6060 IFI October November 2024 Text final (1)

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2024

Harvester Heads

Prime Movers

& Mulchers

SAWLINES

Produce high-quality chips ranging from 3/16” to 1” with a

Bandit whole tree chipper

Why are Bandit chippers the preferred solution?

» Pack chip vans to their maximum capacity

» Chip material requiring less horsepower and fuel

» Proven slide box feed system pulls and compresses material

(drum-style chippers only)

» Cab and loader options are available on select models

» Unmatched dealer support

If you haven’t tried a Bandit unit for your operation, please contact a local Bandit

dealer, email marketing@banditchippers.com or visit our website

www.banditchippers.com and we will be happy to assist you!


LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS

43

LOG MAX 5000V

42

TIGERCAT 544

39

New PONSSE H7 harvester head is a compact, solid,

and powerful choice for all types of logging sites.

HARVESTER HEADS

SP 661 LF HD

14

38

44

47

47 PONSSE

PONSSE Firefighting equipment

for forwarders

38 TIGERCAT | TCI:

Prime Movers, Dozers,

& Mulching Attachments

44 PONSSE

Ponsse and Forest Fuel Reduction:

Enhancing Sustainable Forestry Practices


REGULAR FEATURES 6 Logging News 48 Advertising Index LUMBER PROCESSING CONTENTS

COVER - New PONSSE H7 Harvester Head

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY

The new PONSSE H7 harvester head features

a powerful feed and an excellent powerto-weight

ratio that improve productivity.

Thanks to its improved geometry, the new H7

is able to process large stems with ease.

The advanced PONSSE Active Speed function

is a new feature in the H7 harvester head. It

allows the speed of the harvester head to be

adjusted according to the tree species

and stem diameter. The strong structure,

high sawing power and excellent grip

geometry of the new harvester head

make harvesting even quicker and more

productive.

www.ponsse.com

Harvester Heads

Prime Movers

& Mulchers

SAWLINES

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2024 1

LUMBER PROCESSING

SAWLINES

34

16

16 NORRA TIMBER

Norra Timber Announces Long- Term

Investment Plan for Its Sawmill in

Hissmofors, Sweden

20 COMACT

20

Celebrating a Century of Innovation:

Comact’s Legacy and Vision for the Future

of Sawmilling

34 USNR

The AddVantage uses AI defecting

technology that provides industry-leading

detection and classification of defects

30

30 MiCROTEC

MiCROTEC Connect:

Revolutionizing Wood Processing

at Two Rivers Lumber

36

36 USNR

New! The USNR Compact Shape Saw

delivers big results with a smaller footprint

32

32 SPRINGER

Introducing SAWBOX:

Revolutionizing the North

American Lumber Industry

2 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2024

ISSUE 101


SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tel: Tel: +44 +44 (0)1442 877 877583

583

e mma@internationalforestindustries.com

e Annual Subscription

UK UK and and Europe £160, € € 230

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EDITORS COMMENT

The World At the Point of No Return?

EDITORIAL

T: T: +44 +44 (0)1442 877 877583

583

F: F: +44 +44 (0)1442 870 870617

617

www.internationalforestindustries.com

2 Claridge 2 Claridge Court, Court, Lower Lower Kings Kings Road Road

Berkhamsted, Herts. Herts. HP4 HP4 2AF, 2AF, UK UK

Editor Editor

Robin

Robin

Peach

Peach

robin@internationalforestindustries.com


Editorial Board

NORTH Dr Patrick AMERICAN Moore – SALES Chairman and Chief

Kevin Professor Lapham Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz –

Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland)

J.P.Media Inc

Mr Kim Carstensen

Tel: Director +1 (630) General 420 9752

Fax: Forest +1 (630) Stewardship 420 9763Council

Email: Eduardo lapham@jpmediainc.com

Morales

South American Forestry Consultant

WEB OPTIMIZATION

Jo English

jo@internationalforestindustries.com

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING

AND

AND

PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS

International Forest Industries Ltd

Advertising Manager

Emma Smith

emma@internationalforestindustries.com

+44 +44 (0)1442 877 877583

583

Publisher Associate Editor

Robin Robin Peach Peach


Advertising Advertising Production Production Enquiries Enquiries

Emma Emma Smith Smith



Studio Manager

Luke International Evans Forest Industries is published

luke@lecreative.co.uk

by International Forest Industries Ltd,

2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road

Accounts Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

Nicola International ShuklaForest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is

published bi-monthly by International Forest Industries

nicolas@internationalforestindustries.com

Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA,

17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 and

additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at

International Forest Industries is published

New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address

by

changes

International

to International

Forest Industries

Forest Industries,

Ltd,

17B South

2 Claridge Middlesex Court, Avenue, Lower Monroe Kings NJ 08831 Road

Berkhamsted, © International Herts. Forest HP4 Industries 2AF, UKLtd 2007 – 2019

International IFI uses, as Forest preference, Industries SI units (ISSN throughout. 1755-6732) is

published All dollars bi-monthly are US unless by International otherwise stated. Forest Industries

Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA,

701C Ashland Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032 and

additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at

New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address

changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South

Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831

© International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2023

IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout.

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

The Amazon rainforest is often called a

vital carbon sink, as it typically absorbs

more carbon dioxide than it emits.

However, recent research shows that some

areas are now releasing carbon instead

of sequestering it. This shift is driven by

several factors:

Deforestation: Increased illegal logging

and land clearing for agriculture are

reducing the number of trees available to

absorb carbon.

Wildfires: Rising temperatures and

prolonged droughts have led to more

frequent and intense wildfires, which

release stored carbon back into the

atmosphere.

Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns

and higher temperatures stress the

forest ecosystem, hindering its carbonsequestering

ability.

If the Amazon rainforest begins

contributing to greenhouse gas emissions

over the long term, several serious

consequences could arise:

Accelerated Climate Change: The release

of stored carbon dioxide and methane

would enhance the greenhouse effect,

leading to faster global warming and more

extreme weather patterns.

Loss of Biodiversity: The Amazon is

home to countless species. As the forest

degrades, habitats would be lost, leading

to species extinction and a decrease in

biodiversity.

Disruption of Water Cycles: The rainforest

plays a crucial role in regional and

global water cycles. Deforestation and

degradation could alter rainfall patterns,

potentially leading to droughts in some

areas and floods in others.

Impacts on Indigenous Communities:

Many indigenous peoples depend on

the Amazon for their livelihoods. Its

degradation would threaten their way of

life, culture, and health.

Increased Natural Disasters: A

destabilized ecosystem could result in

more frequent natural disasters, such as

landslides and floods, affecting both local

populations and distant regions.

Economic Consequences: The loss of forest

resources could impact industries reliant

on biodiversity, such as pharmaceuticals,

agriculture, and tourism, leading to

economic instability.

Global Ecosystem Effects: The Amazon

is a key player in the Earth’s ecosystem.

Its decline could have cascading effects

on global ecological balance, affecting

everything from carbon cycles to ocean

currents.

Overall, if the Amazon continues to shift

from a carbon sink to a carbon source,

it will exacerbate climate change and

have profound impacts on ecosystems,

economies, and communities both locally

and globally.

Related Comment -

June July 2023

How much money is needed

to save the rainforests?

https://issuu.com/forestindustry/

docs/4822_ifi_june_

july_2023?fr=sZjJiZjIzNDQ

Oct Nov 2023 – The super rich can go a

Iong way to saving the planet


docs/4915_ifi_october_november_2023_

digital?fr=sMTQ1MDYyNzczMDM

Dec Jan 2024

Can Amazon Save the Amazon?


docs/4971_ifi_dec_january_2024_

digital?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

ROBIN PEACH

EDITOR


Timber Group is elected the best Ponsse

representative in South America

Competing with five other

companies, Timber Group

won the award for best

Ponsse representative in

South America in 2023.

Coming in third place in the

world ranking, it competed

with 30 other companies

that represent the brand

worldwide. Among the criteria

analyzed for the award are

results in sales, after-sales and

customer satisfaction.

Every year, Ponsse awards

its subsidiary and the brand

representative that stood out

during the period. In 2023, the

Brazilian Timber, considered

the best in South America,

won third place among all

representatives worldwide.

First place went to Wahlers

Forsttechnik, Ponsse’s

representative in Germany

since 1993 and in Austria since

2019.

The Timber Group, which

has represented Ponsse since

2015, officially operates with

the brand in three Brazilian

states (Rio Grande do Sul,

Santa Catarina and Paraná).

This award, presented at the

beginning of August, is not

the first that the company

has received. In 2020, they

achieved first place in the

world ranking.

The focus on customer

needs and the synergy with

Ponsse are highlighted by

Timber Group CEO Jober

Fonseca as the differentiators

for achieving this distinction.

“This recognition validates all

the effort and dedication we

put into our work every day.

It is a testament to our ability

to offer high-quality solutions

and our team’s commitment

to exceeding customer

expectations. This motivates

us to continue evolving and

always seek the best for our

partners and customers.”

For the Executive Sales

Manager and Area Manager

for Dealers at Ponsse

Brazil, Rodrigo Marangoni,

developing the brand through

representatives is also what

sets Ponsse apart. “We are

closer to our customers,

focusing on personalized

service that truly understands

the needs of the field. We feel

that this closeness is what

makes the difference,” says

Rodrigo.

For Jober, after-sales service

is the main differentiator

in achieving customer

satisfaction. “The Timber

Group’s differential lies in our

continuous focus on deeply

understanding our customers’

needs and providing solutions

that truly make a difference

in their operations. Our

specialized technical support,

combined with after-sales

service, ensures that our

customers have confidence

and peace of mind when

operating our equipment.

I believe this combination

of exceptional service and

constant innovation is what

positions us as leaders in the

sector,” he said.

Ponsse South America

Vice President Martin Toledo

also emphasizes that the

Jober Fonseca,

Timber Group, CEO

Rodrigo Marangoni, Executive

Sales Manager & Area Manager

for Dealers at Ponsse Brazil

Area director Martin Toledo

similarity of values between

the two companies translates

into results. “We feel that

Timber Group is aligned

with Ponsse’s values and

this is reflected in customer

satisfaction. At the same time,

we want this recognition to

be a way to encourage other

representatives in South

America to also achieve

excellent results,” Martin

concluded.

610H Cable Skidder Debut

Tigercat debuted a new skidder

model at this October’s Paul

Bunyan forestry equipment

exposition in Cambridge, Ohio.

The 610H cable skidder aims

to be a simple, lower cost

addition to Tigercat’s highly

regarded H-series skidder

line-up.

The Tigercat FPT N6.7

engine delivers 151 kW (202

hp) to the same hydrostatic

driveline as the other H-series

skidders. The machine is

equipped with 620H sized

axles for added durability.

The operator’s cabin

however, is simplified

compared with the other

H-series machines. Rather than

Tigercat’s signature Turnaround

seat, the 610H is fitted with a

fixed position seat angled at 30

degrees.

The heavy-duty winch

provides maximum line

pull at any engine

speed. The winch

can drop loads

and drive away and reel

in a load while driving

using a wet-disk dynamic

clutch. It also has very low free

spool resistance which allows

for easier cable extraction

using a mechanical jaw clutch.


VERSATILE SERIES

V E R S A T I L E S E R I E S

5000V

A VERSATILE HEAD,

READY FOR LARGE TREES.

The Log Max 5000V is a modern and reliable harvesting head that

can handle a wide range of logging challenges. This is the perfect

mid-range head for both thinning and final felling. The head can

be equipped with a 82 cm saw bar and has a maximum cutting

diameter of 74 cm. It also features Log Max’s Multi-stemming

MK2, that is agile and lightweight, making thinning work easier.

The Log Max 5000V is suitable for those who seek the perfect

balance between agility, capacity, and durability.

What customers say:

“The cutting and feeding are brutally good and in combination with

the new length measuring unit, Log Max is unstoppable ; )”

logmax.com

Waratah Forestry Equipment H216 hardwood head

Waratah Forestry Equipment

recently introduced the H216 –

a new two-roller head added to

its 200 Series lineup. Built for

hardwood, the H216 is strong

enough to handle the toughest

tree forms with accuracy and

efficiency. Its simple design

with excellent feed power,

delimbing, and large cut

capacity provide productive

tree harvesting.

“The H216 is specially

designed for hardwood,”

said Brent Fisher, product

marketing manager for

Waratah. “This head not only

provides our customers reliable

performance in hardwood but

is equally capable of handling

softwood, debarking and

everything in between.”

Optimal performance in

hardwood

Weighing in at 1495 kg (3,296

lb.), this 200 Series head

features a two-roller design

ideal for hardwood harvesting,

late or final thinnings. Floating

roller arms allow for superior

and easy tree horizontal

movement and easy log

transport through the head.

High performance single or

multi-speed options keep

timber moving quickly.

The H216 features the

efficient SuperCut 100S

saw unit with improved

auto tensioning and easier

servicing. With large sawing

capacity, this head can cut

logs up to 750 mm (29.5 in.) in

diameter, while an optional top

saw tackles heavy branching.

The delimb arms provide

excellent delimbing power

across all diameter ranges,

while drive wheel options offer

maximum traction for crooked

wood. The H216 harvester head

utilizes the TimberRite H-16

control system for optimum

head performance, productivity

and measuring accuracy.

Durability for any application

The H216 is built to tackle

the toughest, crooked timber

to the straightest postwood

and everything in between.

While also naturally capable

in softwood, debarking or

multi-tree handling, this head

is designed for efficiency

and agility in thinning and

harvesting applications with

quick cycle times.

A heavy-duty main chassis

saw box, as well as tilt frame

and guarding, provide added

protection and reliability.

Maintenance is simplified

through one position daily

servicing and easy open/close

hinges on the valve cover.

The Waratah H216 is

available to customers in the

United States, Canada, Europe,

Australia, New Zealand,

Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin

America.

THE TRACKED CARRIER FOR THE

BIGGEST CHALLENGES

Introducing the FAE PT550, the solution for forestry management. Ideal for major jobs in large, wooded

areas. It can work on soft, uneven ground, handling longitudinal slopes up to 45° and transverse slopes

up to 32°. The ultimate choice for challenging environments.

Contact us to find the right FAE product for you: info@fae-group.com

fae-group.com


822E

HIGH PERFORMANCE,

COMPACT DESIGN

Versatile for thinning and final felling.

Powerful lift capacity, tight-tuck boom geometry and compact tail-swing

minimize site impact and residual stand damage in selective felling

applications. The combination of high horsepower and efficient hydraulic

circuits provides the operator with quick, responsive control.

www.tigercat.com

Scan to learn more

Ponsse and Bailey’s sign a dealer agreement

MULCHERS

STUMP GRINDERS

STONE CRUSHERS

SEE WHAT´S NEW!

www.seppi.com

Seppi M. - mulching equipment specialists

Tel. Europe: +39 0461 178 75 00

Tel. USA & CA: +1 513 443 6339

sales@seppi.com

#seppimulcher

Ponsse is expanding its

dealer network in the

United States. On 1 July

2024, Ponsse signed a

dealer agreement with

the company Bailey’s,

based in Woodland,

California. The new

dealer will focus on the

sales, servicing and

training of PONSSE forest

machines in the states of

California and Nevada.

The company was founded in 1975

by Bill and Judith Bailey in Laytonville,

California. Bailey’s is still a family company,

now owned by the second generation –

Bill’s sons, Nik and Sam Bailey.

Bailey’s has been in the forestry

industry since the beginning. They started

by selling chainsaws and accessories, tree

care products, work clothing and other

forestry equipment. Over time, they have

grown into a premier supplier of forestry

products in the region and are also known

for their marketing catalogue, which is

published annually. In 2014, they expanded

their product line to include sales and

servicing of larger industrial forestry

equipment.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ponsse

and bring their exceptional forest machines

to our customers in California. Ponsse’s

equipment is synonymous with quality and

innovation, and this partnership allows

us to offer our clients the best solutions

for their forestry operations. Our team is

excited to provide the sales, support and

service that Ponsse customers have come

to expect. This new partnership aligns with

Bailey’s mission to support the forestry

community by offering cutting-edge tools

and equipment that enhance productivity,

safety and sustainability in the field.

Customers in California can now access

Ponsse’s complete range of products,

backed by Bailey’s industry expertise

and dedication to customer service. To

celebrate this new partnership, Bailey’s

will be hosting a series of launch events

across California at which customers can

learn more about Ponsse’s machinery, meet

with experts, and see demonstrations of

the equipment in action,” says Nik Bailey,

CEO, Bailey’s.

“The partnership with Bailey’s is

an exciting opportunity for Ponsse to

expand into a new market area. Logging

in California has mainly been done using

traditional methods, but there are signs

that cut-to-length logging is the future

over there as well. There are a few Ponsse

machines in the region already, and we

hope to increase that number. It will be a

long-term process, but we believe Bailey’s

is the right partner for us in the region.

They are well-connected in the local

forestry industry, and as a family company,

it is a great cultural match with Ponsse,”

says Samuel Vidgren, Ponsse Plc, Area

Manager, USA Dealers.

Most of the logging in the region is

steep-slope logging in the mountains.

The estimated standing timber volume in

California is 1.4 billion cubic metres. The

forest cover is mostly softwood – mainly

pine in the mountainous areas.

Samuel Vidgren, Ponsse Plc,

Area Manager, USA Dealers

Bratteborg

South of

Jönköping

5-7 June 2025


PANTHER PLD

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Tele Radio offers a variety of radio remote control products, adaptable to a multitude of applications, throughout

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See the website for all our global sales locations and more info about the products and applications

TELERADIO.COM

SAFE • SMART • STRONG

FAE enhances the

versatility of its RCU75

remote controlled tracked

carrier with the new

PMM/RCU75 swinging

hammer mulcher.

FAE introduces the PMM/RCU75

swinging hammer mulcher for

the FAE RCU75 remote controlled

tracked carrier.

This head features a

hydraulic hood for better

control of the outflowing

material, a support roller

with integrated skids, a

trapezoidal belt transmission,

and interchangeable

protection chains.

The PMM/RCU can

be equipped with PMM

hammers or Y/3 flails.

ABOUT FAE

FAE is a world leading designer

and manufacturer of heads

for tractors, excavators, skid

steers, special vehicles, and

tracked carriers for forestry,

agricultural, road and demining

work.

With a range of more than

90 products and 400 models,

FAE can meet the most diverse

customer demands. FAE’s range

of heads includes forestry

mulchers, cutters, stump

cutters, stone crushers, soil

stabilizers, road planers, wheel

saws and multitasks. Their line

of tracked carriers includes

tracked carriers with cabs and

remote-controlled tracked

carriers.

FAE focuses on

technological innovation and

build quality to ensure that

its machines offer superior

performance and reliability.

FAE was founded in 1989

in Fondo, Italy, where its

headquarters are still located.

Production, sales, aftersales

service, and parts

distribution are handled by

their 4 production sites, the

headquarters, 7 commercial

branches, and a network of

authorized dealers all over the

world.

FAE has around 400

employees worldwide.


The new specialist high-performance

chain lubricant for tree harvesters

Mi240 FORESTER provides unparalleled resistance to

abrasive dirt and sawdust build-up on chains.

Prolonging cutting efficiency and keeping filters clear!

FEWER CHAIN

BREAKAGES

BIODEGRADABLE &

NON-HAZARDOUS

PERFORMANCE

DOWN TO -50°C

SIGNIFICANT

COST SAVINGS

Find out more

SP - New Developments

SP was founded in 1978 and presented the world´s first

ever single grip harvester head in 1980.

Wireless harvester head

control system – Dasa7

Introducing the Dasa 7

Wireless. The main advantage

with the wireless system is that

customers will never have to

worry about broken data cables

again – which of course means

increased uptime. Branches

and constant movements

will not be a problem, since

the wireless unit is mounted

in the head. Replacing the

cables with a high-speed,

reliable Wifi connection means

communication between the

operator and the bucking

unit isn’t sensitive to physical

circumstances. This gives

you total freedom to move

the crane or boom and rotate

the head without any risk of

communication failure.

The Dasa7 is the latest

generation control system and

offers lightning fast reaction

times, robust/proven modules

and a used friendly interface.

The Dasa7 Wireless can be

supplied in three different

versions - H50, H60 or H70

software to be able to perfectly

match the needs of your

specific logging operation, from

the simple and cost effective

H50 to the advanced windows

based and fully Stanford 2010

compatible H70 system.

New heavy duty frame

versions

In order to be able to offer

harvester heads perfectly

suited for tracked harvesters

and very demanding operations

SP have developed heavy duty,

so called HD versions, of head

models SP 661 LF and SP 761

LF. Both the 661 and 761 head

models are available with

options such as processing

knives, find end sensor and

top saw making them just as

productive processing decked

wood out of a pile as when

cutting and processing at the

stump.

Dasa7 Wireless

SP 661 LF HD

Tigercat releases a

smaller class mulching

head well suited to

niche applications like

fire mitigation

and remediation.

New 4054-20 Mulching Head

Designed for the Tigercat

470 mulcher, the

4054-20 provides a

complete end-to-end Tigercat

mulching solution for narrow

swath applications and lower

horsepower carriers. The 4054-

20 head has a smaller diameter

drum, a two metre (79 in)

mulching swath and a lighter

weight, more compact design.

Key applications include fire

mitigation and remediation, as

well as right-of-way and site

preparation projects requiring

a smaller, more agile machine.

The smaller size and lighter

weight of the 4054-20

means it can work on

carriers with less attachment

power, while retaining similar

recovery performance to larger

heads equipped on larger

carriers.

Various carbide tools and

hardened steel knife tools

are available to suit a range

of applications. The Tigercat

designed bolt-on tool system

is available for both the open

face rotor and the feed control

rotor.

Manufactured to Tigercat’s

high standards for robustness

and quality, the 4054-20

mulching head offers excellent

durability and reliability.

Carbide welding on the skis

provides extra protection from

wear. The robust housing with

reinforced side covers adds to

the heavy duty build quality

and structural integrity.

The drive system efficiently

transfers power with no belt

slip and reduced belt tension

maintenance. Large, heavy

duty bearings and shafts

ensure long life and high

uptime. Numerous removable

access covers allow easy

maintenance of wear items and

service points. The wear liner

can be serviced in the field and

does not require welding or

rotor removal.

Designed for the Tigercat 470

mulcher, the 4054-20 provides

a complete end-to-end Tigercat

mulching solution for narrow

swath applications and lower

horsepower carriers.


New Tigercat 234C Loader

Tigercat’s long standing 234

series knuckleboom loader has

been upgraded. The new 234C

has a new boom system, a new

cab, an improved hydraulic

system and more swing torque.

The new 234C boom

system provides increased lift

capacity, and quicker boom

speeds. The boom cylinders are

cushioned at the end of stroke

for smoother boom operation.

Through-tip hose routing is

another new feature. Hydraulic

hoses to the grapple are now

routed through the boom tip

for increased hose protection.

The Tigercat loader

engineering team had the

operator in mind when

designing the 234C. The new

operator’s station is more

comfortable with 16% greater

internal volume, increased

width, and more leg room.

Joysticks and switches are

mounted on the armrests

within comfortable reach.

Improved A/C and heater

controls allows the operator to

set the desired temperature for

a more comfortable working

environment.

Climate controlled

cupholders keep drinks hot

or cold for longer. Dedicated

in-cabin storage areas include

a space for a full size Tigercat

insulated lunch box.

Bratteborg

South of

Jönköping

5-7 June 2025

Operator visibility has been

improved with larger front

and side windows. The wiper

motor, radio and touchscreen

display control system have all

been relocated for improved

sightlines. In addition, a

redesigned swing motor cover

further improves the operator’s

line of sight to the work area.

Hydraulic system

improvements include a

new, larger main pump, and

a new boom valve providing

smoother boom control

and improved flow sharing.

HIGH-TECH

MOBILE WOOD-CHIPPING

SOLUTIONS

We offer a wide range of:

• Tractor driven PTO Chippers

• Truck driven chippers “Hack-Truck”

• Diesel engine driven chipper units

Follow us

Finally, swing torque has been

increased by 13% over the

234B for improved pull-through

delimbing performance.

100%

MADE

IN AUSTRIA

www.mus-max.at


MUS-MAX Bioenergy Inserat_92,5x135.indd 1 28.02.24 13:37

Norra Timber announces longterm

investment plan for its

Sawmill in Hissmofors, Sweden

Norra Timber recently

announced a threephase

upgrade of its

Hissmofors, Sweden, sawmill

with an investment of up to

SEK 150 million (US$14.8

million). Approximately

70 people are currently

employed at the sawmill and

the associated planning mill.

Henrik Jönsson, Industrial

Manager at Norra Timber,

said, “The sawmill contributes

to both local jobs and smart

climate products. For us, it is

important to invest here and

thus balance the technical

degree and competitiveness of

our sawmills.”

Norra Skog’s Board of

Directors has previously made

a policy decision regarding the

investments in Hissmofors.

The planned investments will

take place in three stages and

will begin with new postprocessing

along the saw line.

The new machine equipment

will have significantly higher

capacity than the previous

one and therefore enable

production increases.

The sawmill in Hissmofors

currently has an annual

production of approximately

170,000 m3, with the goal

of increasing production to

200,000 m3 within the next

two years. The mill currently

produces spruce and pine

rough sawn and planned into

boards and planks, and the

wood products are sent on to

customers both in Sweden and

abroad.

The investment in the new

machine equipment amounts to

approximately SEK 40 million

(US$3.9 million) and will mean

a production increase of 10,000

m3sv annually. The next two

investment steps that are

planned involve upgrades in

the sawmill line and comprise

approximately SEK 100 million

($9.8 million).

“Of course, the investments

feel great for us at Hissmofors.

We secure jobs and get a

receipt that Norra Skog

believes in us here in Jämtland.

This announcement inspires

confidence in the future,” says

Thomas Haiduga, sawmill

manager in Hissmofors.

Facts

The sawmill in Hissmofors

currently has an annual

production of approximately

170,000 cubic meters, with the

goal of increasing production

to 200,000 cubic meters within

the next two years. Here,

Henrik

Jönsson,

Industrial

Manager at

Norra Timber

Thomas

Haiduga,

sawmill

manager in

Hissmofors.

spruce and pine are sawn and

planed into boards and planks,

and the wooden products are

sent on to customers both in

Sweden and abroad. To make

use of all parts of the forest’s

raw material, Stallströ and

Agricultural litter are made

from the chippings from the

planer. It becomes a litter

product that is clean and free

of dust, which creates a healthy

environment for both animals

and people. Today, around 70

people work at the saw and

planer, which is located just

outside Krokom.

Hampton Lumber Paper-Azzi Campaign aims to showcase benefits

and uses of Northwest wood products

Hampton Lumber has

announced the launch of its

Paper-Azzi Campaign, a fun and

interactive initiative designed

to raise awareness about the

diverse uses and extensive

reach of wood products grown

and manufactured in the Pacific

Northwest.

The campaign invites the

public to spot Hampton Lumber

wrap or products in transit,

lumberyards, or on job sites

and share their photos on

social media with the hashtag

#HamptonLumberJourney.

Each post counts as an

entry to win exclusive Hampton

Lumber merchandise and other

great prizes. Hampton Lumber

will feature submitted photos

on its website and social media

channels.

Hampton operates six

sawmills in the Pacific

Northwest in the communities

of Warrenton, OR, Willamina,

OR, Tillamook, OR, Randle, WA,

Morton, WA and Darrington,

WA.

Most lumber manufactured

by Hampton’s U.S. sawmills

features wrap designed by

high school students from the

communities where Hampton

operates so it’s often easy to

pinpoint where the wood was

grown and processed.

Hampton also manufactures

and markets lumber from

its three sawmills in British

Columbia; Babine Forest

Products, Decker Lake Forest

Products, and Fort St. James

Forest Products.


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Board dimensions: Wide range possible through chipper head, band and rip saws.

Green footprint: up to 75% yield, maximising log utilisation.


Unmanaged Switches for

Sawmill Video Monitoring

Networks

By: Heidi Schmidt, Global

Sales Manager, Opticom Tech

When you’re setting

up a network for a

sawmill, whether it’s

for production control,

equipment monitoring,

or video surveillance,

there are countless small

and big decisions to

make. With industrial

equipment, computers,

cameras, and other

devices all needing to

work seamlessly together,

choosing the right

network infrastructure

is crucial.

One common decision

we often see with

Opticom Tech customers

in the sawmill industry is

whether to go with managed or

unmanaged switches for their

networks. For many sawmills,

we recommend unmanaged

switches. However, this isn’t

a one-size-fits-all answer. We

always analyze each facility

and their needs before making

a specific recommendation.

Read on for a breakdown

of managed vs. unmanaged

switches and why unmanaged

switches make sense for some

sawmills.

Managed Switches:

Pros and Cons

Managed switches offer more

control and customization over

network operations compared

to unmanaged switches. This

can be beneficial for larger

operations, but it comes at a

cost in terms of complexity and

expenses.

Managed Switches Pros:

• Advanced Control: These

switches allow for detailed

traffic management and

control over data flow,

offering features like VLANs

and port mirroring.

• Enhanced Security: Managed

switches provide support

for advanced security

protocols, which can be

essential in larger networks

where sensitive data is being

exchanged.

• Scalability: If your sawmill

is planning to expand,

managed switches offer

flexible options for growing

networks.

• Remote Management:

You can adjust settings

and monitor the network

remotely using SNMP, CLI, or

web interfaces.

• Improved Performance:

You can prioritize traffic

and minimize network

bottlenecks through efficient

traffic management, which

might be useful for dataheavy

applications like video

monitoring or production

equipment monitoring.

Managed Switches Cons:

• Cost: Managed switches

come at a premium,

which can quickly add

up, especially for smaller

sawmills trying to keep costs

down.

• Complexity: They require

more advanced technical

knowledge for setup and

maintenance, often involving

skilled IT staff.

• Maintenance: Managed

switches demand regular

updates and monitoring,

which increases operational

overhead.

Unmanaged Switches:

Pros and Cons

Unmanaged switches, on the

other hand, are plug-andplay

devices that require

no configuration, making

them well-suited for smaller

operations or sawmills with

straightforward network needs.

Unmanaged Switches Pros:

• Simplicity: There’s no need

for complex setup—just plug

in your devices and get to

work.

• Cost-effectiveness:

Unmanaged switches are

far more affordable than

their managed counterparts,

making them an attractive

option for sawmills looking

to stay within a tight budget.

• Low Maintenance: With no

need for ongoing monitoring

or configuration, these

switches require very little in

terms of upkeep.

Unmanaged Switches Cons:

• Limited Control: While

this simplicity can be an

advantage, you lose the

ability to manage traffic or

prioritize data. However, for

many sawmills, this isn’t an

issue, especially for video

monitoring and equipment

tracking where constant data

flow is key.

• Security: Managed

switches offer more in

terms of security, but for

many sawmills, this may

not be necessary. With

fewer advanced settings,

there’s also less risk of

misconfiguring something

that could lead to security

vulnerabilities.

• Scalability: Unmanaged

switches may struggle to

keep up as your sawmill

grows. If you foresee a large

expansion in the near future,

a managed switch might be a

better long-term investment.

Why Unmanaged

Switches Make Sense

for Many Sawmills

Sawmills depend on reliable

networks to operate machinery,

ensure safety, and maintain

production efficiency. After

25+ years working with them,

we know one of the things

that creates problems for

operators and production:

bottlenecks. When you choose

to use managed switches, if

they’re not set up and managed

properly, they can cause a

bottleneck.

Unmanaged switches,

however, eliminate this

concern. They ensure that

data from video cameras

flows freely. In a sawmill,

where production efficiency

is paramount, an unmanaged

switch ensures continuous

monitoring and data flow

without the complexity of

managing a network.

Cont’d on Page 48


BID GROUP BECOMES

The brand

that stands for

commitment

For 100 years, Comact has been at the forefront of wood

transformation. No other brand in the industry better

embodies performance, innovation, and commitment.

Always focused on our customers, we are determined

to shape the future.

Discover our new branding

comact.com/brand


Celebrating a Century of

Innovation: Comact’s Legacy

and Vision for the Future of

Sawmilling

Since our inception,

we have been at the

forefront of technological

progress. Our dedication to

innovation has consistently

reshaped the wood processing

landscape. One of our most

significant contributions

to the industry has been

in transforming sawline

design and functionality. Our

pioneering work in in-line,

on-the-fly cant optimization

technology has established

new trends by reducing gaps

and increasing production

capacities. The introduction

of the OLI infeed module for

primary breakdown further

optimized recovery based on

log shape, ensuring better

utilization of resources and

maximizing yields. This

advancement has not only

enhanced efficiency but also

set new benchmarks for

performance.

Following the introduction

of our advanced profiling

modules a decade ago,

the recent evolution of this

technology—such as the

double limitless profilers—

has further streamlined

the production process by

eliminating the need for

edgers. This innovation brings

several significant benefits:

it enhances production

performance, boosts

breakdown line speed by up

to 30%, and improves sawmill

flow by reducing the number

of pieces requiring re-run.

Additionally, it lowers edger

operating costs by decreasing

the required workforce,

reducing maintenance needs,

and improving safety by

removing manual operations.

The recent introduction

of the Flare Butt Reducer

has significantly enhanced

processing efficiency.

Comact’s Optimized Flare

Butt Reducer addresses

common log handling issues

by maintaining debarking

line speed regardless of log

shape, reducing the risk

of jamming the debarker,

and improving debarking

quality. This innovation not

only prevents wasted time

As we mark our 100th anniversary in 2024, we reflect

on a century of groundbreaking innovation and

leadership in the wood processing industry. From

our modest beginnings to becoming a leader in

technological advancements, our journey has been

defined by our commitment to pushing boundaries

and transforming the industry. Under the unified

Comact brand, we continue to build on this legacy,

embracing a vision that promises to drive the next

century of growth and excellence.


SAWLINES

and damage to downstream

mechanical components but

also ensures the maximum

rate of your sawing line. Often

overlooked in debarking line

design, this equipment offers

substantial benefits, allowing

you to maximize investments

and adapt more effectively

to variations in wood supply.

These advancements reflect

our commitment to pushing the

boundaries of sawline design

and functionality.

Our project services have

played a crucial role in our

evolution. We have established

ourselves as a leader in

delivering greenfield facilities

with exceptional speed and

precision. Our exclusive

capability to supply over 95%

of the equipment required for

these facilities has set us apart,

enabling us to offer best-inclass

operations across North

America. This efficiency and

comprehensive service have

been central to our success and

have reinforced our position

as a top high-tech OEM in the

industry.

Our Wave Feeder, an

industry benchmark with over

1,000 units sold, exemplifies

our dedication to operational

excellence. This innovative log

singulator has set the standard

for modern production

processes and highlights our

focus on setting high industry

standards. By continually

advancing our technology

and improving our products,

we have demonstrated our

commitment to providing

the best solutions for our

customers.

Over the past two years,

we have focused on developing

AI-powered Smart Vision

applications to enhance

process flow and safety. These

advanced Smart Vision systems

are designed to monitor and

interact with plant operations,

providing sophisticated

capabilities for optimizing

processes such as log infeed

and deck management. By

detecting anomalies and

promptly halting the line to

prevent issues, these systems

not only improve operational

efficiency but also enhance

worker safety by continuously

monitoring environmental

conditions.

Looking ahead, our focus

on artificial intelligence (AI)

has elevated optimization

processes to unprecedented

levels. As the first OEM to

introduce IoT solutions and

connected operations,

we have seamlessly integrated

AI with emerging technologies

such as machine learning and

deep learning. This integration

has enabled us to enhance

our offerings and prepare for

the future, ensuring that we

remain at the cutting edge of

technological advancement.

Our commitment to leveraging

AI and IoT underscores our

vision for the next century,

positioning us to lead the

industry in innovation and

performance.

As we honor our past

achievements and embrace

the future, our dedication to

advancing the wood processing

industry remains steadfast.

With a legacy of innovation

and a passion for excellence,

we are committed to shaping

the future with cutting-edge

technology and customerfocused

solutions.

Guided by these principles,

we will continue setting new

standards, driving progress,

and leading the industry into

an exciting new century of

growth and transformation.


Antti Eskola appointed Mill Manager of Metsä Fibre’s Renko sawmill

Metsä Fibre has announced the

appointment of Antti Eskola

M.Sc (Engineering) as the new

Sawmill Manager of its Renko

sawmill, effective 1 November

2024.

Eskola brings a wealth of

experience from his previous

roles within Metsä Group,

where he was responsible

for procurement and contract

management for the Kemi

bioproduct mill project. He

has also played a key role in

several strategic procurement

initiatives and held various

positions within the company’s

procurement division.

In his new position, Eskola

will report to Virva Juhola,

Senior Vice President of

Production for Metsä Fibre’s

sawmill business. Metsä

Fibre, a leading player in

pulp and sawmill production,

is known for producing

not only sawn timber and

pulp but also bioproducts

such as biochemicals and

bioenergy, all derived from

sustainable northern wood as

an alternative to fossil-based

materials.

In 2023, Metsä Fibre

recorded sales of EUR 2.5

billion and employs around

1,600 people. Metsä Group,

the parent company, achieved

sales of EUR 6.1 billion and is

owned by more than 90,000

Finnish forest owners through

the Metsäliitto Cooperative.

Antti Eskola

Timber company relies on electric drive

of the wood raw material. For

internal roundwood transport,

they were also looking for

a sustainable solution and

chose the 735 E with an

electric drive. “We identify with

SENNEBOGEN’s values and

also rely on forward-looking

technologies that make a

positive contribution to our

environment,” says Erich

Helfenstein.

Erich Helfenstein,

Head of Roundwood

Procurement

In the picturesque Swiss

canton of Lucerne, the Tschopp

family has been operating

a sawmill since 1959, which

today is one of the most

important and modern wood

processing companies in the

country. The family business,

now in its third generation led

by Ronald and Daniel Tschopp,

employs 130 people and

processes 130,000 solid meters

of roundwood annually on an

80,000 m² site.

Since November 2023,

Tschopp AG has been relying

on an innovative solution

from SENNEBOGEN: the

735 E with electric drive and

trailer. The new acquisition

was officially confirmed at

bauma 2022 together with

SENNEBOGEN’s sales and

service partner Kuhn Schweiz

AG. Erich Helfenstein, Head

of Roundwood Procurement,

emphasizes: “We chose the

electric drive for a very simple

reason: fuel prices are high,

and by using the 735 E Electric

Drive, we can massively

reduce our consumption.”

The new material handler

impresses with its outstanding

performance and operates

much more quietly and

smoothly than conventional

diesel machines – a great

advantage in the noisesensitive

environment of a

sawmill.

Tschopp Fo cuses on

Re gion al ity & Sus tain abil ity

Tschopp AG sources its

wood regionally within a 100

km radius. The transport is

organized by the company

itself and is mostly carried out

with in-house trucks to ensure

seamless further processing

at the plant. Sustainability is

also a priority in production: an

in-house wood plant supplies

the site with green energy

through 100 percent utilization

Ef fi cient use with Trailer

The main tasks of the

SENNEBOGEN 735 E include

unloading trucks, removing

wood from sorting boxes,

and feeding the saw line. In

addition to the special trailer

attachment, the material

handler stands out for its

unique features that enable

smooth and efficient operation.

The rear-pivoted boom ensures

optimal weight distribution,

while the robust undercarriage

is capable of towing trailers

weighing up to 30 tons. With

a stacking height of around

10 meters and a reach of 11.3

meters, even challenging

loading and unloading tasks

can be handled effortlessly.

Additionally, the machine has

been equipped with an extra

grid and cameras to ensure

work safety for employees.


40+ YEARS

MAKING THE GRADE

EXPERIENCE. INNOVATION. EXCELLENCE.

EXPLORE

visit www.lmi3D.com/wood-ifi24


BID Group becomes Comact: Pioneering the future of wood processing

VANCOUVER, British Columbia,

September 12, 2024 — BID

Group, a leader in the wood

processing industry for over a

century, has announced its new

identity as Comact.

This transition marks a

significant evolution in the

company’s journey and reflects

its commitment to innovation

and excellence.

From its origins as an OEM,

Comact has been instrumental

in transforming the wood

processing industry. The

company has consistently

invested in research and

development, addressed

customer challenges, and

adapted to their evolving

needs. Through strategic

alliances and acquisitions

of leading brands, Comact

has established itself as

a world-class leader and

pioneer renowned for its highperformance

technology and

equipment and its exceptional

customer engagement.

“The decision to transition

to Comact aligns with our

strategic plan to expand

as a high-tech OEM with

key customers worldwide,”

explained Alistair Cook,

president and CEO. “This

new identity signifies the

beginning of a transformative

phase for us. We are

reaffirming our commitment

to being the premier OEM

in the industry by delivering

cutting-edge technologies,

world-class project services,

and unparalleled dedication—

qualities that have cemented

Comact’s reputation as

a market leader in highperformance,

innovative

solutions.”

As Comact, the company

will continue to focus on

what matters most to its

clients: optimizing operational

performance, leveraging

advanced technologies, and

delivering exceptional field

support. Our comprehensive

project services, including

construction and installation,

will continue without

interruption.

Today, the company is also

unveiling its new brand identity

and logo, which embody its

customer-centric approach

and the robustness and high

performance of its equipment.

The company will gradually

Alistair Cook, Comact

president and CEO

implement the new brand

across all touchpoints starting

now. Customers, partners,

and stakeholders can expect

a seamless transition with no

disruption to its operations.

Further details will be shared

soon.

BID Group, now Comact launches innovative 360° Experience Website

Comact, a leader in wood

processing solutions, is thrilled

to announce the launch of

its innovative new website,

offering a comprehensive

360-degree experience of its

products. This groundbreaking

feature, a first in the industry,

allows visitors to virtually

tour a sawmill and explore

BID Group’s offerings in

an immersive, interactive

environment.

The launch of this website

marks a significant milestone

in Comact’s commitment to

leveraging advanced digital

technologies to enhance

customer engagement

and support. Visitors can

navigate through a fully

operational sawmill, gaining

unprecedented insights into

the company’s solutions.

“We are incredibly excited

to introduce this pioneering

360-degree experience to our

customers and partners,” said

Simon Potvin, President of

Wood Processing at Comact.

“This innovative platform

represents a new era in how

we showcase our solutions

and engage with our audience.

By providing a virtual tour, we

are offering transparency and

accessibility, allowing users

to see the full scope of our

capabilities in a dynamic and

engaging way.”

The website’s 360-degree

experience is made possible

thanks to the support of

Biewer Lumber, who allowed

Comact to film their sawmill.

This collaboration has enabled

Comact to create a realistic and

detailed virtual environment

that accurately reflects the

complexities and efficiencies of

a modern sawmill.

Comact’s new website is

designed to be a valuable

resource for industry

professionals, offering

detailed information about

the company’s full range of

products and services. By

incorporating this innovative

360-degree experience,

Comact continues to push the

boundaries of what’s possible,

setting new standards for

customer engagement and

support.

To explore the new

360-degree experience and

learn more about Comact’s

cutting-edge solutions, visit

www.comact.com.

BID Automation becomes Core Integrators

September 4, 2024, BID

Automation, a subsidiary

of BID Group known for its

expertise in control systems

across various manufacturing

sectors, is rebranding as CORE

Integrators.

This rebranding signifies the

organization’s continued push

for strategic expansion beyond

wood processing into a broader

range of industries, including

agriculture, food and beverage,

steel, textiles, asphalt

production, automotive,

recycling, biomass, and more.

Despite this diversification,

CORE Integrators will continue

to serve the wood processing

industry.

While the name has

changed, the relationship with

BID Group remains unchanged.

As a part of BID Group, CORE

Integrators continue to

benefit from the same strong

support and resources that

have always empowered

them to deliver exceptional

value to its customers. CORE

Integrators will continue

to leverage BID Group’s

extensive capabilities—all

while advancing its expertise in

system upgrades, robotics, and

plant monitoring and control.

www.coreintegrators.com


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under 6 minutes to a 30t capacity. The risk of accidents to the

workforce is minimised and product damage is eliminated.

The Logs are pre-loaded into the robust, 40’ long high-sided

Tub. The patented push-pull mechanism powers the loaded

Tub into the container. Once inside, the Hatch is closed to hold

the logs securely in place, and the Tub is retracted.

CONTACT US TODAY

To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every inch of your

storage space.

combilift.com

SAWLINES

Joey Nelson sings and

plays the guitar on the

main stage at TP&EE

JoeScan Rocks Out at TP&EE

Another Timber

Processing & Energy

Expo was marked a

big success for team

JoeScan. The sawmill

scanner manufacturer

enjoys playing host at

the event, which takes

place just 3 highway

exits away from their new

world headquarters in

Vancouver, Washington.

“

We love getting to see

folks from all over

the world right in

our backyard,” says JoeScan

president and founder Joey

Nelson. “TP&EE lets us chat

face-to-face with sawmill

operators and managers about

the scanning issues affecting

their production.

We also get to sit down

with our optimization partners

to develop new solutions

to these challenges. It’s the

perfect place to check-in with

customers, collaborate, and

generate new ideas.”

JoeScan welcomed visitors

from around the world in their

booth, including integrators

from throughout the US &

Canada, Japan, Germany,

Estonia, and New Zealand.

Music fans were even

treated to a bluegrass

performance from JoeScan’s

founder Joey Nelson, and

his brother Jeff Nelson and

“Uncle” Tony Fuentes of Nelson

Brothers Engineering.

For more information about

JoeScan and its range of

scanning solutions, visit

www.joescan.com

Joey Nelson greets visitors in the JoeScan booth

JoeScan VP of Engineering Jason Farmer discusses sawmill

scanning technology with a TP&EE attendee


JS-50

X6B

CARRIAGES &

SHORT-INFEED

EDGERS

JS-50

WX

TRIMMERS

EDGERS &

MORE

JS-50

Z8

END-DOGGER,

C FRAME &

HI SPEED SNAPSHOT


Bright Wood purchases eight

USNR AddVantage scanners

SAWLINES

As their old equipment started

to lag behind what was needed

for the business, Bright Wood

turned to USNR’s AddVantage

scanners for a solution. Bright

Wood purchased eight systems

with the plan to replace

existing scanners and to add

more locations.

The goal was to utilize

the system’s AI defect

programming to help reduce

the amount of waste, create

fewer cutbacks, and produce

an overall better product for

their customers.

An outdated scanning

system can be severely

detrimental to any facility.

From slow processing time

to misallocated manpower to

excess waste, it can be the

weak link that costs a mill

thousands of dollars every

year. This is exactly what led

Bright Wood to search for

alternative scanner options.

The AddVantage uses AIdriven

defecting technology

that provides industry-leading

detection and classification

of defects. But finding the

AddVantage was just the

beginning. Upgrading and

refining their process has

now led Bright Wood to new

ventures and better product.

Also see pages 34 & 35

Burton Mill Solutions acquires Industrial Cutting Tools

Burton Mill Solutions has

announced its acquisition

of Industrial Cutting Tools

(ICT), based in Quitman,

Georgia. ICT specializes

in reconditioning

industrial cutting tools for

sawmill, chip, and pellet

operations throughout

the Southeastern U.S.

This acquisition

significantly expands

Burton’s geographic

footprint and enhances its

technical capabilities, enabling

better service to primary wood

producers who outsource the

reconditioning of their circle

and band saws and machine

knives.

With the addition of ICT,

Burton strengthens its already

comprehensive technical

expertise in wood processing

technology, including wideband

and circle saws, industrial

knives, filing room equipment,

reconditioning services, and

industrial wear parts

Chuck Wert, Senior Vice

President of Burton, expressed

enthusiasm for the acquisition,

saying, “We are thrilled to

join forces with ICT, as this

partnership will enable us to

elevate our service offerings

and better meet the needs of

our customers in the region.

Our teams share a dedication

to innovation and excellence,

and together we will set new

standards in the industry.”

Walter Cowart, General

Manager of ICT, shared his

thoughts on the merger,

saying, “This is an exciting

opportunity for both companies

to build on our strengths and

improve our service delivery.”

While Walter will remain with

ICT’s prior owner, The Langdale

Company, longtime employee

Scot Mathis has agreed to

take on the role of Operations

Manager. Scot expressed, “I am

looking forward to writing the

next chapter in our company’s

story as we continue to

provide exceptional solutions

that genuinely benefit our

customers.”

Dale Brown, CEO of

Burton Mill Solutions, and

sister companies USNR and

Mid-South Engineering,

commented, “I am pleased

to be expanding our cutting

tools service network. This

acquisition aligns with our

overall mission to provide

innovative solutions that

enhance productivity and

efficiency in the wood

processing industry.”

ICT’s southern Georgia

location will complement

Burton’s existing network of

saw and knife reconditioning

service centres in Maine,

South Carolina, Louisiana, and

Alabama.

Walter Cowart,

General Manager, ICT

Chuck Wert, Senior Vice

President of Burton

Dale Brown, CEO of

Burton Mill Solutions

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K


Fine tune your strategy

NASHVILLE, TN • AUG 6-8, 2025

Exhibit sales

now open

Visit SFPAEXPO.com

to Secure Your

Space Today!

SAWLINES

MiCROTEC Connect: Revolutionizing Wood

Processing at Two Rivers Lumber

MiCROTEC teams up with

Peak North America for

the Next Generation

of Sawmilling.

In the summer of 2025,

Peak North America,

in collaboration with

MiCROTEC, will install the

next generation greenfield

Two Rivers Lumber sawmill in

Alexander City, Alabama.

MiCROTEC will provide all

scanning and optimization

technology for the complete

mill. Driven by MiCROTEC’s

CT Log scanner, the MiCROTEC

Connect solution will link each

step of the process, allowing

full traceability from log to final

product.

A standout feature of the

sawmill is the integration of

Real Performance Machinery’s

ProDog end dogger system and

ProSaw gang with MiCROTEC’s

CT Log.

This combination,

leveraging ProDog’s rotation

and positioning capabilities,

maximizes the CT Log’s full

potential.

“We are so excited to release

the full power of CT Log’s

optimization capabilities by

pairing it with RPM’s end

dogger. The fact that each

log can be optimized and

sawn to its full potential with

a minimum of positioning

limitations, and to a much

higher precision than

traditional sawing equipment,

makes this a match made in

heaven. In this case, 1 + 1 truly

does equal 3!” says Norvin

Laudon, Head of Sales at

MiCROTEC.

The advanced scanning

solutions for this project

include MiCROTEC’s

CT Log scanner, Logeye

multi-sensor log scanner,

Logeye Stereo 360° imaging

system, Goldeneye Transverse

lumber scanners, and

integrated software and inline

components, creating a fully

connected mill.

“We can release the full power of CT Log’s optimization capabilities by pairing it with RPM’s end dogger.”


The MiCROTEC Connect

solution, based on the CTscanned

logs, ensures that

each log can be traced from

virtual to real boards and that

individual boards can be traced

back to their original logs at

each production step without

any gaps.

A standout feature of the

sawmill is the integration

of Real Performance

Machinery’s ProDog

end dogger system

and ProSaw gang with

MiCROTEC’s CT Log

SAWLINES

Norvin Laudon, Head

of Sales at MiCROTEC

“Simply put, MiCROTEC

Connect allows tracking of

every sawn product through

each step of the production

process back to its parent

log, providing unprecedented

insight into the sawmilling

process. The true power of

knowing how the value of

each piece of lumber changes

through the process is that it

allows the mill to know exactly

where the largest opportunities

for value increases are.”

explains Norvin Laudon.

This project marks a

significant advancement in

the log breakdown process,

starting from log optimization

to secondary processing, all

based on CT scanned logs.

The strategic partnership

with Peak North America

showcases a new level of value

and resource efficiency for the

industry.

“We are excited to work

with MiCROTEC to deliver what

we believe will be the next

generation of log breakdown

technology, coupled with bestin-industry

equipment for all

other areas of the mill.”

Leif Norrgard, CEO of Peak

North America

This collaboration promises

to set new standards in the

industry, combining top-of-theline

technology from various

partners to create superior

solutions, while furthering

sustainability efforts through

optimized resource use and

reduced waste.

Peak North America (PNA)

are a vertically integrated

solutions provider of industrial

SAWMILL

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construction services across

North America, specializing in

the wood processing sector.

Ground prep underway for Two Rivers Lumber

sawmill in Alexander City, Alabama


SAWLINES

Sawbox - from

debarking via

scanning to

stacking

Introducing SAWBOX: Revolutionizing

the North American Lumber Industry

From Log to Lumber

with One Operator

The lumber industry

is on the cusp of

a technological

revolution, and

SAWBOX is leading

the way with its

groundbreaking ability

to turn logs into lumber

with just one operator.

This innovative sawmill

solution is designed

to meet the needs of

modern wood processing

operations, providing a

compact, automated system

that ensures efficient, high

quality lumber production.

Most importantly, the SAWBOX

allows you to process

diameters up to 42 inches

that you would not be able

to handle in your normal

production operations. For

businesses in North America

the SAWBOX promises to be

a game changer, delivering

benefits that are too significant

to ignore.

Key Benefits of SAWBOX

• Self-Sufficiency

One of the outstanding

features of SAWBOX is its

ability to make companies

self-sufficient. By allowing

companies to cut their own

logs, SAWBOX helps optimize

production costs and ensures

a steady supply of raw

materials. This level of control

over the production process

can significantly improve a

company’s profitability and

operational efficiency.

• Cost-Effective Investment

Setting up a SAWBOX is

much more affordable than

traditional sawing technology.

The reduced investment costs

make it possible for smaller

companies to own and operate

their own sawmills, paving the

way for greater autonomy and

financial stability.

• Increased vs Enhanced Yield

and Efficiency

SAWBOX is designed to

maximize the use of each log,

achieving yields of up to 75%.

This high level of efficiency

not only reduces waste, but

also increases the overall

production, making the most of

the available resources.

• Sustainability and Regional

Added Value

SAWBOX supports the use of

local wood and the recycling

of all wood waste, promoting

sustainability and boosting the

local economies. By sourcing

wood locally and minimizing

waste, companies can reduce

their ecological footprint and

contribute to sustainable

forestry practices.

• Predictable Pricing

With SAWBOX, companies can

enjoy long-term stable product

prices by controlling their

own production processes.

This predictability is crucial

for maintaining competitive

pricing and ensuring customer

satisfaction in a fluctuating

market.

• Impressive Cutting Capacity

The SAWBOX can process up

to 8.5 million board feet of

lumber in a two-shift operation.

It accommodates logs from 10

to 42 inches in diameter and

from 10 to 16 feet 2 inches

(on request 20 feet) in length,

available upon request. This

versatility makes it suitable

for a wide range of lumber

dimensions.

• Space Efficiency

SAWBOX is designed to fit into

spaces ranging from 5,400 to

10,800 square feet, allowing for

optimal use of available space.

This compact footprint is

perfect for companies looking

to maximize their production

capacity without the need for

large, sprawling facilities.


Embrace the Future with

SAWBOX

For North American wood

processing companies, the

benefits of adopting SAWBOX

are clear. Whether you are

a sawmill, CLT or a gluelam

facility, integrating the

SAWBOX into your production

line can lead to significant

improvements in efficiency,

cost savings, and sustainability.

As the industry continues

to evolve, staying ahead of the

curve is essential. Discover

how SAWBOX can transform

your business, making it more

competitive and resilient in

a rapidly changing market.

By investing in SAWBOX, you

will not only improve your

manufacturing capabilities,

but also contribute to a more

sustainable and economically

vibrant community.

Explore the possibilities

of SAWBOX and take the first

step towards a more efficient

and sustainable future for your

wood processing business.

About SPRINGER

The family-owned company

located in Austria (Europe),

Greer (USA) and Nanaimo

(Canada), plans, develops, and

produces machines and state

of the art solutions for the

The optimized cutting process of Springer´s Sawbox

Machining Center

wood processing industry.

All processes, such as

transporting, sorting, grading

of wood, and automation,

are implemented at the

highest technological level.

Special attention is placed on

sustainability.

The climate-neutral company

employs more than 500 people

worldwide and is managed

by the third generation of the

Springer family, Timo Springer

and Gero Springer.

www.springer-usa.com

Sorter, Stick Laying, Stacking

1 Logs, 2 Debarker, 3 Machining Center, 4 Sorter, 5 Robot on Linear Axis, 6 Lumber packages


SAWLINES

AddVantage Chop

Saw Optimizer

An outdated scanning

system can be severely

detrimental to any

facility. From slow

processing time to

misallocated manpower

to excess waste, it can be

the weak link that costs a

mill thousands of dollars

every year. This is exactly

what led Bright Wood

to search for alternative

scanner options leading

them to the AddVantage

scanner from USNR.

Upgrading with AI

The AddVantage uses AI

defecting technology that

provides industry-leading

detection and classification of

defects.

But finding the AddVantage

was just the beginning.

Upgrading and refining their

process has now led Bright

Wood to new ventures and

better product.

AddVantage features

The key to the AddVantage

scanner’s success is deep

learning artificial intelligence

technology. As more lumber

passes through the system,

the AddVantage scanner hones

its ability to spot high-quality

wood and identify defects more

precisely. It can even identify

defects within defects.

This allows the system

to better understand when

defects can be sawed off to

enhance the quality of the

original board, and when a

board needs to be outright

rejected, minimizing waste of

product and money.

How it all began

As is the case for many growing

businesses, Bright Wood

found themselves in a bit of a

pickle. Their team was ready to

expand, but their equipment

was not. Outdated machines

made it impossible to scan

their product at the rates

required to reach the goals

they wanted to set. At the

forefront of this issue was their

scanning systems.

“Before, we had another

scanner in place [from a

different company],” says

Scanner Technician Stephanie

Garcia. “It was very slow,

outdated…Production through

the plant wasn’t the best. It

wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t as

optimal as it could be.”

And so, the team went

looking for a new scanner,

one that could keep up with

demand. One that had AI

learning capabilities. Which

is how they came upon the

AddVantage.

AddVantage uses four-sided multi-spectral vision, infrared, laser, and geometric

profiles to identify and classify a wide range of characteristics


SAWLINES

The importance of support

While the AddVantage checked

all the boxes, Bright Wood’s

Director of Optimization

Keenan Stovall says the real

clincher was the care and

dedication the USNR team

displayed in helping Bright

Wood every step of the way.

From providing round-theclock

support to following

up on important software

adjustments needed for the

Bright Wood facilities to

offering hands-on training

for operators, Stovall says

it was the USNR promise of

quality customer service that

led his team to choose the

AddVantage.

“[The USNR employees]

want to work with us. We talk

every week…We didn’t want to

feel like we were on an island.

We didn’t want to feel like we

couldn’t have engagement

and improvement…Chad and

the team have been a great

resource.”

It’s all in the details

Installation began in one of

Bright Wood’s larger facilities

in Madras. From the very start,

precision was a must.

Bright Wood largely

processes a variety of wood

for window and door parts, as

well as finger joint pieces, so

sending off perfect boards is an

essential part of the business.

And their scanner can’t get in

the way.

“We were at a point where

we knew we needed to do more

scanning and optimizing,”

Stovall said. “That’s what we

do, we break down wood and

we wanted to be really good

at…We did feel like we had

maxed out our current scanners

and we couldn’t really get any

more out of them the way that

they were and we thought that

artificial intelligence was a way

to take a step beyond what we

were currently.”

As the first AddVantage

scanners went in, Garcia

and her team kept in

regular contact with USNR

representatives and engineers

to make adjustments and

create a scanning system that

was optimized for their work,

including catching some of

their more common defects like

grain distortion, blue stains,

and heart defects.

While these adjustments

were in the works, additional

USNR staff worked closely with

the team at Bright Wood to

properly train operators on how

to use the machine. Between

onsite training, weekly

phone calls, and hands-on

adjustments, the Bright Wood

team soon had a better scanner

and a team of proficient

operators.

Better results

26 - 30 May 2025,

Hannover.

And the benefits were near

instantaneous. By USNR’s

second and third visits to the

facility to make adjustments,

Bright Wood was already

seeing significant gains.

Even during test runs, the

new AddVantage scanners

were breaking Bright Wood

processing records. And,

according to Stovall, the

system was substantially

better at spotting fixable

issues, rather than outright

rejecting a flawed board.

“One of the things that was

happening in our old system

is we would have a board that

would have a solution error or

no solution, it would go all the

way to the saw, it would stop,

and then the saw operator

would have to stop production,

pull that piece out, drop it off

somewhere, and it would have

to be cut manually. This new

system just doesn’t have that

problem.” Workers can use

their time more productively.

No need to spend hours sifting

through “rejected” boards or

waste thousands on product

that could have been saved.

And when the team isn’t

bogged down by numerous

shortcomings from their

equipment, the potential for

growth significantly increases.

Moving forward

With new technology comes

new opportunity. Bright Wood

has expanded their product

offering into dimensional

products, running 22 million

board feet through the seventh

scan line in their Culver facility

alone.

Their next goals include

expanding in hardwood and

poplar species, as well as fully

realizing the scope of what

deep learning AI technology

has to offer. “There’s more to

be tapped into,” says Stovall,

“and we look forward to

exploring the technology’s full

potential.”


New! The USNR Compact Shape Saw

delivers big results with a smaller footprint

USNR launched at TP&EE

Show the all-new

Compact Shape Saw

(CSS) system, the industry’s

most advanced secondary

processing system. It offers

durability, reliability, and

higher accuracy, resulting

in superior quality lumber

and chip production, all in a

significantly smaller footprint.

Smaller footprint, better

output

The Compact Shape Saw

(CSS) was designed from the

ground up to provide advanced

solution capabilities including

skewed sideboards, improved

lumber finish, and less off-size

lumber. The result is higher

recovery and higher value.

The machine requires 53%

less linear space than an

equivalent USNR HSS layout

and it significantly improves

contact with each piece as it is

processed, adding stability and

improving the quality of boards

being produced.

It’s also taken maintenance

access to the next level with a

unique walk-up design that’s

the most ergonomic on the

market. This, plus maintenance

advancements like Quick

Change Assemblies and

Automatic Maintenance Pins,

make for safer, quicker repairs.

The CSS is comprised of

individual modules all working

together to provide the

highest-quality products and

the most efficient operation

Easier installation and

maintenance

USNR accomplishes as much

pre-assembly as possible in

The unique walk-up maintenance platform makes the

CSS the most ergonomic system on the market.

Easy-to-access service platform

the shop, so very little is left to

be done in the field, lowering

overall installation cost. The

CSS then scales up quickly to

production levels for faster ROI.

They have also taken

maintenance access to the next

level with a walk-up design

that is the most ergonomic

system on the market.


SAWLINES

The CSS also comes with

maintenance advancements

like Quick Change Assemblies

and Automatic Maintenance

Pins for safe and quick repairs

and operation

CSS feed modules

Infeed, intermediate, and

outfeed modules feature

rolls driven either by coupled

gearboxes or drivelines

• Interchangeable, lift-out

press roll assemblies

• Interchangeable, slide-out

bed roll assemblies

• Infeed and intermediate

modules slide sideways for

best-in-class maintenance

access

CSS Canter

CSS canter module

Delivers the best secondary

breakdown solutions on the

market when paired with the

Compact Shape Gang

• Best-in-class stability

• Profiler and canter function

independently to accurately

follow the solution curve

• Achieves a 96’ curved radius

or 4” per 16’ on curved

solution

• Chipper-profiler system

operates with ±6° of rotation

• Chipper can process up to

12” nominal cants

CSS Gang

Variable bedline sawbox

always splits the cut between

the top and bottom arbors on

all cant sizes:

• Designed from the ground up

for shifting timber pockets

on top and bottom arbors

• Fully automatic saw

mismatch and arbor wear

adjustment via setworks on

top and bottom arbors

• Vertical saw guides give

unparalleled access for saw

change

• Oversized turret bearing

used as pivot for increased

stability and precision

CSS infeed, intermediate, and outfeed modules

The CSS Gang has a variable height sawbox with variable bedline.

This means that all cants are always split evenly between the top

and bottom arbors as they are being processed through the gang.

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Tigercat | TCi:

Prime Movers, Dozers,

Mulching Attachments

In addition to timber

harvesting, Tigercat | TCi

machines are used in

many industrial applications

including construction,

land clearing, silviculture,

site preparation, forest

management and fire

mitigation — wherever highly

mobile, durable and reliable

carriers are required for rugged

terrain, high duty cycles,

extreme temperatures, and

high levels of airborne debris.

TCi 920 dozer

Originally designed for forestry

applications, the TCi 920 is a

rugged and powerful dozer

that is capable of handling the

toughest jobs both in and out

of the forest. Unlike standardbuild,

mass production dozers,

the 920 is built forest-ready

without the need for optional

guarding or heavy-duty

packages.

The 920 dozer is powered

by a 4.5 litre 4-cylinder FPT

engine. It makes 135 hp

(net) and 168 hp (maximum).

The Tier 4 final engine

aftertreatment system does

not require a diesel particulate

filter or EGR.

The 920 dozer uses a 6-way

power, angle and tilt, or PAT

blade. The blade is available

in 3 sizes. Blade width options

include 3,2 m or (10.5 ft), 3,6 m

(11 ft), and 3,7 m (12 ft). Blade

movements are quick thanks

to a large hydraulic pump.

Blade function speeds are

fully configurable within the

intuitive touchscreen machine

control system.

The structure of the blade

is designed to reduce stress in

areas where other blades tend

to crack. An integrated and

boxed in spill guard is included

on the top of the blade’s

moldboard.

The TCi 920 dozer is capable of the toughest applications in and

out of the forest

The blades structure along

with large lift and tilt cylinders

is designed to handle heavy

abuse in applications like

stump removal.

The ergonomically designed

cab offers an exceptionally

rugged, quiet and comfortable

workspace with excellent

heating and cooling capacity.

The large parallel action

seat has many adjustments

to suit any operator. The seat

cushion moves independently

of the seat back rest. The

seat back reclines and is fully

adjustable, with seat angle and

seat extension adjustment,

as well as lumbar support.

The seat suspension is strong

and durable, featuring weight

adjustment and firmness

control. Combined with cab

climate control system,

integrated heating and cooling

keeps the operator comfortable

in any weather conditions.

The 920 was designed to

maximize operator visibility.

The full-length cab door

windows allow the operator to

see the tracks and both sides

of the blade where it contacts

the ground, with clear visibility

to the end bits.

The sloping front engine

enclosure provides excellent

visibility to the front of the

machine. The sweeps are

aligned with the cab pillars

to be out of the line of sight,

and unlike competing dozers,

the exhaust stack is located

behind the cab in line with the

rear quarter post, resulting in a

completely clean hood.

The 920 dozer is available

with a number of rear

attachment options. The rear

retrieval hitch is available on its

own, or with the 910 kg (2,000

lb) counterweight. In addition,

auxiliary hydraulics allow the

machine to run a winch or other

rear implements. The 18 tonne

(40,000 lb) rated recovery

winch includes a four-roller

fairlead and integrated hitch.

Functions include power reel

in and out and manual free

spool. The ripper attachment is

a 2-barrel parallelogram design

with 3 pockets and shanks. It

was designed to deliver high

pry-out and penetration forces

and has a robust structural

design. Choice of penetration

or centreline teeth are

available.

4161-15 mulching head

Tigercat has released a

mulching head for swing

carriers in response to

fire mitigation equipment

requirements. The 4161-15 is

a 1,5 metre (59 in) heavy-duty

swing-to-tree mulching head

optimized for use on Tigercat

800 series carriers.

The 4161-15 uses many field

proven components common to

other Tigercat mulching heads.

The rotor design is similar to

4061 series mulching heads.

The 4161-15 offers a choice of a

standard drum or feed control

rotor (FCR). FCR is equipped

with depth gauges in front

of each tooth to control the

cutting depth, reducing load

on the machine. Tool choices

include standard carbide,

heavy-duty rock resistant

carbide, and hardened steel

knife style.

The 4161-15 pivots 130°

(+/- 65°) left or right on a

hydraulically controlled wrist.

Through-tip hydraulic hose

routing through the open

boom tip to the wrist manifold

minimizes exposed hoses,

aiding in reduced wear and

damage.

When paired with the

Tigercat LX830E, this minimal

tail swing, leveling machine

is highly effective at fuel

load management and fire

mitigation on steep slopes and

within tight stands.

Cont’d on IBC

The 4161-15 heavy-duty swing to tree mulching head is

optimized for use on Tigercat 800 series carriers


RISING SUCCESSFULLY

TO EVERY OCCASION

Harvester Heads

New PONSSE H7 harvester head is a

compact, solid, and powerful choice

for all types of logging sites.

The key to fast,

efficient, and

economical

harvesting

Ponsse has a long history

of manufacturing

harvester heads. The

first PONSSE harvester head

was made in Vieremä in 1986.

PONSSE harvester heads have

been designed to withstand

even the toughest conditions.

They are characterised by

a simple and solid structure

which enables them to be

used in various harvesting

applications from harvesters to

track-based solutions.

Each harvester head model

is designed on the basis of

efficiency, durability and ease

of use. Harvester heads must

withstand extreme conditions

while operating accurately and

as gently as possible without

damaging the trunk surface

unnecessarily.

All PONSSE harvester

heads are manufactured and

designed at the Ponsse factory

in Vieremä. The design process

is comprehensive and covers,

in addition to mechanical

parts, operating controls and

software. The manufacturing

process is highly automated

to ensure high quality and

measuring accuracy.


The frames of harvester heads are

machined from a single piece after the

welding assembly. This guarantees the

highest quality with excellent precision.

Durable hoses and delimbing knives form

an important part of reliability.

Ponsse’s selection includes 10 different

harvester heads for different conditions

from thinning to regeneration felling and

processing. The basic product features

in all models include powerful feeding

as well as quick and efficient sawing.

The harvester heads can be adjusted

according to the trees harvested and the

base machine used, ensuring smooth

operations and a long service life. Their

strong grip and accurate measuring

system ensure excellent measuring

accuracy.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9


10

1

The PONSSE H5 is a multipurpose

harvester head especially suited for

efficient thinning.

2

The PONSSE H6 is praised as the best

multipurpose harvester head on the

market. It’s suited to a variety of uses,

ranging from thinning sites with small

trees to regeneration felling.

3

The New PONSSE H7 is a compact,

solid, and powerful choice for all

types of logging sites. The New H7 is

available with Active Speed variable

feeding speed system.

4

The PONSSE H7 HD is a very robust

and strong harvester head primarily

for large wheeled harvesters and

tracked based machines. The structure

is based on the popular H7 model, but

it has been reinforced for the special

operating conditions of track-based

machines.

5

PONSSE H7 HD Euca is designed for

processing and debarking eucalyptus

trees. Thanks to its excellent geometry,

the H7 HD Euca works well also with

big trees. Suitable for both wheeled

and track-based machines.

6

The sturdy PONSSE H8 harvester

head represents the largest and most

powerful harvester head range for

wheel-based Ponsse harvesters. Its

solid structure and advanced functions

make H8 an extremely durable and

economical tool, with which harvesting

is efficient. Thanks to it´s shape it also

features superior winter features with

minimized snow packing. The Ponsse

H8 is available with Active Speed

variable feeding speed system.

7

The PONSSE H8 HD is a robust

harvester head with high power and

excellent geometry for demanding

conditions. The H8 HD is designed for

demanding use on large track-based

machines with a powerful hydraulic

system. Also available with a top saw.

8

The PONSSE H8 HD is ideal solution

for track-based machines.. The H8

HD Euca is an effective tool in forests

where the diameter of eucalyptus

stems can be up to 50 cm.

9

Strong power, reliable structure and

accurate control in the same package.

PONSSE H9 is excellent in processing

but suits felling and multi-stemming

processing very well. The H9 head

is a real multifunction head. Fast,

effective, rational and most important

productivity. A harvester head of

this size class has never been this

versatile.

10

The PONSSE H10 is the largest

harvester head in the selection,

suitable for processing large diameter

trees. With a very robust structure,

the H10 is designed for track-based

machines weighing over 25 tonnes.

In spite of its size, the H10 is not

only suitable for processing but also

felling.

New PONSSE H7 - a highly productive midsized harvester head

Sharing a lot of the same

features than H8, new

PONSSE H7’s powerful

feed and excellent power-toweight

ratio add productivity

to operations in all types

of sites. Maximum feed

speed at the correct length,

combined with controlled feed

acceleration and deceleration,

reduces feed damage and

improves machine efficiency.

Thanks to new H7’s

improved geometry, it can hold

up even big trees conveniently.

The adjustable grip pressure

of delimbing knives and feed

rollers, while feed rollers

support trees from below,

guarantees minimal friction

and a firm grip during feeding.

Easy-to-use automated

systems ensure fast cutting

and adjust sawing according

to the tree diameter, improving

the efficiency of sawing and

extending the service life of

the saw blade and chain.

The advanced Active Speed

function is a new feature in

H7 harvester head. It enables

adjusting the speed of the

harvester head according

to tree species and trunk

diameters. This further

improves feeding performance,

thus raising the work efficiency

and productivity to entirely new

levels.

Thanks to its robust

structure, great sawing power,

excellent gripping geometry

and uncontested ability to

enable faster, more efficient

harvesting, new PONSSE

H7 can add value to your

operations at all types of

logging sites.


The Tigercat 544 is a great

match for selective harvesting

applications in mixed diameter

hardwood and conifer stands

The 340-degree wrist is

field-proven in felling head

applications where maximum

dexterity and positive control

are required. It is best matched

to Tigercat 822 series carriers.

575

Tigercat harvesting

heads are built to match

the high-performance

capabilities of Tigercat

track and wheel carriers

and are well suited to a

variety of jobs including

at-the-stump harvesting,

roadside processing and

debarking.

The new 544 is Tigercat’s

lowest weight class

harvesting head for

track harvesters. Based on the

proven 534 design, the 544

is a three-wheel drive head

with triangulated wheel arm

geometry. The chassis, covers

and tilt frame are designed

to handle the rigors of track

carrier operating conditions.

Four cast steel knife arms, and

fixed front and back knives

provide excellent delimbing

quality.

Targeting trees in the 15-50

cm (6-20 in) diameter range,

the 544 has a maximum main

cut capacity of 790 mm (31 in)

along with a 790 mm (31 in)

feed wheel opening, and 760

mm (30 in) maximum knife

arm opening to handle the

occasional larger tree.

Available with an optional

560 mm (22 in) cut capacity

top saw , the 544 is a great

match for selective harvesting

applications in mixed diameter

hardwood and conifer stands.

Operating weight ranges from

Tigercat Harvesting Heads

1700 kg (3,760 lb) with

standard rotator and link up to

2140 kg (4,720 lb), allowing the

head to be mated to Tigercat

H822 and H855 series carriers

with standard or telescopic

boom sets.

The hydraulically actuated

measuring wheel promotes

positive contact and reduces

component wear. Diameter

measuring on the wheel arms

and front knife arms provides

accurate measurement. An

efficient high-flow hydraulic

system matched to Tigercat

carriers provides excellent

performance and outstanding

fuel economy.

Optional 360 degree

continuous rotation with

through-tip hose routing

and robust, stable wireless

communication is available on

select carriers. Various rotator,

feed motor, feed wheel, knife

arm, and wheel arm choices are

available to tailor the 544 for

specific applications.

For maximum productivity

and performance in eucalyptus

processing applications,

the 544 debarking package

includes several features to

increase productivity and

performance. The feed wheels

and the wheel arm geometry

are designed for debarking,

spiraling the trees during

feeding for better performance.

The feed motor sizes are

tuned for high demand and

productivity. Unique front and

back knife geometry provides

comprehensive tree coverage.

570

The 570 is a 2 wheel-drive head

with canted, independent drive

arms. It is most productive

working with trees 15-50 cm (6-

20 in) in diameter in softwood

and hardwood stands. The 570

The 575 is a heavy duty threewheel

drive harvesting head

with canted, independent drive

arms and is best suited to instand

harvesting in the 18-56

cm (7-22 in) diameter range.

It is very effective in tough

applications and difficult stem

profiles including large limbed

hardwood and crooked trees.

With optional mechanically

timed processor knives for

easier picking, the 575 is

also an excellent roadside

processing head.

The Tigercat 570 harvesting head with the optional fixed

340-degree rotating wrist

is designed to work with the

H822, H845 and H855 carriers,

or a 20-25 tonne forestry

excavator. With optional

hydraulically timed processor

knives, the 570 can also be

used for roadside processing.

The 570 is available with

a fixed wrist for applications

where positive control when

felling high value trees

and trimming large limbs

is required. The fixed head

design combines two proven

technologies – the Tigercat

570 harvesting head and the

Tigercat 340-degree wrist.

The 575 features Tigercat’s

unique three-two Autoshift TM

drive system. When processing

a tree, the head starts in threewheel

drive, maximizing feed

force for faster acceleration

and quickly powering through

bigger trees. As the load

drops, it automatically shifts

to two-wheel drive, improving

efficiency and increasing feed

speed up to 30%.

Cont’d on IBC


Log Max 5000V:

The ultimate Harvesting Head

for unparalleled logging

performance

The logging industry demands reliable and efficient

equipment to tackle the toughest challenges in

harvesting operations. Introducing the Log Max 5000V,

a state-of-the-art harvesting head that combines

durability, agility, accuracy, and intelligence to

revolutionise logging worldwide. With its reinforced

design, advanced features, and improved servicing

capabilities, the Log Max 5000V sets a new standard

for modern and powerful harvesting heads.

Durability and Cutting

Performance:

The Log Max 5000V boasts a

reinforced frame designed to

withstand the most demanding

logging applications. The

slimmed-down saw box

enhances performance in

snowy conditions, ensuring

optimal cutting efficiency.

Equipped with the new 318

MK2 - 30cc saw, this harvesting

head delivers fast and troublefree

cutting up to 74cm,

guaranteeing exceptional

cutting performance.

Measuring Precision and

Simplified Maintenance:

Accurate measurement results

are crucial in today’s harvesting

operations, and the Log Max

5000V meets this requirement

with its redesigned measuring

unit. The length measuring unit

incorporates smart features,

including a contactless sensor,

easier lubrication, and durable

tapered bearings. Furthermore,

the harvesting head’s

improved accessibility, wellorganised

hoses, and grease

nipples facilitate simplified

maintenance and servicing.

Enhancements and Updates:

To enhance the Log Max

5000V’s durability and

longevity, several updates

have been implemented. The

design of the measuring wheel

hole has been improved,

reinforcing the stoppers for

the feed roller arms inside the

frame, thus increasing strength

and stability. The length

measurement function has

been significantly improved

through the introduction of

a new measuring wheel unit

with a larger wheel, ensuring

superior measurement

accuracy.

Advanced Saw Unit:

The Log Max 5000V

incorporates the enhanced saw

unit 318 MK2 19 cc (True-Cut)

or 30 cc, carefully designed

to optimise work processes.

Upgrades include a more

robust saw bar mount with

protective covers and rubber

seals, ensuring protection

against dirt and moisture. The

saw bar holder now utilises

premium-grade Hardox 450

material, offering increased

strength and longevity.

Additionally, the placement

of the “saw bar home” sensor

has been optimised for easy

access during maintenance.

On the 30cc version the saw

valve is mounted directly to the

motor which greatly increases

responsiveness.

Improved Multi-Stemming

Unit MK2:

The Log Max 5000V’s multistemming

unit has undergone

a redesign, resulting in reduced

weight, increased lifespan,

and simplified serviceability.

The relocation of cylinders

and improved hose protection

increase durability and

minimise the accumulation of

snow and dirt.

Enhanced Four-Point

Measuring MK2:

The Log Max 5000V’s fourpoint

measurement MK2

features new components and

functions to excel in harsh

conditions. The introduction

of a contactless encoder in

the lower delimbing knife

enhances its lifespan and

simplifies maintenance. The

lower delimbing knife now

incorporates an “Active Lower

Knife” function, increasing

lifting power and optimising

tree holding capability.

Additionally, the design

modifications, such as a new

axel nut and improved cable

routing, enhance durability and

reduce the risk of snow and ice

packing.

Conclusion:

The Log Max 5000V represents

a groundbreaking advancement

in the logging industry. With

its unparalleled durability,

cutting performance, precise

measurement capabilities, and

simplified maintenance, this

harvesting head sets a new

benchmark for productivity,

efficiency, and reliability.

Experience the power of the

Log Max 5000V and unlock its

potential to revolutionise your

logging operations.


Ponsse and Forest Fuel Reduction:

Enhancing Sustainable Forestry Practices

Introduction

The global focus on

sustainable forestry practices

has intensified in recent

years, with increasing

recognition of the importance

of managing forests not only

for timber production but

also for ecological balance,

biodiversity, and climate

change mitigation.

One critical aspect of this

management is forest fuel

reduction, a strategy aimed at

decreasing the accumulation

of combustible materials, such

as deadwood, underbrush, and

other organic matter, which can

lead to catastrophic wildfires.

Ponsse, a leading

manufacturer of forest

machinery, plays a vital role in

advancing these sustainable

practices through innovative

technologies designed

to enhance forest fuel

reduction efforts. Says Timo

Savornin, Area Marketing and

Communication Manager at

Ponsse Oyj

The Role of Ponsse in

Sustainable Forestry

Ponsse, headquartered in

Finland, is renowned for its

commitment to developing

high-quality, efficient, and

environmentally friendly

forestry machinery.

Since its inception in 1970,

the company has consistently

pushed the boundaries

of technology to meet the

evolving needs of the forestry

industry. Ponsse’s machinery

is designed to operate in a

variety of forest environments,

enabling the harvesting and

processing of timber while

minimizing environmental

impact.

One of the key contributions

of Ponsse to sustainable

forestry is its development of

versatile and efficient machines

that can be used for both

traditional timber harvesting

and forest fuel reduction.

These machines, including

harvesters and forwarders,

are equipped with advanced

features that allow for precise

cutting, sorting, and removal

of unwanted biomass. This

capability is crucial for

reducing forest fuel loads,

which in turn helps prevent

the occurrence of large-scale

wildfires.

Cont’d on Page 46

Forest Fuel Reduction involves the strategic

removal or modification of vegetation to

lower the risk of wildfires


Integrated

Operations Group

IOG was initially formed to fill a

void for specialized full-phase

heli-logging services in the forest

industry. Since then, they have

utilized their cumulative production

forestry skill sets to expand into a

variety of services and sectors.

Commercial Thinning

IOG is leading a resurgence in true

commercial thinning in BC. Utilizing

European-inspired technology

and processes, they are helping to

change the way BC thinks about

ground-based forest harvesting. This

includes:

• True high-retention commercial

thinning

• CTL equipment fleet includes three

high-production harvesters, two

full-sized forwarders, and a shortlog

self-loader

2023

Commercial Thinning Advancement

& Company Growth

IOG commits to doubling their

commercial thinning production

with the purchase of two additional

harvesters and a new Ponsse Buffalo

forwarder. A short-log self-loader

was also purchased. Several singlestem

and salvage opportunities are

underway and they have significantly

increased their participation in the

utility sector. Work is underway to

secure an interior office location and

increase their Campbell River office

footprint.

2024+

New merch, TV show, & Advanced

Operations

IOG buys new Ponsse Buffalo

Forwarder, to work with their Ponsse

Cobra and Fox Harvesters. They

launch their own merchandise line

and are proud to be featured in CTV/

Discovery Channel’s first series of

Timber Titans.

Intergrated Operations Group

Campbell River,

British Columbia, Canada

(250) 914-8050


Cont’d from Page 44

Forest Fuel Reduction: A

Critical Component of Fire

Management

Forest fuel reduction involves

the strategic removal or

modification of vegetation

to lower the risk of wildfires.

This process can include

thinning dense stands of trees,

removing dead or diseased

trees, and clearing underbrush.

By reducing the amount

of combustible material,

forest managers can create

conditions that slow the spread

of fires and make them easier

to control.

Ponsse’s machinery plays a

significant role in this process

by providing the tools needed

to carry out fuel reduction

efficiently and effectively. For

example, Ponsse harvesters are

equipped with powerful cutting

heads that can selectively

remove smaller trees and

brush, which are often the

most flammable components

of a forest. Additionally, Ponsse

forwarders are designed to

transport this material out of

the forest with minimal soil

disturbance, preserving the

forest floor’s integrity and

promoting regeneration.

Technological Innovations in

Ponsse Machinery

Ponsse has invested heavily

in research and development

to create machines that

are not only efficient but

also adaptable to various

forestry practices, including

fuel reduction. Some of the

technological innovations in

Ponsse’s machinery include:

• Advanced Control Systems:

Ponsse machines are

equipped with state-ofthe-art

control systems

that allow operators to

precisely manage the

cutting and processing of

timber and biomass. These

systems ensure that only

the necessary materials are

removed, leaving the forest

healthier and less prone to

fire.

• Low-Impact Designs: The

design of Ponsse machines

emphasizes low ground

pressure and minimal

soil disturbance, which

is crucial for maintaining

the ecological balance

of the forest. This design

is particularly important

in sensitive areas where

traditional heavy machinery

might cause significant

damage.

• Energy Efficiency: Ponsse’s

commitment to sustainability

extends to the energy

efficiency of its machines.

The company has developed

engines and hydraulic

systems that maximize fuel

efficiency, reducing the

carbon footprint of forestry

operations.

The Future of Ponsse and

Forest Fuel Reduction

As the frequency and intensity

of wildfires continue to rise

globally, the importance of

forest fuel reduction will

only grow. Ponsse is wellpositioned

to lead the forestry

industry in this area, thanks

to its ongoing commitment to

innovation and sustainability.

The company’s machines will

play an increasingly critical

role in helping forest managers

reduce fuel loads, protect

ecosystems, and mitigate the

effects of climate change.

In conclusion, Ponsse’s

contribution to forest fuel

reduction is a testament to

the company’s dedication to

sustainable forestry practices.

By providing the tools needed

to manage forests responsibly,

Ponsse is helping to ensure

that forests remain healthy,

productive, and resilient in the

face of future challenges. Says

Timo Savornin, Area Marketing

and Communication Manager

at Ponsse Oyj.

Ponsse firefighting Equipment:

The wireless remote controller can adjust the water spray direction

vertically and horizontally, as well as the spray pattern. The local

rescue department


PONSSE Firefighting equipment for forwarders

Ponsse firefighting

equipment to be

installed in the load

spaces of forwarders for

extinguishing wildfires.

Forest machine is the

most natural and effective

way to access a forest

fire area. Operations in

difficult terrain come as

second nature to them,

and they have more than

enough capacity in their

hydraulic system for

There when needed

The firefighting equipment is

delivered to the fire location

as a single package - and

after it has been connected to

forest machine hydraulics, the

equipment is ready to operate.

The 10 m³ water tank of the

firefighting equipment can be

filled with its own pump from

a natural water source or the

tank of a fire truck. The water

cannon has a range of 47

metres and a turning radius of

360 degrees.

A carefully thought-out

system

• An economical solution - the

forwarder can be engaged in

productive forest operations

when the firefighting

equipment is not needed.

• The water tank withstands

the use of various chemicals

mixed with water, as well

as seawater. It is also light

enough to be lifted into the

machine load space.

• The powerful pump can fill

the water tank from a natural

water source or the tank of a

fire truck.

• The wireless remote

controller can adjust the

water spray direction

vertically and horizontally, as

well as the spray pattern.

The local rescue department

is responsible for planning

firefighting activities. A

properly trained rescue

employee is responsible for

the safety of firefighting.

Rescue personnel operate

the firefighting equipment

and guide the forest machine

operator’s actions when putting

out fires.

demanding conditions.


SALES OFFICES

UK, Europe, South Africa,

US East Coast

CONTACT: Robin Peach

International Forest Industries Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617


Japan

CONTACT: Shigeru Kobayashi

Japan Advertising Communications, Inc.

Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

Tel: 81-3-3261-4591

Fax: 81-3-3261-6126

Email: Shig-kobi@media-jac.co.jp

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT)

Australia, & New Zealand

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada


J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763


US Mid-West, Central & Mountain


J.P.Media Inc

1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville

IL 60563, USA

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763



For video monitoring in particular,

unmanaged switches are ideal since

they let all the data flow through without

interference, keeping camera streams and

bandwidth running smoothly.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Bandit IFC

www.banditchippers.com

COMACT 19

www.comact.com/en/

Combilift 25

www.combilift.com

FAE 8

www.fae-group.com

Halco Software Systems 37

www.halcosoftware.com

Joescan 27

www.joescan.com

Log Max 7

www.logmax.com

LMI Technologies 23

www.LMI3D.com

Microtec 3

www.microtec.us

M&I Materials 13

www.mimaterials.com

Sawmills operate anywhere from a

few dozen to a few hundred cameras on

their video monitoring network. They also

have PCs, servers, and other devices on

the same network. Unmanaged switches

make those smaller video networks easy

to manage, plus:

• They are plug-and-play, so no need to

configure them.

• You can be up and running almost

instantly.

• They allow for faster communication

through the network.

• They support large bandwidth.

Managed switches, while offering

more customization, come with the risk of

speed and bandwidth limits imposed by

IT configurations. This can cause network

issues, including device dropouts or

freezing, which results in unpredictable

downtime. For most sawmills operating

fewer than 50 cameras, unmanaged

switches are the most efficient and costeffective

solution.

Mus-Max 15

www.mus-max.at

Opticom 31

www.opticomtech.com

Ponsse FC/5

www.ponsse.com

Rawlings 12

www.rawlingsmanufacturing.com

Seppi m 10

www.seppi.com

Southern Forest Products Association 2/29

www.SFPAEXPO.com

Springer 17

www.springer-usa.com

Tele Radio 11

www.tele-radio.com

Tigercat 9

www.tigercat.com

USNR OBC

www.usnr.com

If your sawmill requires more advanced

features, you can consider using a mix of

managed and unmanaged switches to get

the best of both worlds. Regardless, this

is an important conversation to have with

your video monitoring partner.

About the Author

Heidi Schmidt, Global Sales Manager

Opticom Tech, opticomtech.com

Heidi has worked in the video technology

space for 20 years, building expertise in

CCTV, industrial video applications, new

product development, video network

solutions, and more. As a sales leader

at Opticom Technologies, she helps

customers implement robust video

monitoring solutions for unique and harsh

industrial environments.


Tigercat Harvesting Heads

Cont’d from Page 42 573

568

The 568 harvesting head is a

robust, high performance head

designed for tracked carriers.

It is best suited for road-side

processing applications, with

trees in the 15-55 cm (6-22 in)

range.

With timed knife arms and

triangulated wheel arms,

the 568 can quickly pick and

maintain positive tree contact

and control. The patented

four-two Autoshift drive system

provides extra power and

positive grip when feeding

large trees, fast speed in

smaller trees, and full manual

control when desired.

Knife arms feature doubleedged,

replaceable blades

with optimal contour for clean

delimbing. The front floating

knife with spring preload

follows the contour of the tree,

further enhancing delimbing

performance. Other features

of the 568 include optional

continuous rotation with

conventional boom or throughtip

hose routing, laser diffuse

or through-beam find end

sensors, colour marking and

various feed wheels.

The 573 is a heavy duty

three-wheel drive triangulated

harvesting head best suited to

medium and large tree profiles

in the 40-60 cm (16-24 in)

diameter range. Feed rollers

close down to 6 cm (2.5 in) for

maximum versatility. The top

knife and lower/back knife

pivot on the same side of the

chassis frame, aligning the

position and flow of each stem

centrally through the head.

This arrangement promotes

positive contact with all three

feed rollers and the measuring

wheel at all times. The result

is better quality and accuracy,

reduced fuel consumption, and

greater processing speed. The

orientation also provides the

operator with a clear sightline

to the measuring wheel. The

573 is standard equipped with

continuous rotation for ease of

use and superior hose routing

and protection.

534

The Tigercat 534 harvesting

head is matched to Tigercat’s

1165 harvester and sized for

optimal productivity in a 15-50

cm (6-20 in) stem diameter

range. The 534 is a locked

The Tigercat 573 is standard equipped with continuous rotation

three-wheel drive head with a

triangulated wheel arm design

to maintain positive tree

contact and control. Four cast

steel knife arms, along with

a fixed front and back knife,

provide excellent delimbing

quality. Optional mechanically

timed front knife arms assist

with picking from piles when

processing.

Tigercat D7 control system

All Tigercat harvesting heads

use the Tigercat D7 control

system. There are two types

of bucking control available

for D7. Priority-based bucking

logic utilizes a list of operatorentered

log specifications.

D7 Optimization level uses a

value-based logic.

Both Tigercat D7 Priority

and Optimization levels offer

StanForD Classic, StanForD

2010, and PDF production

reporting. Reports can be

viewed onscreen or exported

for later analysis. D7 also

sends production volume data

to RemoteLog®, Tigercat’s

optional telematics system.

When equipped with a

GPS receiver and the GeoInfo

software, D7 provides an active

navigation application using

the machine’s current position

on a georeferenced map.


630H silviculture carrier

Tigercat is putting focus

on gaining efficiencies in

the silviculture side of the

forestry cycle. Many forestry

companies struggle to

prepare post-harvest sites

for replanting with modified

agriculture tractors. These

machines are not up to the

task, often suffering from

insufficient power and cooling

capacity and structural

durability.

Tigercat recently released

the 630H silviculture carrier

to address these deficiencies.

Based on Tigercat’s skidder

platform, the machine is

equipped with hydraulic

connectors and several

drawbar receiver variations

to adapt to a variety of plow

or mounding implement

connection points. In addition,

the carrier can be equipped

with an optional winch and

bolt-on fairlead system. The

whole package is factory

equipped and ready to work.

Powered by the Tigercat FPT

N67 engine, it produces 203

kW (272 hp) for T4f and noncertified

emissions compliance

levels, and 206 kW (277 hp)

for Tier 2 emission levels. The

630H carrier has a top speed

of 23 km/h (14 mph)

Initial studies indicate

that the 630H carriers are

quicker, more productive,

and more fuel efficient than

the modified tractors that

they are replacing. Operators

are safe and comfortable in

a modern climate controlled

cab equipped with an air

The 630H Silviculture Carrier

ride suspension seat and

ergonomic armrest mounted

controls.

International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2024 IBC

Millwide. Worldwide. +1.360.225.8267 usnr.com

6060 IFI October November 2024 Text final (1)

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