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Heyfield mill has a solid future, says Minister T
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HE VICTORIAN Government decision to buy Australia’s largest hardwood sawmill at Heyfield in Victoria’s east will reverse plans to shut it down and stop the loss of up to 250 jobs. Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) had been locked in a dispute with the Government and Stateowned logging company VicForests over the amount of timber supplied to the mill. Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said in a statement that the Government had reached an in-principle agreement with ASH shareholders to buy the mill, subject to due diligence checks. The Government’s offer was based on multiple independent assessments of the business and standard commercial valuation benchmarks. [It is believed the sale would go ahead as
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Need remains for long-term wood supply
this edition was going to press.] “The Labor Government has reached agreement with the ASH shareholders to buy the Heyfield Timber Mill,” the statement read. The dispute centred on a move by the state logging agency, VicForests, to slash the mill’s timber supply from 130,000 cubic metres to 80,000 cubic metres. Last month, the company announced plans to make 50 positions redundant by August. Ms Pulford said the mill’s existing managers would remain in charge under the Government’s plan. She would not reveal how much the mill would cost the Government. “This is a very viable business. The transfer of ownership will set this mill up for a very solid future,” Ms Pulford told ABC Gippsland. Continued on page 8
Fuel load reduction trials power ahead - Page 3
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In the news
Mechanical fuel load reduction trials power ahead By Senator Anne Ruston Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources
M
ECHANICAL ELEMENTS of a trial aimed at improving forest management and reducing bushfire risks are nearing completion, with researchers now preparing for prescribed burns later this year. The $1.5 million Mechanical Fuel Load Reduction Trials, funded by the Australian Government, will hopefully determine if mechanical fuel reduction is viable in Australia by exploring the practical economic, social and environmental aspects of the method.
It’s used widely in the United States and Canada, but with significantly different types of forest in Australia the trial also aims to determine if it’s a suitable option for our continent. Separate trials are underway in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia with sites being located in different native forest types. Each site is around 120 hectares comprising three 10ha replicates of each of four treatments: mechanical reduction; mechanical reduction plus prescribed burning; prescribed
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Recording tree diameter class and timing during mechanical treatment, NSW trial site.
burning; and a no-treatment control. Mechanical treatments at each site are almost finished, with researchers getting ready to undertake the prescribed burn treatments in the spring of 2017. Timing will be dependent of weather and the relative availability of local fire management personnel. The trials are collecting
detailed information at each site, including fire hazards, biomass, biodiversity and habitats, machinery movements and costs, and social attitudes to different methods. Much of this work has been completed, and researchers will await the completion of the other treatments before undertaking the posttreatment analysis of the results. The trial results
should be available in mid2018. Anything we can do to reduce bushfire risk in Australia, and the burden on our forest and fire managers come summer time, is a worthy undertaking especially if it improves the bottom line for the forestry industry and the regional communities which rely on it.
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¢ Northern Brown Bandicoot in baited camera trap during the pre-treatment biodiversity assessment, NSW trial site.
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In the news I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R
August 2017 Issue 5 Vol. 26 Established 1991 In the News
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Bio
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Steep Slope
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Compelling case for mechanical fuel reduction to be embedded in a national bushfire mitigation strategy
Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins General Manager: Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editor: John Hudswell j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9512 Advertising: Gavin de Almeida g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Production: Luke Westle Trader classified: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Subscriptions: subs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9522 Subcription rates One-year (8 editions) $55 Two-years (16 editions) $95 Accounts: Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9555 Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Melbourne Office: Suite 2262, 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Phone: (03) 9810 3262 Website www.timberbiz.com.au Printed by Lane Print, Adelaide, SA Conditions The opinions expressed in Australian Forests & Timber News are not necessarily the opinions of or endorsed by the editor or publisher unless otherwise stated. All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. All material in Australian Forests & Timber News copyright © Ryan Media. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, the published will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.
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I
T’S TIME Australia fully embraced that there is more than one way to reduce fuel loads in the bush, according to the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA). AFPA Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton said difficult lessons should be learnt by Australia from the tragic loss of more than 60 lives in the current catastrophic bushfires in Portugal, to fully explore alternative fuel reduction methods. “A u s t r a l i a’s thoughts are with Portugal and it is a sombre reminder of tragic bushfires in Victoria and other parts of Australia over the last few years,” Mr Hampton said. He said fuel reduction burning had its place, but so did strategically applied ‘mechanical fuel removal’, a widely accepted bushfire mitigation tool which is just beginning to be utilised in Australia. “Australia is the seventh
most forested nation on earth and our population often live adjacent to, or even surrounded, by bush. Bushfires are inevitable. Our forest industries understand this and keep fire suppression crews on 24-hour standby over summer months,” Mr
to help mitigate wild bushfires.” The Federal and State Governments are currently conducting a $1.5 million ‘Mechanical Fuel Removal Pilot Program’ in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia. These trials will reveal how a combination
Australia’s thoughts are with Portugal. It is a sombre reminder of tragic bushfires in Victoria and other parts of Australia over the last few years Hampton said. “However, each year we still lose tens of thousands of hectares of trees – trees which in some cases have grown for decades and would have supplied renewable, green building materials and supported many regional jobs. That is why AFPA is calling for a far greater focus on mechanical fuel reduction in strategic locations
Australian Forests & Timber News
of machinery removal of fuel with burning off, in strategic zones, can reduce the severity of fires. “The trials are a welcome first step, but arguably the existing evidence already makes a compelling case for mechanical fuel reduction to be embedded in a national bushfire mitigation strategy. AFPA urges the Federal and State governments to complete
August 2017
the trials urgently and for a much larger program to be initiated,” Mr Hampton said. In the United States, for example, there is a 10 year, $400 million program into mechanical fuel reduction to improve forest health and reduce bushfire risk. A report by Deloitte Access Economics (DAE) into the economics of ‘mechanical fuel removal’ found that removing fuel from the bush, in combination with fuel reduction burning, could dramatically reduce the damage caused by bushfires and save the community tens of millions of dollars each year. AFPA’s recent policy proposal ‘Can We Better Fire-proof Our Country Towns?’ details the case for strategic mechanical fuel reduction and was prompted by the loss of the whole town of Yarloop in Western Australia in a bushfire in January 2016. www.timberbiz.com.au
In the news
Modern timber career arises from local family heritage
N
OT UNLIKE his four year-old son’s appreciation of the adventures of Peter Rabbit, Matthew Randall spends a lot of his time trying to outwit rabbits keen on tasty seedlings amidst the 14,000 hectares of timber plantations managed around Albany, Mt Barker and Rocky Gully, Western Australia, in his work with PF Olsen. Matthew is passionate about forestry in Australia and set out to impart some of his knowledge and skills onto the next generation through school visits as part of the TCA Young Community Ambassador program. Among his activities in the TCA Initiative was hosting a group of students from the Australian Christian College on an excursion around planting and harvesting sites near Albany last year. Matthew began with the forestry industry as a truck driver straight out of school— with experience gained from
his family’s freight business. Most of his peers headed for the city to attend University or found a trade. The lure of the mining industry was still strong then, towards the end of the boom in Western Australia, and Matthew initially thought that’s where he would head. Fortuitously, a friend invited Matthew to visit a local forestry site. This experience inspired 18-yearold Matthew when he saw the sophisticated machinery used in forestry, which looked similar to a computer game console. He was given the opportunity to join Timbercorp as an infield truck driver and had his first experience of driving a harvester during two years with the company. This was complemented by another operational role with Albany Timber Services (Bluewood Industries) for four years. He spent time working with blue gum plantations driving
an array of machinery used in harvesting including forwarders, log loaders, skidders, feller bunchers, chippers and flails, building up his skills. Matthew completed studies in training and assessment and occupational health and safety to develop managerial skills to enhance his opportunities. He stepped into his current role as a forester with P F Olsen in 2014 and now manages part of the West Australian estate that encompasses about 60 plantations in the interesting timber communities around Albany, Mt Barker and Rocky Gully. His role involves silviculture operations, harvest management and auditing of health and safety programs. His forebears have a deep historical connection to southern Western Australia and generations on Matthew is also right at home raising
Profile on Matthew Randall - a TCA Young Community Ambassador
his family there. His interest in and enthusiasm about tree growing and timber production is obvious. He has no doubt that timber is an environmentally friendly and much needed fibre for the world. It bothers him that our forestry industry faces extra challenges through ‘misinformation’ fed to the public about today’s forestry practices.
“We plainly need more wood and trees coming through to supply the Australian community’s growing need for timber products. It seems we are just importing more and more from other countries. “The biggest battle is changing people’s perception of the industry.” Author: Amanda Fisher … Tales to connect communities
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In the news
Australia has all the ingredients to embrace the potential of bioenergy from renewable wood waste
A
USTRALIA IS ideally placed to significantly reduce emissions from coal-fired power stations by co-firing them with renewable wood waste, in a game-changing element in Australia’s “clean coal” challenge that’s already used around the world, according to the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA). Newspaper reports that the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is advocating for the potential of co-firing renewable wood waste to reduce emissions from Australia’s ageing coal power stations as part of Australia’s clean energy future highlights the oncein-a-generation opportunity. “With a readily available supply of organic waste from forestry and agriculture operations, an ageing stock of coal power stations, and a national consensus that we need to increase our renewable baseload energy capacity in a carbon-constrained global economy, Australia is uniquely placed to include co-firing renewable wood waste in our energy mix,” said AFPA Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton. “There is wide recognition – including from Chief Scientist Alan Finkel – that coal will continue to be part of our energy mix for decades to come, so Australia needs to look at
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how the rest of the world is managing the transition to secure, renewable and affordable energy.” For decades countries around the world including the US, UK, Canada, and in Europe have been reducing emissions by cofiring coal power stations
renewable that can be used across all three energy sectors (transport, heat and electricity). The CO2 released by the combustion of the renewable wood waste is captured by new plants as they regrow in a sustainable cycle. Under the Kyoto Protocol, bioenergy
when renewable energy rules are overhauled. According to newspaper reports, Queensland-based company Altus Renewables is planning to build a $125 million plant near Mt Gambier, where timber residues will be turned into bioenergy pellets that can be
We think that forestry industries in South Australia will be looking at a new sunrise industry for the South-East. with renewable wood waste, with the support of those countries’ renewable energy and emission reduction schemes. As Fairfax notes, the result is Australia and other countries export pelletised wood waste for use in co-firing operations that contribute towards such international schemes. “Australia has all the ingredients to embrace the potential of bioenergy from renewable wood waste, and it’s time we stopped exporting our advantage overseas to help other countries meet their carbon abatement targets,” Mr Hampton said. Energy from biomass such as forestry and agriculture residues is a unique
Altus Renewables plant at Tuan in Queensland.
is regarded as CO2 neutral. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change also defines bioenergy as renewable, if it is produced from biomass that is sustainably managed – as Australia’s commercial forestry operations are. “Other industry sectors with bioenergy potential such as agriculture, landfill and waste-to-energy could play an important role in Australia’s secure energy future, while substantially reducing emissions and reusing waste by-products from industrial processes,” Mr Hampton said. Processed plantation timber waste could provide a new source of baseload electricity in South Australia
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used to fire power stations. But unless Australian power generators begin using biopower, all of the material will be shipped to Europe or Asia, where the pellets are considered to be a useful source of renewable energy. Ian Sandeman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Altus Renewables Limited, said It was a little premature to go into any detail regarding the Green Triangle Project, but added: “We are currently in discussions with a number of international parties who have expressed strong interest in working with Altus on this project.” The forestry industry is hopeful that Government
policy changes, as a result of the Finkel review’s recommendations, will drive demand for bioenergy in Australia. The Australian Forest Products Association has estimated that renewable bioenergy from wood residues could supply 5.6% of SA’s electricity needs. Mr Hampton said creating a domestic market for biopower would deliver a major boost to the “Green Triangle” forest region, which straddles the SouthEast of the state and western Victoria. “We think that forestry industries in South Australia will be looking at a new sunrise industry for the South-East,’’ Mr Hampton said. “This would just transform the economics of the area and lead to a whole lot of new development and new jobs.’’ Bioenergy pellets can be used in coal power stations to reduce carbon emissions or in purpose-built power plants. Mr Sandeman said his company shipped 27,000 tonnes of bioenergy pellets to Denmark in October last year because of the lack of a local market. “The rest of the world understands that biomass can play a very important role in underpinning the baseload production of electricity,’’ he said.
Pellet presses at Altus Renewables.
Australian Forests & Timber News
August 2017
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In the news
Energy policy and bio fuels By Tony Pasin Federal Member for Barker
I
N 1987, micro-economic reform was all the rage. It became so talked about that the then Treasurer Paul Keating once remarked that if you went into your local pet store you would find the galah talking about it. Today, that same galah would be talking about energy policy. I have written previously on the topic but given recent developments I thought it was important that we again consider the role that the forestry industry can play not only in advocating for lower energy costs but also the role it can play in achieving lower emissions in the process. By way of background, at an extraordinary meeting on 7 October 2016, Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Ministers agreed to an independent review of the national electricity market to take stock of its current security
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and reliability and to provide advice to governments on a coordinated, national reform blueprint. The final report (known as the Finkel Report) was delivered on 9 June to COAG and the Federal Government has since been examining its recommendations. As you may have read in the media I have been a vocal on this issue both publically and behind closed doors. The Prime Minister, his cabinet and my backbench colleagues are under no misapprehension that my main focus is to ensure that Government reform in this space operates to put downward pressure on the cost of energy, any other outcome represents policy failure. The only way to do that in the short term is to address domestic gas prices and in the medium term is to find ways to increase energy supply from baseload
low costs generators while meeting carbon emission targets. Let us consider first the short term solution. The only meaningful way in the short term to reduce energy costs is to address the cost of gas in Australia. The electricity price is currently set 24% of the time by gas generators. Gas in the Australian market currently trades at about three times the price at which it is exported from Australia. The Prime Minister recently announced a suit of measures to address the issue which included finalising tough new regulations in the gas sector to give Australian customers priority access to gas supply before it is exported. This measure commenced on 1 July 2017. I’m not convinced that this will go far enough to ensure power prices are significantly reduced. I have made it clear that I want to see a more aggressive policy implemented. Policy mechanisms such as a gas reserve, for example, that would quarantine supply and will result in significantly lower prices. Now let us consider the medium term. No one will deny that renewables will have a role to play in the energy mix but the emphasis cannot continue to be on wind and solar alone.
Australian Forests & Timber News
Renewable bioenergy sourced from wood waste is a reliable renewable which can create baseload power whilst supporting economic development and jobs in rural communities. For over a decade, Governments at both State and Federal level, here and abroad have focused their energy policy around the need to transition to a lower emissions future in the energy sector. Some Australian states have adopted unrealistic targets and have compromised both the security and affordability of our power supply. The South Australian Labor Government have proved that their policy of 50% renewable energy target which was focused so heavily on solar and wind without appropriately considering storage or baseload renewables is a recipe for disaster. Renewable bioenergy sourced from wood waste is a reliable renewable which can create baseload power whilst supporting economic development and jobs in rural communities. In short, it’s a win win. Despite having the highest area of forest per capita of the developed nations, in 2015 bioenergy only contributed 9.1% of total renewable energy and 1.3% of total electricity generated in Australia. In contrast, bioenergy contributes more than 24% of the total energy consumption in Finland, more than 22% in Sweden and more than 17% in
August 2017
Denmark. But it is not limited to bio energy plants; consider for one moment renewable biopellets from wood waste. Presently we manufacture these pellets in Australia and ship them to Japan, where they are used to cofire existing coal and gas electricity generators. In this example, an Australian renewable waste product is being processed and then used to lower Japan’s emissions rather than our own. The Australian Government already acknowledges that biofuels are a renewable source under the Renewable Energy Target. What we need now are the right policy settings in place to incentivise its use with existing coal and gas generators. Coal generators produce energy at the lowest unit cost and incentivising them to transition to co-fired technology will not only lower emissions and generate job in the forestry sector but it will also lower the cost of electricity over the medium term to businesses and consumers alike. Let’s hope I’m not the only galah talking about this over coming months!
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In the news
Burnie mill proposal being pursued by Hermal Group
B
URNIE CITY Council is rapt that Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) is furthering plans to establish a saw mill operation in Burnie. “Council has discussed this proposal with ASH representatives and the Coordinator General’s office in the past and will continue to do so over the coming weeks. We are very keen to work with all parties to progress this important development for Tasmania,” said Burnie City Council Mayor Anita Dow. “The plantation-based forest industry is important not only to Burnie’s economy, but also the wider region and the economic multiplier effect of a development of this scale would be very significant.” The Victorian Government’s decision to buy out the Australian Sustainable Hardwoods mill in Victoria will not reduce the likelihood of an ASH mill in Burnie, according to Tasmanian Resources
Minister Guy Barnett. According to The Advocate, Hermal Group chief executive Clinton Tilley said the company would still pursue a proposal for the Burnie mill. Mr Tilley said Hermal Group remained a “long standing, very stable private company”. “In fact the sale of the ASH business simplifies things for Hermal Group in terms of Tasmanian proposal,” Mr Tilley said. “The simplification is in the fact that the Hermal staff are a small group of staff and this transaction frees up the staff to have more time to spend on our other business interest such like the Sullivan’s cove distillery and the proposal for our new operation in Burnie.” “Our discussions with the company have been extremely productive and we will continue to work together to help bring a new mill to the State,” Resources Minister Barnett said. Manager for special projects with Hermal Group,
a parent company, James Lantry said the company would need around 300,000 cubic metres of eucalyptus nitens (E.nitens) timber per year. Mr Lantry said Tasmanian E.nitens had been managed for the production of chip and is therefore generally younger, smaller and not as straight, which means using different milling techniques
with different saws. He said E.nitens is not a timber that is used for kiln dried finished saw log products. “Nobody in the world knows how to turn E.nitens into a sawn kiln dried product, but we can,” he said. Mr Lantry said ASH had already sourced Tasmanian plantation E.Nitens in their
trials to ensure they could get the strength needed in the proposed timber products. Mr Lantry said any new mill would require new saws and associated infrastructure both in the green mill, turning logs into slab, and for the dry mill, milling slabs into timber.
Heyfield mill has a solid future, says Minister Continued from page 1 CFMEU forestry division spokeswoman Jane Calvert said news of the sale would have come as a relief to workers, their families and the community. “But no matter who
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owns the mill it still needs a long-term wood supply” she said. Victorian Association of Forest Industries CEO Tim Johnston said the announcement did not change the overarching
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford
issue of long-term timber supply, and ongoing certainty for the industry in Victoria. “Of the eight million hectares of public native forest in Victoria, more than 90% is unavailable through reserve protection, or unsuitable for timber harvesting,” he said. “VAFI supports a strong, secure, and sustainable forest, fibre and wood products industry in Victoria and all businesses in this industry need longterm security of resource to be able to make investment and product development decisions,” he said. The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) said the region’s forest industry needed long-term resource certainty from the Victorian Government to prevent further job losses. “While the (buy) announcement is welcome,
Australian Forests & Timber News
there remains a great deal of uncertainty about long-term security of resource. Without a firm commitment from the Victorian Government to our sustainable forest industry, there will be the ongoing threat of job losses in regional Victoria,” said CEO Ross Hampton. ASH Chief Executive Vince Hurley said the employees were relieved when the announcement came through that there would still be an ongoing business in Heyfield. “I’m relieved too; we have a world-class facility here, Australia’s largest timber manufacturing operation, it has unique operations, things that are done nowhere else in Australia, and it’s a relief we can continue doing those operations,” Mr Hurley said. Mr Hurley said the mill will operate business as
August 2017
usual for a year, before management is forced to consider putting the Green Mill from two shifts back to one shift in August 2018. “There will be no, certainly no, compulsory redundancies in that time,” he said. “In my time, we’ve come through the recession of the early nineties, we’ve come through the GFT, we’ve come through the GST, and we’ve also come through the ownership of the previous owners to Hermal that were heading into receivership,” he said. “We’ve come through all that, and not only have we survived, but we’ve thrived. “We have more products, more customers, more processors, and I’m sure we’ll continue to do that on an ongoing basis into the future.”
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In the news
Regrowing Victoria’s State forests
E
VERY YEAR hundreds of millions of eucalyptus seeds are spread across Victoria’s State forests. The seeds are used to regrow areas that have been harvested to supply wood to Victoria’s timber industry. Lachlan Spencer, VicForests General Manager Stakeholders and Planning, said that helicopters aerially spread seeds over larger areas and smaller areas were sown by hand. “We sow the seeds using GPS technology as it gives us a higher chance of successfully regrowing the forest. “In areas smaller than five hectares it is more accurate to sow the seeds by hand,” he said. When an area has been harvested it undergoes a regeneration burn before being re-sown. This gives the seeds the best possible chance to grow. “The burns mimic the process of nature and
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One kilogram of seed contains 250 000 potential trees.
create a natural ash bed to germinate the seeds,” Mr Spencer said. “Some species, such as the Alpine Ash, are sown just before or in the snow as they require natural winter conditions in order to germinate,” he said. VicForests holds Victoria’s largest store of eucalyptus seeds. These seeds not only re-grow harvested areas but are also used to re-grow other areas which have been affected by bushfires.
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Replicating what happens in nature
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“Before an area is harvested, our planners survey the area and collect seeds from native trees so when that area is seeded it will have the best chance of returning to its natural state,” Mr Spencer said. VicForests has 17 tonnes of seed in storage and just one kilogram of seed contains 250 000 potential trees. VicForests has spread approximately 377 million seeds across 2 273 hectares this year.
Sow seeds using GPS technology
“The way we grow trees replicates that which happens in nature,” Mr Spencer said. “It is a survival of the fittest process whereby natural selection occurs and of the 200,000 seeds sown per hectare only 10 000 seedlings might germinate. “In another 50 to 60 years there will be around 300 trees per hectare left as part of the growing forest,” he said. VicForests conducts a regeneration survey to test
the success of the regrowth 18 months after seeding. If it is successful it’s handed back to the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP). DELWP will manage that area of forest until it matures over 50 to 60 years and will eventually hand it back to VicForests to begin the process again. Regeneration is a vital component of VicForests operations that sustains forests for future generations and meets the demand for locally sourced timber products. “VicForests is Australia’s largest supplier of native forest hardwood timber and it is important to the industry that we regrow all areas in order to continue to produce the same quality products,” he said. Much of the timber from VicForests’ operations is used in products such as high quality furniture, flooring and other building materials.
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10/03/2017 11:18:36 AM
In the news
The lockout is finally over
Extinction risk reduced
Assurance given to help community recover
C
ARTER HOLT Harvey Myrtleford Mill employees are back at work after a 74-day lockout over a wages dispute. The return to work followed a 111-70 vote to accept a CHH pay deal. Even though CHH has given a assurance that it will help the community to recover there is still division in the town. Const r uction Forestry Mining and Electrical Union assistant secretary Andrew Vendramini said that in November the workers first voted down the offer 117-55. “They next rejected it 97-86 on June 9. “After 10 weeks into a lockout the vote was 111-70 in favour – which says a lot about what the employees think of the agreement,” Mr Vendramini said. As a result, he claimed CHH Myrtleford employees were now “a lot worse off than where we were in November of last year”. “If the town thinks the last 10 weeks was going to affect them,
well, there’s now less money in (our) members’ pockets and that means less money that will be spent in the town,” he said. “But the community wanted to stick its nose in and (our) members have ended up with less to spend in the community.” Reluctant advocate for about
No one’s talking to each other but hopefully time will heal all wounds . 60 non-union-aligned workers Enzo D’Andrea said there was “very icy feeling” between union and non-union CHH employees after the vote. “No one’s talking to each other but hopefully time will heal all wounds,” he said. CARTER Holt Harvey has assured Alpine mayor Ron Janas that CHH had given an assurance it would help the community to recover. Cr Janas In a statement, Cr Janas said the mill’s reopening was a positive step for
all affected by the industrial stand-off in recent months. He said he had spoken with CHH chief executive Prafull Kesha and had discussed with him the need for community recovery. He said Mr Kesha had assured him of the company’s help. “The reopening of the mill is great news for Myrtleford, but we understand it will take time for the community to fully recover from the impact of this event,” Cr Janas said. He said that Alpine council would support the Myrtleford community’s recovery and reconciliation by funding a community “gettogether”. He said the council looked forward to sharing in this process with community groups. “Myrtleford has been through floods, bushfires and the loss of the tobacco industry in one fell swoop, but it bounced back and I know the determination of the community will see it will bounce back again,” Cr Janas said.
BUFFER ZONES to protect Victoria’s endangered faunal emblem have helped reduce the risk of extinction but will cost the state’s timber industry nearly $15 million in lost revenue. A report by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) found established zones for the Leadbeater’s possum were effective in slowing extinction, however, it also found the zones would result in lost revenue for sawlog harvesting of $14.77 million by 2030. “While the Leadbeater’s possum remains at a high risk of extinction until 2050-70, that risk has been reduced within the Leadbeater’s possum reserve by 34%, thus demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of this action in contributing to [its] conservation outcomes,” the report found. Currently the sighting of a possum creates a 200-metre buffer zone for all timber harvesting and the issue remains environmentally and politically sensitive in Victoria’s central highlands. Victorian Association of Forest Industries chief executive Tim Johnston welcomed the review but said it did not offer immediate solutions to shore up future timber supply. “Industry has worked hard to balance the values of the forests in which it operates, from the environmental value to the economic value,” Mr Johnson said in a statement. “Any species conservation actions must balance the needs of the species and achieve a vibrant forest, fibre and wood products’ sector that is grounded in sustainable forest management. “Our forests need to be actively managed for all values … and to achieve this, the regulatory system the industry operates under must be more flexible and give consideration to the adaptability of industry to any changes.”
Our Mission – to Build Greener Australian Cities in Timber By John Stokes AFPA SA Manager
LEADERSHIP IN any area can be both a difficult and challenging. Articulating a vision and executing the strategy to achieve objectives are at the very heart of strong leadership. Yet it can be both difficult and challenging because invariably there are road blocks and barriers. It is always therefore pleasing to be able to highlight good leadership in action. The timber industry in South Australia is experiencing such an example. Recently, AFPA SA joined forces with the South Australian Government on a leadership initiative called ‘Building Greener Cities in Timber’. In April this year, a joint seminar was held in Adelaide to explore the environmental and 10
economic benefits of building with sustainable timber. Testimony to the importance that the Government placed on this initiative, Premier Jay Weatherill opened the seminar highlighting the leadership position his government wished to take in this area. In his opening remarks, the Premier said “Following our Carbon Neutral Adelaide partnership with the Adelaide City Council, the logical next step is to see how we can reduce emissions in the built environment. From what is being presented here today, there are clear opportunities to do this with timber-based technologies and potential to create manufacturing jobs at the same time”. With the development of
innovative products like CLT, changes to the National Construction Code and the rise of prefabrication, a window has opened to make significant headway in this area. Application in the medium density living and commercial construction makes for a compelling argument. Coupled with this opportunity and the significant housing shortages in Australia, innovative timber product and practices will meet the future need for better building quality, faster construction, safer work sites and more sustainable buildings solutions. Such was the success of the seminar, planning has now commenced to arrange for more detailed discussions on how might South Australia lead the country in recognising the tangible benefits to both the environment and economy, of increased timber use in the built environment. AFPA SA and the Department of State Development are spearheading the next round of talks between key stakeholders.
Australian Forests & Timber News
August 2017
These targeted discussions should lead to clear plans being identified to achieve the agreed objectives. The South East of South Australia is one of the premier softwood plantation regions in Australia. Its role in participating in this project will be critical. Leadership is about recognising and pursing opportunities that lead to win – win outcomes. It is about successfully engaging all stakeholders. The Building Greener Cities initiative is an excellent example of leadership by a state government and the forest industry - working together in a coordinated way to build stronger Australian communities. (John took up his position in May 2017. The BGC initiative is one of his first key projects. His next article will highlight his views about the forestry industry and the important role the SouthEast plays in driving economic, environmental and social benefits for South Australia) www.timberbiz.com.au
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© 2017 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge”trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.
BIO
Power to the people ... when and where they want it!
M
OST BIOMASS sources [including wood residues] can be utilised to fire up a new, stand-alone power plant for combined heat and power ... and it can be installed almost anywhere, and it’s available in Australia! The Refgas power module, designed, tested and modified by George Willacy, has been described as a unique product that is attractive for energyintensive clients and rural and remote communities. Back in 1995 George was the owner of Willacy Oil Services, a company with a system for cleaning and removing crude oil sludge from tanks and ponds in oil refineries. The system separated oil and water from the sludge. The resultant oil was returned to the refinery, the water to the waste- water treatment facility and the sediment (free from oil) to landfill. John Reilly teamed up with George and marketed the system to refineries in SEA. This was a successful operation, with systems being sold into Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China, cementing Willacy’s reputation in the oil and gas industry. Willacy Oil Services was taken over by Spanish company Tradebe in 2003. In 2006 George turned his attention to wasteto-energy then formed Refgas in 2007 and built and developed an advanced biomass gasification plant that was awarded “Project
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Swindon site installation.
of the Year” from the British Science Museum in 2011. John continued marketing Refgas in SEA/Australia. Refgas was awarded an EU grant to construct a 500KW demonstrator module at the Refgas site in north Wales. Since then the demonstration facility has been used to test many different types of fuel and has been visited by hundreds of interested
organisations, including several from Australia. The demonstrator module has been refined and upgraded over the years, and has become the blueprint for the RG1000 gasifier, which is Refgas’ standard commercial module. An RG1000 module requires approximately 8000 tpa of fuel, in the form of woody biomass, to produce
1MW of electricity and up to 1.4MW of heat, enough power to feed ~2,000 homes. Many feedstock types can be utilised, including timber, waste wood from demolition and construction, along with a range of biomass crops and sources. Fuels derived from municipal solid waste will also be accepted in the near future. Refgas has just constructed
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
a 6MW facility for a renewable energy generating station based at an existing recycling facility in the south of England. Having already been delivered and installed, this system is now being commissioned. Some of the power will be utilised locally while any surplus will be exported to the grid. The recovered heat will be used for drying
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BIO materials processed by the waste recycling company, providing more options for recovery and reducing costs of disposal. The 6MWe facility (which will generate nearly 15MW of combined heat and power) is nearing completion in Swindon (UK). The six RG1000 modules for the Swindon facility were all constructed at the Refgas HQ and cold tested prior to each being de-mobilised into its four ‘shipping container’ frames sections, for transport to the client’s site for assembly. George’s son Paul is project manager of the Swindon development and has also taken over as Managing Director. As George said ... “he has put in a massive effort and as I step back he is
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leading the company.” A chance meeting between Giles Perryman and John Reilly at a waste management workshop virtually cemented an Aussie connection with Refgas. “John told me about Refgas, and from there I researched it further and visited Refgas’ UK offices and demonstration facility. It struck me that Refgas provides a solution to many industry sectors, so, I decided to become part of the Refgas Australia team,” said Giles. With the huge volumes of household and industrial waste produced in Australia, Refgas’ focus will also include the processing of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). “As with low grade waste const r uct ion /demolit ion
wood, Refgas is refining its process to ensure that the product gas produced meets the highest environmental standards. In fact, this syngas is proven and accredited to be cleaner than natural gas,” he said. Giles explained that the modular nature, flexibility and scale-up opportunities afforded by the Refgas system provided a multitude of benefits. “Replacing fossil fuels with renewable and sustainable solutions, along with ease of transport and assembly, make this unique product attractive for energyintensive industrial clients, as well as providing scalable energy solutions for remote and off-grid areas, islands and other situations where
additional continuous power is required. “The small site footprint (25m x 25m for a single module, inc the fuel storage and handling) means a Refgas CHP unit can be installed within existing facilities. For larger installations a 3-4MWe plant can be installed on an acre of land. The ideal location is somewhere with a good source of feedstock and a need for power and heat.” John said most biomass sources could be used in a Refgas gasifier, including wood off-cuts, sawdust and shredded wood. The optimum moisture content is less than 20% and the size and density of the material is another factor, requiring sawdust and fine/light
materials to be pelletised or briquetted prior to being fed into the gasifier. “Refgas can advise on the best methods to process the feedstock, if this is needed. “A Refgas system can be used as a stand-alone power station to provide CHP to remote or island communities, Alternatively, it can be connected to the grid for the off-take of any excess power produced. Due to its ease of assembly, Refgas modules can be used in situations when a power supply is only required for a number of years, with the modules being moved or relocated in the future, according to requirements,” he said.
During the construction at HQ before transport to Swindon.
Peterson’s new drum chipper a boon for bio-business
P
ETERSON PACIFIC Corp debuted the all-new Peterson 3310 drum chipper at the 2017 ConExpo-Con/Agg show in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a 540 hp (402 kW) Caterpillar engine, the 3310 has the power to handle up to 24-inch (61 cm) diameter logs. The fully enclosed engine compartment keeps things clean, but is easily serviced by large access doors on both sides of the machine. “The all-new 3310 is the third and smallest model in Peterson’s lineup of drum chippers. Like the other larger Peterson drum chippers, the 3310 is equipped with sizing screens and an intelligent control system that provide superior fuel economy and the most consistent chip quality. The 3310 is a high capacity small chipper with a 23-inch (600 mm) diameter log capacity. It was designed for biomass energy
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producers around the world that will benefit from the efficient feeding and flexible van loading options that are provided by this unique design,” said Larry Cumming, Peterson’s president.
At just under 24-feet long, the 3310 utilizes a transverse-feed design allowing for a much smaller operations deck than typical drum chippers. The rotatable end load or optional top load spout design
Australian Forests & Timber News August 2017
allows for trailers to be loaded in a variety of positions, depending on the demands of the job site. Not only does the compact size allow for easy maneuverability, but can even be transported in a 40-foot high cube container for overseas shipment. Using the proven drum and knife design used on the larger 4300-series drum chippers, the 3310’s main components are robust and offer long life. The Peterson 3310 drum chipper is also Peterson+ enabled--a new remote monitoring solution providing machine owners access to real-time and historical data of their machine’s performance and location. Peterson specializes in developing delivery and processing equipment that turns low-grade organic materials into high value products.
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INSURANCE
What timber workers need to know about workers compensation versus income protection insurance By Richard Laycock Insurance expert - www.finder.com.au
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S TIMBERBIZ recently reported, the latest data from Safe Work Australia’s Australian Workers Compensation Statistics shows that the most dangerous industry to be in is agriculture, fishing and forestry. It’s not the most comforting thing to think about if you’re employed in the timber industry and it’s a good incentive to have some form of income protection in case you’re injured and unable to work. If you’re an employee, you are usually covered by workers compensation, which your employer is required to take out on your behalf. But if you are an independent operator or a part time or casual worker in the timber industry, you are not covered by workers compensation and you must look to some other form of insurance to protect your livelihood. While workers compensation does provide a level of protection for workplace accidents, it also has its shortcomings. Many timber workers take out income protection insurance for a more comprehensive level of cover. One of the key reasons for doing so is because workers compensation only covers accidents that happen at work, while statistics show that more accidents happen off the work site than on it. Also, apart from traumatic events, worksustained injuries can often take months or years to become apparent (i.e, repetitive strain injuries) and it can be difficult to prove your claim at a later date, particularly if you have left the job in the meantime. By contrast, income protection insurance will pay out for injuries that prevent you from working, regardless of where they happened. Workers compensation benefits are also capped at
around 130 weeks, unless you are totally incapacitated, whereas income protection insurance will pay benefits anywhere up to 70 years of age, depending on the level of cover you choose. Another problem with workers compensation is that your employer must be proved to have been negligent in order for your claim to succeed. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process that may result in your claim being rejected, particularly if it can be shown that you contributed in some way to the accident yourself. Add to that the fact that there is no uniformity in benefit periods and amounts, with each state having its own particular workers compensation laws, and the argument for having income protection insurance becomes even stronger. Income protection insurance pays you 75% of your normal wage if an injury or illness leaves you unable to work. But there are still several things to keep in mind when considering this type of cover. One is that, similarly to workers compensation, income protection insurance does
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
not cover part time, casual or seasonal workers. If you fall into this category and you find yourself unable to get either workers compensation or income protection insurance, you may need to look at taking out another form of insurance that will cover you. The other main issue with income protection insurance is how much you will have to pay for it, which is determined largely by your occupation. As forestry is considered a dangerous industry, you may find that your job is classified as high risk, meaning that you will have to pay higher premiums or, if you are a tree feller or mobile mill operator, potentially be considered uninsurable. If you encounter this problem, remember that insurers have different occupational classifications. If you shop around, you may find a provider that will cover you when others won’t. You could also try seeking the advice of a financial adviser with experience in this area who can answer your questions and compare policies for you.
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ELMIA
The largest forestry expo on the planet By Nick Reynish ElmiaWood Australia/NZ Media Partner and Representative
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HE WORLD’S largest forestry expo was bigger than ever this year both in terms of area and number of exhibitors. Many visitors were drawn to Elmia Wood to see new forestry products and services and to learn about new hightech solutions and expertise in the forest industry, about 30 kilometers south of Jönköping, Sweden. Elmia Wood in 2017 continued its long-standing tradition not to disappoint, with records being broken on many counts. A total of 555 exhibitors from 28 countries, of which 200 were there for the first time. There was over 85,000 square meters of stand space, 7km of forest trail, around 131,000 square meters of demo area where forest machines were shown in operation. The expo saw 41,834 visitors walk through the door along with more than 200 accredited journalists from 24 countries all viewing 143 large-scale forest machines positioned along the fair’s large-scale trail. More than 230 Australians plus a small number of Kiwis made the long-haul trek to Sweden, inclusive of
companies such as Komatsu, John Deere, Tiger Cat plus representatives from AFCA, IFA and many contractors and individuals. It was Brenton Yon from Komatsu Forest Australia’s sixth Elmia Wood Expo. Brenton was impressed by the variety and number of exhibitors on site as well as the large number of Australians who were present. He said that at times on the forest paths there were 5 to 6 people abreast and you were continually bumping into Australians! He believes that Elmia Wood also shows our AUSTimber equivalent is without a doubt a world class event and what equals success is the holistic support from industry and exhibitors alike. Jon Lambert, from Heartwood plantations in Gippsland, Victoria, is a fourtime veteran of Elmia Wood and said “It’s the busiest I have ever seen it”. Typical to Nordic weather, the first two days saw mother nature open up the rain clouds and caused some issues with traffic leading into the expo, however, by day two Elmia Management had put in place control measures to ensure a smoother flow. The rain did not dampen spirits
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An industry-led program managed by ForestWorks
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nor deter the Europeans who came in droves. By days 3 and 4 the weather improved significantly. For Stacey Gardiner, General Manager of the Australian Forest Contractors Association and first time Elmia Wood attendee, the fair was an invaluable experience with planning for AUSTimber2020. “Not only did I get a firsthand appreciation of the breadth and scale of exhibitors possible, I also left with knowledge of ways in which AUSTimber can grow and the range of possibilities going forward,” she said. She also hoped the connections made and promotion for AUSTimber during the visit would open future international opportunities for 2020. What can we learn from the Swedish and Europeans? They are definitely years ahead of us in terms of innovation and technology. The stats say they have been doing forestry for a lot longer so they admittedly have had a head start, but their efficient ways such as self-loading log trucks, have evolved due to their intensive small plantation sizes. Could this be adopted with our large-scale operations? More extreme weather patterns and hours of daylight have also forced the Europeans to adapt over time and innovate. All in all globally forestry is in good shape and this was reflected by the numbers of both exhibitor and attendees at Elmia Wood 2017. Not many people down under are aware of Skogs Elmia which is a smaller version of Elmia Wood attracting around 26,000 visitors but by all counts not one to be dismissed due to the size. Skogs Elmia is the Nordic region’s biggest forestry expo with around 200 exhibitors from 24 countries. The event is held at the same venue as Elmia Wood from 6-8th June 2019. For more information regarding this please contact Nick Reynish nick@forestryconnect.com
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Left to right: Francis Weston (ForestryConnect) Bob Gordon (CEO IFA) Nick Reynish (Elmia Wood Aus/NZ representative)
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The Australian flag flying high at Elmia Wood among other big forestry nations.
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A leg of the 7km forest trail.
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
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ELMIA
BIG Komatsu Forest group tour to Elmia Wood and factories Surprised and impressed with how big Elmia is. It’s a big show!
K
OMATSU FOREST Australia had gathered much interest from many customers wishing to attend Elmia Wood 2017 in Sweden, the largest forest equipment expo in the world which is held every four years. It became very clear that the group was too large to travel together so it was split in two with the larger group tour leader being Brenton Yon and the smaller second group leader being Nigel Howard.
Two journeys to the same place The latter group being smaller and younger went via the UK to visit the Komatsu Excavator Factory in Newcastle where they manufacture approximately 2,000 units a year ranging from 17 – 80 ton. To add a little interest to the tour there was a detour to the Isle of Man for the motorcycle racing which was the real highlight to the biking enthusiasts. After leaving the UK Nigel’s group met up with Brenton’s group in Copenhagen then continued onto Jonkoping for the ELMIA WOOD 2017. The larger group of 27 people led by Brenton left
Tour Group at Newcastle Komatsu Factory Rosin Developments - Paul & Tracey Rosin
NSW
Nettley - Matthew & Rebecca Mangan
NSW
Lonergan Logging - Peter & Theresa Lonergan
NSW
Retreev P/L - Dean & Bree Venturoni
Vic
Linx Finance - Jason & Narelle Steinke
NSW
Triple H - Manuel & Angela Hall
Tas
Plantation Harvesting - Zac Cunneen
Vic
Komatsu Forest - Nigel & Tracy Howard
Vic
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Sydney on the evening of June 1 for Japan where they spent five days split between Tokyo and Kyoto. The group got to experience the thrill of
Osaka Factory which is their largest producer of hydraulic excavators and highlighted by the automated production line. From Tokyo the group
On the Friday and Saturday two thirds of the group went to Elmia Wood field days while the others (ladies) were hosted by Susan Yon on very interesting
high speed travel on the bullet train between the two cities commencing in Tokyo. In Tokyo a dinner hosted by the President of Forest Machine Business (Chikaya Sakai) and his team was both an informative and very enjoyable dinner. In Kyoto they had a guided tour of the Komatsu
flew to Copenhagen where they spent an evening and visited the Tivoli Gardens with some sightseeing the next day after which they met Nigel’s group of 15. Both groups then went by coach and crossed the Baltic Sea via the Oresund Bridge and Tunnel from Denmark to Sweden then onto Jonkoping.
activities that were enjoyed by those who attended. Interestingly, Michael Scott the winner of the AUSTimber’16 Forwarder competition was sponsored by KF in the Elmia Wood Forwarder Competition and ran a very creditable 6th against the many European competitors. After Elmia the combined
groups bused to Stockholm and then flew to Umea, the home of Komatsu Forest Global Headquarters and manufacturing plant. On the Monday they firstly visited the Indexator and Rototilt factories at nearby Vindelin for the day with lunch over the spectacular rapids of the Vindelin River. That evening the Australian group joined other groups from Brazil, United States, Argentina and Austria for a dinner hosted by the senior Komatsu Forest management team. On Tuesday they went to the factory where there were two presentations, a full factory tour and lunch. From there they then went to the Umea airport where most returned home to their various destinations.
The Big Tour Group at Osaka Komatsu Factory Monaro Logging - Dave & Marie Nuttall
NSW
Monaro Logging - Ian & Shelley Nuttall
NSW
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Monaro Logging - Stepen & Rosemary Goodyer NSW GMT - Adan & Kyla Taylor
QLD
GMT - Adrian Hartwig
QLD
South West Haulage - Gregory & Sheila Smeathers WA Leeson’s Logging & Haulage - Risky Leeson
Vic
Leeson’s Logging & Haulage - Chris Browne
Vic
FEDC - Michael Benton
NSW
FEDC - Wade Tordeoff
NSW
Total Harvesting - Matthew & Sarah Leov
WA
AFCA - Stacey Gardiner
Vic
Moreland Logging - David & Naomi Moreland SA
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Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
Moreland Logging - Craig & PaulaMoreland
SA
Tabeel Trading - Steve & Theadora
SA
Softwood Logging Services - Tony Williams
WA
Komatsu Forest - Brenton & Susan Yon
NSW
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ELMIA
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N ew Komatsu 931XC 8WD Harvester
Dave Nuttall’s comments on the trip: “It was a great trip. We went through the Komatsu factory in Japan and everyone agreed that was well worth having a look at. Then it was on to Sweden and apart from a bit of rainy weather for the first day, we thought it was well worth the effort of going. I noticed there were probably a lot of smaller things there but there was certainly some fantastic machinery there and we were very happy with what we saw around the show, that’s for sure. It’s about 6km right around the show and we spent two days out there and had a good look around. We’d like to thank
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Komatsu Forest for the opportunity to take us all there. I’m sure everyone on the trip was very impressed with the way they looked after us; it was first rate.”
Matt Mangan’s comments on the trip: “First and foremost our thanks to Komatsu Forest for what was a well-organised trip from start to finish. I was both surprised and impressed with how big Elmia is. It’s a big show. A fair bit of what we saw was what I had expected but there was also a lot of smaller stuff that the European guys specialise in. It’s a first rate show. The trip to the Komatsu factory at Newcastle was an eye-
Entrance to the Komatsu Forest Stand
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L ine up of the Komatsu Forest Forwarders
opener. I thought the factory would have been bigger, but, the whole experience there was something special. The extension to the Isle of Man for the motorbike racing was unbelievable. I thought I was prepared after watching the race on TV .... that doesn’t prepare you for the real thing! It’s brilliant. Overall, it was really a great trip; we really enjoyed it. I was all full on, yeah, but we had a good group and the whole thing was put together very, very well.”
Brenton’s comments of the tour and group: “The group taken was by the far the largest (42 people) we have ever taken to Elmia and it must be
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said it was one of the best with everyone getting on incredibly well. A lot of fun was had on each and every day and the hospitality extended to us by various Komatsu Companies/Executives was exceptional. One of the most pleasing things for me was the number of wives/ partners (18), most play a very prominent part in their respective businesses and to have them on the trip was very gratifying. I believe everyone on the trip would have taken a few things from it which will hopefully benefit their respective businesses, I also hope the good friendships developed continue to grow. “This was my last Elmia and from my perspective I’m going out with very
fond memories of the six I’ve attended in particular this last one. I also hope that everyone realises after being to Elmia how good our AUSTimber show is and the challenge for AFCA as well as the industry to get the number of exhibitors and attendance increased. When you take into account that there were 550 exhibitors at Elmia and 200 of them were first time exhibitors it shows our Industry is important and relevant. “I would like to thank everyone who came on this trip (both groups); it’s hoped it was a very enjoyable experience as well as a learning experience.”
B oth Aussie Groups at Umea
Australian Forests & Timber News August 2017
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STEEP SLOPE
Tigercat D-series shovel loggers for worldwide markets
T
IGERCAT HAS extended the release of its D-series shovel loggers to all markets. The Tigercat FPT powered S855D and LS855D can be configured for Tier 2 or Tier 4f. Tigercat FPT engines offer improved reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs. Best of all, the engines are fully supported by Tigercat and the Tigercat dealer network. The S855D series shovel loggers are a uniquely versatile solution for steep slope and sensitive site logging applications. The LS855D is a nimble and powerful carrier — well suited to felling, pre-bunching and shovel logging on steep terrain. The LS855D is commonly equipped with a feller
director boom and the Tigercat 5195 directional felling head for felling and shovel logging. Alternatively the carriers can be equipped with a live heel boom system and grapple for pure shovel logging. With the patented Tigercat ER boom and energy recovery swing system, the S855D series shovel loggers can cost effectively forward wood to roadside in steep or wet soil conditions up to distances of 80-100 m (260330 ft). A shovel logger can be strategically located in challenging parts of the cut block to forward trees to the skidder or fell and bunch for a yarding system. Unlike excavator-based shovel loggers with addon forestry packages, the S855D and LS855D are
purpose-built for heavy duty forestry applications. The efficient hydraulic system is optimized for shovel logging and felling with a directional felling head. The LS855D is equipped
with Tigercat’s patented levelling system, providing exceptional stability in steep slope applications. It uses two massive hydraulic cylinders and heavy steel sections for a solution that is both simple and robust.
The unique geometry of the levelling system promotes balance, poise and stability on slopes. In addition, the ramped undercarriage allows the machines to easily drive up over rocks and stumps.
Check out all the right specs on these Komatsu heads KOMATSU FOREST has an extensive range of harvesting heads consisting of 13 models including three models for debarking. Five of this range are sold in Australia with those being; S132, S172, C144, C202E & C283 with weights from 1,400kgs to 2,900kgs. Interestingly two of the heads
sold in Australia being the C202E and C283 had much of their design concept, development, and testing carried out in Australia due to the local
requirement for harvesting heads to handle heavier, tougher and rougher limbed trees. The forerunners to these two models were the 378E and
398 which have been very successful in Australia’s tough conditions. These two new model numbers now bring these into line with the other head products numbers. Unfortunately, we had a problem getting the specification boxes right in the last edition, so, here is the corrected version.
Komatsu C202E Specifications
Komatsu C283 Specifications
Komatsu C144 Specifications
Weight: 2,010 kg Height incl. rotator: 1,995 mm Opening knives: 675 mm Roller opening, max: 650 mm Roller diameter: 460 mm (18.1”) Feed speed: Debarking: 0–6 m/s Gross feed force: Debarking: 26.6 kN - 35.5 kN Feed wheel type: Steel Delimbing knives: 4 Bar length: 88 cm Fell/Cut diam. Max: 650 mm Max hydraulic flow: 320 l/min Max hydraulic pressure: 30 MPa
Weight: 2,900 kg Width, max:1,800 mm Height incl. rotator: 2 440 mm Opening knives upper: 800 mm Roller opening, max: 800 mm (31.5’’) Feed speed: 0-5 m/s Gross feed force: 40 kN Feed wheel type: Steel Delimbing knives: 3 Bar length: 91 cm Fell/Cut diam. Max: 780 mm Max hydraulic flow: 400 l/min Max hydraulic pressure: 30 MPa
Weight: 1,400 kg Height incl. rotator: 1,770 mm Opening knives lower: 800 mm Roller opening, max: 750 mm Feed speed: 0-5 m/s Gross feed force: 29,6 kN Feed wheel type: Steel Delimbing knives: 5 Delimbing knives, opening: 510 mm Saw bar: 82,5 cm Fell/Cut diam.max: 710 mm Max hydraulic flow: 320 l/min Max hydraulic pressure: 28 MPa
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Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
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STEEP SLOPE
Ponsse Traction Assist Winch works in harmony with other control systems Factory-fitted system gives peace of mind
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OR YEARS now, rubber tyre cut-tolength harvesters and forwarders have proven to be very suitable for steep ground logging in many countries around the world. In these situations, traction assistance is becoming more widespread as contractors and forest owners search for lower costs and safer ways of logging steep slopes. Traction assistance is the term used for using a winch with a long cable to assist travelling up and down the slopes while working. A correctly set traction assistance winch coupled to the machine’s transmission control system enables slipfree moving of machines providing reduced ground disturbance, less stress to the drive transmission and parts, lower fuel consumption and of course a
safer and more comfortable working platform for the operator. The Ponsse Traction Assistance Winch is installed on harvesters and forwarders as new equipment from the factory. This provides
peace of mind knowing the winch is factory approved and designed to work in harmony with other control systems in the machine and is covered by the same warranty as the rest of the machine. It can be installed on the largest machines that Ponsse manufacture, the 20t Elephant King Forwarder and the Bear
Harvester as well as on smaller machines. Winch speed is synchronized to the machine drive transmission so that it automatically spools the cable in or out according to driving controls. The operator tethers the machine to an anchoring point whether that be a stump, tree or heavy equipment by using the handheld remote control to operate the winch unit. After pretensioning the cable, he sets the desired tension values or pulling power for uphill and downhill and switches the winch to automatic mode. While driving, the cable tension is maintained automatically. To make operating on steep slopes effective and safe, the winch is not the only option required. Machines fitted
Technical Data Ponsse Traction Assist Winch Weight: Cable length:
Harvester winch
Forwarder winch
1 950 kg 350 m (ø14.5 mm)
1 900 kg 350 m (ø14.5 mm)
Cable tensile strength: min 20 tons Pulling force:
up to 10 tons
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ElephantKing tether.
with a winch also require tracks, a tilt crane pedestal, a levelling seat with fourpoint seat belt, camera systems and inclinometer. All of these options used together will improve the machine performance in steep terrain and add to the operator’s comfort and safety. Even a small variation in operational slope and in terrain layout can be an obstacle for an ordinary machine. Equipping machines with the Ponsse Traction Assist Winch avoids the necessity and added costs of employing other steep slope logging methods, such as skyline yarding, hand falling and cable skidding along with their inherent safety risks.
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Bear tethered.
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min 20 tons up to 10 tons
A traction assistance winch helps to mitigate productivity losses in forwarding, too. No more limited load sizes, long detours back to the hilltop or forwarding only downhill. Additionally, forwarding capability does not have to dictate log stack location and forwarding direction is free, uphill or downhill as required. The Ponsse Traction Assistance Winch is being used already in numerous countries around the world, with the biggest markets being Central Europe, Brazil and Western USA. It has proven to be a reliable way to harvest challenging terrain effectively, profitably and with minimal ground disturbance.
S lope work.
Australian Forests & Timber News August 2017
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STEEP SLOPE
Meet the Wilmer clan
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IM WILMER & Sons’ logging site on the Scottish west coast, is an area like you might see on postcards — castles with lochs at their bases nestled among mountains. The company’s John Deere 859MH Harvester makes short work of a 20,000-cubic-foot clearcut on a sprawling plantation of Sitka spruce in the Argyll Forest. Scotland is known for its rich history, dramatic landscapes, golf traditions and famous whiskey. The small mining village of Dailly and the surrounding county of Ayrshire is a fertile corner of Scotland that is recognized for its potatoes — although the most famous export from the region is the Bard of Ayrshire and Ploughman Poet, Robert Burns. Dailly is also home to Europe’s largest privately owned logging operation, Jim Wilmer & Sons. Forty years ago, the founder took Burns’ words to heart: “Dare to be honest and fear no labor.” Armed with only a chainsaw and abundant ambition, he started out hand-felling wood before progressing to skylining, or cable logging. He purchased his first tractor in 1979. Today, Wilmer runs the company with the help of
sons David and Gary and daughter Amanda. The company employs over 85 people and produces more than 940,000 cubic metres annually. The company logs primarily Sitka spruce in hilly environments with slopes up to 50 degrees. “In the early days, half of my sites would be skylined, but today we are asking our machines to tackle increasingly tough conditions,” Wilmer explains. That’s where John Deere tracked harvesters come in. Today, Wilmer operates a fleet of harvesters, including 11 with leveling cabs, to provide a stable platform for logging on difficult slopes. His new Deere 859MH Harvester is fitted with the versatile Waratah H290 head: “What a machine. The way it powers the head is unbelievable, and it just doesn’t know when to stop on a hill. The strength of the boom is also impressive.” The 859MH/H290 combination is incredibly capable in mixed stands. On the site we visited, it worked a block of .8-meter Sitka on a 45-degree slope and another block of poor growth of .2-meter stems. The two-speed transmission ensures the harvester has enough power for the big stems and enough speed to enable high production in poor growth areas. The Rapid Cycle System (RCS) boom also delivers high productivity in these challenging areas, allowing the operator to smoothly control boom, stick, and felling-head trajectory with
It’s in a league of its own. The sheer climbing ability and boom power put it on a different level. a single joystick. Wilmer acquired his first John Deere harvester in 2006 — a 903J equipped with the H290 head, a machine that continues to provide excellent service despite having cut “every big ugly tree in Southern Scotland,” says Wilmer. “It’s been a great head for us. Very productive, yet it has held together well on the biggest, toughest sites.” At the controls of the 859MH is operator Willie Simpson. Like Wilmer, he first entered the Scottish woods 30 years ago armed with a chainsaw before moving into skylines and harvesters. Having run many hours
on tracked harvesters, he’s well qualified to judge the 859MH: “It’s in a league of its own. The sheer climbing ability and boom power put it on a different level. The way the machine powers the head is phenomenal. And Deere really got the cab right. It’s obvious they spoke to operators. The visibility, comfort, and refined controls make the machine very productive.” Stewart’s son Connor runs one of the John Deere 1910E Forwarders. Both operators claim the 1910E is the only forwarder capable of extracting wood from where the 859H is working. Wilmer currently runs nine 1910Es, with two more on order.
The company’s fleet of over 70 machines includes 52 Deere models. “Over the years, we have found Deere machines to be incredibly reliable and productive in our demanding conditions,” says Wilmer. Service and support from their local John Deere Forestry Ltd. is a key reason Wilmer chose Deere. He characterizes the relationship as more of a partnership than simply a transactional alliance: “Our local guys understand our business. They go the extra mile to ensure the machines stay up and running through parts availability and a good service network of skilled technicians.”
Waratah wins prestigious National Safeguard Award WARATAH NEW Zealand, a leading manufacturer of mechanical tree harvesters based in Tokoroa, has been awarded the “3M Best use of innovative New Zealand design or technology to eliminate or manage a risk” award at the recent Safeguard New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards for its head orientation sensor. The award was given to the New Zealand-originated design or 22
technology initiative which best demonstrates a solution to a specific health and safety issue, including new designs or control methods which help to eliminate or minimize a risk. Chain shot is a phenomena that can be caused when a saw chain breaks during operation, potentially releasing high speed fragments during the operation of a cutting head on a mechanical tree harvester machine. There are currently effective features already fitted to mechanical tree harvesters to reduce the risk of chain shot. The Waratah head orientation sensor
is a conceptual supplementary system designed to alert the machine operator when the chain saw is aligned with the machine cab. The operator can then rotate the saw to a different orientation to reduce the risk of chain shot impacting the machine. Waratah approached New Zealand company Hunter Safety Lab to see if they could adapt their awardwinning IRIS technology for potential use with mechanical tree harvester heads. IRIS was originally developed to help prevent hunters from accidentally targeting other members of their hunting party. The head orientation sensor consists
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
of a highly ruggedized infrared laser sensor which is mounted to the harvester head. The sensor detects retroreflective tape which is applied around the perimeter of the cab window, directly in front of the machine operator. When the sensor detects that the saw is aligned with the cab, the system then alerts the machine operator that the head position is not optimal and that it should be adjusted away from the cab. The Waratah Orientation sensor product is still under evaluation and further verification on all carrier types. www.timberbiz.com.au
PRODUCT LINE UP HARVESTERS FOR ALL TRACKED CARRIERS
624 4x4
624C
625C
626 SERIES 2
623C
622C 4x4
622B
H290
618C
H415X
H480C
616C
HARVESTERS FOR ALL WHEELED CARRIERS
H290
H415X
H480C
H415
H215E
H414
H413
H412
H618C
H616
H215E
FL95 FIXED SAW
FL95 MOVING SAW
PURPOSE BUILT DEBARKING HARVESTERS
H290
FELLING HEAD RANGE
FL85 SERIES 2
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Australian Sales Support 0438 445 550 www.waratah.net
STEEP SLOPE
The Deere right at home on steep slopes
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OUGH, STEEP slope applications test a machine and operator, and can have serious impacts on productivity. Understanding the challenges of this unique application, John Deere offers solutions ideal for logging on steep terrain. With tracked and wheeled machines each offering unique and different advantages to their applications, there is an equipment solution to fit nearly every operation.
M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers and Harvesters The John Deere M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers and MH-Series Harvesters offer productive and durable machines that can power through tough terrain. The M-Series offers several models depending on Feller Buncher or Tracked Harvester, that all feature a best-in-class leveling system. The 859M/ MH gives operators a lowtail swing option, while the 909M and 959M/MH provide a larger tail swing option for larger timber applications. All models incorporate a patented leveling control system that uses sensor technology to maximize the forward tilt angle (26 degrees forward), while electronically preventing any possible mechanical interference when also tilting to the side. The leveling envelope boundaries are set automatically and the patented system provides a smooth transition when
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approaching the leveling limits. This eliminates any sudden stops, further enhancing the stability of John Deere machines when used on slopes. This improves operator comfort so they can stay productive on the most challenging terrains.
Featuring the John Deere 9.0 L engine, the M-Series machines provide 330hp, ample power when combined with the robust undercarriage, which offers maximum stability and tractive effort ideal for steep terrain. A variety of boom sets, felling heads and harvesting attachments can be combined to optimize productivity across a range of conditions. And with thick plates and large pins and bushings, operators can rely on a sturdy boom that provides the reach and durability needed for tough steep slope applications. The spacious cab features ergonomically designed configurable controls and 4-point safety belt to keep the operator secure and comfortable. Fully adjustable armrests provide fingertip control of all machine functions, and an air-conditioned seat provides exceptional daylong comfort in the climate-controlled cab. Floor-to-ceiling front and side windows, including exceptional vision to the
right, plus an overhead skylight and floor glass provide an outstanding view of the cutting area and the tracks so the operator can avoid any pitfalls that may disrupt the balance of the machine.
G-Series Wheeled Harvesters and E Series Forwarders For wheeled solutions, the John Deere Harvesters and Forwarders have led the industry for over two decades. With their patented balanced bogie system, these machines offer superior tractive effort and stability ideal for steep and uneven terrain. The 1270G EightWheel Harvesters provide additional traction and stability with eight-wheel drive offering excellent traction and stability that can navigate terrain that has typically been off-limits for mechanized logging. The G-Series harvesters feature standard Processing Power Control (PPC), optimizing fuel efficiency of the John Deere 9.0 litre engines. The PPC system anticipates the engine load and responds with the right power increase, thus improving the fuel economy. Additionally, an advanced twin-pump hydraulic system ensures ample power for smooth, simultaneous operation and maximum control of the boom and harvester head. With the PPC, operators can ensure they maintain precise control of the boom and head, while providing ample power to climb and hold position on steep slopes
– maximizing productivity. The G-Series harvesters are equipped with the TimberMatic™ H-16 control system, providing increased processing capacity. The user-friendly system, control modules and wiring harnesses enhance machine performance and precision. The TimberMatic H-16 control system is a comprehensive package for basic machine control, measuring and bucking, allowing the operator to work faster and easier. Another key feature of John Deere Wheeled Harvesters and Forwarders ideal for steep slopes is the
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
redesigned leveling and rotating cab. Ergonomically designed seats, along with air conditioning and heating, reduce operator fatigue, providing consistent productivity throughout the day.
Traction-Assist Solutions Across the world, the demand for traction assist systems is growing, and in many cases, being met with John Deere machines. German-based HAAS Maschinebau has developed a traction assist winch exclusively for John Deere wheeled harvesters and forwarders. This solution is being used in Europe, South America, and recently entered the North American market. A proven solution, these winches are installed on the front or rear of the machine, allowing customers to work above or below the extraction road and can also be fitted with an optional strawline winch to significantly simplify the job site set-up. The balanced bogie axles of the John Deere machine make it an ideal carrier for traction-assist solutions. www.timberbiz.com.au
FOREST FORWARDERS MACHINE
New Zealand loggers begin operating new Cat 538 LL Forest Machine ®
The operator can choose from three power modes, depending on the work tasks or application
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O O D M A N LOGGING in New Zealand recently purchased and began operating the new Cat® 538 LL Forest Machine, and they couldn’t be happier, according to initial reports. The company was one of the first logging contractors in the region to order the new machine, which Caterpillar Forest Products launched in 2017. The 538 Forest Machine, available in a log loader (LL) or forestry excavator configuration, is the second model to be released in the 500 series. It delivers increased horsepower and swing torque and features optimized machine parameters for outstanding fuel efficiency. Goodman Logging has about a month of experience with the new machine, and owner Paul Goodman indicated that its performance had exceeded his expectations. The Cat 538 is equipped with a longer boom than Goodman’s operator was previously used to working with, so he had to adjust. “Once I explained how to utilize the power and physics of the boom, especially when shoveling, he was really impressed,” said Goodman. “Their operator loves the new machine,” reported Shayne Kennedy, a territory sales manager for Gough Cat, which supplied the machine. “He loves the reach, available power, low noise signature, and heated seat.” Goodman, 62, has been associated with the logging industry for 40 years and has been a logging contractor for more than 20. Goodman Logging includes Paul and his son, Nick, 29, and eight employees. His wife, Carol, handles accounting and payroll tasks from a home office, and his daughter, Kelly Goodman, is taking on administrative duties. The company currently contracts for Hancock Forest Management to harvest radiata pine in the Kinleith Forest near Rotorua on the North Island. About www.timberbiz.com.au
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The Goodmans’ new Cat 538 LL in the foreground. In the background is a Cat 336D LL.
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The new Cat 538 LL loading logs onto a truck.
half the logs are bound for export markets and half for domestic utilization, with low-grade logs being sent to the nearby Kinleith pulp and paper mill. Goodman Logging is using the Cat 538 LL to shovel logs into bunches for expedited yarding and also for stacking logs at the landing and loading them onto trucks. The Cat 538 is powered by a 122kW (164 hp) Cat C7.1 ACERT™ Tier 4 Final engine. “The larger engine has the capability to provide power for strong multifunctioning and improved implement performance – and ultimately more production,” said Jared Dunn, Caterpillar Forest Machine Product Application Specialist. The Cat 538 is engineered for durability and reliability with proven Cat components, purpose-built upper and
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The new Cat 538 LL at work.
lower frames, and increased cooling capability to maximize machine uptime. The machine features a wider track gauge and heavy-duty counterweight to maximize stability and operator experience in diverse logging conditions. Application versatility is enhanced with purposebuilt boom and stick arrangements and new grouser options. Uniform engine speed control maintains a constant speed regardless of load, aiding in unprecedented fuel efficiency. Other features also contribute to fuel economy. For example, with automatic engine speed control the machines revert automatically to a lower idle speed when there is a lull in operation. And the operator can choose from three power modes, depending on the work tasks or application. The hydraulic system
delivers a higher level of efficiency and power. “Pumps are upsized to maximize hydraulic flow,” said Dunn. “The engine can run at a lower rpm, burning less fuel, yet the Cat 538 has the needed power to perform more work.” Other updates to the hydraulic system provide an impressive boost in performance: maximum flow, greater swing torque, and added lift capacity. The increases mean improved implement performance, lifting bigger payloads with better control -- and more production. An improved side-by-side cooling system increases cooling capacity. The radiator package has been updated, and fin spacing has increased to improve airflow and cooling capability. A standard auto-reversing fan with the ability to optimize fan blade pitch increases
Australian Forests & Timber News August 2017
service intervals and maintains proper engine operating temperature. The spacious, quiet, comfortable cab is pressurized and features a bi-level air conditioner, heater, and defroster to keep the operator comfortable in any weather. Other features include heated and cooled seat, LED lights, satellite radio, auxiliary audio port for MP3 players, and 12-volt power supply sockets for charging. The Cat 538 was designed with the customer and service technician in mind and to be easy to maintain. Many service locations are readily accessible at ground level; critical maintenance can be completed quickly and efficiently. Optimized efficiency and proven reliability and durability add up to more machine uptime and lower ownership and operating costs. The combination maximizes profit potential for loggers. The benefits are not lost on Goodman. “At this point we are going to all Cat machines,” he said, “because they are purpose-built and have an exceptional back-up and supply system in place.” “I have considered other machines,” Goodman added, “most of which I have owned or hired over the years, but at the end of the day good back-up is vital, and no other seems to compare to Cat (brand).” Caterpillar customers are supported by the industry’s largest network of dealers who will keep them running with parts availability, field services, state-of-the art diagnostic programs, remote monitoring, and more. Caterpillar employs over 1,000 people and operates two major distribution centres in Melbourne and Brisbane supporting nine Caterpillar dealers across Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands. For more information, please contact your nearest Cat dealer or go to www.cat.com/forestry. 25
FORWARDERS
FORWARDERS
New standard for forwarding heavy loads over tough terrain
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OHN DEERE’S cutto-Length, Joensuu factory in Finland has produced in excess of 11, 000 John Deere branded wheeled forestry harvesting machines and before that produced the globally renowned Timberjack wheeled harvesters and forwarders. In total the factory has manufactured nearly 30,000 units. Today, the factory produces the full range E & G Series John Deere forwarders of which two models are shipped to Australia and New Zealand, the 1510G and 1910E. The most powerful forwarder ever built by Deere, the 1910E sets a new standard for forwarding heavy loads over difficult terrain. Boasting almost 250 hp and a tractive effort of 220 kN, the 1910E is the natural choice for those encountering steep slopes and large timber which is effortlessly handled by the Deere CF8 loader. And, of course, comfort is guaranteed by the revolutionary operator’s
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station which automatically levels and rotates ensuring faster load cycles, but if preferred the durable fixed cabin remains an option. The 1510G forwarder features improvements to the engine, cabin ergonomics, control system, powertrain and boom and again offers either the levelling and rotating cabin or fixed cab version. A larger 180-cm³ work pump, larger drive motor with 209 hp, together with improved boom control ensure your productivity day in day out. Benefiting from increased power and tractive effort the 1510G boasts all the attributes you would expect from a market leading forwarder. A powerful yet efficient John Deere 6068 PowerTech Plus, 6.8L engine delivering 220hp and high tractive force of 185kN combined with a smooth powerful boom and of course, the new revolutionary operating environment adds up to improved reliability, productivity and lower operating costs.
Adaptive driveline control is a new, unique feature available only for John Deere G-Series mid-size forwarders. The softwarebased control system improves the drivability and productivity of the G-Series forwarders. The operator selects the desired RPM setting (Eco, Normal, Power)
for the operating conditions, and the system automatically adjusts the engine’s RPMs to correspond with the engine load and keeps the engine’s RPMs steady also during high loads. During high-load situations, the new driveline control ensures that the diesel engine runs smoothly and uses the available maximum tractive force efficiently.
Also the response of the drive pedal and frame steering have been improved with smart electronic filtering. These market leading forwarders are now packed with exclusive John Deere features to enhance your productivity even more. John Deere control their own destiny with engine technology. The only supplier of CTL machines to manufacture their own engines ensuring maximum performance from your forwarder, and other forestry machines, combined with exceptional fuel economy. Soon to be launched in Australia and New Zealand and optional on both the 1510G and 1910E, is John Deere’s exclusive Intelligent Boom Control, IBC. Since its introduction in 2013 IBC has only been available on the mid-size forwarders. As an example of IBC’s impact on the market 80% of the Scandinavian customers opt for IBC for their forwarder With the IBC function, the operator no longer
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
needs to control each independent boom joint movement separately. Intelligent Boom Control is an exclusive John Deere innovation which not only makes the boom operation fast, easy and accurate, but most importantly increases the production and helps to attract and retain the best operators. Another exclusive to John Deere is JDLink which is a machine and fleet management telematics system designed to remotely connect machine operators, managers and machine owners as well as service personnel to their forest machines. JDLink data is transferred through MTG (Modular Telematics Gateway) and mobile phone connection. In areas where there is not mobile phone coverage a satellite connection can be alternatively used. The JDLink main screen gives a good understanding of how the machine is performing right away.
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WOODTECH
Practical sawmilling workshops key to WoodTECH 2017
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WO YEARS ago – over two weeks – the FIEA WoodTECH technology series achieved a record turnout of local sawmilling companies. Over 350 delegates attended. All major sawmilling companies in addition to leading tech providers from throughout Australasia, North America
and Europe converged on Melbourne and Rotorua. In September 2017, WoodTECH 2017 will again be running. “Again, it’s a who’s who of international saws and sawmilling technology that will be travelling into Australasia,” says FIEA Director, Brent Apthorp. “We already have
over 20 North American technology providers, a significant number of major European suppliers as well as leading local manufacturing and technology companies involved in this year’s series. A record number of exhibitions are also being run as part of this year’s event as well.
WoodTECH 2017 workshop presenters (well-known throughout the global sawmilling industry) include;
Joe Shields, Machinery Support Technician, USNR, USA. Joe has over 40 years’ experience in troubleshooting sawmill electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems. He was instrumental in the development of formulas used for designing the proper application of saws and chippers and designed the alignment methods for the first multi-line scanner, for USNR. Alignments and system diagnostics has become his main focus for service trips around the world including working in mills in both Australia and New Zealand.
Josh Bergen, Owner, Precision Manufacturing, Canada. Josh is the founding partner of Precision Machinery, a CNC machine shop, R&D facility and industrial manufacturer of saw guides and guide dressers for sawmilling customers worldwide.
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Nick Barrett, President, SiCam Systems, Canada. Nick is a leader in the field of emerging technologies supporting lumber size control and predictive maintenance. He’s worked in both aviation systems and robotics but has focused the last 17 years on the wood products industry. Nick is the original designer of the SiCam size control products.
Marv Bernhagen, VP/COO, Lewis Controls, USA. Like Joe, Marv has been in the sawmilling industry for over 40 years, working in roles as diverse as sales, sawmill Q.C. and project managing new equipment installations.After a role as GM of Lewis Controls he became VP COO of the company and is still active in sales and emergency “handson” servicing of sawmills and equipment.
Chuck Boaz, President, Corley Manufacturing, USA. Chuck graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1979 with a degree in Forest Management and has spent his entire career with Tennessee based, Corley Manufacturing. He’s filled various positions and currently is President of the company. After 38 years of employment he actively assists the Territory Sales representatives and is the primary sales contact for all large mill projects and international jobs. He also works with field installations crews in a hands-on capacity and lends his years of practical experience as an advisor to their Engineering Department.
“In addition to new and emerging technologies being showcased, what makes WoodTECH 2017 so special this year is the practical workshops that have been set up for local sawmills,” says Mr Apthorp. “For the first time in Australia and New Zealand, a series of troubleshooting workshops have been designed for a much wider cross section of sawmill production and operational staff. They’ll be providing a unique insight into how sawmills can extract the best performance out of their saws, their machine centres and sawing operations. “The workshops are designed to encourage sawmill teams – management, mill production, saw-doctors and maintenance staff – to take advantage of the line-up of world class international specialists being brought in for this series. They’ll also ensure that teams involved this year with the WoodTECH 2017 series can collectively put the practical learnings into practice once back on
site.” Workshops of between 60120 minutes are being given in both countries on: • Quality & lumber size control • Troubleshooting and improving band-mill, gang and board edger performance • Selecting, operating and maintaining log carriage and optimiser (softwood and hardwood) operations, and • Saw-guide selection, installation, operation and maintenance. The event runs in Melbourne on 20-21 September and then again in Rotorua on 26-27 September. For full details on the two-yearly WoodTECH 2017 series, please visit www.woodtech.events
World Leading Forestry Chains
www.chaffeyschains.com.au
CHAFFEY’S
CHAINS
Udo Jahn, General Manager, Modern Engineering, Canada. Udo’s entire working life has been spent in the manufacturing sector. As General Manager at Modern Engineering since 1986, he’s built the company to be one of the largest CNC milling operations on the West coast of Canada.
5 Spring Street, Shetfield TAS 7310 Ph. 03 6491 1686
Australian Forests & Timber News August 2017
Mobile. 0428 140 466 27
TIGERCAT ANNIVERSARY
Tigercat celebrates silver anniversary
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HIS YEAR marks the silver anniversary of Tigercat which began with the philosophy ...design and manufacturing excellence, dedication to the customer, vision, perseverance and teamwork ... and that ethos continues today! It was in 1992 that a small group of professionals with extensive experience in all facets of the logging equipment industry teamed up with the Cambridge, Ontario-based fabrication company, MacDonald Steel. At the time, MacDonald Steel was engaged in the fabrication of components for many well-known mobile equipment manufacturers. However, owner and CEO Ken MacDonald envisioned the creation of a new company that would build upon MacDonald Steel’s fabricating expertise, a company that would design and manufacture purposebuilt forestry equipment. It was a gamble because at the time there were many large and established companies competing in a crowded forestry equipment market. The original team
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members performed exhaustive field research in the south eastern US, one of the world’s great wood producing regions. This on-the-ground experience with logging contractors determined that even with four manufacturers competing for market share, drive-to-tree feller bunchers were falling well below the expectations of the customer base, foremost in terms of mechanical reliability and longevity. Focusing on the input and reactions of south eastern US loggers, Tigercat set out to design a technically superior alternative. The result was the 726 feller buncher, quickly recognized as a more durable, reliable machine capable of achieving greater production. The 726 also proved to deliver a longer useful life with significantly higher uptime than competing machines. The immediate success of the 726, coupled with Tigercat’s high regard for customer feedback and satisfaction, set a high standard early in the game which the company constantly aims to surpass.
Ken MacDonald, Tigercat chief (during a visit to Australia).
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Tigercat’s first customer, Eddie Hodge of Williston Timber with Tigercat district manager, Don Snively.
The Prototype 726 Pulled off a north Florida highway in 1992 was a Mack truck hauling a strange looking feller buncher. Two guys stood armed with a punch and die set and a ballpeen hammer: a truck driver called Don Snively and a tradesman named Jim Wood. Both worked for MacDonald Steel. Serial numbers and paperwork were minor details that no one thought of during the rush to get the prototype Tigercat 726 feller buncher built — until the prospect of jail loomed, that is! When it came time to build the prototype Tigercat in 1992, Wood was the obvious choice. As a licensed electrician, millwright and
automotive mechanic, he had the skills and talent to deal with the complications and uncertainties that were sure to accompany the assembly of a new machine in the back corner of a steel fabrication plant. The clock was ticking and Wood recalls being questioned by Tigercat president Tony Iarocci regarding the machine’s state of readiness. He answered, “We can ship it now or wait three more weeks. Tony said ‘ship it tomorrow.’ We had the batteries bungee corded into the belly pan.” Snively climbed into the old Mack truck bound for Expo Southeast in Tifton, Georgia. Wood followed in a pick-up. They worked on
the machine at rest stops in the evening. By the time they reached Georgia, it was acceptably finished. After the show the two of them, often accompanied by Iarocci and company owner and CEO, Ken MacDonald, toured the south east with the machine. Recalling Expo Southeast and the representatives of another equipment manufacturer who brought them, Williston Timber coowner Eddie Hodge says, “They were rushing us through the show to get us to [their] machines and we wanted to stop and look at this new Tigercat. The damn engine was turned around the wrong way… besides it was a catchy name.” Continued on page 30
S pick and span ... the rebuilt 726 prototype.
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
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HIGH PRODUCTVITY WITH IMPRESSIVE FUEL ECONOMY TIGERCAT’S 632E SKIDDER Equipped with the largest grapple, a higher capacity Tigercat rear axle, stronger driveline components and an improved hydraulic system, the 632E boosts productivity and performance to new heights. With enhanced EHS drive, the 632E provides outstanding fuel economy, setting a new standard for extraction.
KEY FEATURES: • Tigercat FPT engine
• Higher capacity rear axle
• Largest grapple on the market
• More robust driveline
• Enhanced EHS
• New instrument panel layout
• Enhanced hydraulic system
• Speed control on joystick
• High visibility arch
• Improved LED lighting system
• Larger, more robust hydraulic cylinders
• Improved hose routing to grapple
• Load sensing hydraulic system
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and boom
TIGERCAT ANNIVERSARY
Tigercat celebrates silver anniversary Continued from page 28 Shortly after the show the Eddie and his operator flew to Louisiana where the machine was being demonstrated and met up with Iarocci, MacDonald, Snively and Wood. There were not many trees left on the site but they made do. “We cut some stumps and drove it around on some hills and found a few standing trees,” explains Eddie. Then he proposed the one-month trial. Eddie recalls, “I said to Tony, if you want to you can bring that thing to Florida. We don’t know anything about it, so you’ll have to leave the mechanic with it. If it stays together for a month, we’ll buy it.’ So that was the deal. It didn’t even have a serial number on it. Don gets stopped by the Florida DOT. They’re calling us. He calls Canada and he’s down for like half a day. You know stolen equipment moves like that, you grind the serial numbers off… “They’re from Canada. They don’t have any paper work. They’ve got a day cab truck. And all they wanted was to get rid of that thing and go home.” By the time Snively dropped the machine to the Hodges and headed for home, he had been away 40 days.
They were rushing us through the show to get us to [their] machines and we wanted to stop and look at this new Tigercat. The damn engine was turned around the wrong way… besides it was a catchy name. 30
Fast forward a quarter of a century and Tigercat units have advanced from a single prototype to a broad range of forestry equipment and specialized off road machinery. Producing 19,000 machines and counting, Tigercat has grown into a global success story — by helping its customers to succeed. With an employee count of 1,400 and over 150 independent dealer locations worldwide, Tigercat has accomplished what many thought to be unimaginable in just 25 years. To commemorate the 25-year milestone the first Tigercat machine ever built was purchased back from the first customers, Williston Timber of Williston, Florida. The machine was taken back to the factory in Canada and fully rebuilt. The photos show the 25-year-old original 726 when it was picked up from Florida and the rebuilt 726 feller buncher beside it. The Australian connection came in December 1999 when an H845B Harvester was sold to Kevin Morgan in Tasmania in February 2000 --- that also happened to be the very first Tigercat to ever leave the shores of North America. Kevin traded this unit around three years ago at approximately 30,000 to 32,000 hours and it’s still powering on for another client in Tasmania. It’s interesting to note that Kevin’s initial purchase was three Tigercat machines ... two H845B Harvesters and a Tigercat Skidder. Kevin is still running mostly Tigercat machines and has purchased 33 units over the years. “Australia was Tigercat’s first “international” market at a time when we had built almost right on 2000 machines,” said Glen Marley, Factory Sales Representative, Australasia & South East Asia. “We now have approximately 400 machines retailed in Australia, and around 1700 in the international marketplace,” he said. The machine in this photo is indeed the first machine #845H0601 that left North
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Not so spick and span ... the pre rebuilt 726 still in the field.
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The Williston clan in front of the first Tigercat machine ever built.
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(l-r) Glen Marley, Tigercat District Manager for Australasia, Kevin Morgan (Director/CEO of the Kevin Morgan Group of Companies), Gary Olsen, Tigercat International Sales Manager.
America and belonged to Kevin Morgan. It’s interesting to note that Canadian-basedTigercat has exported its specialist machinery to Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand,
Russian Federation, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina,
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.
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HAULAGE
Safety and comfort drive Scania’s logging and timber sales
* Scania cab structure.
S
CANIA TRUCKS provide a safe and comfortable working environment for logging and timber truck drivers, and these factors are behind the increasing adoption of the Swedish company’s products in the Australian forestry industry. “Drivers love our V8 power, not only because it gives them a sense of security knowing the truck can pull heavy loads in a
stable and secure manner, but because the V8 engine is so smooth, it reduces fatigue-inducing vibration through the vehicle,” says Paul Riddell, Scania’s Sales Manager in South Australia who has been selling trucks to logging operators for several years. “Driver satisfaction levels in Scania logging trucks is very high,” Paul says. “I hear it all the time from drivers and from operators. In many
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cases the driver’s preference for a truck informs or influences vehicle selection. A happy driver is a safer driver. “In addition, our cabs are all steel and have been impact and crash tested to levels far above the mandated levels by the European Union. “Scania meets Swedish standards that are more stringent than the EU regulations. For example,
we carry out front and rear impact tests on the same cab, where the EU regulations allow the cab to be switched between tests. That shows just how strong our cabs are and this gives a lot of peace-of-mind to drivers who know they are working in a very safe and secure environment,” Paul says. “Scania is also a leader in the development of safety systems such as electronic braking systems,
electronic stability controls and for on-highway use, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and advanced emergency braking systems that help to reduce the potential for an accident. “All of this is very comforting when you are hauling two trailers full of logs out of the forest and along a country road or a highway,” he says. Continued on page 32
SPECIALISED TYRES FOR FORESTRY APPLICATIONS
TYRE CHAIN
For More Information
Farm Tyres Call
alliancetyres.com.au 1800 788 688 Australian Forests & Timber News August 2017
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HAULAGE Safety and comfort drive Scania’s logging and timber sales Continued from page 31
All of this is very comforting when you are hauling two trailers full of logs out of the forest and along a country road or a highway.
“We have recently delivered our 13th truck to Tabeel Trading in Mount Gambier for use in their logging and wood chip haulage operations. According to Adrian Flowers, their General Manager, they hardly know they own the Scanias, thanks to their reliability and suitability for the job, pulling trailers of logs and wood chip bins with high payloads,” Paul says. “News of our success in Mount Gambier is spreading with other logging operators around Australian contacting us for more information about our trucks. The word is getting around that Scania is the right tool for the job,” Paul says.
standard VVFS 2003:29 for driver’s cabs. What makes the Swedish standard much tougher is that all of the test series’ three test operations must be carried out after each other on the same cab. Under the EU standard it is possible to perform each test operation individually on undamaged cabs. Impact Testing In addition, according to the Swedish standards, the frontal impact on the cab is at a very critical point on the door pillar. Under the EU standard, despite higher energy, the impact is less aggressive, as the pendulum impacts the driver’s cab across the whole width.
According to the Swedish standards the rear wall is also tested dynamically with a pendulum that impacts the centre of the rear wall. The test under the EU standard is a static load across the whole rear wall. The roof load is also 50% higher according to the Swedish standards. The tests involve a pendulum with a weight of 1 tonne, with varying geometry and energy, impacting the cab in the dynamic tests. After the tests, the occupants would still have a survival space inside the cab. In addition, the doors must remain closed during the test.
Crash Testing Scania trucks are crash tested in a variety of realityrelated crash tests. One example of such a crash test is when a passenger car has a frontal collision with a Scania truck. This is the type of accident with the largest number of fatalities involving trucks in Europe. In such a test, an Audi A3 drove straight into the front of a Scania R-series at 65 km/h, with a result equivalent to five stars if the sample is compared with a crash test under the European New Car Assessment Programme. This is thanks to Scania’s specially designed front
underrun protection (FUP). Another example is a specially designed test to simulate the most common accident sequence in which people are seriously injured sitting in trucks in Europe, namely multi-vehicle collisions. In this case a truck is driven into the rear end of a trailer in front. All of the force initially goes straight into the cab with an energy far greater than the force in the statutory impact test. For more information: Scania.com.au
Scania’s Safety engineering in detail Scania’s cabs are designed to resist large forces and to provide a large safety cage around the driver and passenger so that they are well protected. The strength of the Scania driver cabs is calculated down to the last detail. All cab types are also approved according to stringent Swedish impact test standards. The cabs are tested in series under the EU standard ECE R29, and also the more demanding Swedish 32
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Scania crash test.
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Scania Impact Test.
Australian Forests & Timber News Augusted 2017
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Classifieds
Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call Gavin de Almeida on (08) 8369 9517 or email: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONTRACT HARDWOOD PLANTATION HARVESTING, OTWAY REGION VICTORIA
CONTRACT SOFTWOOD PLANTATION HARVESTING, OTWAY REGION VICTORIA
Midway Limited is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from experienced steep slope harvesting contractors for the harvesting of Eucalyptus pulp logs from the Otway Region for supply to the chipmill based in Geelong Victoria.
Midway Limited is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from experienced steep slope harvesting contractors for the harvesting of softwood sawlogs for supply to the container packing operation located in Geelong Victoria.
Hardwood volumes are expected to be 100,000 green metric tonnes per annum for a minimum of five years.
Softwood volumes are expected to be 40,000 green metric tonnes (gmt) during the first year (2017/18) and 100,000 gmt per annum the following two seasons (2018/19 and 2019/20).
A plantation field tour will be conducted before EOI applicants are invited to tender prices. Expressions of Interest applications are available from www.midwaylimited.com.au or contact Bianca Boehmke on 03 5277 9255 or bboehmke@midwaylimited.com.au
A plantation field tour will be conducted before EOI applicants are invited to tender prices. Expressions of Interest applications are available from www.midwaylimited.com.au or contact Bianca Boehmke on 03 5277 9255 or bboehmke@midwaylimited.com.au
www.midwaylimited.com.au
MACHINE FOR SALE
2015 Caterpillar 4 Drum EMS Harvestline Package
Includes: Grapple with Camera ¡ 349D Base ¡ 350 Hours
For sale due to no work for machine. POA
Contact: 0427 512 924
Madill 122 Grapple Swing Yarder Build: November 1988 Mechanically A1, very well maintained machine. Approx. 12,000 engine hours. Several spares with machine; grapple and slack pulling carriage. Location: Tasmania, Australia
$POA Contact: Kevin 0428 144 984 or musketts@bigpond.com
Australian Forests & Timber
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KOMATSU XT430-2 $341,000 inc. GST
Komatsu PC300-7
Komatsu PC300-7 Including 624 Waratah Head
$203,500 inc. GST
$264,000 inc. GST D CE DU RE
Elphinstone Tri-Tri Easy Rider Trailer 2015 A Trailer 347,000km 2010 B Trailer 460,000km x2 Exte Winches and x1 Elphinstone Manual winch per bunk. Trailer in excellent condition, would suit new buyer.
Caterpillar 535C Skidder $137,500 inc. GST
$132,000 inc. GST
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CLEARANCE
Valmet 378 Processing Head 12,700 hours – in good working order. Complete with Maxi Computer System. Many spares including Hardwood and Pine Rollers.
$36,000 + GST Hitachi Zaxis 280L-3
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Rosin 395 Processing Head 3,400 Hours – 2012 Ex display model, it has only been worked for 2 years. Comes with DASA Computer.
$68,000 + GST
Milling & Processing Machinery (03) 9888 4834
Anthon 1.8m wide belt sander
Very heavy duty, high production machine. $15,000+GST
Loser - Dowell cut off machine x 2
Contact: Kevin Muskett 0428 144 984 - Tasmania
$3,500+GST Each
No. 220
Loser - Dowell rod sander
Not including head
Rhinbold offcut chipper Very good condition.
$4,000+GST $16,000+GST
Tilt Hoist pack destripper
Caterpillar 320BLL $71,500 inc. GST D CE DU RE
2628 Timberjack Buncher $55,000 inc. GST
HYUNDAI R210LC-7 & Southstar Processor $181,500 inc. GST
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with multi Bundle infeed and strip conveyor $32,000+GST very good unit.
Rex Planer
600x200, VG condition $35,000+GST
MK Impianti
RF continuous laminated timber press line, (came out of Door component factory), good sound condition $42,000+GST
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BUNCHING GRAPPLES
If you are looking for a heavy-duty grapple that will sort, bunch and load all day, every day, then you need a Rotobec. Onetrak offers the complete range of Rotobec Bunching Grapples, Heavy-Duty Log Grapples and Multi-Stem Grapple Saws. Give us a call for more information.
1300 727 520
www.onetrak.com.au
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Austral Timber Group
Contact: Ken Baker 0438 643 992 or ken.baker@dynagroup.com.au
FOR SALE Forest King F2 Tyres
750/55-26.5 size 24 Ply Rating Brand New Unused in forest environment 4 x available at: $4500.00 each
Contact:
Glen Marley
Factory Sales Representative Tigercat Industries Inc.
P: 0428 481 238
Australian Forests & Timber News August 2017
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Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call Gavin de Almeida on (08) 8369 9517 or email: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au
FOR SALE
Ex -Demonstration Waratah H215E Debarking Harvester. $88,000.00 plus GST.
Impressive Southwest Saw Milling and Production Enterprise
For Sale $5,000,000 plus Log Adjustment Massive opportunity to own a solid reputable business that has been established for 36 years. • Long term log supply contracts are in place with WA Forest Products Commission. • Solid Customer relationships are established. • Local, National customers. • International customers with contracts. • Multiple revenue streams. • Loyal and established workforce. • Solid operation in full production. • Limited completion in the market place. A business of this type and scale is something that will not be available often. This prosperous operation has afforded the current owners great success and profitability. All the hard work of establishing a business, sourcing supply contracts and creating markets has been done.
Patrick Williams 0407 990886 or Darren Pike 0488 429117 Business Broker & Commercial Sales Specialist
Licenced Real Estate Agents
FOR SALE
FOR SALE One Man Sawmill
Trinder TF1600
Felling Attachment with install kit included
$80,000.00 Plus GST. Contact Brendon Satchwell 0438 445 550 or 03 9747 4200 brendon.satchwell@us.waratah.net
FIREWOOD MILLS
For Information, please, call 0419-536 804 or email your postal address to info@firewoodmills.com.au
A COSTA RIGHI brand
• As new condition • Vertical and horizontal Chippercanters plus multisaws • 30 tonne in a 40 foot factory made container • Can generate squares and boards. • Cuts 100x100mm to 200x200mm • Can fit on a semi trailer and has removable legs. • Queensland based but can sell anywhere. • Price on asking
New model Easy50 available now!
Different sizes of mills with optional feeding table and drum cleaner. Tractor, Diesel Power Pack or Electric Power Pack driven models.
Contact: Graham Hornick
0448 610 676 (preferred over email) graham.hornick2@bigpond.com.au
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