Forestry Machinery Issue 7 (Autumn 2021) by Sundial Magazines

PONSSE POWER!

EIGHT-WHEELED BUFFALO FORWARDER AND ERGO HARVESTER TESTED IN KERSHOPE FOREST

HYBRID HARVESTER

PIONEERING LOGSET 8H GTE HYBRID WITH GRUNT TO SPARE

TIMBER WINCH

TIMBERMAX T10 WINCH MADE OF THE RIGHT STUFF

AUTUMN 2021 • ISSUE 7 • £4.30

PLUS!

MODIFIED AND HIGH WALKER EXCAVATORS

MARKET REVIEW

THE BEST 500MM TO 700MM+ HARVESTER HEADS

C LA S S I C FO R E ST RY: E A R LY S K I D D E R S & FO RWA R D E R S

WOODCRACKER

350

The treeshear for safe harvesting: low-wear and robust technology cutting diameter up to 15.7 inches for harvesting trees and bushes MADE IN AUSTRIA

for problematic and dangerous tree felling

T learn more about the efficient Woodcracker® forest machines Ħ www.westtech.at Westtech FP.indd 1

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ED’S LETTER

PONSSE POWER! EDITOR Kyle Molyneux kyle@sundialmagazines.co.uk ART DIRECTOR David ‘Spike’ McCormack ADVERTISEMENT SALES Alex Cronin 020 8639 4405 Tom Pickford 020 8639 4417

HYBRID HARVESTER

ADMINISTRATOR Martin Attis 020 8639 4409 PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Paul Cosgrove 020 8639 4401 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Argent, Eoghan Daly, Nick Drew, Stuart Gibbard, Ken Topham and David Wylie Forestry Machinery is published by Sundial Magazines Ltd, Sundial House, 17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 5JS TEL 020 8639 4400 FAX 020 8639 4411 EMAIL info@forestrymachinerymagazine.co.uk WEB www.forestrymachinerymagazine.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS Earthmovers subscriptions, Trinity House, Sculpins Lane, Wethersfield, Essex, CM7 4AY TEL +44 (0)1371 853632 EMAIL earthmovers@escosubs.co.uk Farm Machinery Journal subscriptions, Trinity House, Sculpins Lane, Wethersfield, Essex, CM7 4AY TEL +44 (0)1371 853634 EMAIL farmmachineryjournal@escosubs.co.uk NEWSTRADE Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue London, EC1A 9PT TEL 020 7429 4000 REPRO Design & Printing Solutions Ltd, The Coach House 101 Northwood Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 2HE TEL 01227 770034 PRINTING Walstead Southernprint, 17-21 Factory Road, Upton Industial Estate, Poole, Dorset, BH16 5SN COPYRIGHT Sundial Magazines Ltd 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. Sundial Magazines Ltd. Registered in England no. 4134490. CONDITIONS FOR ADVERTISING All advertisements are accepted subject to the publisher’s standard conditions of insertion. For a copy of advertising terms & conditions, please write to Paul Cosgrove at Sundial Magazines Ltd, Sundial House, 17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 5JS

AUTUMN 2021 • ISSUE 7 • £4.30

PLUS!

MODIFIED AND HIGH WALKER EXCAVATORS

EIGHT-WHEELED BUFFALO FORWARDER AND ERGO HARVESTER TESTED IN KERSHOPE FOREST

PIONEERING LOGSET 8H GTE HYBRID WITH GRUNT TO SPARE

TIMBER WINCH

TIMBERMAX T10 WINCH MADE OF THE RIGHT STUFF

MARKET REVIEW

Autumn 2021 Issue 7 COVER IMAGE David Wylie

THE BEST 500MM TO 700MM+ HARVESTER HEADS

C LA S S I C FO R E ST RY: E A R LY S K I D D E R S & FO RWA R D E R S

WELCOME

to Forestry Machinery, the magazine dedicated to modern forestry equipment. A study conducted by company Savoy Stewart using data from the Office for National Statistics has found that forestry, agriculture and fishing employees are the most loyal to their employers. Assessing employee turnover levels and rates from 2017 to 2018, Savoy Stewart determined a loyalty score for each industry. This score was calculated from the number of employees that remained with the same employer and employees that changed employer in the data. Topping the table with a rating of 3.86, the agriculture, forestry and fishing group saw 131,479 employees stick with their employer, whilst 34,145 made a change. One reason for a high loyalty score, reckons Savoy Stewart, is the difficulty in finding another job in a niche field with lots of self-owned businesses. Although we’d like to think those businesses operating in the forestry sector look after their workers better than most. For context, the Construction industry came 13th out of 21 with a score of 2.23, whilst Mining and Quarrying was a little more promising, lining up 5th in the table with a loyalty score of 2.60. Discussing these results with James Simpson, Director of Operations – Forestry and Land Management for Forestry England, he told us, “In Forestry England, we directly employ a relatively small group of staff as harvester and forwarder operators. They are typically some of our longest serving staff members, highly skilled, incredibly loyal and not at all easy to replace when they retire. “Over the last several years, we have been identifying and developing staff who have the potential to take over these incredibly important harvesting machinery roles – this has included acquiring a ‘mini forwarder’ on which we train apprentices and start their journey to becoming certificated machine operators. Our industry is experiencing something of a ‘jobs boom’ at the moment,” James continued. “Buoyant demand for homegrown timber and Government funding for an ambitious tree planting programme have highlighted shortages in skilled people who can deliver what the forestry sector needs in the 21st century. We need more people entering a career in the forestry sector at all levels.” Kyle Molyneux, Editor MOD ERN MAC HINE

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SIP 12m MOWERS TESTED

AIMING HIGHER

7 KEY FEATURES OF BOBCAT’S NEW TELEHANDLERS HOME ADVANTAGE

BRITISH-BUILT DRILL S FOR NO-TILL ESTABLIS HMENT

LONG-TER M REVIEW

OPERATOR’S VERDICT ON 2018

VALTRA S374

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10 INNOVATIONS CHANGING APPLICATION MET HODS

FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

RH3016 HARVESTER ROTATOR

HIGHEST TORQUE AND LONGEST SERVICE LIFE

CONTENTS

CONTENTS AUTUMN 2021

REGULARS 3

WELCOME Buying used machinery in online auctions

NEWS The latest updates and developments

FEATURES 10 FLEET FOCUS R WHITTAKER’S NEW PONSSES New Ergo and Buffalo for Jedburgh firm

16 ALL-ROUND HARVESTER SAMPO ROSENLEW HR86 First ever example assessed in the field

22 INTERVIEW FELIXIA BANCK Stihl ambassador on her new career

28 MODIFIED EXCAVATOR HYUNDAI HX140L High walker with Geith tilt hitch

34 HYBRID HARVESTER LOGSET 8H GTE HYBRID Diesel engine combined with electric motor

42 NEW PRODUCT KOMATSU 845 FORWARDER 2021 model year machine put to the test

48 TRACTION WINCH TIMBERMAX T10 Tackling the slopes on extraction duties

58 MATERIAL HANDLER LIEBHERR LH 24 Hydrostatic driveline with ZF axles

62 MARKET REVIEW HARVESTING HEADS, 500-700MM Units from OEMs and third parties

70 CLASSIC FORESTRY SKIDDERS & FORWARDERS Where it all began for these machines

55 SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS DOOSAN FORESTRY Beefed-up DX235LCR-3 excavator

FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

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Forestry equipment

The largest range on the market! SALES REPRESENTATIVE UK/INTERNATIONAL Tom Belton 07860 951 485 tom.belton@forsmw.com AS_FORS_MW_Forestry_Machinery_210x297+3_Aug2021.indd 1 Farma FP.indd 1

2021-08-05 12:30 13:56 16/08/2021

NEWS

FORESTRYMACHINERYNEWS

FIGHTING THE FUNGUS G

em Plant Sales Ltd, the Ashford-based Wacker Neuson distributor for South-East London and Kent, recently supplied a bespoke ET145 excavator to Aztech Tree Services of Sevenoaks, Kent. The machine is being used to fulfil a critical conservation project in the region’s woodlands to help tackle Ash Dieback disease. Finished in gloss black by J C Commercials of Aylesham, Canterbury, the excavator was fitted with a Vosch 1600 Grapple Saw by Richard Court Forestry Engineering Ltd, based in Godalming, Surrey. The machine was also supplied with a set of buckets and hydraulic hitch by Strickland MFG.

HIRST’S BOBCATS

Adam Ashworth, the owner of Aztech Tree Services explained that the machine will be used to help combat the serious problem of Ash Dieback disease (Chalara) by felling diseased trees in local woodlands and estates in the safest and most cost-effective method. The felled timber is then processed for use as a biomass fuel. Ash Dieback is a highly destructive disease for ash trees especially in the UK’s native species. It is caused by a fungus of Asian origin and is present in most parts of the UK now. The felling of diseased trees helps to reduce its spread but above all, they are becoming a real safety hazard. Chalara is making these trees incredibly brittle and unpredictable.

Hirst Brothers Contractors Ltd of York has taken delivery of new Bobcat E27 and E85 mini-excavators. Jointly run by Directors, Edd and Tom Hirst, Hirst Brothers provides a range of services, including site clearance, tree surgery, estate management, forestry, fencing and excavation. The company works nationwide for the likes of Network Rail, which owns, operates and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure. Edd Hirst commented, “The new machines allow us to gain access to and from and to work in the tight confines of many of our worksites, including the trackside contracts for Network Rail. They can also be

combined with different attachments to widen the range of applications we can carry out.” Supplied by Grays Machinery Ltd, based in Bedale, the new 8.5-tonne E85 is specced with an articulated boom, an unusual feature for the UK market, where the preference is for straight boom models. The E85’s articulated boom means the arm can be brought closer to the machine and reach a lot higher. With its bigger engine and oil pump, the 2.7-tonne E27 excavator gives Hirst Brothers extra power for the difficult jobs, such as working with a flail mower attachment in thick brambles.

FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

NEWS

OFF-ROAD IVECO

veco has expanded its hugely successful Daily range with new 4x4 Cab and Van variants, which bring an extra degree of versatility to the party and should come into their own in forest environments. Based on a strong ladder truck chassis, All-Road and Off-Road models up to 7 tons are available (in other markets, the All-Road is referred to as the On/Off-Road). The 3-litre, 180hp turbodiesel engine can be teamed with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed Hi-Matic automatic gearbox, and the new 4x4 models offer up to 4300kg payloads. The Daily 4x4 Chassis Cab comes in 3080, 3480, 3780 and 4175mm wheelbases, whilst the Crew Cab and Chassis Cowl versions are only offered with the latter three wheelbases. Meanwhile, the Daily 4x4 Van range covers wheelbases of 3595mm (H1 and H2), 3595L (H2 and H3) and 4175mm (H2 and H3).

CAIRNGORMS GRANT Cairngorms National Park has won a £12.5m share of National Lottery funding as part of the Heritage Horizon Awards. Projects led by The The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) will see the planting of thousands of trees, the restoration of more than 3,000 hectares of peatland, and even the creation of a new dementia centre with nature at its heart. Covering over 4,500km2, the Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK and is home to 25% of all threatened and rare species, such as capercaillie, wildcats, osprey and golden eagles.

JOHN DEERE AND ENGON TEAM UP Engcon and John Deere have entered into an agreement focusing on the US and Canada markets. Engcon’s products will be available to end users through the John Deere and Hitachi excavator dealer network throughout the US and Canada. This collaboration will ensure that customers are able to purchase their John Deere and Hitachi excavators equipped with Engcon’s productivity enhancing products. Thanks to the new collaboration, customers will be able to choose Engcon’s tilt-rotators and automatic quick mounting system with EC-Oil, where the driver can connect hydraulic tools without leaving the cab, through authorised John Deere and Hitachi dealers in the USA and Canada.

WOODLAND CREATION SCHEME A new woodland creation scheme from Forestry England, which offers rent to landowners including public bodies,

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

environmental NGOs and farmers, in return for a longterm lease, has been launched. The Forestry England Woodland Partnership is a chance to diversify landholding and farming businesses. It requires limited financial investment, no forestry expertise and guarantees

regular payments. As part of the Nature for Climate Fund to support the government’s tree planting commitment, the scheme aims to create significant new areas of high-quality, biodiverse woodlands across England. Forestry England is looking for applications from a wide

range of landowners able to offer a minimum of 50 hectares for a long-term lease of between 60 and 120 years. Once a lease partnership is agreed, Forestry England will design, plant and manage every site as part of the nation’s forests including any local consultations or engagement.

FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

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IMAGES DAVID WYLIE

GREAT

EIGHTS

David Wylie visits R Whittaker Farming & Forestry in Jedburgh to find out more about the company’s new Ponsse Buffalo 8W forwarder and Ergo 8W timber harvester The Buffalo’s Active Crane is fast-acting and precise.

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

Whittaker Farming & Forestry is based in Jedburgh and its owner is Robert Whittaker. Robert’s father and his grandfather had been involved in farming, so it was in Robert’s blood to start his own business with a small flock of sheep and to study agriculture at the University of Edinburgh. After completing his degree, he got the opportunity to rent some farmland in the area of Jedburgh. From his first single sheep – bought with his student loan – he quickly built a flock of 1,200, comprising of 1,100 Lleyns and 100 of his prize Charollais pedigree flock at the turn of the millennium. As a tenant farmer, he was running his business without any subsidy and, more

FLEET FOCUS | R WHITTAKER FARMING & FORESTRY critically, was being disrupted as various landowners sold or reused their land, thus Robert’s sheep business became smaller. By good fortune, a best friend from school worked for Euroforest and Robert ended up working for his subcontractor Treetop Forestry as an operator for extra income. After spending 10 years at the controls of a big, tracked hill-climbing Tigercat harvester and seeing an increase in his forestry work, he eventually sold his reduced flock of 600 commercial Lleyn to fund his forestry business and bought a Tigercat 845LH harvester from Treetop Forestry, which is also the

Right inset: H8 head with 82cm sawbar and 97-link chain.

Tigercat dealer in the UK, to pursue a full-time career as a forestry contractor working for management timber agency at that time. However, he retained some of his prized pedigree Charollais flock as a weekend hobby, which is supported by his father and other family members, as Robert can spend over 60 hours per week in the forest, plus traveling time, as he tries to return home each day from a 4am start! Robert has built up a long-standing working relationship with his current customer, Iggesund – part of the Holmen Group – based at Workington in Cumbria, where the pulp wood is made into high-grade packaging and bigger saw logs sizes are made into a variety of timber products. Generally, Robert covers the

south east of Scotland as well as the north east of England.

SITE VISIT I met up with Robert at a 6,500 cubic metre clearfell operation at Kershope Forest on the Scottish and English border to find out about his brand new Ponsse Buffalo forwarder and Ergo timber harvester. Robert explained that after buying the 845LH Tigercat in 2017, he had the opportunity to buy out a harvesting contracting business that was running a leased six-wheel Komatsu 931 harvester and an 855 forwarder. Wishing to build up some financial equity in this business, he moved to buy the machines and then in 2018 invested again with a new eight-wheel 931 Komatsu

Left inset: The H8 boasts five knives.

Right: In terms of space, the Buffalo is fantastic.

“IT’S A SPECIAL FEELING BEING THE OWNER OF TWO NEW PONSSE MACHINES”

Above: Wide, high-flotation tracks are fitted to the Ponsse Buffalo’s rear axles for this wet site. FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

Above: H8 head packs one hell of a punch. Right: Tilt angle of crane base is +/-20 degrees.

harvester. Whilst the Komatsu machines and backup were good, he had a longstanding desire to operate Ponsse equipment as he considers them to be the leading ‘Rolls-Royce’ of forestry machines. This was reenforced with a trip to the Ponsse factory where he saw first-hand that this brand completely manufactures the machines – not just assembled them – with an extra level of durability and build quality he was impressed with.

PART OF THE FAMILY Robert’s experience with Ponsse began when his Komatsu 855 forwarder had reached a high number of hours and he traded in that machine for a pre-owned Ponsse Buffalo forwarder. Then in early 2020, as Ponsse was celebrating its 50th anniversary, Annan-based Ponsse UK Ltd – the UK dealer and subsidiary of Ponsse – offered Robert its demonstrator model of the 50th anniversary Ergo harvester. Robert was so impressed with the performance and aftersales service from the local Ponsse dealer that he decided to buy the machine. “It’s a special feeling being the owner of

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

Above: Easy to use controls, automated functions and great visibility on offer in Ponsse’s Ergo Harvester.

Above: A portable Canon printer is fitted as standard and is hidden under a pop-up cover in the Ergo’s cabin.

two new Ponsse machines,” said Robert. “The equipment is performing well, and we know that the backup from the local dealer is good, not that we’ve needed it. You are made to feel a part of the Ponsse family by MD Dean Robson and his team over at the nearby Ponsse dealership at Annan.” Robert also explained that, because he is now running Ponsse machines alone, under the manufacturer’s loyalty scheme he receives a 6% discount on top of the 1% received for each Ponsse machine operated.

Prior to the new Buffalo arriving, Robert operated a 2016 Buffalo model with 8,500 trouble-free hours on the clock. At the controls of Robert’s new five-week old Ponsse Buffalo is experienced forward operator Paul Grieve, who commented, “Our 2016 Buffalo model was a good, reliable and productive machine. However, this new Buffalo with the Active Crane is a great improvement as it is so much easier to operate – the Active Crane does most of the work when loading or unloading. I love it, as

FLEET FOCUS | R WHITTAKER FARMING & FORESTRY

Left: Pictured in the Buffalo is Paul Grieve. Below left inset: Robert and his buddy Coco.

“PRIOR TO THE NEW BUFFALO ARRIVING, ROBERT OPERATED A 2016 BUFFALO MODEL WITH 8,500 TROUBLE-FREE HOURS ON THE CLOCK” your thumb control is made redundant because the reach and boom down is automatically controlled.” Paul has also noticed a significant improvement in production as the Active Crane function has made loading and unloading a lot faster and smoother than the previous model. “Ponsse provided good training on the use of the new Active Crane function and set up the crane to suit my personal style and preferences,” he added. “The more time I spend using it, the quicker I’m getting. It’s an absolute joy to use.” Ponsse says its Active Crane is a forwarder system which the operator uses to control the grapple movement instead of individual functions. The grapple height and movement are controlled by two levers. Once the appropriate grapple location has

been given to the machine, it will perform the lift and use the boom and extension automatically. To further increase productivity, Robert intends to fit a bunk widening kit removed from the older forwarder, as this particular site has been very wet underfoot and would be unlikely to support the extra weight of the forwarder with a maxed out load of timber. To cope with the soggy conditions, Robert has laid an extra deep layer of brash matting for both the harvester and the laden forwarder to travel over, and both have been fitted with wider highflotation tracks on the rear axles, plus climbing tracks on the front axles. Robert finds the running costs per tonne, such as fuel burn, as good as, or better than any other machine he has operated in the past. He is also pleased to report that the new Ponsse machines come with extended service intervals. This has increased from the normal 500 hours service intervals to 750 hours for the Ergo engine oil changes, 600 hours for Buffalo engine oil changes, and 1,500 hours for the transmission oils. Robert commented, “For me, one of the most important benefits of operating Ponsse equipment is the high availability, which is absolutely key to being profitable and completing the contract on time. The other benefit is operator comfort. We can be spending up to 16 hours in the cab, and I must say the cabs on both the forwarder and my harvester are the best in the business. They have so much room and offer great visibility, and they also have very comfortable seats and sets of controls to stay fresh at the end of a long day’s work.”

Robert has a little dog called Coco who accompanies him in the cab. Robert said the Ergo’s cab is so big that you could sit on top of the rear storage unit, which contains a foldout printer to produce hard copy production information, should you need to provide in-cab training under controlled conditions (there is no formal training seat provided). After years operating farming and construction equipment, Robert feels modern Ponsse timber harvesters and forwarders are way ahead of tractors and diggers in terms of comfort. Ponsse claims that its seat is the only one on the market specially designed for forest machine drivers and Robert has an optional Ponsse seat fitted to his new Ergo harvester complete with suspension, which decreases swinging and impacts.

BENZ POWER At the heart of both Ponsse machines beats a new, 286hp Mercedes-Benz Stage 5 engine with diesel particulate filter and AdBlue, plus higher torque (1,200Nm) achieved at lower revs (1,200 to 1,600rpm) than its predecessor. The Ergo harvester has two hydraulic pumps: the head pump is 190 cubic metres and the crane pump is 145 cubic metres. The Buffalo forwarder demands less hydraulic flow – it has a single pump rated at 190 cubic metres and a load capacity of 14 tonnes, uprated to 15 tonnes with balanced bogies. Robert selected the Ponsse H8 harvester head model, which is Ponsse’s largest and most powerful harvester head range for FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

R WHITTAKER FARMING & FORESTRY | FLEET FOCUS

Above: Sliding boom crane sits on back bogie.

Below: Ergo’s controller falls easily to hand.

Above: The sliding boom crane has an impressive reach of up to 11m and yet the machine also feels super stable, reckons its user. wheel-based harvesters. The H8 model is said to be a highly durable and powerful harvester head for processing largediameter trees. Smart automated systems ensure precise cutting, while the grip pressure of delimbing knives and feed rollers adjusts steplessly according to the stem size. Feed rollers support stems from below, ensuring low friction and a firm grip during feeding through the head.

HEAD OF THE GAME The H8 harvester head is also said to have an excellent sawing efficiency ratio. Automated systems adjust sawing according to the tree diameter. More efficient sawing also extends the service life of the saw blade and chain. The strong and smooth tilt movement speeds up working, while reducing stress directed at the harvester head. And is also ideal for multi-stemming

“ROBERT ESTIMATED THAT THE HARVESTER WOULD, ON AN AVERAGE STAND, CUT AND PROCESS AROUND 30 CUBIC METRES OF TIMBER PER HOUR IN IDEAL CONDITIONS” as the geometry of the rollers and delimbing knives are designed for collecting and cutting larger diameter trees. Robert Whittaker estimated that the harvester would, on an average stand, cut and process around 30 cubic metres of timber per hour or more in ideal conditions. Robert praised the performance of the powerful feed motors and the five-knife design for its exceptional de-limbering performance. Robert uses Ponsse-branded chains and sawbars

on the head unit, and runs an 82cm-long sawbar and a 97-link saw chain. The sliding boom crane is located on the back bogie of the Ergo harvester, providing an excellent balance between the front and rear frames. Any stress directed at the operator remains low, as the cabin stays stable, regardless of the tree size. The hydraulic controlled tilt angle of the crane base is +/-20 degrees as standard, resulting in smooth working and making the crane power available even on the steepest slopes. And the powerful and accurate two-motor slewing action is a standard feature. With a new fleet of modern Ponsse machines and good support from the local dealer, plus a busy forward order book with a long-standing customer, Robert and his team certainly have a bright future ahead.

PONSSE IN THE UK Ponsse’s

you could work a

The first Ponsse forest

Scotland. These premises can

machine was seen in UK

now service four machines at

first UK

forests in 1994, and two

the same time. As well as

customer in

needed. I bought

years later the first Ponsse

spare part sales and

1994 was M.G.

my first forest

service centres were opened

warehousing, the service

Harvesting Ltd,

in the UK: one in Beattock,

centre has training facilities for

based in North

Scotland, and the other in

customer, driver and staff

Wales. The

Neath, Wales. Both

training. Ponsse UK’s machine

company was

operations were transferred

fleet has been growing in

founded in 1980

to Lockerbie, Scotland at the

recent years, making new

by Michael Gillet. Gillet’s plans

turn of the millennium.

facilities necessary. At the

for a career in engineering

same time, work safety and

changed to forestry after

UK Ltd, a subsidiary of

working comfort have also

summer work experience in

Ponsse Plc, opened its new,

developed in leaps and

the latter industry. “Work was

machines,” Gillet explained

bigger facility in Annan,

bounds.

a lot freer in the forest, and

at the launch event in 2017.

In December 2017, Ponsse

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

longer day if

tractor in 1980, and at the beginning we mainly gathered the timber by skylining. The terrain in Wales varies so you

Above: Full customer support.

need a versatile machine. We currently have 16 Ponsses and a few harvester heads on excavator-based

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ATTACHMENT SALES & HIRE For expert friendly advice/free quote ring:

01506 862 371

www.fieldandforestltd.co.uk sales@fieldandforestltd.co.uk

Field and Forest Machinery Ltd , Unit 1, Brock House, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn, EH52 5AD

COMETH THE HOUR, COMETH THE MACHINE As the latest manufacturer to enter the highly competitive, all-round eight-wheeled harvester segment, Sampo Rosenlew is making rivals sit up and take note with its new HR86. Eoghan Daly reports from the Czech Republic on the first production machine to enter service IMAGES EOGHAN DALY

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

ALL-ROUND HARVESTER | SAMPO ROSENLEW HR86

t may be a long way from Sampo Rosenlew’s Finnish headquarters and production facilities, but when word of the availability of a new eight-wheeled all-round harvester from the manufacturer filtered through to Czech-based František Hron Timber Harvesting, taking delivery of the first production machine was an opportunity not to be missed by the company. With František Hron Timber Harvesting shifting focus from early thinning to working with larger diameter material, the timing was perfect. “We have many years’ experience using Sampo Rosenlew harvesters and when our 1066 became old, replacing it with the HR86 made a lot of sense for us,” explained Martin Hron, operator and son of the company founder František Hron. By the time of our visit, Martin had been running the HR86 for just over four months and had got to grips with its operation. As an experienced operator with 14 years in timber harvesting, Martin deployed Ponsse, Rottne and John Deere machinery before working in his father’s timber harvesting business. His subsequent loyalty to the Sampo Rosenlew brand has been inspired by the way in which the manufacturer’s machinery has so well served his company’s diversification into later thinning and clearfelling.

FERTILE GROUND Keen to witness the HR86 harvesting material at the upper end of its application range, I travelled to the upland harvesting site close to Srní village in the shadow of Spálený mountain, which rises to a height of 1,013m. Typical Czech forest conditions

Far left: Stable when handling over the side. Left: Martin Hron loves his new HR86! Above: Ground clearance is a useful 620mm.

DESIGNED AS AN ALL-ROUND HARVESTER, IT WOULD APPEAR THE EIGHT-WHEELED HR86 IS CAPABLE OF PUNCHING WELL ABOVE ITS WEIGHT” FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

were evident with well managed plantations presented in this dense area. Located in the Klatovy District within the Plze Region, and a short distance from the German border, this relatively free draining upland area presents positive growing conditions. With an average tree size of 1 cubic metre, the block being clear felled incorporates tall, high quality material of a consistent diameter and relatively low branch density, with the exception of the crowns which presented a real test of delimbing stamina. As these high volume stems hit the ground with a resounding thud, the way in which the HR86 handled itself during felling and processing, especially during the feeding through of the initial lengths when each tree is still complete, confirmed its potential. Designed as an all-round harvester, it would appear the eight-wheeled HR86 is capable of punching well above its weight. It is compact and manoeuvrable enough for thinnings, as well as being stable enough and generating sufficient oil flow to host a crane and harvesting head for larger volume clearfell material.

Great view from the operator’s seat; hydraulic cylinders and stability sensors are used for self-stabilisation.

CHERRY PICKING Various cranes, harvesting heads and tyres are available on the HR86. This Czech contractor required the maximum level of working capacity at the upper end of the machine’s application range. Consequently, this HR86 has been specified with the shorter reach crane that is compatible with the largest possible harvesting head. When it came to tyres, František Hron Timber Harvesting opted for narrower 600/55-26.5 rubber to reduce overall width to 2.68m and provide IN TERMS OF greater stand BALANCING SLEWING penetration in AND LEVELLING thinnings. Despite this choice CAPABILITIES WITH of tyres, clearance SPACIOUS CAB remains sufficient for DIMENSIONS, THE the fitment of band tracks on all four MANUFACTURER HAS bogies, giving HIT THE MARK” enhanced climbing and floatation characteristics. However, this Right: IQAN HR86 has run exclusively without tracks or controls engine, chains to date, as it has yet to face any trans and crane. challenging climbs or been required to lower its ground pressure. Martin confirmed stability is good on these tyres, even when handling large trees. Initial development of the Sampo Rosenlew HR86 timber harvester was carried out by the now This 22,000kg HR86 offers adequate defunct Logman company, which went bankrupt in 2017. Sampo Rosenlew took the concept and ground clearance of 620mm and a tight added its own design slant, the first prototype appearing at the 2018 FinnMetko exhibition staged turning circle, making it particularly nimble at Jämsä in Finland. in thinnings. Bogie axles have been sourced One of the most significant changes that Sampo Rosenlew made to the Logman design was from NAF and are offered in the balanced separating the cabin and crane from a common slewing base, and mounting the crane on the front configuration as standard, while climbing frame independent of the cabin. This became a real talking point and signalled a new beginning for ability is boosted by its hydrostatic Sampo Rosenlew. Extensive testing in real working environments led to further design refinements mechanical transmission. before the development team was confident that their HR86 was finally ready for production.

HR86 DEVELOPMENT

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

ALL-ROUND HARVESTER | SAMPO ROSENLEW HR86 FRANTIŠEK HRON TIMBER HARVESTING

Even though the HR86 is a completely new product from Sampo Rosenlew, much about the machine is reassuringly familiar. The engine, hydraulics, transmission, crane and harvesting head options, together with their respective control and monitoring systems, are already in use on rival machines and have proven durability. At the heart of the machine is an AgcoPower 74 AWF six-cylinder diesel engine delivering 195kW. “I am impressed by the machine’s fuel economy,” Martin said. “It is using 20 to 25 litres per hour. In this job, which has 1 cubic metre average trees, fuel use amounts to three-quarters of a litre per cubic metre. I harvest 300 cubic metres in a single eight-hour shift.” The hydraulic arrangement consists of three Linde pumps, which deliver an impressive flow rating to cope with simultaneous operation of the crane and head and machine travel if needed during the processing of logs segregated by classification. Like the engine, the hydraulically reliant elements are managed by the machine’s Parker IQAN machine

headquarters, which brings a

Sampo Rosenlew HR46

large volume of forest within

harvesters fitted with Kesla

the focus area.

RH16 and RH18 harvesting

Initially concentrating on

heads, plus the new HR86

The timber harvesting

thinning, František Hron Timber

harvester with its Kesla RH27

business established by the

Harvesting was the first

head.

late František Hron achieved

Czech-based users of a Sampo

much during his tenure and

Rosenlew harvester in the form

in-house Novotny LVS520

lives on through the

of a 1066 model with a Keto 51

forwarder, while a cooperation

contribution of his son Martin

harvesting head, which joined

with fellow harvesting

who now runs the operation.

the operation in 2006. Having

company Ales Tlusty provides

From its base at Kamenné

worked 13,000 hours with no

a further Novotny LVS520 and

Mosty, harvesting is conducted

major problems, the 1066

a Sampo Rosenlew FR48

on forest properties within a

eventually gave way to the

forwarder to complete the

one-hour travel radius of the

current harvester fleet: two

extraction requirements.

Extraction is the task of an

Crane mounting spot boosts stability; the base is a proven Mesera design.

Teaming the RH27 head with the HR86 was an easy decision to make.

control system, which also allows selection of operator specific settings to tailor the machine to individual preferences, including crane operating speeds.

lower knife to achieve a firmer grip low down on the stem, as Martin explained. “The head has a short chassis length and it can sit low on the base of larger trees with the design of the saw box. A second lower knife would give a better grip.” The Kesla RH28 features four movable knifes and is 90kg heavier. However, the RH27 still deftly felled and processed large volume stems in a very capable manner. Maximum felling capability is 78cm, while the feeding action is conducted by three rollers and is reassuringly fast. Once the dense limbs at the crowns of these immense stems are encountered, the unit succeeds in powering them through, a pleasing delimbing result achieved by the single top and three movable fixed knives. The roller arm design ensures the rollers have a firm grip on the stem during feeding and yield the maximum feed force as a result. The RH27-II is simple by design, as seen by the roller integrated into the rear of the head, which effectively acts as an idler roller whilst absorbing friction to the head and smoothing the passage of the stem. The

CRANE AND HEAD Continuing the theme of proven components, the crane matched to the HR86 is a Mesera 240H parallel movement unit. The 240H can be specified in either 10.3 or 11.1m reach versions, with this Czech user opting for the shorter item. Even though Sampo Rosenlew offers a range of harvesting heads for the HR86, the decision was an easy one for Martin. “Our two other harvesters are fitted with Kesla RH16 and RH18 heads and they have worked very well for more than five years, so we chose the Kesla RH27 for the HR86. This head performs very well and is paired to Technion measurement and head control system, which is very accurate and simple to use.” Often working in large material, the ability of the head to cope with higher volume stems is seen to be satisfactory, but it could benefit from the fitment of a second

FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

SAMPO ROSENLEW HR86 | ALL-ROUND HARVESTER TECH SPECS

FRANTIŠEK’S HR86 WEIGHT 22,000kg WIDTH ON 600 TYRES 2.68m ENGINE AgcoPower 74 AWF POWER 195kW TRANSMISSION Hydrostatic mechanical HYDRAULICS Three-pump system, Linde pumps CRANE/REACH Mesera 240H parallel/10.3m MACHINE CONTROL Parker IQAN HEAD Kesla RH27-II MEASUREMENT Technion xLogger

optional 28RH is available in either two- or four-roller drive… With its rounded front windscreen profile and low set side windows, first impressions of the HR86’s cabin were positive. “The HR86 cab is equipped with all that brings comfort for operation and outlook is very good through automatic tilting and rotating of the cab following crane movement,” Martin confirmed. In terms of balancing slewing and levelling capabilities with spacious cab dimensions, the manufacturer has hit the mark. When fitted with this Kesla head, the control units sit on the cab’s dash

Engine access is excellent; AdBlue tank accessed by flipping open the left-hand side wing.

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FRANTIŠEK HRON TIMBER HARVESTING’S NEW HR86 HAS CERTAINLY GOT OFF TO A FLYING START” while Sakae three-axis joysticks with five integrated keys are used in combination with Excidor ExciPad 1998 keypads. A touchscreen monitor is offered, while the system provides connections for a HP printer and Masser calipers. The IQAN system relies on a separate screen to display machine specific data. “There isn’t anything

I would change about the design of the cab, but the air conditioning fan is a bit noisy and can be annoying over a complete shift in summertime,” Martin explained.

FLYING START Looking more closely at the design, the HR86’s engine is located towards the rear with the engine cover tilting back to reveal the complete compartment. In addition, the rear cover opens independently for direct cooling radiator access. Moving towards the front, the hydraulic assemblies and hydraulic oil tank are laid bare by opening both sides and the top panel cover, while an additional opening cover towards the front at a lower level provides further access, making all areas of the machine easily reachable. František Hron Timber Harvesting’s new HR86 has certainly got off to a flying start. The company’s trust in Sampo Rosenlew to deliver a reliable and highly effective machine right from the beginning of production, and during a critical time when it branches out into harvesting of later thinning and clearfelling, has not been misplaced. “All our Sampo Rosenlew machines have performed really well over long service and I would expect the same from the HR86,” Martin said. “So far, everything is very positive and I am really happy with the performance of this machine.”

www.oakleafforestry.com info@oakleafforestry.com +44 2838 330011

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20/08/2020 16:59

ON A MISSION BACKGROUND

Felixia made the switch from photography.

David Wylie speaks to Forestry worker, nature technician and Stihl Ambassador Felixia Banck about her new-found career as a lumberjack and Arborist working around Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen IMAGES FELIXIA BANCK (@FEMALELUMBERJACK)

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David Wylie: Felixia, tell us about yourself and your early career. Felixia Banck: My previous job was really quite different, as I had a successful photography business. However, I lost both my parents to cancer within four years and decided to give up my business to look after my mother two years after my dad passed away. During her illness, I experienced therapy gardens and woodlands. That is when I also started looking around for something else to do and found an educational course on forestry and nature. Here in Denmark, the course is split into specialist areas. Since I’m quite outdoorsy, I thought I’d like to do guided woodland walks as part of the course, which I started in 2017. However, I didn’t read the brief thoroughly and did not realise that being a lumberjack made up a large part of this course! But as soon as I had some experience with chainsaws – after learning how to start them – I fell in love with it straight away. My three-year university course involved a practical apprenticeship, as well as academic studies and work experience. So, I guess my life changed without any real planning involved. DW: Your course sounds interesting. Tell us more about it. FB: As part of my course, I chose the forest worker speciality and later on I managed to get an apprenticeship with a local arborist company, and since this work involved tree climbing, I finished my education as an

INTERVIEW | FELIXIA BANCK, LUMBERJACK Left: Strength and technique are important. Right: At this height, safety is paramount. Far right: Lots of planning is involved.

Arborist at the Forest and Landscape College within Københavns Universitet – the University of Copenhagen. The course covers everything from tree planting, calculating volumes of timber in the forest, management, tree cutting and rigging, and a whole host of other areas. I found it a really cool course and it is also very practical.

LUMBERJACK

DW: What do you like most about your job as a lumberjack? FB: I absolutely love my job, as no two days are the same. Sometimes we can work on a tree for 15 minutes and we’re done, and other times we can be on site for over a week cutting down trees. It can get quite technical – and time consuming – when we take down trees around residential properties and gardening buildings like greenhouses, which are easily damaged. It’s very satisfying when you do a good, clean technical job. We use a lot of speed-lining techniques to zip-line the cut sections of branches safely down to the ground when working at height. This is a really awesome way of working to get material down to specific points quickly. DW: What do you dislike most about your job? FB: Cleaning up all the mess, for sure. That’s when I really miss working in the forest environment, as you can just get on with cutting the trees and then pretty much leave the jobsite.

FELLING A H UGE TRE LAND EXACT E IN THE FOREST AND W LY WHERE Y OU WANTED ATCHING IT Below: Maintenance IT TO GO IS SOMETHING and saw sharpening V E R Y SPECIAL falls to Felixia. DW: What is your best/most enjoyable experience as a lumberjack? FB: I’ve had a lot of great experiences, but I think meeting people at exhibitions and I’ve also attended a lot of great training camps to share knowledge and experiences. I think one of the best things in the business is that you can share your experiences with others. But felling a huge tree in the forest and listening to that unique sound while watching it land exactly where you wanted it to go is something very special. DW: What is your greatest achievement as a lumberjack? FB: I love helping people who ask me for advice, and dispelling the argument that females can’t really do this job. I love making a case on social media that everyone can do this job regardless of gender [find Felixia Banck on social media: @femalelumberjack]. DW: What would you like to say to encourage others, both male and female, to become a forestry and nature technician? FB: I get a lot of questions on social media from both males and females about what FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

Left: Fuel injected Stihl MS 500i saw. Right: Just hanging out with friends... Below: FB’s #TongueOutTuesday pose.

the job is like, and I always take time to answer all their questions and encourage more people to join this great industry. The training camps are always good for meeting new people and encouraging trainees to get as much experience in the forestry industry as possible. I just love my job and I’m sure a lot of other people would too. I graduated at the end of 2020 and, at the company where I work, I’ve been given the responsibility of training the new apprentice, which is very enjoyable. As I did, the new apprentice changed careers later in life – he is in his 40s and I’m in my 30s – which I think is cool and such a lot of fun. I also get a lot of technical questions on social media from newbies to the industry. These are mainly guys who I think are probably more comfortable asking me some basic questions about saws and saw maintenance as they don’t feel comfortable asking their male buddies about basic stuff! I wish everybody would just remember that we all start at the bottom and we only learn by asking questions. It’s better to applaud people in their search for knowledge rather than make them afraid to ask again. I would always prefer a job environment filled with skilled colleagues rather than people afraid to ask for fear of mockery. I’m still relatively new and learning all the time from more experienced colleagues. It wasn’t that long ago that I didn’t even know how to start the saw, let alone maintain it. There is also a lot of fun doing social media, particularly on a Tuesday when I get a chance to do my trademark

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

#TongueOutTuesday expression, as I get so many requests from my followers if I forget to post a new one every week! DW: How big is the company you work for? FB: It’s quite a small company – there are only three of us and there will be a fourth person joining soon. We hire freelance skilled people when we take on bigger jobs and so on, but because it’s so small we get to know each other and work really well together. I keep in contact with a small group of other local female lumberjacks – some freelance and some in-company, but there are not that many of us. Out of a class of 28 on my course, I was the only female student! DW: How did you become a Stihl ambassador? FB: It started out with a couple of online chainsaw video posts from my own

Above: Stihl MS 881 with 47in guidebar – world’s biggest.

collection, and then when I really wanted to try out the new MS 500i chainsaw I contacted Stihl to borrow one to make a video and the company was kind enough to lend me one. After that, we just kept in touch as I borrowed a few more saws and I guess they liked what I was doing and they made me an offer to become one of their ambassadors, which is a great honour. It’s awesome to be a part of this fantastic and highly respected brand. I’ve also worked with Echo as an EAG member and also had the opportunity to work with Husqvarna, but I chose Stihl as I really like its equipment and find them to be more ergonomically suited to me, and they produce a large range of high performance and reliable chainsaws. DW: What does a typical day, week and month look like for you and your colleagues? FB: As I mentioned before, we have very different days but we normally start out on a Monday by having a team talk about the week ahead and planning the various jobs and workload. For us, that’s mainly tree cutting and pruning. Unlike in other regions, we all have to work in all functions – we all work as both ‘groundies’ and climbers, so one day my boss might be raking while I’m climbing, and the next day I might be out stump grinding while my boss is climbing and the other apprentice has ground duty. In a three-person team, you need everyone to be climbers in case an aerial rescue is needed. Each day we start at 7am. Working in and around Copenhagen, the weather is so

INTERVIEW | FELIXIA BANCK, LUMBERJACK

Right: Felixia has a large chainsaw collection.

WE ALL START AT THE BOTTOM AND WE ONLY LEARN BY ASKING QUESTIONS changeable and working outside all year long it’s great to see the colours of the seasons changing – and yes, we do work when it’s raining, which is quite a lot of the time! However, when it’s stormy we have to stop working because it’s not safe when working at height and the trees can fall in the wrong direction.

felling. I’ve attended courses for operating chainsaws while working at height where you learn how to safely make the cut and also learn about tree biology and how to tie in. We also attend a yearly first aid training course and we do aerial rescue training each year with realistic dummies and real people. This is so important to know and means you can react quickly and effectively to an emergency situation.

SAFETY

DW: Speaking of safety, what safety gear do you use and why? FB: For me, safety is the number one thing before I go out to work, so I wear my chainsaw protective pants and chainsaw boots everyday regardless of the weather. Next up is my safety helmet – some girls like to own a lot of shoes, but I have a number of helmets that protect my eyes and my hearing. My favourite is a Protos Integral Arborist helmet with a design I created known as the ‘FemaleLumberJack Edition’. The helmet is also fitted with my ‘Send it’ logo visor that’s really cool – when you look through the mesh visor, you don’t see the logo. I recently had to take down a really sketchy tree, which is why I decided to set up my anchor point in the healthy tree next to it. I’m really glad I did because while I was working in the tree, it suddenly snapped at the roots. As I was roped to the neighbouring tree, it saved me from serious injury. DW: Tell us more about working at height and the training involved. FB: I think you must a lot of respect for the

CHAINSAWS

Above: Wood carving is a weekend hobby for Felixia. job, as it can be quite dangerous when working at height. I have section felled trees that are 36 metres tall, and you have to take a lot of things into consideration, such as what condition the tree is in, your surroundings and weather conditions. You might be surprised to see just how far off target a branch can fly if the wind grabs it. It’s not all about muscles in this job, though – it’s more about technique, particularly when you’re climbing trees, but I have put on some extra muscle without going to the gym. Some of the smaller saws that I thought were quite heavy at the start of my training now feel quite light. DW: Where did you learn to safely use a chainsaw? FB: I’m ABA certified in chainsaw maintenance and crosscutting and basic

DW: What is your favourite chainsaw and why? FB: That’s a difficult question. I think I would have to choose two: the Stihl MS 261 C and the Stihl MS 500i, as those are the ones I use almost every day and would choose them before any other saw. These saws have a great power-to-weight ratio, and they are simple and comfortable to operate, with low vibration and outstanding manoeuvrability for most jobs. The MS 500i fuel injection saw has a great throttle response and instant high levels of torque. The MS 261 C is light and powerful, and you can use it all day on the ground without getting tired. DW: How many saws do you own? FB: Oh my god, I have too many! We have 15 chainsaws in the company, and I have 10 chainsaws in my own personal collection, which is kind of fun as none of them are used for work, but I do use some of them for carving as a weekend hobby, and the occasional milling. I recognise I have a lot of chainsaws, so I might have an addiction problem! FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

FELIXIA BANCK, LUMBERJACK | INTERVIEW DW: What do you like most about Stihl chainsaws? FB: For me, the Stihl saw really fits me well and little things like the throttle controls are slightly smaller on Stihl chainsaws. When I’m walking into the forest, they are easier to transport under my arm or on my shoulder, and Stihl has a very good range of intermediate saw sizes for every job. They are such good machines and very reliable. If we do encounter a technical problem on a job, 99% of the time we can fix the saw as they are so easy to repair, and we very rarely need to send them back to the dealer for more technical work or repairs. In fact, my company boss changed from Husqvarna to Stihl, not because of me or my ambassador role, it was just because they are very reliable, easy to use and powerful. DW: How good are the latest batterypowered chainsaws?

FB: I like to use battery-powered chainsaws in sound sensitive areas, and if you’re climbing and felling something like a spruce where you have a lot of branches to saw it’s really convenient, as you don’t have to stop and start the engine every time. Whilst they’re not as powerful as a petrol chainsaw, they’re getting better all the time. DW: What are your top chainsaw maintenance tips and tricks? FB: I’m really into chainsaw maintenance, so I’m responsible for all the company chainsaws – sharpening their chains, general maintenance duties and so on. I feel it’s such an

IF YOU LOOK AFTER THE CHAINSAW, IT WILL LOOK AFTER YOU

Left: There’s no cleaning up in a forest. Right: Making lots of glitter, AKA sawdust.

important job because if you look after the chainsaw, it will look after you. I would say my top tip is just daily cleaning by blowing out all the excess dust with compressed air, and it’s really important to clean out the air filter to keep your saw running well. Another thing you can do is buy premixed fuel rather than mixing your own, as especially some of the newer saws can be very sensitive to change in mixture ratio. There’s also something zen about maintenance days and getting to pamper all my ‘babies’. DW: What are your main priorities and what would you love to do in the future? FB: Mainly safety and helping other people achieve a better, safer and happier workday through my social media accounts. I am very conscious about the fact that a lot of people look at my work and perhaps learn from my pictures and videos, so it’s very important to me that what I post is a good and safe way to handle a given assignment and not the most rock ‘n’ roll’ solution. Following my experiences with my late parents, someday I would really like to get involved with a rehabilitation/therapy woodland garden project, as these places can really make a huge difference for some people. I look back on the moments I had with my parents in such gardens with extreme warmth; they provided a small refuge from the situation. I have also been to gardens set up to help veterans suffering from PTSD and have been fascinated by the positive impact such a place can have on their lives.

CONCLUSION

Whilst Felixia is not the only female lumberjack, it’s fair to say that with her Stihl ambassadorial role and great following on her social media channels, she is blazing a trail for other females to join the forestry industry, as she has successfully demonstrated it can be done. She clearly takes a great deal of pride in her work, and her enthusiasm for helping others do the best job that they can, and in the safest possible way, is infectious. We wish her every success for the future, and we look forward to catching up with her again as her career progresses.

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

HIGH TRACK TO PRODUCTIVITY The Doosan DX160 High Track is purpose built for all your forestry needs – additional ground clearance to track over stumps when mounding, greatly increasing productivity. Also available with two pump flow for mulching duties. Low ground pressure and high stability/digging forces are combined with a powerful 85.9 KW, 115 HP engine and extra durability is provided by the reinforced track frame and double supported top rollers. For more information visit: eu.doosanequipment.com

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20/08/2021 12:23 20.08.2021 11:09:16

The HX’s raised clearance has opened up new specialist opportunities for Keightley.

FOR ALL SEASONS

Eoghan Daly reports on the early experiences of brothers Thomas and Michael Keightley, of Keightley Plant & Civil, with a high walker Hyundai conversion complete with Geith tilt hitch and improved hydraulics IMAGES EOGHAN DALY

aving established its plant and civil engineering business with secondhand machines in the form of a Fiat Hitachi FH130.3 and more recently a Hyundai Robex 140LC-7, when the time came for Keightley Plant & Civil to add a second machine to its fleet just over a year ago, the County Laois-based company took the opportunity to specify an excavator suited to a much broader range of jobs. “Forestry may not be our main type of work, but it has become an important part of what we do throughout the year. It’s hard on standard machines, which is why we decided

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

on a high clearance excavator,” Thomas Keightley explained. “Used excavators have always seemed to provide the best value for money, but getting a high walker excavator used is very difficult, so having one converted was the only option.”

ON THE UP Following positive experiences with a used, 2007 Hyundai Robex 140LC-7, which now has over 14,000 hours of reliable service under its belt, the company felt confident in taking on another Hyundai in the form of an HX140LC sourced from the UK through

Irish Hyundai importer and dealer, Whelan Plant Sales Ltd. Upon its arrival in Ireland, the machine went straight into the workshop of County Offaly-based Mooney Engineering Ltd in Shannonbridge, where its undercarriage clearance was increased without ruining stability, and other features were added to future-proof the machine’s abilities. To achieve greater clearance, the central portion of the undercarriage’s X-frame was detached from the track frames and a newly-fabricated mounting formation slotted in between, with all stress points reinforced.

MODIFIED EXCAVATOR | HYUNDAI HX140L Left: Reliable Hyundai Robex 140-7 machine.

Below: Geith tilt hitch provides extra versatility.

The end result is an increase in ground clearance from the standard 440mm to a maximum of 680mm. Three additional track guides were also fitted at the idler end of the track frame, and the top rollers were redesigned. Providing much enhanced carrying capability “THE MACHINE of the track chains, the two top rollers IS WELL positioned on each BALANCED, side have raised mounting frames, EVEN WITH which results in a THE HIGHER spacing of 300mm between the top of CLEARANCE the central track AND TILT HITCH” frame and the top of the roller on which the track chain runs. Despite the greater height at which they carry the track, there is still generous clearance between the tracks and the upper structure. This means that any stray branches from the brash mat carried on the tracks in reforestation sites have sufficient space to pass through without being wedged between the track and upper structure. Clearance beneath the lower edge of the rear counterweight is also generous at 1,170mm – some 230mm greater than standard.

Above: Bespoke grading beam by Fairbrother.

Underbody’s clearance, durability and protection are very impressive.

Below: Fast and precise grading with Geith hitch.

LIGHT ON ITS FEET Turning its attention to the digger’s upper structure, Mooney Engineering fitted side impact protection along both flanks and constructed a ribbed steel guard for the lower front window area that doesn’t affect visibility too much. “When working on rough ground, the machine doesn’t get hung up on stumps or rocks, and as a result doesn’t break the surface,” Thomas explained. “Even on very bad ground, it travels very well compared to a standard excavator and has great tracking power.” FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

Running on 700mm triple grouser track shoes, the machine offers a good combination of low ground pressure and high tractive abilities, while the standard 2.7m width ensures decent stability. The machine is well balanced even with the higher clearance and tilt hitch, and Thomas added that heavier attachments don’t faze it either. Having decided from the outset that the machine needed to have a tilt coupler, Keightley’s Hyundai became the first machine in Ireland to receive a new generation tilt hitch from Geith. Utilising a more comprehensive range of attachments and specialist works tools than most, the Geith tilt coupler has proved its worth many times over, as Thomas explained. “Geith stood out as the hitch of choice based on the already proven design and continuing improvements, such as running the hoses through the unit, which means there is

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nothing exposed to damage or wear on the outside of the unit.” The hitch was fitted by Whelan Plant Sales shortly before the newly converted machine’s delivery to its eager new owners.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Above: Stones pushed to edge with beam.

“There isn’t any noticeable effect on digging depth with the raised clearance and anything that is lost is regained with the tilt hitch,” Thomas explained. “For many kinds of work, such as clearing drains or opening trenches, the higher clearance has an advantage in the form of greater visibility, as the cab sits higher over the work.” Digging performance also remains strong and is not affected by the fitment of the tilt

hitch, with breakout forces remaining consistently good, as demonstrated on a range of one-off housing developments where Keightley Plant conducted all site clearance, earthworks and subsequent groundworks. Further boosting the Hyundai’s versatility is a grading beam attachment fabricated by Philip Fairbrother of local company Fairbrother Engineering. Offering just the correct working width of 2.1m, the grading beam provides decent ground coverage without being overly cumbersome, and doubles as a makeshift bucket. “Until I had used the grading beam, it was hard to imagine the difference it makes in getting a final finish,” Thomas admitted. “It has been used on site access roads, yards and farm roads, and the tilt hitch makes it easy to

MODIFIED EXCAVATOR | HYUNDAI HX140L

Above: FAE UML 100 mulcher a recent addition.

Right: Circular saw benefits from Geith kit.

“POSITIONING THE SAW HEAD TO CUT OVERHANGING TREE BRANCHES WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE TILT HITCH” Left and below: Westtech Woodcracker CL260 shear used for crown reduction.

Above: Thomas Keightley at the controls of the HX140L with his dog Larry.

maintain the correct slope angle for drainage.” As the winter of 2020 drew closer, many other areas were being explored to further the machine’s working potential. While the hydraulic brash grab lay in readiness for windrowing of harvesting residues on reforestation sites, Keightley added a circular saw head to its toolset for use on a number of land reclamation jobs involving cutting overgrown trees, hedgerows and invasive scrub as part of a process to return the lands to full production. “Positioning the saw head to cut overhanging tree branches was no problem with the tilt hitch, and it also allowed me to angle the blade to cut the side of overgrown hedgerows which would not be possible with a standard hitch,” Thomas said. Continuing the theme of hedgerow and tree maintenance, mulching heads were accepted for brief periods of demonstration on the in-house HX140L. From these efforts, the most desirable unit was identified as a FAE UML100, which was to be delivered later in the season. However, in the interim period, there was plenty to keep the HX140L occupied. Clearance of dangerous trees overhanging public roads

from farmland was undertaken through the use of a Westtech CL260 tree shear. The Geith tilt hitch also made a real difference to placement on the branches and crowns being shorn, with the CL260 affording positive cutting and gripping characteristics for controlled and precise cutting. Working with traffic management, a considerable volume of trees were removed, with even the largest mature Beech trees greatly reduced, easing the process for felling of the main trunks by tree surgeons brought in to complete the process.

TIME TO MULCH Even though the HX140L HW demonstrated good stability at maximum reach while utilising the tree shear attachment, the ultimate test of its abilities came with the delivery of the new FAE UML100 mulching head. Arriving just before the onset of the hedgerow maintenance deadline with commencement of the bird nesting season, the mulcher proved its worth in scrub and ground mulching operations. However, this is just part of the unit’s broader working brief as it has been specified to handle a wide range of FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

HYUNDAI HX140L | MODIFIED EXCAVATOR “WE HAD THE HYDRAULICS MODIFIED THROUGH AN UPGRADE TO GET THE MAXIMUM FROM THE MULCHER ESPECIALLY IN HEAVIER MATERIAL” mulching operations, as Thomas outlined. “To make sure the new mulcher could handle a full range of work, it was delivered with two sets of cutting teeth, which can be changed to best suit the type of work we are doing. It has standard tungsten carbide teeth suited to mulching scrub and ground mulching, and also came with carbide chipper teeth for working on larger diameter standing trees and forestry mulching work.”

ALL ABOUT THE FLOW With 14-tonne excavators often considered lacking in oil flow performance to deliver maximum mulching performance, Thomas acted to ensure his HX140L HW was up to the task. In standard form, the HX140L on which this high walker conversion is based delivers an oil flow capability of 126.8L/min from each of its twin hydraulic pumps. While this is obviously adequate for standard operations and less demanding attachments, when tasked with delivering the maximum from the mulcher it was considered best to take hydraulic performance up a level. “We had the hydraulics modified through an upgrade to

This picture and right inset: Mulcher’s effectiveness boosted by hydraulic improvements.

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

Above: HX140L still great on regular sites.

Left: Sensible hose routing through unit.

get the maximum from the mulcher especially in heavier material. It now runs at 350bar pressure, which is a step up from the standard 280bar,” Thomas explained. Despite the greater hydraulic output, there has not been a dramatic increase in fuel consumption from the machine’s Cummins QST3.8 four-cylinder diesel engine, which offers a power output of 95kW. While the undercarriage modifications have greatly assisted in the machine’s do-it-all capabilities, praise must be given to the base Hyundai. “The HX140L is a great excavator with plenty of power and comfort,” Thomas confirmed. “Hyundai has really brought its machines forward over the years, as shown by the amount of changes it has made since our 14,000-hour Robex 140LC-7 was built. They are definitely a machine for the long haul.”

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hen it comes to experience of Logset timber harvesters, few in this business can claim as much as Richard Doherty, also known as ‘Dark Destroyer’, of North South Timber Harvesting Ltd. So you can imagine his eagerness to test the manufacturer’s latest generation 8H GTE Hybrid. Following time at the controls, it became obvious to Richard how this innovative concept could take performance to the next level while delivering considerably reduced fuel consumption. Part of the Doherty Group, North South Timber TECH SPEC Harvesting Ltd (which we’ll refer to as NSTH from LOGSET 8H GTE HYBRID now on) has been running Logset harvesters and WEIGHT 23,000KG forwarders for many years with pleasing results. ENGINE However, other Doherty Group harvesting companies AGCOPOWER 74 LFTN 6-CYLINDER are far from exclusive Logset users. They also have POWER ENGINE 214KW/ELECTRIC experience running machines from other MOTOR 104KW manufacturers including John Deere, Ponsse and COMBINED POWER Komatsu on their timber harvesting operations, which 311KW@1,850RPM are spread across Northern Ireland into the Republic COMBINED TORQUE of Ireland and throughout Scotland. 1,780NM@1,500RPM Logset’s ground-breaking 12H GTE Hybrid model of HYDRAULIC OIL FLOW 495L/MIN 2016 was too large for NSTH’s requirements, but when CRANE/REACH the smaller 8H GTE Hybrid version came alone in MESERA 240H PARALLEL/10.3M 2019, Richard knew it was a critical moment. Already HEAD LOGSET TH75 on the fleet was a 6H GTE which, MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL although a deeply reliable and SYSTEM LOGSET TOC-MD 2 punchy performer, had by

This picture and left inset: 1.3-tonne, short-frame TH75.

MASTER OF EFFICIENCY Combining maximum performance and miserly fuel economy is now the goal of all forestry equipment manufacturers. Logset is a pioneer in hybrid harvesters and Eoghan Daly recently visited the new owner of an 8H GTE Hybrid model to get their first impressions of the machine IMAGES EOGHAN DALY

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

HYBRID HARVESTER | LOGSET 8H GTE HYBRID “THE 8H GTE HYBRID REALLY IS A GREAT MACHINE AND HAS TAKEN PERFORMANCE TO A COMPLETELY NEW LEVEL”

Richard Doherty is the first operator in the UK to use the 8H GTE Hybrid.

then accrued 7,000 hours in three years, so an upgrade was due. Following a successful trial run of an 8H GTE Hybrid in spring 2021, Richard swiftly purchased NSTH’s own machine. It is no surprise to learn that fuel efficiency is the Logset’s greatest strength and this aspect gets all the more impressive when you consider the machine’s greater productivity compared with its predecessor. Working in clearfell with an average of 0.35 cubic metre material, the 8H GTE Hybrid is cutting an extra 250 cubic metres per week compared with the 6H.

CUTTING THE MUSTARD “The 8H GTE Hybrid really is a great machine and has taken performance to a completely new level,” Richard reported. “What impresses us most is how much at ease the machine is with its work, and there is never any pressure on anything, which is all down to the hybrid system and how well it works. Even though it is just starting its working life, so far everything has been really impressive and there really is nothing I would change. It is just perfect.” Under the 8H Hybrid’s engine cover is a six-cylinder AgcoPower 74 LFTN unit that meets Stage 5 emissions standards with SCR technology and produces 214kW at 1,850rpm with 1,280Nm at 1,500rpm. This powerplant is teamed with an integrated electric

motor which provides an extra 104kW/500Nm boost when demand requires it. Cut another way, the electric motor delivers a substantial and class-leading 45% more power and 39% more torque. Under normal engine load, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the on-board supercapacitors. When there are peaks in the engine load, explains Logset, the electric motor discharges the surplus energy to provide additional torque to the pumps near instantly, and without any increase in engine rpm, which keeps a lid on emissions and is good for fuel efficiency. With these additional hybrid components comes the risk of reduced machine reliability, but Richard’s belief in the manufacturer is solid. “We have every faith in Logset based on the experience the company has with hybrid harvesters since 2016,” he told us. “The level of production and fuel savings this machine is capable of shows how well the Hybrid concept works, which is both positive for us and Balcas who the machine has been harvesting for since delivery on private forestry sites.” Richard reports fuel consumption of 17 litres per hour with the real benefit coming in the form of the increased production for this fuel burn, as he explained. “The increase in production is really significant. This is all down to the power given by the engine and hybrid system, which means we get the most from the machine all FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

LOGSET 8H GTE HYBRID | HYBRID HARVESTER Slewing and levelling cab ensures a great view of the crane and head.

high tractive abilities, as Richard noted. “The Hybrid has worked on both wet and steep ground, and is about to begin harvesting a very steep site. It has coped very well and when needed is fitted with climbing tracks on all four bogies. I prefer them over floatation or combination tracks, as climbing tracks don’t carry brash which can often damage the side panels of the machine.”

Left: Storage space for a full size toolbox. Right: Large windows and close controls.

FIRM FOOTING

“WHEN THERE ARE PEAKS IN THE ENGINE LOAD, THE ELECTRIC MOTOR DISCHARGES SURPLUS ENERGY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TORQUE” of the time. The hydraulic power is unbelievable and doesn’t put any strain on the engine, which means the head has the power to handle rough timber more effectively and clean it thoroughly without time-consuming reverse feeding. In smaller material, it is still possible to harvest 18 cubic metres per hour, which rises to 25 cubic metres per hour in larger timber with a 0.32 cubic metre average tree.” Already enhanced by the 8H GTE’s eight-wheel design, which utilises NAF bogies, the hydrostatic mechanical transmission’s output also contributes to the machine’s success as a harvester. Delivering 190kN of tractive force, the 8H Hybrid yields extremely

HYBRID PIONEER

Running on Nokian Forest King TRS thread pattern, 710mm-wide tyres, the machine has been operating with just front bogie climbing band tracks due to the favourable ground and weather conditions experienced during its first few months harvesting. Nevertheless, even when working without these front traction aids, this 8H GTE has demonstrated how stable it can be, even when working to the maximum 10.3m reach capability of the crane while carrying the largest TH75 harvesting head of the three available options for this model. Another aspect aiding stability is the machine’s width, which is quoted at 3.2m with this tyre configuration, and even though NSTH largely concentrates on clearfell applications, width in this range allows the machine to effectively conduct thinnings operations should the need arise. Away from the positives of the machine’s transmission, it is the capabilities of the crane and harvesting head that really shine through thanks to the power-on-demand system delivered to the hydraulics. The hydraulic system comprises Rexroth working pumps and a Sauer Danfoss drive pump. With oil flow reaching 495L/min, it is the tactful management of this and other power resources that is also a very important part of the machine’s make up. To this end,

harvester concept. Launching its

GTE Hybrid set new standards

Their prayers were answered in

original 12H GTE Hybrid

for efficiency of operation and

spring 2019 when Logset

harvester in 2016 at the Elmia

won favour with customers

introduced the 8H GTE Hybrid,

Wood show in Sweden, few were

worldwide.

with users reaping the benefits

However, the 12H GTE Hybrid’s

of the concept through reduced

While Logset may not be the

left in any doubt of the

largest producer of forest

company’s intentions. As the

size class appealed to a select

fuel consumption, emissions and

machinery, it has contributed

most powerful wheeled timber

customer base and it left many

component wear while reaching

the most to the hybrid timber

harvester in production, the 12H

craving a smaller alternative.

high levels of productivity.

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

Offering the forestry industry

R J Fukes Forestry Services Bryn Y Coed, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0EL

Tel: 01550 721641 Email: info@rjfukes.co.uk Website: www.rjfukes.co.uk

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admin@hamiltondrc.com. Technical: 0345 230 7077

19/08/2021 11:55

HYBRID HARVESTER | LOGSET 8H GTE HYBRID Working in a premature clearfell comprising a mix of spruce and pine.

“THE MESERA CRANE WORKS PARTICULARLY WELL WITH THE LOGSET TH75 HEAD” Logset has developed the TOC-MD 2, which is an integrated machine control and measurement system. The 10.3m-reach Mesera 240H parallel crane has coped well with larger material and working on slopes, its low set mounting position helping in this regard. Notable improvements include the routing of hydraulic hoses at the crane base, which were previously positioned beneath the crane and now take up a much more accessible position around the sides of the base whilst being protected and avoiding any impact on operator visibility. This crane works particularly well with the Logset TH75 harvesting head that shares much with Richard’s previous TH65, even though it provides an upgrade in capacity. Utilising an 82cm sawbar and 404 chain, the head is equally proficient in large and small diameter material. Particularly convincing is its delimbing capabilities, with the positive hydraulic energies from the host machine and choice of high force feed roller motors on the head itself proving a very effective alliance.

NOTABLE IMPROVEMENTS Equipped with four movable knives and a single fixed top knife, the head maintains contact on the tree and gives a thorough delimbing result even in stems with lower branches thanks to the presence of the two lower knives. Nevertheless, the task of the knives remains largely restricted to the delimbing role, as their need to support the tree is lessened by the angular profile of the outer rollers. These outer rollers are supplemented by the third roller embedded in the rear of the head above the measuring wheel, which creates a veritable feeding ring effect for maximum performance. “The head not only does a very good job on delimbing, but is also very accurate on measurement,” Richard explained. “The system is also very easy to calibrate and set up when adding extra log lengths.”

The hoses are placed for easy replacement – the old design ran them under the crane base.

Well accustomed to Logset cabins, Richard singles out several areas of the 8H Hybrid for merit. “The visibility from the cabin is second to none. Traditional blind spots on many other manufacturers’ machines are addressed by Logset, with the low set front windscreen and sharply curving down corners of the side windows making a major difference. The absence of corners at the rear of the cab through the rounded rear window is also a big help and I don’t think any other machine offers the level of visibility towards the wheels and the ground around the machine as well as over the complete working area of the head and crane like the Logset cabin.” In addition to these positives, the Hybrid’s control layout is extremely well thought-out, while the degree of movement afforded by the cab’s slewing and levelling action ensures deviations in the terrain are catered for, while a clear view of the head and crane is ensured at all times. In terms of storage and maintenance access, Richard notes a number of changes compared with his previous 6H GTE. These include the relocation of the AdBlue tank from the side of the machine to the rear wing locker, which allows refilling from ground level. Refill ports for diesel and hydraulic oil are also located in the same compartment. Other interesting design touches include the incorporation of storage lockers within the cabin access step assembly at the nearside, which includes a top compartment for saw chains, while the lower side locker provides storage for grease cartridges. Moving to the offside, the corresponding area below the cab provides enough storage space for a full-sized toolbox. Moving to the front of the machine, another large compartment provides further room for belongings and is set to host a stump spray reservoir tank on this machine. Following four months of operation, Richard is highly impressed by the Logset 8H GTE Hybrid, his experience of other Logset machines allowing him to properly appreciate what this innovative harvester brings to the table. With the 1,000-hour milestone passed completely without incident, it is great to see North South Timber Harvesting (and Doherty Group) reap the benefits of its investment in this pioneering machine. FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

35a Derryall Road, Portadown, Co. Armagh E; info@oakleafforestry.com T : +4428 3833 0011

Oakleaf DPS_NEW.indd 2

20/08/2021 15:27

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20/08/2021 15:28

KOMATSU 845 FORWARDER | NEW PRODUCT

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

Experienced forwarder operators immediately appreciate the benefits brought by a newly introduced model. Eoghan Daly reports on the early experiences of O’Dwyer Timber Contractors with Komatsu’s 2021 model 845 forwarder IMAGES EOGHAN DALY

Experienced operator Keith Hanniffy with the new 2021 model 845, which recently joined the O’Dwyer fleet.

omatsu’s 845 forwarder has recently been upgraded to 2021 spec. Capable of hauling 12 tonnes, the machine occupies a very interesting size class and thanks to a broad selection of options can be tailored for a wide range of applications. O’Dwyer Timber Contractors Ltd recently took delivery of the first example of this new model in Ireland. Running a considerable timber harvesting operation, this County Kilkenny-based company has become one of Ireland’s largest Komatsu users and, as a result, has considerable experience of running the machines in typical operating conditions. Working across a wide area, O’Dwyer Timber Contractors encounters various forest conditions and this makes all-round

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

machines particularly important. Previous generation Komatsu forwarders have served the company well, but the latest 845 has taken the concept of an all-round extraction machine to a whole new level. Purchased from Irish dealer McHale Plant Sales and delivered in June 2021, the machine went straight to work on a challenging thinning extraction assignment close to Aughrim in County Wicklow. Following the thinning of this Douglas-fir

“EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE ONLY HAD IT A SHORT TIME, I CAN ALREADY SEE THAT IT IS A BRILLIANT CLIMBING MACHINE”

stand, the severity of the terrain was immediately apparent, as the thinned racks ascended sharply from the forest road. Fortunately, ground conditions weren’t too bad in this mineral soil-based area, although they can deteriorate rapidly with the rainfall that often falls in this mountainous area.

IN AT THE DEEP END Consequently, the first working role for the 845 could be described as a ‘baptism of fire’, but on the flipside it provided an ideal opportunity for O’Dwyer to see what the machine was made of. In the hands of long-serving forwarder operator Keith Hanniffy, the machine’s capabilities were soon established as he got to work on extracting material on the most difficult terrain first, based on the favourable

We joined the Komatsu 845 with 10m crane reach at work in a forest near Aughrim in County Wicklow.

conditions offered by a period of dry weather. Keith initially believed he would need to identify the most favourable line as an

Above: Bunk complete with working lights and camera.

ascension route, as he didn’t think the machine could climb to the summit of each rack before beginning loading at the start of the downhill extraction process. However, the 2021 model 845 did the unthinkable and surpassed all expectations. “I never expected the machine to climb all the lines,” Keith said. “Even though we have only had it a short time, I can already see that it is a brilliant climbing machine. Most impressive was how effortless it made that climb seem – it just went straight to the top every time without stopping once.” Obviously, this degree of grip and application of available tractive forces are assisted by O’Dwyer’s tyre and track configuration, which comprises 710/40x26.5 tyres encased in Olofsfors climbing tracks on the front bogies and

floatation tracks at the rear. With only sporadic use of brash mats on the thinned racks, the 845 certainly did not have it easy and yet managed the climb without inflicting any form of ground damage.

SUITED AND BOOTED Looking more closely at the 2021 model 845, it inherits many of the features seen on the larger capacity models that have already been upgraded. Nevertheless, it occupies an interesting position in the range which allows it to be tailored to all-round extraction applications. O’Dwyer Timber Contractors’ machine is equipped with a short bunk which ensures a tight turning radius and boosts its ability to function in extensive thinnings. Meanwhile, the shorter bunk length does not affect FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

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AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

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20/08/2021 14:12

NEW PRODUCT | KOMATSU 845 FORWARDER

Above: The 845’s first job involved the extraction of thinnings in a steep forest.

“THE 845 INHERITS MANY OF THE FEATURES SEEN ON THE LARGER CAPACITY MODELS”

Above right and right inset: A spacious and functional cab; display shows view from camera in HD.

really like Komatsus in the time I’ve been the machine’s productivity in clearfell operating them. Even though it is early days applications; for those companies dealing for this machine, I do rate it very highly.” mostly in clearfell extraction, the longer Notable improvements made to the latest bunk variant is an attractive proposition. 845 include the new chassis design, and “There are forwarders on the fleet engine and control system, while the matched to each different type of work,” steering system has also received an Keith explained. “Since I came to work with upgrade. Beginning with the engine, the Willie O’Dwyer back in 2009, I have been mainly concentrating on thinnings and have 845 employs an AgcoPower four-cylinder diesel unit with turbo and intercooler at the operated a John Deere 810E before heart of the machine. Meeting Komatsu models including an Stage 5 emissions standards, 830, 840TX and most recently the engine delivers a power an 835 before this new 845 was TECH SPECS rating of 140kW at 1,900rpm delivered. Komatsu 845 plus 830Nm of torque at 1,500rpm. FIRST IMPRESSIONS LOAD CAPACITY 12,000kg Controlled in an effective “The 845 has been a really big ENGINE TYPE AgcoPower, manner by the machine’s step forward and even though it Stage 5 compliant computer system, the 845’s has plenty of power and seems a ENGINE POWER hydrostatic mechanical very well-built machine, it’s very 140kW@1,900rpm transmission is a highlight. much at home in thinnings with ENGINE TORQUE Based on performance in the specification that has been 830Nm@1,500rpm initial extraction assignments, chosen for it. Anyone that knows TRACTIVE FORCE 170kN the ability to apply the full me will understand I’ve always TYRE OPTION CHOSEN rigours of the machine’s 170kN been a John Deere fan and 710/40x26.5 of tractive force is clearly continue to rate the 810E I used CRANE Komatsu 105F double commendable. However, this last as an excellent forwarder, extension feat is also as a direct but I have to say I’ve grown to

CRANE REACH 10m

consequence of the effectiveness of the machine’s driveline and the positive clearance afforded by the bogies and higher profile tyre arrangement. Those users hoping for a high performance crane will not be disappointed by the latest 845, as Keith confirmed. “Komatsu forwarder cranes have always been fast and powerful, and this 845 takes things to a new level. It is very precise which is vital in thinnings.” Fitted with Komatsu’s 105F crane, the configuration chosen centres on the double extension unit, which affords a reach of 10m.

LINE OF SIGHT The configuration and formation of the bunk is also key to this 845’s success as a forwarder. The hydraulically movable headboard is structured in a manner that assists visibility into the bunk area. Moving away from the normal grid like formation, outer sections of the 845’s headboard have a slanted bar design which allows the operator to better align the logs with the load bars through the much clearer line of vision. The cabin’s low set windows and the front hood’s reformation also contribute to the FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

KOMATSU 845 FORWARDER | NEW PRODUCT

“THOSE USERS HOPING FOR A HIGH PERFORMANCE CRANE WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED BY THE LATEST 845” Ports for diesel and hydraulic oil much easier to access, making maintenance more user friendly on this Komatsu.

Stacking pulp logs at the road verge whilst making great use of the double extension crane. great visibility, while safety is enhanced by front and rear cameras with footage displayed on an integrated pane on the main display screen. “The camera system is excellent and provides a very clear view of your surroundings, even in low light in thinnings or at night,” Keith said. Other aspects of note include modifications to the layout of the main MaxiXT control and operating system, and a Be-Ge 3000 Airvent seat mounted on an optional Sit Rite levelling base, which Keith reckons is a massive plus point and a must for any forwarder that doesn’t have a levelling cab.

ENHANCED ACCESS FOR REFUELLING AND DAILY CHECKS As Keith prepared the new

beneath the main side panel,

expansion tank is easily

845 for a day’s work, design

the ports have now been

reached from the nearside,

changes made to improve

relocated to an independently

and the engine oil refill point

refuelling and maintenance

accessible location on the

also lurks in this area.

became apparent. “Komatsu is

nearside centre section of the

Meanwhile, a series of filters

clearly listening to users of its

machine. “By having the ports

are grouped in a single

machines, as there are a lot of

on the outside when their own

location.

new features on them that I

compartment is open, it’s easy

imagine have been suggested

to clear away any residue after

the radiators, a fine mesh

by operators of its older

refilling,” Keith explained. “The

screen runs down the entire

equipment,” Keith explained.

older design made this job and

frontal area, which can be

also the process of finding any

reached for cleaning once the

in the new procedure for

faults with the hoses more

hood is raised. The side wing

refilling the AdBlue tank,

difficult.”

covers open to reveal the

This philosophy can be seen

AdBlue refill point at the

which has moved away from the previous pump design that

THE SIMPLE THINGS

nearside, while the

was not without its problems.

Not done yet, Komatsu has

corresponding offside

Refilling AdBlue now involves

also modified the new 845’s

facilitates the Dafo fire

the use of a specially

engine bay. After lowering this

suppression system and

commissioned close-fit funnel,

machine’s optional grille

electrical elements such as the

which at first may seem like a

guard, you can’t fail to notice

fuse and relay compartment.

backward step but this

the improved access to all

In addition, a corresponding

back-to-basics approach is

crucial areas, while a

electrical box is positioned on

hard to fault.

dedicated holding tray is

the side of the engine bay,

provided for the toolbox. From

with all cables for each module

changed for the 2021 model

a maintenance and service

colour coded for ease of

845. Previously concealed

perspective, the coolant

identification.

The diesel refill point has also

Above and above inset: Simplified AdBlue refill system is a welcome addition; 140kW AgcoPower Stage 5 engine.

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

To prevent debris entering

Our Wheeled Harvesters

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“IT MAKES THE OPERATION SAFER BUT ALSO TAKES MUCH OF THE PRESSURE OFF THE MACHINES DOING THE WORK AND REDUCES GROUND DAMAGE”

A HELPING HAND

IMAGES EOGHAN DALY

Traction assist winches have become a popular choice for steep slope logging and offer benefits from operational, environmental and safety enhancing perspectives, as Eoghan Daly reports

n increase in clearfells located on steep terrain meant Brophy Timber Services Ltd was on the look-out for equipment that allowed safe harvesting and extraction. Recognising the appeal of harvesters and forwarders used in combination with a traction assist winch, a Timbermax T10 mounted on the boom of a Doosan DX300LC-3 was accepted on trial from UK and Irish agent RJ Fukes Forestry Services. The machine’s arrival coincided with commencement of a clearfell comprising

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

3,300 cubic metres with an average tree size of 0.31 cubic metres on a steep hillside at ‘The Cut’ deep in the heart of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in scenic County Laois in the Irish midlands. With the necessary induction and training completed by RJ Fukes in advance, coupled with installation of the necessary kits within the machines to work with the winch, harvesting was ready to commence. Steepness of the terrain coupled with the requirement to extract all material uphill meant conventional working approaches

were impractical. This was exacerbated by a deep layer of peat occupied by a block of fire damaged Lodgepole Pine across which marked part of the extraction route. Combining these factors meant the site had everything necessary for the Timbermax T10 to prove itself.

ON A HIGH Looking beyond the initial lodgepole pine, a quality block of Sitka spruce was encountered and yielded a range of quality log lengths including sawlog, various pallet

TRACTION WINCH | TIMBERMAX T10 Overview of the clearfell site at The Cut in County Laois.

Ponsse Wisent forwarder at the summit of the slope.

Host excavator set up on road verge due to deep peat conditions.

lengths as well as pulp wood while chip wood was derived from lodgepole pine area of the site. Machines assigned to site included a Ponsse Scorpion eight-wheeled harvester fitted with H63 harvesting head and 11m reach crane, while extraction was taken care of by Ponsse Wisent and Buffalo forwarders. Following considerable advanced planning to ensure all machines were fully utilised, the T10 performed admirably, as Damien Brophy explained. “Using the Timbermax traction assist winch on this site and subsequent sites with similar challenges has been very successful for us. It makes the operation safer but also takes much of the pressure off the machines doing the work and reduces ground damage. The system requires minimal set up, meaning the machines get to work with no delays involved.” As a consequence of the deep peat at the summit of the

slope close to the forest road, and the scale of the base unit employed by this Timbermax winch, set up of the machine was restricted to the forest road verge. Providing a firm base, the boom and its mounted Timbermax winch were lowered into the adjoining embankment. When

Headboard at rear stops logs sliding off down the slope.

Antenna and receiver on boom talks to tethered machine.

commissioned for mounting on the boom end, the winch has a specialised base formation. Should the machine be setting up off-road on firmer ground conditions, the toothed spade base design provides a climbing aid and opens up the possibility of spragging the tracks with its stalwart construction, ensuring it can withstand the challenges of such operations. The design of the base eases the process of firmly anchoring the machine. Further aspects of set up include the insertion of a ground probe, which is connected to the winch and informs the tethered machine operator of concerning ground instability.

SEND AND RECEIVE However, this is just the start of the in-built safety features. Signals from the control unit inside the cab of the tethered machine are relayed to the winch via a roof antenna in real time. Connected to the tethered machine’s FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

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TRACTION WINCH | TIMBERMAX T10 “THE WHOLE UNIT IS VERY WELL CONSTRUCTED AND, WITH THE DEDICATED CONTROL SYSTEMS IT RUNS WITH, IS VERY USER FRIENDLY”

transmission, the control system recognises the need to reel out or haul back with signals picked up by the receiver, which is mounted on the side of the dipper arm of the winch’s host excavator. The winch’s standard weight of 3,000kg increases to approximately 4,500kg through the

which incorporates a pre-tension spooling arm and motor assembly that spools the rope onto the drum in a controlled way. “Looking at every part of the Timbermax winch’s design, it shows real experience,” said Damien. “The whole unit is very well constructed and, with the dedicated control systems it runs with, is very user friendly.”

FIGHTING GRAVITY

incorporation of the ground anchoring base, and the unit has a working range of 450 to 480m. Mindful of the need to eliminate the possibility of the winch line being reeled onto the drum in an improper fashion, Timbermax developed an ingenious system

The control system comprises a large in-cab touchscreen monitor which is easily transferred between machines set up to work with the Timbermax system. There’s a remote control complete with neck strap, too. Before starting a working cycle, the system needs telling which direction the harvester or forwarder is facing. This input serves to inform the Timbermax system if the machine will be driving forward or reversing down the slope. The next parameter to be set is the force supplied to the line by the winch, which can be adjusted by rotating the accompanying dial. With these settings completed, the machine travels down the slope in a normal fashion and, upon coming to a stop, the control system performs a test to establish if the machine is capable of maintaining its position without support from the winch as an added safety feature. Developing a high level of competence in its use over the first month of operation and subsequently moving to an even more challenging site in County Leitrim, Brophy Timber Services remains extremely impressed by the Timbermax T10. Working in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the Timbermax unit proved extremely effective while only applying half of the possible

Winch attached to rear of Scorpion as it moves down slope.

FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

TIMBERMAX T10 | TRACTION WINCH winch line haul back pressure in most cases, which demonstrates the difference it can make even when working at a fraction of its full capacity. While working with the Ponsse Scorpion harvester, the maximum working width could be utilised with great confidence while the harvester surefootedly reversed back up the slope on completion of each harvesting cycle without damaging the brash mat, as the aggression of the tracks did not need to impact on the material below.

Remote control useful when relocating host.

“IT WAS WHEN WORKING WITH THE FORWARDERS THAT THE T10’S REAL VALUE EMERGED” However, it was when working with the forwarders that the T10’s real value emerged. Facing a demanding uphill extraction cycle with the challenge worsened by the peat and far from ideal fire damaged lodgepole pine brash mat at the summit, both the Wisent and Buffalo forwarders carried out their work in unflustered fashion. With rear headboards fitted to address the problem of logs sliding off due to the severity of the slope, the machines confidently advanced up the hillside.

Successful timber extraction followed great team work.

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

This large in-cab screen is linked to the Timbermax winch.

HANDLING WITH CARE A number of working approaches were adopted to suit the demands of each area. For example, in sections presenting a less severe slope for much of the haul, a single machine often focused on extracting timber to less severe ground within the harvested block for onward extraction by the second forwarder to the roadside. While this approach did present a degree of double handling, it eliminated the need to attach and detach the winch line each

Special cable spooling system inside drum. time between hauls. “The Timbermax winch has performed very well for us,” Damien confirmed. “Long term, mounting one on the rear of an excavator in the 21-tonne class would be a more ideal solution, allowing it to be set up off-road and making the whole system more versatile. RJ Fukes Forestry Services has already proven this can work as the company has experience in adapting the system to a wide range of situations and base machine types.”

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SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS | DOOSAN FORESTRY

BIG ON POWER COMPACT IN SIZE

Nick Drew visits a Doosan DX235LCR-3 excavator in Wales converted to a timber-harvesting machine

IMAGES NICK DREW

t is fair to say that Paul Jones is a man who knows his industry, what he needs from his equipment and what is best suited to meet his business needs. Based in Powys, mid-Wales, Paul formed SPJ Forestry in 2004 and runs a fleet of specialist Ponsse forestry equipment together with highly modified excavators. The Ponsse fleet includes a Buffalo forwarder together with a pair of Scorpion eight-wheeled harvesters complete with H7 harvesting heads. Talking about Ponsse, which he considers

to be among the most premium products in the business, Paul said, “We went out to Finland to visit the factory and see the kit in action and were very impressed with it. The kit is some of the finest available and it’s fair to say that we have spent a lot of money with them in recent years, but it’s money well spent in my opinion.”

MODIFIED EXCAVATOR His excavators come from Volvo and, more recently, from Doosan. Having run a

“THE HYDRAULICS ON THIS EXAMPLE HAVE BEEN MODIFIED TO PROVIDE 300L/MIN TO THE HARVESTER HEAD”

Paul Jones’s latest modiﬁed excavator is a 23.6t Doosan DX235LCR, together with a Ponsse H7 timber-harvesting head. FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

Left and right: The impressive side and front skirt offers heavy-duty impact protection, but also includes useful storage spaces for the likes of a grease gun.

“IN FULL FLOW THE EXCAVATOR IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING ANYWHERE UP TO 40 TONNES PER HOUR” forestry-spec conventional tailswing Doosan DX225-3, which has proved to be an excellent machine and is still in the fleet, Paul decided to look at a zero-tailswing model. The reasoning behind this was they are increasingly working on a lot of narrow forestry tracks and it was felt that the more compact dimensions of the DX235LCR-3 would bring many benefits. At the same time, the machine would still offer plenty of power combined with an impressive oil flow for powering harvester heads, which have made Doosan excavators a much soughtafter product in the forestry sector. This Dash 3 version of the DX235LCR tips the scales at 23.6 tonnes and is powered by a Stage 3B Doosan six-cylinder engine rated at 166hp (125kW) at 1,900rpm. The standard combined output from the pumps is 440L/min, however the hydraulics on this example have been modified to provide 300L/min to the harvester head, and the remainder of the flow is left to work the rest of the machine. Armed with his comprehensive list of modifications that would be needed, Paul had discussions with Hywel Mason, MD of local Doosan dealer Mason Bros, to see what could be done. Forestry work by its very nature can be harsh on machines and so it is

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

common practice for them to be significantly beefed up to protect vital components from any potential damage. Mason Bros designed the protective side skirts, upperstructure frame and all the other modifications, and used a local engineering company to roll and fold the sections as required. Mason then fitted it all together on the machine. The skirt around the sides and front of the excavator cleverly incorporates convenient toolboxes for storage of hand tools, a grease gun and tubes of grease. The impressive tree protection guard, which also includes a steel door panel over the pump bay, not only protects the cab, but also encircles the upper-structure and protects the flexible pipework running up the back of the boom. Moving over tree stumps and cut timber can be hazardous, so modifications in this area include a 20mm-thick belly guard plate and the replacement of the single pedestal top roller by two larger bottom rollers on fabricated twin supports. An additional 20mm rim was added to the track idlers and the standard 700mm triple grouser track pads were effectively converted to single grousers with the addition of a 40mm grouser bar on each pad. This impressive arrangement vastly improves traction on some of the mountainous terrain that they operate on.

Left: Dedicated Ponsse joysticks for the harvester head; Ponsse on-board computer provides a wealth of productivity data. Below: With a number of items of specialist Ponsse forestry equipment in the ﬂeet, it was little surprise that one of their H7 harvesting heads was ﬁtted to the new Doosan.

SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS | DOOSAN FORESTRY Right inset: The tree guard frame not only protects the cab but the entire upper-structure, including the hydraulic hoses at the bottom of the boom.

To further protect vital internal components, on the underside of the upper-structure, all covers were replaced with reinforced 8mm-thick steel plates. The dipper arm was fitted with a cranked extension to accept the harvesting head, the hydraulic pipes re-routed, check valves fitted and the pipework covered by protective metal guarding. Other modifications include the fitment of an additional oil cooler, a hydraulic oil transfer pump, the relocation of the fuel transfer pump and the addition of no less than 15 Swedish-style LED lights. At the business end of the Doosan is a Ponsse H7, which is a compact but robust harvester head. This unit is capable of processing trees with a diameter of 650mm, while de-limbing and cutting into consistently measured lengths.

SITE VISIT For this feature, caught up with man and machine high up on a mountainside in the Ty Glas forest, close to the village of Corris

in the south of Snowdonia, nestled between Machynlleth and Dolgellau. Paul and his team were working direct for Silva/ Kronospan harvesting 24,000 tonnes of timber. This is transported to Kronospan’s factory at Chirk in North Wales, where it is turned into a host of products including panels used to make furniture and in professional construction and DIY industries. Paul said, “The Doosans have proved to be the best machines we have run for this kind of work. We get great speed and power out of them in addition to the reliability and decent fuel economy.” When Paul gets going with this machine, it is an impressive sight to see. In full flow, the excavator is capable of producing anywhere up to 40 tonnes per hour, depending on the site and ground conditions. Having never been involved in this industry during my time as an operator, I was amazed at the speed and precision of the whole operation.

I was even more amazed when I was welcomed into the cab for a look around. Paul was quick to point out that the whole operation is monitored by Ponsse’s onboard computer, which can offer a host of statistics on how much timber has been harvested, lengths processed, time taken to process and a multitude of other operational data. It also displays the all-time grand total of timber processed through that head, a bit like a car’s odometer. It was absolutely amazing to see. Of course, like most special attachments, specially adapted joysticks are required and on this machine they are dedicated Ponsse controls. The complex looking joysticks feature numerous additional buttons to operate the various aspects of the harvester head. Seeing this highly mechanised ‘hydraulic lumberjack’ in operation was a real eye-opener for me, but for Paul and his extremely talented team it was just another day in the office. FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

LIEBHERR LH 24 | MATERIAL HANDLER

IN SAFE HANDS

Faced with a difficult decision at fleet renewal time, Forest Garden put its faith in Liebherr and the manufacturer’s latest LH 24 material handlers –Paul Argent finds out if this decision was the correct one IMAGES PAUL ARGENT

s one of the UK’s largest suppliers of fencing timber and garden sheds, Forest Garden relies on a steady supply of raw material entering its huge production facility at Lockerbie. The mill and factory situated adjacent to the M74 and ideally serving the nation’s motorway network requires a staggering 175,000 tonnes of timber per year to produce in excess of 1.7m fencing slats and over 47,000 fence panels amongst the other products leaving the site. Whilst much of the timber is sourced from Scotland and the Borders, the company looks across the country for the best supplies of timber. “We are in the lucky position where we don’t need a specific dimensional timber,” Operations Director Ross McCrossan explained. “We use 1.9m lengths which are usually found at the tops of the thinner trees and are available freely across the market, meaning we have a good and plentiful supply. Thankfully!” To handle the huge amounts of incoming material, Forest Garden has recently returned to Liebherr for its new fleet of material handlers although the deal wasn’t a forgone conclusion.

Below inset: Powerhand GH-80 with 0.8m2 capacity and 3,010mm overall opening. Bottom: Heavy duty towing eye covers attachment to a 9-tonne capacity twin-axle trailer.

“We have used Liebherr for a number of years and have found them to be the best on the market for our application,” Ross explained. “We had a number of issues with the last three material handlers that brought us into hard discussions when it came to renewal time. We looked hard at one particular manufacturer to replace the existing fleet of handlers but didn’t feel, despite the – now resolved – issues with Liebherr, that anything else would cut the mustard.” The three older machines have since been replaced with three new LH 24 material handlers. The latest arrivals are from the latest LH range of material handlers and are almost exclusively used to load out material from the incoming material line where the timber is sized according to its diameter. The logs pass through the system and are deposited into bays along the conveyor line according to their size. Once sized, the timber is then picked up by one of the Liebherrs and transported to the storage areas before they are transported to the mill. “In previous years, we have been able to build up a stockpile of material coming into the autumn,” Ross said. “But, thanks to the amount of good weather we

The on-site mill is fed with 175,000 tonnes of timber per year, so the LH 24s have their work cut out!

had during Covid and the increase in garden projects being undertaken across the country, we have continued pushing material through the plant to meet the demand for our finished products.”

SETTING THE WHEELS IN MOTION What sets the Forest Garden machines apart from the usual pick and carry material handlers is, they’re not pick and carry machines! The heavy-duty hydrostatic driveline comprising ZF axles rated to 40 tonnes apiece carry the chassis with front and rear outriggers. The rear of the chassis has been fitted with a large towing eye to accommodate the 9-tonne capacity twin-axle trailer the machines are attached to. Traditional pick and carry machines rely on their ability to quickly transfer small amounts of timber around at speed and whilst the LH 24 can match these machines without the trailer, travelling across the yard is greatly reduced by using the trailers resulting in less stress on the drivelines. Yard Manager Robbie Carruthers is very happy with the productivity of the three new arrivals. “They seem to be a lot better than the older machines we had previously, the build quality is excellent and the drivers on both shifts love them,” he said. In a change from the previous loaders, the new

“WHILST MUCH OF THE TIMBER IS SOURCED FROM SCOTLAND AND THE BORDERS, THE COMPANY LOOKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR THE BEST SUPPLIES OF TIMBER”

Right: The ZF axles are rated at 40 tonnes each and carry the chassis with F&R outriggers. FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

LIEBHERR LH 24 | MATERIAL HANDLER Hydraulic elevating cab lowers centre of gravity compared to fixed riser.

Clarke Engineering with a 0.8 cubic metre capacity. Clarke is based only a few miles away in Dumfries and manufactures what we think are the best timber grabs on the market. These are slightly down on the capacity of the previous grabs but this doesn’t affect our productivity. “We chose the GH-80 grabs in a bid to match the physical size of the grab to the dimensions of the numerous bins on the sizing line, as we seemed to be suffering a lot of niggling damage to the old grabs as the hydraulic cylinders were mounted external to the shells of the grab and kept getting hit despite the best efforts of the drivers,” Dave continued. The smaller dimensions of the grab are partly thanks to the compact build of the GH-80 with its twin, internal rams and compact Indexator XR300 rotator providing a short build height of just 1,490mm when fully open. The width of the grab is just 870mm.

STABLE PLATFORM

Above right inset: Operators of the new Liebherrs appreciate their greater feeling of solidity. Below right: Liebherr’s GA10 handling spec provides 11m of reach at ground level.

“WHAT SETS THE FOREST GARDEN MACHINES APART FROM THE USUAL PICK AND CARRY MATERIAL HANDLERS IS, THEY’RE NOT PICK AND CARRY MACHINES!” 60

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

arrivals are fitted with a fully hydraulic elevating cabin instead of a fixed riser. This lowers the centre of gravity on the material handler and reduces the sway for the operator when travelling across the wood yard. An operator’s eye view of almost 5.2m when fully extended allows the operator an uninterrupted view across the plant. Inside the cab, the view to the front of the machine is second to none thanks to the removal of the steering wheel and column with all directional controls now on the joysticks. The GA10 material handling equipment comprises of a 6.1m straight boom and 4m straight stick, which potentially gives a maximum ground level reach of 11m. The choice of timber grab was a simple one for Engineering Manager Dave Smith. “We chose Powerhand grabs from

The LH 24 is powered by Liebherr’s D924FPT 150hp engine mounted longitudinally along the offside of the machine, together with the cooling pack, and now provides a better balanced machine, according to Dave. “I have to agree with Robbie’s comments that the new machines seem to have an even more robust feel about them. Liebherr has addressed our issues and look to have given us a very good machine. The company promised us low fuel figures and we are very happy with the consumption of the new machines. They are exceeding our expectations.” “We went through some pain to thrash out this deal,” Ross concluded. “Overall, we are very happy with the both the deal and the quality of the new material handlers. We have a good relationship with our Salesman Brian McGrane and Material Handling Specialist Mike Hanlon, they have both worked very hard to bring this deal to fruition and I have to thank them for that.”

Field Service Engineer Position McHale Plant Sales, Distributor of Komatsu Forest Equipment in Ireland are recruiting for a Senior Field Service Engineer to join their team. As a Field Service Engineer you will play a key role, supporting the service department through completing routine servicing work, and maintaining and repairing machinery onsite, whilst providing an excellent level of service to our customers. .

Requirements: • Forestry background, with experience in repair, maintenance and set-up of Harvesters & Forwarders. • Good knowledge of electrical, hydraulic and mechanical troubleshooting and repair and competent in following electrical and hydraulic schematic diagrams to diagnose faults. • Competent in welding and fabrication. • Computer Literate. • Full drivers licence and willing to travel throughout Ireland. BeneÀts: • A comprehensive remuneration package • Overtime premium • New company service vehicle • Company pension scheme • Phone & Laptop • Ongoing training will be provided for the successful applicant. Additional Info: McHale Plant Sales has full sales and service depots located in Dublin and Tipperary. They are also national distributors for Komatsu Construction Equipment, Merlo Telescopic Handlers, Metso Outotec Crushing and Screening Equipment, Terex Ecotec Waste Processing Equipment and Topcon Machine Control Systems. Email: recruitment@mchaleplant.com www.mchaleplantsales.com

HARVESTING & BIOMASS ECOLOGICAL SERVICES STUMP REMOVAL SITE CLEARANCE TREE CLEARANCE DEEP ROTIVATING DEEP PLOUGH CONTRACTING MACHINERY HIRE

Kingwell Holding Ltd enquiries@kingwellholdings.co.uk 01376 550989 www.kingwell-holdings.co.uk FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

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The 425 is the newest head in the line-up, a facelifted version of the 415, with many improvements over its predecessor.

“FOR EXCAVATORS AND SPECIAL BUILDS, THERE IS A WHOLE WORLD OF CHOICE FOR HARVESTING AND PROCESSING ATTACHMENTS”

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

MARKET REVIEW | HARVESTING HEADS, 500-700MM+

MAKING THE CUT

The range of OEM and third-party felling and processing heads is massive, so for this issue’s Market Review Ken Topham looked at units in the 500 to 700mm+ sector, which still left us with plenty to go at. Naturally, the Nordic countries provide the lion’s share of third-party heads, as well as OEM attachments IMAGES MANUFACTURERS

expander pins to take up wear in the upper tilt f you’re in the harvesting game and run a cylinder, feed motor arms, and lower de-limbing dedicated harvester, then chances are you’ll run an OEM head. However, for excavators or special knives fitted as standard in high frequency moving components. Pipe routing has been improved, but builds, there is a whole world of choice for the headline for the 425 is a new chain tensioner. harvesting and processing attachments. The UK The SuperCut 100S should improve the stability of and Ireland harvesting and thinning sector will find the tension when under load. The 425 is most of their work can be done with a mid-range predominately found in an OEM head that can handle around 700mm suited to the larger trunks. But as with any attachment, SPECIFICATIONS application, end of the harvester range on there is no cure-all solution, and gains Make John Deere the 1270G and 1470G carriers. in the maximum capacity will affect the Model 425 The feed is four-wheel drive, other end of harvesting versatility. Weight 1,360kg which when fitted to John There are differences between heads Most efficient harvesting range Deere’s own harvester can bring – drive wheel count and knifes being 50-630mm Max cut diameter 710mm Multispeed in 425HD iteration. the most obvious. Here, we look at Ideal for… Final and other There are four mobile knives seven heads of a similar class, size and fellings where the tree and one stationary, which have weight. The carrier machines will diameter at chest height is an optimum efficiency range of largely dictate the choice of head – 250-500 mm Feeding force 27kN 50mm, up to 630mm. Maximum dedicated harvesters will tend to have a Feeding speed 2.9-7.0m/s cut is 710mm, which may involve massive oil flow to get the most from the Oil requirement Na a step cut in none uniform head, whereas an excavator may limit trunks. The 425 head is also the choices without additional available to third party carriers with an easy to hydraulic capacity. integrate control system, which is compatible with third party control systems. Weighing in at 1,360kg JOHN DEERE the 425 is at the lighter end of the scale, replacing The John Deere 425 is a fresh head from the one of John Deere’s most popular harvesting and Swedish branch of John Deere. Launched this year, processing heads. the head is a reworked version of the 415 head, with FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

HARVESTING HEADS, 500-700MM+ | MARKET REVIEW The Komatsu head has an ideal working range of 200-580mm for greatest efficiency, but it can cut smaller and the knives open to 660mm, with a maximum cut diameter of 710mm, which increases to 750mm with the optional 900mm bar. There are multiple options for the C144, The Eco-GLS lubrication system reduces lubricant consumption and eliminates oil mist. Multi-tree handling is an additional feature to further enhance production capacity in thinning, where extra retention arms can hold smaller material, allowing the knives to re-open for the next cut.

PONSSE

SPECIFICATIONS Make Komatsu Model C144 Weight 1,410kg Most efficient harvesting range 200-580mm

Max cut diameter 710/750mm, bar dependent Ideal for… Final felling and thinning Max feed force 23.7-29.6kN motor depending Feeding speed 0-5m/s Oil requirement 320L/min

Above: The Komatsu C144 has been around since 2014, the finished article is a solid performer for felling and thinning.

SPECIFICATIONS Make Ponsse Model H8 Weight 1,250kg (without

KOMATSU Komatsu C114 has been in the line-up of harvest and processing heads for Komatsu for eight years now. The C144 has been refined since launch, to a well trusted member of the harvesting head range, typically found on OEM host carriers like the 931 and upwards, the head can be attached to thirdparty carriers if required. The Komatsu head is one of the marques most common heads found on the frontline in harvesting, but versatile enough to work in thinnings. The C144 has four hydraulic de-limbing knives, with the two forward knives providing more efficient de-limbing of challenging trees, and four-wheel drive feed, with the backplate wheels in a vertical layout.

Ponsse’s H8 is another top selling OEM head, widely seen on the company’s larger harvesters. Like those heads of other OEMs, the H8 can be used on other harvesting carriers, and like the others will see a slight reduction in functionality when connected to third-party hosts, largely in terms of oil requirement, an excavator package is available. The H8 is a three-wheel drive head, with four hydraulic and two stationary de-limbing knives. The H8 is aimed more at felling, with its maximum cut at 800mm. The H8 is a high-capacity head, but modest in weight, at 1,250kg gives a favourable head to capacity ratio, but it requires a 20- to 30-tonne tracked carrier. The knives open to 740 and 780mm, with the standard bar at 820mm there is a 900mm option if you’re working at the upper end of the the H8’s capability. On a full OEM system, the Ponsse head can deliver stepless knife and roller pressure with intelligent saw control relating to the stem diameter, said to prolong the service life of the saw. The H8 harvester head is also ideal for multi-stemming. The geometry of the rollers and de-limbing knives is also excellent for collecting and cutting larger diameter trees.

“KOMATSU’S C144 HAS BEEN REFINED SINCE LAUNCH, TO A WELL TRUSTED MEMBER OF THE HARVESTING HEAD RANGE”

rotator)

Most efficient harvesting range Up to 720mm

Max cut diameter 800mm (with 900mm bar)

Ideal for… Felling Max feed force 36kN Feeding speed 5m/s

Ponsse’s H8 head is aimed more at felling and processing, and suited to the company’s larger wheeled harvesters such as the Ergo and Bear.

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Made in Austria

Visit our website for all our product information

MADE IN

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Eschlböck BIBER wood chippers by eschlboeck.at

Tel: 01892 770 788 Mobile: 07836 274 164 www.marshalllogging.co.uk sales@marshalllogging.co.uk

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HEAD R E T S E V SLA HAR

Kesla’s extensive experience in forest technology gives us superior expertise as a harvester developer. Kesla’s harvester family offers the market’s most comprehensive line of both roller and stroke harvester heads.

www.kesla.com 66

Mark Beach Forestry Engineer tel. +44 7502 484198 www.markbeachforestry.co.uk Info@markbeachforestry.co.uk

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MARKET REVIEW | HARVESTING HEADS, 500-700MM+ SPECIFICATIONS Make Kesla Model 29RH-II Weight 1,540kg (without rotator)

Most efficient harvesting range

Up to 720mm

Max cut diameter 780mm

Ideal for… Felling, and de-limbing difficult hardwoods

Max feed force

20-32kN, oil flow depending Feeding speed Variable, oil flow depending

Oil requirement

175-260L/min

systems. Kesla itself offers different versions of the proLOG-system. The head features a three hydraulic and one stationary de-limbing knives. The feeding rollers are mounted on a linkage, which allows them to carry more weight on larger stems, increasing their grip on the trunk. The 29RH-II harvester head is ideal for felling crooked and branched hardwoods due to its compact dimensions. Kesla can also supply and fit extender booms to increase reach, but this will naturally impact the carrier size requirement.

“AFM FOREST’S AFM 65 IS A THREE-WHEEL DRIVE HEAD BUT WITH FOUR DRIVE MOTORS” Left: Third-party heads are popular for excavator users and Kesla’s wide range of heads are aimed at smaller carriers, with the 29RH-II near the top of its series.

AFM FOREST

KESLA On to third-party heads and Kesla’s offering in the bracket – the 29RH-II. Kesla offers a wide range of head sizes and tailored solutions for customers. The 29RH-II is near the top end of the range, with only one model above it. The Kesla can be fitted to wheeled harvesters, but it’s likely that buyers will be fitting it to an excavator, which will need to be in the 20- to 30-tonne class. Weight is in line with the OEMs; at 1,530kg, with a 780mm max cut diameter, the 29RH-II is less complex than the units already mentioned, a tip toward the typical carriers lower oil flow compared to a dedicated harvester. Kesla’s 29RH-II is a two-wheel drive head, that will communicate with other control and measurement

Another head out of Finland, AFM Forest offers the AFM 65, which sits as our class choice for this feature. The AFM 65 is a three-wheel drive head but with four drive motors and, like rivals, will fit either an excavator or wheeled harvester. Featuring an easy-to-integrate measuring system, the AFM is similar in feature set to the OEM heads, with four hydraulic knives and as such needs plenty of oil to get the maximum output from it. Excavator requirement is a little more modest compared with what we’ve looked at already, at 20 to 25 tonnes, and the same weight for a wheeled harvester, which will put it at the large end of carrier. A common feature of the heads we’re looking at is automatic management of proportional hydraulics, drive wheel and knife pressure, and the AFM harvester head doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The company says the 65 is suited to felling and big thinnings, but also promotes its versatility in handling storm damaged woods and its ability to work from stockpiles. It’s slightly heavier than an OEM at 1,620kg, but has speed and power that are certainly

SPECIFICATIONS Make AFM Forest Model AFM 65 Weight 1,620kg (without rotator)

Most efficient harvesting range 300-500mm

Max cut diameter 860mm Ideal for… Felling and storm damaged wood

Max feed force 35kN, oil flow depending

The AFM is very similar in design and capability to the OEM heads, but in a standalone package.

Feeding speed 0-5.5m/s Oil requirement 300L/min

FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

HARVESTING HEADS, 500-700MM+ | MARKET REVIEW “THE LOG MAX 7000 TWIN HAS A PENDULUM ACTION FOR THE FEED WHEELS” chains are mounted on a parallel linkage to maintain consistent grip on stems of varying diameter. The feeding speed of the Keto is a little slower than others in this list, but with so much more purchase on the log, the difference in real world use may be less noticeable, as the 500HD may be able to use its 30kN to more effect.

SPECIFICATIONS Make Keto Forest Model 500HD Weight 1,450kg

LOG MAX

thinning

competitive with those heads. The optimum working tree diameter is 300 to 500mm, but max cut is a 860mm with the longest sawbar installed.

depending

KETO

(without rotator)

Most efficient harvesting range Up to 600mm

Max cut diameter 600mm Ideal for… Felling and Max feed force 30kN, oil flow Feeding speed 3.8m/s Oil requirement 300L/min

Above: The rugged Keto 500HD stands out from the crowd with its caterpillar track feeding system, ideal in inconsistent stems.

SPECIFICATIONS Make Log Max Model 7000 Twin Weight 1,889kg Most efficient harvesting range 160-500mm

Max cut diameter 750mm Ideal for… Felling Max feed force 35.9kN, on standard configuration Feeding speed 3.9m/s, on standard configuration Oil requirement 200L/min minimum

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Another from the felling Fins. Keto specialises in harvester heads and they stand out somewhat because of their track drive, which is claimed to reduce stem damage, with a much increased contact point with the wood. The 500HD sits at the lower end of the sector, in terms of max cutting diameter, but midway in terms of weight at 1,450kg. The 500HD will communicate with a number of measuring systems. Keto doesn’t specify a carrier weight, but with the mass of the harvesting head plus tree, it’s likely to be in the 20- to 30-tonne class of excavator. Keto’s 500HD has four hydraulic de-limbing knives, and one stationary. The tilt ram and rotator are built into the connecting arm, which should provide good protection of these components. The feeder drive

The Log Max’s design is quite different to the rest of the line-up, a floating top knife and two large feeder wheels headline features.

Log Max is frequently used by Tigercat when a smaller felling/processing head is required over its own large- capacity heads. The 7000 Twin has a pendulum action for the feed wheels compared to the opposing grab of the others. It also runs with no back plate wheels, as the two large diameter drive wheels do the work, pulling stems through the four hydraulic de-limbing knives. The Log Max also differs in the top knife department, with a floating knife, which aims to reduce limbs flattening on none uniform logs, as well as saving fuel with reduced friction when possible. The 7000 Twin has a max cut of 750mm but the highest productivity range is 160 to 500mm. The heaviest in this class at 1,889kg, you’ll need a 21- to 30-tonne tracked machine to hang it off, or a large wheeled harvester, in the 18- to 25-tonne range. The control and measuring system can run either through the carrier machine’s system, or a Log Mate 510 can be used for measuring, control and reporting of harvested logs. There is a plethora of options for the Log Max, the Hultdins SuperCut 100 saw unit being an attractive addition. The drive wheels cab can also be specced to your requirement, suiting the timer mostly harvested.

KETO

NEW RELEASE! Keto-150 Karate Keto Forst W with rear knife 360°-Rotator

Dealer: Jas P Wilson Forest Machines info@jaspwilson.co.uk tel 01556 612 233

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SKIDDERS & FORWARDERS | CLASSIC FORESTRY

SKID

MARQUES

Stuart Gibbard looks at the development of specialised forestry equipment, leading to the arrival of dedicated timber forwarders and skidders during the latter half of the 20th century

IMAGES STUART GIBBARD

he forestry industry became more organised during the First World War to meet the demand for posts and planks for trench fortifications, but the move to mechanisation was a slow process. The felling and trimming operations usually relied on men with saws and axes, while the timber extraction was done by horses or steam. The arrival of the motor tractor heralded the move to more mechanised methods, but many of the machines used in the forest were no more than adaptations of existing equipment. The tractors, usually converted industrial models, handled a variety of tasks including skidding, winching, loading logs, and hauling timber.

The Second World War put huge demands on Britain’s forests to produce timber for the war effort, including pit props for the coal industry. To meet the demands, tractors were converted into more specialised machines with heavy-duty winches, sprags, anchors and guards to withstand the rigours of forestry work. Most of the wartime forestry tractors were based on Fordson models produced at Dagenham. Dedicated timber tractors were also beginning to arrive on the market with some of the first in Britain developed by the Auto-Mower Engineering Company of Norton St Philip, near Bath. Its machines were also based on Ford components. The post-war surge in demand for timber brought new levels of investment in the

Above: A French Agrip forestry tractor from back in the 1960s. The power came from a four-cylinder Berliet diesel engine delivering 85hp.

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

Above: Built in Chicago, the Pettibone Master 8 Speed Skidder had a six-cyl Continental petrol engine and could be fitted with a Fuller five-speed or Allison torque-converter transmission.

A Canadian Tree Farmer skidder that was purchased by the Forestry Commission in 1970. The machine had a 77hp Deutz air-cooled engine, an American Cotta transmission and Rockwell axles. industry, and greater demands on the machinery it operated. For a time, converted tractors remained the mainstay of the industry for timber extraction, but these machines had their limitations, especially in terms of traction. More sophisticated four-wheel drive logging trucks, such as the British Unipower or French Latil, paved the way for the development of more specialised timber skidders and forwarders.

A SHAW THING Adapted industrial machines, particularly wheeled and tracked loaders, were also pressed into service on some forestry

Above: The American Clark Ranger 662 log skidder was a 95hp machine dating from 1970.

“THE POST-WAR SURGE IN DEMAND FOR TIMBER BROUGHT NEW LEVELS OF INVESTMENT IN THE INDUSTRY”

operations. Although suitable for loading timber on level sites, most were unable to cope with the rigours and extremes of woodland terrain. Much important work was also done by Colonel R G Shaw, the machinery research officer at the Forestry Commission’s experimental station in Alice Holt Forest in Surrey. Shaw worked closely with several of the tractor manufacturers, especially County and Roadless, to evolve more suitable equipment. In later years, County four-wheel drive tractors with their rugged construction, go-anywhere ability and FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

Above: This Timberjack 225D cable skidder dates from 1980 and was one of several imported into the UK. Various engine options were offered including Cummins, Detroit or Perkins units mated to a four-speed Allison transmission. Below: An unusual conversion of an Italian Landini 7500 tractor into a timber forwarder. The machine, seen at a French forestry exhibition in the mid-1970s, was fitted with a Swedish Cranab crane and a front-mounted hydraulic blade for log rolling or thinning.

legendary stability on slopes were a boon to the forestry industry. Fitted with cranes, blades or winches, they were used for a variety of extraction and harvesting operations, both as skidders and forwarders. The alternative to a tractor conversion was a purpose-built skidder or forwarder, which had gained in popularity by the 1970s. Scandinavia led the field in forwarders, basically a power unit combined with a

powered timber trailer and crane for extraction, forwarding, hauling, loading, and unloading operations. Several forwarders were still based on tractor skid units. The Savotta from Finland used County skids, while the Swedish RottneBlondin was based on a Ford 7000. Volvo was one of the leading Scandinavian manufacturers. In the mid-1970s, it claimed, ‘Every second transport machine in the Swedish forests is a BM-Volvo.’

BY NAME AND NATURE While the forwarder was used for bulk haulage, often on forest roadways, the heavy-duty skidder was often the first line of attack, extricating the logs from the felling site to the loading area. Fitted with a grapple or winches, it ‘skidded’ the cut trees out of the woodland. It could also uproot stumps or use its blade to push over trees in thinning operations. The blade could also be used for rolling logs or high-stacking timber. One of the first skidders was developed in Canada by Timberland Machines of Woodstock. Called the Timberjack, this articulated four-wheel drive machine appeared in 1961. Several of the skidders used by the UK forestry industry during the 1970s and ‘80s were imported from North America. The well-known makes, aside from

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

CLASSIC FORESTRY | SKIDDERS & FORWARDERS Timberjack, also included Tree Farmer, Clark and Pettibone. Dedicated forestry equipment was also manufactured by the big three American firms of John Deere, Caterpillar and International Harvester. New innovations being applied to forestry machines by the end of the 1970s included low-ground pressure equipment, flexible or removable tracks, hydrostatic transmissions, pivoting frames or four-wheel steering, articulated axle assemblies, telescopic cranes or grabs, increased hydraulic capacity, reversible driving positions and radio-controlled functions. All the latest developments were being evaluated by Roderick Ross, the Forestry Commission’s chief research and development engineer, who was based in the Commission’s experimental workshops at Alice Holt. For several years, Ross had been playing around with ideas for a specialised timber extraction vehicle that would be safer than a crawler with greater manoeuvrability and better driver comfort.

WHERE THERE’S A WILL... Many of the forest plantings made 30 years previously were coming to maturity or required thinning. Much of the managed woodland had been grown on poorer land, such as the peat bogs on the Scottish borders. The Forestry Commission required an exceptional machine to cope with extreme conditions. It also had to be reasonably priced and reliable with low running costs. Ross drew up a design criteria based on the following list of requirements: must be narrow to operate on forest tracks; must be

“SCANDINAVIA LED THE FIELD IN FORWARDERS, BASICALLY A POWER UNIT COMBINED WITH A POWERED TIMBER TRAILER AND CRANE”

able to traverse side slopes; good ground clearance; low centre of gravity; four-wheel drive; frame articulation so that all four wheels stay in contact with the ground on rough terrain; small turning circle; low weight (less than 3,630kg); two winches and fairleads, possibly radio-controlled; rollover safety frame with low noise levels inside cab; ergonomic controls and seating; brakes unaffected by mud or water; differential lock.

THE WAY OF THE SWEDES It was a tall order with several design exercises tried. Between 1969 and 1974, various prototypes were built at Alice Holt with Roadless’s chief designer, Vic Crockford, asked to consult on the project. The earlier machines were based on International skid units, with Ford powering the later skidders. After the design was finalised, Roadless built the Forestry Commission a batch of 12 machines, which was completed in 1977. Following this, Roadless developed its own improved

The Forestry Commission’s Mark lll experimental hydrostatic timber skidder, which was built in 1973. A 63hp International D239 engine drove four Carron wheel motors via a single over-centre Sunstrand pump.

FORESTRY MACHINERY AUTUMN 2021

SKIDDERS & FORWARDERS | CLASSIC FORESTRY version of the forestry tractor, which it christened the Logmaster. The Commission immediately ordered 36 with the first delivered in 1979. Unfortunately, the placing of the order coincided with a shift in the Forestry Commission’s brief with more emphasis on conservancy and recreation. With recession affecting the demand for softwood for pulp processing and the paper industry, the government ordered the Commission to handover its harvesting operations to private contractors. The order for Logmasters was slashed, putting Roadless under severe financial pressure from which it never recovered.

Dating from 1983, this John Deere 448D grapple skidder was an 80hp machine with a 2.1m stacking blade.

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE By the 1980s, the type of machinery was also changing with the arrival of more sophisticated equipment from Scandinavia. In 1989, the Timberjack operation was taken over by the Finnish Rauma-Repola Group. By 1997, the organisation had produced 25,000 Timberjack 200 Series

Below: Purchased by the Forestry Commission in 2000 and operating at Grizedale Forest in South Lakeland, this 127hp Valmet 840 S-2 timber forwarder had a hydrostatic transmission and eight driven wheels. Designed to carry 10 tonnes, it was fitted with a Cranab crane.

“THE FORESTRY COMMISSION REQUIRED AN EXCEPTIONAL MACHINE TO COPE WITH EXTREME CONDITIONS” A Roadless Logmaster skidder that was delivered to the Cumbrian Forestry contractors, Sheffield & Co, in July 1979. It is seen in Newcastleton Forest with a SeddonAtkinson 400 Series eight-wheeler.

AUTUMN 2021 FORESTRY MACHINERY

skidders based on the original 1961 design. In 1985, Volvo BM was bought out by Valtra and production moved to Finland. Later operating under the Valtra name, the company continued to be one of the leading manufacturers of timber forwarders. The other well-known name for forwarders and harvesters was Rottne of Sweden. The UK’s Forestry Commission’s Forest Enterprise handled the management of its woodlands, while the harvesting operations were the responsibility of its Mechanical Engineering Services (MES). By the late 1990s, MES harvested one-quarter of the Commission’s total volume. Its fleet consisted of 50 harvesters and 75 forwarders including both Valtra Valmet and Timberjack machines.

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FORESTRY MACHINERY FOR ALL NEEDS  FROM LIGHT THINNING TO HEAVY FINAL FELLING

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ROTTNE FORWARDERS AND HARVESTERS MEET EVERY NEED, FROM LIGHT THINNING TO HEAVY FINAL FELLING. WE OFFER SWEDISHMADE PRODUCTS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY AND THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY, AN EXTENSIVE SERVICE NETWORK AND A COMPETENT AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE.

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Forestry Machinery Issue 7 (Autumn 2021)

Articles inside

MARKET REVIEW

MATERIAL HANDLER

TRACTION WINCH

NEW PRODUCT

INTERVIEW

NEWS

FLEET FOCUS

ALL-ROUND HARVESTER

LIEBHERR LH

HYBRID HARVESTER

MODIFIED EXCAVATOR