The new mapping feature provides customers with a new jobsite perspective to increase operational productivity and precision.

The new mapping technology option on the TimberRite H-16 benefits the owners bottom line. The mapping capabilities give Waratah customers a new vantage point to see their jobsite work progress, eliminate operational guesswork and improve productivity and efficiency.

One of the key benefits of the mapping technology option on the TimberRite H-16 system is how it enables visualization of production on the jobsite. In conjunction with H-16, the mapping links valuable production data and information to location – improving productivity and operational precision.

Operators benefit from the mapping technology option with improved jobsite planning for harvesting routes and increased awareness of jobsite progress. The mapping system tracks productivity and provides capabilities to mark boundaries and area as well as identify points of interest such as hazards, obstacles, soft ground and challenging terrain. The mapping solution is able to identify hazards onsite. The automatic alarms are a good reminder, especially when working around powerlines and roads.

TimberRite H-16 complements the new mapping technology option with its powerful Windows PC. Controlling the head for accurate measuring and precise log control, it also serves to display the mapping technology, records production information, tracks productivity and packages appropriate files in the latest format to ensure data interchanges virtually with any professional system in the forestry industry.

The touch-screen display or wireless keyboard and touch pad mouse assist the user in setting boundaries, area or points of interest – and make any necessary adjustments. The mapping technology has compatibility with all map formats including shapefiles, pdfs, standard satellite or topographical imagery, and it’s capable on all carrier brands with a new or existing TimberRite H-16 system. Source

The Tigercat App version 2.2 now has multi-lingual capability, customizable features, and an upgraded user experience.

The upgraded App now has the following additional features:

• Multi-lingual: This version of the Tigercat App has multi-lingual capability with applicable machine specifications available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Swedish. Convenient in-language links take you from the App product page to tigercat.com for more product information and related resources.
• Upgraded user experience: The user experience has been improved. Data updates are much quicker and entirely user controlled. The interface is cleaner and easier to navigate. Dealer and customer login credentials for password-protected areas such as the Dealer Portal and RemoteLog® are stored® and remembered for easy access.
• Customizable features: When viewing machine specifications, not only can you select your language of choice, you can now customize text size and filter by current machine models or all models. You can also bookmark your favourite products for quick reference. Make sure you have the latest Tigercat information at your fingertips. Visit your app store today. Source

If sourced from renewable means, an element such as hydrogen can be a zero-emission, extremely efficient fuel source.

What are fuel cells and how do they work? Cummins provides some answers to our questions:

• What are fuel cells? A fuel cell utilizes the chemical energy of hydrogen, natural gas or other hydrocarbon fuels to generate electricity. Unlike a battery, a fuel cell system does not store energy. Instead, it relies on a constant supply of fuel and oxygen in the same way that an internal combustion engine relies on a constant supply of gasoline or diesel and oxygen. A Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEM or PEMFC), also known as a hydrogen fuel cell, uses hydrogen exclusively as the fuel. In the case of hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), hydrogen is typically compressed and stored in tanks that are attached to the vehicle. Fuel cells are used to complement electric batteries as part of an FCEV powertrain, enabling several operating strategies for the user that offer flexibility in choice of energy (hydrogen, battery or an optimized  combination) based on price of the desired fuel source – electricity or hydrogen, and tailored to each application.
• How do hydrogen fuel cells work? The basic structure of a fuel cell consists of two electrodes (a negative and a positive) separated by an electrolyte. Each fuel cell is only a few millimeters thick and hundreds of them are stacked together to build a fuel cell stack. The supply of fuel, which is hydrogen in the case of hydrogen fuel cells, comes from a tank attached to the vehicle. The fuel is fed into the anode (the negative electrode) while oxygen from the atmosphere is introduced to the cathode (the positive electrode). Different fuel cell types exist and they each use a different process to create electricity, but for the most part a catalyst is introduced between the electrodes, which causes electrons to travel through an external circuit which is how electricity is created. In FCEV powertrains, the electricity produced from the fuel cell can be used to power an electric motor to produce mechanical power, to power accessories and to charge the high voltage battery packs as needed. In the case of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell, the byproduct of this chemical reaction is water and heat.
• What are the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology? Compared to electric batteries, fuel cell powertrains would have a higher energy density and are quicker to refuel, making them more suitable for applications with longer daily ranges that cannot be accomplished by batteries alone. Analyses indicate, for example, that PEM fuel cells could be a viable solution for medium to long haul trucks, while battery only vehicles may be more suitable for short haul vehicles. Currently, the battery capacity needed for the range requirements of long-haul, and the resulting weight from the batteries, is prohibitive for trucks that need to reserve that weight for their load. Because fuel cells have higher energy density and lessen the battery capacity needed, it can create significant improvements in tractor weight while still providing adequate range. And when vehicles do need to refuel, for the near future hydrogen refueling is much quicker compared to recharging batteries despite evolving recharging technologies. Fuel cells also offer great flexibility due to their modular design: fuel cell systems and storage tanks can be tailored to meet the needs of different applications across different markets. Lastly, and very importantly, hydrogen can be sourced from water using a process called electrolysis, which uses electricity to separate a water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen. Thus, fuel cells can be a decarbonized source of energy.
• What are the current challenges to hydrogen fuel cell adoption? Fuel cell technology is very promising, but like battery electric vehicles, there are many factors that influence adoption. Emissions regulations, financial incentives, technology development, infrastructure and total cost of ownership (TCO) will all be key in driving the adoption of fuel cell-powered vehicles. Currently, fuel cell technology is still developing which means there is limited real-world testing and limited investment in infrastructure, like hydrogen fueling stations. Customers are also faced with a higher upfront vehicle cost with payback largely dependent on the price of fuel. Fuel cell electric vehicles do offer flexibility allowing customers the option to refuel with hydrogen or recharge with electricity depending on which provides the best value, but long-term savings on those operating costs will be directly connected to the price of hydrogen. While some experts project hydrogen prices to fall, the initial investment for operators is likely to remain quite high compared to other technologies in the near-term. In addition to financial factors, these systems, as compared to the incumbent fossil fuel solutions are also presently challenged by increased weight, reduced power density, and increased refueling time. While the latter is currently superior to battery charging solutions, it is still a challenge when compared to traditional liquid fuel refill times for similar amounts of fuel energy. The industry continues to work actively to address these challenges.  Source

Scania will develop a solar cell clad trailer to power a plug-in hybrid truck.

In a research partnership, Scania will develop a solar cell clad trailer to power a plug-in hybrid truck. Initial tests indicate possible fuel savings of 5–10 percent in Sweden and twice that amount in sun-rich southern Spain.

Solar cells have previously been employed on boats and caravans but then only to power auxiliaries such as refrigerators and cookers and not the actual powertrain. The truck will be operated in daily transport assignments by the Swedish haulier Ernst Express, which also collaborated with Scania in trials of the world’s first electric road with overhead catenary lines. Ernst Express will operate an 18-metre long solar cell clad trailer with a total area along the sides and roof of 140 square metres. In total, the solar panels are expected in Sweden to annually generate 14,000 kWh.

The research project will also examine whether the trailer can feed electricity into the grid when the batteries are fully charged and the truck is parked, for example, over weekends.

In a pre-study, operations in mid-Sweden were simulated reaching a potential fuel saving of 5–10 percent. In Sweden, there is enough sunlight from spring to autumn to generate energy and although the sun is weak except during summer, there are more hours of sunlight. During the rest of the year, there is insufficient sun in Sweden. By contrast, southern Spain has 80 percent more hours of sunlight.

The project is publicly funded the Swedish government’s innovation agency Vinnova and aside from Scania and Ernst Express also engages Midsummer that manufactures the solar panels, Uppsala University, which conducts advanced research on more efficient solar cells, and the Dalakraft energy company. Source

Lightning is a dangerous yet often-overlooked weather phenomenon.

Understanding the danger and taking precautions could save your life. Logging-on has previously brought you information on safety in a logging machine. We have now found a good source of information for lightning safety inside of buildings. The source discusses this safety risk under the following headings:

1. First Things First: Taking Shelter from Lightning. The saying goes, when thunder roars, go indoors. Although lightning can strike anywhere, buildings and homes are typically safer than outdoor locations.
2. Does Lightning Pose a Threat While Indoors? Generally speaking, the safest place you can be in the event of an electrical storm is inside a building with four walls and a roof. However, just because you're indoors does not mean that you're completely safe.
3. Have a Plan for Severe Weather. Lightning can strike objects up to 15 miles away, which means that you can be struck indoors by a storm you can't even see. Staying alert, knowing about local weather systems, and having a plan in place can help you avoid catastrophe.
4. During the Storm. You have a 1 in 3,000 chance of being hit by lightning sometime during your lifetime. The best way to stay safe while a storm is taking place is to go inside.
5. After the Storm. Just because a storm appears to be over doesn't mean all danger has passed. Lightning can strike even after the storm has ended. Staying inside with the doors and windows closed can help you stay safe. Start counting after lightning strikes. If you're able to get to thirty before thunder has passed, then it's probably safe to go outside.
6. Taking Lightning Seriously. Lightning can be incredibly dangerous. People who are struck by lightning sometimes experience permanent hearing loss, brain damage, or even death. You can protect yourself from lightning by taking the right precautions when the time comes.
7. Lightning Resources. The website gives links to additional lightning related resources. Source

Deere Reports Improved Net Income in the Fourth Quarter

Deere expects to benefit from improving conditions in the farm economy and stabilization in construction and forestry markets. Higher crop prices and improved fundamentals are leading to renewed optimism in the agricultural sector and improving demand for farm equipment. At the same time, Deere expects to realise the benefits of their smart industrial operating strategy, which is designed to accelerate the delivery of solutions that will drive improved profitability and sustainability in their customers' operations. Source

Miika Soininen appointed to Ponsse Plc’s Management Team

Miika Soininen (38), student of technology, has been appointed Director of IT and Digital Services in Ponsse Plc’s Management Team. He will start in his new position on 1 December 2020. Soininen will report to Ponsse Plc’s President and CEO Juho Nummela, and his location will be in Vieremä. Soininen started working at Ponsse in February 2018 as an IT Manager, and he has also been responsible for the company’s digital services starting from the beginning of September 2020. Before transferring to Ponsse Plc, Soininen was the Managing Director of Qentinel Finland Oy. Source

Productivity in small tree thinning operations

The preliminary results from case studies in the SMALLWOOD project have been released and will be presented during a virtual conference on 7 December 2020. The conference aims to present preliminary results of the SMALLWOOD project, present field studies done in Sweden, Finland, Slovenia and Spain, present an innovative boom tip mounted felling head in different types of thinning and two working methods, present preliminary results of productivity studies done in small diameter stands, and present preliminary results about damages in the remaining stand. Source

“Upper limb posture and movement during tracked versus wheeled harvester operation on Pinus thinning”

Found in the International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2020. The authors were Martins Ab, Lopes Es, Pagnussat Mb, Fiedler Nc and Oliveira Fm. Source

“Impact of Forest Roads on Hydrological Processes”

Found in Forests 2020, 11(11). The author was Kastridis, A. Source

“Effect of a traction-assist winch on wheel slippage and machine induced soil disturbance in flat terrain”

Found in the International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2020. The authors were Marian Schönauer, Thomas Holzfeind, Stephan Hoffmann, Franz Holzleitner, Bastian Hinte and Dirk Jaeger. Source

To see the full list of conferences and exhibitions, please click on "Events" in the menu at the top of the page.