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International Forest Industries February March 2024

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SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY<br />

FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong><br />

SAWLINES<br />

Planers & Edgers<br />

Harvesters<br />

Lifting & Loading


V E R S A T I L E S E R I E S<br />

5000V<br />

VERSATILE SERIES<br />

THE HEAD EVERYONE<br />

HAS BEEN WAITING FOR!<br />

A versatile head, ready for large trees.<br />

The Log Max 5000V is a modern and reliable harvesting head that<br />

can handle a wide range of logging challenges. This is the perfect<br />

mid-range head for both thinning and final felling. The head can<br />

be equipped with a 82 cm saw bar and has a maximum cutting<br />

diameter of 74 cm. It also features Log Max’s Multi-stemming<br />

MK2, that is agile and lightweight, making thinning work easier.<br />

The Log Max 5000V is suitable for those who seek the perfect<br />

balance between agility, capacity, and durability.<br />

What customers say:<br />

“The cutting and feeding are brutally good<br />

and in combination with the new length<br />

measuring unit, Log Max is unstoppable ; )”<br />

logmax.com


LOGGING • BIOMASS<br />

CONTENTS<br />

PONSSE 34<br />

ROTTNE 38<br />

TIGERCAT 42<br />

34<br />

HARVESTERS<br />

LOGMAX 39<br />

44<br />

20<br />

12<br />

12 VERMEER<br />

Vermeer Launches LS3600TX Low Speed<br />

Shredder for Efficient Recycling<br />

FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong><br />

44 BANDIT INDUSTRIES<br />

With considerable research and<br />

collaboration, the Bandit team brings the<br />

HM6420 hammermill grinder to market!<br />

20 USNR<br />

USNR enjoyed a successful exhibition at<br />

the <strong>2024</strong> IHLA Convention & Exposition in<br />

Indianapolis, IN.<br />

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Logging News 48 Advertising Index LUMBER PROCESSING CONTENTS<br />

COVER - PERFORMANCE, INNOVATION, COMMITMENT: BID GROUP<br />

CELEBRATES COMACT’S 100th ANNIVERSARY<br />

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY<br />

FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong><br />

SAWLINES<br />

Planers & Edgers<br />

BID Group is celebrating the Comact<br />

brand’s centennial in <strong>2024</strong>. Since its<br />

humble beginnings in 1924, Comact has<br />

pushed the technological boundaries of<br />

the wood processing industry, elevating<br />

customers’ yields, revenues, and bottomline<br />

profitability. The company has grown<br />

from a small, family-run business to a<br />

global powerhouse with multiple key<br />

locations serving international markets.<br />

BID Group will be commemorating<br />

this huge milestone all year long with<br />

internal and external events.<br />

Stay tuned at<br />

bidgroup.ca/en/100thanniversary/<br />

Harvesters<br />

Lifting & Loading<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 1


LUMBER PROCESSING<br />

SAWLINES<br />

18<br />

26<br />

22<br />

18 MICROTEC<br />

Established in 2017 as part of a fire<br />

mitigation initiative, Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry<br />

Products has embraced technology and<br />

innovation as core drivers of its operations.<br />

22 GILBERT<br />

Gilbert Planers: maintaining high<br />

productivity in any conditions!<br />

26 SPRINGER<br />

Revolutionizing Wood Processing<br />

Efficiency: Woodgrain’s Partnership with<br />

Springer<br />

28<br />

33<br />

32<br />

28 BID GROUP<br />

Crafting Excellence: BID Group’s Comact<br />

ResawExpert<br />

32 OPTICOM<br />

Sawmills are dangerous environments<br />

for cameras. There’s dust, debris, and<br />

full-sized logs and boards moving at high<br />

speeds.<br />

33 MICROTEC<br />

MiCROTEC supply CT Log to JD Irving’s<br />

sawmill in New Brunswick, Canada<br />

2 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


Fully automatic<br />

wrapping and stapling<br />

machine for lumber packages<br />

Innovative solutions for the North American<br />

wood-processing industry<br />

www.springer-usa.com


ISSUE 97<br />

FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong><br />

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Robin<br />

Robin<br />

Peach<br />

Peach<br />

robin@internationalforestindustries.com<br />

robin@internationalforestindustries.com<br />

Editorial Board<br />

Dr NORTH Patrick AMERICAN Moore – Chairman SALES and Chief<br />

Professor Kevin Lapham Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz –<br />

Warsaw<br />

J.P.Media<br />

Agricultural<br />

Inc<br />

University (Poland)<br />

Mr Kim Carstensen<br />

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752<br />

Director General<br />

<strong>Forest</strong> Fax: +1 Stewardship (630) 420 9763 Council<br />

Eduardo Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com<br />

Morales<br />

South American <strong>Forest</strong>ry Consultant<br />

WEB OPTIMIZATION<br />

Jo English<br />

jo@internationalforestindustries.com<br />

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS<br />

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<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> Ltd<br />

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Publisher<br />

Associate Editor<br />

Robin Peach<br />

Robin Peach<br />

robin@internationalforestindustries.com<br />

robin@internationalforestindustries.com<br />

Advertising Production Enquiries<br />

Advertising Production Enquiries<br />

Emma Smith<br />

Emma Smith<br />

emma@internationalforestindustries.com<br />

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Luke Evans<br />

<strong>International</strong> luke@lecreative.co.uk<br />

<strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> is published<br />

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<strong>International</strong><br />

<strong>Forest</strong><br />

<strong>Forest</strong><br />

<strong>Industries</strong><br />

<strong>Industries</strong><br />

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Ltd<br />

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units throughout.<br />

<strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong><br />

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© <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> Ltd 2007 – 2023<br />

IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout.<br />

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EDITORS COMMENT<br />

<strong>Forest</strong> fires are one of the<br />

burning issues of our time<br />

I had the good fortune to visit Sequoia and<br />

Kings Canyon National Parks last August<br />

on my way to SFPAExpo sawmilling show in<br />

Nashville.<br />

These magnificent trees are an endangered<br />

species succumbing to over a decade<br />

of intense wildfires. An excellent report<br />

by National Park Service explaining this<br />

phenomenon can be found at Wildfires Kill<br />

Unprecedented Numbers of Large Sequoia<br />

Trees (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)<br />

One bright spot is Calforests recent<br />

acquisition of military aircraft.<br />

California secures seven C-130<br />

Military Aircraft for Fighting Wildfires,<br />

exponentially strengthening Aerial<br />

Firefighting Capabilities<br />

Some weeks ago US Congress passed a<br />

critical issue of importance for California<br />

into law: authorizing the expedited transfer<br />

of seven C-130 aircraft from the United<br />

States Coast Guard to CAL FIRE for wildfire<br />

suppression, search and rescue, and<br />

emergency operations related to wildfires.<br />

In a showing of bipartisan support led by<br />

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Senator<br />

John Boozman (R-AR), and Congressman<br />

Ken Calvert (CA-41), the final version of<br />

the National Defense Authorization Act for<br />

Fiscal Year <strong>2024</strong> (NDAA) includes an effort<br />

that builds on the foundation laid by the<br />

late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)<br />

in 2018.<br />

This initiative also benefited from the<br />

consistent and critical partnership of<br />

California Governor Gavin Newsom and the<br />

Director and Fire Chief of CAL FIRE Joe Tyler,<br />

who have been instrumental in moving the<br />

effort over the finish line.<br />

From a retardant delivery perspective, a<br />

single C-130 delivers over three times more<br />

than the S-2T Airtankers currently in use by<br />

CAL FIRE. In service for more than 60 years,<br />

the C-130 is a workhorse of military aircraft,<br />

used for troop transportation, medical<br />

evacuation, search and rescue, weather<br />

reconnaissance and many other functions.<br />

Similar C-130s are already in use and have<br />

demonstrated their superior capability<br />

to drop 3,000 gallons (weighing 28,000<br />

pounds) in less than five seconds.<br />

“This transfer of critical aircraft to the<br />

State of California will surely save lives,<br />

improve air quality, protect forestlands,<br />

and reduce carbon emissions,” said Matt<br />

Dias, President and CEO of Calforests.<br />

“Adding seven C-130s to California’s aerial<br />

firefighting force is a truly remarkable<br />

advancement.<br />

Continued on p16<br />

ROBIN PEACH<br />

EDITOR<br />

4 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


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PONSSE Manager 2.0 gathers<br />

digital offering into one package<br />

PONSSE Manager 2.0. is a<br />

next-generation digital service<br />

platform and forest machine<br />

management system that<br />

provides customers valuable<br />

data of machines’ location,<br />

productivity figures and fuel<br />

consumption, among others.<br />

The PONSSE Manager monitors<br />

the progress of stands,<br />

plans, and manages machine<br />

transportation, keep track of<br />

machine outputs according<br />

to assortment and print out<br />

measuring certificates.<br />

“With the quick tempo of<br />

the modern world and the<br />

huge amount of data we see<br />

every day, finding the correct<br />

piece of information is often<br />

like trying to find a needle<br />

in the haystack. New Ponsse<br />

Manager is a completely new<br />

Petteri Tuomisto<br />

approach to more sustainable<br />

and more digitalized forestry”,<br />

says Petteri Tuomisto,<br />

Manager, of Digital Solutions<br />

Sales<br />

It’s time to take you back to<br />

the driver’s seat<br />

Miika Soininen, Chief Digital<br />

Officer of Ponsse comments:<br />

“We want to support our<br />

customers, so that they can run<br />

their business successfully”<br />

This has been the guiding<br />

principle, how we have<br />

designed new Ponsse Manager.<br />

All the development has been<br />

based on customer feedback<br />

and customer needs from all<br />

over the world”.<br />

In Ponsse Manager 2.0, the<br />

user can create a personalized<br />

home page focusing on the<br />

most important data. Every<br />

important information is<br />

visible immediately, variations<br />

their machines’ profitability<br />

and helps improve operations’<br />

efficiency.<br />

One of the new key features<br />

is the possibility to download<br />

all reports and, e.g. combine<br />

them in a spreadsheet<br />

with other data to create<br />

new valuable views of your<br />

operations. Mobile applications<br />

will also be available to<br />

download for free from your<br />

app store. “The mobile app<br />

is easy to use on site, with<br />

all required functionalities<br />

available for professionals<br />

working in different roles”<br />

says Jenni Pulkkinen, Project<br />

Manager Digital Solutions.<br />

Ponsse is developing its<br />

digital solutions together<br />

with its customers. The digital<br />

innovations address the right<br />

issues and provide relevant<br />

support for both professionals<br />

working on-site and those<br />

responsible for smooth and<br />

efficient fleet management.<br />

Jenni Pulkkinen,<br />

Project Manager<br />

Digital Solutions<br />

Miika Soininen<br />

can be discovered quickly,<br />

and corrective action can be<br />

taken directly. With the single<br />

sign-on, all digital solutions<br />

required to improve operational<br />

efficiency and productivity<br />

are at the user’s disposal in<br />

one web address. PONSSE<br />

Manager keeps customers up<br />

to date on data that affects<br />

6 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


New Mulching Head for Fire Mitigation<br />

Tigercat releases mulching<br />

head for swing carriers in<br />

response to fire mitigation<br />

equipment requirements in<br />

western North America.<br />

Wildfire is proving to<br />

be one of the greatest<br />

challenges facing foresters,<br />

landowners, governments and<br />

environmental organizations in<br />

the 21st century. The summer<br />

fire season over the last<br />

several years in North America<br />

has devastated millions<br />

of hectares of forest land,<br />

destroying wildlife habitat and<br />

carbon sinks, while releasing<br />

massive amounts of carbon<br />

and particulate matter into<br />

the atmosphere. Excessive<br />

fuel build-up on the ground is<br />

having a devastating effect.<br />

Tigercat recently released<br />

a mulching head designed to<br />

mount on a Tigercat LX830E<br />

carrier. This machine can tackle<br />

steep slopes and operate<br />

within dense stands to reduce<br />

build-up of woody debris as a<br />

mitigation measure to guard<br />

against future wildfires.<br />

The new 4161-15 head has a<br />

1,5 m (59 in) mulching swath,<br />

130 degree wrist pivot, and a<br />

pin-on rake for added utility.<br />

Like all Tigercat mulching<br />

heads, it is strength-to-weight<br />

optimized and fitted with large<br />

bearings.<br />

Many of the components<br />

including the bearings,<br />

sprockets, seals and timing<br />

belt are common to the<br />

Tigercat 4061 series mulching<br />

heads and thus field proven.<br />

Hydraulic hoses are routed<br />

through the open tip boom into<br />

the top of the wrist, providing<br />

excellent protection. The<br />

replaceable wear liner is field<br />

serviceable. Removable covers<br />

allow easy access to all service<br />

points.<br />

The LX830E carrier is<br />

powerful, compact and<br />

extremely capable on steep<br />

terrain.<br />

Spare Parts Responsiveness<br />

Tigercat opens west coast parts<br />

warehouse facility to improve<br />

responsiveness, decrease lead<br />

times and extend spare parts<br />

operational hours into Pacific<br />

time zone.<br />

Tigercat <strong>Industries</strong> has<br />

announced that it has opened<br />

a new 3,250 square metre<br />

(35,000 square foot) parts<br />

warehousing and distribution<br />

facility in Kelso, Washington<br />

with a current stock of<br />

inventory valued at $3.5<br />

million.<br />

‌“We are excited about<br />

opening the western<br />

warehouse for many reasons,”<br />

explains Tigercat parts<br />

manager, Brian Jonker. “To<br />

have inventory closer to our<br />

western dealers and customers<br />

will reduce both downtime<br />

and freight costs. To be able<br />

to potentially service any<br />

customer for an extra three<br />

hours of the day is also a<br />

benefit to the entire Tigercat<br />

network.”<br />

Tigercat’s increased<br />

footprint in the Pacific<br />

northwest demonstrates<br />

ongoing financial commitments<br />

from Tigercat to grow its<br />

support capabilities and<br />

improve the customer<br />

experience.<br />

8 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


30,000<br />

MACHINES<br />

In just over 30 years in business,<br />

Tigercat <strong>Industries</strong> has shipped its<br />

30,000 th machine.<br />

Although a lot has changed at Tigercat since 1992, our dedication to the customer base and relentless<br />

pursuit to innovate and improve remains constant.<br />

A big thank you to everyone who owns, operates, services or hauls Tigercat machines.<br />

Read about Tigercat’s growth at<br />

www.tigercat.com/30000


Epec Oy’s new smart<br />

electronics factory aims<br />

for carbon neutrality<br />

and uses responsible<br />

manufacturing<br />

processes.<br />

The Finnish technology<br />

company Epec opens<br />

a new smart and<br />

environmentally friendly Epec<br />

Smart Factory 1 (ESF1) in<br />

Seinäjoki, Finland. The factory<br />

produces, for example, control<br />

units, displays, sensors,<br />

power distribution units<br />

and telematics units for the<br />

needs of various mobile work<br />

machines and commercial<br />

vehicles. In addition, Epec<br />

designs and develops systems<br />

and software for machine<br />

manufacturer needs.<br />

The state-of-the-art factory<br />

is a significant investment for<br />

Epec and is in line with the<br />

company’s growth goals and<br />

responsibility commitments.<br />

The Managing Director of<br />

Epec, Jyri Kylä-Kaila, explains:<br />

“Responsibility goals are<br />

also pushing the technology<br />

transformation in the mobile<br />

machinery and commercial<br />

vehicle sector. The technology<br />

transformation is accelerating<br />

digitisation and electrification<br />

in mobile machinery and<br />

vehicles. Epec’s products<br />

play a key role in enabling<br />

the development of more<br />

responsible mobile machinery<br />

and commercial vehicles. They<br />

offer solutions for integrating<br />

electronic systems and<br />

control systems, optimise<br />

the efficiency of machines<br />

and promote productivity,<br />

while reducing emissions.<br />

Our products enable the path<br />

towards zero-emission work<br />

Ponsse group technology company Epec<br />

opens a responsible and smart factory<br />

machines. The factory offers<br />

us a significant opportunity<br />

for our growth and for<br />

our customers’ continued<br />

success.”<br />

“We are really excited<br />

about Epec’s new factory.<br />

The rapid development of<br />

technology and increasing<br />

sustainability demands<br />

provide Epec with an excellent<br />

opportunity to contribute<br />

to technology aimed at zero<br />

emissions. Ponsse’s vision is<br />

to be the preferred partner<br />

in responsible forestry,<br />

obliging us to conduct bold<br />

development work from an<br />

environmental perspective as<br />

well. Ponsse aims for more<br />

climate- and environmentally<br />

friendly solutions in product<br />

and service development. The<br />

factory in Seinäjoki is one<br />

concrete step towards this<br />

goal, both in terms of product<br />

offering and daily operations.<br />

Epec supports Ponsse’s<br />

technological development<br />

and plays a part in enabling<br />

our future growth”, says Juho<br />

Nummela, President and CEO,<br />

Ponsse Plc.<br />

Intelligent and sustainable<br />

electronics production<br />

ESF1 aims for carbon neutrality<br />

during operation and uses<br />

sustainable manufacturing<br />

processes. The factory,<br />

covering an area of 8,500 m2,<br />

incorporates energy-efficient<br />

solutions, including electricity<br />

generation from more than 600<br />

solar panels (210 MWh/year)<br />

and a geothermal system.<br />

Heat recovery is achieved<br />

through efficient needle heat<br />

exchangers, and the need for<br />

cooling energy is significantly<br />

reduced by an aluminium grille<br />

in the office wall. All electricity<br />

and heating energy is sourced<br />

from renewable sources.<br />

The ESF1 project<br />

progressed according to<br />

the planned schedule. Epec<br />

moved its headquarters<br />

and production to new<br />

premises at the end of 2023.<br />

The expanded and modern<br />

production facilities enable the<br />

optimisation of manufacturing<br />

processes and improvement<br />

in material flow management.<br />

The opening of the factory is<br />

18 January <strong>2024</strong>.<br />

“Digitalisation and<br />

sustainability are at the<br />

core of ESF1,” says Eeva<br />

Koskela, Epec’s Supply Chain<br />

Director, who led the project.<br />

“Automation, leveraging data<br />

and careful planning ensure<br />

not only productivity but also<br />

work safety and comfort.<br />

The factory is designed and<br />

equipped to better meet<br />

customer needs and stringent<br />

quality requirements. Overall,<br />

the testing and production<br />

technology are top-notch.<br />

Managing Director of Epec,<br />

Jyri Kylä-Kaila<br />

Juho Nummela, President and<br />

CEO, Ponsse Plc.<br />

Eeva Koskela, Epec’s Supply<br />

Chain Director<br />

The relocation project<br />

proceeded smoothly, and it<br />

seems the facilities serve<br />

Epec’s needs excellently.”<br />

10 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


Janne Loponen appointed MD<br />

Ponsse Latin America LTDA<br />

Managing Director of Ponsse Latin America<br />

Ltda, Ponsse’s subsidiary in Brazil, is<br />

changing. Janne Loponen has been<br />

appointed as new Managing Director of<br />

Ponsse Latin America Ltda. starting from<br />

<strong>February</strong> 1, <strong>2024</strong>.<br />

Janne Loponen’s location will be in<br />

Brazil, and he will report to Marko Mattila,<br />

Chief Sales, Service & Marketing Officer<br />

of the Ponsse Group. Former Managing<br />

Director of Ponsse Latin America Ltda,<br />

Fernando Campos Passos, has served as<br />

the Managing Director since 2018.<br />

Janne Loponen has extensive<br />

international experience within the Ponsse<br />

Group since 2002. He has held various<br />

aftermarket positions in Finland, France,<br />

China, the United States and Brazil.<br />

Epec acquires Bram<br />

Loponen transfers to<br />

his new position from<br />

his current role as<br />

Product Manager for<br />

harvester heads and forwarders, which he<br />

has held since 2016 located in Brazil.<br />

Janne Loponen will assume his new role<br />

immediately. Fernando Campos Passos will<br />

support the transition of responsibilities<br />

to Janne Loponen in the coming months,<br />

and his next steps will be announced later.<br />

We thank Fernando Campos Passos for his<br />

work in leading Ponsse Latin America and<br />

wish Janne Loponen success in his new<br />

role.<br />

Mulching<br />

equipment<br />

specialists<br />

Finnish technology company Epec Oy has<br />

acquired the Dutch Bram Engineers B.V.<br />

The companies have signed an agreement<br />

according to which the company will be<br />

acquired by Epec as of 1st November 2023.<br />

The background of the acquisition is in<br />

a long-term partnership between Bram and<br />

Epec. Bram and Epec have had a valuable<br />

collaboration in delivering products and<br />

services for machine manufacturers for<br />

many years. The acquisition will make it<br />

possible to provide customers software<br />

development and systems engineering<br />

services and products related to software,<br />

electrification, autonomous systems and<br />

control systems even more widely in the<br />

future.<br />

The transaction is in line with Epec’s<br />

growth strategy. Epec has for some years<br />

actively sought expansion opportunities in<br />

Europe.<br />

“The acquisition of Bram Engineers is<br />

an important strategic development step<br />

for us, and together we will be able to<br />

better support the business operations of<br />

both Bram Engineers and Epec’s European<br />

customers. Epec’s customers are not only<br />

looking for high-tech products but also<br />

services that keep them at the forefront of<br />

machine development and manufacturing,”<br />

says Epec’s CEO Jyri Kylä-Kaila.<br />

According to Kylä-Kaila, the acquisition<br />

will strengthen the customer service of<br />

both companies. Bram Engineers is known<br />

for its high-quality service, thanks to which<br />

Epec’s CEO Jyri Kylä-Kaila<br />

the integration of their business with<br />

Epec’s quality requirements promises to be<br />

smooth.<br />

“We have several ongoing projects with<br />

our customers related to, for example,<br />

customized products, which also opens up<br />

new cooperation opportunities for Bram<br />

Engineers’ customers,” he says.<br />

Epec Oy, part of the Ponsse Group, is a<br />

system supplier specializing in advanced<br />

electronics and software for machinery<br />

and commercial vehicles operating in<br />

demanding conditions, electric powertrain<br />

systems, and assistive and autonomous<br />

systems.<br />

Soil tilling, stones crushing and wood<br />

mulching with higher efficiency and<br />

lower energy consumption.<br />

2-speed POWESRHIFT system allows<br />

the machine to switch speed.<br />

Seppi M. - mulching equipment specialists<br />

Tel. Europe: +39-0461 178 75 00<br />

Tel. USA & CA: +1 513-443-6339<br />

sales@seppi.com<br />

www.seppi.com<br />

#seppimulcher<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 11


Vermeer launches LS3600TX Low Speed Shredder<br />

for efficient recycling<br />

Process a broader range of<br />

materials<br />

Vermeer unveils the LS3600TX<br />

low speed shredder, its latest<br />

innovation for the recycling<br />

industry. This single-shaft<br />

shredder incorporates<br />

exclusive innovations<br />

that efficiently process<br />

contaminated waste streams<br />

and help safeguard critical<br />

machine components.<br />

The Vermeer LS3600TX is<br />

specifically designed to excel at<br />

processing various materials,<br />

including light construction<br />

and demolition waste, wood<br />

waste with contaminants, and<br />

municipal solid waste. It is<br />

well-suited for waste facilities<br />

and land clearing operations,<br />

as well as compost, mulch and<br />

biofuel producers.<br />

“For 30 years, Vermeer has<br />

been a leading manufacturer<br />

of high speed grinders,”<br />

said Jeff Bradley, Vermeer<br />

Recycling and <strong>Forest</strong>ry product<br />

manager. “During that time,<br />

recycling has become a<br />

common practice at public<br />

and private waste handling<br />

facilities and has become<br />

another source of revenue<br />

for many organizations. To<br />

help our customers optimize<br />

their processing capabilities<br />

and handle a wider range of<br />

incoming materials, we have<br />

developed the LS3600TX low<br />

speed shredder. This shredder<br />

allows companies to process<br />

contaminated materials not<br />

suited for a tub or horizontal<br />

grinder.”<br />

Vermeer has designed the<br />

LS3600TX shredder with a<br />

strong focus on maintenance<br />

and accessibility. The engine<br />

bay of the LS3600TX prioritizes<br />

ease of maintenance and<br />

serviceability, featuring large<br />

access doors, multiple ladder<br />

points and a spacious service<br />

platform. This thoughtful<br />

design allows for quick and<br />

efficient maintenance.<br />

Additionally, the LS3600TX<br />

is equipped with a hydraulically<br />

operated access system that<br />

provides full exposure to<br />

the rotor, comb, and belly<br />

conveyor, further streamlining<br />

maintenance procedures. Also,<br />

the belly conveyor can be easily<br />

removed without detaching the<br />

discharge conveyor, minimizing<br />

the invasiveness of service<br />

operations.<br />

The LS3600TX shredder<br />

has a powerful 456-hp (340<br />

kW) CAT Tier 4 Final/Stage V<br />

engine. It operates at a sound<br />

level of only 111.9 db(A). The<br />

shredder features a tracked<br />

undercarriage, which enables<br />

operators to reposition and<br />

maneuver it around a jobsite. It<br />

also comes with a full-function<br />

remote control, allowing<br />

operators to adjust the feed,<br />

access machine data, and<br />

diagnose fault codes from the<br />

comfort of the feed loader’s<br />

cab or a safe distance from the<br />

shredder.<br />

The LS3600TX is equipped<br />

with a 10 ft (3 m) long rotor<br />

featuring wear-resistant<br />

plates for enhanced durability<br />

and dual-bolt tips to help<br />

maintain clamp load. It utilizes<br />

individual bolt-in comb teeth,<br />

each with two usable edges,<br />

which extends their lifespan.<br />

The shredder is built with<br />

a fully mechanical driveline<br />

designed to optimize<br />

horsepower transfer to the<br />

rotor. To safeguard the driveline<br />

system against unshreddable<br />

objects, the LS3600TX includes<br />

a reversible mechanical<br />

transmission with an external<br />

torque limiter that will<br />

automatically disengage the<br />

drive when maximum torque is<br />

reached.<br />

Vermeer offers an optional<br />

cross band magnet for the<br />

LS3600TX to further enhance<br />

its capabilities. This magnet<br />

effectively reduces steel<br />

This shredder allows<br />

companies to process<br />

contaminated<br />

materials not suited<br />

for a tub or horizontal<br />

grinder<br />

Jeff Bradley, Vermeer<br />

Recycling and <strong>Forest</strong>ry<br />

product manager<br />

contaminants from the<br />

end material, minimizing<br />

contamination in the final<br />

product.<br />

The Vermeer LS3600TX<br />

joins a line of high speed<br />

tub grinders and horizontal<br />

grinders to deliver one of the<br />

industry’s most comprehensive<br />

waste processing and recycling<br />

equipment lines.<br />

For more information about<br />

the Vermeer LS3600TX low<br />

speed shredder, please contact<br />

your local Vermeer dealer or<br />

visit www.vermeer.com.<br />

12 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


30,000 Machine Milestone<br />

Tigercat <strong>Industries</strong> has<br />

announced that it has built and<br />

shipped its 30,000th machine<br />

in January <strong>2024</strong>, just over 30<br />

years into its existence. From<br />

humble beginnings in 1992<br />

when Tigercat had a single<br />

product, very little dealer<br />

representation, and produced<br />

just a handful of machines, the<br />

company has grown steadily,<br />

expanding both its production<br />

capacity and product breadth.<br />

A few quick facts<br />

• Tigercat debuted the 726<br />

feller buncher in April 1992 at<br />

a forestry equipment show in<br />

Quitman Georgia.<br />

• By 1995, Tigercat had two<br />

drive-to-tree feller bunchers,<br />

two track feller bunchers,<br />

and two bunching shear<br />

models with distribution<br />

in Canada and the United<br />

States.<br />

• By 1997, Tigercat had a full<br />

product line to offer southern<br />

US dealers with the addition<br />

of a knuckleboom loader<br />

and the industry’s first<br />

successful, serial production<br />

hydrostatic skidder.<br />

• In 2000, Tigercat was well<br />

on its way to becoming<br />

the dominant player in<br />

steep slope harvesting<br />

applications, offering a<br />

six-wheel drive skidder and<br />

the L830 feller buncher.<br />

Both were destined to<br />

become flagship products<br />

for the company. In addition,<br />

Tigercat entered the<br />

vegetation management<br />

sector with its first mulcher<br />

carrier. The range of carriers<br />

and attachments that have<br />

followed are crucial inputs to<br />

wildfire mitigation strategies<br />

in many regions globally.<br />

• By 2005, Tigercat was<br />

present in Chile, Brazil,<br />

Uruguay, Australia, New<br />

Zealand, South Africa, UK<br />

and Sweden among other<br />

countries.<br />

• In 2012 Tigercat had grown<br />

in 20 years from two to 1,000<br />

employees and introduced<br />

the 880 logger, the first in<br />

a series of versatile, forest<br />

duty swing machines.<br />

Today, Tigercat has the most<br />

complete full-tree product<br />

line-up in the industry, along<br />

with a growing range of CTL<br />

harvesters, forwarders and<br />

harvesting heads. Tigercat<br />

launched a new brand, TCi in<br />

2022 and put the TCi badge on<br />

its first dozer, the 920. In the<br />

last four years, the company<br />

has been developing a line of<br />

material processing products<br />

with two launches to date – the<br />

6500 chipper and 6900 grinder.<br />

<strong>2024</strong> will see a slew of new and<br />

exciting products introduced to<br />

the market.<br />

Tigercat recently opened a<br />

new facility dedicated to the<br />

material processing product<br />

line and is currently building<br />

an additional facility. When<br />

complete the company will<br />

have over 1.4 million square<br />

feet of manufacturing capacity.<br />

That’s 130 000 square metres<br />

or 32 acres under roof. Over<br />

160 dealer locations in 25<br />

countries represent the<br />

Tigercat and TCi brands, along<br />

with an extensive factory<br />

support network. The company<br />

employs over 2,000.<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 13


LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS<br />

BID Group celebrates Comact’s 100th anniversary<br />

and Legacy of Innovation and operational excellence<br />

BID Group, a pioneer in wood<br />

processing solutions, has<br />

announced that this year, its<br />

Comact brand is celebrating 100<br />

years of performance, innovation,<br />

and commitment.<br />

The last 100 years<br />

have been a testament<br />

to the hard work and<br />

pragmatic ingenuity<br />

that are the hallmarks<br />

of Comact<br />

Alistair Cook,<br />

CEO of BID Group<br />

Comact was founded on<br />

January 24, 1924, in the Beauce<br />

region of Quebec. Since its humble<br />

beginnings, it has pushed the<br />

technological boundaries of<br />

the wood processing industry,<br />

elevating customers’ yields,<br />

revenues, and bottom-line<br />

profitability. The company has<br />

grown from a small, family-run<br />

business to a global leader with<br />

multiple key locations serving<br />

international markets.<br />

“The last 100 years have been<br />

a testament to the hard work and<br />

pragmatic ingenuity that are the<br />

hallmarks of Comact,” said Alistair<br />

Cook, CEO of BID Group. “The<br />

company’s and brand’s growth<br />

and longevity in this competitive<br />

industry reflect its dedication to<br />

delivering exceptional, highperformance<br />

equipment and a<br />

reputed steadfast service to its<br />

customers.”<br />

The historic partnership<br />

between BID Group and Comact<br />

since 2013 highlighted the<br />

companies’ aligned values and<br />

visions for the future of wood<br />

processing. It has been integral to<br />

developing cutting-edge solutions<br />

that drive productivity and cost<br />

savings for an ever-growing<br />

clientele.<br />

“When Comact joined forces<br />

with BID Group, it was a strategic<br />

decision that has enabled us to<br />

leverage our collective expertise<br />

and legacy of operational lifecycle<br />

excellence,” commented Simon<br />

Potvin, president of Wood<br />

Processing at BID Group. “We are<br />

excited to continue this journey,<br />

honouring our roots while looking<br />

forward to executing our ambitious<br />

strategies that will shape the next<br />

century of wood processing.”<br />

As BID Group celebrates this<br />

significant milestone, it reaffirms<br />

its commitment to breakthrough<br />

transformation, with plans to<br />

integrate artificial intelligence and<br />

other digital technologies to ensure<br />

customers’ operations are prepared<br />

for the decades to come.<br />

When Comact<br />

joined forces with<br />

BID Group, it was a<br />

strategic decision<br />

that has enabled us to<br />

leverage our collective<br />

expertise and legacy<br />

of operational lifecycle<br />

excellence<br />

Simon Potvin,<br />

President of Wood<br />

Processing at BID Group<br />

BID Group is also in an<br />

ongoing process to execute a<br />

comprehensive and progressive<br />

sustainability roadmap that will<br />

set new benchmarks for the wood<br />

processing industry.<br />

The centennial celebrations<br />

will include a series of events<br />

designed to engage customers,<br />

employees, and stakeholders. For<br />

more information on BID Group’s<br />

centennial celebrations and their<br />

impact on the wood processing<br />

industry, please visit:<br />

bidgroup.ca/en/100thanniversary<br />

Timber Processing & Energy<br />

Expo (TP&EE) September<br />

25-27, <strong>2024</strong>, Portland, Oregon KWF Tagung Schwarzenborn<br />

19th – 22nd June<br />

14 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


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LUMBER PROCESSING NEWS<br />

Bois Cascade to invest additional $140M<br />

to support EWP growth strategy<br />

Boise Cascade has announced<br />

new investments in Alabama<br />

and Louisiana in support of<br />

its engineered wood products<br />

(EWP) growth strategy.<br />

In Alabama, they are adding<br />

I-joist production capabilities<br />

to their Thorsby EWP mill and<br />

converting a plywood layup<br />

line to a parallel laminated<br />

veneer line at the Chapman<br />

plywood facility. The Chapman<br />

investment adds important<br />

integration into the Company’s<br />

EWP growth plans.<br />

In addition, the Chapman<br />

plywood facility extended<br />

employment opportunities<br />

to approximately 50 of the<br />

80 associates affected by the<br />

recently announced Chapman<br />

lumber operations curtailment.<br />

At the Oakdale, Louisiana<br />

facility, major projects planned<br />

include the upgrade and<br />

redesign of the log utilization<br />

center, a new veneer dryer and<br />

press, and modification of an<br />

existing veneer dryer. These<br />

investments are expected to<br />

take place over a two-year<br />

period.<br />

“We are looking forward to<br />

these major expansions and<br />

upgrades to further solidify<br />

our market position in EWP,”<br />

said Chris Seymour, SVP,<br />

Wood Products Manufacturing<br />

Operations. “We have great<br />

teams in the southeastern<br />

U.S. and are pleased to further<br />

invest in our meaningful<br />

asset bases in Alabama and<br />

Louisiana.”<br />

On a total Company basis,<br />

current estimate of capital<br />

expenditures for <strong>2024</strong> is $250<br />

million to $270 million. This<br />

range includes the investments<br />

above and spending on<br />

the previously announced<br />

greenfield distribution<br />

centers in Hondo, Texas and<br />

Walterboro, South Carolina<br />

in their Building Materials<br />

Distribution segment.<br />

Chris Seymour, SVP,<br />

Wood Products<br />

Manufacturing Operations<br />

About<br />

Boise Cascade Company is<br />

one of the largest producers<br />

of engineered wood products<br />

and plywood in North America<br />

and a leading U.S. wholesale<br />

distributor of building<br />

products.<br />

ED COMMENT<br />

Continued from Page 4<br />

We must continue to<br />

prioritize forest management<br />

and wildfire prevention,<br />

but vigorous and efficient<br />

suppression forces are needed<br />

in trying times as well. The<br />

force multiplier offered by the<br />

addition of these airframes<br />

to fire suppression forces is<br />

critical. Today is a huge step in<br />

that direction.”<br />

“The addition of the C-130s<br />

will undoubtedly enhance<br />

the state’s aerial firefighting<br />

capabilities,” said Joe Tyler,<br />

Director and Fire Chief of CAL<br />

FIRE. According to Chief Tyler,<br />

“These critical assets will aid<br />

in reducing the loss of life and<br />

property while protecting our<br />

natural resources and private<br />

timberlands. I look forward<br />

to these aircraft joining CAL<br />

FIRE’s world-renowned aerial<br />

firefighting force.”<br />

“Between earthquakes,<br />

wildfires and other natural<br />

disasters, California is<br />

one of the most costly and<br />

challenging states for property<br />

insurers and owners. While<br />

we may not be able to prevent<br />

earthquakes, we do have<br />

the tools to combat the most<br />

destructive wildfires.<br />

Transferring these C-130s from<br />

the Coast Guard to CAL FIRE<br />

is a huge step forward in the<br />

state’s ever-vigilant battle<br />

against these fires,” said Rex<br />

Frazier, President of Personal<br />

Insurance Federation of<br />

California. Once the President<br />

signs the bill into law, the<br />

planes will be transferred,<br />

and the State and contractor<br />

will enter into a contract for<br />

the work. The first of the<br />

seven planes will likely be<br />

ready in time for the <strong>2024</strong> fire<br />

year, adding immediate value<br />

to California’s firefighting<br />

capabilities.<br />

CALFORESTS<br />

Calforests is the preeminent<br />

trade association that<br />

advocates for California’s forest<br />

products sector. Collectively,<br />

Calforests members – private<br />

forestland owners – manage<br />

nearly 3.5 million acres of<br />

forest land throughout the<br />

state and operate nearly the<br />

entirety of the state’s forest<br />

products infrastructure,<br />

including sawmills, veneer<br />

mills, and biomass power<br />

plants.<br />

Matt Dias, President and<br />

CEO of Calforests<br />

Joe Tyler, Director and Fire<br />

Chief of CAL FIRE<br />

16 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


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SAWLINES<br />

Responsive Customer Care &<br />

the QC Assist Tool<br />

Innovating Mill Operations:<br />

Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry Products’ Journey<br />

with MiCROTEC<br />

Established in 2017 as<br />

part of a fire mitigation<br />

initiative, Blanca<br />

<strong>Forest</strong>ry Products has<br />

embraced technology<br />

and innovation as core<br />

drivers of its operations.<br />

Their journey with<br />

MiCROTEC began in<br />

2020, supported by<br />

MiCROTEC’s customer<br />

care team.<br />

Interview: Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry<br />

Products’ Experience<br />

In October, MiCROTEC sat<br />

down with Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry<br />

Products, a mill situated in<br />

the heart of Blanca, Colorado.<br />

Established in 2017 as part<br />

of a fire mitigation initiative,<br />

Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry Products has<br />

embraced technology and<br />

innovation as core drivers<br />

of its operations. MiCROTEC<br />

began working with Blanca<br />

<strong>Forest</strong>ry Products in 2020 with<br />

the installation of a Lucidyne<br />

scanner and the integrated<br />

QC Assist tool, leading to a<br />

remarkable transformation in<br />

the mill’s performance.<br />

Rick Engebretsen, Mill<br />

Manager of Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry<br />

Products, and his team saw<br />

a significant improvement in<br />

their operations following the<br />

integration of the Lucidyne<br />

scanner. This advanced<br />

technology, coupled with<br />

MiCROTEC’s grading support,<br />

resulted in substantial<br />

enhancements, notably in<br />

uptime, recovery rates, and<br />

reduced downtime. According<br />

to Julian Sanchez, a member of<br />

the Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry Products<br />

team, “We have a more<br />

consistent board flow. Uptime<br />

has increased at least 20%.”<br />

A pivotal aspect of Blanca<br />

<strong>Forest</strong>ry Product’s optimization<br />

is MiCROTEC’s customer care.<br />

Fidel Sandoval, another key<br />

player at Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry<br />

Products, highlighted<br />

MiCROTEC’s quick response<br />

time and real-time support,<br />

crucial for making immediate<br />

machine adjustments and finetuning<br />

to ensure seamless mill<br />

operations.<br />

The introduction of<br />

MiCROTEC’s QC Assist tool<br />

marked a turning point for<br />

Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry Products.<br />

Sanchez found the tool userfriendly,<br />

enabling them to<br />

pull boards, identify defects,<br />

and fine-tune optimization<br />

to meet the desired grade<br />

quality. He shared, “It’s easy<br />

to use. We learned how to<br />

use it pretty quickly.” The<br />

tool has empowered Blanca<br />

<strong>Forest</strong>ry Products to operate<br />

independently, creating their<br />

own rules and optimizations as<br />

needed through QC Assist.<br />

Effective Communication &<br />

Collaborative Optimization<br />

Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry Products<br />

specializes in processing<br />

beetle-killed spruce, a wood<br />

18 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


MiCROTEC appoints Ofer Heyman as new Corvallis CEO<br />

Ofer brings a wealth of<br />

experience and a background<br />

in the industry, making him<br />

a valuable addition to the<br />

MiCROTEC team.<br />

Prior to returning to<br />

MiCROTEC, Ofer served an<br />

impressive 17-year tenure<br />

at Lucidyne Technologies,<br />

acquired by MiCROTEC in<br />

2020. Beginning as an image<br />

processing engineer in 1999,<br />

Ofer assumed roles like<br />

senior product and project<br />

manager, director of business<br />

development, and ultimately,<br />

director of operations from<br />

2014 to 2016.<br />

0104024_IFI_DeltaStackFaster(187mmx125mm).pdf 1 1/5/<strong>2024</strong> 12:22:33 PM<br />

species with distinctive<br />

defects. This unique challenge<br />

required specialized attention<br />

from the MiCROTEC team.<br />

Engebretsen explained, “A lot<br />

of why this mill was built was<br />

to help with fire mitigation, and<br />

the biggest fire hazard here<br />

is the beetle-killed spruce.<br />

We run a lot of beetle-killed<br />

spruce. What we’re checking<br />

for is a lot different than other<br />

mill’s products.” Sandoval<br />

emphasized, “At first, it was<br />

hard to get the scanning<br />

perfect. It was too aggressive<br />

in detecting knots, and it<br />

was picking up more than it<br />

should.”<br />

With MiCROTEC’s grading<br />

C<br />

support and imaging teams,<br />

M<br />

the scanner was optimized<br />

Y<br />

to align with Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry<br />

Product’s unique grading CM<br />

needs, ensuring high-speed<br />

MY<br />

operation at an average of 750<br />

CY<br />

FPM and the production of<br />

high-quality lumber that meets CMY<br />

WWPA grading inspections.<br />

K<br />

Blanca <strong>Forest</strong>ry Products’<br />

journey exemplifies the<br />

results of a strong partnership<br />

between technology providers<br />

in the wood products industry<br />

and mills dedicated to<br />

continuous improvement<br />

and operational excellence.<br />

MiCROTEC’s unwavering<br />

support has not only<br />

revolutionized performance but<br />

has also empowered Blanca<br />

<strong>Forest</strong>ry Products to take<br />

control of its grading processes<br />

and reach new heights in the<br />

industry. Their story serves as<br />

an inspiration for operational<br />

excellence through technology<br />

and innovation.<br />

Delta motion stacks up faster.<br />

N ET PRO F I T<br />

More throughput. Higher valued product. More profit.<br />

Cut waste & stack productivity sky-high.<br />

An advanced motion controller gets forest product machinery to<br />

move faster, smoother, and more precisely, which enables<br />

higher productivity, improved product quality, and ensures less<br />

wasted raw material.<br />

The difference with Delta is measurable.<br />

Precisely coordinate multi-axis applications 10X faster. Scrap<br />

will diminish, throughput will rise, and profits will stack up as a<br />

result.<br />

Delta RMC Motion Controllers<br />

1 to 50 axes<br />

Get your free Design Guide<br />

for servo motion control.<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 19


SAWLINES<br />

The Bioluma grade optimizer offers<br />

sawmills the highest value optimized<br />

decisions based on grade and recovery<br />

performance.<br />

IHLA<br />

USNR enjoyed a<br />

successful exhibition<br />

at the <strong>2024</strong> IHLA<br />

Convention & Exposition<br />

in Indianapolis, IN.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 5th – 7th <strong>2024</strong><br />

which included<br />

connecting with other<br />

hardwood specialists to<br />

exchange the latest and<br />

greatest information from<br />

the field.<br />

Bioluma sawmill<br />

grade optimizer<br />

USNR shared its AI-driven<br />

optimization technology<br />

at the recent IHLA<br />

show. USNR has applied deep<br />

learning AI to its renowned<br />

scanning and optimization<br />

systems, including (THG).<br />

These systems are proven to<br />

be smart applications.<br />

BIOLUMA SAWMILL<br />

GRADE OPTIMIZER<br />

Now you can edge and trim for<br />

grade and value. Combining<br />

color vision technology<br />

with high density geometric<br />

scanning, the Bioluma sawmill<br />

grade optimizer offers sawmills<br />

the highest value optimized<br />

decisions with grade and<br />

recovery performance.<br />

Designed for transverse<br />

edgers and trimmers, Bioluma<br />

makes value decisions driven<br />

by the accurate detection<br />

of biological and geometric<br />

defects using a combination of<br />

laser profile and visual defect<br />

scanning, combined with stateof-the-art<br />

optimization. The<br />

popularity of this technology<br />

is proven on several continents<br />

with a variety of species and<br />

wood markets worldwide.<br />

Increased Grade, Recovery<br />

and Value<br />

Applying Bioluma grade<br />

optimization technology in the<br />

sawmill increases your finished<br />

grade outturn and recovery,<br />

thereby increasing your total<br />

value.<br />

Edger grade extraction<br />

provides value through remanufacture<br />

or rip based on<br />

the ultimate grade of the wood.<br />

For example a #3 appearance<br />

due to knots can be edged<br />

to #3 wane with confidence,<br />

which maximizes recovery.<br />

Likewise, a low grade 2x8 may<br />

be worth more as two 2x4’s,<br />

one of them being high grade.<br />

Trimmer grade extraction<br />

lets you cut-in-two allowing<br />

a short, high grade piece<br />

without trimloss. ‘Candidate’<br />

trim stock meeting specified<br />

characteristics for wane and<br />

knots can be targeted and<br />

sorted/routed differently<br />

for further unique action<br />

downstream. For example,<br />

by sorting for grade at the<br />

trimmer, you can select more<br />

appropriate drying cycles for<br />

high or low grade products.<br />

What’s Under the Hood?<br />

• The system utilizes USNR’s<br />

latest vision sensor,<br />

Bioluma 4900LV or LVG. The<br />

Bioluma sensors contain<br />

high-resolution digital color<br />

cameras and LED lighting<br />

to provide accurate images<br />

along with increased<br />

reliability.<br />

• The software incorporates<br />

algorithms from the proven<br />

Transverse High Grader<br />

(THG) automated grading<br />

system, used for recognition<br />

and classification of visual<br />

grade defects in the dry mill.<br />

• The Bioluma system<br />

combines this visual<br />

information with the<br />

geometric scan data<br />

generated by the transverse<br />

scanning system to<br />

determine a final solution.<br />

• Fitted with LVG sensors,<br />

the Bioluma system can<br />

also utilize GrainMap (grain<br />

angle) technology used for<br />

specific applications.<br />

Major Elements of a New<br />

Bioluma System<br />

• Bioluma frame ranging from<br />

8’ to 28’ in length<br />

• Bioluma 4900LV or LVG<br />

sensors with high-resolution,<br />

digital color cameras<br />

• High-intensity LED lighting<br />

for defect scanning<br />

• Computer bay<br />

• Optimization software<br />

Defects Detected and<br />

Classified<br />

• Thickness, width and length<br />

• Wane and end-contour<br />

• Warp (crook, bow)<br />

• Skip<br />

• Knot size<br />

• Knot quality<br />

• Other visual characteristics<br />

Visit USNR.com for full<br />

specifications of the Bioluma<br />

sawmill grade optimizer, the<br />

VAB-brand lineal planer mill<br />

grader, and the Transverse High<br />

Grader (THG).<br />

20 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


Millwide. Worldwide. +1.360.225.8267 usnr.com


Grip system installed on<br />

a Gilbert 6 Roll Planer<br />

at Matériaux Blanchette<br />

Amos, QC<br />

This allows for precise<br />

application of the appropriate<br />

force on each board.<br />

Gilbert Planers: Maintaining High<br />

Productivity in Any Conditions!<br />

For over 38 years, Gilbert<br />

Products has been the<br />

leading market provider in<br />

the design and manufacturing<br />

of equipment for the<br />

sawmilling, construction,<br />

forestry, and snow grooming<br />

industries. With a dedicated<br />

focus on innovation, quality,<br />

and production, Gilbert offers<br />

highly profitable methods and<br />

technological equipment that<br />

exceed industry standards.<br />

Gilbert has once again<br />

revolutionized its Planer<br />

Equipment to surpass<br />

expectations.<br />

New options have been<br />

developed, implemented, and<br />

proven to adapt to the specific<br />

requirements of its Planermill<br />

customers. With an increasing<br />

number of customers<br />

receiving wood supplies<br />

from different sawmills,<br />

the variability in products<br />

has become significant.<br />

However, the Gilbert planer<br />

has demonstrated remarkable<br />

performance in handling<br />

boards with varying thickness,<br />

making it the go-to choice for<br />

both thick and thin boards with<br />

different fiber qualities.<br />

As flexibility and<br />

adaptability to new products<br />

become crucial, Gilbert has<br />

introduced the GRIP system:<br />

Gilbert Roll Intelligent<br />

Positioning. This system<br />

is available in all models<br />

of Gilbert’s planers and<br />

is controlled through the<br />

Gilbert Automatic Positioning<br />

System. It enables the precise<br />

movement of top rolls to a<br />

specified position, maintaining<br />

optimum contact with the<br />

board without causing any<br />

damage. This system optimizes<br />

the feeding process for boards<br />

that are too thick, too thin, or<br />

too delicate, ensuring high<br />

operational efficiency and<br />

increasing piece count for<br />

mills.<br />

Utilizing its unique Pull-<br />

Through technology, the Gilbert<br />

Planer effectively manages<br />

each board individually,<br />

ensuring a small gap is<br />

maintained between them.<br />

Safety a priority<br />

Safety is of utmost importance<br />

to Gilbert, and as part of their<br />

commitment to providing the<br />

best planing solutions, they<br />

have continuously developed<br />

automatic upgrades to enhance<br />

planer efficiency and create a<br />

safer environment in the planer<br />

room.<br />

The Gilbert Automatic<br />

Cutterhead Positioning System<br />

enables control over the<br />

cutterheads and an unlimited<br />

number of axes, resulting in<br />

optimal precision and higher<br />

quality grades. This userfriendly<br />

automatic positioning<br />

system facilitates quick and<br />

easy recipe changes, offering<br />

greater flexibility, reduced<br />

downtime, and a safe working<br />

environment. Over the years,<br />

Gilbert has developed various<br />

automatic and safety functions,<br />

including top and bottom head<br />

jointers, side head jointers,<br />

top head pressure plate, width<br />

and height adjustment, aftercut<br />

shoes, and triple pattern<br />

side heads. These automatic<br />

upgrades ensure precise<br />

wood finishing, improve<br />

safety, and increase efficiency.<br />

Adjustments can be made<br />

remotely through the HMI<br />

screen outside the planer room<br />

or via a tablet or phone from<br />

anywhere in the mill. Special<br />

features like the triple pattern<br />

side heads allow for seamless<br />

switching between patterns<br />

without the need for jointing<br />

or changing side heads on the<br />

machine, resulting in a superior<br />

finish and reduced work<br />

requirements.<br />

22 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


Planer operator at Red Stag Timber Rotorua New Zealand<br />

Toward the intelligent planer<br />

The Gilbert Engineering team is<br />

currently focused on enhancing<br />

the intelligence of the planer.<br />

They have consistently made<br />

upgrades over the years to<br />

improve performance for their<br />

customers.<br />

In the near future, Gilbert<br />

plans to introduce additional<br />

options, including a semiautomatic<br />

machine that can<br />

self-adjust without operator<br />

intervention.<br />

With a dedicated team of<br />

135 workers committed to<br />

producing the best planer in<br />

the world, along with a highly<br />

skilled team of after-sale<br />

technicians available 24/7,<br />

Gilbert ensures exceptional<br />

support for customers<br />

worldwide.<br />

Our exceptional service<br />

team is equipped to offer<br />

efficient online remote<br />

controlled assistance to<br />

customers, irrespective of their<br />

geographical location. We<br />

invite you to visit our website,<br />

www.gilbert-tech.com, where<br />

you can explore our extensive<br />

range of planers and gain a<br />

comprehensive understanding<br />

of our company and its various<br />

divisions.<br />

SAWMILL<br />

VIDEO<br />

SPECIALIST<br />

VIBRATION<br />

RESISTANCE<br />

HIGH IMPACT<br />

800.578.1853<br />

opticomtech.com<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 23


SAWLINES<br />

Luc Houde,<br />

Executive Vice<br />

President of the<br />

Carbotech Group<br />

Carbotech Group grows with<br />

the acquisition of Sawquip<br />

Carbotech Group recently<br />

expanded its business<br />

with the acquisition of<br />

the Sawquip, a manufacturing<br />

company specializing in the<br />

design and manufacture<br />

of sawmill equipment for<br />

the primary and secondary<br />

breakdown of logs into lumber.<br />

Carbotech Group plans to<br />

further broaden its expand with<br />

the fresh inclusion of the range<br />

of products that came with the<br />

integration of the Sawquip’s<br />

products and services into its<br />

own.<br />

An enhnaced product range<br />

Sawquip’s innovative<br />

products include log turners<br />

and optimized log infeeds,<br />

chipping canters, twin and<br />

quad circular saw modules, as<br />

well as positive cant turners<br />

to allow for controlled curve<br />

sawing, among others. This<br />

strategic step of acquisition<br />

by Carbotech Group allows<br />

addition of new field of<br />

expertise, providing customers<br />

with innovative new solutions<br />

for lumber production.<br />

To standardize procedures<br />

and presentation, Sawquip<br />

equipment will now be part of<br />

the Carbotech brand.<br />

“Uniting Sawquip’s<br />

knowledge and products with<br />

our own will strengthen our<br />

expertise and allow us to<br />

expand our log solutions,”<br />

says Luc Houde, Executive Vice<br />

President of the Carbotech<br />

Group.<br />

High-quality expertise<br />

Sawquip has 35 years of<br />

experience and is a North<br />

American pioneer in the<br />

manufacture of curve sawing<br />

equipment. Carbotech’s<br />

facilities in Plessisville, Quebec<br />

will now help to manufacture<br />

the equipment for Sawquip. To<br />

ensure the continuity of this<br />

proven expertise, Carbotech<br />

Group has also appointed<br />

Pierre Lafond, Carbotech’s<br />

Vice President, Operations,<br />

to lead the transition and<br />

integration. Mr. Lafond already<br />

has extensive experience in<br />

manufacturing equipment<br />

similar to that produced by<br />

Sawquip. After-sales service<br />

and support will also be<br />

provided by Carbotech’s<br />

dedicated team.<br />

“We are delighted to have<br />

concluded this transaction,<br />

which will undoubtedly result<br />

in a winning synergy that<br />

will drive Carbotech Group’s<br />

continued growth. On our<br />

end, this sale will allow us to<br />

devote 100% of our resources<br />

to Cardinal’s development and<br />

activities,” mentions Pascal<br />

Pierre Lafond Vice,<br />

President Operations at<br />

Carbotech <strong>International</strong><br />

Labranche, President of former<br />

Sawquip owner Équipements<br />

Cardinal Inc.<br />

Carbotech Group<br />

Carbotech Group was born<br />

of Carbotech’s acquisition of<br />

Autolog. Along with their new<br />

plant in the southern United<br />

States, the two specialists in<br />

their fields boast over 70 years<br />

of experience in comprehensive<br />

sawmill solutions for the wood<br />

industry.<br />

Timber Processing & Energy<br />

Expo (TP&EE) September<br />

25-27, <strong>2024</strong>, Portland, Oregon<br />

24 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


The.<br />

Automatic.<br />

Sharpener.<br />

#teamfranzen<strong>2024</strong><br />

www.franzen-machines.com


Celebrating a milestone: successful Installation completion at Woodgrain.<br />

Revolutionizing Wood Processing Efficiency:<br />

Woodgrain’s Partnership with Springer<br />

Woodgrain La Grande Oregon, a leading<br />

manufacturer in the wood processing<br />

industry, embarked on a groundbreaking<br />

project to enhance the efficiency of its log<br />

processing line, focusing on the infeed<br />

of the debarker line, merchandizer, and<br />

downstream sawmill. Cooperating with<br />

Springer, an advanced wood processing<br />

solutions provider, Woodgrain achieved<br />

exceptional performance processing<br />

various softwoods, including pine, white<br />

fir, and Douglas fir.<br />

Project Overview:<br />

The primary goal of<br />

Woodgrain’s project was to<br />

achieve a plant design of 15<br />

logs per minute, ensuring<br />

a continuous and efficient<br />

workflow. Springer provided<br />

equipment that could operate<br />

consistently at 21 cycles per<br />

minute with an average log<br />

gap of 5 feet. The debarking<br />

line, powered by Cambio<br />

technology, was set to operate<br />

at a maximum speed of 250<br />

feet per minute.<br />

Wood Type and Dimensions:<br />

Woodgrain focuses on<br />

processing softwoods such as<br />

pine, white fir, and Douglas<br />

fir. The timber lengths vary,<br />

with a minimum of 12 feet and<br />

a maximum of 40 feet, with<br />

the major portion centered<br />

around 23 feet. The diameter<br />

specifications include a<br />

maximum butt-end diameter of<br />

35 inches and a minimum log<br />

top diameter of 6 inches.<br />

System Components:<br />

The integrated wood<br />

processing system includes a<br />

stem infeed deck spanning 32<br />

feet, a screw unscrambler with<br />

15 21-ft long “screws,” a screw<br />

feeder with 13 3-ft long feeder<br />

“screws,” a receiving V-chain<br />

conveyor of 31 feet equipped<br />

with a duplex chain, and a<br />

waste handling system with<br />

two scrapers underneath.<br />

Advantages of Springer’s<br />

Technology:<br />

The collaboration with Springer<br />

introduces several advantages<br />

that significantly enhance<br />

Woodgrain’s log processing<br />

efficiency. Springer’s proven<br />

26 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


SAWLINES<br />

Innovation in action:<br />

Woodgrain adopts Springer’s<br />

proven screw technology for<br />

greater efficiency<br />

screw technology plays a<br />

pivotal role in providing<br />

smooth, optimum efficiency,<br />

high speeds, and low noise<br />

during the feeding process<br />

to downstream systems.<br />

This technology combines<br />

the functions of separation,<br />

alignment, and acceleration<br />

into a single, integrated<br />

system.<br />

The system’s ability<br />

to handle logs of varying<br />

shapes and sizes contributes<br />

to increased flexibility and<br />

adaptability in the processing<br />

line. This feature is especially<br />

crucial when dealing with the<br />

specified softwood varieties<br />

that can exhibit diverse<br />

characteristics.<br />

Conclusion:<br />

Woodgrain La Grande Oregon’s<br />

collaboration with Springer<br />

is an excellent example of<br />

collaboration that leads to<br />

improved log processing<br />

efficiency. By incorporating<br />

advanced technology and<br />

expertise, Woodgrain achieved<br />

and exceeded the specified<br />

performance parameters,<br />

setting new standards in the<br />

industry. This partnership<br />

showcases a commitment<br />

to innovation, sustainability,<br />

and the continual evolution<br />

of wood processing methods,<br />

contributing to the growth and<br />

success of the <strong>International</strong><br />

<strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong>. Woodgrain<br />

and Springer paved the way<br />

for a new era in sustainable<br />

and high-performance log<br />

processing.<br />

HALCO AD:Layout 3 3/8/10 17:22 Page 1<br />

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<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 27


Crafting Excellence: BID<br />

Group’s Comact ResawExpert<br />

In the ever-evolving landscape of wood processing, a groundbreaking<br />

innovation from BID Group, the Comact-branded ResawExpert, emerges<br />

as a transformative solution set to redefine operational efficiency in<br />

sawmills. Guided by a thorough comprehension of the intricacies in<br />

the wood processing sector, this innovation embodies creative design,<br />

premium materials, and state-of-the-art technology, signifying a<br />

notable progression in the field of resaw optimization. Its main benefits<br />

include maximizing recovery and product value, setting a new standard<br />

for efficiency in the industry.<br />

28 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


SAWLINES<br />

The ResawExpert by Comact:<br />

Pioneering Vision and AI<br />

Integration<br />

Traditionally, wood<br />

processing has seen<br />

the integration of<br />

Artificial Intelligence (AI)<br />

in various stages, such as<br />

grading, trimming, edging,<br />

and breakdown. However,<br />

the resawing process has<br />

remained a crucial focal point<br />

where the right decisions<br />

are vital to prevent costly<br />

consequences. The Comactbranded<br />

ResawExpert steps<br />

into this critical role as the first<br />

resaw optimizer powered by<br />

both vision and AI, addressing<br />

challenges in decision-making<br />

precision and dimensional<br />

accuracy.<br />

At the heart of the<br />

challenge lies the pivotal<br />

role of the resaw, a step<br />

of wood processing that is<br />

common for the production of<br />

softwood specialty products<br />

and hardwood. A wrong<br />

decision at this juncture can<br />

potentially reduce the quality<br />

and value of the products<br />

as well as increase wastes.<br />

Ensuring precision in reading<br />

dimensions and identifying<br />

defects becomes imperative to<br />

optimize the cutting process<br />

effectively. The conventional<br />

approach relies on basic<br />

scanners to measure block<br />

sizes, with operators manually<br />

deciding the cutting strategy<br />

based on visual inspection.<br />

Once a cut is completed,<br />

altering the decision becomes<br />

impossible.<br />

The ResawExpert<br />

introduces a revolution<br />

in resaw optimization,<br />

employing precise geometrical<br />

measurement and AI-driven<br />

visual defect detection,<br />

ensuring the maximization<br />

of recovery and product<br />

value. Unlike the traditional<br />

approach, where operators rely<br />

on visual cues, this innovative<br />

system utilizes AI to assess<br />

different combinations of<br />

cuttings based on the grade of<br />

each face, and the downstream<br />

operations like edging and<br />

trimming. The optimization<br />

logic considers the total<br />

surface value, introducing an<br />

innovative approach to resaw<br />

optimization.<br />

The ResawExpert<br />

accommodates both manual<br />

and automated turning<br />

solutions. Thanks to the<br />

integrated rotation scanner, the<br />

system validates the execution<br />

using an end camera, ensuring<br />

accuracy and accountability in<br />

the process. If rotation is not<br />

executed properly, the system<br />

will rotate around the block<br />

again to send the right face to<br />

the resaw.<br />

ResawExpert<br />

Optimizer Interface<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 29


Scan this QR code<br />

to see it in action<br />

This integration of vision<br />

and AI not only enhances<br />

decision precision but<br />

also introduces a level<br />

of consistency that is<br />

unattainable through manual<br />

processes.<br />

Designed for practicality, the<br />

ResawExpert can be seamlessly<br />

added to existing production<br />

lines. Its installation between<br />

two sets of rolls requires only<br />

10 to 12 feet of space, with no<br />

significant speed limitations<br />

imposed by the scanner, as it<br />

can optimize up to 450 feet<br />

per minute. It is compatible<br />

with various types of resaws,<br />

whether horizontal or vertical.<br />

Block sizes can vary from 3<br />

to 30 inches, with no length<br />

limitation. The scanner<br />

measures the block with a<br />

precision of 0.030 inches for<br />

the thickness and width, and<br />

0.125 inches for the length,<br />

offering a scan density of 0.125<br />

inches.<br />

The optimization<br />

parameters align with industry<br />

best-in-class, utilizing the same<br />

software and platform as other<br />

successful Comact scanners<br />

like TrimExpert, EdgExpert,<br />

and GradExpert. The system<br />

optimizes based on industry<br />

grades like NHLA’s standards,<br />

but also based on clear wood<br />

cuttings and any in-house<br />

grade, allowing the flexibility<br />

required to manage a broad<br />

variety of products to maximize<br />

yield and value. Comact’s<br />

proven AI engine leverages the<br />

images coming from 4K colour<br />

cameras, which are integral<br />

to the ResawExpert’s success<br />

and form the backbone of all<br />

Comact optimizers. Developed<br />

in-house, the AI deep learning<br />

models for hardwood are<br />

specifically tailored for wood<br />

processing, derived from<br />

extensive data analysis and<br />

a deep understanding of the<br />

unique characteristics of<br />

hardwood.<br />

This in-house approach to<br />

AI model development not only<br />

ensures high performance but<br />

also allows BID and Comact to<br />

continually refine and enhance<br />

its models based on real-world<br />

wood processing challenges.<br />

The utilization of AI in wood<br />

processing is not merely a<br />

trend; it is a proven strategy<br />

that delivers tangible results,<br />

as evident by the success of<br />

BID’s AI-powered solutions<br />

across the industry.<br />

Transforming Resawing for<br />

the Future<br />

The The Comact-branded<br />

ResawExpert emerges as<br />

a trailblazer in the wood<br />

processing industry,<br />

introducing a transformative<br />

solution to the critical process<br />

of resawing. By seamlessly<br />

integrating vision and AI,<br />

it addresses longstanding<br />

challenges in decision<br />

precision and consistency.<br />

30 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


Integrated scanner to validate executed rotation. Sends a signal for additional rotation if it was not executed properly<br />

Not only does this innovation<br />

enhance operational efficiency<br />

as well as maximize recovery<br />

and product value, but it<br />

also marks a significant step<br />

towards a more intelligent and<br />

automated future for wood<br />

processing.<br />

As sawmills navigate<br />

the complexities of wood<br />

processing, embracing<br />

technologies like the<br />

ResawExpert becomes crucial<br />

for staying at the forefront<br />

of efficiency, productivity,<br />

and quality. BID Group’s<br />

commitment to excellence<br />

shines through in this<br />

pioneering solution, offering<br />

a glimpse into the future of<br />

resaw optimization. For further<br />

details and to explore the<br />

transformative capabilities<br />

of the ResawExpert, reach<br />

out to your BID Group sales<br />

representative. at<br />

info@bidgroup.ca.<br />

Interior of the scanner while scanning a block<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 31


SAWLINES<br />

An Opticom camera took<br />

a direct hit by a board<br />

at a West Fraser sawmill<br />

and continues to work as<br />

expected.<br />

Sawmills are dangerous<br />

environments for<br />

cameras. There’s dust,<br />

debris, and full-sized<br />

logs and boards moving<br />

at high speeds.<br />

Opticom Camera<br />

survives direct hit at<br />

West Fraser Sawmill<br />

In a West Fraser mill in<br />

Florida, an Opticom CC04<br />

camera took a direct hit by<br />

a board moving on the line—<br />

and it survived. The camera<br />

still works; it just had to be<br />

remounted on a new vibration<br />

mount.<br />

Here’s a photo provided<br />

by the mill that shows the<br />

immediate aftermath of the<br />

incident. Because West Fraser<br />

puts safety first, the operator<br />

was in his cab and all workers<br />

were safely outside the danger<br />

zone of the board.<br />

This CC04 camera was (and<br />

is again) mounted on the mill’s<br />

edger to watch the edger tailor<br />

because, as the facility’s Lead<br />

Electrician, Richard Akers,<br />

pointed out, “Sometimes<br />

things don’t always move<br />

correctly, so the operator can<br />

see what’s going on back<br />

there.”<br />

In this case, a couple of<br />

boards got stuck when the<br />

tailor was shifting. Boards<br />

behind them ramped up and<br />

slammed right into the camera.<br />

A board hit the camera and<br />

knocked it off its mount, then<br />

another board came behind<br />

and pushed it farther away.<br />

“At one point, the camera<br />

was hanging from one cord,”<br />

said Akers. “We were honestly<br />

surprised the cord held up.”<br />

Here’s a zoomed-in shot<br />

of the camera right after the<br />

incident. The board moved<br />

it about 4-5 feet away from<br />

its mounted position, which<br />

was on the right side of this<br />

photo—by the electrical wiring.<br />

As any safety-conscious<br />

sawmill would, the team<br />

reviewed the footage to see<br />

what happened, which is when<br />

they discovered the stuck<br />

boards that led to the backup,<br />

ramping, and direct hit.<br />

The Opticom camera<br />

worked through it all. Akers<br />

said, “When we watched the<br />

footage, the camera went black<br />

for a second, then came back<br />

on to a different view because,<br />

of course, it had been pushed<br />

to a different spot.”<br />

“All we had to do was<br />

replace the mount,” he said.<br />

The camera continues to<br />

work, even after a high-speed<br />

direct hit. “This is a testament<br />

to the durability of Opticom<br />

cameras.”<br />

West Fraser uses Opticom<br />

cameras primarily for<br />

monitoring operations in<br />

areas that are hard to see from<br />

operator cabs. “We’ve done our<br />

research, and they’re the best<br />

cameras that are available,”<br />

said Akers. “Plus, Opticom is<br />

super knowledgeable about<br />

sawmills and what we need for<br />

video monitoring.”<br />

You can see how the<br />

camera is being held up by<br />

the board and one cord<br />

32 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


JD Irving, Limited<br />

purchases a MiCROTEC CT<br />

Log for installation in its<br />

veneer sawmill, located<br />

in St. Leonard, New<br />

Brunswick, Canada.<br />

MiCROTEC supply CT Log to<br />

JD Irving’s sawmill in<br />

New Brunswick, Canada<br />

MiCROTEC’s CT Log is<br />

a worldwide unique<br />

computed tomography<br />

scanner in the wood products<br />

industry, allowing JD Irving,<br />

Limited to scan and digitally<br />

reconstruct the internal<br />

features of their logs in 3D.<br />

Delivering the optimal<br />

cutting solution in real-time,<br />

this technology is consistent<br />

with JD Irving, Limited’s<br />

mission to ensure the use of<br />

100% of every tree.<br />

The computed tomography<br />

scanner provides a complete<br />

reconstruction of the internal<br />

features of the logs, allowing<br />

the logs to be graded<br />

and sorted by quality and<br />

optimization.<br />

The CT Log solution<br />

developed by MiCROTEC’s<br />

industry-leading engineers<br />

provides quality grading and<br />

virtual grading information<br />

in addition to the full 3D log<br />

description.<br />

Integrated with MiCROTEC’s<br />

Maxicut Pro, Winlog, and<br />

MiCROTEC Connect, the CT Log<br />

communicates with the Logeye<br />

Stereo, providing the head<br />

rigg operator the exact degree<br />

of log rotation to provide<br />

maximum value. Working<br />

with the CT Log, MiCROTEC’s<br />

Maxicut software optimizes<br />

cutting patterns based on<br />

value.<br />

The newest investment<br />

is part of JD Irving, Limited‘s<br />

continued partnership with<br />

MiCROTEC. Their recent<br />

investment of the CT Log is<br />

accompanied by a commitment<br />

of 5 MiCROTEC Logeye Stereos,<br />

which execute 360° scans<br />

during rolling, adding to the<br />

information gained before the<br />

log is sawn.<br />

The CT Log solution and<br />

Logeye Stereo applications will<br />

be installed in <strong>February</strong>.<br />

JD Irving, Limited is a<br />

producer of maple, birch<br />

and poplar wood products,<br />

headquartered in Saint John,<br />

New Brunswick, Canada.<br />

MiCROTEC is a global<br />

leader in innovative scanning<br />

solutions for the wood<br />

products industry.<br />

Picture from left to right: Bob Bell, Sales Account Manager MiCROTEC, Norvin Laudon, Direct<br />

MiCROTEC Vancouver, Arianna Giudiceandrea - CSO MiCROTEC, Susan Coulombe - General Manager<br />

J.D Irving Limited, Frank Jöst - CEO MiCROTEC, Jerome Pelletier - Vice President J.D. Irving Limited, Jody<br />

Gallant - Business Improvement Manager J.D. Irving Limited<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 33


Harvesters<br />

Ponsse’s fundamental<br />

purpose of developing<br />

sustainable solutions<br />

for the benefit of our<br />

customers and the<br />

environment is more<br />

topical today than ever<br />

before. Recognizing that<br />

technologies drive all<br />

change, we have utilized<br />

new digital solutions in<br />

our new machines in a<br />

more versatile way.<br />

Difference through technology<br />

We aim to offer more<br />

comprehensive<br />

solutions that are<br />

able to help our customers<br />

ensure both the productivity<br />

of their work and fulfilment of<br />

their responsibility targets –<br />

even better than before.<br />

Together we can continue<br />

discovering new ways to<br />

develop the world to a better<br />

direction.<br />

We are in the center of<br />

the forest ecosystem and<br />

our passion is to ensure its<br />

well-being. By innovating<br />

sustainable solutions, we<br />

support the development of<br />

responsible forestry.<br />

SIMPLY THE BEST<br />

TECHNOLOGY<br />

Ponsse’s versatile and efficient<br />

harvesters guarantee the best<br />

possible productivity, and<br />

they adapt easily to all kinds<br />

of environments. In terms of<br />

comfort, our harvesters are in a<br />

league of their own. Following<br />

our customers’ wishes, we also<br />

pay special attention to the<br />

usability and serviceability of<br />

our harvesters.<br />

Our range of Scorpion<br />

harvesters meets all the<br />

requirements of forestry<br />

today. The Scorpion harvester<br />

was first introduced to the<br />

general public in 2013 and<br />

has since become Ponsse’s<br />

flagship product. Soon after its<br />

launch, the Scorpion became<br />

a global sales success and<br />

an international symbol of<br />

responsible forestry. Now,<br />

eleven years later, the Scorpion<br />

34 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


The cabin workspace<br />

is now more practical,<br />

and the quiet Scorpion<br />

landscape office<br />

has been developed<br />

specifically with the<br />

operator’s comfort and<br />

ability to keep working<br />

in mind<br />

Jan Kauhanen,<br />

Product Manager,<br />

Harvesters, at Ponsse<br />

more practical, and the quiet<br />

Scorpion landscape office has<br />

been developed specifically<br />

with the operator’s comfort<br />

and ability to keep working<br />

in mind,” says Jan Kauhanen,<br />

Product Manager, Harvesters,<br />

at Ponsse.<br />

The Scorpion is<br />

characterised by its visibility<br />

and manoeuvrability. One of<br />

the most visible improvements<br />

has shed its skin. The stability<br />

of the PONSSE Scorpion is in<br />

a class of its own and provides<br />

power and productivity on<br />

environmental terms with small<br />

surface pressure. In product<br />

development, attention has<br />

been paid above all to even<br />

better work ergonomics, safety,<br />

cabin visibility and usability.<br />

“As earlier, development<br />

of the new Scorpion range<br />

has been based on feedback<br />

from forest machine users,<br />

which we have utilized to<br />

put the upgrades now being<br />

introduced into production.<br />

The cabin workspace is now<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 35


is the one-piece front window,<br />

which reaches all the way<br />

up to the cabin roof to offer<br />

even better visibility and<br />

safe working in any weather<br />

condition. In addition, the<br />

unique crane solution provides<br />

excellent visibility in all<br />

directions.<br />

Besides numerous new<br />

features, PONSSE Scorpion<br />

harvesters have been fitted<br />

out with an advanced fifth<br />

It’s also quick and simple<br />

for operators who have<br />

used the earlier Opti<br />

generation to switch over<br />

to using the new Opti 5G<br />

system<br />

Markku Savolainen,<br />

Product Manager,<br />

Equipment<br />

Automation at Ponsse<br />

generation PONSSE Opti 5G<br />

information system and a<br />

completely upgraded user<br />

interface. The user-friendly<br />

information system is the<br />

most modern on the market<br />

and its smoothness and speed<br />

take the user experience to a<br />

completely new level.<br />

“The fully upgraded Opti 5G<br />

user interface together with<br />

the recently launched Opti 8<br />

computer sets a new standard<br />

for the usability of Ponsse<br />

forest machine information<br />

systems. It’s also quick and<br />

simple for operators who<br />

have used the earlier Opti<br />

generation to switch over to<br />

using the new Opti 5G system,”<br />

explains Markku Savolainen,<br />

Product Manager, Equipment<br />

Automation at Ponsse.<br />

The Opti 5G information<br />

system also enables the<br />

PONSSE Harvester Active Crane<br />

management system, which<br />

gives the harvester a new way<br />

to control the crane and work<br />

more efficiently. The operator<br />

can use Active Crane to control<br />

the movement of the harvester<br />

head instead of individual<br />

crane functions. This allows<br />

the operator to concentrate<br />

on timber processing rather<br />

than crane work. Active Crane<br />

is easily controlled using two<br />

levers, one of which controls<br />

the harvester head height<br />

from the ground, while the<br />

other controls the direction<br />

of the movement. The system<br />

also ensures that the crane’s<br />

functions slow automatically<br />

before the range of movement<br />

ends, thereby preventing<br />

irritating hits to the mechanical<br />

structures and operator.<br />

When the operator indicates<br />

the required location, Active<br />

Crane performs the lift and<br />

uses the boom and extension<br />

automatically.<br />

DATA AS THE KEY TO<br />

SUSTAINABLE AND<br />

PRODUCTIVE FORESTRY<br />

The role of digital tools<br />

becomes more essential in<br />

successful machine operations,<br />

and it is already today a sheer<br />

prerequisite for ensuring<br />

competitiveness. Due to that<br />

we continuously develop our<br />

digital solutions to help our<br />

customers stay in the forefront<br />

of development.<br />

Thinning density assistant –<br />

testing a new technology in<br />

real operating environment<br />

For the first time in the<br />

history of forest machines,<br />

Ponsse’s technological concept<br />

enables the measurement<br />

of the standing tree stock in<br />

addition to harvested trees.<br />

Thinning density assistant is<br />

a technology concept we use<br />

for researching and developing<br />

innovative technologies to<br />

measure the trees that are left<br />

in the forest in addition to the<br />

trees that are harvested. The<br />

idea behind the concept is to<br />

recognize the trees around<br />

the harvester as well as their<br />

precise position. Using the<br />

gathered data, the assistant<br />

guides the driver in finding<br />

the right thinning density.<br />

At the same time, the driver<br />

PONSSE Manager 2.0 is a<br />

next-generation digital service<br />

platform and forest machine<br />

management system that<br />

provides customers valuable<br />

data of machines’ location,<br />

productivity figures and fuel<br />

consumption, among others.<br />

The Manager 2.0 provides an<br />

individual user experience<br />

with a personalized summary<br />

page and extensive reporting<br />

options. It helps logging<br />

companies to monitor the<br />

progress of stands, plans,<br />

keep track of machine outputs<br />

according to assortments<br />

and print out measuring<br />

certificates.<br />

“With the quick tempo of<br />

the modern world and the huge<br />

amount of data we see every<br />

day, finding the correct piece<br />

of information is often like<br />

trying to find a needle in the<br />

haystack. New Ponsse Manager<br />

is a completely new approach<br />

to more sustainable and more<br />

digitalized forestry” says<br />

has precise and continuous<br />

information of both the<br />

location of wheel tracks and<br />

the trees left in the forest,<br />

which is also documented by<br />

the system.<br />

PONSSE LAUNCHES MANAGER 2.0 -<br />

A DIGITAL SERVICE PLATFORM<br />

New Ponsse Manager<br />

is a completely new<br />

approach to more<br />

sustainable and more<br />

digitalized forestry<br />

Petteri Tuomisto, Manager,<br />

of Digital Solutions Sales<br />

Petteri Tuomisto, Manager, of<br />

Digital Solutions Sales.<br />

For more information about<br />

PONSSE Manager 2.0 please<br />

visit: manager2.ponsse.com<br />

36 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


Wallingford’s announces distribution<br />

of HSP Gripen of Sweden<br />

Wallingford’s Inc. has<br />

announced a new partnership<br />

with HSP Gripen of Sweden,<br />

one of the largest global<br />

manufacturers of forestry,<br />

construction, and terminal<br />

grapples.<br />

Wallingford’s Inc., with its<br />

head office in Oakland, Maine<br />

has distribution facilities in<br />

New Hampshire, Oregon,<br />

Quebec, and Alberta. Founded<br />

in 1975, Wallingford’s is the<br />

largest wholesale distributor<br />

of logging supplies in North<br />

America. Since December<br />

2021, Wallingford’s, Inc. is a<br />

member of the pewag Group,<br />

a global leading company in<br />

traction devices and industrial<br />

chain solutions (founded 1479)<br />

headquartered in Austria.<br />

Chip Wallingford, President<br />

of Wallingford’s Inc. stated “We<br />

are very excited about this new<br />

relationship with HSP Gripen,<br />

and look forward to adding this<br />

high-quality line of grapples to<br />

our product portfolio.”<br />

In 1994, one of Sweden’s<br />

many machine operators grew<br />

tired of the poor offering and<br />

mediocre quality of grapples<br />

and decided to start developing<br />

and manufacturing his own<br />

brand. He had an idea of what<br />

was required from a grapple<br />

for it to work efficiently and<br />

last a long time. Today, HSP<br />

Gripen is one of the leading<br />

companies within the grapple<br />

manufacturing sector. HSP<br />

Gripen has all its production<br />

based in Hudiksvall, Sweden.<br />

HSP Gripen is manufactured<br />

using the latest technology<br />

to produce grapples of the<br />

absolute highest quality. HSP<br />

Gripen is also designed so that<br />

you will be able to maintain a<br />

high level of productivity and<br />

work fast.<br />

The unique shape of the<br />

claws to improve timber<br />

handling, the twin cylinders<br />

that provides low and even<br />

shaft loading – meaning less<br />

wear, and the high strength<br />

steel are just some of the<br />

excellent features you get<br />

when choosing a grapple tool<br />

from Gripen.<br />

“We are happy and proud<br />

to become a trusted part of<br />

Wallingford’s network in the<br />

North American market,”<br />

says Tomas Jonsson, owner of<br />

HSP Gripen. Gripen is already<br />

an established brand in the<br />

forestry sector in the Swedish<br />

and Nordic markets. “We have<br />

however sold and delivered our<br />

grapples to the North American<br />

market already since 2000, so<br />

with this collaboration we see<br />

the potential in gearing up and<br />

expand further together with<br />

Wallingford’s Inc.,” Jonsson<br />

continues.<br />

“HSP Gripen has just<br />

launched a new 5-year plan<br />

where the company will double<br />

its sales volume by 2028.<br />

This includes, in addition to<br />

a couple of new products, to<br />

grow our business outside<br />

our home markets, so this is<br />

completely in line with our<br />

business plan and we are very<br />

much looking forward to the<br />

new collaboration” says Maria<br />

Flöjt, newly appointed CEO at<br />

HSP Gripen.<br />

To learn more visit: www.<br />

wallingfords.com , www.hsp.<br />

se/en or call 1-800-323-3708.<br />

Tomas Jonsson, owner<br />

of HSP Gripen<br />

Chip Wallingford President<br />

at Wallingford’s Inc.<br />

Maria Flöjt, newly<br />

appointed CEO at HSP<br />

Gripen.<br />

DYNA acquires Vortex Chippers<br />

DYNA Products of Millington,<br />

Michigan have announced that<br />

they have recently acquired the<br />

rights to be the sole exclusive<br />

manufacturer and marketer of<br />

the full line of machinery using<br />

the patented Vortex design.<br />

The unique Vortex design lends<br />

itself to significant measurable<br />

performance improvements<br />

in the operation of machines<br />

using this technology.<br />

DYNA now includes a<br />

growing line of woodchippers.<br />

This grows the product line<br />

and integrates perfectly<br />

into the current offerings of<br />

DYNA Products’ high quality<br />

professional grade firewood<br />

processors and wood splitters.<br />

Vortex branded products<br />

are now becoming available<br />

through the current and<br />

growing rental and dealer<br />

network in place throughout<br />

the country and international<br />

markets. Go to www.dynaproducts.com<br />

and to www.<br />

vortexeq.com or call 989 823<br />

6200 for more information.<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 37


Rottne’s most flexible harvester – H11D<br />

Rottne’s most flexible<br />

harvester has now been<br />

improved in several<br />

aspects. The machine will<br />

receive the newly developed<br />

joystick panels that were<br />

previously launched in<br />

Rottne’s new forwarder series.<br />

They provide a much more<br />

modern impression and better<br />

ergonomics for the driver with<br />

more adjustment options. The<br />

panels have a much higher<br />

safety classification due to<br />

additional redundant features<br />

and high-quality components.<br />

The cabin will be painted<br />

blue instead of being foilcovered.<br />

This is partly for visual<br />

design but also to ensure it<br />

stays in good condition during<br />

many hours in the forest.<br />

H11D will also receive RCA<br />

(Rottne Crane Assistance),<br />

providing excellent support<br />

for both beginners and<br />

experienced operators. The<br />

driver determines the direction<br />

and speed at which the grapple<br />

should move. The system<br />

then performs the task using<br />

robust sensors on the crane<br />

and software developed for this<br />

purpose.<br />

As the name suggests, the<br />

system assists the driver in<br />

operating the crane with good<br />

precision and the right speed<br />

throughout the shift. The<br />

system optimizes the crane’s<br />

functions in a better and more<br />

energy-efficient way, saving<br />

both time and money.<br />

The driver receives better<br />

support during operation,<br />

resulting in higher production<br />

throughout the shift. RCA also<br />

provides an easier path for less<br />

experienced drivers to achieve<br />

higher production.<br />

The system can be<br />

customized with different<br />

speeds and smart features in<br />

the machine’s control system.<br />

RCA is available for both crane<br />

options we offer, 10.3m or<br />

11.3m.<br />

The machine’s hydraulic<br />

system has been updated with<br />

a focus on energy savings and<br />

improved performance. If the<br />

market demands sprinkler<br />

equipment, it is also integrated<br />

into the machine’s control<br />

system.<br />

Work lighting is<br />

continuously updated with the<br />

latest technology, using lamps<br />

with less risk of reflection in<br />

those positions. Lights that<br />

illuminate towards the crane<br />

are of that model.<br />

The software in the<br />

harvester is regularly<br />

updated to comply with the<br />

latest forestry standards.<br />

RCA also allows the crane<br />

position to be saved in the<br />

harvester’s production file for<br />

later analysis by third-party<br />

programs, such as thinning<br />

monitoring.<br />

It is possible to display<br />

real-time information about<br />

the harvester’s production<br />

calculated according to a<br />

piece-rate price list and hourly<br />

cost that can be specified in<br />

the machine’s menus. This<br />

is another improvement<br />

in Rotnne’s most flexible<br />

harvester.<br />

38 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


Advanced Saw Unit:<br />

The Log Max 5000V<br />

incorporates the enhanced saw<br />

unit 318 MK2 19 cc (True-Cut)<br />

or 30 cc, carefully designed<br />

to optimise work processes.<br />

Upgrades include a more<br />

robust saw bar mount with<br />

protective covers and rubber<br />

seals, ensuring protection<br />

Log Max 5000V:<br />

The ultimate Harvesting<br />

Head for unparalleled<br />

logging performance<br />

The logging industry demands reliable and efficient<br />

equipment to tackle the toughest challenges in<br />

harvesting operations. Introducing the Log Max 5000V,<br />

a state-of-the-art harvesting head that combines<br />

durability, agility, accuracy, and intelligence to<br />

revolutionise logging worldwide. With its reinforced<br />

design, advanced features, and improved servicing<br />

capabilities, the Log Max 5000V sets a new standard<br />

for modern and powerful harvesting heads.<br />

Durability and Cutting<br />

Performance:<br />

The Log Max 5000V boasts a<br />

reinforced frame designed to<br />

withstand the most demanding<br />

logging applications. The<br />

slimmed-down saw box<br />

enhances performance in<br />

snowy conditions, ensuring<br />

optimal cutting efficiency.<br />

Equipped with the new 318<br />

MK2 - 30cc saw, this harvesting<br />

head delivers fast and troublefree<br />

cutting up to 74cm,<br />

guaranteeing exceptional<br />

cutting performance.<br />

Measuring Precision and<br />

Simplified Maintenance:<br />

Accurate measurement results<br />

are crucial in today’s harvesting<br />

operations, and the Log Max<br />

5000V meets this requirement<br />

with its redesigned measuring<br />

unit. The length measuring unit<br />

incorporates smart features,<br />

including a contactless sensor,<br />

easier lubrication, and durable<br />

tapered bearings. Furthermore,<br />

the harvesting head’s<br />

improved accessibility, wellorganised<br />

hoses, and grease<br />

nipples facilitate simplified<br />

maintenance and servicing.<br />

Enhancements and Updates:<br />

To enhance the Log Max<br />

5000V’s durability and<br />

longevity, several updates<br />

have been implemented. The<br />

design of the measuring wheel<br />

hole has been improved,<br />

reinforcing the stoppers for<br />

the feed roller arms inside the<br />

frame, thus increasing strength<br />

and stability. The length<br />

measurement function has<br />

been significantly improved<br />

through the introduction of<br />

a new measuring wheel unit<br />

with a larger wheel, ensuring<br />

superior measurement<br />

accuracy.<br />

against dirt and moisture. The<br />

saw bar holder now utilises<br />

premium-grade Hardox 450<br />

material, offering increased<br />

strength and longevity.<br />

Additionally, the placement<br />

of the “saw bar home” sensor<br />

has been optimised for easy<br />

access during maintenance.<br />

On the 30cc version the saw<br />

valve is mounted directly to the<br />

motor which greatly increases<br />

responsiveness.<br />

Improved Multi-Stemming<br />

Unit MK2:<br />

The Log Max 5000V’s multistemming<br />

unit has undergone<br />

a redesign, resulting in reduced<br />

weight, increased lifespan,<br />

and simplified serviceability.<br />

The relocation of cylinders<br />

and improved hose protection<br />

increase durability and<br />

minimise the accumulation of<br />

snow and dirt.<br />

Continued on Page 48<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 39


Tigercat Harvesters<br />

Tigercat builds a<br />

full range of cut-tolength<br />

harvesting<br />

solutions including<br />

track harvesters,<br />

wheel harvesters,<br />

harvesting heads and<br />

control software<br />

1165 harvester<br />

Available in both six and<br />

eight-wheel drive, the<br />

1165 is a 22-tonne, high<br />

production harvester that is<br />

best suited to extreme duty<br />

clear fell and selective cut<br />

applications, steep slopes, and<br />

the toughest terrain. Tigercat’s<br />

unique WideRange® drive<br />

system increases working<br />

travel speed while delivering<br />

extremely powerful tractive<br />

effort for high performance<br />

in steep terrain and quick instand<br />

travel on good ground.<br />

The 1165 blends high<br />

performance with fuel<br />

efficiency with advanced<br />

hydraulic circuits.<br />

40 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


The Tigercat 1165 harvester<br />

matched with the 534<br />

harvesting head, working in<br />

Sweden<br />

The 534 harvesting head uses the new Tigercat D7 control system<br />

Dedicated pumps power<br />

the drive, harvesting head,<br />

crane, fan and cooling circuit<br />

functions. In addition, a closed<br />

loop drive system provides<br />

excellent performance and<br />

response on steep slopes.<br />

A pressure and flow-controlled<br />

piston pump drives the cooling<br />

fan, maintaining optimal<br />

operating temperatures at the<br />

lowest possible fan speed.<br />

The crane features Tigercat’s<br />

efficient and operatorfriendly<br />

ER® technology. The<br />

hooked profile of the main<br />

boom promotes excellent rightside<br />

visibility.<br />

Not only is the crane efficient<br />

but also simple in design,<br />

without external parallel<br />

linkages.<br />

With an extreme duty slew<br />

system and 360° continuous<br />

rotation, the cabin rotates<br />

with the crane. The cabin<br />

is spacious with excellent<br />

visibility and clear line-of-sight<br />

to the wheels. Operators will<br />

find all the creature comforts<br />

including a comfortable and<br />

highly adjustable climatecontrolled<br />

seat with a<br />

four-point harness and full<br />

Bluetooth ® connectivity.<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 41


The Tigercat 534 harvesting<br />

head is matched to Tigercat’s<br />

1165 harvester and sized<br />

for optimal productivity in a<br />

150-500 mm (6-20 in) stem<br />

diameter range. The 534 is a<br />

three-wheel drive head with a<br />

triangulated wheel arm design.<br />

Four cast steel knife arms,<br />

along with a fixed front and<br />

back knife, provide excellent<br />

delimbing quality. The 534<br />

uses the new Tigercat D7<br />

control system. This system<br />

offers powerful functionality,<br />

simplicity and intuitive<br />

operator navigation.<br />

There are two types of<br />

bucking control available for<br />

D7. Priority-based bucking<br />

logic utilizes a list of operatorentered<br />

log specifications.<br />

D7 Optimization level uses a<br />

value-based logic.<br />

Both Tigercat D7 Priority<br />

and Optimization levels offer<br />

StanForD Classic, StanForD<br />

2010, and PDF production<br />

reporting. Reports can be<br />

viewed onscreen or exported<br />

for later analysis. D7 also<br />

sends production volume data<br />

to RemoteLog®, Tigercat’s<br />

optional telematics system.<br />

When equipped with a<br />

GPS receiver and the GeoInfo<br />

software. D7 provides an active<br />

navigation application using<br />

the machine’s current position<br />

on a georeferenced map.<br />

The 1165 is powered by the<br />

Tigercat FPT N67 engine with<br />

Tier 2, Tier 4, stage V, or noncertified<br />

configurations.<br />

H822E and LH822E track<br />

harvesters<br />

The H822E and LH822E<br />

harvesters combine a compact<br />

upper assembly with tight<br />

tuck boom geometry to<br />

minimize residual stand<br />

damage in selective harvesting<br />

applications. The combination<br />

of high horsepower and<br />

harvester head optimized<br />

hydraulics provide the operator<br />

with responsive control,<br />

quick feeding and powerful<br />

delimbing and debarking<br />

capability. The result is high<br />

productivity and lowest cost<br />

per tonne of processed logs.<br />

42 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


The Tigercat H822E<br />

harvester working in<br />

Northern Quebec<br />

Pair with a Tigercat harvesting<br />

head for a full factory-backed<br />

package.<br />

Several purpose-built<br />

boom system options are<br />

available including, 8,2m (27<br />

ft) fixed, 9,1m (30 ft) fixed,<br />

and 10,8m (36 ft) telescopic<br />

configurations. The hydraulic<br />

hoses, tubes and connections<br />

are protected along the entire<br />

length of the boom. All booms<br />

use the patented ER system,<br />

which allows the machine<br />

operator to extend and retract<br />

the boom in a horizontal<br />

motion smoothly and quickly<br />

using a single joystick. The ER<br />

boom system improves fuel<br />

efficiency, increases production<br />

and reduces operator fatigue,<br />

especially in smaller stem, high<br />

cycle applications.<br />

The E-series engine<br />

enclosure was redesigned to<br />

provides improved roof access<br />

for cleaning debris. The new<br />

boom slider also works to shed<br />

debris, preventing build-up in<br />

hard-to-reach areas.<br />

The clamshell style enclosure<br />

and drop-down side platform<br />

allow easy access to all sides of<br />

the engine.<br />

The cab includes a durable,<br />

roomy, air ride seat with<br />

heating and cooling. The fulllength<br />

front window and narrow<br />

side posts provide the operator<br />

an excellent view of the tracks<br />

and surrounding area.<br />

The LH822E features<br />

Tigercat’s patented leveling<br />

system, providing exceptional<br />

stability in steep slope<br />

applications and optimum<br />

weight transfer. It uses two<br />

massive hydraulic cylinders<br />

and heavy steel sections<br />

for a solution that is both<br />

simple and robust. Due to<br />

the unique geometry of the<br />

leveling system, the machine<br />

is well balanced on slopes.<br />

Regardless of the angle of the<br />

undercarriage in relation to<br />

the upper, the track pressure<br />

is even all the way along the<br />

bottom of the tracks as long as<br />

the upper is close to horizontal.<br />

This makes the machine feel<br />

very stable and predictable.<br />

In addition, the ramped<br />

undercarriage (both the front<br />

idler and the rear gearbox are<br />

set higher than the centre-line<br />

of the undercarriage) allows<br />

the machines to easily drive up<br />

over rocks and stumps.<br />

The H822E and LH822E are<br />

powered by the Tigercat FPT<br />

N67 engine with Tier 4, stage V,<br />

or non-certified configurations.<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 43


Bandit <strong>Industries</strong> announces a new<br />

Hammermill horizontal grinder!<br />

With considerable<br />

research and<br />

collaboration, the<br />

Bandit team brings the<br />

HM6420 hammermill<br />

grinder to market!<br />

This highly productive<br />

40” capacity grinder<br />

is designed and<br />

manufactured to be an<br />

alternative solution for those<br />

grinding applications that<br />

may contain contaminants.<br />

A Caterpillar C32, 1,200<br />

horsepower engine provides<br />

ample torque and horsepower<br />

for optimal machine<br />

performance and productivity.<br />

The heart of the HM6420<br />

is a 50” diameter x 66” wide<br />

hammermill. The heavy-duty<br />

mill features a 1.75” drum skin<br />

custom formed from rolled<br />

plate. The mill is supported by<br />

a 7” main shaft constructed<br />

of alloy steel that has been<br />

ultrasonic tested. Each pocket<br />

within the mill is manufactured<br />

from high strength A-514 steel.<br />

These combinations create<br />

a structural sound mill for<br />

added durability and integrity.<br />

The mill is equipped with<br />

20 carbide infused hammer<br />

inserts built to withstand the<br />

toughest material fed into<br />

the machine. Each holder is<br />

securely attached to the mill<br />

via a patent-pending quick<br />

change pocket system. Each<br />

holder recesses into the mill<br />

pocket, increasing durability. A<br />

44 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


top plate covers the pocket and<br />

holds in place by six hex bolts.<br />

The hammer insert is attached<br />

to each holder utilizing two<br />

bolts. With this set-up, the mill<br />

hardware is easier and quicker<br />

to replace.<br />

A heavy-duty slat-style<br />

infeed conveyor is directly<br />

driven generating over<br />

18,000 pounds of pulling<br />

power. The large diameter<br />

feed wheel is also directly<br />

driven and provides an<br />

additional 17,000 pounds of<br />

pulling power and 8,650 to<br />

17,300 pounds of down force<br />

when hydraulic pressure is<br />

applied. These combinations<br />

allow the HM6420 to grind<br />

massive quantities of material<br />

efficiently and effectively at<br />

one time.<br />

A proportional feed system<br />

is standard and regulates the<br />

feed system from 82 – 132<br />

feet per minute. The HM6420<br />

has one of the fastest feed<br />

rates on the market allowing<br />

it to quickly process material.<br />

The proportional feed system<br />

allows operators to adjust the<br />

feed based on material being<br />

processed ensuring maximum<br />

output and grinder efficiency,<br />

all while achieving a higher<br />

quality end-product.<br />

Three screens are located<br />

on the top side of the HM6420<br />

mill. A variety of screen<br />

sizes are available up to<br />

7” to produce various endproduct<br />

sizes. The top feed<br />

wheel moves upward, and<br />

a removable screen cradle<br />

allows for quick screen set-up<br />

changes. All work for screen<br />

changing is performed outside<br />

of the machine.<br />

An impact detection system<br />

is standard and designed to<br />

limit damage if a contaminant<br />

is struck inside the grinding<br />

chamber. Once an impact<br />

event is detected, the grinder<br />

will idle down, open the gate,<br />

disengage the clutch, and<br />

reverse the feed.<br />

A 56” wide height<br />

adjustable discharge with<br />

a stacking height of 16’ 8”<br />

is standard. The height of<br />

the discharge can easily be<br />

adjusted accommodating<br />

various grinding scenarios<br />

and situations. The standard<br />

wireless remote controls all<br />

grinding and tracking functions<br />

and features an LCD screen<br />

that will display engine<br />

coolant temperature, engine<br />

oil pressure, engine load<br />

percentage, engine RPM, and<br />

battery voltage.<br />

Bandit initially debuted<br />

the HM6420 at the 2023 Con<br />

Expo show in Las Vegas. After<br />

the show, further evaluation<br />

and testing was conducted<br />

and the machine was then<br />

demonstrated to a variety<br />

of customers and dealers at<br />

Bandit’s 40th Anniversary<br />

event in September of 2023.<br />

Final testing of the HM6420<br />

took place in the fourth<br />

quarter and the machine will<br />

begin production in the first<br />

quarter of <strong>2024</strong>. Bandit will<br />

be showcasing the HM6420 in<br />

<strong>February</strong> at the Compost Show<br />

CUT IT, CHIP IT OR HAMMER IT<br />

Which grinding method should you choose for your operation?<br />

Give a Bandit sales specialist a call today!<br />

in Daytona Beach, Florida.<br />

The addition of the HM6420<br />

expands the already diverse<br />

line of Bandit horizontal<br />

grinders available. Customers<br />

can choose from various mill<br />

configurations that will “CUT<br />

IT,” “CHIP IT,” OR “HAMMER<br />

IT.”<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 45


LIFTING & LOADING<br />

Liebherr unveiled the new<br />

LH 26 M Timber Litronic for<br />

efficient timber handling<br />

at LIGNA in Hanover. Thanks<br />

to its extremely compact<br />

design and exceptional<br />

manoeuvrability, this specialist<br />

machine is ideal for use in<br />

sawmills and lumber yards<br />

where space is at a premium.<br />

The new handling machine<br />

also boasts impressively<br />

low fuel consumption when<br />

operating at maximum capacity.<br />

Liebherr also demonstrated its<br />

new integrated tyre pressure<br />

monitoring system on the<br />

material handler for the first<br />

time.<br />

Thanks to its compact<br />

design and exceptional<br />

manoeuvrability, this specialist<br />

machine is ideal for work in<br />

sawmills and lumber yards<br />

where space is at a premium.<br />

With the LH 26 M Timber<br />

Litronic, Liebherr presented<br />

a new timber truck that<br />

extends its existing portfolio<br />

to include a lighter machine<br />

with an operating mass of<br />

between 23,500 and 26,000<br />

kg. Liebherr also showcased its<br />

new, integrated tyre pressure<br />

monitoring system as part<br />

of its trade fair exhibit. This<br />

system allows the desired<br />

target tyre pressure to be set<br />

and monitored on the display in<br />

the operator’s cab. The system<br />

became optionally available for<br />

Liebherr material handlers from<br />

October.<br />

Liebherr’s trade fair exhibit<br />

also included a straight 6.6 m<br />

long boom and a 5 m long stick<br />

with an angled stick end as<br />

well as a Liebherr type GM 10B<br />

wood grapple with a capacity<br />

of up to 1.30 m². The machine<br />

configuration also includes the<br />

1.2 m high, rigid cab elevation<br />

Thanks to its compact design and exceptional manoeuvrability, this specialist machine<br />

is ideal for work in sawmills and lumber yards where space is at a premium.<br />

Liebherr presented the new<br />

LH 26 M Timber Litronic at LIGNA<br />

• Powerful machine for efficient timber handling<br />

• Thanks to its compact design, it is ideal for use<br />

in sawmills and lumber yards with limited space<br />

• The new addition is the smallest machine in<br />

Liebherr’s existing portfolio of material handlers<br />

in the 25-tonne range<br />

LFC 120 for optimum visibility<br />

and a 3 m wide support blade<br />

at the rear. Maximum splash<br />

protection is provided thanks<br />

to the hot-dip galvanised<br />

mudguards, which also serve<br />

as a platform for easy and safe<br />

access to the operator’s cab.<br />

The new machine combines<br />

high driving performance with<br />

compact dimensions<br />

The engine power of 125<br />

kW / 170 hp provides the<br />

system with a large amount<br />

of torque, which allows the<br />

machine to accelerate quickly.<br />

In combination with the high<br />

pump flow, this guarantees<br />

fast, dynamic work movements<br />

and therefore maximum<br />

handling capacity.<br />

Thanks to its compact<br />

design, the new machine<br />

is ideal for use in confined<br />

spaces. It’s extremely small<br />

front and tail swing radius<br />

enables the machine to turn<br />

around completely even in very<br />

narrow operating locations. The<br />

minimal contours of the right<br />

front side enable the machine<br />

to work very close to sorting<br />

lines or timber stacks as it is<br />

always within the width of the<br />

undercarriage. This ensures an<br />

excellent view of the working<br />

area, ensures additional safety<br />

and prevents collisions.<br />

Four-wheel steering for<br />

greater manoeuvrability and<br />

integrated tyre pressure<br />

monitoring system<br />

To ensure excellent<br />

manoeuvrability and agility, the<br />

LH 26 M Timber is equipped<br />

with four-wheel steering as<br />

standard. The four-wheel<br />

steering increases driving<br />

46 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


stability and thus improves<br />

the machine’s directional<br />

stability. The automatic<br />

steering reversal, which is<br />

also standard, guarantees the<br />

correct steering direction at<br />

all times, when travelling both<br />

forwards and in reverse.<br />

To allow the operator<br />

to keep an eye on the tyre<br />

pressures, the machine<br />

features Liebherr’s new<br />

integrated tyre pressure<br />

monitoring system. The desired<br />

target tyre pressure can be set<br />

on the display in the operator’s<br />

cab. If the current tyre pressure<br />

deviates from the set target<br />

pressure, a warning is shown<br />

on the display. The integrated<br />

monitoring system not only<br />

increases safety, but also<br />

results in increased driving<br />

comfort as well as reduced tyre<br />

wear.<br />

Optimised undercarriage<br />

concept with efficient travel<br />

mode for trailer operation<br />

The electric pivoting angle<br />

adjustment in the travel motor<br />

provides additional torque,<br />

maximum acceleration and<br />

a higher drawbar pull. This<br />

ensures a consistently good<br />

driving performance even on<br />

inclines. Optimal adjustment of<br />

both the engine speed and flow<br />

rate ensures impressive fuel<br />

efficiency even at top speed.<br />

For longer distances, the<br />

combination of a material<br />

handler and trailer is the<br />

optimal choice. The powerful<br />

travel drive and robust axles<br />

enable the machine to tow<br />

trailers with a weight of up to<br />

60 tonnes.<br />

The 3 m wide undercarriage<br />

and rear support blade give<br />

the machine a high degree<br />

of stability during handling<br />

operations, which also means<br />

the load capacity can be<br />

further increased; for example,<br />

when loading and unloading<br />

the trailer. This enables<br />

more timber to be handled<br />

during each cycle to increase<br />

productivity. The support blade<br />

can also be used for clearing<br />

work and thus increases safety<br />

in the timber yard.<br />

Liebherr unveiled the new LH 26<br />

M Timber Litronic timber truck at<br />

LIGNA in Hanover<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 47


SALES OFFICES<br />

UK, Europe, South Africa,<br />

US East Coast<br />

CONTACT: Robin Peach<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> Ltd<br />

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777<br />

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617<br />

robin@internationalforestindustries.com<br />

Japan<br />

CONTACT: Shigeru Kobayashi<br />

Japan Advertising Communications, Inc.<br />

Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho<br />

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051<br />

Tel: 81-3-3261-4591<br />

Fax: 81-3-3261-6126<br />

Email: Shig-kobi@media-jac.co.jp<br />

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT)<br />

Australia, & New Zealand<br />

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham<br />

J.P.Media Inc<br />

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752<br />

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763<br />

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com<br />

ADVERTISERS INDEX<br />

BID Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F/C / 15<br />

www.bidgroup.ca<br />

Delta Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19<br />

www.deltamotion.com<br />

Demo <strong>International</strong> <strong>2024</strong> . . . . . . . . 12<br />

www.demointernational.com<br />

Franzen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25<br />

www.franzen-machines.com<br />

Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) . . . 8<br />

www.globalliftingawarenessday.com<br />

Halco Software Systems . . . . . . . . . 27<br />

www.halcosoftware.com<br />

Joescan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2<br />

www.joescan.com<br />

LMI Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17<br />

www.LMI3D.com<br />

Logmax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC<br />

www.logmax.com<br />

Opticom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23<br />

www.opticomtech.com<br />

Cont’d from Page 39<br />

Ponsse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7<br />

www.ponsse.com<br />

Rawlings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13<br />

www.rawlingsmanufacturing.com<br />

seppi m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11<br />

www.seppi.com<br />

Springer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3<br />

www.springer-usa.com<br />

Tele-Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5<br />

www.tele-radio.com<br />

Tigercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9<br />

www.tigercat.com<br />

Timber Processing and Energy Expo . . .OBC<br />

https://timberprocessingandenergyexpo.com<br />

USNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21<br />

www.usnr.com<br />

Wood Transport & Logistics . . . . . . 48<br />

www.woodtransport.events<br />

Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada<br />

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham<br />

J.P.Media Inc<br />

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752<br />

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763<br />

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com<br />

US Mid-West, Central & Mountain<br />

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham<br />

J.P.Media Inc<br />

1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville<br />

IL 60563, USA<br />

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752<br />

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763<br />

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com<br />

Enhanced Four-Point Measuring MK2:<br />

The Log Max 5000V’s four-point<br />

measurement MK2 features new<br />

components and functions to excel<br />

in harsh conditions. The introduction<br />

of a contactless encoder in the lower<br />

delimbing knife enhances its lifespan<br />

and simplifies maintenance. The lower<br />

delimbing knife now incorporates an<br />

“Active Lower Knife” function, increasing<br />

lifting power and optimising tree holding<br />

capability. Additionally, the design<br />

modifications, such as a new axel nut<br />

and improved cable routing, enhance<br />

durability and reduce the risk of snow and<br />

ice packing.<br />

Conclusion:<br />

The Log Max 5000V represents a<br />

groundbreaking advancement in the<br />

logging industry. With its unparalleled<br />

durability, cutting performance, precise<br />

measurement capabilities, and simplified<br />

maintenance, this harvesting head<br />

sets a new benchmark for productivity,<br />

efficiency, and reliability. Experience the<br />

power of the Log Max 5000V and unlock<br />

its potential to revolutionise your logging<br />

operations.<br />

48 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong>


The Taylor Group<br />

has announced it’s<br />

acquired 85% of the<br />

shares of CVS Ferrari<br />

(CVS) from NEIP III<br />

and BP.<br />

The transaction’s closing,<br />

which has been advised<br />

on the seller’s side<br />

by BNP Paribas and on the<br />

buyer’s side by Angle Advisors,<br />

took place <strong>February</strong> 1, <strong>2024</strong>.<br />

“I am delighted to welcome<br />

CVS to the Taylor Group of<br />

Companies family,” said<br />

Robert Taylor, The Taylor<br />

Group’s president and COO.<br />

“With this international<br />

investment, the Taylor Group<br />

is committed to becoming<br />

a truly global player by<br />

opening new markets and<br />

combining the strengths of<br />

both organizations, which<br />

complement each other<br />

well. We see tremendous<br />

opportunities for growth in<br />

market access, new products,<br />

lower cost, and enhancing<br />

service and support”.<br />

The new CVS board will<br />

include Taylor, who will serve<br />

as president of CVS; Davis<br />

Taylor, director of sudden<br />

service; and Hal Nowell,<br />

director of sales at Taylor.<br />

Davide Bertozzi, director of<br />

sales and marketing at CVS,<br />

will join the CVS board, while<br />

the current board member,<br />

Federico Zanotti, will serve as<br />

managing director.<br />

Taylor group acquires<br />

controlling shares of<br />

CVS Ferrari<br />

NEIP III is an investment<br />

company managed by ITAGO<br />

with interests in several<br />

medium-sized specialized<br />

Italian industrial businesses.<br />

As result of the transaction,<br />

NEIP III is completely exiting<br />

its participation in CVS.<br />

BP, formerly Battioni &<br />

Pagani and a historic name<br />

among the Italian material<br />

handling and side loaders<br />

industry since 1959, is<br />

privately owned by the Pagani<br />

family and will retain a 10%<br />

share in CVS. SDB, a company<br />

owned by Bertozzi, will retain<br />

a 5% share.<br />

CVS, founded in 1973, is<br />

an established manufacturer<br />

of mobile container handling<br />

and heavy cargo handling<br />

equipment in reach stackers<br />

and high-capacity forklifts.<br />

CVS is a front-runner in<br />

offering digital integration and<br />

innovative electric and hybrid<br />

solutions with patented energy<br />

recovery and regeneration<br />

systems with the lowest<br />

environmental footprint.<br />

CVS has posted a triple<br />

revenue increase since 2020,<br />

boosted by new product<br />

introductions and broader<br />

market reach. With operations<br />

at two plants in Roveleto di<br />

Cadeo (Piacenza) e Sorbolo<br />

(Parma) in Italy, CVS employs<br />

120 people with a yearly<br />

volume capacity of about 200<br />

units.<br />

“CVS has found a new home<br />

From left: Federico Zanotti, CEO of CVS Ferrari; Lex Taylor, CEO of<br />

The Taylor Group; Robert Taylor, president and COO of The Taylor<br />

Group; and Davide Bertozzi, director of sales and marketing at<br />

CVS Ferrari.<br />

with an industrial investor that<br />

can provide long-term stability<br />

and adequate resources<br />

to enhance the company’s<br />

development further” Zanotti<br />

said. “In combination with the<br />

Taylor Group, CVS will boost<br />

its capabilities in after-market<br />

support, broaden its product<br />

offering, and further increase<br />

production volumes at the<br />

Cadeo and Sorbolo plants.<br />

The current management<br />

will stay onboard to signal<br />

continuity and commitment to<br />

the company’s future.”<br />

The Taylor Group, based<br />

in Louisville, Mississippi, is a<br />

group of subsidiary companies<br />

ranging in goods and services<br />

from material handling<br />

equipment and container<br />

handlers to generators to<br />

construction equipment to<br />

parts and service centers and<br />

fleet management. Taylor’s<br />

mission has been to provide<br />

customers with the highest<br />

quality products worldwide<br />

and back them up with the<br />

most responsive after-market<br />

service organization available.<br />

Founded in 1927, Taylor<br />

is one of the largest,<br />

privately owned American<br />

manufacturers of heavy<br />

industrial lift equipment,<br />

intermodal, and construction<br />

industry equipment. For<br />

97 years, Taylor has been<br />

committed to customer<br />

satisfaction and personal<br />

relationships with their<br />

customers through the Taylor<br />

sales group, the dealer sales<br />

network, and Taylor Sudden<br />

Service’s after-market support.<br />

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Industries</strong> | FEBRUARY / MARCH <strong>2024</strong> IBC

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