FLEET FOCUS

COMPLETE SERVICE PROVIDER

Brophy Timber Services Ltd’s comprehensive line up of harvesters, forwarders, excavators and haulage trucks means the company is just about ready for anything, as Eoghan Daly reports

Catering for a range of harvesting and extraction situations calls for a high level of operating versatility. With few machines presenting a complete solution, Brophy Timber Services’ fleet has evolved to include a range of harvesters and forwarders capable of working in all stages of thinnings and through to clearfell operations on the most challenging site types.

However, one factor which sets the company apart from many others is the willingness to cater for the harvesting of smaller blocks which are synonymous with private forestry in Ireland, especially in farmer owned plantations. Catering for the harvesting needs of this sector has been very important for the growth of the company, as Damien Brophy explained. “We may work with a number of major sawmills and with Coillte now, but when we started it was just private work. This sector has a lot of potential and we can either work as a contractor and look after all the harvesting, extraction and haulage for the grower, or buy timber standing and harvest and market it ourselves,” he continued. “As we work across a large area, it is possible to coordinate work to include the harvesting for private growers, and is helped by running our own low loaders which allows much more flexibility when moving machines between sites.”

Much of the company’s ability to cater for such diverse site types is down to its timber harvesters, which have seen much evolution and upgrading since Brophy’s original Timberjack 1070. Each machine has been selected based on its specific merits, as Damien explained. “We have harvesters from Ponsse, Silvatec and John Deere, with

Above: Brophy was the first Irish contractor to run a Ponsse Scorpion, back in 2016.

Left: The Ponsse Elephant can haul loads a long way whilst being gentle on the terrain. Left: Brophy’s latest truck is this Scania R500XT with Epsilon Z-type crane; it also runs with a Nooteboom low loader.

Above: Harvester operator Adrian Fitzpatrick, Elephant operator Ben Cuddy and excavator operator Ian McEvoy.

“IT HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME FOR SOME MANUFACTURERS TO OFFER THEIR HARVESTERS IN AN EIGHT-WHEEL DESIGN BUT IT HAS BEEN WORTH THE WAIT”

all three manufacturers’ machines having their own individual benefits. The standard of machines has improved a lot since we started harvesting, and the only real difference between them now is the aftersales back up, which is why we have decided to stay loyal to Ponsse and John Deere for any new machine upgrades.”

Even though the harvester fleet comprises machines from three manufacturers, all of them are based on eight-wheeled platforms for added versatility, and even though some six-wheeled units made a positive contribution to Brophy’s operation in the past, the future trend is firmly towards their eight-wheeled counterparts. “We’ve had a lot of success with six-wheeled machines but see the eight-wheeled harvesters as far superior,” said Damien. “It has taken a long time for some manufacturers to offer their harvesters in an eight-wheel design but it has been worth the wait. Their greater stability makes a real difference to working on steep ground, and they also have much lower ground pressure for wetter sites.”

Of the older and original eight-wheeled machines run by BTS, the Silvatec 8266 TH Sleipner Mountaineer is considered one of the best performers. Originally added to the fleet in 2017, it was initially fitted with a Silvatec 450 harvesting head, which was replaced by a new Ponsse H6 with associated Ponsse controls together with measurement and head control system. The decision to run this combination was based on Brophy’s positive earlier experiences with Ponsse harvesting heads mounted on purpose-built harvesters, including the initial machine from the manufacturer, an eight-wheeled Ponsse Fox.

With the fitment of the new head and more modern operating system the Silvatec machine, renowned for its impressive hydraulic oil flow and positive design characteristics, could practically match the performance of a new machine at a fraction of the cost. “The Silvatec can really get the most out of the new Ponsse H6 harvesting head, as it has the oil flow to give it a good combination of speed and feeding force,” Damien confirmed. “It really is a very fast head when fitted to this Silvatec base machine.

“It is easy to see why Silvatec base machines like this are so popular on the used machine market, as they really are a very high class machine,” he continued. “In the time we’ve had ours, it’s only needed slewing pot bracket replacements for the crane.” Among the attributes which set the bar so high in the performance stakes for the 8266 TH Sleipner Mountaineer are its stability and traction, which make it an excellent performer on steep sites, while the floatation offered by the eight-wheel design is also beneficial from a stability perspective and provides a ground pressure advantage on low weight bearing sites.

PUTTING IN THE HOURS

Despite the apparent benefits of fitting an older base machine with a new harvesting head, all other harvesters on the Brophy fleet were purchased new and are all under three years old, including the Ponsse Scorpion and Scorpion King units, which are complemented by a John Deere 1170G harvester. The first timber harvesting contractor in Ireland to run these distinctive Ponsse machines, BTS has amassed much practical experience of them in a wide range of working situations incorporating both steep and wet ground conditions in both thinnings and clearfells.

Recently upgraded for the latest generation Scorpion and Scorpion King models, Ponsse’s concept has really stood the test of time with no negative experiences encountered despite the machines’ sophistication and more complex main frame composition than that of competitors. “We’ve used Scorpions since 2016 and got the first Scorpion King in 2017. They are

our main harvesters and do 2,500 hours per year, so it makes sense to keep replacing them as we did this year with the two latest models. The 2017 machine we traded in had worked 8,000 hours and we couldn’t have been happier with its performance.”

While the distinctive crane and cabin configuration may be the machine’s most obvious feature, its brilliance lies in the unique three-section chassis design coupled with the specialist control system, which ensures active levelling while making best use of the capabilities this chassis configuration brings.

Even though eight-wheeled harvesters already have distinct advantages in steep slope harvesting, especially when working downhill, the Scorpion King is said to take these benefits to a new level. Brophy’s long-term operator Adrian Fitzpatrick agrees: “There isn’t another harvester like the Scorpion King – it has everything you could want in a machine. It has performance and operator comfort to beat anything else I’ve used in the past. The levelling function and slewing range of the cabin and crane are excellent. The stability is one of the machine’s big plus points – it’s so well balanced even when working downhill, which allows you to make full use of the crane’s reach.”

Currently, the Brophy fleet incorporates this large-capacity machine and the standard Scorpion model with longer 11m reach crane and smaller sized H6 harvesting head, which is geared towards more intensive thinnings utilisation. However, when working in clearfell the Scorpion King and its H7 harvesting head really come into their own. In long knife configuration, it offers excellent stem gripping characteristics even in larger volume material while the base unit’s stability contributes to the ability to operate to the upper limits of the head’s range in a far greater number of situations comfortably. Feeding is the task of three feed rollers, two angled outer units, as well as the unit embedded in the frame of the head, and all three create a feeding ring effect accounting for the feed force of 30kN. Feed speed, meanwhile, is five metres per second. Measurement accuracy is also considered a positive of the head’s design, while the Ponsse Opti4G system is both user friendly and intuitive. In addition, the Ponsse heads are proving very easy to work on from a maintenance perspective, as Damien emphasised: “When it comes to greasing, the Ponsse head is just far superior to anything else, as all areas are easy to access,” before adding, “Anything we suggest to Ponsse about possible improvements is always listened to and often built into the machines in later upgrades. The company really does value the end user’s input.”

Ponsse machines aren’t the only ones to receive praise from Brophy – the company’s 2019 John Deere 1170G with H414 harvesting head has also made a good

Above: It may be the oldest harvester on the fleet, but the Silvatec 8266 TH Sleipner Mountaineer remains effective.

Above: Long rear bogie enhances the stability and weight distribution of the 15-tonne capacity Ponsse Buffalo.

Above inset: Scorpion King’s three-section chassis a major success.

Left: H7 head on the King seen here harvesting a clearfell site in Tipperary.

Right: BTS’ 2020 model Scorpion King with useful 10m crane reach.

“PONSSE’S CONCEPT HAS REALLY STOOD THE TEST OF TIME WITH NO NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES ENCOUNTERED DESPITE THE MACHINES’ SOPHISTICATION”

John Deere 1170G harvester with IBC crane control and H414 harvesting head working in clearfell near Feakle, Co. Clare for ECC Sawmills.

COMPANY HISTORY

Based in the heart of the Slieve Bloom Mountains at Drim near Mountrath, County Laois, the origins of Brophy Timber Services Ltd could not be closer to the core of Irish timber harvesting. Founded 11 years ago by Damien Brophy with the purchase of the first timber harvester in the form of a used Timberjack 1070, this first foray into running his own timber harvesting operation followed prior engagement as a qualified mechanic at the Galmoy lead and zinc mine in County Kilkenny. With his father having spent all his working life with timber harvesting, for Damien the change of direction based on the lure of forestry seemed a natural progression.

A high level of commitment and investment early on have led to success and natural expansion, with the operation now serving leading sawmill operators, and harvesting on both state owned and private forest plantations.

Meanwhile, Damien’s innovative streak has seen the company develop its in-house machine modification works serving its own needs and that of its clients, whilst researching and developing successful working methods for whole tree harvesting for biomass production based on Irish working conditions.

impression. “John Deere has an excellent base unit in the 1170G and its eight-wheel design is a major advancement over the 1070s we ran in the past,” Damien said. “It’s probably faster in second and subsequent thinnings than a Ponsse Scorpion, and is ideal in a 0.3 or 0.4 cubic metre tree size.

“The H414 head works well too, but could benefit from some improvements as it is showing to have higher running costs with a greater number of hose replacements needed than our Ponsse heads when doing the same type of work,” Damien added.

A FULL SET

When it comes to forwarders, Brophy boasts an all-Ponsse fleet. The line-up includes Ponsse’s the smallest model, the Gazelle, which offers a light and nimble solution to the extraction of thinnings in lower weight bearing sites and benefits from the fitment of a double extension crane. Brophy’s Ponsse Wisent forwarder has become one of the most successful units ever run by the company when it comes to all-round extraction capability.

The most recent fleet addition is a new Ponsse Buffalo, which entered service during June 2020. Offering the latest level of specification, the machine is also the first forwarder to be run by BTS with the long bogie option beneath the load bunk. This configuration is proving popular among timber harvesting contractors and is already considered a worthwhile option based on the limited working experience gained to date. Spreading the load over a much longer area, the long bogie arrangement instantly boosts stability and when fitted with band tracks makes a positive contribution to lowering the ground impact greatly.

Left and above inset: This Ponsse Wisent is one of the most successful forwarders to serve the operation thanks to its all-round ability in thinnings and clearfell, and its handy 12-tonne payload capacity.

BROPHY TIMBER SERVICES FLEET

Harvesters 2011 Silvatec 8266 TH Sleipner Mountaineer with 2017 Ponsse H6 head 2019 John Deere 1170G with IBC crane control and H414 head 2020 Ponsse Scorpion with H6 head 2020 Ponsse Scorpion King with H7 head Forwarders 2015 Ponsse Gazelle 2017 Ponsse Wisent 2020 Ponsse Buffalo 2018 Ponsse Elephant Trucks 2008 Scania R480 6x2 + Nooteboom low loader/timber trailer and Epsilon crane 2013 Scania R500 6x2 rigid + Epsilon crane and Robinson tri axle drawbar trailer with Alucar load bars throughout 2018 Scania R500XT 6x4 + SDC tri-axle trailer, ExTe bolsters and pins, and Epsilon Z-type crane Other equipment Excavator-based skylines and standard excavators for forest access construction

Elephant’s bunk offers space for multiple bays of shorter lengths.

Complete with distinct badging to commemorate Ponsse’s 50th anniversary, the new Buffalo offers a load capacity of 15 tonnes while weighing in the region of 19,800kg itself. Power provision is by a Mercedes-Benz OM936LA engine with a power rating of 210kW which meets Stage 5 emissions standards. The transmission is also highly rated, offering 185kN of tractive force and providing superb climbing ability, with crane capacity and load bunk proportions in line with a high-performance machine in this size class.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL

The position of fleet flagship, however, is still claimed by Brophy’s Ponsse Elephant, which has now been in operation for the past two years with very positive results. With a load rating of 18 tonnes, the Elephant offers immense extraction capacity especially over longer haul distances, and really comes into its own on steeper sites for a combination of reasons as long term operator Ben Cuddy explained: “The Elephant’s power and stability are unbelievable. It can handle large hauls over long distances and is still light on the ground. Crane capacity is good too, even when working on slopes.”

Like the Buffalo, the Elephant also incorporates the Active Crane system, which is beneficial but in need of further refinement, Damien notes: “Systems like Active Crane are the way forward and it works well when loading, but it still needs some improvement when handling in the bunk as its movements can be jumpy. Our operators are using the cranes manually for now while Ponsse works on its development. I have every belief the company will get it right with a software upgrade before long.”

Despite the immense stability and tractive properties of the aforementioned machines, there are still limits to where they can

operate safely and effectively. To this end, BTS also runs excavator-based skyline winches on Daewoo excavators, and also has a number of skilled sawmen as part of the team. With a high level of harvesting and extraction capacity, operating an in-house timber haulage fleet has also become an important part of the BTS operation. Initially providing low impact timber haulage solutions for areas with difficult access or poor road infrastructure

“WITH A LOAD RATING OF 18 TONNES, THE ELEPHANT OFFERS IMMENSE EXTRACTION CAPACITY, ESPECIALLY OVER LONGER HAUL DISTANCES”

based on a tractor and self-loading timber haulage trailer, this was soon complimented by conventional trucks which has now grown to a fleet of three units. Incorporating both rigid and articulated trucks, the marque of choice continues to be Scania, proven by Brophy’s latest addition, a 2018 double-drive R500 XT. While the R500 XT actively engages in timber haulage with an SDC 13.7m tri-axle trailer (packing a mid-mounted Epsilon Z folding timber loading crane, plus ExTe bolsters and pins), it also runs with a Nooteboom low loader on machine transport between harvesting sites. Further timber haulage and machine movement capacity is afforded by a Scania R480 in tag axle configuration. More restrictive forests are the domain of Brophy’s Scania R500 rigid, which despite being a 6x2 configuration still proves effective. In line with the growing trend among Irish timber hauliers, the truck employs a cabin on its Epsilon crane which provides a welcome shield from the elements when loading and especially during prolonged periods of operation when loading craneless flat trailers in the forest. “Even though we work successfully with a number of hauliers, having our own trucks brings a high level of control over work,” Damien explained. “It started off just running the trucks for moving machines and then spread to timber haulage. It has given us When the forest narrows, BTS calls on its Scania R500 6x2 rigid truck. great control over work being able to complete the complete process and it is a model I am glad we have followed.”