IFI June July 2025 Digital final

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY JUNE / JULY 2025

SAWLINES

FORWARDERS

CABLE YARDING

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.

SCAN TO FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER

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

FORWARDERS

38 - 43 /48

Log Max 4000T - IBC

Rottne F20E

Komatsu 898

See article IFI Dec JANUARY 2025 - PONSSE Mammoth:

Ponsse’s largest forwarder achieves 30% more productivity

in tests carried out in Brazil.

44

12

6

44 MM-FORSTTECHNIK GmbH

SYNCROFALKE® Cable Yarders:

Revolutionizing Timber

Harvesting in Steep Terrain

JUNE / JULY 2025

6 FAE

With the release of the SAE universal

attachment plate, the RCU75

is now compatible with third-party

equipment for skid steers

12 COMBILIFT

Combilift Launches Two Groundbreaking

Solutions for Timber Handling at Ligna

2025

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Logging News 48 Advertising Index LUMBER PROCESSING CONTENTS

COVER - MiCROTEC

MiCROTEC’s unique scanning and

optimization solutions ensure that the best

value is extracted from every log. CT Log

detects all internal characteristics of a log

and enables the optimal cutting solution by

classifying each virtual board even before

sawing. Combined with recognition through

MiCROTEC Connect, this classification can

be recalled for each log prior to cutting.

Such a Cut-on-Demand solution delivers a

value increase of 5% to over 20%.

At the same time, this solution

maximizes resource efficiency: the

most suitable logs for each target

product are identified and optimized

already at the logyard. This means that

proportionally, less raw material, fewer

trucks for log transport to the sawmill,

and less energy in the production

process are needed to achieve the

same volume of target products.

www.microtec.com

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY JUNE / JULY 2025

SAWLINES

FORWARDERS

CABLE YARDING

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2025 1

LUMBER PROCESSING

SAWLINES

14

36

20

14 SPRINGER

SAWBOX: A Compact, Fully Automated

Sawmill for the Future

36 USNR

For the first time in many years, an

industrial scale sawmill will be built from

the ground up in the UK

20 DEROME

Derome’s newly inaugurated sawmill

line in Sweden, now in full operation,

increases timber yield by optimizing each

log for maximum lumber output

26

Delta motion stacks up faster.

26 COMACT

AI-Powered Gap Control: How the

Smart Vision System Is Redefining Log

Singulation

30

More throughput. Higher valued product. More profit.

Cut waste & stack productivity sky-high.

An advanced motion controller gets forest product machinery to

move faster, smoother, and more precisely, which enables

higher productivity, improved product quality, and ensures

less wasted raw material.

The difference with Delta is measurable.

Precisely coordinate multi-axis applications 10X faster. Scrap

will diminish, throughput will rise, and profits will stack up as a

result.

Delta RMC Motion Controllers

MainDevice

Now Available

for the

RMC200!

30 MiCROTEC

Woodeye: AHF Products & Automation

that Works

32

1 to 50 axes

32 DELTA MOTION

Vaagen Brothers Lumber, Inc. Upgrades

Motion Control for Improved Lumber

Stacking

2 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2025

New features. Same vision.

Logeye

What’s new?

Enhanced detection with the world’s only CT

Technology for the wood sector

Integrated movement compensation for

greater measurement accuracy

New simulation suite

Pre-compiled sorting models for various

applications and markets

Optimized outdoor housing with modular

sensor integration

Goldeneye Transverse

What’s new?

Enhanced detection with the world’s

only CT Technology for the wood sector

New housing with reduced dimensions

Easy maintenance with side service

door and better access from infeed and

outfeed areas

Gapless Impainting – no occlusion

even in chain areas

Pith Finder for knot connection

Pre-compiled application packages

for different opimizations

microtec.com

#innovatingwood

ISSUE 105

JUNE / JULY 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

EDITORS COMMENT

Was LIGNA 2025 a success?

EDITORIAL

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

583

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

617

www.internationalforestindustries.com

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

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

Editor Editor

Robin

Robin

Peach

Peach

robin@internationalforestindustries.com


Editorial Board

NORTH Dr Patrick AMERICAN Moore – SALES Chairman and Chief

Kevin Professor Lapham Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz –

Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland)

J.P.Media Inc

Mr Kim Carstensen

Tel: Director +1 (630) General 420 9752

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

Email: Eduardo lapham@jpmediainc.com

Morales

South American Forestry Consultant

WEB OPTIMIZATION

Jo English

jo@internationalforestindustries.com

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING

AND

AND

PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS

International Forest Industries Ltd

Advertising Manager

Emma Smith

emma@internationalforestindustries.com

+44 +44 (0)1442 877 877583

583

Publisher Associate Editor

Robin Robin Peach Peach


Advertising Advertising Production Production Enquiries Enquiries

Emma Emma Smith Smith



Studio Manager

Luke International Evans Forest Industries is published

luke@lecreative.co.uk

by International Forest Industries Ltd,

2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road

Accounts Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

Nicola International ShuklaForest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is

published bi-monthly by International Forest Industries

nicolas@internationalforestindustries.com

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

17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 and

additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at

International Forest Industries is published

New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address

by

changes

International

to International

Forest Industries

Forest Industries,

Ltd,

17B South

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

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

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

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

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

701C Ashland Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032 and

additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at

New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address

changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South

Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831

© International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2023

IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout.

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

Yes, LIGNA 2025 was widely regarded

as a resounding success, even amid

challenging economic conditions. IFI

was proud to be a Media sponsor. Held

from May 26 to 30, 2025, in Hannover,

Germany, the 50th anniversary edition

of the world’s leading trade fair for the

woodworking and wood processing

industry showcased remarkable

participation and innovation.

Impressive Attendance and Participation

Exhibitors: The event featured 1,433

exhibitors from 49 countries, occupying

over 1.23 million square feet (114,078

square meters) of exhibition space across

10 halls and outdoor areas.

Visitors: Approximately 78,000

professionals from 156 countries

attended, matching the attendance of the

previous event in 2023 and underscoring

the industry’s resilience.

International Representation: Notably,

over 60 Turkish companies participated,

making Turkey the third-largest exhibitor

nation, highlighting the global reach and

significance of the fair.

Innovation and New Formats

Focus Topics: LIGNA 2025 introduced

three key themes:

LIGNA.CONNECTIVITY: Emphasizing

digital networking and integration across

production processes

LIGNA.SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION:

Focusing on eco-friendly manufacturing

practices and resource efficiency.

LIGNA.ENGINEERED WOOD: Showcasing

advancements in engineered wood

products like CLT and mass timber.

New Formats:

LIGNA.Circular: A dedicated area

promoting circular economy principles,

featuring collaborations with institutions

like the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood

Research. revistadinlemn.ro

LIGNA.TruckStop: An innovative outdoor

format where companies like Festool and

Hettich showcased tools and technologies

directly from show trucks, offering

hands-on demonstrations and networking

opportunities.

Industry Impact

Despite the industry’s economic

challenges, including declining orders

and cost pressures, LIGNA 2025 served

as a vital platform for innovation and

collaboration. It reaffirmed its role as

a key event for professionals seeking

to navigate the evolving landscape of

the woodworking and wood processing

sectors.

In summary, LIGNA 2025 not only

celebrated its 50th anniversary with

impressive participation but also

introduced forward-thinking formats and

themes that addressed current industry

challenges, solidifying its status as a

pivotal event in the global woodworking

calendar.

Not to be outdone SFPA Expo in Nashville

is looking to be a superb show.

MAJOR BRANDS ON SHOW

AT SFPA 2025

See pages 22 / 24

ROBIN PEACH

EDITOR


FAE releases SAE universal

attachment plate

FAE is broadening the fields

of application for its RCU75

remote-controlled tracked

carrier. With the introduction

of the SAE universal

attachment plate, the vehicle

is now compatible with a

range of equipment which was

previously exclusive to the

skid steer segment.

This universal attachment

plate allows FAE’s RCU75

vehicle to be equipped not

only with FAE attachments —

such as forestry mulchers,

swinging hammer mulchers,

stump cutters, stone crushers

and road planers — but also

with third-party equipment

designed for skid steers,

such as chippers, sprayers,

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

RCU75 remote-controlled tracked carrier

forestry winches, sweepers,

mixing buckets, lifting forks,

dozing blades, disc trimmers,

trenchers and more.

The RCU75 is designed to

work in hard-to-reach areas

or on steeply sloping terrain

where operator safety and

operating efficiency are

a concern. This vehicle is

excellent for working in hilly

and wooded areas and near

railroad tracks, power lines,

gas and oil pipelines, gardens,

roads, highways, canals, rivers

and lakes.

The FAE tracked carrier

relies on the compact and

powerful Rehlko (Kohler) 74

hp common rail electronic

fuel injection engine, a fuelefficient

option that

complies with the most

stringent emission

standards. The heavyduty

undercarriage

has a variable

hydraulic design with

independent rollers

and an automatic

tensioning system.

High profile rubber

tracks, with 86 mm

spacing and 320

mm width, and idler

wheels, enable the

RCU75 to handle even

the most challenging

conditions. High-tech

solutions give the

RCU75 unbeatable

traction, making it

possible to work on

steep slopes up to

55°. Additionally, a

steel track option is

available, ensuring

outstanding traction

on particularly

challenging terrain.

In order to maintain

performance while

using the tracks

and the attachment

simultaneously, the

RCU75 makes use of

a dual hydrostatic

transmission.

This integrated

technological

system consists

of electronically

controlled piston

pumps combined with a

dedicated electronic control

unit.

The result is high

performance and reliability

that lasts, plus simple and

intuitive operation. The

RCU75 is operated using

a remote control, with a

large 4.3” display and

customizable function keys for

superior management of all

vehicle and head functions.

A 2.4 GHz transmission

frequency ensures reliable

communication. Optimally

laid out and comprehensive

controls, together with a

balanced shoulder strap, make

the FAE remote control unit

ergonomic and easy to use.

The FAE RCU75 can be

paired with the FAE app,

allowing you to access

real time operational data,

diagnostic notifications,

and scheduled maintenance

indications on your

smartphone.

The RCU75 will not be the

only product to benefit from

this exciting new option. The

SAE attachment plate will also

be available for FAE’s most

powerful remote-controlled

tracked carrier: The RCU120.


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


Ponsse’s Mechanic International Competition:

Mats Axelsson (centre), Ernests Mozka (l) & Atte Arola (r)

Ponsse organized the

Mechanic International

Competition fort the fifth time

on June 4-5, 2025 in Iisalmi.

A total of 13 competitors from

12 different countries took

part in the final competition.

Mats Axelsson representing

Smålands Maskin &

Industriservice AB from

Sweden won the very tight

and even competition.

Mechanic competitions

are held every two years in

Iisalmi in cooperation with

the Ylä-Savo Vocational

College. The two-day

competition measures the

skills of mechanics in 12

different tasks. Tasks range

from mechanical installation

and maintenance tasks to

electrical and hydraulic fault

finding and forest machine

information systems. Also

a written task is included.

Competitors have 45 minutes

to complete each task.

This year Swedish Mats

Axelsson won an even

competition with 227.5/330

points. Atte Arola from

Konehuolto P. Kula Oy,

Finland came second with 223

points and Ernests Mozka,

representing Baltic Agro

Machinery, Latvia was third

with 210 points.

“The competition was

tight, and the win came with

a small difference in points.

Cont’d on Page 20

THE TRACKED CARRIER FOR THE

BIGGEST CHALLENGES

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

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

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

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

fae-group.com


T H I N N I N G

S E R I E S

4000T

5000V

Log Max 4000T is a thinning head that is both powerful and fast.

Due to its light weight and with its high feed speed, it is perceived as both

smooth and efficient.

Fast saw

The Log Max 4000T can be

equipped with our updated

saws the True-Cut 218 and

318 for fast and troublefree

cutting.

Thinning specialist

Our largest head

dedicated to thinning

with incredible speed and

high traction.

Improved frame

The measuring wheel hole is

placed far up on the frame to

reduce the intrusion of debris

and bark accumulation.

Scan the QR code to see

this head in action

logmax.com

The SYNCROFALKE ® by MM FORSTTECHNIK GmbH

The SYNCROFALKE ® is a

universally applicable tilting

mast cable harvester with

the highest performance. It

enables timber harvesting

uphill, downhill, and on flat

terrain. Its special features

include:

• Terrain independent

• Gentle on the soil

• Radio remote control

• Long range up to 1.200m

skyline

• High rope speed up to

10 m/s

• High timber output

The eponymous technology

consists of two large, highquality

cable drums mounted

on a shaft and driven by a

hydraulic motor. The working

cables are wound onto the

drums, which rotate in the

same direction, in opposite

directions.

This results in largely

synchronous operation. Any

necessary compensation

for changing diameters on

the drums during winding

and unwinding is performed

automatically by a second

hydraulic motor.

Thanks to its modular

system, the SYNCROFALKE ®

can be mounted on various

carrier vehicles (trucks,

trailers, forwarders) according

to customer requirements.

Furthermore, individual

adaptations to the rope

equipment, control options,

and dimensions are possible

The MM-SHERPA ®

The MM-SHERPA ® is a

universal carriage used for

transporting felled timber

or other materials in the

Syncro and Wanderfalke

mast systems as well as in

commercially available mast

systems.

The system offers free

movement when the pull rope

is extended and is controlled

by radio.

When the suspension

cable clamp is closed, the

traction cable clamp opens

automatically, and vice versa.

The MM-SHERPA ® system

enables rapid and precise

positioning of the automatic

carriage, fixation at the

desired point, and clamping of

the load at any desired height.

The result is fast, efficient, and

environmentally friendly work.

The MM-SHERPA ® carriage

is available as a 2-, 3- or

4-cable system, downhill,

uphill or on level ground, load

capacities from 1.5 to 4.0

tonnes, gravity operation or

all-terrain operation.

MM-Sherpa’s specification

• Universally applicable

• Terrain independent

• Preserving stocks

• Radio remote control

• Target / saddle automatic

• Long range up to 900m

• High rope speed up to 10m/s

• High delivery performance

MM FORSTTECHNIK GmbH

Mayr-Melnhof-Straße 9

8130 Frohnleiten | Austria

Tel.: +43 3126 5099 0

E-Mail:

office@mm-forsttechnik.at

Web: www.mm-forsttechnik.at

SEE PAGES 44 47

FOR FULL ARTICLE

Ponsse Ireland – Scorpions Prepped & ready to go

A busy few days on machine

PDI just got a whole lot busier.

Whilst not of the biblical

importance as the birth of

Jesus which was attended by

three Kings from afar, in the

case of Ponsse Ireland we also

have been paid a visit by three

Kings..... Ponsee Scorpion

Kings that is, which arrived

recently on our premises.

An extremely popular

harvester, these high spec

versions, for existing and

new customers have been

prepared leaving the yard to

begin harvesting timber in the

South, East and West of the

country.

Many thanks to the

customers for their business

and Maith Thú in advance to

all the team in Ponsse Ireland

as these Scorpion Kings are

prepped in June for delivery.

Brian Prendergast Country

Manager Ponsse Machines

Ireland Ltd.

Emo, Cappakeel, Portlaoise,

Co. Laois, R32 NN28

brian.prendergast@ponsse.com


Revolutionizing Timber Harvesting in Steep Terrain

www.mm-forsttechnik.at

AUSTRIA

WE

DRYING

BETTER

Combilift Launches Two Groundbreaking Solutions

for Timber Handling at Ligna 2025

New 8T Electric Sideloader and Combi Load Xtender Bring Unmatched

Efficiency and Safety to Long-Load Operations

Timber yards, panel product

suppliers, and sawmill

operations face everincreasing

pressure to handle

long and heavy loads more

safely, more efficiently, and

with less environmental

impact. At Ligna 2025,

Combilift unveiled two

major innovations designed

specifically with these

industry challenges in mind:

the new Combi-FSE 8000 and

the Combi-Xtender.

Combi-FSE 8000 – Heavy-

Duty Electric Sideloader for

Long Loads

New 8T Electric Sideloader

The latest addition to

Combilift’s four-wheel electric

sideloader range, the Combi-

FSE 8000, offers an 8-tonne

lift capacity — ideal for

handling structural timber,

packs of sawn wood, panels,

or engineered wood products

in confined indoor or outdoor

environments.

Key timber-focused benefits

include:

• Powerful, Emission-Free

Operation: Twin 18kW

drive motors provide the

torque and responsiveness

required for heavy packs,

with all-electric performance

suited for indoor timber

stores.

• Patented Traction and

Steering: Designed for yearround

reliability in muddy or

uneven yard conditions.

• Unrivalled Operator

Visibility: The underdeck

battery position and

expansive glazing allow

operators a clear line of

sight, especially when

Combi Load Xtender

reversing in narrow racking

aisles or busy sawmill

loading areas.

• Quick Battery Change: Ideal

for multi-shift operations in

busy timber yards.

Fleet managers also

benefit from Combi-Connect,

Combilift’s advanced

telematics system for real-time

machine performance tracking

and maintenance planning.

Combi Load Xtender – Game-

Changing One-Side Loading

for Timber Yards

Unveiled alongside the

sideloader, the Combi Load

Xtender is a new pantographstyle

load extender that

enables complete loading and

unloading of trailers or rail

wagons from a single side — a

major advantage in timber

yards where space is tight or

trailer access is limited.

Martin McVicar,

CEO, Combilift.

For timber operations, the

Xtender delivers:

• One-Side Access: Load full

packs of timber from one

side only, removing the

need to move trailers or

access both sides.

• Ultra low mechanism

height: Its ultra-compact

design ensures smooth

movement and full

functionality below standard

trailer height without

interference.

• Enhanced Safety: Operators

can load securely against

the far closed side of the

trailer, reducing the risk of

products falling and keeping

personnel out of busy traffic

zones.

Purpose-Built for the Timber

Industry

“These new solutions were

developed in direct response

to what we’re hearing from the

timber sector,” said Martin

McVicar, CEO, Combilift.

“Customers need to move

larger loads in tighter spaces

with greater safety and lower

emissions. The FSE 8000 and

Combi Load Xtender do just

that — and they’re backed by

Combilift’s proven track record

in long-load innovation.”

Both products are now

available for order.


WE

DRYING

BETTER

CUSTOMIZED

SOLUTIONS

FOR ALL

DRYING

PROCESSES

By combining the know-how of

Incomac and Nardi: DK201 the new drying kiln

False ceiling with

movable wings for

even drying of wood

Glass wool for

better thermal

transmittance

Ducted fans for

better air circulation

efficiency

-50% electricity

-20% thermal

energy

Italian Drying

Group s.r.l.

Montebelluna (TV), ITALY

T +39 0423 21646

@ info@incomac.com

incomac.com

@ info@nardi.it

nardi.it

Agent for North America Area

THEO LEONOV

T +(613) 297 2261

@ theo.leonov@bellnet.ca

Follow us on:


SAWLINES

Springer introduces

the SAWBOX –

a space-saving,

AI-powered sawmill

solution that brings

together robotics,

scanning, and digital

intelligence in one

highly efficient system.

SAWBOX: A Compact, Fully

Automated Sawmill for the Future

Austrian technology

expert Springer, a

global manufacturer of

cutting-edge machinery and

automation solutions for the

wood industry, has unveiled

its latest patented innovation:

the SAWBOX. This compact,

smart, and fully automated

unit represents a significant

leap forward in sawmill

technology. Developed for

small and mid-sized lumber

producers, the SAWBOX

delivers industrial-grade

performance with minimal

space, staffing, and energy

requirements.

Maximum Output, Minimal

Footprint

Occupying just 1,500 m² of

floor space, the SAWBOX

processes up to 15,000 solid

cubic meters of roundwood per

shift per year, consuming only

500 kWh per shift. It integrates

log breakdown, sorting, and

quality assessment into a

single, seamless process - all

controlled by one operator.

“The SAWBOX requires

just one-tenth of the space

and workforce of a traditional

mill,” says Manuel Seiß, Chief

Digital & Financial Officer at

Springer. “It’s a game changer

for the industry.”

High-Tech Core

At the heart of the SAWBOX

are robotic handling systems,

transverse scanners, and

custom AI modules that

control grading and sorting in

both the green and dry mill.

The result is a consistent,

high-speed process that

reduces manual intervention

and increases uptime.

Springer has already

begun assembling a fullscale

SAWBOX system at its

headquarters in Friesach,

Austria. This demonstration

facility, which includes robotic

sorting and mirrors the

system’s compact footprint

and impressive capacity,

is designed for the specified

cutting capacity and energy

efficiency. All operations -

including the fully automated

sorting - can be managed by a

single person.

Live production tests with

wood will take place between

September and October, 2025.

After that, the system will be

dismantled and delivered to

the end customer by the end

of the year. Site visits at the

Friesach facility are possible

upon prior registration.

Lower Investment, Scalable

Automation

With capital investment

estimated at one-third to onequarter

that of conventional

sawmills, the SAWBOX

enables smaller businesses

to modernize without

overextending.

SAWBOX under construction at Springer’s headquarters in Austria.


The SAWBOX requires

just one-tenth of the

space and workforce of

a traditional mill,

It’s a game changer

for the industry

Manuel Seiß,

Chief Digital & Financial

Officer at Springer

SAWBOX: Compact, fully automated sawmill system with integrated robotics and scanning.

“The sawmill industry faces

a severe labor shortage and

tough working conditions,”

explains Seiß. “This system

enables efficient, scalable

production while making

the work environment more

attractive.”

Strong Global Interest

Customer response has been

immediate. Interest is growing

across multiple regions,

with potential buyers eager

to tour the pilot installation.

“We’re managing a wave of

international inquiries,” says

Seiß. “This solution clearly

addresses real-world pain

points in the industry.”

A Strategic Add-On to

Springer’s Portfolio

While the SAWBOX is a

milestone, it complements

- rather than replaces -

Springer’s broad portfolio

of high-performance woodprocessing

machinery. It offers

a new option for customers

seeking a smaller, faster-tocommission

solution with

minimal on-site staffing.

“The SAWBOX reflects

where the industry is heading:

compact, automated,

and digitally intelligent,”

concludes Seiß. “It’s not just

a new machine - it’s a smart

solution built for the future of

sawmilling.”

The SAWBOX will be operational for live trials from

September to October 2025. Site visits are available by

appointment starting now.


SAWLINES

Jartek invest Oy to deliver modernization to

Luvian Saha Oy in the summer of 2025

Luvian Saha Oy has

made a significant

investment to develop

its production by

acquiring a stacking

and stick processing

modernization from

Jartek Invest Oy.

The investment will

improve the efficiency

and seamlessness of

lumber handling, aiming

to eliminate bottlenecks in

production. The delivery

will be commissioned in the

summer of 2025.

The system delivered

by Jartek includes both

mechanics and automation,

ensuring a modern and

reliable solution for Luvian

Saha’s production process.

This investment is part of

Luvian Saha Oy’s long-term

commitment to developing

production processes and

improving efficiency.

Luvian Saha Oy is a

traditional sawmill company

specializing in the production

and further processing of highquality

lumber. The company

is known for its strong and

planned commitment to

quality, efficient production

processes, and responsibility.

More Information:

Kari Puustinen

VP of Sales

tel. +358 45 220 2572

kari.puustinen@jartek.fi

Nova Urman Ürünleri reinvests in Jartek’s

Thermowood ® technology

Jartek Invest Oy has signed

a contract with Nova Orman

Ürünleri San. Tic. A.S. of

Türkiye for the technology

delivery of a thermal

modification chamber with a

capacity of 30,000 m³/a.

The delivery includes a

state-of-the-art chamber

using ThermoWood®

technology. This system

features Jartek’s latest thermal

modification technology,

offering precise temperature

control, optimized energy

consumption, and automated

process management. The

delivery is scheduled for

completion in June.

“As one of the largest wood

thermal modification facilities

in the world, Novawood

continues to expand its

capacity with the new

chamber in Türkiye. Jartek was

selected for this expansion

due to its proven reliability

and leadership in advanced

thermal modification

technology, ensuring

high-quality and efficient

production,” says Göksel

Yildiz, General Manager of

Nova Orman Ürünleri, on why

they chose Jartek for this

investment.

“We have a long-standing

cooperation with Nova

Orman Ürünleri, as they have

previously invested in a Jartek

chamber. This new investment

further strengthens our

partnership and their

production capabilities,” says

Jartek’s Senior Advisor Timo

Tetri.

Nova Orman Ürünleri San.

Tic. A.S., operating under

the brand name Novawood

(www.novawood.com), is

a prominent producer of

high-quality ThermoWood®

products. Their range includes

decking, cladding, and wood

applications for both interior

and exterior use. Novawood

is also a member of the

International ThermoWood®

Association alongside Jartek.

Further information:

Timo Tetri

Senior Advisor

timo.tetri@jartek.fi

Göksel Yildiz, General

Manager of Nova

Orman Ürünleri

Timo Tetri

ThermoWood® technology /

Senior Advisor


Fully automatic

wrapping and stapling

machine for lumber packages

USNR showcased their highly advanced Catech Edger at Ligna 2025

USNR showcased their highly

advanced Catech edger,

featuring their brand-new

Bioluma 6000 series sensors.

These advanced edger

systems have been developed

to satisfy the need for

increased flexibility in modern

saw lines, as well as the

absolute highest yield from

sideboards.

The lineal Catech XL

features a capacity of up to

70 boards/min. Its transverse

counterpart, the Catech

XT, offers a capacity of up

to 75 boards/min. Models

are differentiated by speed

and capacity, and can easily

be adapted to the market’s

varying requirements and

sawing patterns.

The new Bioluma 6000

sensors use ultra-highresolution

geometry and color

vision to help you maximize

results on every scan. This

sensor is sawmill-ready, easy

to install and easy to maintain.

Automated Lineal Grading System

USNR’s Automated Lineal

Grading System is built to

provide high-end grading

solutions and deep learning

AI-technology, all in a much

smaller footprint. This means

less rearranging and spaceclearing

for the benefit

of adding deep learning

technology to your operation.

Plus, it only uses two server

computers and can be

installed over the course of

two weekends to minimize

downtime.

The Automated Lineal

Grading System is offered at a

standard size (handling 1x2”

boards up to 6x6” timbers)

and oversized units (for 2x3”

boards up to 12x12” timbers).

Contact your USNR

representative to learn more

about how easy it is to fit the

Automated Lineal Grading

System into your production

line.

USNR’s AI-driven Automated Lineal Grading System is designed

to automate the grade and trim solutions in planer mill

applications. Its small footprint and proven track record make it

the lowest-downtime solution on the market

USNR - Converted kilns for Rosboro Company, LLC

Rosboro Company, LLC in

Springfield, OR, recently

converted four of their

double-track kilns to USNR’s

patented UniFlow continuous

design. This allowed them to

exceed their initial production

increase goals while keeping

emission levels below

emission cap requirements.

These conversions are part

of a larger project to expand

their glulam operation. By

converting just four of their

kilns, they were able to increase

production by 10-40% and

improve energy efficiency with

more consistent steam use.

USNR’s UniFlow kilns

significantly reduce the risk

of sudden and unpredictable

fluctuations in steam

consumption and reduce

demand on the boiler. The

higher product volume is

comprised of fiber that’s

straighter, flatter and contains

fewer checks and splits.

USNR’s patented UniFlow

kiln uses the same automated

approach to efficient lumber

drying as the Counter-Flow

kiln, but with both lumber

tracks moving in the same

direction instead of opposite

directions. This means higher

throughput using an existing

heat source with no loss of

lumber quality.

Rosboro is North America’s

largest producer of gluelaminated

timber.


The benchmark.

In chain sharpening.

With water cooling.

Derome launches new

$56 million sawmill line

Derome has launched

production on one of the

world’s most advanced

sawmill lines in Sweden,

completing a strategic

investment of more than 600

million kronor (approximately

$56 million) aimed at

increasing timber processing

efficiency and supporting lowemission

construction. The

new line, supplied by Linck

Holzverarbeitungstechnik

GmbH and located in Derome

where the company was

founded in 1946, significantly

boosts lumber yield from each

log, according to Derome

Timber.

The upgrade is part of a

larger modernization project

that began in 2022 continued

through 2024. As part of the

project, new equipment has

been installed for the log

intake, sawline, and sorting

line, provided respectively

by Hedlunds, Linck, and CGV.

Drying systems are supplied

by Valutec. The facility aims to

increase its annual production

to 450,000 m³ in the initial

phase, with a longer-term goal

of reaching 550,000 m³.

Derome states that this

expansion will help secure

access to sawn timber as

demand continues to rise

both in Sweden and in export

markets. The company sees

the investment as timely,

supporting a transition to

renewable construction

materials. Per Andersson,

development director at

Derome Timber, highlights

that the project will enhance

production efficiency and

maximize the use of each tree

harvested.

Derome emphasizes that

this development is part of a

broader reinvestment strategy

across its full value chain,

from forestry operations to

housing construction. CEO

Linda Andersson notes that

the investment reinforces both

CEO Linda Andersson

Per Andersson,

Development Director

at Derome Timber

SAWLINES

environmental and economic

performance by increasing

yield while supporting

renewable building practices.

Ponsse’s Mechanic International Competition:

Cont’d from Page 8

All participants are true

professionals. The competition

days were surprisingly

challenging, but at the same

time rewarding,” thought

Axelsson after the winner was

declared.

”In the competition, we

were not allowed to use a

computer to analyze faults,

but we used secondary means

to retrieve them. This brought

an additional challenge

compared to normal everyday

work,” Axelsson recalled the

competition tasks.

“Many of our country

companies and retailers

organize qualifying

competitions locally, from

which the best mechanic is

invited to the final competition

in Finland. We hope to see

more qualifying competitions

in the future,” says Jarkko

Koponen, Leader of the Global

Technical Training team and

the competition director.

”In order for the

competition to be fair to all

participants, they have access

to tasks and materials in

their native language and in

English. In this way, we also

aim to lower the threshold for

competitors to participate in

the competition,” says Terho

Tanskanen, Senior Manager

of Global Technical Support

and one of the competition

directors.

Competition motivates the

development of professional

skills

Competition is a good place

to learn new things, both

through assignments and

from colleagues. During

the competition, judges

closely monitor and evaluate

competitors’ performances.

Among other things the

judges assess occupational

safety, troubleshooting skills,

working methods, ability

to follow instructions and

perform machine testing in

maintenance tasks.

Each competitor receives

personal feedback on their

performance, as well as a

written job description to

enable learning. Only the

three best performances

will be published in the

competition, giving each

participant their own peaceful

space for learning.

” Our goal is to increase the

appreciation and recognition

of mechanics’ work, as well

as to increase motivation

for developing one’s own

professional skills. Some of

the participants in previous

competitions now work,

for example, as trainers

for mechanics,” Koponen

continues.

In addition to the

competition, all participants

had the opportunity to visit

the Ponsse factory, and this

visit was one of the most

anticipated moments of the

whole competition event.

Originally national

mechanic competitions have

grown into international

competition. The competition

is intended for Ponsse’s

own mechanics as well as

for mechanics of Ponsse’s

contractors and resellers.

From the very beginning,

the competition has been

arranged in cooperation

with Ylä-Savo Vocational

College, which has offered

suitable premises for the

competition in Peltoniemi.

Ylä-Savo Vocational College

is also involved in preparing

competition tasks.

Further information

Jarkko Koponen, Team Leader,

Global Technical Training

jarkko.koponen@ponsse.com


Feeling left behind

by your autograder

supplier?

It’s time for a partner you can count on.

When you invest in an autograder, you want it for the long haul.

But what if the vendor no longer supports it?

COMACT DELIVERS WHERE OTHERS DON’T:

• Reliable, expert technical support that lasts

• Future-ready solutions with continuous updates and upgrades

• A trusted partnership focused on your long-term success

TAKE GRADING TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Our GradExpert grader-free autograder is the benchmark across

North America. It grades over 50% of all lumber production. Try it.

You’ll be impressed by its accuracy and consistency. Contact us

to test run it at our office.

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS. NO COMPROMISES.

We engineer every solution to your exact specs—tough in build, precise in

performance, and ready for whatever operational challenges you have.

Choose a partner that puts your success first.

Choose Comact.

Contact us to upgrade your mill!

+1 450-435-2121 | info@comact.com | comact.com

Cont’d from page 4

Major brands on show at SFPA 2025

Join us at the 38th Forest Products EXPO from August 6-8, 2025, at the Music City Center in Nashville!

USNR understands the complete process of manufacturing

dimensional lumber and supplies everything you need to

achieve it. From the log yard to advanced grading systems,

mills trust USNR to deliver lumber packs that consistently

meet grading agency requirements. Committed to superior

customer service, USNR offers 24/7 support and training

worldwide.

Exhibit Floor — 929

MiCROTEC is the global technology and market leader in

intelligent wood characteristics detection to maximize value

& resource efficiency for the wood processing industry.


GLOBAL LEADER

for innovative solutions in the wood-processing industry.

The family-owned company located in Friesach (Austria)

plans, develops, and produces machines and state of the art

solutions for the wood processing industry.


For over 100 years, Comact has been a leading OEM in highcaliber

wood processing equipment, digital technologies,

cutting solutions, project services, and aftermarket support.


Today’s sawmills require reliable, easy-to-use 3-d scanning,

which is why mills around the world rely on joescan

scanners. Since introducing the js-20 model in 2002,

joescan has revolutionized how sawmills use scanners.


Carbotech specializes in maximizing productivities and

efficiencies of sawmills and planer mills. Its mission is

to provide innovative solutions. From small equipment

upgrades to major mill upgrades, the company can help its

customers to lower their manufacturing costs.


Delta Motion is a manufacturer of industrial automation

products with a focus on high-performance hydraulic motion

control. Delta’s RMC Motion Controllers can control systems

with up to 50 axes of closed-loop position and pressure/

force control



JS-50

X6B

CARRIAGES &

SHORT-INFEED

EDGERS

JS-50

WX

TRIMMERS

EDGERS &

MORE

JS-50

Z8

END-DOGGER,

C FRAME &

HI SPEED SNAPSHOT

SFPA 2025 Cont’d from Page 22

Join us at the 38th Forest Products EXPO from August 6-8, 2025, at the Music City Center in Nashville!

LMI Technologies designs and supplies high-speed, highresolution,

large field of view 3D scanning solutions for

automatic wood grading applications in saw and planer

mills. When processing wood products for


Rawlings Wood Hogs are available in several different sizes,

with both vertical and horizontal models to choose from. As

a proven leader in size reduction equipment, we’re assisting

our customers in utilizing renewable resources while

reducing and recycling a wide variety of wood waste into

valuable wood fiber products


Combilift is a specialist forklift & straddle carrier

manufacturer producing a wide range of customized

handling solutions, all of which are designed for the safe,

space saving and very productive handling of the long and

bulky loads.


SAWLINES

Stora Enso adds 700,000 m 3

sawmilling capacity with

Junnikkala acquisition

Stora Enso has completed

its acquisition of Finnish

sawmill company

Junnikkala, adding 700,000

m3 to its total sawmilling

capacity and increasing its

annual wood procurement in

Finland by 1.7 million m 3 .

Join us at the 38th

Forest Products EXPO

from August 6-8, 2025,

at the Music City Center

in Nashville!

The sawmills will be

integrated with Stora Enso’s

packaging board site in

Oulu, supporting the rampup

of a new board machine

and securing long-term,

cost-efficient wood supply,

according to Stora Enso.

The 101 m sawing line at Junnikkala sawmill operates at

60–180 m per minute / Junnikkala

The enterprise value of the

deal is up to Euro 137 million,

with a significant portion

contingent on production

milestones. Once Junnikkala’s

new sawmill in Oulu becomes

fully operational, the

acquisition is expected to

deliver annual synergies of

approximately Euro 15 million.

The sawmills’ product mix will

enhance Stora Enso’s existing

wood products portfolio.


SCAN TO EXPLORE ›

40+ YEARS

MAKING THE GRADE

EXPERIENCE. INNOVATION. EXCELLENCE.

Join Us At

Booth #1404

Save the Date: August 6-8, 2025

Music City Center, Nashville, TN

Discover the new Gocator Smart 3D Active Stereo Sensors

for Log Scanning in the Sawmill!

SAWLINES

Reliable log detection and

accurate sizing regardless

of light variation and snow

accumulation on logs

In today’s highperformance

sawmills,

success depends on

precision, consistency,

and the ability to

continuously adapt.

Nowhere is this more

critical than at the Wave

Feeder TM , the first point

of contact where raw

material is transformed

into organized flow.

It’s here that efficiency

is either unlocked or

bottlenecked, where even

small improvements

in flow management

can lead to significant

production gains.

AI-Powered Gap Control: How

the Smart Vision System Is

Redefining Log Singulation

Enter the Smart Vision,

Comact’s AI-powered

system designed to

deliver the most accurate,

intelligent gap control

available today.

Unlike conventional

systems that rely on

photocells or lasers to

measure and regulate spacing,

the Smart Vision brings a new

level of intelligence and agility

to log singulation. Built on the

same proven AI platform that

powers Comact’s industryleading

vision scanners, the

system uses high-quality

cameras and real-time data

analytics to constantly monitor

and optimize the spacing

between logs based on

multiple variables as log size,

shape, positioning, and flow

dynamics.

A Smarter Approach to

Singulation

The Smart Vision does more

than simply detect logs. It

continuously analyzes the

production flow, measures

each log’s dimensions

with high precision, and

dynamically adjusts

singulation speed to optimize

spacing. Whether logs are

side-by-side, sideways, too

short, or non-conforming,

the system can identify

anomalies immediately and

transmit alerts or stop signals

to the PLC, helping avoid

downstream issues before

they occur.

Crucially, the Smart Vision

doesn’t rely on fixed spacing

rules. Instead, it adapts in

real time based on both the

current and upcoming log.

This allows mills to achieve

the tightest possible gap

without compromising feed

consistency or sawline

synchronization, two

variables that directly impact

throughput and yield.

Built to Perform in Real-

World Conditions

Outdoor log singulation

face some of the harshest

operating conditions: rain,

snow, variable lighting,

and airborne debris. Where

many vision systems falter,

the Smart Vision thrives. Its

robust detection capabilities

remain unaffected by snow

accumulation or light

variation, and it doesn’t

require constant cleaning or

recalibration.

This makes the system

ideal not only for performance

but also for practicality.

Minimal maintenance

requirements and consistently

accurate performance in

rugged environments reduce

downtime and operational

costs, which are two priorities

for any modern sawmill.

Real Results from Real Mills

The Smart Vision isn’t a

concept, it’s a tested and

deployed solution. Among the

many mills using the Smart

Vision system, three use cases

highlight the measurable

results achieved through AIdriven

gap control.

• Customer 1, a southern

yellow pine dimension mill,

reduced its average gap by

5.6 inches.

• Customer 2, working with

SPF, achieved a reduction of

7.1 inches.

• Both saw significantly

lower standard deviation,

resulting in more stable feed

flow and consistent sawline

operation.

What does that mean

in dollars? Based on these

improvements, these two

mills unlocked revenue

opportunities of over

$770,000 and $900,000

respectively, without

extending production hours.

Even in high-efficiency

operations, the Smart Vision

finds ways to optimize.

Customer 3, a stud mill already

running a tight gap of 50.1

inches, was able to trim an

additional 0.74 inches off

its average. While that may

seem minor, it equated to a

0.44% production increase,

representing over $265,000

in potential added revenue

annually.


Smart Vision - Gap Control ROI

More Than Gap Control

While the system’s ability to

manage gaps is impressive,

the Smart Vision does

much more. It serves as

an intelligent monitoring

solution that enhances overall

process visibility. It helps

manage deck accumulation,

prevents sawline feeding

errors, and contributes to a

safer workplace by detecting

objects in danger zones. All

this is achieved with minimal

intervention, allowing

operators to focus on highervalue

tasks.

And because the Smart

Vision is built using Comact’s

proprietary AI platform, it

evolves. The system can be

updated and adapted as new

needs arise, providing mills

with a future-ready solution

that grows with them.

Why It Matters

Every inch in a log gap

represents potential lost

revenue. Every undetected

log anomaly can lead to

unplanned downtime. In a

market that demands higher

throughput, tighter margins,

and more efficient operations,

gaining better control of

your flow starting at the

log singulator is no longer

optional. It’s essential.

The Smart Vision delivers

unmatched precision where it

matters most. With AI-driven

intelligence, rugged hardware,

minimal maintenance, and

Log near

end distance

Log diameter

Log distance

far end

Log length

Bottom wave

filling %

proven ROI, it ensures smarter

operations, faster response to

issues, and more consistent

achievement of production

targets.

Final Thoughts

The real value of the Smart

Vision lies in its ability to

make the complex feel simple.

It takes the guesswork out of

log singulation and replaces

it with real-time, datadriven

control that leads to

better decisions and better

outcomes.

Whether you operate a

high-capacity dimension mill

or a smaller stud line, the

Smart Vision offers a tailored

path to optimization. The

results speak for themselves:

tighter gaps, better flow, fewer

issues—and ultimately, more

production.

Log displacement

in chain

Example of a log too short being rejected from the sawline

by Smart Vision

AI-powered vision

detection of the logs

Smart Vision - Gap Control for Log Singulation

Ready to improve your log

singulation process?

Contact Comact at

info@comact.com to learn

how the Smart Vision can help

you unlock new efficiencies

and make every inch count.


Comact Expands Presence in Australasia Through

Strategic Partnership with Lakeland Steel

Comact, a leader in OEM

high-caliber wood processing

equipment, is pleased to

announce a new strategic

partnership with Lakeland

Steel, based in Rotorua, New

Zealand. This partnership

marks an important step

in Comact’s global growth

strategy and reinforces its

commitment to better serving

customers across New

Zealand, Australia, and the

South Pacific.

As part of this new strategic

partnership, Lakeland Steel

will represent Comact in New

Zealand, Australia, and the

South Pacific, strengthening

its local presence and ability to

serve customers in the region.

Beyond sales representation,

Lakeland will also support

Comact projects by providing

localized services, including

engineering, drafting,

manufacturing, fabrication,

installation, maintenance, and

Simon Potvin President

& CEO of Comact

repair, ensuring responsive,

high-quality execution aligned

with Comact’s standards.

“This partnership brings

together two organizations

with deep expertise and a

shared focus on customer

success,” said Simon Potvin,

CEO of Comact. “Lakeland

Steel’s strong regional

presence and technical

capabilities make them an

ideal partner as we expand our

footprint in Australasia.”

Founded in 1976, Lakeland

Steel (also operating as

Lakeland Engineered Projects)

is recognized as a trusted

partner for innovative sawmill

solutions in the region.

Their team offers end-to-end

engineering services from

their headquarters in Rotorua,

supported by a state-of-theart

3,200 m² workshop, CNC

equipment, heavy lifting gear,

and a specialized 500 m² paint

and blasting facility.

Together, Comact and

Lakeland Steel are already

delivering results. The teams

are currently working on a

major project for Red Stag

Timber in Rotorua, involving

the sale and installation of a

Comact double fork stacker,

a MoCo stacker, and all

associated equipment and

automation required to rebuild

the outfeed line at the planer

mill. The project is scheduled

for delivery during the

upcoming Christmas holiday

period.

The partnership reflects

Comact’s long-term vision

of supporting sawmills

worldwide with cutting-edge

solutions and local expertise.

With this alliance, customers

in New Zealand

Hancock Lumber acquires Johnson Lumber

Hancock Lumber has

announced plans to acquire

Johnson Lumber, a singlelocation

lumberyard located

in Salisbury, Mass. The

transaction was expected

to close on May 31, with the

location officially beginning

operations as Hancock Lumber

on Monday, June 2—Hancock’s

12th lumberyard and its first in

Massachusetts.

Founded in 1963 and

originally operating as a

sawmill, Johnson Lumber

has grown into a respected

contractor yard with a strong

presence across Northeast

Massachusetts, Southern

New Hampshire and Southern

Maine.

The business has remained

in the Johnson family for over

60 years.

Hancock Lumber Chair and

sixth-generation Managing

Owner Kevin Hancock says,

“We plan to reinvest, grow the

business and add resources

to allow that tradition to keep

building. Johnson Lumber

and Hancock Lumber are a

great fit in terms of business

values, employee care and a

deep focus on contractor sales

and service. We’re excited,

grateful and committed to

moving the company forward

while celebrating its roots and

heritage.”

Located two miles from the

coast and minutes from I-95

and I-495, Johnson Lumber

is situated on a 12-acre site

featuring covered storage and

contractor-focused inventory.

Strategically, the

acquisition is a natural

extension of Hancock

Lumber’s markets, enhancing

the reach between its existing

Kennebunk and Wolfeboro,

New Hampshire locations—40

and 70 minutes away,

respectively.

This additional lumberyard

will help grow key product

lines including Hancock-made

wall panels, trusses and pine,

along with Marvin windows

and Tiny Homes, while

creating additional capacity

and delivery efficiency across

the region.

Twenty Johnson Lumber

employees will join Team

Hancock, including three

second generation owners,

two of whom will stay on

Managing Owner

Kevin Hancock

short-term to assist with

the transition and one as

a full-time employee. The

two companies plan to work

together in the coming

months to ensure a smooth

transition for employees and

customers.


LOAD LOGS

25

INTO A

CONTAINER

IN 6

MINUTES

WITH

COMBILIFT.

THE COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR

LOADING LOGS INTO CONTAINERS

Introducing the Combi-CLL Log Loader, based on the highly

successful Combi-CSS Container is incredibly fast compared

to other methods. It can fully load logs into a 40’ container in

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

workforce is minimised and product damage is eliminated.

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

Tub. The patented push-pull mechanism powers the loaded

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

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

CONTACT US TODAY

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

storage space.

combilift.com

SAWLINES

Located in Beverly, West

Virginia, AHF Products

operates the largest

hardwood flooring

manufacturing facility

in North America.

19 acres under roof

and a workforce of

approximately 500, the

plant receives up to 100

million board feet of

raw material annually,

converting as much as

50 million feet of finished

hardwood flooring.

Woodeye: AHF Products

& Automation that Works

Life Before Automation

As labor challenges continue

across the manufacturing

industry, AHF Products

turned to automation to

secure long-term operational

sustainability. Prior to

MiCROTEC’s Woodeye

scanning technology, the

facility relied heavily on

manual grading and sorting.

“We had three stages of

individuals making decisions

manually that would

impact how well we might

process that material,” said

Travis Thompson, Process

Improvement Engineer at

AHF Products. The manual

handling increased both labor

costs and opportunities for

human error. Doug Bohlinger,

Plant Manager, added, “That

costs the company a lot of

money any time you have to

handle it twice. It’s difficult

to get skilled people that can

work a physical job for 8 to 10

hours a day, 5 days a week and

keep that going for years.”

“It gives us the ability

to staff up when we

need to, and it doesn’t

take as many to staff.

We can obviously

increase volume with

a lot less manpower

than we could before.

It gives us a lot more

versatility.

It’s not a short game,

but a long one that’s

going to help us over

the years”

Doug Bohlinger,

Plant Manager


SAWLINES

The Impact of Woodeye

AHF Products explored a wide

range of scanning solutions

across the US and Canada

before selecting MiCROTEC

partner, Eagle Machinery, and

a MiCROTEC Woodeye Scanner.

“When we landed with Eagle

and MiCROTEC, it put the

whole system together. It was

user-friendly, we had training

that was only four and a half

hours away, and it’s been a

good relationship.”

Today, AHF Products

runs four production lines

equipped with Woodeye

scanners, and the impact has

been transformative.

“One of our goals was

obviously to get the headcount

reduction so that we could

have a sustainable operation

in the future. The scanner,

without question, got us to

the point where we could do

that,” said Thompson.

Bohlinger continued: “If it

was taking us 21 people to run

a line, now we can run a line

with 12 or 13.”

“One of our goals with

this was obviously

to get the head

count reduction, so

that we could have

a sustainable and

viable operation in the

future. The scanner

without question, got

us to the point where

we could do that. We

were at a deficit that

was so great that we

did not lose a single

person even though

the job they worked

at previously was no

longer available”

Travis Thompson, Process

Improvement Engineer at

AHF Products

The transition to

automation didn’t result in

layoffs. “We were at a deficit

so great that we did not lose

a single person. Those folks

were transitioned to other

jobs. Some of the jobs we

eliminated by installing the

scanner were some of the

most physically demanding

jobs that had a particularly

higher injury rate than others

in the facility.”

Positioned for the Future

The implementation of

Woodeye scanning technology

has done more than

streamline operations—it has

positioned AHF Products for

long-term success.

“With what we’ve

implemented with the scanner

technology, it positions us

to be in a good outlook for

the future. We continue to

refine it, it continues to get

better, and we continue to get

more benefits from it,” says

Thompson.

Bohlinger agrees, “It gives

us the ability to staff up when

we need to, and it doesn’t

take as many to staff. We can

obviously increase volume

with a lot less manpower than

we could before. It gives us a

lot more versatility.”

“It’s not a short game, but

a long one that’s going to help

us over the years.”

Join us at the 38th

Forest Products EXPO

from August 6-8, 2025,

at the Music City Center

in Nashville

Booth


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

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


Case Study:

Vaagen Brothers Lumber, Inc. Upgrades

Motion Control for Improved Lumber Stacking

The Challenge: Replacing

Outdated Motion Modules

and Enhancing Stability

Vaagen Brothers Lumber,

Inc., headquartered in

Colville, Washington,

has a history stretching

back more than 70 years.

Their motto, “Small Logs.

Better Lumber,” reflects their

commitment to sustainability

and maximizing the value

of each log. Their sawmills

in Colville and Usk rely

extensively on industrial

hydraulic motion control

systems to position saws,

logs, and lumber throughout

the milling process.

Like many wood products

companies, Vaagen

Brothers employed Rockwell

Automation’s ControlLogix®

programmable logic

controllers (PLCs) for their

automation needs. To control

hydraulic motion, they

implemented the 1756-M02AS

and 1756-HYD02 motion

modules - reliable motion

solutions for more than two

decades.

Ryan Tietsort, an electrician

at Vaagen Brothers,

faced an unexpected

challenge when Rockwell

Automation announced

the discontinuation of the

1756-M02AE, 1756-M02AS,

and 1756-HYD02 modules.

With no direct Rockwell

Automation replacement

available, Ryan’s team had to

find an alternative that would

integrate smoothly with their

existing PLC infrastructure

while keeping downtime to a

minimum.

Among other applications,

these analog motion modules

were integral to the mill’s

lumber stacker system,

which depended on servohydraulic

motion control

via the ControlLogix PLC.

Ryan’s team had battled a

recurring issue with unstable

lumber stacks in this line.

Operators frequently had to

step in manually, slowing

production and increasing

labor costs. The issue wasn’t

due to a mechanical fault

or operator error—instead,

it stemmed from less-thanideal

motion control tuning

within the existing system.

In addition to replacing the

obsolete modules, Ryan saw

an opportunity to address this

problem.

The Solution: Transitioning

to Delta RMC Motion

Controllers

After evaluating replacements

options, the team opted to

upgrade to Delta Motion’s

RMC Motion Controllers. These


SAWLINES

For the stacker project, Vaagen Brothers opted to use direct

commands from the PLC to the RMC, maximizing compatibility

with their existing PLC logic

controllers, which Rockwell

Automation recommends

as a replacement option,

offer full compatibility with

Allen-Bradley PLCs and

interface with the same

I/O devices used by the

discontinued modules. Their

ability to communicate over

EtherNet/IP and use Add-

On Instructions (AOIs) to

replicate familiar ControlLogix

commands make the transition

smoother for control engineers

accustomed to ControlLogix

programming. And Delta

Motion’s RMCTools software

allows engineers to import

and export L5K files, ensuring

seamless integration with

Studio 5000, eliminating

redundant data entry, reducing

setup time and programming

complexity.

The RMC’s programming

flexibility allows control

engineers to choose from

doing most of control in

the PLC and sending direct

commands to the RMC, or to

take advantage of the RMC’s

User Programs to offload

motion-critical tasks to the

RMC, where they execute at

motion-loop speeds.

The Implementation: Fast

Integration and Performance

Gains

For the stacker project, Vaagen

Brothers opted to use direct

commands from the PLC to the

RMC, maximizing compatibility

with their existing PLC logic.

For upgrades, this approach

enables maximum use of

existing PLC code. The goal

was to minimize downtime

while ensuring a smooth

integration with their existing

PLC infrastructure.


One of the key challenges

in the upgrade process was

fine-tuning the hydraulic

motion to stabilize lumber

stacking. Tuning hydraulic

motion can be challenging,

and inconsistencies in motion

control had previously led to

stack instability, requiring

frequent operator intervention

and slowing down production.

With the advanced tuning tools

in Delta’s RMCTools software,

the engineering team achieved

greater precision and the exact

positioning required for stable

stacks.

The installation was

completed efficiently and

with minimal disruption, in a

fraction of the time typically

required for such upgrades.

Operators quickly noticed a

significant improvement in

lumber stacking consistency.

The project successfully

replaced the obsolete

hardware, and also enhanced

overall motion performance,

reducing manual adjustments

and improving system

reliability.

The Results: Increased

Stability, Less Downtime

The transition to Delta’s RMC

controllers delivered clear and

measurable benefits:

• Enhanced Motion Control

– More precise tuning

eliminated stack instability,

reducing production

interruptions.

• Improved Operation –

Operator intervention

decreased, leading to higher

efficiency and lower labor

costs and improving safety.

• Minimal Downtime – The

sawmill successfully

implemented the new

system much more quickly

than is typical resulting

in minimal disruption to

operations.

• Future-Proofing – With

continued support from

Rockwell Automation and

Delta Motion, the mill now

has a long-term solution for

motion control.

Ryan Tietsort and his team

resolved the obsolescence

issue and improved their

overall production efficiency.

By transitioning to Delta’s

RMC controllers, they futureproofed

their motion control

systems while enhancing

sawmill performance.

Delta’s RMC Motion

Controllers are available in

configurations from 1 to 50

axes, all programmed using

Delta’s RMCTools software.

RMCs support all major

industrial sensors and provide

servo-electric and servohydraulic

control for position,

velocity, and pressure-force

applications. Their advanced

features include seamless

transitions between singleloop

position control and dualloop

position-pressure/force

control, making them ideal

for complex hydraulic motion

control applications.

Rockwell Automation

and Delta Motion, both

widely used in highperformance

hydraulic

automation, continue to

support sawmills and wood

products manufacturers by

providing reliable motion

control solutions. Companies

transitioning to the RMC

platform don’t just solve

immediate obsolescence

challenges—they often

achieve greater efficiency and

performance improvements in

the process.

For more information on

motion control solutions for

sawmills,

visit deltamotion.com

SAWLINES

Operators quickly noticed a significant improvement in lumber

stacking consistency

Join us at the 38th Forest

Products EXPO from August

6-8, 2025, at the Music City

Center in Nashville!

Booth



fine tune

your strategy

AUGust 6-8, 2025 • music city center • NASHVILLE, TN

Nashville's a unique destination where

everybody can take a work trip and let

loose a little bit in the evenings.

- 2023 attendee

Scan the QR code to register and explore the certified

opportunities available at Forest Products EXPO 2025

SFPAexpo.com

Taylormade

Timber part of

James Jones

Group, UK

Very exciting times ahead!”

The mill being raised on the

slopes of Sherburn Hill.

Image courtesy of James

Jones & Sons.

well, and we start machine

installation in August this year

[2025] with the mill due to be

commissioned in 2026.

Major greenfield project in the UK

Trusted technology with a twist

For the first time in many

years, an industrial

scale sawmill will be

built from the ground up

in the UK. USNR is the

main supplier and its

undertaking comprises

the saw line and two

edger lines – including

optimization and

controls. All machinery

equipment will be

delivered from USNR’s

Söderhamn facility in

Sweden. USNR will also

supply controls for the

log handling and residue

handling equipment.

The new mill is designed

for an annual capacity of

more than 250,000 m 3 of

sawn goods. The Taylormade

sawmill at Sherburn Hill, a few

miles to the east of Durham,

came under the ownership of

James Jones & Sons when the

company acquired GT Timber

Ltd in 2021. The mill, built at

the site of an old coal mine,

was worn but the geographical

location was ideal, so it was

decided to build a new mill

adjacent to the existing one.

USNR got involved at an

early stage of the design work.

Marcus Säteri, Senior Project

Engineer at USNR, recalls the

initial process, “We acted as

a speaking partner for the

customer long before the

deal was settled. There was

a lot of things that we had to

take into account. The site is

located on quite a steep slope

and there’s a neighboring

village overlooking the mill,

so we didn’t want to obscure

their view with high buildings.

Eventually we honed out a

solution where the slope

worked to our benefit.”

Experience and optimization

The saw line is designed for

maximum yield, using the

latest optimization technology

and curve sawing capabilities.

James Jones & Sons has

extensive experience with

USNR’s bandsaw technology

and continues to follow this

path for the new project.

Tobbe Sandberg, Technical

manager at James Jones &

Sons, “James Jones & Sons

acquired the Durham mill

in 2021 and shortly after

the acquisition the decision

was made to invest in a new

sawmill to increase yield,

efficiency and extend the

product range. We decided to

invest in bandsaw technology

and with James Jones &

Sons’ previous experience

with Soderhamn Eriksson/

USNR it was an easy decision

to continue the partnership

with USNR. From design

through to specifications,

we have received excellent

support from the USNR team

in Sweden. Ground and

building work is progressing

Proven solutions

The mill-to-be is designed with

James Jones & Sons’ Lockerbie

III production line in mind, but

with all the new technology

that USNR has developed

since 2009 when the Lockerbie

site was commissioned by

Söderhamn Eriksson (now

part of USNR). Precision

Geometric Log Rotation (PGLR)

is one example of the new

technology implemented.

It continuously monitors and

corrects the rotation angle in

the Log Turner 750E. To meet

the customer’s demands of a

modern mill, the Taylormade

saw line will deliver more

throughput and higher

recovery with higher precision

compared to its model.

TAYLORMADE T

Log scanner

Log Tur


The new mill is de

SAWLINES

Thirteen bands

Three Sawmaster 1600 quads

and an HBS 1500 horizontal

bandsaw constitute the core

of the saw line, adding up to

a total of 13 bandsaw units.

The Sawmaster bandsaws are

known for their durability,

low energy consumption

and low maintenance costs.

This proven design serves

in hundreds of sawmills all

over the world. The horizontal

bandsaw adds flexibility to the

line and allows for an output

of ten pieces from the last

quad.

The Sawmaster bandsaws

all feature the high-precision

feed work technology

originally designed for

the Logmaster high-speed

bandsaw. The HBS has also

evolved in later years, with

a more stable and precise

positioning and a highprecision

feed work. A great

deal of focus is put on the

working environment in this

IMBER line. PART The three OF quad JAMES bandsaws JONES GROUP, UK

and both chipper canters

are fitted with extra thick

protective covers to reduce

noise and dust.

Right: The foundations for

the first two quads and their

chippers are being prepared.

Image courtesy of

James Jones & Sons.

Saw monitoring

The bandsaws are equipped

with BMS, Bandsaw

Monitoring System, for

real-time monitoring of the

status and the longitudinal

position of the bands. BMS

detects cracks in the bands

before they grow and cause

band rupture. The saws also

come with SawSight, USNR’s

system for continuous in-line

measuring and correction of

the sawn goods.

The edge

Two Catech XT high-speed

edger optimizers handle the

side boards. These state-ofthe-art

edgers are fitted with

the latest USNR optimization

technology combined with the

highest capacity the market

has to offer. Both edgers are

equipped with additional

edger saw boxes to maximize

recovery and flexibility.

From design through

to specifications we

have received excellent

support from the USNR

team in Sweden.

USNR is honored to be part

of this exciting opportunity.

Catech XT edger

Left to right:

Tobbe Sandberg,

Technical Manager,

James Jones & Sons Ltd.;

Eddie Balfour,

Joint Managing Director,

James Jones & Sons Ltd.;

Christian Winlöf,

Sales and Marketing Director,

USNR;

Sten Jarle Solheim,

Account Manager, USNR

Catech XT edger

Sawmaster quad

LogPos S4

Cant turner

ner 750E

PGLR

HBS Horizontal Bandsaw

ChipCanter 2500

Cant infeed 435

Sawmaster quad

ChipCanter 2500

Sawmaster quad

signed for an

sawing capabilities. James Jones &


Ponsse Forwarder Range

Agility, power,

ergonomics, weight

distribution and

economic efficiency – these

are the features that set

PONSSE forwarders apart.

You can choose from various

models suitable for soft

terrain and steep slopes alike.

Power and some the best

comfort features in forests are

standard equipment.

All PONSSE forwarder

models have more than

enough power for changing

conditions and difficult

terrain types. The excellent

weight to load-carrying ratio,

the smallest turning radius

in their size classes and

dimensions that distribute

loads evenly to all wheels

are prominent features. The

extreme tractive force of

This forwarder has what it takes to ensure

productive operations even in the most

demanding logging sites.

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY

25,000 kg (55,116 lbs)

POWER

210 kW (286 hp) EU and North America

220 kW (299 hp) other countries

TRACTIVE FORCE

320 kN (71,938 lbf)

LOADER

K121 M/S

LOAD SPACE CROSS-SECTION

6.8 m² (73.2 sq ft)

VLA 8.0 m² (86.1 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

800 mm (31.5 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

28,500 kg (62,832 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

29,300 kg (64,595 lbs)

TIRES

28,5’’

25T

Powerful engine, never-ending tractive force

and 20-ton load-carrying capacity.


20,000 kg (44,093 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

240 kN (53,954 lbf)

LOADER

K121 M/S, K111 S/M


5.8–6.7 m² (62.4–72.2 sq ft)

VLA 5.2–6.7 m² (56–72 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

800 mm (31.5 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

22,900 kg (50,486 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

23,700 kg (52,249 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

20T


Forwarders

their forwarders guarantees

excellent comfort and

efficiency, particularly over

longer distances. Ponsse’s

range has some of the most

productive forwarders in the

markets, both for thinning and

regeneration felling.

Ponsse’s forwarders are the

only forest machines in the

world that use a continuously

variable transmission (CVT).

This enables higher fuel

economy and tractive force,

particularly in difficult terrain.

PONSSE forwarders, equipped

with ultimate tractive force,

guarantee efficient timber

transportation – while saving

the environment as much as

possible.

This workhorse gets the job done in

conditions which often are too challenging

for others.


18,000 kg (39,683 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

220 kN (49,459 lbf)

LOADER

K121 M/S, K111 S/M


5.8–6.25 m² (62.4–67.3 sq ft)

VLA 5.2–6.7 m² (56–72 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

800 mm (31.5 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

22,000 kg (48,502 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

22,800 kg (50,265 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

18T

A straightforward, yet extremely dependable

tool with well-thought-out technical systems.


18,000 kg (39,683 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

210 kN (47,210 lbf)

LOADER

K100+ M/S, K101 M/S, K111 M/S


5.2–5.8 m² (56–63 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

730 mm (28.7 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

20,600 kg (45,415 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

21,100 kg (46,517 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

18T


This forwarder goes where you want it to go,

easily and effortlessly.


14,000 kg (30,865 lbs)

15,000 kg (33,069 lbs) with balanced bogies

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

185 kN (41,589 lbf)

LOADER

K90+ M/S, K100+ M/S, K101 M/S,

K111 M/S


4.5–5.5 m² (48.4–59.2 sq ft)

VLA 4.5–6.0 m² (48.4-64.6 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

680 mm (26.8 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

18,600 kg (41,005 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

19,800 kg (43,651 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

14T-

15T

An exceptionally fast forwarder that moves

slickly in all types of terrain and even over

longer distances.


16,000 kg (35,274 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

210 kN (44,961 lbf)

LOADER

K101 M/S, K111 M/S


4.5–5.5 m² (48.4–59.2 sq ft)

VLA 4.5–6.0 m² (48.4-64.6 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

680 mm (26.8 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

22,000 kg (48,500 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

22,600 kg (49,824 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

16T


A compact, lightweight, powerful, and durable forwarder with

superior agility and excellent weight to load-carrying ratio,

able to cover long distances reliably.


13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

180 kN (40,465 lbf)

LOADER

K90+ M/S


3.85–6.1 m² (41.4–65.6 sq ft)

VLA 3.85–6.1 m²

GROUND CLEARANCE

691 mm (27.2 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

18,100 kg (39,903 lbs)

The most compact model in the PONSSE forwarder lineup,

the New Wisent offers outstanding weight distribution and

optimized geometry for smooth operation and minimal

impact on the terrain.


12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)

POWER


TRACTIVE FORCE

170 kN (38,217 lbf)

LOADER

K70+ M


3.85–4.85 m² (41.4–52.2 sq ft)

VLA 3.85–4.85 m²

GROUND CLEARANCE

691 mm (27.2 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

17,700 kg (39,021 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

19,100 kg (42,108 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’ Front & Rear

13T

TYPICAL WEIGHT

18,700 kg (41,226 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’ Front & Rear

12T


FORWARDERS

Rottne F20E

When you step into

the cab, you as a

driver is greeted by

a workplace that

leaves nothing

to chance

Rottne E-series Forwarders

High ceiling, a spacious

airy feel, smart

storage. Even a builtin

food heater with timer

function. A generous storage

compartment that runs along

the entire windscreen, part

of the space is cooled by the

machine’s air conditioning

system. Perfect for storing

your packed lunch. Large

windows that give you a

fantastic view around the

machine. The air conditioning

system with its automatic

temperature control and

efficient air filtration that

also purifies the recirculating

air ensures a workplace

where you can be efficient

throughout the shift. Even

during the coldest and

warmest days of the year. With

main power activation via

the door switch, the system

starts up automatically and

the operator starts safely at

the touch of a button after

entering their personal start

code on the lever palette.

The clean surfaces of the

cab and few buttons in the

side panels give a neat and

modern impression. All the

important functions that are

used continuously during the

work shift are close at hand

in the newly developed lever

palettes, all to make everyday

life easier for the driver. Color

displays in the lever palettes

provide the operator with the

most important information,

but also support for getting

started with the machine for

e.g. an inexperienced trailer

operator who does not drive

the machine on a daily basis.

The phone is easily connected

to the machine’s sound

system with ‘Bluetooth’ and

placed in the phone dock with

built-in antenna amplification.

The generous indoor lighting

with a LED strip in the ceiling

and at the floor both front and

back makes it easy to take

care of administrative tasks

even in the dark hours of the

day. When driving, the interior

lighting switches to a color of

your choice that provides a

pleasant light when driving in

the dark.

Comfort Line

Rottne as a manufacturer

values operator comfort

highly. It is the operator

who allows the machine’s

performance to be fully

utilized, and therefore it is

important that the operator

has good conditions. Part

of this work is our cab

suspension, Comfort Line. It

has become even better. After

many years of experience

with cab suspension, we

have taken it to a new level.

The entire structure has been

given a lift and become even

more robust than before.

Weak points have been

improved, all to improve

operational reliability. Better

hose routing, newly designed

cylinders with high-quality

bearings and sealing systems

designed for the tough

task. The suspension has

been given a new hydraulic

The air conditioning system with its automatic temperature

control and efficient air filtration that also purifies the

recirculating air ensures a workplace where you can be

efficient throughout the shift.


solution with adjustable

damping for different terrain

conditions. With a simple

push of a button, the driver

can choose between three

different damping levels

that can also be adjusted to

each individual’s wishes.

Informative menu for sensor

calibration and possible

troubleshooting.

Transmission

On our largest forwarder

models, the F18/F20E, we have

a robust drive with substantial

traction. Fully automatic

three-speed gearbox with

two hydrostatically driven

motors delivering up to 27

kN. The machine’s software

handles speed control and

shifting using the operator’s

instructions and an active

load control that gives the

machine efficient propulsion

both with and without a

load. The operator can easily

adjust to the right speed

using a potentiometer on

the lever palette along with

ergonomically designed, highresolution

accelerator pedals.

For long forwarding distances

or moving to the next object, a

cruise control is available.

For the smaller forwarders,

we use a transmission control

from Rexroth. This gives us

a safe and fast control of the

transmission.

On our intermediate

forwarder, XTF (Extra Traction

Force) is now available as

an option. It provides 12%

better traction for the really

tough off-road conditions. A

good option together with a

balanced bogie. All forwarders

use a traction limiter that is

managed by the software in

the machine. This gives the

machine a better behavior if

the terrain requires maximum

traction to perform the work.

Loaders

All Rottne’s forwarder models

have self-designed cranes.

If, on the other hand, you

choose a longer range, we

have a good collaboration with

Epsilon. The performance of

the cranes is well balanced

with the size of the machine

and hydraulic system. RCA

(Rottne Crane Assistance) is

available as an option on most

variants. The system helps the

operator to efficiently operate

the crane throughout the shift.

With the E-model, we want

to give you as a user a high

level of comfort during many

work shifts.

Rottne F10E

Rottne F11E

Rottne F13E

Rottne F15E

Rottne F18E


SYNCROFALKE ® Cable Yarders:

Revolutionizing Timber

Harvesting in Steep Terrain

Maximum Efficiency, Minimum Effort!

The Franz Mayr Melnhof Saurau forestry company/Austria

Cable yarders are a prerequisite for ecological and economical

forest management in steep or non-accessible terrain. The Franz

Mayr Melnhof Saurau forestry company/Austria has over 70 years

of expertise in timber extraction using cable yarder technology.

Development, construction and subsequent testing in their own forest has resulted

in a range of tried and tested yarders with the associated carriages in various sizes

and construction options.

Franz Mayr Melnhof Saurau

/ Frohnleiten is the largest

private forestry company in

Austria.

Located in the lower

mountain ranges of Austria.

The managed company

forest area has an average

slope of 63 percent.

Harvesting trees has always

been a challenge and so the

development of cable yarder

technology began as early as

the 1950s.

MM Forsttechnik GmbH

In 1962, the first cable

yarder in Europe was built,

described in the literature

as the “Gösser cable crane”.

The name is derived from the

forestry workshop in Leoben

Göss where the 2-rope unit

for uphill extraction was built

on a Steyr crawler chassis

Motormuli. Just 2 years later,

a 3-rope machine with slackpulling

was developed for

downhill timber extraction,

where the machine

located on down on the

valley side. Other important

innovations followed and

led to increased demand for

MM’s tried-and-tested cable

yarder equipment. In 2006

production was combined into

a newly founded company

“MM-Forsttechnik GmbH”

based in Frohnleiten.


Truck mounted SYNCROFALKE ®

4t with Crane and Processor

Find more

information


I watched a

SYNCROFALKE ® cable

yarder with a loading

crane and processor

at work and saw how

quickly the machine

worked and how much

wood was delivered to

the road! The decision

to go with a “Falcon”

was clear to me!”

said the company owner

Ulrich Fercher

Ulrich Fercher (left) and Johannes Loschek /MM-

Forsttechnik on the next place to install the SYNCROFALKE

Truck mounted SYNCROFALKE

4t with Crane and Processor

The southeast of Austria and

the northeastern parts of Italy

have been affected by several

strong wind and snowfall

calamities since 2018. This

led to a large-scale bark

beetle impacts and quickly

extracting and processing

the damaged wood was the

biggest challenge for forest

owners and commercial felling

contractors.


Forstbetrieb Fercher GmbH

“Forstbetrieb Fercher GmbH”/

Rangersdorf, based in

Carinthia, is a professional

contractor for timber

harvesting in steep terrain.

Ullrich Fercher, the

owner, roots can be found

in his parents’ agriculture

enterprise. Together with his

wife, the couple managed

400 beehives. In winter, three

tractors were used to clear

snow in the home community.

When time permitted,

Fercher used a small cable

yarder to extract chainsaw

felled trees for agricultural

communities or rural forest

owners. A high level of manual

labor with low delivery

performance combined with

a shortage of workers led to

the next step in the further

development of the company:

“I watched a SYNCROFALKE

cable yarder with a loading

crane and processor at work

and saw how quickly the

machine worked and how

much wood was delivered to

the road! The decision to go

with a “Falcon” was clear to

me!” said the company owner

Ulrich Fercher.

Until the summer of 2023,

the entrepreneur Fercher

operated a Syncrofalke 3 t

combination yarder, which he

had bought used. In July 2023

it was exchanged for a new

4-ton yarder. Built on a 4-axle

MAN 8 x 8 truck, it does not

exceed the permissible total

weight for public road.

The 6 Stratos Anchor

synthetic guy ropes provide

security and make assembly

work easier thanks to their

lower weight. The force of 4

tons on the main line allows

large loads to be extracted up

to a distance of 750 m from

the forest road, with a rope

speed of up to 10.0 m/sec. In

conjunction with the slackpulling

of the main line, all

uphill, downhill and on the

flat extraction results in high

productivity with little use

of manpower. The extracted

trees are processed using the

Woody 61 crane processor

installed on the special

Palfinger L 94 crane with a

reach of 9.4 m and a lifting

moment of 229 kNm.

Depending on space

availability around the yarder,

the different log sorts can be

fleeted into different piles. In

an area with felled trees, up

to 6 truck-trailer loads can be

produced per shift with just

2 men - a machinist and a

choker-setter.

From commissioning in

July 2023 to October 2024,

his machine has achieved

1,700 hours of timber

extraction - plus the hours for

assembly and maintenance!

This shows the high level of

mechanical availability of the

SYNCROFALKE.

Further Development with the

Syncro-BOOST-System

The Syncro 45 yarders is

the current successful

development using the latest

innovation – with the Syncro

55 represent a successful

further step. Both are

equipped with the patented

Syncro-Boost system. When

the load is pulled to the

carriage and during extraction

in 2-cable operation, the

two hydraulic motors are

coupled permanently, and

briefly in 3-cable operation

when the load is extracted.

This increases the maximum

pull force and thus also the

maximum load travel speed by

up to 50%.

Advantages for the user:

• Extended application in

large diameter wood and

windthrow processing!

• Increased productivity

through higher carriage

speed and higher payload!

• Greater reach with more

rope capacity - up to a

maximum of 1,200m of

skyline!

• A stronger yarder with only a

slightly higher total weight

due to the stronger ropes.

For example, the Syncro

45 can also be used with

a 3-axle truck. Depending

on the anchoring options,

you can choose between a

pulling force of 3 t or 4.5 t

for the installation.

Carriage MM-Sherpa UE 4 Ton

• The MM-Sherpa UE carriage

types with electric motor

for slack-pulling in 2

cable configuration are

recommended. In 3-rope

configuration, the dropline

is pulled out using the

auxiliary cable. This way,

only one light carriage is

needed for all operating

modes, without having to

forego the slack-pulling

feature!

Carrier Vehicles /

Configurations

Depending on customer

requirements and different

operational requirements

worldwide, all MM cable

yarders, both WANDER- and

the different SYNCROFALKE

types, can be mounted on

various carrier vehicles:

• Truck Solo: Yarder without

loading crane on truck

• Truck combination:

Yarder with loading crane

and usually also with

different processor heads

- depending on customer

requirements

• Trailer with diesel engine:

only yarder, optionally with

traction drive support

• Tracked vehicle with diesel

engine: yarder only

The trailer or crawler

versions have the same

performance as truckmounted

devices and are

usually used in combination

with an excavator processor.

The machine operator in the

excavator has a radio remote

control for the yarder on

his man. Radio chokers are

usually used so that he does

not have to leave his cab to

release the slings.


SALES OFFICES

UK, Europe, South Africa,

US East Coast

CONTACT: Robin Peach

International Forest Industries Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617


Japan

CONTACT: Shigeru Kobayashi

Japan Advertising Communications, Inc.

Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

Tel: 81-3-3261-4591

Fax: 81-3-3261-6126

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

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Bandit IFC

www.banditchippers.com

Combilift 29

www.combilift.com

Comact 21

https://www.comact.com/

Delta Motion 2

www.deltamotion.com

FAE 8

www.fae-group.com

Franzen 19

www.franzen-machines.com

Halco Software Systems 31

www.halcosoftware.com

Incomac 13

www.incomac.com

Log Max 9

www.logmax.com

MM-Forsttechnik 11

https://www.mm-forsttechnik.at/

Microtec F/C, 3

www.microtec.com

Mus-Max 6

www.mus-max.at

Ponsse 5

www.ponsse.com

Rawlings 15

www.rawlingsmanufacturing.com

Rottne 7

www.rottne.com

Southern Forest Products Association 35

www.SFPAEXPO.com

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT)

Australia, & New Zealand

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

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


J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763


US Mid-West, Central & Mountain


J.P.Media Inc

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

IL 60563, USA

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763


With the Komatsu 898, Komatsu

Forest is now taking the next

step in the development of large

forwarders adapted for plantation forestry

in, among other places, South America

as well as final felling in Australia, North

America, and Europe.

Joescan 23

www.joescan.com

LMI Technologies 25

www.LMI3D.com

New forwarder with 25 tonne

load capacity - Komatsu 898

A new powerful engine, robust

transmission, and a large load space with

a wide range of customisation options

for different needs are just a few of the

advantages that make the Komatsu 898

meet the market’s demands in the largest

segment.

Komatsu 898 is a further development

of the popular final felling forwarder

Komatsu 895, adapted to handle even

larger loads. The model is available in a

standard version with 8 wheels, but for

forwarding in plantations on flat terrain,

the 6-wheel version can be a cost-effective

alternative.

A very generous load space

The 898 has a robust load space with

many possibilities for adjustments. The

gate can be telescopically adjusted, and

the foldable widening wings can be locked

in the retracted or extended position.

There is also an option to make the gate

slide along the direction of the rear frame.

The bunks have telescopic widening

and can be equipped with hydraulically

height-adjustable stakes. This increases

Springer 17

www.springer-usa.com

USNR OBC

www.usnr.com

productivity during loading and

unloading by reducing the height

that the timber must be lifted over

the supports – something that

also contributes to reduced fuel

consumption.

New powerful engine

The Komatsu 898 has a new generation

diesel engine. It is a powerful 7.5-litre

AGCO engine with high performance

and good fuel economy, with the new

CORE platform. Maximum power is 250

kW and maximum torque is 1450 Nm.


A LEADER IN THE FOREST INDUSTRY

Log Max has a superb range of Heads

2000T 7000Twin 3000T 7000XT 4000T 7000XTTS 5000V

7000XTFH 6000V 10000XT 6000VTS 12000XT 7000C E5

We’ve picked out two Log Max heads for greater scrutiny

Log Max 4000T

Log Max 4000T is a thinning head that is

both powerful and fast.

Due to its light weight and with its

high feed speed, it is perceived as both

smooth and efficient.

Fast Saw

The Log Max 4000T can be equipped with

updated saws the True-Cut 218 and 318

for fast and trouble free cutting.

Thinning specialist

Log Max’s largest head dedicated to

thinning with incredible speed and high

traction.

Improved frame

The measuring wheel hole is placed far

up on the frame to reduce the intrusion of

debris and bark accumulation.

T H I N N I N G S E R I E S

Log Max 5000V

The Log Max 5000V is a modern and

reliable harvesting head that can handle

a wide range of logging challenges.

This is the perfect mid-range head for

both thinning and final felling.

The head can be equipped with a 82

cm saw bar and has a maximum cutting

diameter of 74 cm.

It also features Log Max’s Multi-stemming

MK2, that is agile and lightweight,

making thinning work easier.

The Log Max 5000V is suitable for those

who seek the perfect balance between

agility, capacity, and durability.

What customers say:

“The cutting and feeding are brutally

good and in combination with the new

length measuring unit, Log Max is

unstoppable ”

International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2025 IBC

Millwide. Worldwide. +1.360.225.8267 usnr.com

IFI June July 2025 Digital final

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?