Eco Log to reconsider its small forwarder product offering
Eco Log announced that their range of small forwarders will be discontinued in its present execution (Eco Log 750F, Eco Log 1050F and Eco Log 1250F). Eco Log will review how they can implement small forwarders in their line production in the long term and start producing one or several small forwarders that replace the previous models and at the same time combine the best characteristics from the original Gremo machines with the strengths of Eco Log´s forwarders in the large segment. Source
Ponsse's 19,000th forest machine completed at the Vieremä factory
On 17 February, the 19,000th Ponsse forest machine was handed over to Scottish long-term customer Elliot Henderson Ltd, with the Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band playing in the background. The Ponsse Scorpion Giant harvester with H8 harvester head will work at logging sites in the Scottish Borders and Scottish Lowlands. Source
Digital solution enables easy follow-up of trucks renewable fuels usage
Neste and Scania are piloting a digital solution that enables easy follow-up and verification of each truck's usage of renewable fuels. Combining data from Scania Fleet Management Portal enriched with Neste's fuel emission data, the solution provides Scania’s fleet management customers with accurate, up-to-date data for their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reporting and sustainability communications. Customers can compare the climate impact of their use of Neste’s renewable fuels compared to fossil fuels and track their continuous progress towards climate targets. Source
Read MoreTo see the full list of conferences and exhibitions, please click on "Events" in the menu at the top of the page.
Read More“Assessment of timber faller working conditions in mixed hand and tethered-machine cut harvest units on steep slopes- A case study in western Oregon”
International Journal of Forest Engineering 2023. Mandira Pokharel, Francisca Belart, Woodam Chung & Brett Morrisette. Source
“Europe’s Potential Wood Supply by Harvesting System”
Forests 2023 (14)2. Christoph Pucher, Gernot Erber and Hubert Hasenauer. Source
“Harvesting wind damaged trees: a study of prediction of windthrow damage in mixed-broadleaf stands via a machine learning model”
International Journal of Forest Engineering 2023. Vasiliki Dimou, Kostas Demertzis & Apostolos Kantartzis. Source
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The BL5/EX for 24-36 ton excavators mulches vegetation up to 40 cm (15.7 in) diameter.
It has a working width of 160 cm (63 in). This head is ideal for handling and removing vegetation in wooded areas, especially when a large shredding capacity and fast operational speed is required. The rotor with Bite Limiter technology comes with special wear-resistant steel limiters that limit the teeth’s reach. This cuts down on power demand, promotes a consistent working speed, optimizes fuel consumption and ensures excellent performance when mulching any kind of wood. Some of the features of the new mulcher are as follows:
- VT motor: adjustable motor to obtain the maximum performance out of any excavator
- Diverter valve: for hydraulic control of the hood
- Poly-Chain® belt: drive transmission optimal power transfer
- Sonic System: is a new automatic intelligent system that manages the hydraulic transmission. It makes the mulching machine to perform at the maximum capacity in all conditions (BL5/EX/SONIC)
- Spike PRO counter-blades: for finer mulched material
- Rotor with Bite Limiter technology: maximum productivity using the least amount of power
Researchers examined this question using a case study from western Oregon.
Adoption of tethered-assist harvester technology on steep terrain by the forest industry has decreased workplace accidents. However, there are portions of harvest units that remain inaccessible to mechanized falling, therefore requiring manual falling as well. This study characterized the differences in terrain and forest conditions between manual and machine felled areas within the same harvest units.
The researchers wished to determine whether manual fallers will work more time in challenging terrain on harvest units using both mechanized and manual falling when compared to harvest units using manual falling only. This was tested using field data from three new harvest units, six previously harvested units, timber faller surveys, and harvest managers’ interviews. For both field datasets, only slope was the factor predicting falling method. Further, both managers and fallers confirmed steep slope as one of the main reasons for requiring manual falling in addition to rocky bluffs, unstable terrain, and lack of access.
This study indicates that when harvest units on steep terrain are felled with mixed falling methods, timber fallers likely work on steeper slopes than the machine, and spend a larger proportion of work hours on steeper ground than the average slope of a harvest unit. The consequence is that forest managers needs to pay particular attention to the increased risks posed by constantly working on difficult terrain. Source
Ponsse reports strong financial results for 2022 considering the impacts of the sanctions imposed on Russia.
For Ponsse, 2022 started driven by strong order books, and the market situation looked good. In the previous year, Russia had grown into the world’s largest market for cut-to-length forest machines, also being the largest export market for Ponsse. The situation changed dramatically when Russia invaded Ukraine in February. The sanctions imposed by the EU and the withdrawal of western companies quickly froze Russia’s forest machine market. The war had an extensive impact on Ponsse’s business operations.
All exports of forest machines and their spare parts to Russia and Belarus were stopped immediately at the beginning of March. While the decision was correct and the only possible course of action, operations in Russia accounted for a fifth of Ponsse Group’s net sales and a third of its operating profit. In the end, the company’s order flow was relatively good during the year at roughly EUR 796 million.
During the final quarter of the year, the forest machine market calmed down slightly, while Ponsse’s order flow was roughly EUR 213 million despite the situation. As the availability of parts improved, the factory caught up with its schedules, and Ponsse were able to effectively deliver machines to their customers. Net sales were EUR 224.6 million, driven by the delivery of new machines and the good situation in maintenance.
In 2022, Ponsse launched new products and services at a quick pace. The most significant launches were the Ponsse Mammoth, the latest addition to the forwarder range with its 25-tonne capacity, the Ponsse Scorpion Giant, being the new harvester model, the Ponsse H8 harvester head, and a large number of new maintenance service solutions. New product features seek to make operators’ work easier and improve ergonomics. These included the cabin suspension system Ponsse Active Cabin, the rotating Ponsse Active Seat, and the Ponsse Manager Satellite, which enables satellite connections in forest machines. Ponsse also took their first step towards electric forest machines. The fully electric powertrain of Ponsse EV1, a technological forwarder concept, has been developed with their technology company Epec.
Consolidated net sales for the period under review amounted to EUR 755.1 (608.3) million, which is 24.1 per cent more than in the comparison period. International business operations accounted for 79.1 (75.9) per cent of net sales. Net sales were regionally distributed as follows: Northern Europe 38.0 (41.0) per cent, Central and Southern Europe 21.4 (22.4) per cent, North and South America 36.5 (31.9) per cent and other countries 4.0 (4.6) per cent. Source
The 2956G crawler log loader is ideal for providing a combination of engine horsepower and hydraulics capability, while maintaining a low machine weight for ease of transport.
Designed for logging contractors of all sizes, the 2956G crawler log loader is an ideal solution for customers looking for a machine that provides the best combination of engine horsepower and hydraulics capability, while maintaining a machine weight of less than 90,000 lbs (40,800 kg).
Aimed to help ease transportation, the 2956G crawler log loader features an overall shipping width of less than 11’6” (3.5 m) and a 90,000 lbs (40,800 kg) operating weight. As machine weights and widths increase, so do costs associated with transportation. The design on the 2956G not only helps simplify transportability, but also helps save on costs relating to transport due to its less restrictive transportation requirements. In addition, the new mounting of the log deflector adds additional strength to the right-front corner of the machine and the new, clean, and simple design of the hood profile, aligned with counterweight, helps to enhance debris shedding.
The 2956G crawler log loader machine features excellent engine power for a machine of this size. When combined, the engine power and hydraulic flow significantly boost loading capability, speed, and the capacity to run the Waratah 624. Also, customers looking to increase efficiency in roadside processing can expect improved productivity when running the Waratah 624 head as compared to the 2654G.
Visibility enhancements have also been prioritized in the design of the new 2956G. Enabling additional visibility to the right track, as well as reduce overall impact, the RH front corner log deflector has been strategically moved to the back on the machine. This improves operator visibility to avoid obstacles and impact, reducing potential damage and downtime. Lastly, a rearview camera, light and JDLink antennas have been integrated into the counterweight for additional protection.
Offering ease of serviceability, the 2956G features strategic service access to the machine’s filters and checkpoints. With exceptional access to filters, maintenance points, and the cooling package, operators can stay up and running on the job for longer. These machines are also easy to inspect and change filters with wide open access, helping simplify daily inspections and routine maintenance. Source
BPW provide a free online solution to calculate the potential additional revenue for transport companies.
During the energy and economic crisis, many vehicle operators are looking for solutions that make transport more economical. For this reason, BPW is now offering a free online check that calculates the additional revenue from using advanced trailer technologies and the BAX e-truck. The tool proves how easy it is to generate thousands of euros in additional revenue per year.
Sometimes the less-obvious details can reveal whether a trailer brings in thousands more - or thousands less - in terms of euros per year. One such detail is a hose between the wheel hub and tyre, indicating the use of an automatic tyre pressure control system. Other solutions are completely invisible from the outside: the intelligent load securing system "iGurt" is hidden inside the trailer. As a service product, the maintenance contract from BPW is even completely behind-the-scenes. Every vehicle operator can now calculate for themself, free of charge and without obligation, that these solutions can mean substantial additional income: BPW is now providing an online efficiency calculator that can be fed with individual operating and vehicle data, which it uses to precisely calculate amortisation and additional income and display it graphically. The data which forms the basis for the computer programs was determined through extensive practical tests in real-life driving mode. For the electric truck BAX, BPW also offers an efficiency and amortisation calculator which calculates the additional revenue compared to a diesel vehicle.
Many vehicle operators still waste thousands of euros in additional revenue year after year by driving without innovative system solutions or service solutions on account of the one-time purchase price. We don't rely on catchy advertising slogans to persuade, but on serious facts and figures. An online calculator determines the additional revenue in euros and cents. However, this is not the only added value of the BPW solutions: For example, a gradual loss of pressure in the tyre causes it to heat up. Without AirSave this can quickly result in a tyre bursting and that could have devastating (financial) consequences. The online calculators are available for the products: Source