WELCOME

to Forestry Machinery, the magazine dedicated to modern forestry equipment.

No matter whether you are a contractor harvesting wood in the depths of Devon, an HGV driver collecting timber on the outskirts of Gisburn, or a eet manager en route to the Peak District, high fuel prices affect all – and indeed everyone beyond the forestry sector, too. As I put ngers to keyboard midway through March 2023, Brent Crude Oil prices are roughly $40 a barrel lower than the $120+ peak we witnessed with eyes wide shut during June 2022. Nevertheless, those astronomical prices provided food for thought for many, and this issue of Forestry Machinery is plump with examples of how companies operating machinery in the forestry industry are ghting back against turbulent energy markets and reducing their fuel expenditure. If you are wondering how to cut your own fuel costs, I suggest reading this issue from cover to cover.

Speaking of covers, this month’s top story focuses on the wickedly capable Eurocomach 65TR midi excavator of Hitrak owner, Mark Hedderwick. Dare I say such machines are less often seen in the UK, but judging by Mark’s feedback these Italian-built diggers have lots of promise, so are well worth a look.

Other highlights in this issue of Forestry Machinery include an event report from the FinnMetko show, Tottenham Timber’s Ponsse eet upgrades, a high-spec BMF trailer operating on Burwarton Estate, and a market round-up of 3-tonne mini-excavators. I hope you enjoy the read.

Kyle Molyneux, Editor

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