USNR’s End-Dog Carriage system captures grade recovery at high production levels. It features multipass capability, positive positioning, and total log control, giving you the tools to balance grade and production goals.

 The control system works with your scanning and optimization system enabling you to achieve incredible sawing accuracy and higher recovery.

 Three advanced cutting modes offer the flexibility to get the most from your resource. MOF+ and BOF modes improve consistency and maximize grade out, giving you more control over your product mix to meet market demands. Optimized Grade Sawing is the industry’s most advanced yet easy-to-use system available.

Click here to watch a video on this system.

The H219 is ideal for use with large harvesters and big timber. The two-wheel-drive H219 harvester head has dual-speed feed motors. Its feed force and speed automatically adjust to the size of the timber being processed. Delimbing quality is excellent regardless of the diameter of the timber. Long knives and large roller openings make it easy to grab the tree for fell cutting.

The combined function of two feed rollers and powerful delimbing knives provides smooth processing of straight and crooked trees alike. Better routing of the feed motor hoses and the hose protection increases the durability of the hoses. The feed motor’s hose connections outside the valve cover enable easy replacement of hoses, and the new, hinged valve covers improve serviceability.

The serviceability of the length measuring equipment has been improved, and the area around the equipment is better protected. The structure and the strength of the length measuring equipment have been improved, enabling use of the required pressure force of the measuring roller with all types of trees. A new measuring roller option has been developed for trees with thick bark.

Thanks to the TimberMatic control system, the measuring accuracy is excellent. The automatic zeroing of the length measuring with the Find End sensor facilitates and accelerates log processing.

The top-saw option maximizes productivity in hardwood harvesting and processing. The John Deere H219 is a powerful harvester head built for use with large wheeled and tracked harvesters. Additionally, the H219 harvester head is ideal for debarking big eucalyptus trees.

 Maximum cutting diameter 750 mm

 Feed force 37.7 / 28.1 kN

 Maximum feed speed 4.5–6.0 m/s

 Weight without rotator and link 1930 kg

New SuperCut 100S saw unit for all John Deere harvester heads
Starting in spring 2020, all John Deere harvester heads will have a new SuperCut 100S saw unit. The saw unit’s next-generation chain tensioning unit, automatic chain tensioning, and mechanical bar locking give it added efficiency and reliability. The improved chain release makes it easier to replace the saw chain. The new saw unit enables also a bigger selection in terms of saw motors and saw bars.

John Deere harvester heads are known for their productivity, reliability and measuring accuracy.
John Deere harvester heads are high performance tools that meet the industry’s stringent quality requirements in all working conditions. Harvester head testing is part of John Deere’s product testing process. Each harvester head model has been field-tested for thousands of hours before the start of serial production.

John Deere harvester heads are designed and manufactured in Finland.

While many are isolating at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ritchie Bros says the world of heavy equipment auctions is still turning.

The industry leader has taken all its auctions online and has so far seen very little change in anticipated demand – or selling price levels – for secondhand construction and agricultural machines over the last few months, it said. The company also sells forestry equipment through its auction marketplace.

Karl Werner, International President at Ritchie Bros, said: “Despite these uncertain times, we’re hearing from customers that there is still lots of work going on in the world – maintaining highways, power and telecommunications, water and sewerage systems, as well as transporting groceries and medicines – and we provide the equipment to companies delivering these essential services.

“The regular in and outflow of fleet management does not stop, and we’re here to help with a variety of sales solutions and contract options to suit any need.”

Over its 62-year history, Ritchie Bros has become a trusted advisor in the industry, with millions of clients around the globe counting on the valuable insight it provides, it says.

“We have accumulated a huge amount of market and selling price data – on equipment types, makes and models, and manufacturing years – that we leverage to our clients’ advantage,” Werner said. “Using this data and our experience, we will recommend the right time and place to sell – whatever is going on in the world.”

Beyond keeping its auctions and marketplaces up and running, Ritchie Bros says it has demonstrated its commitment to sellers during these challenging times by offering several flexible selling options to ease cash flow. Most notably, it has an advance payment option, where sellers can provide funds in advance against the expected sale price for equipment, if a seller does not wish to wait until the next scheduled auction.

“Our vast experience of buying and selling equipment around the world means we can estimate equipment value with a high degree of accuracy. Final sale prices are usually within a small range of our expectations,” Werner says. “That allows us to offer customers the option of drawing funds in advance of a sale with an advance payment or using another of our bespoke selling options. We’re seeing in these times there is more need for services like this.”

In addition to advance payment services, sellers can also transfer ownership directly to Ritchie Bros to limit administration around the sale. Equipment owners can receive individual selling advice by talking with a Ritchie Bros representative, who, the company says, will establish the best disposition choice for them.

“Naturally, there is some uncertainty at the moment, but we want to reassure our clients and discuss options that will give them the best outcome for their business now and in the long term,” he concludes.

Rayonier Inc. completes the acquisition of Pope Resources, A Delaware Limited Partnership. Unitholders of Pope Resources approved the transaction at a special meeting of unitholders held on May 5, 2020.

“The completion of this transaction significantly expands and enhances our Pacific Northwest timberland and real estate portfolio,” said David Nunes, President and CEO of Rayonier. “It further represents a significant milestone in our long-term strategy of acquiring high-quality timberlands in strong log markets and building long-term value for our shareholders through prudent capital allocation. We’re very excited about the opportunity to integrate our complementary assets and to welcome the Pope employees who will become part of Rayonier. We share compatible cultures and a long history of dedication to value maximization, and we are eager to share best practices and capture synergies across our combined organization. Additionally, we’re excited to be employing an innovative tax-deferred UPREIT structure and look forward to leveraging this structure in the future to grow Rayonier’s high-quality timberland portfolio.”

Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand.

Photo: David Nunes, President and CEO of Rayonier

Södra has now ended the furlough scheme introduced at the sawmill and port at Mönsterås, Sweden, in April in light of reduced demand related to the ongoing pandemic.

“We decided to introduce a furlough scheme because the UK was closed. The UK market is gradually re-opening and we have also identified new business opportunities, which is why we will be resuming normal production rates at Mönsterås by 18 May,” said Jörgen Lindquist, President of the Södra Wood business area.

At the beginning of April, Södra announced it would be introducing a furlough scheme at the sawmills in Orrefors, Mönsterås and Hamina (in Finland) in light of reduced demand related to the ongoing pandemic. However, the UK is now re-opening and Södra has also identified new business opportunities during this period. The decision to end the furlough scheme at Orrefors had already been announced by the end of April, and now it’s also time for Mönsterås to resume production.

“We were already low-staffed at Mönsterås before the crisis and will now need to recruit 5-6 new employees when we scale up to full production,” said Jörgen Lindquist.

Södra is waiting to restart production at the sawmill in Hamina, however, which essentially delivers only to the UK.

“We are seeing several positive signals and monitoring the market carefully in order to decide when we should resume full production at Hamina,” said Jörgen Lindquist.

Södra will continue to prioritise the harvesting of damaged forest, and other harvesting will be subject to geographic differences, depending on possible deliveries to the mills.

Photo: Jörgen Lindquist, President of the Södra Wood business area

International forestry investment manager New Forests announced the extension of its flagship forestry fund, the Australia New Zealand Forest Fund (ANZFF). Originally launched in 2010 as a 10-year, closed-end fund, ANZFF was converted into an extended long-term vehicle by agreement of the institutional investors in the fund. The extension includes a series of 12-year renewals, commencing 1 July 2020.

New Forests’ Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Mark Rogers, explained, “Over the past several years, we have worked closely with our ANZFF clients to develop an approach that enables them to continue to hold high-quality forestry and forestry-related assets for the long term, benefiting from cash yield and attractive markets. The structure we have developed lets New Forests work on our investors’ behalf to drive value into the future.”

The ANZFF portfolio includes extensive, high-quality eucalyptus and pine plantations across Australia as well as the Timberlink wood products manufacturing and timber distribution business. With a mature asset base, New Forests anticipates that ANZFF will generate ongoing cash yield from timber harvest and wood products sales as well as preserving and creating long-term value through managing biological growth and land assets for strong, stable total returns.

The ANZFF estate includes approximately 283,000 gross hectares of land area, with around 195,000 hectares net planted area, and approximately 20,000 hectares dedicated to conservation management. The portfolio generates approximately 4 million m3 of timber harvest each year and provides nearly 1,500 jobs. All forestry areas are certified under the Forest Stewardship Council® and Responsible Wood® systems, providing third-party assurance of responsible forest management. New Forests’ approach to asset management includes working with qualified local forest management businesses for on-ground operations, strengthening and diversifying market exposures and access, and emphasising rigorous and responsible investment management practices.

The ANZFF investors include pension funds, reinsurance companies, and sovereign wealth fund clients. Under the extended mandate, the ANZFF portfolio will be managed for long-term opportunities in a rising bioeconomy, focussed on helping to address the challenge of climate change and the supply of renewable resources.

New Forests is a sustainable real assets manager offering leading-edge strategies in responsible forestry with approximately 5.6 billion in AUM across a global portfolio of nearly 1 million hectares of forestry and conservation investments.

Photo : Mark Rogers  – New Forests’ Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand,

With new front-end features and an all-new cab and controls, the 444L, 644L, and 724L help you put your best foot forward. Enhancements over previous models include near-parallel lift, a more spacious operator station, ergonomic electrohydraulic (EH) controls, and new bucket and linkage designs. Plus streamlined electrical and hydraulic routing, and a host of other features help maximize uptime, for the performance, reliability, and comfort you need to stay in front of your competition.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Featuring redesigned joysticks and expanded, customizable electrohydraulic (EH) controls, L-Series Loaders put you in touch with intuitive operation. Two industry-exclusive multifunction buttons on the bucket lever can be programmed to handle any of up to 10 functions.

LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING MORE DONE
Production-boosting features up front include new bucket and linkage designs that improve load leveling, material retention, and visibility over earlier models.

LEVEL UP
Near-parallel lift combined with better load-leveling capability compared to K-Series models helps reduce load rollback, material spillage, and manual adjustments.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Redesigned cab features ergonomic controls, a more adjustable seat, an optional heated/ventilated seat (available only with the premium cab), a better HVAC system, and more legroom, storage, and power ports than previous models.

FORK IT OVER
Available in 60- and 72-inch lengths, improved shaft-style forks enable better visibility to the fork tips compared to previous mode

KEEP IT SIMPLE
Routing of electrical wire harnesses and hydraulic hoses has been streamlined to reduce rubbing.

BETTER FILLS, FEWER SPILLS
An expanded selection of enhanced production buckets with integrated spill guards, curved side cutters, and impressive rollback boosts bucket-fill performance and material retention compared to the K-Series.

LOOKING GOOD
Cross-tube and boom geometry of the Z-Bar linkage has been streamlined to provide a better view to the front attachment.

ASPIRE TO GO HIGHER
Three additional inches of hinge-pin height on the 724L over the 724K provides more clearance for dumping into high feeders, hoppers, trucks, and wagons.

POWERFUL HYBRID OF EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY
In addition to burning less fuel while meeting EPA Final Tier 4/EU Stage V emissions, the 644L Hybrid Loader also delivers quick, smooth, and responsive hydraulics; fast ramp-climbing ability; and strong pushing power. 

Opticom is has announced the release of its integrated facial recognition and temperature screening system for access control.

The OPT-7MFTD solution includes a 7” high resolution TFT screen with built in high sensitivity thermometry accurate to within 0.5°F. The system’s database can store up to 10,000 facial images along with temperature records, time passed, name, and ID card information.  

The ultra high speed system captures image and temperature information with 300 milliseconds and will generate an alarm response when the subject temperature registers 98.1°F or higher. Alarm outputs can also be connected to access control devices such as door locks and turnstiles. The OPT-7MFTD can be quickly deployed at facility access points and operated either locally or connected via network.

The system provides extremely accurate screening of both employees and customers for a wide range of applications including industrial, medical, and educational facilities, retail outlets, restaurants and more.

In business for over 45 years, Opticom is well known as an innovator in the development of industrial video solutions. The company has served many industries including Oil & Gas, Wood Products, Mining, Food Processing and Aggregates.

Further information can be found on their website or call 1-800-578-1853.

Utility company FortisBC will purchase wood waste-derived renewable natural gas (RNG) from REN Energy International through a new partnership.

The project features technology being used for the first time in the US and represents ‘exciting new opportunities’ to reduce emissions using British Columbia’s (BC) expansive forestry sector, according to FortisBC. The production facility will be owned and operated by REN Energy and situated near Fruitvale, BC.

RNG is typically made by capturing methane released from decomposing organic waste. This project will utilise waste from forestry operations, sawmills and other wood manufacturers and create RNG through gasification, rather than decomposition. The syngas produced in the process will be converted to methane before being purified to meet natural gas line specifications.

Once operational, the technology will create a use for forestry waste in BC and ‘unlock the potential for significant new volumes of RNG’ in BC, according to FortisBC.

“We are extremely pleased with our FortisBC agreement spanning 20 years, to provide RNG to our fellow BC customers,” said Philip Viggiani, president of REN Energy. “REN Energy plans to be a major factor in assisting with the FortisBC mandate of creating carbon-neutral RNG.

“The REN team has been working for the past several years to create the REN solution that creates RNG from wood waste. The plant, the first of its kind in North America, will create an immediate annual economic impact in the Kootenay region; our future waste-to-energy project regions will carry similar economic impacts in regard to the creation of hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, significant in-community investments and, of course, the clean energy product we create.”

Advancing carbon-neutral energies like RNG is a key element in FortisBC’s 30-by-30 target – the company’s goal to reduce customers’ greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. The firm is also working towards having 15% of its natural gas supply be renewable by 2030, in line with commitments outlined in the province’s CleanBC promise.

“This is such an exciting win for us,” said Doug Stout, vice-president of market development and external relations at FortisBC. “This and future projects like it will rely on waste already generated by sustainable forestry, making it a credible addition to energy production in this province.

“I’d like to thank REN Energy and the community of Fruitvale for their partnership as we continue to work hard to reduce emissions and advance towards a lower-carbon future.”

The project received regulatory approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission last month and is expected to be in service in summer 2021. It is expected to produce over one million gigajoules (approximately 277,777 megawatt-hours) of RNG annually, which would make it the largest source of RNG in the province to date.

Photo:Philip Viggiani, president of REN Energy.

Drax has launched a Biomass Carbon Calculator to help the industry accurately measure emissions in the biomass supply chain.

The new tool will allow the sector to identify where emissions reductions can be made and help to make a greater contribution to tackling climate change, according to Drax. The company is seeking views from a wide range of experts, including non-governmental organisations, academics and the biomass energy industry in a consultation on the new tool, to ensure that the methodology is as accurate and transparent as possible.

The Biomass Carbon Calculator has already been independently reviewed against the greenhouse gas calculation methodology laid out in the Renewable Obligation, one of the main support mechanisms for large-scale renewable electricity projects in the UK, according to Drax. The review also verified the new tool for compliance with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive II.

Rebecca Heaton, head of climate change at Drax Group, said the company announced a “world-leading ambition” to become carbon negative by 2030 by pioneering the “ground-breaking negative emissions technology”, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).

As part of this commitment to support the UK’s net-zero targets, Heaton said the company is also ensuring that the supply chain for the sustainable biomass pellets it uses to generate electricity is as low carbon as possible. She said: “To do that, it’s vital that Drax and the rest of the biomass industry has the clearest picture possible of emissions in the production and transportation of the pellets, by using actual supply chain data to help raise the quality of carbon accounting for biomass.

“That’s why we’re calling on academics, scientists, regulators and non-governmental organisations, as well as those in the biomass industry, to participate in the consultation to help further improve the modelling for this new calculator and create a higher industry standard for emissions reporting.”

Following the six-week consultation, Drax will undertake further third-party verification to ensure the new tool’s compliance with regulatory requirements

Photo: Rebecca Heaton, head of climate change at Drax Group