The heads are primarily built for late thinning or final felling.

Waratah Forestry Equipment has introduced two new models to its 200 Series line: the H219 and H219X harvester heads. Primarily built for late thinning or final felling, the new models have a variety of features for added uptime in harvesting, processing and debarking applications. The heads are designed to easily handle final felling or variable diameter late thinning in mixed stands, crooked hardwood or debarking applications.

The H219, weighing in at 1,970 kg (4,343 lb.), or the H219X, at 2,050 kg (4,519 lb.), can efficiently handle large-size wood in final felling or late thinning applications – including hardwood or softwood – and eucalypt debarking. The narrow head design lends itself to improved visibility in thinning applications, while the two-roller geometry design provides good handling of variable diameters and challenging tree forms up to 750 mm (29.5 in.) in diameter.

Available configuration options promote productivity in processing applications. These include longer upper-delimb arms, top saw and find-end sensor, which are available for faster processing of logs from the ground. Furthermore, the new length measuring unit has improved geometry and consistency for more precise measurements – reducing measuring loss and reversals.

Additionally, the H219 and H219X are equipped with the new SuperCut 100S saw unit which features new improvements to usability and serviceability. One highlight of the SuperCut 100S is the improved chain tensioning system, which extends saw bar and tip life while reducing chain jump-off. The saw also has new mechanical bar locking – making saw chain changes easier and providing more flexibility for motor sizing and wide-tail saw bars for broader application suitability. The H219 and H219X can be used with large wheeled or tracked machines

With uptime being critical to any operation, the H219 and H219X have a variety of improved features that enhance durability. The configurations include new optional HD feed roller guards for durability in thick understory or rough terrain. A heavy-duty (HD) tilt frame option is available for tracked applications, and it is standard on the H219X.

Improved hose routing along with new guarding protection on both the exterior and underside of the head help extend hose life. The new configuration helps reduce limb interference with hoses, cylinder and motor fittings, while feed motors have new anti-cavitation protection. Likewise, the optional top saw now has a more integrated design improving durability and serviceability. The new design features guarding on the underside to keep splinters and debris away.

Additionally, the new measuring arm design features a larger cylinder and pins, higher contact force and increased shock resistance while a larger and more aggressive measuring wheel expertly handles trees with thick bark. Simplified servicing extends operational time to increase productivity on the job. Highlights of the H219 and H219X include a new valve cover and more easily accessible service points for quicker access. New hose bulk-heads improve access with hose connections externally accessible for quick changeouts.

The Waratah H219 and H219X are currently available to customers in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Asia Pacific. Source

The software will now include Waratah H-16 production data.

John Deere will now offer TimberMatic™ Maps and TimberManager™ as a standard offering for tracked harvesters or forestry swing machines with a factory-installed Waratah H-16 Measuring System. This will enable the onboard TimberMatic™ Maps and cloud-based TimberManager™ programs to incorporate production data from the Waratah H-16 Measuring System. The expanded software collects timber processing data from the H-16 system. Real-time production data of processed timber is linked to location through the in-cab monitor and synched to the cloud-based TimberManager. Job site progress data is then accessible to off-site managers or employees through a phone, tablet or computer using the TimberManager software.

The TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager are included in-base on new machines ordered with a factory H-16 Measuring System. A retrofit option can be downloaded and installed at no additional charge on existing machines utilizing the H-16 system. Machines must be equipped with 4G MTG and an active JDLink™ Telematics subscription.

John Deere has therefore been able to bring together the data collection capabilities of TimberMatic Maps and the Waratah H-16 Measuring System to offer more value to our customers. Many of the challenges customers face can be improved through increased visualization of job site workflow and productivity, and communication.

Launched in 2018, TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager enhance machine connectivity and communication. The TimberMatic Maps solution features mapping software for use in the field, leveraging a mobile network to share real-time production data between operators and office managers in the office. Data is collected through sensors on the equipment, while production location is gathered through GPS technology. This data is then shared to the cloud, where managers can access TimberManager from a PC, tablet or phone, allowing them to track job site progress remotely. Source

Smart Construction Remote allows support for the job and for operators without travelling to the site.

Managers of large construction projects now have a new technological tool to help them work more efficiently and economically. Komatsu announces the North American launch of its Smart Construction Remote application, which allows users to send new design data to machines in the field, and remotely support operators, without traveling to the job site.

Customers can remotely send files from their office to target machines, easily search all connected assets, and log in to a machine and see what their operator is seeing. They can also easily pinpoint the location of machines by job site and upload or download design files at anytime from anywhere.

Using Smart Construction Remote’s capabilities, construction site managers can help operators troubleshoot issues in real time by viewing the same data they do. They can add new files without the time commitment of traditional methods, and transfer design files to multiple machines on site with one click.

Smart Construction Remote’s software is compatible with select makes of machines with installed Topcon devices and all Komatsu intelligent Machine Control models. Komatsu-certified will help users get the most from the application and develop team capabilities.

Smart Construction Remote is one of Komatsu’s new Smart Construction Solutions, an umbrella of smart applications created to help construction customers orchestrate construction planning, better handle management and scheduling, streamline costs, and optimize processes remotely in near real time. Source    

Despite the difficult situation, demand picked up in nearly all markets.

The slight recovery of the markets and the good performance of Ponsse’s network increased the value of orders to EUR 161.2 (116.9) million during the third quarter. The order book remained at the second quarter’s level, being EUR 178.5 (326.4) million. The factory operated at full capacity throughout the quarter, apart from the summer holiday period.

Ponsse have adapted effectively to the pandemic, including remote working, and have been able to keep projects running effectively in all operations. The factory is fully on schedule, and their operations are developing strongly, driven by continuous improvement. Disruptions in the supplier network have decreased, apart from a few individual companies.

The existing order book allowed Ponsse to run the factory at full capacity after the holidays, which led to a record-high third quarter in their history. Net sales for the third quarter were high at EUR 155.0 (148.3) million. As operations picked up, the company had no temporary layoffs, and effective cost cuts enabled good profitability. Ponsse’s operating profit for the quarter was EUR 21.6 (16.2) million, giving an operating margin of 13.9 (10.9) per cent. Although net sales are slightly behind the previous year, profitability reached the previous year’s level after the first nine months of the year. This is largely attributable to the successful third quarter.

Despite their successes during the third quarter, Ponsse indicates that there are still significant uncertainties in the markets. Ponsse estimates the total market has decreased by approximately 20 per cent this year. The changed operating environment has a significant impact and the smaller order book no longer offers the same level of security to business cyclicality it has given in the past.

The factory will continue to run at full capacity in two shifts until the end of October. After this, the order book does not enable two shifts, and the factory will operate in one shift during November and December. Source

Vimek expands the use of the 404 DUO combination machine by producing a biofuel harvesting package.

Vimek specializes in compact forestry machines. They currently have an increased interest in mechanized forest management and where bio-energy assortments in many areas can make a significant contribution to the forest management that enables higher returns in thinning operations. With the new configuration, the machine owner will have a specialized machine for harvesting and shredding tree parts, in other words a machine for bio-fuel extraction from the forest.

As the forest or tree conditions vary, the machine can be adapted to allow the most cost-effective method to be employed. If the stems are very small, the stems can be quickly cleared with the Vimek C12 clearing head. To obtain biofuel from this biomass, the Vimek Bio-Duo package with multi-tree gripping saw can then be used. A trolley is attached, and the wood can be extracted without changing tools.

Is there is an existing roadway, one can have the trolley connected all the time. Then the machine becomes a driver instead of a combination machine. It is possible to attach a harvesting head for harvesting CTL timber before switching to a grip and attaching the trolley for extracting.

Vimek's hydraulic struts enable compression of bulky tree parts which increases load capacity. Switching from a standard CTL harvester unit to a gripping saw takes a few minutes and then one is ready to cut down tree parts. In a few minutes one can install the driven trolley with compressive struts and can eject the material. In some cases, one can also let the trolley follow the harvesting stage and place the tree parts directly on the trolley. Source

JCB marks its 75th birthday

JCB celebrated by giving employees around the world an additional day’s holiday. And in a special video message to the global workforce, JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford paid tribute to the efforts of employees past and present who have contributed to the success of JCB. Source

Komatsu Forests Bogie Lift Advanced now available on more models

Bogie Lift Advanced, which enables individual control of the left and right bogies, will now be available as an option on the Komatsu 825TX, 835TX and 845 models. This function provides the forwarder with great mobility when passing over obstacles, which is especially important in dense forest stands with narrow strip roads that require agile machines with good offroad handling. Source

Ponsse once again the most reputable company in Finland

For the third year in succession, Ponsse has been selected as the most reputable company in Finland in the annual Reputation&Trust survey. In the top three, Ponsse was followed by game development company Supercell, while Fazer came in third. A total of 8,974 Finns participated in the survey. Source

“Quality variation in comminuted forest fuels delivered during the winter in north Sweden”

Found in International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2020. The authors were Eero Liski, Pekka Jounela, Heikki Korpunen, Amanda Sosa, Ola Lindroos and Paula Jylhä. Source

“Modeling the productivity of mechanized CTL harvesting with statistical machine learning methods”

Found in International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2020. The authors were Eero Liski, Pekka Jounela, Heikki Korpunen, Amanda Sosa, Ola Lindroos and Paula Jylhä. Source