International Forest Industries

When it comes to choosing the right size of bucket for an excavator, bigger isn’t always better. A large-capacity bucket may seem like the obvious choice for achieving high productivity and low costs per tonne. However, as they are heavier than smaller-capacity buckets, they can be difficult to fill properly and make the machine move more slowly, ultimately reducing production levels.

A smaller bucket with a high fill factor will load a similar amount of material as a large bucket with a low fill factor, according to HCME Product Manager Mark Luijten. He advises customers on the optimum size bucket for their machine, which brings multiple benefits: “It means increased production, faster cycle times, lower fuel costs per tonne, reduced wear, longer lifespan of pins and bushings, and less stress on the structure of the boom and arm of the machine,” he explains.

Operators will also notice the difference between using a smaller bucket with a high fill factor instead of a larger bucket with a low fill factor. “The machine doesn’t have to work as hard with the smaller bucket, which makes everything run faster and more smoothly,” adds Mark.

He cites a ZX690-7 as an example, fitted with a bucket with a 3.9m³ ISO bucket capacity. “The fill factor was 134%, meaning the actual volume inside the bucket was 5.25m³. It could load a 65-tonne dump truck with 42m³ in eight passes.”

Thanks to the use of high-quality materials, Hitachi buckets are as light as possible without compromising on durability. “For higher performance, less environmental impact, greater efficiency, and less stress for operators, choose a bucket recommended by your machine manufacturer,” concludes Mark.

HCME Product Manager Mark Luijten.

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WWF

A new year but tigers still need you…

As we enter the new year, tigers still have poachers on their tails. They still need all the friends they can get. They still need you.

Together we’ve done so much to help tigers recover in recent decades. But there’s only around 5,700 tigers left in the wild. Every tiger we continue to lose to conflict, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade threatens their future survival.

With two thirds of wild tigers residing in India, our work across the Terai Arc Landscape is crucial. Find out more and see how your support can protect tigers for future generations in our video below.

PROTECT TIGERS TODAY

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Jartek has established Jartek US Inc. in the United States and Les Entreprises Jartek Canada Inc. in Canada. These new subsidiaries provide a clear organizational framework for serving customers across North America and demonstrate Jartek’s long-term commitment to the region.

The establishment of a local presence supports the continued development of Jartek’s global operations and strengthens its international footprint. This approach enhances customer collaboration and enables more efficient project execution throughout North America.

To further support regional sales activities, Jartek has appointed Jeroen Hinnen as Sales Manager for North America. Hinnen brings a vast experience in the wood industry, along with extensive expertise in industrial automation, international sales, and customer-oriented project delivery.

“A strong local presence and experienced professionals are essential to operating successfully on a global scale. By establishing subsidiaries in the US and Canada and appointing a dedicated Sales Manager for North America, we are better positioned to support customers throughout the region,” says Jartek’s CEO Juho Luoranen.

Jartek currently has two active projects underway in North America. A thermal modification kiln project for Arbor Wood is in the installation phase. In addition, Jartek has a new kiln project in the pipeline with Western Forest Products, where engineering and project preparations are ongoing and installation is scheduled for May 2026.

“I am pleased to join Jartek at a time when concrete projects are already underway in North America. Jartek’s strong technical expertise and customer-focused approach provide a solid foundation for supporting customers in the region,” says Jeroen Hinnen.

With established subsidiaries in both the United States and Canada, a dedicated Sales Manager for North America, and ongoing customer projects, Jartek continues to strengthen its global operations while maintaining a strong focus on technical expertise and reliable project delivery.

Jeroen Hinnen, Sales Manager for North America at Jartek.

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