Over the last 50 years, Demo International has become North America’s largest and most recognized ‘live, in-woods’ forestry equipment show; this years’ event scheduled for September 24-26, 2020 in Venosta, Quebec in the Gatineau Valley Region was shaping up to be an excellent show.

As part of DEMO International®, the pre-show conference entitled, “Digital Transformation in Forest Operations: A leap forward in driving business growth & competitiveness”, was also scheduled for September 22-23 at the Delta Ottawa City Center, Ottawa, Ontario. The program was 90% complete and delegate registration was about to be launched in April 2020.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented level of uncertainty and has had a profound impact on people’s health, livelihoods and travel, both globally and across Canada.

Based on the current circumstances and uncertain timelines, and to comply with the stated policies and requirements from our Public Health authorities throughout the country (For full details in Quebec, please click here), the Canadian Woodlands Forum in partnership with our host SBC Cedar, and show and conference partners, have decided to postpone DEMO International 2020 until 2021.

As disappointing and unprecedented that this decision is, it was made in the best interest of the health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors, partners, contractors, and conference speakers and delegates.

We are in the process of investigating new dates for the event, and we will continue to monitor information from the Public Health authorities; we look forward to sharing rescheduled 2021 dates for the show & conference in the near future.

Thank you and please stay safe.

For more information please contact:

Peter Robichaud
Executive Director
Canadian Woodlands Forum
Phone (902) 897-6961 • Cell (902) 899-6420
probichaud@cwfcof.org

Marc Bergeron
Property Manager
SBC Cedar
(418) 507-2525
bergeron.marc@hotmail.com

Mark Cusack
National Show Manager
Master Promotions Ltd.
(506) 333-1064
mcusack@mpltd.ca

John Deere’s new premium XUV 865R Gator is the most comfortable model ever produced in the company’s popular cross-over utility vehicle range. This 23hp diesel-powered model combines the established high performance of the XUV 865M with a wide range of additional operator friendly features, including a luxurious cab environment.

Standard specification includes a continuously variable transmission with on-demand four-wheel drive, power steering, fully independent suspension and an attachment-ready electrical system. The quiet, fully equipped cab provides comfortable car-style seating for up to three people when driving off-road, as well as easy-opening door handles, a fully opening windscreen and a proven, extremely efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

In addition, the cab features an attractive tan-coloured interior that has been ergonomically redesigned, with the easy-to-use automotive-style controls now conveniently located in the centre of the dash. The streamlined roof moves water to the outside edges, and both the high-level front and rear lights are set below the roof line for better protection.

The R trim specification also provides the fully enclosed cab with a wide range of extra standard features, including an adjustable 40/60 bench seat, tiltable steering wheel, sun visors, a windshield wiper and washer plus electrical wiring for attachments, as well as high- and low-beam LED headlights.

The XUV 865R Gator is powered by an 854cc three-cylinder, liquid-cooled OHV diesel engine producing 23hp at 3600rpm, with a top speed of 31mph (50kph) in high range. The true 4WD system has an auto-locking front differential and dash-mounted electronic rocker switch for easy operation.

To complement the robust frame, the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel independent suspension. This has been designed to provide a smooth ride and optimum load carrying ability over challenging terrain, without compromising ride quality or vehicle stability.

The versatile deluxe cargo box is made of a durable composite material that eliminates rust and dents and reduces noise. There is an automotive style tailgate handle and the rear lights are available with optional protectors. The cargo box can be easily converted to a flat-bed and has a load capacity of 454kg, while towing capacity is 900kg and total payload is 680kg.

For extra versatility the new John Deere XUV 865R Gator utility vehicle can be fitted with a wide range of attachments from snow blades to winches, and features a large 42-litre fuel tank for longer running between fill-ups.

Henrik Sjölund, President and CEO of Holmen, has been elected Chairman of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, whose members last year generated ten percent of the Swedish net export value.

There are indeed plenty of challenges, but also opportunities, facing Henrik Sjölund as he steps onboard as Chairman of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation for the next two years.

As consumer demand is decreasing, we are presently experiencing a general decline in economic growth affecting the whole business community. At the same time, the forest-based industries produce products highly essential for people’s everyday life ranging from wood for climate smart construction to hygiene products and packaging for pharmaceuticals, food and transports. We are living in a world with increasing globalization and urbanization. To secure jobs, export and societal welfare, we need to keep our total forest-based value chains up and running – this is without any doubt priority number one both in the short and long term, says Henrik Sjölund.

The Swedish Forest Industries Federation’s mission is to strengthen the member companies’ international competitiveness and to promote the use of forest-based products. Despite a present strong focus on minimizing the negative effects due to the Corona crisis, the work to improve sustainable forest management conditions is still high on the agenda.

One of the most important objectives for the Swedish Forest Industries Federation is to make politicians understand our value-chains and our businesses and to define reasonable terms for sustainable forest management. Our sector and the renewable resources we are based on are pre-conditions for the European Union to build a climate neutral society. We need to use our forests more, not less, to be able to achieve sustainable climate change mitigation. This is the most important opportunity but also challenge for our sector, says Henrik Sjölund.

For further information please contact:
Stina Sandell, Head of Sustainability and Communications, Holmen, +46 73 986 51 12.

The Swedish Forest Industries Federation is the organisation for Swedish pulp, paper and woodworking industries.

Photo: Ulla-Carin Ekblom

Bergs Timber has previously announced the closure of Gransjö sawmill in Sweden. Similarly, production as a result of the ongoing corona crisis has been reduced at other Swedish sawmills and at its Estonian sawmill. The closure of Gransjö sawmill has proceeded according to plan and the sawmill production will cease during April.

“Demand for sawn timber is good for several important markets and we see some improvement in the English market. Our stocks are in balance and order intake has improved. Demand for wood products is normally seasonally high during the 2Q,” the company reports.

At Swedish sawmills, implemented short-term work will be terminated and production will return to normal pace from May 4. Estonian sawmill has produced in one shift during April and returns to two shifts from 4 May. Latvian sawmill Vika Wood has not been affected by production curtailments.

“After a decline in the second half of March and during April, we now see that demand is improving and that order intake is increasing until the holiday period. After the production curtailments that have been implemented, we have balanced inventories and it feels positive that we are now returning to normal production levels. The long-term effects of the ongoing corona crisis remain difficult to assess,” says Peter Nilsson, President and CEO of Bergs Timber.

Bergs Timber primarily produces and sells structural timber in spruce and pine for several different markets in Europe.

Victor Damm and Emil Engdahl are harvester and forwarder operators, respectively, at ELA Skogsservice in Östergötland County, southeast Sweden. Since August 2019, this harvesting team have been using MaxiVision, a digital planning tool, and say that it’s added a new dimension to their productivity.

“It truly helps you to work more efficiently in several ways,” says Victor.

Victor and Emil have been using MaxiVision since its launch. Initially, they were a little sceptical, especially Emil:
“Although that’s probably because I’m generally sceptical about new things.”

However, they soon both took a liking to the tool and learned to use it in their day-to-day work:
“Actually, I think it’s a fairly simple program to start using. In terms of both the technical side and your working method,” says Victor.

The duo continues by explaining that, in practice, they each use MaxiVision in quite different ways. Victor, a harvester operator, plans suitable access roads and soft ground strip roads, and benefits greatly from the ground moisture map when planning his work.
“Before, for example, I used to get out and walk around the felling site a lot more. Simply to check the ground conditions, such as the soil structure and stability. Now, with MaxiVision, I can see much of this information directly onscreen. This speeds my planning and allows me to structure my route early on,” Victor explains.

Victor also points out that it’s an advantage when chain saw operators are needed:
“In Östergötland, the terrain is generally challenging, with lots of rocks and steep slopes, which means that we often need help from chain saw operators. Now I can quickly check the contour lines for the area in MaxiVision, examine specific locations and contact them  in good time.”

From a forwarder operator’s perspective, Emil highlights the simplicity of planning and optimising his forwarding. With MaxiVision, he can see which tree species, assortments and quantities to expect.
“In fact, I can already see all this even before I reach the felling site. It’s easy to set up a forwarding strategy, such as which assortments to combine.”

“We’ve also had quite a few bark beetle jobs. Before, this meant a lot of searching for the infested trees, but now everything is marked directly on the map, showing us exactly where the affected trees are, which saves a great deal of time,” Emil continues.

Both Emil and Victor, who “work together 99 percent of the time”, say that they can see a clear link between MaxiVision and increased productivity.
“As a harvester operator, the advantages are that I quickly get a good overview, can plan more efficient routes and don’t need to leave the cab as much to check the ground conditions. This saves time that I can spend on production instead. Although I think forwarder operators make even bigger gains,” says Victor.

Emil explains:
“I get served most of what I need directly onscreen, really useful information that helps me to make good decisions. With a better strategy, my work is more efficient and definitely more productive,” Emil ends.

On April 1, 2020 Jens Bengtsson took up the position as CEO of Komatsu Forest AB, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of forest machines and related services and accessories. Jens has worked in the company for 11 years and has recently held both the role of CFO and COO.

“I am very honoured to be given this role and very humbled by the tasks that lie ahead,” Jens says. “I take up my new position at a time that is very turbulent due to the Corona pandemic. The whole world is doing its best to deal with this unusual situation. We as a company have recently announced that we are temporarily closing our production for three weeks to adapt to the prevailing circumstances, and then, if restrictions permit, gradually increase production again in the spring.”

Komatsu Forest has had a strong development for several years, where the company has constantly grown. “Despite the current circumstances, we are confident that demand for forest machinery equipment will continue to drive growth in our business – and we have great potential to continue growing. Right now, it is impossible to say how the forest industry will be affected by the current situation, but in the long term we see great potential,” he says.

Former CEO Mitsuru Ueno is now taking on a new role as Senior Fellow for the Forest Division of the parent company Komatsu Ltd. During his time as CEO, he has had two important focus areas; to ensure a new production facility with a safe and good working environment, that is prepared for an upcoming expansion of the business, and to broaden the forest machine business through strategic acquisitions such as Quadco, Southstar, TimberPro and Oryx Simulations.

In order for our business to continue to grow, our owner decided in 2019 to invest in a brand new factory in Umeå. The decision is particularly exciting as it is rare for new factories to be built in this part of the world, but it shows that they believe in the industry’s continued development and the solid know-how that exists in the company and the region. With his strong commitment and work, Mitsuru Ueno has made the project possible. “We now have great opportunity to have a modern and safe production facility prepared for us to grow, while at the same time uniting the dispersed operations in Umeå,” Jens concludes.

Footnote: Jens Bengtsson will be the first Swedish CEO since Komatsu Ltd took over in 2004.
Photo : Former CEO Mitsuru Ueno with Jens Bengtsson

In UK there is a lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic and only essential business can be up and running. Forestry is accounted for as an essential business. Still, Komatsu Forest Ltd have taken precautions and let most of the staff in the offices work from home.

Talking to Service Technician & IT Training specialist John Geddes, we learn how it is possible for him to help the customers keep optimal performance of their machines, whilst working from home.

The key is Komatsu Forest’s fleet management system MaxiFleet, which makes it possible to remotely support the customers and thereby reduce the personal meetings, during this period, to prevent the virus from spreading. “Working from home I can make a quick check how many active machines are out there, if there are any alarms and see if there is anything we need to take care of”, Geddes says.

During the covid-19 pandemic, forestry is, as mentioned, an essential business. During this period the Forest Industry have changed the specification of the wood to adapt for alternative production, and from his home office Geddes can easily help the customers change the bucking instructions for the harvesters. “During the pandemic the need for pallets has increased so we can have more logistics for medical supply”, Geddes explains. “It is important work and it feels good to know that we can contribute to that.”

MaxiFleet makes it possible to monitor machine’s status, localise machines, optimise the machines as well as support them remotely. MaxiFleet has always been used as a strategical planning tool for Geddes and his team, but the benefits of the system becomes even more apparent now during the crises. “It is the combination of the system, together with the personnel behind it, that makes it possible to give the customer the possibility to keep up optimal performance and back them up in time of need”.

To prevent the virus from spreading, the UK team has installed MaxiFleet in a used machine that is going to be delivered to a customer. By doing so they can set up the machine and complete the operator training remotely – to avoid the time that they usually would spend together in the cab. “In spite of the lockdown, we can keep our customers happy and perform the same level of support as before – without MaxiFleet it would have been impossible”, Geddes concludes.

The Province of BC was set to plant 308 million trees this spring, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put major brakes on the situation. The key issue is what to do with the hundreds of people who would be relocating to work camps across the province, according to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

This was set to be one of the biggest year’s for tree planting ever, because of the need to replenish forests not only from logging, but the wildfires from 2017 and 2018, as well as to help with climate change.

“With the support of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) and the Western Forestry Contractor’s Association (WFCA), the chief forester suggested delaying the spring 2020 Interior planting season to implement proper workcamp processes,” said Dawn Makarowski, the media contact for the Ministry of Forests.

“Collaborative processes between government, BCTS, licensees and the WFCA have been underway to prepare for this year’s planting season in light of COVID-19. These include camp health and safety procedures, workforce support, communications, and engagement with municipal leaders,” she wrote. The government understands the importance of the tree planting plans, and wants to continue with it, she said, but is still trying to find ways to manage the risks that will come up in it.

Earl Hughes owns Waterside Ventures, a reforesting company, in Burns Lake. He’s supposed to plant around 3 million trees starting in May of this year, with a team of around 40 planters. But right now, he’s not entirely sure what his options are.

“People are coming from all across Canada, and so when they get here, we don’t know if there’s going to be restrictions for them to isolate for a while or not… That’s the big question right now,” said Hughes.

While some of the other tree plants that were supposed to start in April have been delayed, he hasn’t need to worry too much just yet because he has a few weeks until his start date. But it’s growing closer each day. He suspects he will have to keep the tree planters separate somehow, but hasn’t been told by Ministry what the specifics of this will be.

He’s considering having them stay in motels, and plant in isolation, as well as cooking food from his home to bring to them for their dinners. Sometimes his company has work camps for planters—like many other tree planting companies do, sometimes with as much as 50 people grouped together—but this, too, could be a problem. Having people sit together for dinner is likely out of the question for now, because of COVID-19, so managing even just dining would be very difficult.

Source: bclocalnews.com

USNR splined-sleeves extend the life of saw arbors for gangs and edgers, and maintain saw accuracy so your operation can produce high quality lumber day after day. They limit the wear to the sleeves – not the arbor itself. Using spacers to periodically adjust the position of the saws on the splines prevents deep ruts from forming. That means you get a better fit between the arbor and the blade. And when it is time to replace the sleeves, you simply slip them off and put new ones on: the arbor itself doesn’t need to be replaced!

USNR splined sleeve arbor systems work just as well as solid arbors for shifting
or stationary saws, and are much easier to maintain. Our arbor systems are full of
features and benefits to make sure this is the case:

• Replaces a solid arbor with an arbor with replaceable splined sleeves
• Fast payback: a sleeve system can typically pay for itself by the time a solid arbor is replaced for the first time
• Dowel pins between sleeves insure perfect spline alignment across sleeves so shifting saws can slide smoothly from one to the other
• Sleeves are machined from high-strength 52100 ball-bearing steel and surfaces are induction hardened to 60-64 RC for wear resistance
• Custom-designed to your specifications for both gangs and edgers
• Sleeves available with Involute or Retech-type splines
• Minimal disruption: the entire upgrade can be completed in one day

Click here for more information on this upgrade.

The new app provides more accessibility to information for owners to set up and service their Waratah 600 Series machines.

Waratah Forestry Equipment has released the new WaratahPlus mobile app, available as a free download on the App Store for Android and iOS platforms.

It is intended to help with daily maintenance and other in-field procedures. The WaratahPlus app helps increase uptime by providing operators with the information they need to quickly service the machine.

The App has been designed to be accessible and easy-touse that not only helps with the set-up process, but also provides customers with readily available information – taking any questions out of the day-to-day or not soroutine tasks.

The new reference tool provides a quick overview of key adjustments and helps answer basic service questions.

The menu includes selections for service, setup, calibration, diagnostics and safety related information. Step-by-step processes help outline procedures so the operator can quickly perform the required action. Caution notes help ensure safety measures are followed when any work is performed on the head.

The Waratah 600 Series 3- and 4-roller line includes the HTH616C, HTH618C, HTH622B, HTH622C 4×4, HTH623C, HTH624C 4×4, HTH624C, HTH625C and HTH626 Series-II.

The 600 Series is available to customers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.