Producing 19,000 machines and counting, Tigercat has grown into a global success story — by helping its customers to succeed. With an employee count of 1,400 and over 150 independent dealer locations worldwide, Tigercat has accomplished what many thought to be unimaginable in just 25 years.

Delegates at our FIEA HarvestTECH conference last week were treated to the southern hemisphere debut viewing of the full celebration video during the conference.

It’s got some awesome footage of their customers, the gear in action in forests in many countries and, of course, the old machine #1 being returned to it’s former glory.

For the full media release including archived articles of the early days of Tigercat, stories on its first customers, pictures of the first ever Tigercat machine rebuilt, and information on the new 25 year film release, visit http://www.tigercat.com/25years/.

Forestry in growth mode and struggling to find workers – Forestry has grown rapidly in recent years to become the main driver of the district’s economy, worth an estimated $262 million a year. A 2013 study found more than one in four households in our region have a person whose job is dependent on forestry. Annual log volumes are closing in on 3m tonnes, and predicted to rise towards a peak of 5.5m tonnes about 10 years from now.

Last month Eastland Port announced plans to invest $70m over the next five years, mostly to enable twin-berthing of log ships so it can export over 5m tonnes of logs a year, up from 2.9m tonnes now. Local co-investment to encourage more processing here will hopefully soon begin bearing high-value wood products. The big constraint on the industry — other than the state of our roads — is the ability to attract enough new workers to harvest the trees.

A local correspondent highlighted this “mission critical” issue last week, saying 400 workers are needed in the next four years and we need to produce most of them ourselves as there is strong demand for forestry workers nationwide.

His focus has been on graduate output from the two local training providers, EIT and Turanga Ararau, as well as asking what the Eastland Wood Council’s plan is and how that is progressing.

Source: Gisborne Herald

Sharp increase in log exports from US South to China in early 2017; future growth will be tough –

Total southern yellow pine log exports from the US South to China in 2017-Q1 were 204,000 m3, nearly double the previous first quarter peak in 2015. Even more impressive was that the share of US log exports to China coming from the US South increased from only three percent in 2016, and jumped to 21 percent in 2017-Q1, an all-time record. China’s import demand for softwood logs and lumber were surprisingly strong in early 2017. Log imports were 20 percent higher than in 2016-Q1, and lumber imports were up 24 percent over last year. More than 90 percent of China’s softwood log sources are from five countries: New Zealand, Russia, US, Australia and Canada.

Until recently, Ukraine has been by far the major “Other Supplier” to China, with volumes of pine log exports to China exceeding 1 million m3 in several recent years, and accounting for as much as 4.4 percent of China’s total softwood log imports (in 2014).
However, Ukraine has now banned log exports, starting with hardwood logs in 2015. Since January 1, 2017, exports of unprocessed pine logs are also prohibited. The US South has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the decline in log shipments from Ukraine.
The main shipping method for logs from the US South to China is using containers.

Over the past few years, South Korea has become the largest pellet importer in Asia, ahead of Japan, and the third largest in the world, and South Korean demand is expected to continue to increase in the coming years, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Vietnam has been the major supplier of pellets to Asia, accounting for about 65% of the total import volume in late 2016 and early 2017.

Wood pellet imports to Asia reached an all-time-high in the 4Q/16 when Japan and South Korea together imported 630,000 tons of pellets. Although import volumes were down slightly in the 1Q/17, they were still over 40% higher than in the 1Q/16, as reported in the latest issue of the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). South Korea is by far the main destination for pellets in Asia, and in 2016, the country was the world’s third largest importer of pellets, trailing only the United Kingdom and Denmark. Although import volumes to Japan have tripled from 2014 to 2016, the usage of pellets is still at a relatively low level (see WRQ for detailed trade data).

Consumption of pellets in Japan and South Korea has increased quite rapidly the past four years because of new government requirements which favor reducing carbon emissions and increasing the usage of renewable energy. The recent trend in pellet usage is likely to continue in the future and is driven both by incentives (subsidies) and regulations (renewable energy portfolio standards). With an urgent need to replace nuclear energy and generous feed-in-tariffs, it is expected that Japan will increase importation of wood pellets quite substantially over the next five years.

Vietnam has been the major supplier of pellets to the Asian market for the past three years, accounting for almost two-thirds of the shipments to Japan and South Korea in 2016. Canada was an early supplier to the Asian market, but its market share dropped from 22% in 2014 to 14% in 2016. However, in the 1Q/17, Canada increased shipments to Asia to the second the highest quarterly level on record and the market share was up to21%.

Import prices for pellets to South Korea fell dramatically from early 2014 to the summer of 2016, according to a recent WRQ Trade Snapshot report. The two-year long price decline ended in the 3Q/16, when prices slowly started to recover. The import prices continued their upward trend during the first four months of 2017 with Malaysian pellets increasing the most.

Global lumber, sawlog and pulpwood market reporting is included in the 52-page quarterly publication Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The report, which was established in 1988 and has subscribers in over 30 countries, tracks sawlog, pulpwood, wood chip, lumber and pellet prices, trade and market developments in most key regions around the world. To subscribe to the WRQ, please go to www.woodprices.com

Contact Information
Wood Resources International LLC
Hakan Ekstrom
Seattle, USA
info@woodprices.com
www.woodprices.com

Japanese-owned Pan Pac Forest Products has completed the NZ$24million redevelopment of its Milburn sawmill which is now fully operational and staffed.

The Milburn plant, south of Dunedin, near Milton, has some of the newest and most environmentally efficient equipment on site, from its fuel source, to air emission cleansing to its “latest technology” kiln drying facilities.

Milburn uses 100% radiata pine to mill appearance grade lumber, at present solely for export to Asian customers. The more than year-long redevelopment has doubled output from 50,000cum of lumber a year to 100,000cum, with plenty of capacity to spare.

Pan Pac has been operating in Hawke’s Bay for 44 years and 30 months ago bought part of the former Southern Cross Forest Products company out of receivership, which is its first foray into Otago. With minimal loss to production, the dry sorting equipment from the Milton plant was moved to Milburn, and other new sawmilling equipment installed, all in large sheds.

“Really, at 100,000cum we are in the niche market area. Output of 500,000 cu m has become the commercial industry standard,” Pan Pac managing director Doug Ducker said. Pan Pac’s operations manager at Milburn, Blair Watson, said logs were sourced from around Otago, from small forest holdings and also City Forests, Matariki and Wenita. Mr Watson said the kiln was the largest one of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Mr Ducker said emission issues at the former Milton site had been overcome with the installation of a $1.5million electrostatic precipitator, which is the final cleanser for emissions. The filtration system removes fine particles from gases using an induced electrostatic charge. The plant uses just 5ha of the total 37ha of land around it.

Mr Ducker said expansion was part of the future plans. The new plant itself was operating at about 50% of capacity at the moment. He expected that in 10 to 15 years there would be a large amount of 1990s-planted Otago forests “coming on stream”, largely from small forest owners.

Source: odt.co.nz

OFA Paragon 16 Soft is a development of the original Paragon 16 with a more open chain pattern, resulting in improved performance on soft terrains. The longitudinal studded chain lines enable simplified adjustment and reduced maintenance. Paragon 16 Soft suits very well for forwarders, as the transverse chain lines make the chain very stable on tyre, regardless of the driving direction. The tensioning chain protects the tyre sidewall and shoulders.
OFA U-Grip 22 is a new heavy-duty skidder chain. The U-stud, which is welded under the chain link, ensures constant power and weight transfer from the tire for excellent grip. The casehardened 22 mm (7/8”) chain link, made from German high-grade boron steel, ensures best-in-class lifetime for the most extreme conditions. 100 mm high stud profile provides maximum traction in snow and mud and the round sharp studs ensure high traction on ice and hard ground.
Nordic Traction Group specializes in the manufacturing of tire traction chains. At our state-of-the art factory in Finland, special Boron alloy steel is converted into the highest quality tire chain. Prior to painting and packing, the chains are case-hardened in a special process which makes the products extremely durable with high surface hardness and provides excellent fatigue strength and a resilient core. The long tradition, ‘Made in Finland’ quality and ISO 9001 certified quality management system make sure OFA chains have a long lifetime even in extreme conditions.

More information:
www.ofa.fi
Timo Oksanen, timo.oksanen@nordictraction.fi
Nordic Traction Oy, Hirvikoskentie 128, FI-32200 LOIMAA, Finland.

The impact of feed rollers on the productivity of harvesting work and the quality of the end product should not be underestimated. The ingenious, uncompromising design and low price of the V-Tec give forest machine contractors the opportunity to improve the productivity of the harvester.

The gripping surface machined onto the diagonal shank in the direction of the axle forms a circular outer sphere, which feeds timber evenly. Cutting length is achieved faster, the operation becomes more effective, improving profitability. The spikes on the diagonal shank provide sturdy support for the timber. The rollers provide excellent grip in both feeding directions, backwards and forwards. The grip also minimizes surface damage. Gripping pressure may be lowered, which also provides savings in fuel costs. V-Tec has an open, light, non-clogging structure. The rollers are made of hard, tough Hardox 450 steel.

MenSe has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing feed rollers for harvesting machines. The company’s first product, developed in the 90s, a rubber-damped steel feed roller, combines the benefits of steel and rubber rollers. Now V-Tec rebuilds the feed roller structure once more. We are continuously developing our products, taking into account the wishes and needs of forestry professionals and their stakeholders.

Machine-operated pre-clearing – releases scarce human resources for important seedling stand maintenance work

Cost savings are achieved when pre-clearing and harvesting of the forest can be done simultaneously. Forest owners in particular will benefit from this new method, according to a survey carried out by the Finnish Forest Research Institute Metsäteho. (Metsäteho result slide series 12/2016.)

A pre-clearing attachment device is an intelligent solution, which is intended to be used both for harvesting and energy wood grapples. The device comes in two sizes. The contractor can provide a more complete service for the customer. Fair compensation must be paid to the contractor for the additional work. The harvesting clearing method can also be considered to improve diversity in forests given that the driver can select trees that restrict the harvesting work. In this way, as much undergrowth as possible will remain as forage, which also benefits wild animals.

According to Research Institute Metsäteho’s results, the attachment saves EUR 86 – 151/hectare when compared to conventional pre-clearing methods. (Ovaskainen et. al., 2012.) With the clearing blade, clearing is more economical when the density of the trees is below 12,000–14,000 trunks per hectare. (Ovaskainen & Sandström, 2016.) In addition, it was observed that rewetting was very limited when the MenSe clearing blade attachment was used.

A clearing blade attachment for a harvester grapple or energy wood grapple is a device which can be mounted easily with a quick mounting unit. As a novelty, the machine is equipped with a blade rotating to the side. When no cutting is being done, the blade rests against the grapple frame, so it in no way obstructs the normal operation of the machine.

The weight of the RT7 is 58 kg and the distance between the cutting blade teeth is 7cm (for the smaller RT5: 47kg and 5cm).

MenSe Oy also provides log processing rollers with a flexible structure for sawmills. Thanks to the structure the bearings and axles are spared many problems.

Contact: Elisa Mentula Tel. +358 50 321 5929
e-mail: elisa.mentula@mense.fi
http://www.mense.fi/

SFPA’s 34th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – Expo 2017 – was a spectacular showcase for the wood products industry last week in Atlanta.  For three days, 186 exhibitors displayed the latest equipment, technology and services available. Featuring a floor plan that was larger than the 2015 event with nearly 2,000 exhibitors and visitors in attendance, Expo 2017 covered more than 55,000 square feet in two halls of the Georgia World Congress Centre. Across the show floor, tabletop placards noted the SFPA associate membership of 53 exhibitors. And the growth of the show was evidenced by the list of 35 first-time exhibitors.  Click here to see a collection of photos from the show.
“Once again, quality attendance wins,” remarked exposition director Eric Gee. “Exhibitors were pleased seeing decision-makers who were ready to upgrade their hardwood and softwood sawmill operations,” he added.
Exhibitors were impressed with the quality crowd, commenting: “The right people came here with purchasing power.” “Face-to-face time here with mill owners is invaluable to the growth of our business.” “We enjoyed focused visits with decision-makers.”
For the first time, Expo held a Q&A chat on the Expo Twitter page (@forestprodexpo) during the show. It was an opportunity to create a conversation between Expo and the wonderful exhibitors. The twitter chat gave exhibitors the opportunity to promote their companies and products. A special thanks goes to @Taylor_Machine, @JoeScan, @WebsterChain, @Lucidyne, @Opticomtech, @lmi3d, @FasterAtMaster and @FinScanInc for participating.

The Twitter chat also gave Expo staff an opportunity to hear what exhibitors think of the show. Webster Industries tweeted “The Expo has increased our brand awareness by introducing our products and services to potential customers, as well as establishing new relationships.” The best part of the Expo Q&A is that the entire conversation is saved on Twitter and can be read again by searching #FPEXPO17Chat at the top of your Twitter page. Timber Processing Magazine’s editor, Dan Shell, was able to capture the exhibitors thoughts on Expo 2017 and the Forest Products Industry. Click here to view the video interview of a few of Expo’s exhibitors.

Once again, the INNOTECH program brought the educational element to the show, providing two full days of more than 20 presentations covering advances in sawmill technologies, project planning, mill upgrades and market research.

Next steps include a meeting of SFPA’s Expo Advisory Committee to assess the show’s success and begin the planning phase for Expo 2019. For questions or comments about the show, please e-mail Eric at egee@sfpa.org.

Safety Awards Presented

During a Welcome Reception for lumber manufacturers at Expo 2017, seven SFPA member sawmills were recognized for perfect safety records during 2016. Mills are recognized in three divisions, according to their annual production. Division I mills producing under 50 million board feet annually, Division II mills produce 51-150 million board feet, and Division III mills produce more than 150 million board feet.

SFPA Chairman Kerlin Drake accepted awards for the Canfor Southern Pine mills at Jackson, Alabama (Division II) and Graham, North Carolina (Division III); Neal Shunk and Jamey Ramer accepted awards for the Weyerhaeuser mills at Zwolle, Louisiana (Division I), Holden, Louisiana and Millport, Alabama (Division II), plus Bruce, Mississippi and Dodson, Louisiana (Division III). SFPA Executive Director Tami Kessler assisted with the presentations.

In presenting the awards, Chairman Drake remarked, “When it comes to operating a sawmill, the safety of our workers remains our number one concern. On behalf of all SFPA members, I want to recognize these seven mills that have made safety in the workplace a top priority.”

The reception was sponsored by the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau and the Southern Pine Council.

SP News for Dealers in BPD

The current issue of Building Products Digest devotes five pages to an update on SFPA resources for lumber dealers and distributors. From the online tools provided on the SouthernPine.com website to the value of using pressure-treated southern pine lumber, the article reinforces the message that the Southern Pine industry is navigating a promising future. From marine projects and decks to interior flooring and patterns, the article convinces dealers that Southern Pine materials are ideal for a wide range of applications. Readers are also introduced to SFPA as the social influencer of SP materials. With SFPA’s goal to deliver the latest information and benefits of using southern pine as a building product, social media resources like the SFPA Twitter (@Southern_Pine) and Instagram (@SouthernPineLumber_SFPA) pages make it easier for dealers to receive updates. Readers are also encouraged to sign-up for the SFPA newsletter online at this convenient link.

An additional two pages are dedicated to inspiring DIYers to tackle weekend projects. Lumber retailers find that customer education is an effective method of increasing sales of materials, tools and hardware to build outdoor projects.

“The special feature in this key trade magazine is one of Southern Pine’s annual opportunities to inform lumber dealers about the information and resources SFPA makes available online,” says Richard Wallace, SFPA’s vice president of communications.

Click here to read the June issue online; SFPA’s Southern Pine feature begins on page 34. Building Products Digest is read by some 20,000 dealers and distributors in 37 states.

International Monthly Update

The status of the Southern Pine Council’s international program activities is summarized in the latest report covering May. This 12-page update lists activities undertaken by country, plus the constraints or opportunities faced in each market along with a brief description of actions taken. Any changes that have occurred since the last report are highlighted.

SFPA members can access this update within the Members Only section of SFPA.org, listed under “Market Reports”.

Designed to enhance productivity and efficiency, John Deere is debuting its enhanced production series buckets for the 744K-II, 824K-II and 844K-III wheel loader models. The enhanced production buckets offer several new features, including an improved bucket profile, integrated narrow spill guards, bushed static bucket pin joints and optional wear plating.

“In speaking with wheel loader users in the field, they drove home the fact they wanted a bucket option that would increase production and offer greater efficiency in material retention,” said John Chesterman, product marketing manager, production class four-wheel drive loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “We worked with our engineers to develop 30 configurations that improve loading and visibility; are easier and quicker to repair; and extend bucket life in all types of material.”

When updating bucket design, John Deere added curved profile side cutters that improve material retention and allow for better bucket fill of loose material. Integrated narrow spill guards provide better visibility to the load so the operator can see when the bucket is full. This helps reduce loading time, fuel consumption and number of loads on the machine, and protects wheel loader linkage.

The enhanced production series buckets also feature bushed static bucket pin joints — a popular feature on the current 844K and 944K wheel loaders. These pin joints greatly reduce the need for welding and align boring for repair, enable repair in the field and greatly reduce maintenance time overall.

John Deere is also offering improved, optional wear plates to extend bucket life. Non-wear plate buckets are available with external cheek plates only and are ideal for non-abrasive materials. Wear plate buckets include external and internal cheek plates and wear liners on the floor.

For additional information, visit http://www.JohnDeere.com or contact your local dealer.

Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division Mailing: P.O. Box 8806 Moline, IL 61266-8806

Kyle Rubeling
imre
Phone: 410-821-8220
E-mail: kyler@imre.com
Photo: John Deere is introducing 30 new bucket configurations for the 744K-II, 824K-II and 844K-II wheel loaders

Designed to take advantage of the improved performance capabilities and boom design of the G-Series skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs), John Deere now offers a 90-inch Light Material High-Capacity Bucket (LM90) as part of the ever-expanding lineup of Worksite Pro™ attachments. It features a high back for maximum capacity to cut through piles of snow, mulch or other light materials in large quantities, significantly reducing cycle times versus smaller size buckets.

“Customer feedback to the new G-Series machines has been extremely positive because they are powerful and highly productive,” said Gregg Zupancic, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “When equipped with a Light Material High-Capacity bucket, that productivity is magnified, making these machines capable of working just as hard as a larger piece of construction equipment.”

The new 90-inch light material bucket has a heaped capacity of 54 cubic feet and can carry more material per load than previous John Deere offerings. The increased width and high-back design reduces spillage and provides industry-leading capacity. An integrated step on the back of the bucket is also included for easy entry and exit from the machine.

With the universal, self-cleaning Quik-Tatch™ easy attachment system found on all John Deere skid steers, CTLs and compact excavators, the machine can easily add and remove the Light Material High-Capacity bucket in seconds. The new attachment series is also backed by John Deere parts, service and warranty coverage.

To learn more, visit www.johndeere.com or contact your local John Deere dealer.

Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division
Mailing: P.O. Box 8806
Moline, IL 61266-8806

Kyle Rubeling
imre
Phone: 410-821-8220
E-mail: kyler@imre.com
Photo: The LM90 cuts through snow, mulch, or other light materials in large quantities