Achieving yet another manufacturing milestone, John Deere commemorated the production of its 5,000th forestry swing machine, a 2656G Log Loader, with a special ceremony at the John Deere-Hitachi Specialty Products (DHSP) factory. Held on the morning of Jan. 31, John Deere invited the customer who purchased the milestone unit, Bighorn Logging, for a unique presentation and factory tour during a signature Gold Key event.

“This is a paramount moment for the DHSP factory and our employees,” said Jarvis de Groot, DHSP product marketing manager, forestry swing machines. “As a company, we are committed to producing high-quality, reliable equipment, and the achievement of this milestone is a nod to our hardworking, dedicated committees, both in the DSHP factory and worldwide. Our customers are the heartbeat of the company and the reason we are able to do what we do every day. It is an honor to open our doors and celebrate with Bighorn Logging.”

For the event, the DHSP factory hosted Bighorn Logging president, Harve Dethlefs, and vice-president, Mark Standley, as well as their dealer, Papé Machinery. The event started with an overview of the storied history of the DHSP factory, followed by a question and answer session. During the session, which was held in front of the factory employees, Dethlefs and Standley discussed their business and the critical role equipment plays.

Following the interview, Bighorn Logging was presented with a plaque and the 5,000th swing machine was revved up for the very first time in celebration. The day concluded with a factory tour and small reception.

Photo: Jarvis de Groot, DHSP product marketing manager

China market update – The combined effect of strict environmental inspection, the trade friction between China and the United States and the volatility of RMB exchange rate coupled with declining domestic demand is having a big impact on the level of trade and prices at the Zhangjiagang timber market. Analysts write that it is the falling domestic demand that is of most concern to traders.

Zhangjiagang city is the largest distribution centre for imported timber in China. At present there are 28 timber markets around the Zhangjiagang Port with an operation area of more than 1 million square metres and over 2000 timber traders and hundreds of timber processing mills. About half of these mills have developed in recent years.

Zhangjiagang timber imports account for about 25% of all timber imports. The major issue for the industries in the area during 2018 was environmental protection as wood processing plants become the focus of attention because of their poor pollution abatement technologies.

Most of the timber enterprises around the Zhangjiagang Port are family workshops having no effective measures to deal with pollution. This led to the Zhangjiagang industries becoming the focus of investigation in 2018.

As many as 60% of wood processing enterprises around Zhangjiagang Port have been forced to close due to environment control problems since the beginning of 2018. In addition the domestic economic downturn is proving fatal for many small enterprises.

The Chinese real estate industry is the mainstay of the national economy and this suffered a heavy blow in 2018 due to the economic downturn.

Pölkky Oy has announced a major investment program, targeting its production facilities in northern Finland. The value of the first phase in the investment program is Euro 30 million. In the first phase, Pölkky will modernize the production technologies at its sawmill in Kajaani, enabling more effective usage of the high-quality raw material in the Kainuu region, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

As new technologies create the need for new kinds of competence, Pölkky Oy is also investing in its people. Pölkky has initiated extensive programs for recruitment as well for the development of its employees’ wellbeing at work. In addition to modern technology, the company believes that employee wellbeing is a significant competitive advantage in today’s market.

“The global growth trend in timber construction is increasing the need for high quality processed wood products in all markets. Meanwhile, the value of raw timber in the forest is growing. With our new investment program we aim to significantly increase the use of raw timber, generating new jobs in all phases in our production chain in northern Finland,” says Petteri Virranniemi, CEO of Pölkky Oy.

Pölkky Oy is the largest private wood processing company in northern Finland. Pölkky Oy uses 1.4 million cubic metres of raw timber annually, across its four sawmills in Finland. The company’s turnover is Euro 180 million. Pölkky has 420 employees in wood procurement, sawing and processing.

Photo : Petteri Virranniemi, CEO of Pölkky Oy

Tigercat continues to set the bar high with the introduction of the new 890 logger – the largest machine in the Tigercat forestry equipment line-up – a heavy duty, purpose-built forestry carrier that can be configured for loading, shovel logging or processing.

Weighing 47 900 kg (105,600 lb), it is the largest, highest capacity machine in Tigercat’s purpose built forestry product line. The Tigercat FPT C87 engine delivers 245 kW (330 hp) at 2,000 rpm for Tier 2 and Tier 4 emission compliance.

The large swing bearing provides increased capacity and swing torque. The twin swing drive system reduces gear tooth loads, and a massive single-piece, forged pedestal strengthens the undercarriage and improves durability.

A new, longer F7-172 heavy-duty10 roller track frame with a wide stance carbody gives the 890 exceptional stability. Track components are co-designed with Berco to provide maximum durability in forestry applications.

The 890 logger shares the modular main hydraulic valve with all other Tigercat 800 series carriers for improved parts commonality. With the ability to easily swap out a valve section, the modular design simplifies maintenance. New larger capacity valve sections are used for main and stick boom circuits to provide higher flow rates and improve efficiency.

The 890 has plenty of cooling capacity with an automatic variable speed fan for improved fuel efficiency and an automatic reversing cycle to clean the heat exchangers. Another fuel saving feature is the energy recovery swing system. A closed loop drive feeds power back to the engine when swing decelerates, reducing fuel consumption and recovering energy for other machine functions.

Service access is outstanding with the power operated side engine door and overhead roof enclosure. The entire upper assembly is designed for extreme duty. Heavy wall side bumpers and a solid cast counterweight protect the upper assembly from impacts when swinging.

Convenient walk-up access to the rear entry door leads to a generous interior cab. The cabin is quiet and comfortable with excellent visibility. The full-length front window and additional floor windows provide clear sightlines. The high output climate control system keeps the operator comfortable even in temperature extremes. LED lighting and the new rearVIEW camera system improve operator visibility.

Komatsu America Corp. a leading global heavy equipment manufacturer, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TimberPro, Inc.

Rolling Meadows, Ill., February 19, 2019 – Komatsu America Corp. a leading global heavy equipment manufacturer, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TimberPro, Inc.

The acquisition is expected to close on April 1st 2019, subject to completion of the closing conditions.

Established in 2002, TimberPro is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of purpose-built forest machines and attachments, offering tracked feller bunchers and harvesters, forwarders, wheeled harvesters, and felling heads.

“Acquiring TimberPro will strengthen the company’s position in the full-tree-length market and enables us to offer a highly competitive range of products for professional logging,” said Rod Schrader, CEO, Komatsu America Corp.

About Komatsu America Corp.
Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd., the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of earth-moving equipment, consisting of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Komatsu America also serves the forklift and forestry markets. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support its equipment. Komatsu has proudly provided high-quality reliable products for nearly a century. Visit the website at www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.

Komatsu® is an authorized trademark of Komatsu Ltd.  Komatsu America Corp. is an authorized licensee of Komatsu Ltd.  All other trademarks and service marks used herein are the property of Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu America Corp., or their respective owners or licensees.

Photo: Rod Schrader, CEO Komatsu America Corp.

REVISED  Cat® M Series Wheel Loader (950M – 982M)
The 2019 product update package for Cat® M Series Medium Wheel Loaders (950M – 982M) includes technology advances that provide: lower operating costs via extended service intervals; enhanced operator comfort with new seats and suspensions; emissions control strategies to meet EU Stage V standards (EU only); added machine configurations (982M Forestry Machine and 982M High Lift); expanded productivity measurement tools; remote software update capability; and refinements in ground engaging tool and coupler systems. Periodic updates allow Caterpillar to bring new and improved features to market more quickly and more frequently than do conventional New Product Introduction (NPI) cycles.

Extended service intervals, emissions control
U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V models save maintenance costs by extending engine oil, engine oil filter and hydraulic oil filter change intervals from 500 hours up to 1,000 hours. Based on estimated comparisons of total engine and hydraulic fluids, filters, and sampling costs during a 6,000-hour period, costs can be potentially reduced by 16 to 23 percent. (For Tier 3 equivalent models, extended intervals apply only to hydraulic filters.)

In addition, several fuel and engine oil filters are being converted from spin-on to cartridge-type. Benefits of cartridge-type filters include fewer parts to replace at servicing (housing is retained), easier disposal of used elements, and less costly replacement parts.

Next Generation seats and suspensions
The “next generation” of seats and suspensions offers three trim levels—comfort, deluxe, and premium plus—and feature high-visibility, seat-adjustment controls, as well as ride stiffness adjustments. A new “breakthrough” suspension for deluxe and premium plus trim levels increases dampening at the top and bottom of seat travel, providing additional suspension stability and avoiding hard stops at travel limits.

The ride stiffness of the seat suspension is adjustable to different settings, allowing operators to tailor seat dampening to individual preferences and to the application. This feature was previously included only with EH steering (joystick and wheel), but with the 2019 product update, it is now included with HMU steering wheel units with deluxe and premium plus seats.

Payload management
The Cat Advanced Productivity application is a web-based tool used to visualize machine production-related data and complements Cat PAYLOAD, Cat Production Measurement 2.0. The tool is accessed from VisionLink™ and includes a user-customizable report dashboard, cycle-by-cycle downloadable data, and a list of features for truck and material identification lists.

Other key features include a new user interface (mobile friendly), time series data, multiple asset comparison, fleet or individual asset key-process-indicator target settings, and support for multiple machine types. Requirements for use include cellular Product Link™, Advanced Productivity subscription, and authorized User ID.

Remote flash support
Remote flash support allows the dealer to push software update files to the customer’s machine and authorizes the user to initiate installation via the dealer service portal. Any authorized user with CWS (Caterpillar Corporate Web Security ID) and a mobile device can initiate flash, which occurs in 30 minutes from initiation to completion. This service is provided at no cost to dealer for machines for machines with cellular Product Link, (standard on current 950 – 982 medium wheel loaders except the 950 GC), with remote-flash-compatible software. CWS authorization and mobile device required to initiate.

New 982M configurations
New configurations in the medium wheel loader lineup include the 982M Forestry Machine and the 982M High Lift. The new 982M Forestry Machine (logger) is capable lifting 28,000 pounds (12 700 kg) with a pin-on mill yard grapple. Changes from the standard 982M include a larger tilt cylinder, upgraded rear frame, and heavier counterweight. Third party logging grapples and woodchip buckets are available.
The 982M High Lift, compared with the standard lift version, increases dump clearance under the bucket pin from 15 feet 6 inches, to 16 feet 10 inches (4 743 to 5 143 mm). Configuration changes from the standard 982M include a new lift arm, new tilt cylinder, new tilt link, and the counterweight from the 982M Aggregate Handler.

Advansys GET
The Advansys ground-engaging-tool system included in the product update is a Cat tip system designed with exclusive performance features that result in less drag and higher productivity. The new tip shapes place wear-resistant material in the most vulnerable areas, resulting in significantly longer service life. A stronger adapter nose results in up to 50 percent less stress, and improved adapter-nose geometry reduces sliding wear on adapter surfaces. The improved tip shapes shadow the adapter straps and welds for longer adapter life. New 980M/982M buckets are released with weld on adapters; 950M – 982M bolt-on adapters are interchangeable with the former J and K Series.

Additional updates
Among the package of updates for medium wheel loaders is a new universal coupler for models 966M – 972M. The new coupler eliminates width interference with multiple tools and a reduced offset increases breakout force by 4 percent.
New LED and Halogen work and roading light packages increase safety when working in dark conditions. Handrail high visibility films enhance awareness of handrail locations and are available from your Caterpillar dealership.

As outlined in an earlier release a couple of weeks ago, John Deere Construction & Forestry and Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd had announced they were ending a successful 29-year distribution arrangement of Deere branded and manufactured construction, forestry, and compact machinery in Australia. In line with this change, AFGRI Equipment has been appointed by John Deere to distribute its construction and forestry equipment in Western Australia.

According to Patrick Roux, Chairman of the Board of AFGRI Australia, this is thanks to the exceptional relationship that AFGRI has established with John Deere, spanning 56 years. “The success we’ve enjoyed with the John Deere agricultural range in Western Australia, combined with our outstanding service levels and ethos, as well as excellent customer relationships and our extensive retail network in Australia, encouraged John Deere to approach us to manage its construction and forestry equipment retail network in the region.”

Effective 1 May 2019, AFGRI Equipment will be a fully-fledged John Deere construction and forestry equipment dealer in Western Australia. It will initially operate across five strategically placed branches in the state, namely Geraldton, Albany, Esperance, Boyup Brook and Perth.

Roux added that he was confident that AFGRI Equipment’s deep retail knowledge and experience in the agricultural sector could easily be transferred to the construction and forestry space. “We have become the ‘go to’ company for many Australian farmers, and we’re truly delighted to extend our services to local construction and forestry companies, we are sure we will earn this same reputation.”

Roux concluded by saying, “With the contract now signed, we are very enthusiastic to prove ourselves worthy of this appointment and have already actively started to recruit and appoint specialist staff, so we can get off to a cracking start come 1 May.”

Source & Photo: John Deere

Leading Canadian Sawmill Machinery Manufacturer TS Manufacturing has recently acquired a majority shareholding in Automation & Electronics NZ Ltd and its AEUSA division based in North Carolina. The acquisition strengthens TS Controls division in the North American market by adding additional controls support combined with AE Optimization technology.

A&E is a well-established company with a 33-year history in the Australasian wood processing market combined with AEUSA having a ten-year presence in the US market. The acquisition consolidates A&E’s position in the US market enabling significant growth and further R&D investment.

For A&E in New Zealand it means business as normal and continuing to support existing clients along with traditional engineering partners in Australia and New Zealand. Brian Smith founding Director of Automation & Electronics says “this is an exciting time for the business that enables us to expand our North American presence, increase our global engineering capability and at the same time be able to better support our Australasian and OEM clients with the added value of TS support in behind.

The other exciting factor in the negotiation is we have retained our valued twenty-five- year association with Windsor Engineering Group who remain as a shareholder within the company which further consolidates the company’s position. There is also opportunity for a Windsor and TS manufacturing combination and we already have one major project on in Alabama where both companies are suppliers to the same mill.

Source: A&E