Logging-on’s second issue of June brings interesting news of the acquisition of Bracke Forest by Komatsu Forest. The move towards silvicultural mechanisation is continuing, with many traditional logging equipment manufacturers now dabbling in the development of silviculture machines, or in this case, buying going concerns. Regarding new products, we examine the HTH618C from Waratah, featuring a new valve that improves performance and simplifies maintenance. We also look at the new BG13 bunching grapple from Tigercat that is suited to shovel logging applications. Then Malwa has produced a new eight-wheeled thinning harvester designed for operation in larger trees like would be encountered in plantation forestry. Finally, we bring news that Ponsse has decided to divest its operations in Russia.
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With a variety of new features paired with a compact and durable design, this agile thinning head is well-suited for mixed diameters.
Waratah Forestry Equipment debuted the HTH618C Series-III – a new generation of its HTH618C harvester head built for increased productivity, reliability, uptime and more. The HTH618C Series-III features twin lower delimb arms and a high-performance valve to ensure superior delimbing with agile and responsive log control – tackling a wide range of harvesting jobs. The maximum delimb opening of 660 mm (26 in.) can handle larger stems. Improved cutting performance and tilt control also contribute to increased productivity.
Low-powered base carriers will have improved processing output and productivity with improved feeding performance and feed motor options. With a new valve that simplifies serviceability, the HTH618C Series-III features improved hose routing, enhanced valve cover assembly and easier access to make quick work of servicing. Likewise, hose protection helps keep the head running and increases durability.
Easier access to the rear of the valve near the head module as well as inlet hoses also helps increase uptime while a larger oiler filler improves ease of filling bar and chain oil. Benefitting from direct customer input, the HTH618C Series-III has improved access and serviceability to help lower daily operating costs. The Waratah HTH618C Series-III is currently available to customers in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin America. Source
Tigercat continues to expand its line of grapple attachments for Tigercat shovel loggers.
The new Tigercat BG13 is a large capacity bunching grapple suited to high production shovel logging operations. The BG13 bunching grapple design is based on the field-proven Tigercat skidder grapples, featuring a strong grapple box, large, robust tong cylinders, and a choice of plate or boxed tongs.
High-quality, heavy duty components are used throughout. The rotate motor and manifold are common with the well proven Tigercat LG4053 and LG5057 loader grapples, providing excellent durability and reliability. Hydraulic hoses are routed on top of the boom and under the connecting pin, protecting the hoses from damage.
The large 1,2 m2 (13 ft2) capacity grapple maximizes load size and minimizes cycle times, significantly increasing productivity. The wide tip-to-tip grapple opening allows scattered bunches to be quickly and easily gathered. The Tigercat BG13 bunching grapple is best matched to LSX870D and LS855E carriers. Source
Komatsu announces agreement to acquire Swedish manufacturer of attachments for silviculture.
Komatsu Forest AB is going to acquire Bracke Forest AB, headquartered in Bräcke, Sweden, which develops, manufactures, and sells application-specific attachments for silviculture. Komatsu is planning to close the acquisition on July 1, 2022, on the condition that all necessary procedures for closing are completed. The impact on Komatsu’s consolidated business results is estimated to be minimal.
Komatsu concerts efforts in the forestry business, as it upholds the sustainable forestry which not only engages in harvesting and forwarding but also includes silviculture and forest management. Komatsu also works to mechanize dangerous work, facilitate wide use of forest machines that contribute to safety, and promote smart forestry that analyses drone and satellite-based data for the management of forests, including the number and height of trees.
Tree planting is expected to expand worldwide for lumber production and environmental concerns, such as the promotion of carbon neutrality. At the same time, the need for mechanization is growing, especially because tree planting is labour-intensive work, with an increase in planting in remote areas, and a decrease in the workforce. With extensive know-how of silviculture over the years, Bracke develops, manufactures, and sells application-specific attachments for use in silviculture processes. Since 2014, Bracke and Komatsu have engaged in joint development by sharing respective technologies and experience accumulated over the years, respectively in forest and construction machines. In 2020, Komatsu launched the D61EM-23M0, the world’s first bulldozer-based automatic crawler planter, in Brazil.
Even after the acquisition, Komatsu will continue to incorporate Bracke’s technologies and expertise in the field of planting in order to accelerate its pace of mechanization of all processes other than harvesting and forwarding, which have already been mechanized. Komatsu will work to generate synergy for smart forestry and provide higher value-added products in order to enhance the safety and productivity of customers’ jobsite operations and make carbon-neutral contributions. Source
The 980 is a thinning harvester capable of handling larger trees.
Malwa has enjoyed good development since the launch of the 560 range in 2013/14. Malwa’s rapid growth in Sweden took just five years, and interest from a variety of countries has increased so strongly that more than one out of two produced machines is now sold on export markets.
Stands in other countries often differ from those in the Nordic region, distinguished by, for instance, faster growth, coarser average trunk size, more tree species, and a higher proportion of hardwood. Conversations with overseas customers therefore often include requests for a slightly bigger machine than the Malwa 560 range. Malwa also serves customers in what is known as the “plantation forestry” sector, where growth is extremely rapid.
On the domestic market both forestry companies and contractors have had requests for larger Malwa machines with more powerful engines – partly to allow operation in stands with larger trees, and partly to facilitate handling of storm-felled and damaged forest.
With the introduction of the new 980, operators from bigger machines finally have a machine they can feel at home in straight away, and where they can experience versatility and care of ground at a whole new level. Source
The divestment of all shares in OOO Ponsse is currently being negotiated.
Ponsse has decided to divest its operations in Russia. The divestment of all shares in OOO Ponsse, Ponsse Group’s subsidiary providing Ponsse services in Russia and Belarus, is currently being negotiated.
Ponsse have been looking for a solution to the challenging situation regarding operations in Russia. They have decided to divest their operations in Russia and Belarus. Operating in Russia has become very difficult, and the divestment is also the best option for Ponsse’s local personnel, customers and dealers. Ponsse will continue the export restrictions in accordance with economic sanctions and their Ponsse’s guidelines
The signing will be completed in the near future, and will be announced separately. Ponsse’s export and service operations in Russia have been suspended since 2 March 2022 when the company announced that it will suspend all exports to Russia and Belarus. At the same time, OOO Ponsse suspended its local spare parts and maintenance services. Source
Ponsse and Savonia University of Applied Sciences (UAS) have launched the joint Digital Professional Student programme
Accepted students can seamlessly combine their studies and on-the-job learning. The training programme started in the spring of 2022. Four students were selected for the programme. The training programme continues until the end of studies. Students carry out their summer employment periods, and part of the courses related to their degree at Ponsse. The thesis will also be written for Ponsse. Source
Waratah Forestry suspends shipments to Russia
Waratah Forestry is deeply saddened by the significant escalation of events in Ukraine. The safety, welfare, and well-being of Waratah employees in the region remains Waratahs top priority. Waratah continues to support and maintain close communication with their affected teams, providing necessary resources when possible. Waratah continues to monitor the situation closely while fully abiding by U.S. and international sanctions. Source
John Deere Announces New Global Agreement with Wacker Neuson on 0-9-Metric-Ton Excavators
John Deere and Wacker Neuson will collaborate on the development of John Deere excavators less than 5-metric-tons that will be designed and manufactured by Wacker Neuson. John Deere will develop and manufacture 5-9-metric-ton excavators, incorporating designs from Wacker Neuson. Source
“Optimization of forest harvest scheduling at the operational level, considering precedence relationship among harvesting activities”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. Rohit Arora, Taraneh Sowlati, Joel Mortyn, Dominik Roeser and Verena C. Griess. Source
“Working conditions and fatigue in log truck drivers within the Japanese forest industry”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. Chisa Nakata, Akemi Itaya, Yuta Inomata, Hirokazu Yamaguchi, Chikashi Yoshida and Masahiko Nakazawa. Source
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