International Forest Industries

2011 has proven to be another strong year for NZ log exports, with 11.9 million jas shipped from NZ ports over the year. This is a 12% year on year volume increase over 2010’s 10.6 million jas. NZ’s harvesting/transport and port infrastructure have managed this increased well, albeit not without some signs of stress, but will have ongoing challenges if export volumes continue to rise at rates seen in recent years.

The Chinese market had a strong finish to 2011, with some 60% of NZ’s log exports heading in to this market over the year. Reduced Chinese inventory levels have allowed for a positive start to 2012, but as is normal for the period preceding and during Chinese New Year; the market has now slowed down and is expected to remain this way until late February.

Generally the March/April period shows a surge in demand, but with Chinese log inventories now increasing and the housing market cooling, 2012 could well see more of the supply/demand volatility seen last year. Looking back at 2011, much of the increase in demand for imported softwood logs was due to a massive increase in new log processing facilities across the East Coast. This spurred demand as sawmills filled their yards with logs not necessarily linked to demand for finished product. As a consequence the Chinese market built up and then shed inventory throughout the year, with variations of over 2.0 million m3 between cycles.

(more…)

Building on the strengths of the K-Series, John Deere has introduced the 844K Series II Wheel Loader to meet the demands of today’s evolving jobsite. The seven-yard class loader affords operators higher productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs for a more valuable wheel loader experience. The improvements revolve around the new axles, improved stability and a six percent boost to full-turn tip-load capacity, Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) certification, and low-profile tires.

“Our Customer Advisory Group (CAG) directly influenced the updates and modifications to the 844K Series II,” said John Chesterman, product marketing manager for wheel loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Customer feedback is paramount as we strive to better meet the needs and demands of owners and operators, and challenging jobsites. We’re confident the 844K Series II addresses the critical insight we received.”

The most significant customer-driven improvements are found in the 844K Series II axles. These new higher-capacity axles boast standard temperature monitoring and automatic cooling and filtration. In addition, the 844K II employs Hy-GardTM oil that allows change intervals to extend to 2,000 hours.

Additionally, the 844K II comes with four traction-boosting axle-differential configurations, including two with on-the-fly differential lock engagement:

• Front axle hydraulically actuated differential lock with on-the-fly engagement is ideal for pushing up piles.
• Front and rear axle hydraulically actuated differential lock with on-the-fly engagement provides maximum traction control for tough conditions, such as working on virgin aggregate banks.
• Auto differential lock that applies when the wheels spin and the operator doesn’t apply the differential lock themselves.
• Conventional differential lock is a good match for standard load-out applications.

An increased ROPS capacity enables the 844K II to enter the waste handling market via an optional package that allows the use of solid or foam-filled tires. The new ROPS has thicker internal components than the 844K and is certified to handle 88,000 pounds (38,916 kilograms). However, the increase in components does not impact the 844K II’s large cab and near 360-degree visibility.

(more…)

 John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) displayed five of its Interim Tier 4/Stage III B diesel engines at World of Concrete 2012, January 24 - 27 in Las Vegas. Engines on exhibit  included the PowerTechTM PWX 4.5L, PowerTech PVX 6.8L models above and below 130 kW (174 hp), the PowerTech PVX 9.0L and the PowerTech PSX 13.5L. In addition, John Deere  also exhibited a pump drive cluster. In conjunction with the show, JDPS introduced the John Deere Emissions Hub, a blog developed to provide end users of off-highway equipment with regularly updated insights on emissions compliance and other resources. Jointly developed by JDPS and John Deere’s Construction & Forestry division, the Emissions Hub was created to promote greater end-user understanding of how increasingly stringent emissions regulations impact their business. The blog will serve as a valuable information center for anyone connected to the construction, forestry, agriculture and turf industries.

“The Emissions Hub is intended to improve our customers’ competitiveness in these challenging times by offering expert business resources, technology updates and news on emissions standards,” said Geoff Stigler, manager of worldwide marketing for John Deere Power Systems. “Blog visitors will be able to explore our resources, provide feedback and return frequently for the latest news and regulatory requirements - obtaining all the information they need to develop strategies and make the right decisions for their business.”

“Our customers are seeing increasing pressure to get their equipment up to speed as emissions regulation compliance deadlines approach,” said Joe Mastanduno, product marketing manager, engine/drivetrain for John Deere Construction & Forestry. “As questions arise, the Emissions Hub blog provides a place to come for answers. We look forward to listening to our customers and providing valuable information and insight to make compliance an opportunity, not an obstacle.”

In January 2012, what had been known as the Straightforward Blog became the John Deere Emissions Hub, residing at http://www.johndeereemissionshub.com/. Visitors to the former www.straightforwardblog.com site will be redirected to the new address.

(more…)

  The new AUSTimber 2012 town office opened  Monday 30th January 2012 and  will be located at 38 James Street, Mount Gambier.

The AUSTimber 2012 town office will provide a central place to organise the event, meet suppliers, sponsors and exhibitors. People will be able to register for the conference and the expo and purchase their tickets via the office, as well as online. The town office will also provide an opportunity for public awareness for AUSTimber, as the 2012 expo site will be located 15kms outside of Mt Gambier, whereas in 2008 the site was just past the Blue Lake, which was easily in sight for  local residents. The AUSTimber 2012 town office space has been provided to AUSTimber organisers through the generous sponsorship support of the City of Mount Gambier.

New AUSTimber 2012 welcome banners at the four entrances into Mount Gambier will first appear from 31st January/1st February and the word  ‘welcome’ will be printed in a variety of languages, representing most of the nationalities visiting for the conference and expo.

David Quill, AUSTimber 2012 General Manager thanked the City of Mount Gambier for their support in providing the office space and reported that  “all the active forest sites on the plan are sold and we still have the ability to add more within the overall area of AUSTimber if required.  This, in effect, means that there will be seven harvesting and extraction operations within the pine plantation, five cut-to-length bluegum operations, four tree-length harvesting operations and four in-field chipping operations processing product that will be hauled off the site during the event.  (more…)

With weaker demand for lumber around the world, sawlog prices fell in a majority of the 21 markets tracked by the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) declined in the 3Q for the first time since the 1Q/09.

With a few exceptions, prices fell in both local currencies and in US dollar terms. The only region that saw any substantial price increase in the 3Q was British Columbia, where prices were up 5-7 percent from the 2Q. This region has benefited from higher lumber exports and production has gone up during 2011.

The biggest price declines the past quarter occurred in Japan, Sweden, Poland and Russia; prices were down between 6-12 percent from the 2Q/11. The three latter countries are major exporters of lumber, and shipments to European markets and Northern Africa have fallen this summer and fall. (more…)

As a result of global wood pellet supply significantly exceeding demand during the last two to three years, industrial wood pellet prices in Europe have been flat to decreasing slightly on a euro basis. Prices increased from €115/tonne in July 2007 to €140/tonne at the beginning of 2009. Since then, they have declined to a low of €125/tonne at the end of 2010, and have increased slightly to €133/tonne at the end of 2011.

Large pellet exporters to Europe (e.g., Canada, the U.S., the Baltics and Russia) tend to sell to the industrial market, while many European producers must sell to the higher-priced domestic wholesale market (+25%-30%), and the even higher-priced domestic “bagged” DIY/retail market (+50%-55%).

A very important factor in the global production/consumption equation is the fact that the European market consumes about 85% of the world’s pellet production. This means that most large producers in non-European countries rely heavily on the European industrial pellet market.

Source: International Wood Markets Group, www.woodmarkets.com

What a year it’s been for those involved in carbon markets. A raft of new legislation, a jump followed by a dramatic drop-off in carbon pricing and then a slow-down in trading. The roller coaster ride has caused plenty of angst for those foresters, emitters and investors with an interest in carbon forestry. Carbon markets, both in Australasia and internationally, have changed dramatically in just 12 months.

Last year over 250 forestry and finance business leaders came together for Carbon Forestry 2011. This was the first event of its type focussing on carbon forestry and carbon trading opportunities. Planning is already underway by the Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) to design the Carbon Forestry 2012 event for Australasian foresters, financiers, investors, carbon traders and brokers and those involved in carbon offsetting. It’s planned to run again in Auckland on 22-23 August 2012.

At this early stage we would be interested in hearing from those companies or individuals that would like the opportunity to present - or be involved in displaying at the August programme. If keen on being involved in this year’s Carbon Forestry 2012 event, please email ken.wilson@fiea.org.nz BEFORE Friday 17 February.

The latest investment in the continuing expansion of production capacity at A&J Scott saw a new chipper installed on one the key production lines to cope with the increasing flow of timber through the mill.The Bruks BK-DH 365×560, supplied by Soderhamn Eriksson, is a big, strong machine and is one of the best designed and successful chippers Bruks have ever built. The large mouth at 365mm x 560mm paired with a 110kw motor allow it to produce approx. 60m3 per hour of wood chips. This is designed for high production mills and also useful for lines producing larger items such as sleepers, which the company has enjoyed particular success with recently. Other features of the machine include:

• Noise suppression hood
• Spring loaded knife clamps for quick and safe knife change
• Load controlled feedworks which provide energy savings
• “Drop-away” anvil to protect the machine from accidental damage
• Screw auger under the feedworks to collect material that falls through the feed rollers - keeping the machine running efficiently without any build of waste underneath.

Our picture shows the existing chipper being replaced by the new one. The older machine will now be refurbished and put onto another of the company’s production lines. http://ajscott.co.uk/news/expansion-continues-at-aj-scott                       /www.bruks.com/en

 The 50th GradExpertTM will soon be delivered to the Canfor Group in Prince George, British Columbia. It’s not their first GradExpert either; in fact the Canfor Group has purchased 15 GradExpert lumber grade optimizers so far - a fitting testimony to  our customers’ faith in its capabilities!

A large part of the continued success of the GradExpert - from the very first delivery in 2004 to the 50th this year - is the fact that COMACT has always and will continue to improve, perfect and polish this product. COMACT strives to offer state-of-the-art equipment to all our clients, keeping us ahead of the competition. After all, we’ve had 50 opportunities to perfect the formula and to achieve the standard to create an automated classification system which exceeds the human eye.

http://www.comact.com/en-ca/solution.php

(more…)

 The KWF-Meeting ranks among the biggest Forestry Demofairs in the world. This is the most important international meeting of the forest sector in 2012.

The 16th KWF- Meeting is scheduled to take place from June 13 to 16 in Bopfingen (Eastern Swabian Alb District).

Traditionally, the KWF- Meeting consists of three elements - Forest Machinery and Innovations DemoFair, field trips and a scientific congress.

http://www.kwf-tagung.org/en/home.html (more…)

Sony recently showed off a new bio-cell battery that breaks down paper in order to create power. This novel use of paper has the potential to change how we power devices in the future.

The process starts with an enzyme suspended in water. When paper is dropped in, the enzyme starts to break it down and produce glucose that can then be harvested and used to power a battery. Sony described the break down process as similar to how a termite might eat and break down wood.

Sony showed the battery off at Tokyo’s Eco-Products 2011 exhibition and managed to get the tech to power a small fan. Still in the early stages of development, the idea is that the technology could ultimately be used as a greener source of power for larger devices.

During the last two years, global wood pellet production increased from about nine million tonnes to some 15-16 million tonnes, while apparent consumption expanded from about nine million to 13 million tonnes.

In 2010, estimated global wood pellet production exceeded estimated consumption by about two to three million tonnes, while global pellet production capacity exceeded consumption by around seven to eight million tonnes (including new production facilities under construction but not operating).

Excess production capacity has meant that, on a global average, pellet mills have operated at only about 62%-65% of capacity. Of course, mill closures and production curtailments have not been experienced equally by all producing countries. Central Europe (Germany and Austria) has been especially hard hit during the last few years.
(more…)

  Get ready to spend more time grinding stumps and less time adjusting belts. That’s because the all-new Model 2250XP self-propelled stump grinder from Bandit Industries uses a heavy-duty hydrostatic motor to directly power its 20-inch diameter cutter wheel. This eliminates the need for a clutch, jackshaft, drive belt, belt tensioning system and the many sheaves and bearings associated with those components. The result is a competitively priced stump grinder that requires significantly less maintenance than similar machines. Less maintenance means less downtime and lower operating costs, allowing the 2250XP to work longer with less investment in parts and labour.

“This is the same proven technology we use on our bigger stumpers and forestry mowers,” said Jason Morey, small equipment sales manager for Bandit Industries. “Hydrostatic drive is extremely reliable and far less complicated, and it delivers plenty of power to the cutter wheel for great performance. Offering this kind of drive on an inexpensive stump grinder is something we’re really excited about, and early feedback from our customers tell us they’re just as excited to get this machine.”

Powering the Bandit Model 2250XP is a 27-horsepower gas engine driving two hydraulic pumps-one for the self-propelled undercarriage and one for the cutter wheel. The hydrostatic motor at the cutter wheel is a heavy-duty, 40CC unit that uses an oversize bearing to manage the side-load and shock loads associated with stump grinding. With no clutch to operate, engaging the cutter wheel is literally as simple as pushing a lever. Easy-to-use machine-mounted controls are intuitive and positioned to provide good visibility while grinding, allowing the operator to take full advantage of the 2250’s capabilities. At just 1500 pounds this is one of the lightest four-wheeled stump grinders available, and with large flotation tires the 2250XP can easily traverse delicate lawns without damage. A maximum width of 35 inches means the 2250XP is also extremely maneuverable in close quarters, and its combination of compact size and light weight make for easy transportation by virtually any vehicle.

(more…)

The World Trade Organization has given its second and final approval for Russia’s membership in the trade body after a record 18-year quest to join. The 153-nation global trade body has recemtly approved by consensus Russia’s application for membership,giving a boost to the ailing economy of its biggest trading partner, the European Union. Until now, Russia has been the only member of the Group of 20 leading economies still outside the WTO.

The Russian parliament will have up to June 15 thisyear to ratify the accord and bring it into force. Moscow’s lead negotiator Maxim Medvedkov said earlier he expected the deal to be ratified “early this year”. The deal is expected to quickly increase EU exports by some 4bn euros (US$5.45bn) a year.

For Finnish export companies, annual savings worth up to hundreds of millions of euros are expected as a consequence of the move. Timo Jaatinen, CEO of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation, estimates that the duties for softwood imported from Russia will be cut by about half. At the same time, the duties levied on hardwood will reduce by about three-quarters from the present level.

Assuming that the imports remain at the current level, the reduction in Russia’s export duties will bring the Finnish forest industry savings of approximately EUR 20 million, Jaatinen calculates. The exports of paper and paperboard will produce annual savings of about EUR 10 million.

 MTU  will be exhibiting its newest engines at INTERMAT 2012 which are designed to meet EU Stage IV and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final regulations

(top) The Series 1600 engine from MTU will meet Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV emissions regulations without using an SCR or DPF.

(bottom) MTU’s Series 1000 engine, which will be introduced at INTERMAT 2012, will meet Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV emissions regulations.

At Intermat, the international exhibition for the construction and materials industries, Tognum will be showcasing its MTU-brand C&I engines (hall 5b/booth K 027) designed to meet the EU Stage IV and US EPA Tier 4 final emissions regulations scheduled for introduction in 2014. The newly-developed Series 1000, 1100, 1300 and 1500 engines meet the upcoming emissions limits using SCR exhaust aftertreatment technology only and will need no diesel particulate filters. The units cover the sub-560 kW power range. From 2014, Series 1600 C&I engines which meet EPA Tier 4 final regulations without SCR systems and without diesel particulate filters will be introduced to extend the range to 730 kW. The exhibition of the construction and materials industries takes place from 16 to 21 April in Paris.

“We are proud that, in the future, we will continue to be able to offer our customers engines without diesel particulate filters for all construction industry applications. They are cleaner than ever before and they use even less fuel than the current engines,” said Dr Ulrich Dohle, Tognum CTO, highlighting the company’s technological expertise as well as its competitive edge.

(more…)

At the end of 2011, the first 10F Titan demonstration has been done in Canada, not far from Chicoutimi, Quebec. Several customers were participating in the event and were able to test drive and look at the 10F in extreme conditions. The chosen terrain did not stop the 10F and proved the wellbeing of the new serial.

It was in 2002 that the first 10F so called “green” was delivered in the area of the Lac Saint Jean. Since that lot of machines were delivered in the entire Quebec, Ontario, New-Brunswick. Today two main dealers are importing the machines:

• LN Machinerie in Saguenay Canton of Tremblay, QC.    • Equipements Element in Vald’Or,QC.    Some other sub-dealers are working with them to service and to provide spare parts to all our customers. (more…)

Nortrax Inc., a Morbark, Inc., recycling and forestry dealer since 2009, has recently signed an agreement to become Morbark’s exclusive tree care products dealer in Florida. Nortrax, with their reputation for great customer service, outstanding facilities, and highly trained and motivated staff members, will provide added value to Morbark’s customers in the area. With 10 Nortrax locations serving central and southern Florida, Morbark tree care customers now have the multitude ofoptions for equipment sales, parts and service that has been enjoyed by its industrial customers.

“We are excited to have a dealer the caliber of Nortrax represent our line of tree care products,” said Morbark Tree Care Products Sales Manager Casey Gross. “With their many locations throughout central and southern Florida and their superior customer service, Nortrax is a dedicated and professional partner that we are proud to have support our customers.” (more…)

Starting in early 2012 our warehouse will be stocked and ready for immediate shipping of “XTreme” wear parts for most makes and models of tub grinders, horizontal grinders and whole tree chippers. After much research in the marketplace it was discovered that there is a definite need for the supply of wear parts, on time, at a reasonable price and with a great team of professionals backing each order. We look forward to helping take the headache out of parts ordering for everyone in the wood waste recycling, mulch producing and whole tree chipping markets. Watch for more information.

Zenith partners with Bandit on Exclusive chipper knife distributorship

 Bandit Industries has partnered with Illinois-based Zenith Cutter Co. to be the exclusive distributor for Zenith Cutter hand-fed and whole tree chipper knives.

Zenith Cutter’s full line of competitively priced chipper knives for Bandit, Morbark, Vermeer and Altec* chippers will be available for purchase exclusively through Bandit’s global dealer network of over 170 locations, parts and service outlets, or directly from Bandit. A leading manufacturer of high quality industrial blades and knives for nearly 90 years, Zenith Cutter is the largest manufacturer of chipper knives in the United States with over 250,000 units produced annually, serving 10,000 customers and several OEMs.

“We’ve spent considerable time looking at the Zenith brand, from the manufacturing process to materials testing and real world applications, and these knives are better than any other knife on the market,” said Bandit Industries President Jerry Morey. “For nearly 30 years, Bandit has built a reputation for quality by not settling for anything but the best in materials and construction. Zenith Cutter meets these standards and we’re proud to be the exclusive distributor for their knives.”

Zenith Cutter products are manufactured in two state-of-the-art, 100,000 square-foot facilities in the United States and Vietnam, using high-grade, modified A-8 chipper steel sourced from U.S. and European suppliers. Zenith Cutter knives undergo a proprietary heat treatment developed to reduce brittleness in the center while maximizing the durability of the edge, reducing the possibility of knife breakage that can inflict catastrophic damage to a chipper.

Bandit dealerships will stock a wide assortment of Zenith Cutter knives in conjunction with online 24/7 ordering and available same-day shipping, ensuring the quick service and minimal downtime Bandit and Zenith Cutter customers are accustomed to. Customers will also be able to order knives directly from Bandit, and all Zenith Cutter knives will continue to enjoy competitive pricing.

“No matter where you are in the world you’ll be able to get the Zenith knives you need, when you need them,” said Morey.
 
Headquartered in Loves Park, Illinois, Zenith Cutter Co. currently employs approximately 500 professionals worldwide and is an ISO 9001:2008 company.

*All trademarks, service marks and trade names used in this release are the property of their respective owners.

Bandit are seeking Northeast regional large equipment sales representative

Bandit are currently seeking an experienced salesperson to work in a fast paced environment focused on selling large equipment in the New England area.  Candidate must be willing to relocate and/or live in the New England area.  Industry sales experience with whole tree chippers and/or wood waste recycling is an absolute MUST!  Please forward resume to Travis Lint at tlint@banditchippers.com.

Tigercat has announced that Allwood Equipment LLC has taken over the former territory of Forestrac Equipment Services in central east Georgia and is now a full line authorized Tigercat distributor.Allwood Equipment is a new company owned by the Coleman Family and Jamie Smith. The Coleman Family has operated a logging company in White Plains, Georgia for 39 years and is well regarded within the logging industry.  Jamie Smith has been selling Tigercat equipment for 15 years. The owners have a strong understanding of the parts and service support that professional loggers require in order to maximize equipment up time and run a successful business.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Tigercat,” comments general manager, Allen Coleman. “As loggers, we understand the demand for quality products and services. With our logging background and Tigercat’s products, Allwood Equipment will fulfill both demands.” (more…)

John Deere introduced the 9R/9RT Scraper Special Series Tractors, providing contractors improved productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs on the jobsite. The highlight of the new series is the unveiling of three track models - the 9460RT, 9510RT, and 9560RT - designed for the toughest earthmoving applications and worksite conditions. The new line-up also includes three wheeled models (9460R, 9510R, 9560R). The full line is equipped with a fuel-efficient, high-torque IT4 13.5L PowerTechTM PSX engine featuring 460 to 560 horsepower.

With six new models available from John Deere, earthmoving contractors can choose the scraper tractor best suited for their application needs,” said Mark Oliver, product marketing manager for scraper systems, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “In particular, our special track models will help contractors navigate the harshest terrains on their jobsite.” (more…)