consists of three different themes which you can choose to join from either Copenhagen/Kastrup Airport or Stockholm/Arlanda Airport. One theme, ‘Bioenergy’, lets you see slash removal, chipping, terminals and district heating plants. Two other different tours have a theme of felling and will present the entire chain of CTL felling.

The bioenergy tour is also an excellent complement to the slash conference that will be held in Jönköping on 5 June, organised by the Swedish Bioenergy Association, Svebio.

The preliminary program is: • 4 June Elmia Wood Pre-Fair Tours from Copenhagen (Kastrup Airport) and Stockholm (Arlanda Airport) to Jönköping Tour 1: Bioenergy Tour 2: CTL Logging A • 5 June Elmia Wood Pre-Fair Tours from Copenhagen (Kastrup Airport) and Stockholm (Arlanda Airport) to Jönköping Tour 3: CTL Logging A Tour 4: CTL Logging B Slash conference is held in Jönköping.

• 7 June & 8 June Elmia Wood Post-Fair Tours Bus transfer from Jönköping back to Copenhagen (Kastrup Airport) and Stockholm (Arlanda Airport), without field trips.

A detailed program including departure times, field trip destinations and prices will be published soon.

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 13

BIOFUELS & CHIPPING

Innovation and attention to detail A

USSIE-BASED Jondod, regarded as a leader in wood waste management, is ready and raring to go when the nation’s bio-business boom kicks off in earnest.

For almost four decades Jondod and the highly acclaimed Precision Husky Corporation have worked in tandem supplying the latest machines for the timber, chipping, logging and wood waste recycling industries.

With a line-up of more than 70 products to choose from, all facets of bio-work can be (and have been) well covered.

“We have supplied more than 200 chipping operations over the past 36 years,” says Jondod’s Andrew Cantrill, “and we have an incredible history with Precision Husky, who in turn have exceptional products and highly experienced personnel. With a motto of “Whatever It Takes” Precision is a world leader in waste wood management,” he says.

Cantrill says Precision’s constant drive to offer the best machines is a result of innovation, end-user input and painstaking research.

“Take the case of the new machines that are coming out,” he says. “They feature some fantastic changes ... all with the end result that the user is the winner.

“There are a number of maintenance improvements and wiring changes, just to name a few,” he says.

Cantrill explained that changes to the 26004 flail and chipper included: BASE • CAN+ control system - Sauer Plus 1 system controls the machine, multiple modules located throughout the machine. Reduces wires on machine.

• Large screen control panel with complete machine control and information. Allows

for complete control and monitoring of machine.

•T op debris containment system.

•D ebris containment system around moving parts and shafts.

•A vailable remote operating system. Full machine control with display remote system.

•H ydraulic updates. Updated components, revised hose routing, •E lectrical updates. Improved harnesses, updated components.

• 2 6” diameter log capacity • I ncreased fuel savings • I mproved feed system.

• I mproved bearing specifications with improved seals and additional steel rear seal.

• I mproved flail motor coupling.

• I mproved feed roll motor mount/torque arm.

• I mproved float cylinder specification.

• Improved hydraulic oil cooler isolation system.

• +24 Volt system • Improved pusher cylinder • Optional spring or air suspension • Optional forest tires, high floatation • Improved inner flail debris seal LOADER • CAN+ Sauer Plus 1 Joysticks • Load sense hydraulic system, increase fuels savings • Faster loader operations • Improved wiring • Large screen control panel with complete machine control and information.

“These changes will allow the loader to be actioned quicker. More user friendly.

Maintenance issues have been reduced ... there’s real ease of maintenance and also ease of operation,” Cantrill says.

EnginEErEd For PErFormAnCE built For EndurAnCE in-field chipping at its best

Precision Husky range of products includes – • Whole tree chippers • Conveyors • Knuckle boom loaders • Overhead storage bins • Sawmill chippers • Full turnkey installations • Debarkers • Chip screens

Contact us for further details on the full range of these tough work-horses including tub and horizontal grinders To see the full range of machines in action, go to www.youtube.com/precisionhuskycorp

Contact: Andrew or John Ph: (03) 5156 4243 Fax: (03) 5156 4125 Email: info@jondod.com

14 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

BIOFUELS & CHIPPING

Flail trials ‘very encouraging’ F

UNCTION CHAINS’ trials of a redesigned flail drum are continuing and already there are signs that the changes could have significant impacts on operating and maintenance costs.

According to Philip Dohnt, one of the principals of Function Chains, two single-hole flail drums were placed on a rebuilt Peterson Pacific 5000G, the first upper and lower drums.

“The flail drum has 6 rows of chain; each row has 10 single-hole holes with a total number of flail chains being 60.

“In one full rotation the holes are spaced across the drum so the flail chains are spread evenly, the centre of each hole 17.44mm apart. Given the standard width of a flail chain is 55mm it is possible for an area 17.44 mm wide to be contacted by a flail chain 3 times in one flail drum rotation.

“The flail drum was designed to improve debarking in small stem plantations. If this is achievable and flail speeds can be reduced the direct result would be an increase in wood fibre recovery and reduced flail chain wear,” he said.

Trials have also shown an improvement of flail chain life because the flail chains are not doubled up and wearing out on each other instead of flailing the tree.

“While the trial is still running the results to date are very encouraging,” he said.

It was a chance meeting some years ago that resulted in Function Chains becoming a major supplier of specialist chains throughout the world.

Michael Huangfu and Phillip Dohnt had been flying between Beijing and Singapore and “got talking” and Function Chains Pty Ltd was the result, “We have been working together since that first meeting in 2004 to research, develop and improve flailing technology,” said Phillip.

“Our mission is to produce flail chains and equipment that will meet the needs of the industry by reducing bark content and improving fibre recovery,” said Michael.

Function Chains’ new developments are focused on flail drum design to further reduce bark content and to improve wood fibre recovery in poor and low yielding plantations.

Function Chains’ office is in Rossmoyne, Perth and hold stock in the South East of South Australia and the Albany area, WA. Function Chains have just completed a Distribution agreement with the Wallingford’s Inc. for the Marketing and sales of our products in the USA, Chile and Brazil.

Wood fibre demand set to increase globally

 Single-hole flail drums.

WORLDWIDE TRADE of wood chips fell in 2012 and prices for pulp logs and wood chips were down in most regions of the world. But change is ahead. Global demand for wood fibre for both pulp manufacturing and renewable energy is expected to increase during 2013 and 2014.

China bucked the trend and imported more wood chips in 2012 for an expanding pulp industry and Vietnam continued to be the largest chip export in the world.

Trade of wood pellets has gone up dramatically the past few years, particularly from North America to Europe. In 2012, the US and Canada increased shipments to energy facilities in Europe by 62% over the previous year.

These trends raise a number of questions about the future supply, trade and pricing of wood fibre: • How will demand for wood fiber for pulp manufacturing and energy generation develop in China and Japan?

• W hat is the wood supply outlook in Australia, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa?

• W hich regions in the world have the most competitive wood fiber prices?

• W hat are the latest developments in the supply/demand balance of woody biomass in Europe?

• Will newly-established energy plantations meet increases in demand for energy wood fibre?

• W hat new wood fibre supply projects globally have recently started up, or are planned?

These questions, among others, will be answered by industry experts at the Sixth International Wood Fibre Resource and Trade Conference, in Istanbul, Turkey on 9-10 April.

The conference is organized by DANA Ltd, Pikey Compania, and Wood Resources International LLC. As of February 20, delegates from more than 30 countries have registered to attend the conference.

As always, the focus of these International Pulpwood Conferences will be not only to educate, but to provide unique networking opportunities between wood fibre suppliers, consumers, traders and shipping companies from around the world.

For registration and for more information about this opportunity to meet with participants in the global forest industry and biomass sectors and to hear about the latest developments in international trade of wood fibre visit the official website, http://www.woodfibreconference.com

Wood pellet exports ‘on fire’

Exports of wood pellets from both Canada and the USA hit new all-time record volumes in 2012, up 40% from 2011. It has been estimated that in 2012 Canada exported nearly 1.4 million tonnes of wood pellets and the USA exported over 1.9 million tonnes. The vast majority of Canadian exports are from British Columbia to Europe, although a small volume of about 100,000 tonnes was exported to Japan. Exports from the USA are from a number of large producers in the US South.

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 15

harvesting

Package purchase just the thing for new job V

ICTORIAN-BASED Austimber Harvesting & Haulage has always had some form of wheeled harvester for the past 20 years so it wasn’t really a surprise when the business opted for another of the wheeled brigade when it came to a new contract.

Director Ian Reid, a bloke with more than two decades in the industry, said it all boiled down to “specifics” and that the wheeled harvester was the way to go plus a new Forwarder.

AH&H decided on a John Deere 1170E which boasts (among other things) a spacious, quiet cab that automatically rotates according to operator preference to track the boom and levels to changes in terrain; next-generation TimberMatic™ automation system for fingertip control; new booms and harvester head.

Ian explained that the 1170 and the 1510 Forwarder were “specked for a specific Hancock contract of small T1s. We went out looking for a machine ideally suited for that job,” he says.

And why the John Deere? ... “In the end we thought it was the most suitable machine for the job at hand. In fact, we were looking for a machine combination that would be ideally suited to the task. That was it in the end; I suppose we got a good deal, too. Basically, it was the overall package.”

The new boom design on the E-Series harvesters delivers smoother, more accurate control.

Impressive lifting and slewing torques allow the boom to lift and swing larger loads with ease. Using the TimberMatic H-09 control system, operators can customize controls for exacting boommovement command.

The 1170 was kitted out with a John Deere 414 head, which has been especially designed for the mid-sized John Deere 1170E and 1270E wheel harvesters. The H414 features excellent power-to-weight ratio and a compact size, which makes it highly manoeuvrable even in dense thinning stands. Its main frame is machined as one piece, which provides high dimensional accuracy.

Four moving delimbing knives, one fixed top knife, and one fixed back knife follow the contours of the stem. The redesigned knife geometry and long cutting edges of the H414 ensure first class delimbing quality for all stem diameters. The SuperCut 100 saw unit has a maximum felling diameter of 620mm for real performance from early thinning up to early regeneration felling.

The 1510’s PowerTech™ Plus diesel engine delivers high torque at low rpm for excellent fuel efficiency and power without compromise.

The rotating and smoothlevelling cab turns 290 degrees,

providing 360-degree visibility of the surroundings and boom movements. Its Duraxle™ heavyduty bogie axles are designed to carry heavy loads over long distances, delivering superb tractive force in difficult and soft terrain, longer axle and tire life, lower ground pressure, and higher ground clearance.

The boom on the 1510E has been redesigned, too. With boom follow-up, the cabin smoothly follows boom-slew movements, ensuring a steady, continuous view to the boom and grapple, plus it has four moveable bunks and eight adjustable load stakes. Load space for different log lengths and load heights is easy to configure.

The harvester and forwarder were commissioned about May last year so it’s given Ian and his crew time to completely suss out the machines.

Their verdict -- “Very, very happy. They’re a well designed, good unit and they’ve been very reliable”.

“Operator satisfaction is very high and if you’ve got operator satisfaction you’ve normally got very productive machines,” says Ian. He said it was the first time his operation had run the 414 head and added it seemed to be “ideally suited to the job that we have”.

“I suppose we have always had machines that have flexibility  1170 E Harvester.

through the range and we decided that with this job -- we fully specked the job to a specific task – that’s why we went for that combination.

“Overall, we’re very pleased.”

And it’s not just the machines that Ian heaps praise on. “We’ve got some great people here,” he says of his 35 harvesting and haulage staff.

“We do a bit of work,” he quipped.

AH&L’s main client is Hancock with a little bit of private work as well.

Ian has also been heavily involved in the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) and is chairman of the organisation he sees as crucial to the help and wellbeing of contractors across the nation.

“I like to look at our own business but I also like to look at it in context with the whole industry,” he says.

Hitachi Construction machinery Australia is the exclusive distributor of John Deere Forestry equipment.

 1510 Forwarder.

 1170 E Harvester.

16 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

harvesting

New series expands offering of track forestry machines C

ATERPILLAR FOREST Products designs and builds track machines well suited for Australian logging conditions. The Cat® 501HD is a short tail swing track harvester that is easy to maneuver in select cut operations and well balanced for stability in final felling applications. The new Cat 521B and 522B are limited tail swing track machines that can be configured as either feller bunchers or harvesters. The 522B is a leveling machine for select or clear-cut logging in rough, steep terrain, while the Cat 521B is a non-leveling model best for plantation thinning, swamp logging, medium production clear cut, and high production biomass applications.

 522B.

501HD The telescopic boom on the 501HD provides 8.2m (27 ft) reach to the tree and lift capacity of 2,268 kgs (5,000 lbs) at full reach. The boom’s V-shaped bottom extends the life of the wear pads and minimizes sideto-side movement as the boom moves in and out.

The 18144 kg (40,000 lb.) track harvester is equipped with the 117 kW Cat® C6.6 Tier 3 Stage IIIA engine with ACERT™ Technology. The engine generates more torque in the lower rpm ranges for more power. This also maintains higher hydraulic flow under load for faster processing.

Caterpillar ACERT Technology integrates the electronic controls that monitor engine conditions,

the air management system and the fuel injection system, resulting in the complete combustion of fuel and better fuel economy.

“Based on ongoing testing, the fuel economy of Cat engines with ACERT Technology is 3% to 5% better than current competing technologies,” said said Glenn Brown, harvester and cut-tolength specialist for Caterpillar Forest Products.

The engine also includes cold mode start strategy, automatic altitude compensation and electronic diagnostics and fault monitoring.

A side-by-side radiator, hydraulic, and charge air cooling package efficiently prevents heat build-up. The cooling package is away from the front of the

carrier to minimize exposure to debris and dust so less cleaning is needed.

Designed for efficient and reliable operation, the harvester’s axial piston hydraulic pump meets stringent requirements for noise reduction, efficiency, controllability and durability.

The valve system has proven reliability in forestry applications with its fuel-efficient, load sensing and pressure compensated technology. Each section is designed for the flow and pressure of a specific function.

Ramped and proportional carrier functions save mechanical wear on structures. “For example, booming up and down is not instant on and off. It eases on and off, so you don’t get the wear and tear on structures that can occur

with jerking on and crashing to a stop,” Brown explained.

The full length of the track frames are tied to the car body for strength and durability when maneuvering amongst stumps and rocks. The high walker design provides excellent ground clearance.

The forward mounted cab and rear engine placement provide excellent visibility over the entire harvest area and increased stability on slopes. “The operator doesn’t have to swing the carrier around to get a look to the left or right,” said Brown. “Other harvesters that have the engine mounted to the right of the cab block the operator’s view.” The rear-mounted engine also acts as an effective counter balance for better lift capabilities at full reach.

The unique front entry cab allows for easy and safe entry and exit. “The hydraulics are deactivated when the door is opened. The foot pedals, which are attached to the door, swing out of the way to prevent tripping on them,” Brown said.

The roomy cab and IQAN operating system increase operator comfort, confidence and productivity. Controls can be adjusted and customized to individual preferences. The air suspension seat absorbs shocks and provides added comfort during extended shifts. “Set it and forget it” automatic AC/ heating system control maintains a consistent cab temperature.

The tilt cab allows excellent access to engine and under cab components for service. continued on page 17.

 510HD.

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 17

harvesting

Idea revolutionised work ..... and the bottom line S

P HAS been one of the leading names in forestry harvesting heads since being founded in 1978 in the small village of Lillarp, in the middle of the vast south Swedish forestry district. Its early work was to service and repair of all kinds of forestry machines but soon switched to improving existing logging equipment as well as designing new techniques.

After a clever idea and many months at the drawing board and in the workshop SP presented the world´s first ever single-grip harvester head, the SP 21. That was in 1980. The new technique revolutionised forestry and made the mechanisation of commercial thinning operations economically viable.

A lot has happened since the days of the SP21.

Today, SP is an international company with its extensive distribution network covering most parts of the world. Playing a crucial role in the Australian sector for SP is Peter Randalls, managing director of Randalls Equipment Company.

Peter pointed out that the extensive SP product line covered all forestry operations from first thinning to final felling as well as the debarking of plantation grown tropical hardwoods and the harvesting of woods for biofuel.

Giving a brief rundown on the massive range, Peter said the SP 591 LXwas regarded as a “high speed powerhouse for blue gum debarking”.

“The SP591LX is purpose-built for harvesting and debarking of plantation grown eucalyptus. It is an

 SP561LF.

 SP591LX blue gum debarking head.

extremely strong and tough harvester head, designed according to the LX principle for maximum reliability and productivity even under the toughest conditions.

“The uncompromised LX design is found all throughout the harvester head, from large components like frame and knives down to pins and seals. In spite of its brute and tough appearance the SP591LX does not just offer strength and reliability. Smart solutions like proportional pressures and the SP patent LogHold also make the SP 591 LX a very fast, efficient and easy to work with harvester head – the SP591LX truly is a high speed powerhouse for extreme jobs,” he said.

And, despite the fact that the SP591LX is built with state-of- the-art technology for maximum speed and productivity it still is a very reliable, simple and user-friendly harvester head offering a minimum of moving parts, maximum uptime and great service accessibility.

“A good example of this is a total of just three hydraulic cylinders throughout the harvester head, all sharing the same seal kit for easy parts stocking.

The SP591LX is optimised for best productivity and performance handling tree sizes from 15 to 35cm (6-14”) and is equally productive working in a CTL application as it is processing decked wood out of a pile.”

New direction for logging stalwart FOREST CENTRE Pty Ltd will be continuing in business with a new direction focused on its other product lines – Exte, Hultdins, Baltrotors and Rotobec, and FC is also a local distributor for Morris Lubricants.

It was announced earlier this year that after nearly 45 years of being involved in the logging industry, 32 of these years in Australia and 30 years with Forest Centre, principal Lex McLean decided to begin his transition to retirement and to step back from the heavy daily involvement. “This decision necessitated terminating my Tigercat agreement and Tigercat transferring it to another dealer,” said Lex. “When Forest Centre started in 1982 as an importer for Hultdins and Indexator attachments as well as used forestry machines, it was with these original product lines that the Forest Centre name was made known in the Australian forest industry,” Lex said.

Forest Centre will continue in its current facility in Tumut and then move to another office/ shed on the same site. All Forest

Centre contact details remain the same.

“We are fortunate to have the following people supporting our new direction: • Wendy Christian Chief Executive Officer • Reymund Kell Sales & Marketing Manager • Raymond “Raybo” Bocquet Parts & Warehouse Manager “With the transition from our Tigercat dealership Forest Centre still has in stock and available for sale several used Tigercat forestry machines,” Lex said.

And, on the subject of his concentration on the attachments, he said that FC had adapted ExTe air operated load restraint for general road transport applications with The Laminex Group. They chose to upgrade their entire national distribution fleet from potentially dangerous and labourintensive manual load binders to ExTe automatic units,” he said.

So there you have it … the change won’t see the end of Forest Centre and its principal Lex McLean ... it will just be a change in direction for the long time industry stalwart!

 Forest Centre’s Exte display at AUSTimber.

New series expands offering of track forestry machines continued from page 16.

521B/522B The new Cat B Series track feller bunchers/harvesters feature a new, upsized undercarriage, more horsepower and a new hydraulic design for improved multifunctioning performance.

“Major enhancements to these track feller bunchers will give loggers faster cycle times, more uptime and longer machine life,” said Keith Hicks, Caterpillar Forest Products product performance engineer.

All the undercarriage rolling components of both models have been upgraded to D7 size hydraulic excavator type. “Track shoes, link assemblies, idlers,

track rollers and undercarriage frame structures have all been upsized.

Undercarriage life expectancy even in tough terrain is going to increase significantly,” Hicks said.

The B Series limited tail-swing machines have the same industryleading strong drawbar-to-weight ratios as the previous models and a full 889mm (35 in.) of ground clearance from front to back.

“Strong drawbar pull, along with even better ground clearance and the ‘open tunnel’ undercarriage design make for a highly maneuverable machine that easily climbs steep slopes,” Hicks said.

The 522B can be ordered with a high drawbar option, boosting drawbar performance by 13% for logging in extremely demanding

steeper terrain. The swing capacity of 82.7 kNm (61,000 lb-ft) is another advantage of the Cat track bunchers when working on steep slopes. “The strong swing torque gives the operator the ability to swing big loads up slopes,” Hicks said. “The combination of swing and lift capacity with improved multifunctioning will reduce cycle times and increase production.

And the balance between lift and tipping load capacity gives the machine the stability loggers need to be safe working in steep conditions.”

A complete re-configuration of both the implement and travel hydraulic circuits and new compensator valve spools smooth out and improve multifunctioning.

“The operator can maintain a

steady rhythm when activating several functions simultaneously,” Hicks said. “A more efficient hydraulic system also requires less horsepower, so fuel consumption is reduced.”

The hydraulics can be configured for either high or low flow attachments. The Cat HF B Series felling head operates on low flow. This frees up oil to run other machine functions while simultaneously maintaining maximum open and close arm speeds.

The B Series machines are equipped with the Cat C9 ACERT™ engine delivering 226 kW (303 hp) of gross power. The C9, which meets U.S EPA Tier 3 emission regulations, is a common engine design with a proven track

record of reliability and durability in the woods.

The 522B features the only twoway simultaneous leveling system in the industry. This unique threecylinder design significantly reduces stress loads into the leveler structure, lower frame and track frames, and lasts longer than two-cylinder leveling systems.

The cab has all the convenience and comfort features built into other Cat forestry machines. The monitor has been downsized slightly to improve the operator’s line of sight out the right front corner of the cab. “The operator has a clear view of the work tool and area to the right side of the cab for lining up a cut or repositioning the machine and linkage,” Hicks said.

18 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

harvesting

Quantum leap in harvesting operations M

ODERN DAY timber harvester Ken O’Brien (O’Brien Red Gum Sawmill), based in Barham (right on the Murray River), comes from a line of timber cutters who played a crucial part in ensuring Victoria’s railway tracks were in peak condition for an ever-expanding State.

It started with his grandfather, Chip, who used to cut red gum sleepers ... and all he had at his disposal was a broad axe and a crosscut saw! Then his father, Keith, followed the work trail and he too cut sleepers but with a swing saw, an improvement on the axe but still a long way from the current methods.

Red gum cutting also became a major part of Ken’s life from virtually when he was a kid. “I used to go bush when I was young,” Ken recalls, then started to carve his own way in the forestry industry.

“I started off with an old swing saw (inset) and a Grey Fergie tractor.

“Jeeez that was a long time ago,” he says. “I’ve been in the business now about 35 years.”

And he has seen some quantum changes in method and mechanisation in those years.

“We’ve come a long way, right through from having a sawmill cutting railway sleepers. Now they’re using mainly concrete (sleepers) so we don’t use the mill much anymore. Basically, 99% of our business now is firewood and we do a fair bit.”

With a total crew of 21 the O’Brien operation supplies firewood from Sydney south to metropolitan and rural Victoria and metropolitan and rural South Australia. “We harvest and haul between 1000 and 1500

 Tigercat among the red gums.

tonne of small, low grade thinnings per week,” he says.

And that brings him to mechanised logging.

“We went into the mechanised logging about 15 years ago. Like everybody else we used to handfall or fall with chainsaws ... we’ve done plenty of that. Then we bought a Bell harvester/feller buncher. It was OK. Then we went to small excavators like Komatsu and we had a 25 ton Cat excavator. They were good machines.”

 (from left) Dan Carter (O’Brien Redgum), Tim O’Brien (O’Brien Redgum), Al Wilson (O’Brien Redgum), David Wakem (Scan Forestry), Johan Jaktman (Scan Forestry) Cory O’Brien (O’Brien Redgum) Damien Ambrose (Forest Centre) and Ken O’Brien (O’Brien Redgum).

Now, though, Ken has two purpose-built Tigercats in operation, an H845C and an H855C, both fitted out with Logmax 7000XT heads (which he purchased from Forest Centre) in his lineup of machines.

“Basically, what we’ve found is the component life and reliability of the Tigercats outweighs the competition.

“We’ve got two Tigercat Forwarders and two Tigercat excavators or purpose built harvesters and the latest was the 855C. They’re both fitted up with Logmax 7000XTs which have a top and bottom saw ... “You probably know those guys ... Johan (Jaktman) and David (Wakem) [Logmax].

Tigercat and Logmax complement one another. Because they’re right next door to each other they just take the machine round there and fit the head up to it. It’s done and away we go.

“We’ve had four Logmax heads and we find them very suitable for our rugged red gum timber,” says Ken. Now, back to the harvesters and Ken says the standout points on his latest machine would definitely include the fact that “the slewing torque has increased a considerable amount and also the lifting capacity of the machine; better boom design, it’s got that ER system on it.

“On the 855 the hydraulics seem to be that bit better. I suppose you could say its slewing power and its

 Tigercat team.

hydraulic capacity and its strength.

“We find the component life of the Tigercat, as opposed to the competition, is a lot better,” he says.

“We’ve had an absolutely brilliant working relationship with Lex McLean (Forest Centre) and we wish Lex all the best in his retirement. Hope he has plenty of holidays and fishing trips and we look forward to having the same relationship with Onetrak into the future.

[Damien Ambrose (previously FC national service manager) and Phil Turnbull (previously FC sales Manager) along with Kim McLean (Service & Admin) and

Lorri Neyland (parts) have all taken employment with Onetrak. Ben Bloxome (sales and technician) and Martin Meldrum parts) from the Forest Centre operation in WA have also joined the Onetrak team.]

“They’ve (Onetrak) got Damien and Phil Turnbull, to name a few.

The whole company (Forest Centre) has been very, very good to our company to the credit of Lex and his staff in the past. I can’t talk highly enough of Lex to be honest.

“As I said I can’t speak highly enough of Tigercat and of Lex and David and Johan with their Logmax heads,” said Ken. Tigercat builds a full range of

Log on Today!

Visit www.timberbiz.com.au/dtn to sign up today.

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 19

harvesting track harvesters used in roadside and in-stand felling and processing applications throughout the world. All track harvesters are purpose built for full-time extreme forest duty. Structural elements, undercarriage components and cooling systems are based on Tigercat feller buncher designs.

Track harvester line-up Tigercat’s zero tail-swing harvester offering is comprised of the H822C and LH830C. These 300hp harvesters are extremely capable, row thinning and final felling applications. The LH830C is equipped with a super-duty R7150L levelling undercarriage with FH400 components for steep terrain applications.

The H845C and LH845C models are equipped with a 260hp Cummins engine and a short tailswing, striking a good balance between maneuverability, machine stability and component access.

Both the H855C and H845C harvesters are available with two-piece or telescopic ER boom systems.

The H855C and LH855C round out the harvester line-up. These full tail-swing are best suited to larger timber, poor terrain and around the clock operations.

Tigercat also recently released the 880 logger. This machine can be configured as a loader shovel logger or processor and can be matched to the largest sized harvesting heads.

The H855C is a purpose built carrier well suited to infield clear felling and processing applications.

Based on Tigercat’s flagship 860C series carriers, the H855C uses the same forest duty upper frame structure, cab and cooling system as the feller bunchers which are field proven at both temperature extremes in demanding applications throughout the world.

The engine and hydraulic system are specifically designed to achieve maximum performance and minimum fuel consumption in harvesting and processing applications.

Essentially, the H855C is a machine perfectly matched to the vast majority of the world’s harvesting and processing applications.

The H855C is powered by the Tier III Cummins QSB6.7 delivering 194 kW (260hp). High horsepower allows the H855C to maintain hydraulic flow as the pressure increases, keeping roll speed up and significantly boosting productivity.

With larger capacity pumps and improved valving and control system, the hydraulic system is optimized for harvester performance and fuel efficiency and far more efficient and productive than modified excavators.

“A dedicated attachment pump supplies oil to the primary head functions, delivering flow and pressure to match the demands of the head without interference from other machine functions.

Under high flow conditions like roll or saw operation, additional oil is supplied from the main load sensing system,” explains Grant Somerville, advanced engineering manager, track machines. “The result is a hydraulic system that provides high head performance and multi-functioning capabilities

while still delivering excellent fuel economy.”

Field reports indicate that H855C fuel usage can be as low as 18 L/hr and recent independent studies have shown that Tigercat purpose built track harvesters are 20-25% more productive than similarly sized excavator conversions equipped with the same attachment.

Another big advantage of the H855C is the high capacity cooling system. The reversible fan is hydraulically driven and computer

controlled to match cooling requirements.

This improves fuel efficiency and makes cold weather starts easier. The variable speed fan helps keep hydraulic oil temperatures more even in cold weather conditions for improved measuring system performance and accuracy.

The H855C is equipped with the new twin swing drive system. Twin swing increases swing torque by 35% while reducing pinion loads for extended swing system life.

The patented ER boom system allows the machine operator to extend and retract the boom on a horizontal plane smoothly and quickly using a single joystick.

The stick boom or “reach” joystick controls both the main and stick booms simultaneously, resulting in the attachment moving either away from or toward the operator.

The main boom and tilt functions operate in the traditional manner to adjust the height and angle of the attachment. An ER on/off switch

allows the operator to temporarily turn off ER if he is felling large timber up hill and requires additional stick boom-out force.

The key to this technology is reduced energy consumption. The ER system transfers energy back and forth between the main and the stick boom functions, reducing the total energy needed to move the boom system. This translates to reduced demands for power, pump flow and system cooling. ER technology is unique to Tigercat.

Over 10 Log Max models to choose from. Call us to see which is the best one for your needs.

Pictured here – the superbly engineered Log Max 10,000XT

Heads above the competition

▶ Low Weight

▶ High Production

▶ Fuel Efficient

For all the details about how the 10000XT can handle wood up to 90cm in diameter without needing a tank to drive it, visit our website www.scanforestry.com or call Log Max Australia on 02 6947 4505 or 0408 614 503 and ask for Johan.

20 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

harvesting

Tough, trouble-free hardwood head W

HEN IT comes to harvesting hardwood, Ian Reid is no amateur. Ian has been involved in the Australian timber industry for more than 20 years and in 2006 opened Austimber Harvesting & Haulage in Morwell, Victoria.

The company harvests plantation pine and hardwood in the Gippsland region for Hancock Victorian Plantations. The pulp is then delivered to Australian Paper Maryvale and pine saw logs are delivered to Carter Holt Harvey Mills in Morwell and Yarram.

Typically hardwood branches are tough and trees are dense. The preference for this application is to use high feed force rather than high speed. This requires a harvester head that is designed with delimbing knives that have long cutting edges and a more robust and durable frame structure.

Ian chooses Waratah 600-Series threewheeled harvesters because they are tough machines with superior grab arms and body design to make them the best head for processing decked wood, tree-length falling, or cut-to-length applications. The synchronized three-wheel design provides the traction and stem alignment needed without slipping or damaging valuable wood fibre.

These heads come standard with Alpine steel drive wheels or debarking rollers for hardwood applications.

The 600-Series’ hydraulic design is a basic and efficient approach. Service is trouble free with standardized components. The valve bank has identical individual sections for each function, so there is no need to keep an abundance of spare parts on hand. The innovative hydraulic hose swivel design keeps

hoses and electrical cable from twisting and increases uptime.

Proven in medium to large wood harvesting and processing, Waratah’s big-timbertackling HTH624C can easily handle various hardwood species – up to 81 centimeters in diameter. With its rugged frame, large synchronized feed rollers, unsurpassed drive power, and precision delimbing quality, it is a highly productive processor. Ian has been running Waratah heads since 1999 and uses his HTH624C in conjunction with a Komatsu PC 300 carrier.

When asked what he liked about the Waratah head he said: “Proven reliability; good measuring, and diameter measuring leads to a very productive harvesting machine. I purchased the HTH624C on the Komatsu 300/8 carrier in 2012 to replace a 626 Waratah head on a Komatsu 350/6 base machine after 12 years of reliable service. We are approaching 1,800 hours and this machine has more than met expectations.”

He went on to praise Waratah saying: “Waratah offers a good, reliable product with good after-sale support.”

Waratah is the world’s leading manufacturer of forestry attachments with a comprehensive range of products including cut-to-length, full-tree, and processing harvester heads.

The 600-Series heads (along with other Waratah heads) can be fitted to a variety of carriers to ensure the right combination for your environment, and extensive head options make them customizable to your application.

Whatever the choice, Waratah harvester heads are known for outstanding productivity and measuring accuracy.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY. SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT.

Waratah 600 series heads are all business,because we know, when you’re working. you’re earning. But our heads do more than outwork and outlast the next best heads out there. They also deliver a remarkably low overall cost-to-run. And we don’t play around when it comes to service and support either. When you put a Waratah head to work, the Waratah support team goes to work for you -- getting you up and running and keeping you there. There’s a 600 Series to fit your application and carrier. Invest in one and you’ll see why serious loggers say Waratah is built to work. And work. And work.

Melbourne Product Support / Sales 03 9747 4200 Mob / 0438 445 550 Mob / 0419 539 374

Parts 03 9747 4213 Mob / 0408 540 391

Bunbury WA Product Support / Sales 08 9726 0413 Mob / 0428 685 038

Parts 08 9726 0412 Mob / 0488 049 273

22 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

harvesting

This “wheelie” is a good machine!

I

T’S ALWAYS a case of horses for courses (according to the old adage) and that seems to fit the bill when it comes to harvesting in native Cypress.

Drew and brother Todd Reiser, owners and operators of Blackbutt Logging, needed a new harvester late last year and settled on a sixwheeled Komatsu 931 and some of the reasoning behind the decision was ... “this configuration, the way this is set up; the bush out there because its native stand, there’s a lot of trash coming at you when you’re driving through.

This configuration doesn’t have so much hosing and valving in front of it to be knocked around by the sticks and small stems and rubbish coming up at you”.

“That was one of the main reasons we went for that one,” says Drew.

BB has already got a couple of wheeled harvesters and the new Komatsu is settling into the work since it was commissioned in October.

And the reason behind the wheeled harvester use is quite simple ... “we need to cover a fair bit of country a day to get the volume (about five hectares a day).

It’s sandy out there and that wears track out pretty quick”.

The Komatsu 931 has all the bells and whistles including MaxiXplorer which is more powerful, adjustable and easy to use. It optimizes machine performance and simplifies reporting.

Its new engine, using fourvalve technology, provides greater power, faster machine response and improved fuel economy. A maintenance-free belt transmission simplifies engine service.

The CRH22 boom improves performance with its 220 kNm/162,000 lbf-ft lift capacity.

More lift gives greater production

and allows precise movement at full reach.

The new Comfort Bogie provides the machine with superb traction. The refined bogie adds to the machine’s exceptional balance, mobility and manoeuvrability especially when working on soft/ wet ground, or in steep terrain.

Other features include a new heavy duty rear axle design with integrated hose routing, which keeps components protected and improves reliability. Soft sealed couplings used throughout the 931 will minimize oil leaks. New guarding with integrated storage compartments keep the service ladders and 170 Ah battery well protected.

The spacious, full-rotation and auto-levelling cab is regarded as the quietest on the market thanks in part to its direct powered swing drive. The new swing motor

the timber business since they left school and with decades of experience behind them they know full well what it means to have machines they can rely on, plus good dealer service back-up.

The brothers first started in the Blackbutt area in the hoop pine regions. “We’ve built our business on it but now we’re spreading out to give us a bit more security.

The industry’s not real flash at the moment,” says Drew. Despite that, Blackbutt Logging has a workforce of 14.

“The big mills up here are suffering. We’re still supplying the little mills and they’re doing OK because the pallet and paling market is still going all right with your low value timber, whereas the construction timber seems to have stalled.”

And there’s another thing that can sometimes be problematic –

BB’s 931 is kitted out with a Komatsu 365harvesting head. reduces maintenance and delivers smoother, more precise boom performance.

BB’s 931 is kitted out with a Komatsu 365harvesting head.

With its high net lifting power, this head performs exceptionally well at long reaches. It features a newlydeveloped length measurement unit with sturdy bearings, a remote sensor, and a system (patent pending) to ensure the trunk is followed closely and accurately.

The three feed wheels provide high net traction. The optimized frame design provides high net lifting power for the prime mover, ensuring superb control.

The 365 head has four moving knives and an extra wide tilt angle to facilitate work in steep terrain.

Drew and Todd have been in

KOMATSU COMFORT Ride. There’s nothing flash about the name … it’s concise and means precisely what it says!

It’s the name of Komatsu Forest’s new cab suspension that improves operator comfort by reducing vibrations and jolts. Operator comfort is improved because damped cab suspension effectively reduces the vibrations and bumps caused by uneven terrain and large rocks and tree stumps.

Komatsu Comfort Ride has an underlying construction comprised of two frames, one on top of the other. Between the frames are hydraulic cylinders, fitted with integrated remote position sensors to keep the cab in the centre position. This four-point suspension creates long and free movements in the suspension compared to other designs.

The cylinders’ long travel provides good dampening, allowing the suspension to absorb energy, making it less likely for a cylinder to bottom out compared to designs with shorter travel.

the weather. While some areas have copped a beating with cyclones, floods and fires, Blackbutt has virtually sailed (no pun intended) through so far. “It hasn’t been too bad. We just had to do a couple of machine shifts, but it held us up for probably three or four days but that’s all. It could have been a lot worse.

“We got 13 inches of rain here in those couple of days. That’s a lot of rain for us in that period but it wasn’t torrential rain, it was really good grass rain ... general soaking.

“Actually we couldn’t have ordered it better,” he quipped.

So, it’s business as usual for Blackbutt Logging as they continue to provide Cypress for Cypress Supplies in Roma and NK Collins in Mitchell.

Name says it all!

The large support area created by the four-point suspension, with the cylinders placed far apart, also provides balanced damping. Rocking movements are gentler compared to, for example, three-point suspension. A hydraulic stabilizer also prevents the cab from rolling from side to side as much.

The Ride Height Control function compensates movements so that the cab is always in the centre of the cylinders regardless of any shift in the centre of gravity of the cab, such as forward, backward, or sideways.

Komatsu Comfort Ride is very easy to use. The operator presses a button to activate the suspension system, it enters driving mode, and driving can begin. The operator can also press the button a second time to raise the cab

to the cylinders’ highest position. This can be used when unloading the machine and provides a fantastic view of the bunk. When the operator next presses the gas pedal, the system automatically returns to driving mode.

Komatsu Comfort Ride cab suspension has a mechanical lock function to secure the cab against the frame during, for example, trailer transport and service. The cab can be tilted just as usual, and the addition of cab suspension provides even easier service point access as all equipment also rises during tilting. The guard plates on the right side of the cab automatically fold away and do not risk touching the wheels when the cab is tilted. Komatsu Comfort Ride is integrated with MaxiXplorer, enabling function status to be displayed directly on the operating screen. MaxiXplorer also generates an alarm if any of the position sensors fail.

Komatsu Comfort Ride will be introduced in 2013 as an option on all new Komatsu forwarder models.

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 23

harvesting

New harvester to Finnish in style F

OLLOWING THE buzz created by the introduction to Australia of the Logset forwarder last year, the Finnish company has decided to offer its impressive harvester range to the Australian market.

“Like all Logset equipment, the Harvester can be configured to what individual harvesting operators want in their machines.” said Markku Turunen, the Australian distributor for Logset machinery.

“It has been a thought in Australia for quite some time that, due to the size of logs being harvested here, wheeled machines couldn’t cut it with tracked bases. But that’s certainly not the case with our top of the range machine that compares more than favourably when it comes to engine power and reach no matter what sort of base you compare it with.”

Citing the need for contractors to squeeze every

last drop of productivity out of their harvesting machines while being careful with their bottom line, Turunen suggested contractors also needed to be aware of their footprint in the forest, particularly during thinning operations.

“The engines we use are extremely economical in terms of their fuel efficiency but also have low emissions. So apart from having the power to do all the work that needs to be done, they don’t chew through fuel and they don’t chew up the ground they’re working on. I would think that is something forest owners would be very interested in.

“And if the operator is comfortable, has clear vision and great control over precisely where he or she is placing the machine and the head, good productivity flows – you don’t need our TOC control system to tell you that (although it will), any operator using one could confirm it.”

Although the Logset harvesters will carry harvesting heads from other manufacturers, the company also has a range of heads. “The Logset heads that are designed for thinning operations are also available with top saws to reduce the time spent fiddling around cutting to length at the end of the stem.”

Turunen went on to point out that contractors could acquire Logset equipment under very flexible finance options that can be tailored to suit the cashflow needs of their business. “We know that managing cashflow is a vital part of a contractor’s business so getting that handled properly can also contribute to the bottom line just as fuel efficiency and increased productivity does.”  The Logset harvester cab looks like a space capsule but has easy to use controls and hydraulic levelling for good ergonomics.

Power:Weight:Reach = Productivity Logset 10H Harvester Weight 22,000kg Power 220kW

Torque 1,300 Nm

Lifting capacity 280kNm

Built strong as an ox but nimble as a dancer, the Logset harvester uses Scandinavian technology to deliver fantastic power from a fuel efficient engine to give you the longest reach and excellent lifting capacity.

Compare our specifications then contact us for more details about how you can afford a Logset harvester to lift your productivity and improve your bottom line.

Crane reach 11m

SALES Karmet Enterprises PTY LTD Markku Turunen ph. +614 0417 8541 fax. +612 696 44477 Oy Logset Ab Hännisentie 2 66530 Koivulahti Finland

Model shown is 6HP

ph +358 10 286 3200 fax +358 6 2103 216

S I M P LY B E T T E R

www.logset.com

24 – April 2013, Australian Forests & Timber News

harvesting

Innovation and reliability are still the key factors P

ETER RANDALLS, managing director of Randalls Equipment Company, has a special bond with Rottne and its forestry machinery.

He’s been the Swedish firm’s Australian distributor for ‘yonks’ and apart from the fact that he sells their gear … he believes in it, and believes in it strongly!

Although he’s Aussie-based, Peter shares the pride of a business that was started when farmer’s son Börje Karlsson began building his own designs at an early age in a barn at the family farm. In 1955, he started Börjes Mekaniska in a small workshop on the outskirts of Rottne, where he produced cable cranes, (Borjecrane) wagons, timber sleds and folding load supports for lorries, etc.

The company developed rapidly and in 1960 Börje began planning for a new workshop. In 1961, the new factory was opened at a site in the industrial area south of Rottne.

Today, the factory remains part of Rottne Industri.

This site was used for the manufacture of various sizes of logging trailers and several types of cable cranes, and one of them was the classic MF-Crane.

The company continued to develop and began showing an interest in hydraulic grapple loaders and larger special machinery for the forestry.

Peter has pride, too, in the fact that Randalls Equipment Company has been operating since 1968 … the same year the Rottne Blondin forwarder was launched. The huge demand for Blondin forwarders during the early 1970s resulted in the company building a new assembly hall and office in Rottne.

In 1975, more than 160 Blondin forwarders were manufactured.

In 1976, after several years of testing and development work, a unique delimbing/bucking machine, the Rottne Processor 770, was launched on the market.

It was small, simple and could be used for thinning and it required only one operator.

Rottne´s processor had a unique concept with a nondamaging rubber wheel feed that revolutionised the feeding principle for all processors on the market.

At the beginning of the 1980s Rottne developed a new harvester crane that used unique parallel motion technology. The advantages were clear, and today most of the harvester manufacturers are using parallel cranes. The new crane, in combination with a new felling head, resulted in Rottne’s first harvester, the Snoken 810.

In 1981, the company also launched a geared bogie for the classic Blondin forwarders, which radically improved the ability of the forwarder to work in difficult terrain and to use tracks on the bogie.

In 1982 the company changed its name from AB Borjes Mekaniska Verkstad to Rottne Industri AB. 1984 Rottne began exporting logging equipment.

During the early 1980s, a new range of machinery was developed with the name Rottne Rapid. This range was unveiled at special demonstrations outside Rottne in 1985, and production of the range started in 1986.

The Rapid range was a huge success and the company was forced to expand yet again, which it did by acquiring the Stensele factory in Västerbotten in 1988.

The acquisition of the factory in Stensele also signalled the start of production of the large forwarder, SMV Rapid, at this site.

At the beginning of the 1990s a new type of harvester was developed with a levelling chassis and fully-hydrostatic transmission.

This resulted in the Rottne 2000 and 5000 models, the smaller of which was a stand-operating thinning harvester, which became a

bestseller. This was the first model from Rottne with a computerised control and monitoring system.

A new generation of forwarders was born during the mid 1990s and christened Solid. The Solid range represented further development of existing technology, and a more modern serviceable design with several sizes of forwarders, including Solid F9, F12 and F14.

The Rottne machines were for many years fitted with Ford engines, but following the introduction of new exhaust emission standards (Tier 1) the company decided to switch to John Deere engines throughout the entire range.

At ElmiaWood 2001, Rottne unveiled its brand new large harvester, Rottne H-20, which generated huge interest. A new approach from Rottne with regard to design and technology; among other things, the machinery was given a new levelling and swivelling cab, which was extremely comfortable, a newlydeveloped powerful head for large sized wood and a new low emission engine.

This machine was hugely successful and has resulted in two smaller models being produced in the H-range, Rottne H-8 and H-14.

“The ROTTNE H8 is a thinning harvester with unique properties.

The two-part chassis with an articulated joint in the centre produces precise tracking, and when combined with its levelling capabilities, the H8 harvester becomes extremely flexible and easily driven and leaves a minimum of damage when working out in the stand. When you need to move backwards the rear-view camera automatically presents pictures on the D5 computer display. Work becomes simple and effortless,” says Peter.

Peter is also high in praise of a new contender, the Rottne H11 8WD. It’s an 8-wheel design with articulated steering - also available

in a 6-wheeld version - and has been described as a great first thinning machine.

“Its powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission and articulated frame joint give the Rottne H11 8WD excellent off-road performance and precise tracking. The harvester cab offers superb operator comfort and excellent visibility over the work area. This is further improved if the harvester is equipped with a swivelling and levelling cab with built-in suspension system, Comfort Line.

“Then there’s the Rottne H14B, an easily operated harvester and a real powerhouse, basically, an all-round harvester for both final felling and thinning capabilities.

The harvester has a 6-wheel chassis with single rear axle and front portal bogie that ensures excellent ground clearance,” he says.

The new RK140 loader is specially designed and developed for the Rottne H14B. The RK140 is located directly above the portal bogie and features a tilt function with ample forward and backward deflection. The reach in its standard design is 10 metres,

but an extension unit is available as an optional extra that increases the reach to 12 metres depending on the size of harvester head being used.

“Another first class piece of machinery is the Rottne H20B ... an optimum final felling machine for those felling in really heavy forest,” Peter says.

“The H20 has been available for some years and has established itself as an effective, powerful and tough harvester designed to maximize profitability. What was good has now become even better with the H20B. No fewer than 43 points have been improved. The chassis as well as the loader and harvester head are designed to cope with this demanding work month after month. The H20 concept is also characterised by its swivelling and levelling cab offering fantastic visibility and superb operator comfort,” Peter says.

And his final word on Rottne ... “they continue to invest in product development and design in order to be able to meet future requirements for environmentally-friendly and efficient logging equipment”.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE ROTTNE H20B IS PERFECTION FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET H20B is a well established, effective and powerful harvester. The chassis, loader and harvester head are designed to cope with our demanding Aussie forest year after year. The swivelling and levelling cab with its fantastic visibility is designed to give the operator superb comfort.

Rottne H-series harvesters from T1 to clear fall.

ROTTNE F18 HAS EVERYTHING WE NEED IN AUSTRALIA A well-balanced power train with a fuel efficient engine, 3-speed automatic hydrostatic transmission for a 22 tons tractive force and portal bogies with large and wide wheels to ensure excellent stability and a smooth ride. RK-160 loader, largest in its class, with 45 kNm swing torque and 8.5 mt reach, adjustable load gate and bunks for different length wood. A world class leading operator cab with ROTTNE COMFORT LINE, another first from Rottne. Machine weight 23,500 kg.

FOR FULL RANGE OF HARVESTERS AND FORWARDERS WWW.ROTTNE.COM Contact us for more info Randalls Equipment Company Pty Ltd 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Victoria 3028 Ph: (03) 9369 8988 Fax: (03) 9369 8683 AH: 0418 356 306

www.randalls.com.au

26 – April 2013 , Australian Forests & Timber News

Australian Forests & Timber

Classifieds FOR SALE

Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call Laurie (03) 9888 4834 or email: l.martin@ryanmediapl.com.au

NOW in PRINT & ONLINE

AVAILABLE NOW Softwood Bandsaw Processing Mill For high recovery sawmilling

Robinson 54” wheels heavy duty bandsaw 50hp motor, Hydraulic feed. $12,500+GST $9,800+GST Three KMC’s All in reasonable working condition.

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Logmate falling head, stick and boom Suit 30 ton machine. Spare rotate motor and bars, etc. $120,000+GST

Phone 0419 673 340 630C Skidder • Start-up November 2006 • Rebuilt engine (205hp Cummins Tier III QSC 8.3) • Current 630D hydrostatic drive system • Injector system serviced & new turbo • New front window • Fully workshop serviced • Good tyres WAS $250,000 • 10,307 hours NOW $195,000 +GST • Serial 6302555 OR REASONABLE OFFER

H822 Harvester • • • • • • •

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(Used for resawing multiple battens.) $6000 Wadkin XE 220 moulder complete in good condition with cutters and blower $28,000

Austral Timber Group Contact Ken Baker 0438 643 992 kjb@agnew.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News, April 2013 – 27

Australian Forests & Timber New Tigercat 855C In stock now $POA

)

Classifieds www.lucasmill.com PORTABLE SAWMILLS

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Introducing‌

Komatsu