20.12.2024 Views

6073 IFI December January 2025 final

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY Dec / JANUARY 2025

SAWLINES

Steep Slope

Harvesting

Biomass


MODEL 3090

25” Capacity Whole Tree Chipper

Features:

» Towable and track units ranging from 20” to 36” diameter capacity.

» Effectively pull and compress material increasing feeding efficiency.

» Fully load chip vans to their maximum capacity reducing transportation costs.

» 5 year “GUTS” warranty on fabricated components of feed system and drum.

» Supported by a dedicated dealer network.

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

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

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


LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS

38

STEEP SLOPE

HARVESTING

42

TimberPro Tracked Feller

Buncher TL755D

41

40

46

41 PONSSE

PONSSE Mammoth: Ponsse’s largest

forwarder achieves 30% more productivity

in tests carried out in Brazil

Dec / JANUARY 2025

40 BANDIT

Enhance your operation with a Bandit

whole tree chipper!

46 VERMEER

Vermeer’s LS3600TX low speed shredder

for efficient recycling

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Logging News 48 Advertising Index LUMBER PROCESSING CONTENTS

COVER - Franzen

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY Dec / JANUARY 2025

The SA 6 is a game changer in the chain

sharpening world that sharpens every

relevant chain. It features a unique concept

of two individually adjustable sharpening

motors. The user therefore has the option

of adapting the chain to the respective

application. The chain is cooled during the

sharpening process very efficiently using

air and/or a fine spray mist. The machine is

designed, manufactured and serviced in

Germany (Eifel region) by #teamfranzen.

Everything comes from a single source.

Highest quality standards combined

with maximum customer benefit.

Recommended by Stihl, Prinz, Holtec

and Mafell.

franzen-machines.com

SAWLINES

Steep Slope

Harvesting

Biomass

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 1


LUMBER PROCESSING

SAWLINES

18

22

18 LUNAWOOD

Oy Lunawood Ltd and Atlanta Hardwood

Corporation announce the formation of

a joint venture

21 MiCROTEC

Consistent quality for Berneck

with MiCROTEC

21

22 COMACT

Introducing Comact’s New Hybrid Sawline:

Speed, Flexibility, and Innovation

24

E25 Intern Forest Indust FP 11.75x8.25 C 1224 print.pdf 1 12/6/24 12:24 PM

Certified Platinum Opportunities

24 USNR

Edger line and log infeed for CMPC

Maderas in Mulchén, Chile

26

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

NASHVILLE, TN • AUG 6-8, 2025

limited Exhibit

space remains

26 COMACT

Optimizing Wood Processing Operations

with Comact’s TrimExpert and Trimmer

28

Visit SFPAEXPO.com

to Secure Your

Space Today!

28 USNR

Catech Edgers with Value Optimization

for Moelven Mjösbruket

2 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Introducing Sawbox: The innovative Wood Processing solution

Cutting capacity: Up to 8.5 million board feet of wood in two-shift operation.

Log diameters: 10 to 42 in, lengths: 10 to 16 ft 2 in (20 ft on request)

100% self-sufficiency: Cut your own logs, optimize production costs.

Space-saving: Optimum use of fl oor space from 5,400 ft² to a maximum of 10,800 ft².

Long-term predictable prices: Own production ensures stable product prices.

Sustainability and regional added value: Use of local wood, recycling of all wood waste.

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

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


ISSUE 102

Dec / JANUARY 2025

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

583

e mma@internationalforestindustries.com

e Annual Subscription

UK UK and and Europe £160, € € 230

Rest Rest of of the the world US$270

EDITORIAL

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

583

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

617

www.internationalforestindustries.com

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

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

Editor Editor

Robin

Robin

Peach

Peach

robin@internationalforestindustries.com

robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Editorial Board

NORTH Dr Patrick AMERICAN Moore – SALES Chairman and Chief

Kevin Professor Lapham Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz –

Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland)

J.P.Media Inc

Mr Kim Carstensen

Tel: Director +1 (630) General 420 9752

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

Email: Eduardo lapham@jpmediainc.com

Morales

South American Forestry Consultant

WEB OPTIMIZATION

Jo English

jo@internationalforestindustries.com

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING

AND

AND

PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS

International Forest Industries Ltd

Advertising Manager

Emma Smith

emma@internationalforestindustries.com

+44 +44 (0)1442 877 877583

583

Publisher Associate Editor

Robin Robin Peach Peach

robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Advertising Advertising Production Production Enquiries Enquiries

Emma Emma Smith Smith

emma@internationalforestindustries.com

emma@internationalforestindustries.com

Studio Manager

Luke International Evans Forest Industries is published

luke@lecreative.co.uk

by International Forest Industries Ltd,

2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road

Accounts Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

Nicola International ShuklaForest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is

published bi-monthly by International Forest Industries

nicolas@internationalforestindustries.com

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

17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 and

additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at

International Forest Industries is published

New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address

by

changes

International

to International

Forest Industries

Forest Industries,

Ltd,

17B South

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

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

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

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

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

701C Ashland Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032 and

additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at

New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address

changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South

Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831

© International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2023

IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout.

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

EDITORS COMMENT

There’s no business quite like SHOW business!

In 2025, five major trade shows are set to

return, along with many others. Over the

years, I’ve had the chance to attend each of

them multiple times, witnessing the highs

and lows of the forestry industry along the

way.

Ligna is back this May, and after a

successful 2023 event filled with optimism

and strong visitor numbers, it’s sure to be

a highlight. Elmia Wood, held in the forest

near Jönköping, offers a unique experience

with live equipment demonstrations in

a natural setting, making it an excellent

event to attend.

ForExpo in France and Asturforesta in Spain

round out the group in Europe. It might

be worth considering, though, for the

organisers in France and Spain, to avoid

overlapping dates in the future.

The impressive 38th Forest Products EXPO

from August 6-8, 2025, is now held at the

Music City Center in vibrant Nashville!

In their own words –

LIGNA 2025 Focus Topics – May

26 – 30th Hannover

During the five days of the trade fair

exhibitors will showcase innovative

solutions around the LIGNA focus topics:

“CONNECTIVITY” , “SUSTAINABLE

PRODUCTION,” and “ENGINEERED WOOD.”

With a strong international presence – twothirds

of exhibitors coming from abroad

and one-third from Germany – LIGNA offers

the industry a comprehensive platform

to explore design options for essential

transformation processes.

LIGNA defies Industry Downturn: more

than 105,000 sqm already booked

Six months ahead of its opening, Ligna has

already secured commitments from 1,100

exhibitors spanning more than 105,000

square meters of exhibition space. (21 Nov

2024)

ROBIN PEACH

EDITOR

Elmia 2025 – Bratteborg,

Sweden 5–7 June

Where innovation and forestry grow

Over three days, forest owners,

contractors, and forestry professionals

from around the world gather in the

forests of Småland, south of Jönköping, to

explore the latest trends and innovations

in modern forestry. Hear harvesters and

forwarders working at full throttle. See

small-scale sawmills, soil preparation

equipment, drones, and timber trucks in

action. Gain new insights into forestry

management methods, such as thinning

techniques and tree species selection.

Asturforesta Spain 19/06/2025

- 21/06/2025

Asturforesta is held every two years in the

incomparable natural setting of Monte

Armayán, a forest of radiata and Pinus

radiata and Pinus pinaster pine with an

area of 550 hectares, of which the Fair

occupies 45 hectares.

It is a forestry reference in southern Europe

and a meeting point for the forestry sector,

where the technical advances of the sector

will be presented, as well as the market

situation at a national and international

level. To include forestry and logging,

outdoors: animations, demonstration, new

technologies, innovations.

Cont’d on Page 37

4 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2024


VERSATILE SERIES

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

5000V

Log Max 5000V is the perfect harvesting head in the mid-range

segment. For those who want the ultimate balance between flexibility,

capacity, and durability. The harvesting head is suitable for a wide

selection of base machines and for many types of felling.

Log Max 5000V has undergone several important improvements:

Optimized saw box: The contour has been changed and the position optimized,

allowing for handling trees with larger root flares, which significantly increases

production. The saw box has been extended and is now adapted for 82cm saw bars.

Increased capacity: The harvesting head can now handle larger trees, with a

maximum cutting diameter increased to 74 cm. This enhancement enables the

Log Max 5000V to easily process both large and small trees, during felling and

processing operations.

logmax.com


Kesla introduces a new generation forest trailer

Finnish Kesla launched a

new generation box-framed

KESLA 165 forest trailer at the

Agricultural Machinery Trade

Fair in Helsinki.

KESLA 165 marks the

beginning of a new era in

tractor-drawn forestry trailers

with its robot-welded boxframe-type

structure and

technical features earlier

known from forwarders. The

trailer has a standard load

space area of 4m which can

be easily expanded to an

impressive 5m by simply

turning the posts. Together

with freely adjustable bunks,

hydraulically movable front

screen and extendable

rear frame, the load space

flexibly adapts to varying

characteristics of different

kinds of round wood. Load

space length is 4,8m which

allows 6m logs, or even longer

ones, to be transported safely

and efficiently. The new

trailer is specifically designed

for professional tractor

contractors providing increased

productivity in logistics and

more earnings.

KESLA 165 is the only

167/2013 type-approved

forest trailer with 16T

payload

Together with a tow bar

mounted KESLA 326T timber

loader the gross weight of

KESLA 165 trailer is totally

22,000 kg consisting of 6000

kg deadweight and 16,000 kg

payload. Due to an articulated

tow bar and ISOBUS connected

traction system the trailer

follows the tractor perfectly

especially in steep hills

and tight turnings. Special

attention is put on the bogies

which are designed to climb

over the obstacles.

Excellent gross weightpayload

ratio provides the best

fuel economy on the market

per transported round wood

m 3 . A powerful nave drive

provides an extra 3,9 tons

draw power (250 bar and at 2

km/h speed) when required.

ISOBUS connected traction

system benefits the tractor as

the load is well synchronized

and therefore causes less

stress to the tractor. Trailer

comes already from the factory

with an EU wide 167/2013 type

approval and can be therefore

driven legally on the public

roads.

Awarded high-quality

workmanship made in Finland

Already prior to its launch, the

KESLA 165 trailer received an

honourable mention in the New

Product Competition organized

by the Agricultural Machinery

Trade Fair. All KESLA trailers

are manufactured in Finland

at Kesla Kesälahti plant which

celebrated its 50th anniversary

this year.

International sales of

KESLA 165 starts in December

with first deliveries during first

quartile of 2025.

FAE RCUs

REMOTE CONTROLLED PRODUCTIVITY

Broaden your concept of productivity with the RCU55, the RCU75 and the RCU120, the line of FAE compact

remote controlled tracked carriers. Powerful, robust, and agile. Everything you need to take advantage of FAE’s

efficient forestry mulchers, even in steep and hard-to-reach places.

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

fae-group.com

6 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


PANTHER PLD

SAFETY? GUARANTEED!

Independently Certified Radio Remote Controls

Tele Radio’s Panther PLd systems are the clear choice for duties that require high performance levels. Both

our T19-2 and T29-12 meet Performance Level d (PLd), Category 3, equivalent to Safety Integrity Level (SIL)

2 – certificates independently awarded by notified bodies. Whatever the job at hand, our stop function

never fails.

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

many industries like Agriculture & Forestry Equipment - Cranes & Material Handling - Mobile Hydraulic Machinery –

Emergency & Recovery Vehicles - Industrial Doors & Gates – Propane and Tanker Trucks – Construction Equipment &

Machines – Pumps & Aggregates, PLC Control – Recycling Machinery and more…

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

TELERADIO.COM

SAFE • SMART • STRONG


The new FAE RCU120: the

compact remote controlled

tracked carrier is now more

powerful than ever.

FAE has expanded

its RCU range with

the RCU120, the

compact 120 hp

remote controlled

tracked carrier.

The RCU120 is designed

to work in hard-toreach

areas or on

steeply sloping terrain where

operator safety is a concern.

Its dual hydraulic system and

extendable tracks provide high

productivity and efficiency in

hilly and wooded areas and

near railroad tracks, power

lines, gas and oil pipelines,

gardens, roads, highways,

canals, rivers and lakes.

This new FAE tracked carrier

relies on the powerful Kohler

120 hp common rail electronic

fuel injection engine, which is

fuel-efficient and complies with

the most stringent emission

standards.

Its heavy-duty

undercarriage has a variable

hydraulic design with

independent rollers and an

automatic tensioning system.

Thanks to its high-profile

rubber tracks with 86 mm

spacing and 320 mm width, the

RCU120 can handle even the

most challenging conditions.

High-tech solutions give the

carrier unbeatable traction,

making it possible to work

on steep slopes up to 55°. In

addition, a steel track option

is available, which ensures

outstanding traction on

particularly challenging terrain.

The dual hydrostatic

transmission of the RCU120

makes it easier to manage

traction and the attachment

simultaneously. Electronically

controlled piston pumps

combined with a dedicated

electronic control unit provide

an integrated technological

system. The result is high

performance and reliability that

lasts, plus simple and intuitive

operation.

The RCU120 is controlled

with a wireless remote,

with a large 4.3” display for

superior management of all

vehicle and head functions

and customizable function

keys. A 2.4 GHz transmission

frequency ensures reliable

communication, while an

optimal, comprehensive control

layout and a balanced shoulder

strap make the FAE remote

control unit ergonomic and

easy to use.

The RCU120 is the first FAE

compact remote-controlled

tracked carrier to be outfitted

with a Sonic technologyintegrated

forestry mulcher.

This exclusive FAE technology

allows for better management

of equipment performance, for

a productivity increase of up

to 30%.

The RCU120 FAE carrier can

be equipped with FAE forestry

mulchers, stump cutters, stone

crushers and road millers.

Thanks to its SAE connection,

the RCU120 can be equipped

with third-party equipment as

well.

Finally, the FAE RCU120

can be paired with the FAE

app, allowing users to access

diagnostic notifications,

scheduled maintenance

indicators, and primary

operating parameters in real

time via their smartphone.

8 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


JS-50

X6B

CARRIAGES &

SHORT-INFEED

EDGERS

JS-50

WX

TRIMMERS

EDGERS &

MORE

JS-50

Z8

END-DOGGER,

C FRAME &

HI SPEED SNAPSHOT


The new SFL multitask head

for tractors from 130 hp.

FAE is expanding its

range of multitask heads

with the introduction of

the new SFL: mulcher,

shredder and stone

crusher all-in-one

attachment.

The new head completes

FAE’s line-up in this

segment, offering a

product which is compatible

with tractors ranging from

130 hp to 220 hp. The new

SFL can shred wood, shrubs,

roots up to 15 cm in diameter,

and stumps up to 25 cm in

diameter. It can also crush

stones up to 10 cm in diameter,

operating at depths down to

20 cm.

The FAE SFL multitask

head is the ideal solution for

cleaning stone land, preparing

fields for agricultural activities,

and maintaining plantations,

nurseries, vineyards and

orchards.

The new SFL, the smallest

of FAE’s multitask tractor

heads, benefits from some

distinctive technical features.

These include a counter

blade for crushing stones,

comb counter blades for the

correct shredding of exposed

and buried plant and woody

material, a hydraulic rear hood

for better granulometry control,

and, tungsten carbide teeth

for enhanced performance

and durability. The hydraulic

depth control roller completes

the set-up for optimum tillage

results, while the central box

alignment system allows the

head to move freely in and out

of the ground.

In addition to these

upgrades, the SFL features

a number of structural

improvements. The sturdy

protection chains limit

material output to a minimum,

protecting the drive motor. The

ultra-strong, wear-resistant

steel used for the frame, the

interchangeable internal and

external guards, and the heattreated,

forged-steel tooth

holders guarantee a robust

structure that can stand up

to even the most challenging

tasks.

The new SFL is available

in two widths: SFL-200 and

SFL-225, both with dual gear

transmission. The cylinder

head is fitted with a rotor with

K/3 teeth

New 250E Loader

Tigercat introduces 250E

knuckleboom loader for

enhanced operator comfort

and convenience as well as

added performance.

Tigercat has replaced the

250D loader with the new and

improved 250E model. Tigercat

250 series loaders are a staple

on southern US landings

for tasks such as delimbing,

slashing, merchandising and

loading trucks. Among other

improvements, the latest

250 series iteration has an

improved operator’s cab,

greater swing torque, and a

new boom system.

On account of the increased

swing torque, the boom

system has been strengthened

to handle the increased lateral

forces now available to the

operator for tough pull-through

delimbing applications. The

boom cylinders are cushioned

at the end of stroke for

smoother boom operation.

A through-tip yoke routes

hydraulic hoses to the grapple

through the end of the boom

for increased hose protection.

The new operator’s

station is more roomy

with 16% greater internal

volume, enhancing leg

room and adding width. The

joysticks and switches are

mounted on the armrests

within comfortable reach.

An improved climate control

system allows the operator to

set the desired temperature

for a more comfortable and

temperature-consistent

working environment. Climate

controlled cupholders keep

drinks hot or cold for longer.

Dedicated in-cabin storage

areas include a space for a

full size Tigercat insulated

lunchbox.

Operator visibility has been

improved with larger front

and side windows. The wiper

motor, radio and touchscreen

display control system have all

been relocated for improved

sightlines. A work light has

been added to on the right

side of the engine enclosure

for better visibility to the

delimber during early morning

and low light operating

conditions.

The redesigned swing

motor cover further improves

the operator’s line of sight to

the work area. The cover has

integrated storage for tools

and grease. The DEF tank fill

cap has been repositioned

lower on the machine for

added ease of access and

safety. The 250E is also

equipped with an electric

pump hydraulic oil fill system.

These added conveniences

enhance the operator

experience and make daily

maintenance routines more

efficient.

10 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


LS857

GAME CHANGER

The Tigercat LS857 – a high performance shovel logger

with increased leveling capability.

The unique sloped tail of the LS857 allows greater leveling angles and provides winch assist

chain clearance. Optimized weight distribution, along with Tigercat’s legendary super duty

leveling undercarriage, delivers exceptional stability on steep terrain.

With several boom options, the LS857 can be equipped with a variety of

grapple styles, or the Tigercat 5195 directional felling saw for felling and

shovel logging with a single machine.

www.tigercat.com

Scan to learn more


Technology is highlighted for the Ponsse

delegation that went to FinnMETKO

Ponsse South America took 110

people to visit the company’s

headquarters in Finland and

also the FinnMetko trade fair,

one of the most important

in the world for the forestry

sector. Among the highlights

pointed out by visitors were

the new technologies that they

were able to see at the fair.

“The visit was spectacular

from the point of view

of forestry equipment

development and also to learn

about another operational

reality, in a country very

different from ours, which does

not have such a verticalized

operation”, highlighted

Cenibra’s Forestry Equipment

Development Specialist,

Políbio Martins Nogueira.

FinnMetko traditionally

presents the latest

developments in the industry

to the world. Countries around

the world are keeping an

eye on the trends and how

new technologies should be

applied.

“Finland offers an

environment for learning

and experiencing long-term

forest management. The

need to make a small and

medium-sized private property

profitable through forest

management establishes a link

and care for natural resources.

This model intensifies the

development of equipment

aimed at mechanizing forestry

processes and managing

waste, some of which are seen

at FinnMetko,” said Dexco

Operations Manager Matheus

Esteves.

“It was an excellent

opportunity to learn about

innovations in the forestry

market and to be up to date

with the most advanced

technology in the segment.

We were also able to see

first-hand the improvements

in machine structures and

components, in addition to

following new launches and

understanding how demand

Argentine, Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Paraguayan and Uruguayan customers of the brand

participated in the tour in Finland, which also included a visit to the company’s headquarters

in the forestry market outside

Brazil is behaving and what

its future prospects are. This

is certainly useful information

for professional growth and

market strategies,” added the

director of Vale do Amazonas,

Francisco Dartora.

Ponsse Spirit

The delegation’s trip also

included visits to some of

Ponsse’s operations, such

as the logistics area and the

company’s headquarters

in Vieremä. This is always

an opportunity to bring the

brand closer to its consumers

around the world. For Marini

Compensados’ Forestry

Manager, Alexandre Bedin,

getting to know the Ponsse

spirit was the highlight of the

trip.

“What caught my attention

the most was the Ponsse spirit.

Getting to know the family, the

founders and their generations

and that the family principles

of honesty, trust, excellence

in production and quality are

fundamental for the company

to reach greater heights.

Getting to know this here at

Ponsse, I was able to realize

that I already had a lot of this

at home, these fundamental

values ​and their importance for

structuring and consolidating

a company”, highlighted

Alexandre.

Director of Vale do Amazonas

Francisco Dartora

Odesio Hess Júnior, owner

of Transdi Madeiras, said that

being at Ponsse’s headquarters

made him understand much

more about the passion for

the sector. “What caught my

attention the most was the love

they have for the machinery,

just as we love our service.”

The guests invited to

participate in this trip

were customers and other

stakeholders of the brand from

South American countries.

Argentines, Brazilians,

Chileans, Colombians,

Paraguayans and Uruguayans

participated.

Travelers from other

countries around the world

were also able to meet Ponsse

and FinnMetko. “Moments

like this are essential for

our customers to always be

connected with trends and our

brand. Being close to each of

them, listening to them and

Vice President of

Ponsse South America

Marini Compensados’ Forestry

Manager, Alexandre Bedin

Cenibra’s Forestry Equipment

Development Specialist,

Políbio Martins Nogueira

Dexco Operations Manager

Matheus Esteves

understanding their needs is

also part of the Ponsse spirit,”

highlighted Martin Toledo,

Vice President of Ponsse South

America.

12 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


The new specialist high-performance

chain lubricant for tree harvesters

Mi240 FORESTER provides unparalleled resistance to

abrasive dirt and sawdust build-up on chains.

Prolonging cutting efficiency and keeping filters clear!

FEWER CHAIN

BREAKAGES

BIODEGRADABLE &

NON-HAZARDOUS

PERFORMANCE

DOWN TO -50°C

SIGNIFICANT

COST SAVINGS

Find out more


Waratah launches new HX line

Waratah Forestry Equipment

has launched an all-new HX

line with its 624HX and 626HX

harvester heads and purposebuilt

LPX loader-processor

head. Building on generations

of Waratah HTH attachments,

the new extra-large harvester

and loader-processor heads

have been redesigned for

extreme applications.

“All part of our new HX

(harvester extreme) line,

the 624HX, 626HX and new

loader-processor LPX are more

durable and higher performing

than previous models,” said

Brent Fisher, product marketing

manager for Waratah.

“We understand the

challenges loggers face to

produce more wood each

day, and we listen and

evolve our products to meet

their needs. These heads

are designed to deliver

tremendous performance so

our customers can confidently

take on extreme applications

and experience measurable

results.”

Impressive performance with

the 624HX and 626HX

Weighing in at 3990 kg (8,796

lb.), the redesigned 624HX

harvester head delivers

impressive log picking, feeding

and handling with unmatched

uptime. This efficient

600-Series head provides the

durability, reliability and speed

loggers need to maximize every

minute of work.

The new 626HX harvester

head redefines Waratah’s

legendary Bigwood head

with even more performance.

Weighing in at 4600 kg (10,141

lb.), this 600-Series head takes

feeding and delimbing to the

next level. Its large 950 mm

(37.4 in) sawing capacity helps

boost productivity day in and

day out.

In addition, the 624HX and

the 626HX boast a slew of

beneficial HX-line features.

The main frame and tilt frame

provide improved durability

and are optimized for weight

and strength. The heads

feature stronger clamping force

to provide better log grip at the

deck and holding power.

With HD-swept profile

delimb arms, the 624HX and

626HX feature improved log

picking thanks to larger delimb

openings. Feeding is improved

by new diameter sensor

technology, while arm design

helps log transport. Larger

saw capacities, improved saw

control plus larger saw motors

contribute more efficiency and

power to the cut.

A new main control valve

provides better flow, cooler

operation and higher working

pressures. It also allows an

improved layout and better

feed-motor synchronization.

The valve cover is stronger and

sleeker with tough hinges and

a quick latching system.

Features like the new autotension

top saw, an improved

measuring arm design, a

hinged and removeable oil tank

and feed arm hose bulkheads

contribute to accessible and

simplified servicing. Easyaccess

grease points and

grease banks enable the

greasing of the entire head in

less than 15 minutes.

Loggers can tailor the heads

to their operation with options

like higher-torque feed motors,

a variety of feed wheels, dual

rotate motors, LED and SED

color-marking systems and

more.

Purpose-built, balanced

productivity with the LPX

The all-new LPX is a purposebuilt

loader-processor head

that includes many of the new

HX line features. With a weight

of 4070 kg (8,973 lb.), this

durable head is built to work

in tight spaces, with balanced

grapple and processing

capabilities to improve daily

productivity.

The LPX makes no

compromises on log processing

quality. Its wide grapple

opening and two delimb/

grapple arms provide optimum

Heading up Waratahs all-new HX line, the 626HX redefines

the legendary icon with a lot more performance. It’s faster,

stronger and smarter with impressive feeding and delimbing

Part of Waratahs all-new HX line, the redesigned 624HX

harvester head is faster, smarter and stronger than ever

before

The all-new LPX is a purpose-built loader-processor head

that includes many of the new HX line features

delimbing, deck processing and

log handling to keep timber

moving.

The new auto-tension top

saw on the LPX has even more

capacity, allowing for sawing

large-diameter or multiple logs,

and greater rotate torque and

power improve log placement

capability. Additionally, the

high, wide saw box improves

log picking over the side of

a landing. The LPX’s sleek,

short-tilt frame tilts for feeding

and decking logs on slopes

and reduces swinging for

smoother operation in and out

of the log deck. It also provides

better servicing and valve

accessibility than previous LP

models.

The LPX, 624HX and

626HX heads all utilize the

TimberRite TM H-16 control

system for optimum head

performance, productivity

and measuring accuracy. All

Waratah heads come with

easily accessible support for

dealers and products, and

genuine Waratah parts with an

industry-leading warranty.

These heads are now

available to customers in the

United States, Canada, Europe,

Australia, New Zealand,

Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin

America.

14 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Ponsse Uruguay opened a new service centre

in Tacuarembó, Northern Uruguay

Ponsse Uruguay opened new

facilities in Tacuarembó. This

new service centre will allow

Ponsse to be closer to its

customers and offer a better

after-sales service with greater

spare part stock availability.

A large workshop enables to

carry out repairs and services

without having to travel over

200 kilometres to Paysandú.

The northern area of Uruguay

is growing area in forestry and

an important market area for

Ponsse.

Tacuarembó City- A Forestry

Hub in Uruguay

The city serves as a central

point for timber harvesting,

processing, and trade,

supporting local economies

and contributing significantly

to Uruguay’s forestry exports.

Tacuarembó’s commitment to

sustainable forestry practices

ensures the long-term viability

of its natural resources while

promoting environmental

conservation.

The new facility employs a

team of 7 people in the sale

of spare parts and mechanical

service, having a shorter

response time in serving all

customers in the area.

Bratteborg

South of

Jönköping

5-7 June 2025

HIGH-TECH

MOBILE WOOD-CHIPPING

SOLUTIONS

We offer a wide range of:

• Tractor driven PTO Chippers

• Truck driven chippers “Hack-Truck”

• Diesel engine driven chipper units

Follow us

100%

MADE

IN AUSTRIA

www.mus-max.at

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 15

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


Södra rolls outs AI system for operator support during harvesting

Södra and Nordic Forestry

Automation AB have signed

a letter of intent to roll out

operator support for thinning

carried out under Södra’s

supervision. The system will

also be able to collect data for

each individual tree for future

planning and analysis. Roll out

and installations are scheduled

to start in the second half of

2025.

AI company Nordic Forestry

Automation (NFA) is developing

the next generation of operator

support for forest machines

based on sensor technology

from autonomous vehicles and

AI algorithms. In 2023, Södra

became a shareholder in the

company through Södra Ädla

and has actively supported and

followed the development of

the system since then.

“More innovation is needed

in forestry and NFA shows

clearly that new technologies

can make a difference and be

valuable for forest estates. A

major advantage is the breadth

of the innovation. It gives

us thinning support, while

the data collected can form

the basis for future planning

and decisions. This is a good

example of Södra joining forces

to add value for forest estates,”

said Magnus Petersson, Head

of Contractor and Technology

Development at Södra.

Promoting growth and

profitability

NFA’s operator support will

be installed in harvesters

operated by Södra and the goal

is to commence roll out and

installations in the second half

of 2025.

“Södra has been one of

our main partners in the

development of our technology

from the start. With good

advice and clear requirements,

they have helped us develop

as a company. The fact that

we’ve now come so far that we

can set a launch date for our

first product is an important

milestone for the company and

proof that we are well on our

way to realising our vision of

helping machine operators do a

good job every time and create

strong and vigorous forests,”

said Lars Svensson, CEO Nordic

Forestry Automation.

The operator support

provides revolutionary

potential for local adaptation

in the forest, making it easier

to carry out forest management

correctly, thus promoting

growth and increased

profitability, while providing

valuable and effective

protection for natural and

cultural heritage sites.

Thinning a forest involves

constant decision-making for

the operator about which, and

how many, trees to harvest

in order to best promote the

various values of the forest.

This is important for the longterm

development of forests,

but is usually done manually

at present, based on the

experience of the individual

operator.

Cloud services are also

linked to the system, which

means that the data collected

for each individual tree can be

saved for future planning and

analysis. The data collected

for the trees is delivered to the

forest owner in a report that

shows the thinned and saved

trees, and that the thinning

operation has been optimised

according to the local growing

power in the stand. The

position of the saved trees

is shown to the nearest

centimeter. This provides

greater transparency, quality

assurance of the harvesting

and new opportunities for

forest owners to use alternative

management methods.

“Our collaboration with

NFA is a clear example of how

Södra, through Södra Ädla, can

help to accelerate development

and verify technology that

directly benefits and creates

value for forest estates. This

is just the beginning and

we are looking forward to

continuing to support the

development of the company,”

said Erik Madeyski Bengtson,

Investment Manager Södra

Ädla.

About Nordic Forestry

Automation

AI company Nordic Forestry

Automation (NFA) is

developing the next generation

of operator support for forest

machines based on sensor

technology from autonomous

vehicles and AI algorithms.

The technology provides

revolutionary potential for

local adaptation in the forest,

making it easier to carry out

forest management correctly,

thus promoting growth and

increased profitability, while

providing valuable and

effective protection for natural

and cultural heritage sites.

About Södra Ädla

Södra Ädla is Södra’s

investment company, with a

mission to invest in innovative

companies that present

members of Södra with new

opportunities for their forest

ownership, and that can lead

to increased profitability and

Lars Svensson, CEO Nordic

Forestry Automation

success. We want to lead

advances in forestry and

through our subsidiary Södra

Ädla, we are strengthening

our work with innovation and

development of the forest.

16 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025



Oy Lunawood Ltd and

Atlanta Hardwood

Corporation have

announced the formation

of a joint venture,

Lunawood LLC. This

new entity will oversee

the procurement,

production, and sales

of ThermoWood® and

other thermally modified

products across

North America.

Effective January 1, 2025, all

North American Lunawood

sales, including products

manufactured at Lunawood’s

Finnish facilities, will be

managed through Lunawood

LLC. Under this joint venture,

Lunawood LLC will build a

production facility at Atlanta

Hardwood Corporation’s plant

in Cleveland, Georgia. The

plant will be dedicated to

producing thermally modified

timber products from locally

sourced hardwood for the

North American market,

with additional global

distribution. Lunawood is the

first Finnish company in the

Lunawood Establishes Production in the U.S.

through Joint Venture with Atlanta Hardwood

Corporation, Addressing Growing Demand for

Sustainable Building Material

mechanical wood industry to

establish production in the

U.S. Production at the North

Georgia facility is expected to

begin mid-summer 2025.

Lunawood, a pioneer

in thermal modification of

Finnish pine and spruce since

2001, was instrumental in

developing the patented

ThermoWood® process.

The joint venture combines

Lunawood’s expertise

in thermal modification,

production, quality control, and

commercialization with Atlanta

Hardwood’s market knowledge,

logistics and profiling facilities.

Lunawood LLC will stock

the full range of Lunawood

products for sale within North

America at Atlanta Hardwood’s

facilities in Cleveland, GA, and

Clarksville, TN.

“Lunawood is known as

a growth-driven company

exporting already to over

60 countries. Having found

a partner that shares our

ambitions and is committed

to serving the North American

market comprehensively, we

recognized a joint venture as

the ideal solution to leverage

both of our core competencies

and enable our growth”,

says Arto Halonen, CEO of Oy

Lunawood Ltd. “We are also

happy to be able to serve the

Northern American market

with shorter delivery times for

Lunawood Collection products,

thanks to local inventory,” he

continues.

According to Hal Mitchell,

President of Atlanta Hardwood

Corporation, and brand

manager for AHC Hardwood

Group, “We have partnered

with the best producer of

the most environmentally

friendly building product on

the planet. This joint venture

will allow Lunawood to become

the world’s leader in thermal

modification in both North

American and Nordic species.

We are excited to offer volume

production of these qualitytested,

sustainable and

durable products to the North

American market. Scaling the

manufacturing of U.S. lumber

has been a dream since our

first thermal modification kiln

was installed 10 years ago.

This joint venture allows us to

accomplish that goal.”

The growing demand for

thermally modified timber in

the United States is driven

by the increasing demand

for sustainable building

materials for both indoor

and outdoor applications

and a strong trend toward

green building construction.

Demand is especially strong in

design applications, including

interior architectural accents,

exterior cladding, and decking,

as architects and builders

seek durable, sustainable

alternatives to chemically

treated wood or exotic

hardwoods.

Oy Lunawood Ltd,

established in 2000 in Finland,

is the pioneer and global

Arto Halonen

CEO at Oy Lunawood Ltd

Hal Mitchell,

President of Atlanta

Hardwood Corporation,

leader in sustainable wood

innovations that positively

impact architecture, wellbeing

and emission reduction

worldwide. We re-connect

nature with people by bringing

the natural benefits of the

forest into daily life. We

have two production units in

Finland and world-wide partner

network to serve building

professionals.

Atlanta Hardwood

Corporation has operated from

its base in the metropolitan

Atlanta area since the mid-

1950s and is doing business

as AHC Hardwood Group

in Cleveland, Georgia and

Clarksville, Tennessee. Atlanta

Hardwood Corporation also

offers domestic trucking as AHC

Logistics, which specializes in

the transportation of lumber

and building materials.

www.hardwoodweb.com

18 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


40+ YEARS

MAKING THE GRADE

EXPERIENCE. INNOVATION. EXCELLENCE.

EXPLORE

visit www.lmi3D.com/wood-ifi24

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 19


MiCROTEC receives Certification

for Transverse Strength Grading

in Sweden

MiCROTEC has

successfully obtained

the certification for

strength grading in

accordance with the EN

14081 standard for the

Goldeneye Transverse,

further enhancing our

commitment to precision

and quality in wood

processing.

After receiving the

machine certification

earlier this spring,

MiCROTEC are able to

announce that the first

production line in the green

sorting at Norra Timber for

spruce was officially approved

at the end of October and the

first certified production run

the first week of November,

marking a significant step

forward in their collaboration.

The machine certification

covers Swedish pine and

spruce, including both green

and dry sorting, sawn and

planed surfaces as well as

frozen and unfrozen wood —

demonstrating the versatility

and reliability of MiCROTEC’s

technology in real-world

conditions.

At the core of this

technology is MiCROTEC’s

advanced laser-based

technique, which uses dot

lasers for accurate grading.

This innovation allows the

Goldeneye 901 model to be

certified without the need for

X-ray technology. Meanwhile,

the Goldeneye 902, equipped

with X-ray, and the 906, with

both X-ray and Viscan, in

combination with the laser

technology are capable of

reaching higher C-classes and

significantly improving yield,

enhancing both quality and

efficiency in wood processing.

In addition, the scanners

can determine the structural

properties locally, which allows

to upgrade boards into a higher

strength class by removing

weak parts of the board.

The certification extends to

three models in the Goldeneye

Transverse machine series:

901, 902, and 906, positioning

MiCROTEC as a leader in

delivering reliable, highperformance

solutions for the

wood processing industry.

‘The ability to strengthgrade

with the Goldeneye 900 gives

us greater flexibility, especially

by being able to sort already in

the green mill’

Johan Oja Technical

Manager at Norra Timber Kåge

Menominee Saw & Supply is now part of Burton Mill Solutions

Burton Mill Solutions has

announced its acquisition of

Menominee Saw & Supply,

based in Menominee,

Michigan. Menominee

specializes in supporting wood

processors in the Northern

Great Lakes region and across

the Midwest by supplying

and reconditioning a variety

of industrial cutting tools,

including machine knives,

small- and large-diameter

circle saws, and wide and

narrow band saws.

This acquisition significantly

expands Burton’s geographic

footprint and enhances its

technical capabilities, enabling

it to provide better service to

primary wood producers. With

the addition of Menominee,

Burton strengthens its already

comprehensive technical

expertise in wood processing

technology, including saws,

knives, filing room equipment,

technical services, and

industrial wear parts.

Chuck Wert, Senior

Vice President of Burton,

commented, “We are excited

to work more closely with

the Menominee team. This

partnership will allow us to

elevate our service offerings

and better address the needs

of our customers in the

Midwest.”

John Brock, General

Manager of Menominee,

shared his thoughts, saying,

“Burton has been important

partner for many years, but

by joining forces, we’ll be

able to significantly expand

our network and capabilities.

I can’t wait to see what we

accomplish together.”

Dale Brown, CEO of Burton

Mill Solutions and sister

companies USNR and Mid-

South Engineering, added,

“this acquisition aligns

perfectly with our mission to

provide innovative solutions

that enhance productivity

and efficiency in the wood

processing industry.”

Menominee’s Great Lakes

location will complement

Burton’s existing network of

saw and knife reconditioning

service centers in Maine, South

Carolina, Georgia, Alabama,

and Louisiana.

Dale Brown, CEO of

Burton Mill Solutions

Chuck Wert, Senior

VP of Burton

20 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


SAWLINES

Berneck, one of the

largest and most

modern sawmills in

South America, uses

the Goldeneye 900 for

quality grading in all

three of their locations

across Brazil.

Consistent quality for Berneck

with MiCROTEC

Berneck is one of the

largest and most modern

sawmills in South

America, producing around

300.000m 3 of finished products

every month.

In 2016, Berneck received

the first Goldeneye 900 in

South America for their plant

in Curitibanos. Following the

successful implementation

and positive results, Berneck

installed two more Goldeneye

900 scanners—one in

Araucária and another in Lages.

The Lages facility, a

greenfield project, was

realized in collaboration with

our partners Springer and

Moosmayer Technology. This

plant stands out as one of

the largest sawmills in Latin

America, with a monthly

production capacity of 40,000

m³ of sawn lumber.

At Berneck, the Goldeneye

900 multi-sensor quality

scanner, integrated with the

Variosort software, plays a

critical role in the dry mill’s

quality grading process.

According to Daniel Berneck,

President of Berneck, some

of the key benefits of this

solution include the ease of

use, the guarantee of highquality

products, and the high

production speed of more than

160 pieces per minute at which

the solution runs.

As Claudinei Vitaczik,

Production Manager, explains,

the Goldeneye 900 replaces

human vision.

Previously, Berneck relied

on manual sorting which

required a large amount of

people and resulted in variable

quality due to the subjective

judgment of individual graders.

Now, the scanner guarantees

a consistent quality based on

customized parameters that

are tailored specifically to the

customer’s production needs.

Reflecting on this

transformation, Alex Souza,

Production Supervisor at

Berneck Lages, notes, “I still

wonder how it was possible to

grade lumber without advanced

equipment.”

The implementation of

the Goldeneye 900 in Lages

combines the learnings from

previous projects, leading

to a smooth and efficient

integration. Within just two

months, the new production

line was running at near full

capacity.

This project underscores

Berneck’s commitment to

innovation and excellence

in the wood industry while

reinforcing their partnership

with MiCROTEC to optimize

their production processes.

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 21


SAWLINES

Twin Quad CETEC

Introducing Comact’s New Hybrid Sawline:

Speed, Flexibility, and Innovation

NEW!

In the fast-evolving

sawmilling industry,

efficiency and

adaptability are critical

for success. Sawmills

must tackle the

challenges of achieving

higher productivity,

reducing costs, and

maximizing recovery—

all while managing an

increasingly variable and

unpredictable log supply.

Comact, a global leader

in wood processing

solutions, proudly

introduces its new hybrid

sawline: a groundbreaking

system that combines circular

saws and bandsaws in the

primary breakdown process.

This state-of-the-art solution

represents the next generation

of sawmilling technology,

seamlessly integrating speed,

flexibility, and advanced

performance to accommodate a

wide range of log diameters.

Primary Breakdown:

Combining Circular Saws and

Bandsaws

At the heart of the new

hybrid sawline is its ability to

seamlessly integrate circular

saws and bandsaws, providing

unmatched efficiency in

handling a wide range of log

sizes.

Circular saws, designed

for rapid, high-speed cutting,

efficiently process logs up to

20 inches in diameter with

minimal downtime. Their

ease of maintenance and

cost-effectiveness make them

ideal for the bulk of sawmill

production, delivering both

precision and efficiency.

For larger logs exceeding 20

inches, the system incorporates

bandsaws, extending the

cutting capacity of the sawline.

Bandsaws handle oversized

timber beyond the capability

of circular saws, ensuring no

recovery opportunities are

missed, regardless of log size.

This hybrid approach makes

the sawline uniquely capable

of maximizing throughput and

efficiency without increasing

maintenance demands.

Flexibility to Meet Diverse

Market Needs

Comact’s new hybrid sawline

is built to adapt to market

demands with multiple cutting

modes, including double

profiling, quadruple circular

cutting, and splitting. These

capabilities allow sawmills to

produce a wide range of lumber

products, from standard

dimensions like 2x4 and 2x6 to

custom-sized wides—all on a

single line.

Example of Cutting Patterns Executed by the Hybrid Sawline

22 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


This flexibility empowers

sawmills to expand their

product range without

investing in additional

specialized equipment. By

consolidating operations into a

single, multi-purpose system,

the hybrid sawline reduces

equipment costs, streamlines

maintenance, and enhances

overall operational efficiency.

Maximizing Efficiency and

Reducing Costs

The new hybrid sawline is

engineered to streamline

production, minimizing the

need for remanufacturing,

cutting down on operational

complexity, and reducing

material waste. These

efficiencies directly translate

into significant cost savings

and increased profitability for

sawmills.

Circular saws, the primary

tool for processing most logs,

are quick to replace and require

minimal maintenance, reducing

downtime and ensuring

consistent production. The

system’s modular design

further enhances its value,

allowing for straightforward

upgrades and scalability as

demand grows or technology

advances.

This future-ready approach

ensures that sawmills remain

competitive, meeting evolving

industry standards and

customer expectations.

Smart Technologies for

Optimized Performance

Beyond mechanical

innovations, the new hybrid

sawline incorporates stateof-the-art

technologies to

elevate performance. At its

core is Comact’s Smart Vision

system, powered by artificial

intelligence.

The Smart Vision system

optimizes log feeding by

analyzing the size, shape, and

characteristics of each log

in real time. It dynamically

adjusts the gap between

logs, ensuring smooth and

consistent flow throughout

the sawline. This automated

adjustment maintains optimal

cutting speeds, prevents

bottlenecks, and enhances

overall production efficiency.

Additionally, its advanced

bin management functionality

tracks and regulates log

supplies, preventing overaccumulation

or underfeeding.

Together, these intelligent

features maximize productivity

and ensure seamless

operation, even when

handling a diverse range of log

dimensions.

Automated Quality Control

with Closed Loop Technology

The Primary Breakdown

Closed Loop Smart Tool is

another standout feature

of the new hybrid sawline.

This tool automates quality

control, executing real-time

adjustments during primary

breakdown operations to

ensure every log is processed

for maximum value recovery.

Using data from existing

secondary breakdown

scanner, the system achieves

unparalleled accuracy in log

shape analysis and cutting

precision. Benefits include

improved production value,

reduced saw variation

allowances, and real-time

problem identification via

dashboard alerts.

With its Multi-offset

Adjustment function and

robust mathematical model,

the system delivers the fastest

closed-loop reaction on the

market. These capabilities

streamline corrections,

optimize cutting patterns, and

ensure seamless operation.

A New Standard for the

Industry

Comact’s new hybrid sawline

is more than an incremental

improvement—it sets a new

standard for sawmilling

technology. Its innovative

design addresses the

challenges of today’s industry

while offering the flexibility

and scalability to meet the

demands of tomorrow.

This system promotes

sustainable operations by

maximizing material recovery,

reducing waste, and lowering

energy consumption, as fewer

Primary Breakdown Outfeed with Splitted Board

Smart Vision for Gap Control and Bin Accumulation Management

pieces of equipment are

required to process a wide

variety of logs. Its modularity

and adaptability make it

a long-term investment,

ensuring sawmills remain at

the forefront of the industry

as technologies and markets

evolve.

Innovation for

a Competitive Edge

The future of sawmilling is

defined by speed, flexibility,

and smart technology.

Comact’s new hybrid sawline

exemplifies these principles,

providing sawmills with a

highly efficient, adaptable, and

Quad Circular Saws

low-maintenance solution for

processing a wide variety of

logs and lumber products.

By embracing this innovative

system, sawmills can improve

productivity, reduce costs,

and stay competitive in a

rapidly changing market. More

than a cutting-edge piece of

equipment, the hybrid sawline

is a transformative investment

in sustainable growth and

profitability.

The future of sawmilling

is here, and it’s powered by

Comact.

For more information, contact

us at info@comact.com.

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 23


SAWLINES

Edger line and

log infeed for

CMPC Maderas in

Mulchén, Chile

Continued Success in Chile

In order to achieve higher

precision and yield, the

saw line in Mulchén will be

upgraded with a Rotary Log

Turner 750E and a log infeed

LogPos S4.

Parallel to the saw line, a

Catech XT high-speed edger

line will be installed. The edger

is equipped with USNR’s latest

transverse Bioluma 6000L

sensors. The edger line also

includes an additional double

arbor splitting module for

maximum flexibility.

Installation and

commissioning will take place

during the fourth quarter of

2025.

The Rotary Log Turner 750E

carries out the log rotation with

speed and precision, providing

exceptional ROI. With this fast

and accurate log turner, you

can be sure that the predicted

solutions are always produced

as ordered.

The unmanned operation,

combined with USNR’s

proprietary MillExpert

optimization and high-speed

system, has made Catech

edgers the number one choice

in many parts of the world.

USNR’s new Compact

Shape Saw (CSS) system

is comprised of multiple

modules that work to

provide unprecedented

performance. This

includes the CSS Canter,

feed modules,

and the CSS Gang.

The CSS puts maintenance

first for safer, more efficient

servicing, resulting in more

uptime and higher output

USNR has also taken

maintenance access to the next

level with a walk-up design

that is the most ergonomic

on the market. Only the

drivelines exist between the

gantry supports and the canter

carriages, creating a system

that is extremely open.

Quick Change Assemblies

across the machine help

reduce downtime and the

modular chipper and profiler

can be easily lifted out for

maintenance.

A common drive side on

the machine and reduced

complexity in motor wiring

allow for shorter maintenance

periods.

Automatic Maintenance Pins

engage when the system is set

for periods of maintenance,

ensuring that press rolls

and other areas with energy

potential are set to zero-energy

prior to maintenance workers

entering the system.

USNR has added the CSS

to their elite lineup of wood

processing equipment.

Read the complete article

on this exciting new product

and then contact your USNR

representative to learn more.

24 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Sharpen chains.

Safe money.

Be happy.


SAWLINES

AI-powered

TrimExpert TM

In the wood processing

industry, precision,

efficiency, and

product quality are

crucial. Sawmills must

continually innovate

to stay competitive

and ensure optimal

performance. Achieving

these goals requires

advanced equipment

capable of meeting

the highest standards

across all stages of

production. Comact’s

TrimExpert and trimmer

are at the forefront of this

technological evolution,

delivering unparalleled

precision, superior defect

detection, and significant

improvements in both

yield and product quality.

Optimizing Wood Processing Operations with

Comact’s TrimExpert and Trimmer

Comact’s TrimExpert: The

Ultimate Trimming Solution

Comact’s TrimExpert is

engineered for exceptional

precision and versatility,

processing up to 300 lugs per

minute. Whether handling

green or dry lumber, this

system is designed to

optimize wood recovery while

consistently delivering highquality

results. Its ability to

manage varying wood lengths

makes it suitable for both

standard and non-standard

pieces, enabling sawmills to

maximize the value of every log

processed.

At the heart of the

TrimExpert is its AI-driven

defect detection, which uses

algorithms to identify issues

such as shakes, knots, and

grain inconsistencies in both

hardwood and softwood. This

technology delivers realtime,

accurate assessments,

ensuring precise identification

of all defects. Aligned with your

grade definitions, it minimizes

waste and guarantees that

the final product meets your

quality standards.

Equipped with 4K color

cameras, LED lighting, and

3D Pro laser heads, the

TrimExpert performs

a comprehensive visual

evaluation of defects. This

combination of advanced

technologies enables the

system to detect flaws with

remarkable precision, ensuring

that no defect goes unnoticed

and only the best-quality

lumber proceeds to the next

stage.

A standout feature of the

TrimExpert is its high-speed

simulation tool, which allows

operators to test various

production scenarios. This tool

is invaluable for optimizing

processes, allowing you

to explore various product

definitions and pricing

strategies. By leveraging the

simulation tool, sawmills can

make data-driven decisions

that reduce waste, improve

efficiency, and maintain the

highest quality standards in

production.

Designed with ease of use

in mind, the TrimExpert

requires minimal maintenance

and is straightforward to

clean and calibrate. This

simplicity reduces downtime,

allowing operators to focus

on maximizing production

efficiency. The system’s

advanced automation and

diagnostic tools also help

reduce human error, ensuring

consistency in every production

run.

The TrimExpert features

remote monitoring capabilities,

enabling operators to stay

informed and address any

issues quickly, ensuring

smooth operations even during

peak production periods.

Comact’s Trimmer: Precision,

Versatility, and Efficiency

The precision of Comact’s

trimmer is unmatched, thanks

to its servo motor-driven saw

positioning. This advanced

feature provides infinite

cutting solutions with pinpoint

accuracy. Whether trimming

boards to precise sizes or

removing defects, the trimmer

ensures every cut is made

with the utmost precision. This

capability is particularly crucial

in high-volume operations,

where consistency is essential

for maintaining product quality.

26 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Trimmer

Opened Trimmer

Designed for versatility, the

trimmer offers both single and

double arbor configurations,

accommodating a wide range

of processing needs. This

flexibility allows sawmills to

tackle both simple trimming

tasks and more complex

operations, ensuring no board

goes unprocessed .

A standout feature of

the trimmer is its line shaft

system, where a single motor

powers the entire saw bank.

This design provides more

horsepower per saw, enhancing

overall system efficiency. The

result is higher operational

speeds without sacrificing

cutting quality, making the

trimmer an ideal solution for

sawmills that require both

speed and precision.

Additionally, the trimmer

integrates a smart gate system

at its output. Sorting boards at

a rate of 140 to 160 per minute,

the Smart Gate redirects

specific products from the

trimming line to an alternative

destination, such as a different

stacking location or a return

to the edger. This automated

sorting process maximizes

wood recovery and streamlines

operations, improving overall

efficiency.

Setting The Standard

When it comes to optimizing

wood processing, Comact’s

TrimExpert and trimmer are

among the best combination

of systems available. These

advanced machines not only

deliver the highest levels of

precision and defect detection

but also provide sawmills with

the tools needed to increase

efficiency, reduce waste, and

maximize yield. Leveraging

AI-powered defect grading,

high-speed simulation tools,

and real-time defect detection,

this combination represents

the cutting edge of trimming

technology.

For sawmills looking to

improve their performance and

stay ahead of the competition,

Comact’s TrimExpert and

trimmer provide the solution.

With these systems, wood

processing is more efficient,

precise, and profitable than

ever before.

For more information, contact

us at info@comact.com.

Smart Gate

SAWMILL

VIDEO

SPECIALIST

VIBRATION

RESISTANCE

HIGH IMPACT

800.578.1853

opticomtech.com

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 27


SAWLINES

USNR’s Bioluma 2900 LV sensors recognize every wood

defect © USNR

Catech Edgers with Value

Optimization for Moelven

Mjösbruket

USNR’s Catech-brand

edgers are known for

their high speed and

accurate volume recovery.

Now, with the addition of

full-color vision, they will

also be offered with value

optimization. Several

systems have found their

way to the market and

Millwide Insider visited

one of them, at Moelven

Mjøsbruket in Norway.

The Swedish range of

Catech edgers originates

from the mid-seventies,

when the first computerized

edger optimizers were

designed. Since then, Catech

has been the leading brand in

high-speed edging and more

than 600 systems have been

installed.

Catech also pioneered the

technology for unmanned

operation, and even today

most competitors need a

dedicated edger operator

to run the systems. Today’s

edger optimizers are highly

developed precision machines.

The geometric scanning and

optimization match the speed

and accuracy of the mechanical

entities, such as the infeed

table and edger saw box. In

other words, the speed and

volume recovery are at the very

limit of what is possible for

today’s technology.

While European-style

edgers traditionally have relied

on geometric scanning and

optimization for maximum

volume, USNR’s North

American operations have

utilized vision scanning and

value optimization since 2009,

when the first system was

installed in the US.

Merging technologies

Marrying these two

philosophies together seemed

like the natural next step. Said

and done – Catech XT edgers

now feature double-sided

vision scanning and value

optimization. Attempts have

been made by others before

to implement vision scanning

and value grading in edgers.

But this is the first system

with double-sided color vision

scanning.

USNR’s Bioluma sensors,

combined with a powerful

optimization system,

accurately detect a wide range

of defects. In the short space

between the scanner and

infeed table, a decision is made

based on the most valuable

product possible.

The powerful computers

make sure that the

optimization time does not

slow down the process. The

peak capacity of the Catech

edgers is still at 75 boards

per minute. USNR’s Bioluma

sensors have a laser profiling

resolution of 8 mm (0.3’’) and

color vision camera resolution

of 0.5 mm (0.02”).

With continuously

increasing resolution of the

geometric scanning devices,

accuracy and recovery have

increased accordingly.

Computing power has

also increased, making it

possible to perform complex

calculations at high speeds.

Value and volume

Value optimization works

on both ends of the quality

spectrum. Flitches that will

never make it to high-grade

can become extra-wide

boards, leaving as much wane

on the boards as the grade

rules allow. On the other

hand, a flitch that has defects

located on either side, but the

majority of the flitch shows

good potential, can result in

a narrower but more valuable

board than what it had been if

the widest solution had been

chosen.

A solution where the optimizer have identified defects (knots) and chose to make a narrow, but more

valuable board compared to what a geometric system would have done

28 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Moelven Mjösbruket

The first European customer

to order a Catech edger with

vision scanning and value

grading optimization was

the Norwegian mill Moelven

Mjösbruket. Moelven is

Norway’s biggest wood

processing corporation with

mills in both Norway and

Sweden.

The existing edger from

Söderhamn Eriksson (now

USNR) had been in service for

20 years but didn’t quite keep

up with today’s demands for

capacity and optimization. The

goal for the new edger was

to increase the capacity with

an additional 20 boards per

minute.

At the time of the

investment, USNR was

launching the new optimizing

technology for Catech edgers

and Mjösbruket was given the

opportunity to test the system

over a period of six months.

The Moelven corporation

extensively tested the

system and found that it was

worthwhile to move forward

with it.

Grade scanning spruce

Eighty percent of Mjösbruket’s

production is exported. The

lower grade boards with more

wane edges are sold on the

domestic market. For the

international markets, it’s all

square-edged products. Many

are surprised that a spruce

mill like Mjösbruket would

benefit from grade scanning,

but Mjösbruket has proven

differently.

Sorting is done according

to the Nordic sorting standard

and the parameters in the

optimization system are set

up to align with those rules.

Although the mill has different

grading systems in the edger

and the dry sorting line, the

results work well together.

Successful project

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

We have changed our

perception of the side boards,

it’s no longer all about volume.

These products have value!

Mill manager Sturla Vestrum

is happy with the investment.

The overall project went

according to plan. Both grading

and cutting accuracy have

shown great results.

Terje Eng and Sturla Vestrum in front of the edger line.

The edger line is now

running at a continuous speed

of just about 60 boards per

minute, which was the main

capacity target.

The mill never had as few

sixth grade (the lowest quality)

boards as it has today. Having

transferred sawn volume

from the lowest grade means

that the overall value of the

products from the mill has

increased.

Now having more precise

tools, the mill can control the

production and increase or

decrease the amount of lower

grade boards according to

demand.

Production manager Terje

Eng says: “We have changed

our perception of the side

boards. It’s no longer all about

volume. These products have

value!”

Optimise your

production plan...

www.halcosoftware.com

Optimise your

operations

Whatever your mill...

Maximize profit by resolving trade-offs

between recovery, production rate, and value

OVER

25

SYSTEMS

SOLD

HALCO

Software Systems

Vancouver, Canada • Tel: 1 604 731 9311

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 29


WOOD DRYING

Comact’s DelTech

Dual-Path Continuous

Dry Kiln - Comact has

a proven reputation for

the innovative design and

manufacture of Deltech

batch and continuous kilns,

heating supplies, and controls.

Incorporating Real-Time Kiln

Moisture Tracking System.

Comact’s Wood Drying Technologies

Now part of the Comact

brand, the renowned

DelTech name continues

to deliver high-quality

wood drying kilns and

energy systems that have

established it as a trusted

leader in the industry.

With Comact’s expanded

capabilities, these

solutions are supported

by our expert Project

Services team, ensuring

customers receive

comprehensive,

end-to-end support

and peace of mind.

Comact’s innovative wood

drying, and energy

solutions guarantee

reliable, safe, and highperformance

operations.

From advanced wood drying

systems to state-of-the-art

energy solutions, we are the

partner of choice for sawmills

seeking the highest standards

of excellence.

Our key innovations include

the Real-Time Kiln Moisture

Tracking System, Filtration

Skids for thermal oil systems,

and the Kiln Cart Automatic

Attachment System, each

designed to enhance efficiency

and elevate product quality in

sawmills and wood processing

operations.

Real-Time Kiln Moisture

Tracking for Continuous Kilns

At Comact, we pride ourselves

on integrating state-of-theart

technology to optimize

client operations. One such

innovation is the Real-Time

Kiln Moisture Tracking System,

developed in partnership with

a leading sensor technology

provider. This system allows

for continuous monitoring and

regulation of wood moisture

content, enabling kilns to

automatically adjust their

push rate and temperature

as needed. This ensures

optimal drying conditions

and minimizes issues such

as under-dried or over-dried

wood.

With enhanced control over

temperature and humidity,

productivity increases,

and results become more

consistent. The system is fully

integrated into the operator

interface, making data easily

accessible and interpretable.

The Human-Machine Interface

(HMI) offers advanced control

and traceability for each load,

including moisture information

for every kiln, ensuring that

drying processes meet required

standards. This system

empowers operators to make

informed decisions, particularly

during product changes and

seasonal variations.

Upgrade Your Thermal Oil

System with Comact’s

Filtration Skid

Comact’s Filtration Skid is

designed to keep your thermal

oil system running efficiently

and cost-effectively. As thermal

oil moves through pipes

and machinery, impurities

can accumulate, leading to

clogged systems and reduced

operational efficiency. Our

filtration solution ensures that

your thermal oil remains clean,

helping to avoid costly system

cleaning, flushing, and oil

replacements.

The Filtration Skid is

easy to install and maintain,

integrating seamlessly into

both new and existing thermal

oil systems.

It requires minimal downtime

during installation, offering

an immediate upgrade to your

setup and enhancing long-term

system performance.

Kiln Cart Automatic

Attachment System Ensures

Safety

Safety is always a top priority

at Comact. In response to

safety concerns around kiln

cart handling, we’ve designed

the Kiln Cart Automatic

Attachment System, an

innovative solution compatible

with all types of loaders. This

system allows operators to

connect kiln carts without

leaving their vehicles. The

pivoting hooks automatically

attach and detach the carts,

minimizing the time required

for bundle loading and

improving efficiency.

This system is proven to

be both reliable and durable,

ensuring safety and ease

of use. Its simple operation

reduces the risk of injury while

enhancing overall productivity.

Installation and Maintenance

Services

Comact is committed to

providing comprehensive

support throughout the entire

lifecycle of your equipment.

Our Project Services team

ensures that every installation

is managed with care and

expertise, from initial design to

final commissioning.

30 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Energy System

Whether upgrading an existing

system or installing new

equipment, we guarantee that

your wood drying systems

perform optimally from day

one.

Beyond installation, we offer

extensive maintenance services

to ensure your systems

continue to run smoothly.

Our highly skilled technicians

are available for regular

maintenance, troubleshooting,

and operator training, helping

you maintain peak performance

for years to come. Our goal is

to offer a seamless experience,

allowing you to focus on your

business while we handle your

equipment’s needs.

Comact: Your Partner in Wood

Drying Innovation

Comact continues to lead the

way in wood drying technology

by offering innovative solutions

that enhance efficiency,

improve safety, and deliver

superior product quality. With

DelTech’s renowned kilns and

energy systems now part of the

Comact family, we offer a large

range of products and services

to meet the specific needs of

sawmills and wood processing

operations.

Whether implementing

real-time moisture tracking,

upgrading your thermal oil

system with our Filtration Skid,

or enhancing safety with our

Kiln Cart Automatic Attachment

System, Comact has the

solutions to optimize your

operations.

For more information on

how Comact can elevate your

wood drying processes, contact

us at info@comact.com

Let us help you improve

productivity, reduce costs,

and deliver the high-quality

products your customers

demand.

Biomass

ANDRITZ TurnKnife systems

ANDRITZ TurnKnife

systems increase

the performance and

efficiency of all makes

and models of canter and

profiler centers.

The TurnKnife system

produces more high

quality and uniform chips,

with a higher accept fraction.

Produced from the highest

quality alloy chromium steel,

the knives are specially treated

to have a much longer edge

life than other knives on the

market.

The patented design

ensures precise and consistent

knife location to maximize

chipping performance and

ensure reliable performance

day in and day out.

The longer time between

knife changes helps increase

the chipping capacity while

reducing unwanted downtime.

During operation, the TurnKnife

stays sharper longer, which

provides a better cut and

minimizes small chip fractions

(pin chip and fines).

Upgrading a chipping

head to the TurnKnife system

improves chip quality and

performance with excellent

economics.

ANDRITZ offers a wide range

of chipping products to suit

any of your needs. Whether

it is a chipper knife system,

CNS-style cylindrical heads,

new Profiler technology, or any

type of canter head (primary/

secondary breakdown,

slabbers, edgers, etc.), we offer

product expertise and support

that is tailored to your unique

application.

ANDRITZ offers service

contracts to complement

our products, which can be

structured according to your

needs. Our qualified service

technicians will perform

overall health check-ups

on the TurnKnife products

and can make on-the-spot

recommendations to keep

them running within peak

performance.

Combined with operator

training and chip head laser

alignment services, these

programs help ensure your

success at every corner!

ANDRITZ has also been

working in the field of chip

quality measurement with

our ScanChip system machine

since 1993 and can offer

comprehensive chip testing

and quality measurement to

our customers at any time!

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 31


SAWLINES

Weyco Expanding in Arkansas

with EWP

Weyerhaeuser Co. has announced plans to invest

approximately $500 million to build a new, stateof-the-art

TimberStrand facility near Monticello

and Warren, Ark., expanding the company’s

engineered wood products (EWP) capacity in

the U.S. South. The facility will have an annual

production capacity of approximately 10 million

cubic feet, which is comparable to the company’s

existing TimberStrand facility in Kenora, Ontario.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with

the goal of starting operations in 2027.

Leveraging its proprietary

TimberStrand technology,

Weyerhaeuser is

combining institutional

expertise from Kenora with

extensive research and

development to manufacture

TimberStrand with southern

yellow pine as the primary

feedstock. Given the company’s

sizeable timber holdings in

Arkansas, the Monticello

facility is strategically

located to source most of its

fiber log requirements from

company-owned timberlands

in the region. Additionally, the

plant will include a biomassfueled

cogeneration system,

which will fully supply the

plant’s electrical needs

and significantly reduce its

environmental footprint.

This announcement

represents an expansion

of Weyerhaeuser’s total

investment and impact in

Arkansas, adding a third

manufacturing facility to go

along with a lumber mill in

Dierks and a plywood and

veneer plant in Emerson, as

well as 1.2 million acres of

timberlands, a seedling nursery

and several offices—currently

employing more than 700

people across the state, with

200 more jobs to be added as

the new EWP facility comes

on-line.

“This is an exciting

opportunity to grow our EWP

business, expand TimberStrand

into the U.S. South and provide

an additional outlet for our

Devin W. Stockfish,

President & CEO,

Weyerhaeuser

fiber logs in Arkansas,” says

Devin W. Stockfish, President

& CEO, Weyerhaeuser. “Of the

wood products we produce,

EWP has the strongest tie

to single-family housing

construction activity, and

this new facility aligns with

our conviction that U.S.

housing demand will remain

favorable over the long term.

In addition, this plant will

allow Weyerhaeuser to better

serve other customers and end

markets in the region, including

mass timber applications,

and it supports our broader

sustainability ambitions.

I’d like to thank the state of

Arkansas and local officials for

working with Weyerhaeuser

to site this facility. We look

forward to building on our

long history in the state and

providing new employment

opportunities in Monticello and

surrounding communities.”

The company expects to

incur approximately $500

million of capital expenditures

for the facility through 2027

and plans to exclude this

investment for purposes of

calculating the company’s

annual adjusted funds

available for distribution, as

used in its flexible cash return

framework. This capital outlay

may be sourced from cash

on hand or through future

financing, as the company

deems appropriate.

32 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Millwide. Worldwide. +1.360.225.8267 usnr.com


Making the most

of the opportunities

of modern technology

Today, successful forestry

operations require more

detailed management

than ever before. Luckily,

it does not have to be

complicated or nerve

consuming.

Modern harvesting

generates plenty

of data about how

much machines produce, how

they consume time and fuel,

when might be the ideal time

to maintain them, and how

they should be moved around

to keep the production chain

going at full speed.

By continuously gathering

data from your operations,

PONSSE Manager 2.0 selects

the pieces that are relevant for

improved efficiency and better

productivity and present them

to you in a way that is easy to

find, interpret, and utilize.

WHAT’S NEW IN MANAGER 2.0

Manager 2.0 is a

comprehensive solution

that gathers Ponsse’s

digital solutions in the same

environment, so that you only

need to sign up once to access

them all. You can design a

personalized front page based

on your own preferences,

and immediately get a clear

overview of your business.

Variations are promptly

discovered, and the causes can

be addressed immediately.

PERSONALIZATION

Choose the facts and figures

that matter the most to you.

USABILITY

One place, one sign-up is all

you need.

OPTIMIZATION

Decide what the most

important pieces of

information are.

34 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025



Continuous wins: Continuous

Wood Drying Greatness by Valuec

As the leading developer

and world leader in

continuous kilns Valutec

has delivered more

than 1 500 continuous

kilns to sawmills around

the world. The latest

development is the

“TC continuous kiln”. A

sustainable state-of-theart

kiln that combines

high capacity and

flexibility with excellent

quality and low energy

consumption.

At a time when lowcost

mass production

and solutions are the

norm, it’s worth remembering

why custom products from

specialized companies will

always have their place.

When sawmill plant

manager Rod Pidskalny and

the team at Spruce Products

Limited (SPL) in Swan River,

Man., went looking to replace

two aging batch kilns they were

keen to explore continuous dry

kiln (CDK) technology.

The SPL team soon ruled out

traditional CDKs without door

closures, fearing they would

lose efficiency . Shopping

around brought them to the

team at Valutec – a specialized

company that has been a

global leader in wood drying

solutions for 50 years.

Six months of designing a

solution with Valutec landed

them with a stainless steel

TC continuous kiln with eight

drying zones that can handle

60 mmbf annually – well over

their mill’s current demands.

“We can now dry everything

we can produce, plus we’ve

got capacity built in with the

kilns to dry a little more. We

have some future expansion

possible,” Pidskalny says.

“It’s been performing very

well,” Pidskalny says. “We

were looking for a 2.5 per cent

uplift in grade outturn, that was

our goal, and we’ve actually

met that. We think it’s a little

higher than that.”

Beyond grade outturn,

Pidskalny says they’ve noticed

a significant decrease in

drying defects, which has

directly benefited their planer

operations. They’ve seen

fewer planer jams, cross-ups

at the lug loader and generally

smoother runs, particularly

with 2x4s.

“2x4s are kind of a tough

product to dry – you can get

a lot of twists because you

make them out of smaller logs

generally. If you’ve got Jack

pine for example, there are a

lot of natural defects, a lot of

crook, twists, sweep. We’ve

noticed after drying through

the Valutec kiln, it’s a lot

straighter lumber,” Pidskalny

says.

Pidskalny says the kiln

operators are more hands-on

initially to build to charges,

but hands-off after the charge

goes in. The software operating

the TC kiln is well designed

to ensure even temperatures

and moisture content. The

Valmatics 4.0 control system

is simple to understand and

provides the kiln operators

with the right data where

they need to see it in order to

optimize the process.

The TC Kiln

Valutec is the only company

offering TC kilns. A kiln type

that comes with distinguishing

features such as low energy

consumption, high flexibility

and superior capacity. It gives

the operator the possibility

to create the ultimate drying

process with freedom to mix

dimensions, minimal moisture

content variation and reduced

risk of checking. Annual

capacity can reach 150 MMBF

with target moisture contents

down to around 12-18% with a

standard deviation of 1%. The

principle is based on the timber

package being fed length-wise

through zones in which the air

circulates laterally across the

drying channel. This enables

the separate regulation of

the climate in different zones

according to a schedule that

comes very close to the ideal

schedule of a batch kiln.

36 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Built to Last

Valutec kilns are probably the

market’s most sustainable

timber kilns. Constructed

in stainless steel, resistant

to thermal expansion and

fatigue, the kilns have superior

longevity (minimum 40 years),

require no reskinning and

minimal maintenance. The kilns

are equipped with efficient

IE5 fan motors, heat recovery

systems and many energysaving

functions in their control

system which make the kilns

very energy efficient. Studies

shows that Valutec’s stainless

steel TC continuous kiln emits

23 tons less CO2 per year

than the correspondent kiln

built in aluminum. 23 tons of

CO2 is about as much as three

hectares of coniferous forest

absorbs in a year.

Valmatics 4.0

Valutec’s control system

Valmatics 4.0 allows sawmills

around the world to automate

and optimise drying in all

types of lumber kilns. High

process quality is guaranteed

by simulators programmed

with data from hundreds of

thousands of measurements

that enable the calculation

of drying processes with

unbeatable accuracy from

beginning to end. Valmatics 4.0

means modern TC continuous

kiln functions can be put to

full use. All the kiln operator

needs to know is the incoming

and desired outcoming

moisturecontent – the system

does the rest.

ValuSim, the calculation

program for moisture content

in Valutec’s control system

“Valmatics 4.0” is based on a

physical model for the diffusion

of water from a wooden

surface. The calculation model

has been refined over many

years and can today calculate

moisture ratio with approx.

1% accuracy. As input data,

temperatures measured for the

current drying batch are used

as well as information about

the properties of the dryer

together with the dimensions

of the wood, wood species,

etc. ValuSim is fully integrated

into Valmatics 4.0 and can be

used for both calculation of

the current moisture content

and to generate drying

schedules. Valmatics 4.0 is

the only control system on

the market that combines

simulator technology with

adaptive control, and enables

optimization based on

capacity, quality and energy

consumption. Simultaneous.

1) In the beginning of this year

Valutec started up a TC kiln

at SPL, Swan River.

2) Robert Weithofer is

Valutec’s North American

sales representative.

3) Valutec’s kilns are

constructed in stainless

steel, giving them a superior

longevity and minimal

maintenance requirement.

Cont’d from Page 4

There’s no business quite like SHOW business!

FOREXPO - The

Forestry and Wood

Industry Show 18 – 20 June

2025 Mimizan France

Every 4 years, in the heart of

the largest production forest

massif, on a 70 ha site, 400

international exhibitors and

more than 500 brands present

the latest innovations, from

forestry to logging . For the

first time, the 2025 edition will

open up to products from the

primary processing of wood.

The show, through exhibitions,

demonstrations, workshops

but also conferences, debates

and visits to construction sites

and industrial sites, will offer

a general vision of the forestwood

sector’s offering, “from

seed to wood processing”..

https://www.forexpo.fr/

38th Forest

Products EXPO from

August 6-8, 2025, at the Music

City Center in Nashville!

This premier event has been

the cornerstone of the wood

products manufacturing

community for more than 70

years, where connections

are forged, relationships are

fortified, and deals are sealed.

EXPO brings together the entire

wood products manufacturing

community, featuring hundreds

of exhibitors unveiling cuttingedge

machinery and services

tailored for the forest products

industry.

This event gathers thousands

of industry leaders and

decision-makers eager to

explore innovative products

and solutions, including

advancements in hardwood

E25 Intern Forest Indust FP 11.75x8.25 C 1224 print.pdf 1 12/6/24 12:24 PM

and softwood log processing,

remanufacturing, pallet

industries, bioenergy,

engineered wood products, and

pressure-treating.

Don’t miss this unparalleled

opportunity to showcase your

products, connect with key

decision-makers, and drive

your business forward

Certified Platinum Opportunities

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 37

NASHVILLE, TN • AUG 6-8, 2025

limited Exhibit

space remains


PONSSE

Solutions

for Steep

Slope

Harvesting

Ponsse’s cut-to-length

forest machines have

proved to be excellent

harvesting solutions,

also on steep slopes.

Environmentally

friendly and safe

harvesting solutions

for slopes are in high

demand, especially

when harvesting takes

place in areas with

varying terrain and

steepness.

PONSSE Synchrowinch is one

of the most important optional

equipment required for cut-tolength

(CTL) forest machines

when working on steep slopes.

It helps the forest machine

remain highly productive in

an environmentally friendly

and safe way compared to

alternative manual methods

also in demanding conditions.

Working on slopes is no

novelty globally but, as the

environmentally friendly cutto-length

logging method is

becoming more common, it will

develop in a safer and more

effective direction, minimising

any damage to the terrain.

Ponsse’s solutions for

working on slopes

• Eight-wheeled harvesters

and forwarders, combined

with balanced bogies, offer

tractive force, stability and

comfort for the operator

• Engines, brakes and

tanks developed for slope

conditions

• PONSSE Synchrowinch and

other options designed for

working on slopes

• Efficiency and productivity

of cut-to-length (CTL) forest

machines – no need to pull

cables or wires manually.

• Smooth working – by using

the winch, the machine can

be moved smoothly, even in

demanding locations

PONSSE Synchrowinch is

available for PONSSE Cobra,

Ergo 8W and Bear harvesters

and Buffalo, Elephant and

Elephant King forwarders.

The winch is optional

equipment installed in

forest machines during the

installation stage.

38 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


PONSSE

SYNCHROWINCH

PONSSE traction assistance

winch helps achieve high

productivity in steep ground

operations. It allows operating

the same machines in flat

and steep work sites with no

need for additional machinery

or methods. PONSSE

Synchrowinch preserves soil

from rutting and erosion, saves

fuel and reduces stress in drive

transmission components.

PONSSE Synchrowinch

allows effective logging in

areas where previously only

expensive and slow special

logging methods have been

used. The winch speed is

automatically synchronized

to the machine driving speed

so the operator doesn’t need

to operate or adjust it during

normal work. Cable tension

can be set and winch can be

operated from a remote control

unit, making it easy to hook the

cable to e.g. a tree or a stump

uphill. Tiltable crane base

options makes harvesting and

forwarding more efficient on

slopes.

BENEFITS

1. Traction assistance winch

helps to maintain high

productivity also in steeper

terrain because of:

• Forwarding is possible to

both directions (no need

for separate route with full

loads).

• Due to the tiltable seat the

driver can keep a relaxed

sitting position while

working on steep slopes.

This makes the work

ergonomical and less tiring.

2. Traction assistance winch

helps to widen the area of

operation - same machines

can handle also steeper

places. No need to employ

additional machinery or

other harvesting methods

(like cable skidders, manual

felling) in the same logging

site.

3. Harvesting on steep slopes

with traction assistance

winch decreases the fuel

consumption compared

to steep slope harvesting

without traction assistance.

No slipping means mitigated

impact to soil and lower

erosion risk by reducing

track formation. Lower

fuel consumption and

decreased transmission part

wearing are pros of traction

assistance compared to

operating without winch in

slopes.

4. Investment cost compared

to fully mechanized

cable yarding systems is

remarkably lower. Traction

assistance logging has

lower transporting costs

(two machines vs. four

machines) and system

involves only two operators

at the same time.

5. Automatic Steep Slope

Brake (ASSB) monitors the

machine speed and enables

the brakes automatically

when the machine speed

changes abnormally.

INSTALLATION

Harvester

Installation in front of the

engine of the harvester.

Forwarder

Fixed installation inside the

forwarder’s rear frame

CABLES

Cable type: ø14.5 mm, 350

m length, high compacted

construction

Min. required tensile strength:

200 kN (20 tons)

TENSILE FORCE

Harvesters 0 up to 70 kN

(0-7 tons),

Forwarders 0 up to 100kN (0-10

tons), continuously variable

and consequently constant

tensile force

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 39


Bandit 2290 Track

Bandit has manufactured

whole tree chippers since

1988 and was the first to

develop a self-propelled model.

In 2005, Bandit expanded the

product line by producing a

drum-style chipper, called

the Model 2090. Since then,

a complete line of highly

productive drum-style chippers

have been engineered. In

2021, Bandit announced

the purchase of the Trelan

company. Trelan has produced

quality disc-style chippers

since the seventies.

How will a Bandit whole tree

chipper make your operation

more efficient?

When original founder Mike

Morey Sr. formed Bandit, he

was determined to build a

quality, heavy-duty chipper

reducing customer downtime.

Since 1983, this philosophy has

not changed as each chipper

is constructed utilizing the

highest quality components

and steel. The drum inside

each Bandit whole tree chipper

Enhance your operation with

a Bandit whole tree chipper!

is extremely durable. These

drums feature reinforced

knife pockets and thick drum

skins to provide years of

dependable service. Each wear

area is built with thick steel

ensuring longevity and reduced

downtime. To complement this

durable design, each Bandit

whole tree chipper is standard

with a 5 year or 3,000 hour

“GUTS” warranty covering

the Bandit manufactured

components of the feed system

and drum.

All Bandit drum-style

chippers feature a slide box

feed system. This system is

known for providing unmatched

pulling and compressing

power, reducing the need

to reposition material, and

simplifying feeding. The slide

box feed system allows the top

feed wheel(s) to travel straight

up and down providing direct

down pressure as material is

fed into the chipper drum. The

standard hydraulic lift creates

an abundant amount of down

pressure compressing stubborn

limbs and branches into the

feed system.

All Bandit chippers are

known to throw chips at a

tremendous velocity fully

loading chip vans to their

maximum capacity.

Each discharge transition is

designed to provide maximum

airflow allowing for more

chips in the truck, reducing

transportation costs and

spillage wasted on the ground.

Due to the strong throwing

action, auxiliary blowers are

not needed when producing a

smaller chip size.

Each model is equipped

with a wide profile, heavy-duty

infeed hopper. The 20XP, 2090,

and 2290 track are standard

with a 30” weld on tray and can

be ordered with an optional

5 ½’ infeed conveyor. The

remaining drum-style models

are standard with a 7 ½’ infeed

conveyor. Each conveyor

assists with loading material

and further simplifies the

process when feeding shorter

pieces into the chipper.

Producing a variety of chip

sizes is easily done with a

Bandit whole tree chipper. Dual

edge or Babbitted style knives

are available on most models.

For those not needing a

consistent chip size, dual edge

knives are recommended, and

if a consistent specific chip size

is needed then Babbitted style

knives will need outfitted on

the machine. The standard chip

size is 5/8” with additional

chip sizes of ¾” 7/8” or 1”

options available. Bandit

chippers also are very efficient

at producing a 3/16” microchip

for pellet production. A special

drum with additional knives is

needed to produce a microchip.

If the micro-drum option

is ordered, and a standard

chip size is needed, then the

additional knife pockets can

be blocked off. Bandit chippers

are often the preferred

solution for this application as

microchips can be produced

using less fuel and the chipper

does not need a separate

auxiliary blower to assist with

chip throwing.

All Bandit whole tree

chippers come standard with a

wireless radio remote control

with tether back-up. These

remotes will control all chipper

functions including the feed

system and discharge. If the

machine is a track unit, the

remote will control all track

drive functions. Each remote

features an Engine E-Stop to

shut the machine down.

What chipper is right for

you? With the most diverse

line in the industry, Bandit has

you covered with a variety of

models.

The Trelan line of disc-style

chippers has enhanced Bandit’s

line of whole tree chippers by

giving the ability to produce

a high-quality paper chip.

These machines are simple and

economical to maintain and

feature large throat openings

giving them the ability to

process larger diameter

material. Two models are

currently available, the 686 or

786. The model 686 is available

with a Caterpillar C18, 800 or

C27, 875 horsepower while the

786 is available with a C27,

875 or 1,050 horsepower. 3 or

4 knife chipper disc options

can be ordered with chip sizes

ranging from 5/8” to 1”.

For additional questions or

to learn more about Bandit

equipment please contact your

local authorized Bandit dealer

or visit

www.banditchippers.com

40 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


PONSSE Mammoth: Ponsse’s largest forwarder achieves

30% more productivity in tests carried out in Brazil.

With a capacity of

25 tons, this giant

presented results

that prove its high performance

under typical operating

conditions in the Brazilian

market.

The first PONSSE Mammoth

Road Show event in Brazil

highlighted the qualities

of this robust forwarder for

work in high demand here in

this country. After weeks of

operating on Veracel’s land in

Bahia, the equipment headed

to another challenge, in Minas

Gerais, at Cenibra.

The PONSSE Mammoth is

the brand’s largest forwarder,

with a capacity of 25 tons and

has proven to be very efficient

for the high production

demands of Brazilian

companies. The Road Show

consists of an itinerant event

organized by Ponsse itself,

which visits several of the

company’s clients and aims to

put this giant to the test in the

different realities of transfer

operations found in Brazilian

companies. The challenge is

to operate for a few weeks in

each of these companies in

order to observe performance

in different situations.

This was the first time that

Veracel hosted an event like

this. Veracel’s Operational

Excellence coordinator, Pedro

Paulo Almeida, highlighted

the high performance of the

equipment in the flat lands

of Bahia. According to him,

the gains in productivity and

energy efficiency, compared

to the PONSSE Elephant

King (20 ton forwarder),

were 20% to 30%. “This is

a solution that allows us to

think about optimizing not

only the harvesting process,

but also the supply chain,

such as roads, wood transport

and use of area by forestry”,

highlighted Pedro Paulo.

“This model of equipment

has been operating in Brazil

for almost two years. Since its

launch we saw that it would

have a high level of adherence

with the Brazilian market

due to its characteristics. We

already have other results that

indicate that it really allows

better planning of the entire

forestry chain, increasing

reliability, efficiency and

productivity. Not to mention

more safety and ergonomics for

operators”, pointed out Ponsse

Brasil Sales Manager, Rodrigo

Marangoni.

In the next challenge,

in Minas Gerais, Ponsse

Mammoth will encounter

operational situations that

are different from those in

Bahia, such as steep areas.

“Our objective is to test the

equipment from different

aspects so that we can have

comparative elements and

thus prove that it can adapt to

the different realities of our

country”, added Rodrigo.

The super size of the

equipment is what impresses

at first. The cargo box, longer

and wider than previous

models, results in a crosssectional

area of ​up to 8 m²,

providing greater volumetric

capacity. To support all this

load, the chassis and bogie

structures were reinforced,

a more powerful engine was

added and the hydraulic

system with two pumps was

developed to deliver more agile

and precise movements.

During the test period of

a few weeks, the company

will have full support from

the Ponsse team, from

technical training to support

for maintenance services, in

addition to complete data

management. At the end of

this period, a field day will be

held at each customer to share

the results obtained, offering a

detailed analysis and valuable

insights into the performance

of PONSSE Mammoth.

About PONSSE Mammoth

Created especially for high

demands in logging, the

PONSSE Mammoth forwarder

is capable of transporting 25

tons in a single trip. Energy

efficiency is the main highlight

of this new forwarder model.

Veracel’s Operational

Excellence coordinator,

Pedro Paulo Almeida

With the original factory

CVT (Continuously Variable

Transmission) transmission,

it automates gear changes,

always acting in the best fuel

consumption scenario. This

differential provides travel

speeds of up to 20 km/h,

bringing gains in productivity,

especially for transfers over

long distances.

Additionally, this is the

brand’s first forwarder in which

the load box was developed

with a slight slope towards

the base machine, enabling

better load accommodation,

especially for conical wood.

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 41


Steep Slope

Harvesting

Tracked Feller

Buncher TL755D

TimberPro has long

been an innovator in

the mechanized forestry

industry, especially in

steep slope and big

timber logging. Many

of the TimberPro feller

bunchers are factoryprepared

for steep

slope applications.

Steep Slope Solutions from TimberPro & Komatsu

The available tethering

hitch is integrated into

the carbody structure

for exceptional strength and

durability. It’s compatible

with the industry’s common

anchoring/winch systems and

is ready for single or dual-line

tethering applications. To

promote stability, the fuel tank

is positioned down low in the

carbody. This also provides

ground-level refueling. To aid

with visibility, the cab roof

skylight enables operators to

42 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


see up the slope and keep an

eye on treetops when felling

tall timber.

Two TimberPro feller

bunchers are specifically

designed for steep slope

logging — the TL775D and

TL755 West Coast models. Both

have a heavy-duty leveling

system with an extended (17

ft 5 in) heavy-duty track frame

and wide stance, making them

extremely robust with good

balance and stability in steep,

rugged terrain. The tracks

feature single 5.5-inch tall

grousers for enhanced traction

on steep slopes.

For leveling, both the

TL775D WC and TL755D have

a forward tilt of 22 degrees,

rearward tilt of 8 degrees and

20 degrees to each side with

one-touch automatic selfleveling.

Operators will appreciate

the comfortable cab with

outstanding visibility, a

pressurized cabin with fresh

air filter, digital climate control

system, adjustable deluxe airride

seat and rear-view camera

system. For peace of mind, the

cab is ROPS, FOPS and OPS

certified with three emergency

exit routes. TimberPro

engineers also designed the

machines so that maintenance

can be simple and quick, with

easy access to consolidated

service points.

For additional logging

operation roles, Komatsu

offers two excavators built

specifically for forestry —

PC290LL-11 and PC210LL-11.

Both are capable in truck

loading, shovel logging,

processing and road building

applications, providing forestry

operators with quality, reliable

equipment options to complete

the job.

They feature high and wide

undercarriages with larger

class-size components, highperformance

hydraulics, front

work equipment and forestryspecific

guarding and cooling

systems to meet the demands

of high production and rugged

environments.

For more information on

TimberPro machines:

https://timberpro.com

For Komatsu machines:

www.komatsu.com

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 43


Tigercat Chippers & Grinders

The upper frame pivots on the

undercarriage, allowing the

operator to adjust the infeed

angle and discharge height

6500 Chipper

The 6500 is a heavy-duty drum

chipper designed for maximum

throughput and high quality

chip production. The versatility

of the 6500 makes it the

perfect solution for anything

from forest management

and fuel chips, to demolition

debris. The rotor speed can

be adjusted based on chip

length 12 to 60 mm (½ to 2

½ in) and material density to

maximize throughput. Current

applications are primarily in

biofuel production using a

variety of feed materials such

as forest debris, scrap sawmill

material, and full logs and

stumps.

6900 Grinder

The 6900 is a heavyduty

up swing horizontal

grinder designed for high

production and extreme duty

applications. The versatility

of the 6900 makes it the

perfect solution for grinding

a variety of materials such as

forest biomass from logging

operation, trees, stumps and

root mass from land clearing

operations, demolition debris

and scrap sawmill material.

Common features

The 6500 chipper and the 6900

grinder are built on similar

platforms and use a common

undercarriage. As with all

Tigercat machines, they are

built with quality components

and durable construction

throughout.

On both models, the rotor

is belt driven and uses a

tensioner system to engage

the drive belt, eliminating the

need for a clutch. The tensioner

system is hydraulically

controlled and can be lowered

while in service mode, so

that the rotor may be turned

manually when changing tips

or knives.

Another unique feature

is the pivoting frame. The

upper frame pivots on the

undercarriage, allowing the

operator to adjust the infeed

angle and discharge height.

The infeed pivots down 4

degrees for feeding long trees

and allows the discharge to

clear large piles. Pivot the

infeed up 7 degrees to act

like a hopper which helps in

feeding branches and brush.

With the infeed in the up

position, it also brings the

height of the machine to under

3,6 m (12 ft) for shipping,

eliminating the need for a

troublesome folding discharge

conveyer.

Thick steel plate infeed

walls are tapered to assist in

directing the feedstock into the

hog box. The discharge uses

a 510 mm (20 in) head pulley

that is available as magnetic or

non-magnetic.

The large diameter allows the

use of a more durable three-ply

discharge belt. It also holds

onto the tramp metal longer

so that it drops away from the

discharge pile. For increased

metal removal, an optional

over band magnet is available.

The entire underside of the

discharge is open to prevent

buildup of material.

The split hog box design

opens fully for easy servicing of

the rotor and grates. The grate

frame hydraulically retracts for

easy removal and installation

of the liners. Optional liners

are available for a variety

of grinding and chipping

applications.

Cont’d on Page 48

Tapered infeed walls assist in directing feed stock into the hog box

Rotor speed on the 6500 can be adjusted based on chip length

and material density, to maximize throughput.

44 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Biomass

In 2024, Tigercat

launched the 6040

carbonizer, the long

awaited replacement for

the discontinued 6050

carbonator that Tigercat

acquired in 2019. The

mobile onsite wood

conversion system is

once again available in

the marketplace after

a comprehensive,

groundup redesign.

6040 Carbonizer

The 6040 is one of the

most environmentally

friendly wood debris

reduction and conversion

systems available on the

market. The machine inputs

woody debris and produces

a high quality organic carbon

with up to 90% material

reduction. It is an ideal solution

for converting unwanted

logging and agriculture residue

into a useful, high grade

organic carbon that can be

left onsite as a soil additive or

marketed for many different

commercial uses. The process

captures 20 to 30 percent of

the available carbon in the

feedstock and sequesters it for

thousands of years, furthering

the goals of greenhouse gas

(GHG) reduction.

The innovative conversion

process operates at high

throughput levels and produces

very low emissions because the

gasses are combusted in the

controlled combustion zone.

The velocity and trajectory of

the dual airflow system creates

a vortex zone – the secondary

combustion area – to combust

released gases. The result is

reduced particulate emissions,

greater infeed rates, increased

yield and an uncontaminated,

high quality organic carbon

output.

The 6040 redesign

addresses performance

related issues experienced

in the original design and

represents the knowledge of

the applications that Tigercat

engineers and field support

personnel have gained over the

past five years.

Great care has been taken

to create a machine that

allows modular replacement

over time. For instance, the

grates in the carbonizing

chamber are now made up of

seven different sections that

can be rotated 180 degrees

to balance wear and extend

life. Individual sections can

be replaced as required. The

undercarriage, auger trough,

and conveyor system are all

bolt-on sections to the main

carbonizing chamber frame.

Everything can be separated

for service and replacement if

required. The modular bolt-on

design also allows for differing

expansion rates of these major

components.

Specially formulated

thermal-ceramic panels store

and utilize the heat energy

produced from the carbonizing

process to provide equalized,

sustained and consistent

internal temperatures. The

replaceable thermal-ceramic

panel seal plate design has

been improved, reducing panel

wear and further enhancing

internal temperature stability.

The composition of the panels

has been altered to decrease

back-face temperature while

storing and utilizing more of

the heat energy produced

during the carbonizing process.

This provides a more stable

and sustained temperature

within the carbonizing

chamber, again increasing

efficiency and throughput,

while reducing emissions.

The auger trough is

designed for minimal air

leakage, assisting with

under-air efficiency, further

defining the secondary

combustion zone, while

reducing hotspots that could

form from an inefficient base

pressure or vacuum. The auger

trough, where the quenching

process takes place, is entirely

sealed. Once the organic

carbon drops through the

grates, it is fully quenched by

the water bath. An onboard

hydraulic water supply pump

and integrated automatic water

level control system reduces

water consumption by about

50% compared with the 6050.

Automated water fill, level

control, and water retention

provides the operator a window

of time to replenish the water

supply if required.

The adjustable conveyor

simplifies handling and

management of the organic

carbon product. It pivots 105

degrees from side to side

and can be raised or lowered.

The conveyor easily folds for

transport and does not have to

be detached from the machine

frame.

Temperature control sensors

are located throughout the

machine. This, coupled with the

Tigercat designed operating

software and telematics

system, improves data access

and customer support. The

6040 development also

emphasized parts commonality

among other Tigercat products

including pumps, motors,

valves and filters, simplifying

parts inventory management at

the dealer and end user level.

The overall machine weight

has been reduced from 43

550 kg (96,000 lb) to 37 650

kg (83,000 lb). Extended

track frames improve load

distribution on the trailer and

reduce soil compaction on the

ground.

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 45


Vermeer unveiled last

spring the LS3600TX

low speed shredder,

its latest innovation for

the recycling industry.

This single-shaft

shredder incorporates

exclusive innovations

that efficiently process

contaminated waste

streams and help

safeguard critical

machine components.

Vermeer’s LS3600TX low speed

shredder for efficient recycling

The Vermeer LS3600TX

is specifically designed

to excel at processing

various materials, including

light construction and

demolition waste, wood

waste with contaminants, and

municipal solid waste. It is

well-suited for waste facilities

and land clearing operations,

as well as compost, mulch and

biofuel producers.

“For 30 years, Vermeer has

been a leading manufacturer

of high speed grinders,”

said Jeff Bradley, Vermeer

Recycling and Forestry product

manager. “During that time,

recycling has become a

common practice at public

and private waste handling

facilities and has become

another source of revenue

for many organizations. To

help our customers optimize

their processing capabilities

and handle a wider range of

incoming materials, we have

developed the LS3600TX low

speed shredder. This shredder

allows companies to process

contaminated materials not

suited for a tub or horizontal

grinder.”

Vermeer has designed the

LS3600TX shredder with a

strong focus on maintenance

and accessibility. The engine

bay of the LS3600TX prioritizes

ease of maintenance and

serviceability, featuring large

access doors, multiple ladder

points and a spacious service

platform. This thoughtful

design allows for quick

and efficient maintenance.

Additionally, the LS3600TX is

equipped with a hydraulically

operated access system that

provides full exposure to

the rotor, comb, and belly

conveyor, further streamlining

maintenance procedures. Also,

the belly conveyor can be easily

removed without detaching the

discharge conveyor, minimizing

the invasiveness of service

operations.

The LS3600TX shredder

has a powerful 456-hp (340

kW) CAT Tier 4 Final/Stage V

engine. It operates at a sound

level of only 111.9 db(A). The

shredder features a tracked

undercarriage, which enables

operators to reposition and

maneuver it around a jobsite. It

also comes with a full-function

remote control, allowing

operators to adjust the feed,

Biomass

access machine data, and

diagnose fault codes from the

comfort of the feed loader’s

cab or a safe distance from the

shredder.

The LS3600TX is equipped

with a 10 ft (3 m) long rotor

featuring wear-resistant

plates for enhanced durability

and dual-bolt tips to help

maintain clamp load. It

utilizes individual bolt-in

comb teeth, each with two

usable edges, which extends

their lifespan. The shredder is

built with a fully mechanical

driveline designed to optimize

horsepower transfer to the

rotor. To safeguard the driveline

system against unshreddable

objects, the LS3600TX includes

a reversible mechanical

transmission with an external

torque limiter that will

automatically disengage the

drive when maximum torque is

reached.

Vermeer offers an optional

cross band magnet for the

LS3600TX to further enhance

its capabilities. This magnet

effectively reduces steel

contaminants from the

end material, minimizing

contamination in the final

product.

The Vermeer LS3600TX

joins a line of high speed

tub grinders and horizontal

grinders to deliver one of the

industry’s most comprehensive

waste processing and recycling

equipment lines.

For more information about the

Vermeer LS3600TX low speed

shredder, please contact your

local Vermeer dealer or visit

www.vermeer.com.

46 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Southern Pine Exports on the

Rise: An International Outlook

Southern Pine and

treated lumber continues

to strengthen its place on

the global scene based

on the latest export

numbers from the

USDA’s Foreign

Agriculture Services’

Global Agricultural

Trade System.

Year-to-date exports of

Southern Pine lumber

(treated and untreated)

are running 13% ahead of 2023

through October, according

to October data from the

USDA. However, exports were

down 23% in October over

September 2024 and down

16% over the same month in

2023.

The picture is even rosier

when looking at the past 20

years: 6.3 billion board feet

of Southern Pine lumber has

been shipped outside the U.S.

since 2003, representing a

total value of $4.1 billion.

The top five countries to

make the biggest gains during

that time, in order, are the

Philippines, Colombia, Mexico,

Vietnam, and Honduras.

The Southern Forest

Products Association’s

international consultants

weighed in with the following

thoughts on Southern Pine

exports, and the broader,

longer-term picture shows four

key takeaways:

• Caribbean markets have

remained steady because

of growth in the resorts and

tourism sectors.

• Exports to Europe continue

to struggle because of weak

markets related to EUDR

concerns.

• Shipments to China continue

to plummet because of

prohibitive tariffs.

• Exports to alternative Asian

markets continue to grow,

with India and Pakistan

– both very new markets

– growing quickly for the

Southern Pine industry.

In all, 32 countries have

imported more than 1 million

board feet of Southern Pine

and treated lumber year-todate

through October 2024.

Mexico remains the largest

export market (by volume)

of Southern Pine and treated

lumber, up 27% YTD over 2023

with 133.5 Mbf of imports. The

Dominican Republic, the No.

2 importer of Southern Pine,

is running 20% ahead of the

same period last year with 81.2

Mbf. Jamaica is squarely in the

third spot, up 4% with 48.7 Mbf

for 2024.

What About The EUDR?

The EU Deforestation

Regulation (EUDR), adopted

in 2023 by the European

Parliament and the European

Cont’d on IBC

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 47


SALES OFFICES

UK, Europe, South Africa,

US East Coast

CONTACT: Robin Peach

International Forest Industries Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617

robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Japan

CONTACT: Shigeru Kobayashi

Japan Advertising Communications, Inc.

Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

Tel: 81-3-3261-4591

Fax: 81-3-3261-6126

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

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT)

Australia, & New Zealand

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Bandit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

www.banditchippers.com

FAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

www.fae-group.com

Franzen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FC/25

www.franzen-maschinen.de

Halco Software Systems . . . . . . . . . . 29

www.halcosoftware.com

Joescan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

www.joescan.com

Log Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

www.logmax.com

LMI Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

www.LMI3D.com

M&I Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

www.mimaterials.com

Mus-Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

www.mus-max.at

Opticom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

www.opticomtech.com

Ponsse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

www.ponsse.com

Rawlings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

www.rawlingsmanufacturing.com

Rottne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

www.rottne.com

Southern Forest

Products Association . . . . . . 2/OBC

www.SFPAEXPO.com

Springer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

www.springer-usa.com

Tele Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

www.tele-radio.com

Tigercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

www.tigercat.com

USNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

www.usnr.com

Woodtech 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

www.https://innovatek.co.nz/

event/woodtech-2025/

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

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

US Mid-West, Central & Mountain

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

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

IL 60563, USA

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

Cont’d from Page 44

The Tigercat chippers and grinders

feature an impact detection system that

is designed to mitigate damage to the

machine in the event that tramp metal

enters the hog box. When a foreign object

enters the hog box, an accelerometer

detects a change in rotor speed. When

this occurs, the feed chain and feed wheel

reverse direction, and the grate frame

retracts. If the foreign object remains,

shear pins will break, allowing the grate

frame to open further.

A large enclosed control panel located

beneath the engine cooler houses the

machine computer control display, start/

stop switch, diagnostic ports and remote

control with charging cradle. When

operation is transferred from the computer

control display to the remote, operation

from the display is removed. A tethered

control is stored in the toolbox and allows

the machine to be moved forward and

reverse, and pivot the discharge up and

down.

Bratteborg South

of Jönköping.

5-7 June 2025

48 International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025


Cont’d from Page 47

Council as part of the EU

Green Deal, aims to ensure

a set of key goods placed on

the EU market will no longer

contribute to deforestation

and forest degradation in the

EU and elsewhere in the world.

However, Parliament

voted November 14 to delay

launching the EUDR to

December 30, 2025, from

its original effective date

of December 30, 2024. The

decision to delay, which

received nearly 58% of

votes in support of the new

deadline, came after concerns

raised by EU member states,

non-EU countries, traders, and

operators said they would not

be able to fully comply with

the rules if applied as planned

December 31, 2024.

The value of Southern Pine

exports to Europe was about

$12 million in 2023, shared

almost equally between

treated and bright lumber.

Shipments have been down

since 2021.

Exporters have expressed

growing concerns about how

to comply with the EUDR. One

of the primary objections is

the requirement for lumber

shipments into (and within)

the EU to include geolocation

information – specific polygon

coordinates of the timber

stand(s) from which the fiber

originated so it can be verified

the forest was not converted

into another land use.

SFPA will continue to

provide input, monitor, and

report on EUDR developments

and impacts on Southern Pine

exports at SouthernPine.com.

SFPA and International

Promotion Efforts

As a USDA Foreign Agricultural

Service (FAS) cooperator,

SFPA receives nearly $1

million annually to support

export promotions. Those

funds help SFPA develop

and manage programs and

activities each year to increase

exports of Southern Pine

lumber and provide education

on application and best use

as part of its international

program – Southern Pine

Global.

A primary benefit of

the program includes

representation at major

trade events and travel

reimbursement for approved

activities. SFPA, its members,

and industry partners

promoted Southern Pine and

American softwoods at 14

events in 2024.

Attending these events

allows SFPA staff, its

international consultants, and

members the opportunity to

interact with international

customers and share firsthand

accounts regarding Southern

Pine’s sustainability story.

Given sustainably sourced

lumber is a growing concern

among international buyers,

SFPA representatives can

explain how the US South is

a world leader in providing

quality lumber products

sourced from sustainably

managed forests.

In addition to international

tradeshows, SFPA also works

with its industry partners to

host Reverse Trade Missions.

The most recent event took

place in early November

2024, when nearly 15 design

professionals from Central

and South America visited

SFPA Lumber Manufacturer

Member LaSalle Lumber Co. in

Urania, Louisiana, as part of a

trade mission with American

Softwoods-Latin America.

Participants had the

opportunity to tour the LaSalle

sawmill and learn more

U.S. Southern Pine lumber,

including how it’s sustainably

harvested, produced, and

graded, while introducing them

to U.S. suppliers. They also had

the chance to tour a Southern

Pine plantation to learn

more about the raw material

resource in the field.

New Funding for Expanded

Promotion

In May 2024, SFPA received

approval for $1.24 million in

funding over five years from

the USDA Foreign Agriculture

Service’s Regional Agricultural

Promotion Program (RAPP).

The $1.2 billion program,

launched in 2023, aims to

diversify and expand market

opportunities for U.S. food and

agricultural products beyond

the traditional top customers –

Canada, Mexico, the European

Union, and China (including

Hong Kong and Macau) – which

collectively comprise nearly

60% of U.S. agricultural export

sales, according to FAS.

SFPA has awarded

multiple contracts to execute

comprehensive social media

and other promotional

strategies in the Caribbean

and Egypt starting in 2025,

supported by in-depth market

assessments in each region.

International Forest Industries | Dec / JANUARY 2025 IBC


Certified Platinum Opportunities

NASHVILLE, TN • AUG 6-8, 2025

limited Exhibit

space remains

Visit SFPAEXPO.com

to Secure Your

Space Today!

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!