But there’s good news. Air Burners partnered with the USDA Forest Service to boost the environmentally-friendly technology while adding power and speed to the new self-contained CharBoss. The fully assembled above-ground air curtain burner system is an advanced pollution-control device scientifically proven to eliminate wood waste 40 times faster than open burning and significantly reduces particulate matter, like black carbon smoke, to help mitigate climate change.

The CharBoss accepts whole trees, logs, root balls, slash piles, invasive shrubs, and other unwanted biomass debris. It burns 1 ton per hour, leaving behind 20 per cent biochar, a valuable carbon-rich residual to sell or return to the soil. The towable CharBoss is ideal for hard-to-reach remote areas, like forest thinning, land clearing, and disaster cleanup (recovery). Orchard growers and farmers turn to the CharBoss to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without damaging crops or equipment.

After a successful debut at the University of Idaho Experimental Forest in January 2023 and last month’s biochar production demonstration in Harrisonburg, VA, the world’s first mobile onsite biochar production system is ready, willing, and more than able to tackle even the most challenging, most demanding jobs with no grinding, hauling, or permanent facilities.

But there’s good news. Air Burners partnered with the USDA Forest Service to boost the environmentally-friendly technology while adding power and speed to the new self-contained CharBoss. The fully assembled above-ground air curtain burner system is an advanced pollution-control device scientifically proven to eliminate wood waste 40x faster than open burning and significantly reduces particulate matter, like black carbon smoke, to help mitigate climate change. The CharBoss accepts whole trees, logs, root balls, slash piles, invasive shrubs, and other unwanted biomass debris. It burns 1 ton per hour, leaving behind 20 per cent biochar, a valuable carbon-rich residual to sell or return to the soil. The towable CharBoss is ideal for hard-to-reach remote areas, like forest thinning, land clearing, and disaster cleanup (recovery). Orchard growers and farmers turn to the CharBoss to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without damaging crops or equipment.

After a successful debut at the University of Idaho Experimental Forest in January 2023, and last month’s biochar production demonstration in Harrisonburg, Va., the world’s first mobile onsite biochar production system is ready, willing, and more than able to tackle even the most challenging, most demanding jobs with no grinding, hauling, or permanent facilities.

Learn more: airburners.com/maypr/

This compact, robust and energy-efficient equipment allows for on-site production of wood fibre. The patented technology applies high pressure to the raw materials, generating heat above 100 C, which produces and sanitizes fibre, meeting RHP standards.

With a production capacity of up to 12 cubic metres per hour, and an expansion ratio of up to 1:3, it consumes 30 per cent less energy per cubic metre produced than typical refiners, resulting in significant cost savings.

Various wood by-products can be used, including white softwood chips, forest residue, and compost wood. The produced fibre maintains its volume when mixed and has excellent water dispersion capacity for root development.

For more information visit, www.ptchronos.com.

Emil Forsblom, head of product development at Eco Log, is certain that the crane tip control system will be welcomed by the customers and that it will be a big asset in their daily work.

“It feels great to be able to offer our customers crane tip control on our forwarder models. That way we can facilitate and make their working day easier and more comfortable and at the same time give them the conditions for a more efficient and productive work,” says Forsblom.

The strengths of ETC are several, where Eco Log has focused on optimizing the function and placement of the sensors to make sure that the system works in the best possible way for the operator and to ensure a smoother and more precise crane movement and position. As an operator you can easily choose if the crane tip control should be activated or if you rather operate the crane manually with your regular settings.

“This is a big advantage that allows the operator to be flexible and to adapt the work to different situations and conditions. Also, you can avoid unnecessary down-time, for example if the crane tip control system is in need of servicing. Then you can operate the crane manually just as usual until a service technician arrives,” Forsblom explains.

The Komatsu 951XC is a new harvester for final logging in steep terrain and on soft ground. The eight-wheel design, combined with the stable Komatsu concept, ensures a machine with great stability, excellent manoeuvrability, and low ground pressure. The Komatsu 951XC is also optimised for use with the Komatsu C164 – a harvester head specially designed for logging large trees – although naturally it works just as well with a range of other heads.

For demanding conditions

The Komatsu 951XC is part of Komatsu Forest’s product series of machines specially designed for challenging conditions.

“Now we have a complete range of eight-wheeled machines, specially designed for demanding conditions,” Joakim Johansson, product manager harvesters at Komatsu Forest says.

Compact yet strong

The machine design is much like that of the Komatsu 951, although there are some differences. The Komatsu 951XC has the same wheel size as the 931XC, lending the machine a more compact design and giving the 951XC a total machine length that is shorter than that of the Komatsu 951.

The Komatsu 951XC has 242 kN of underlying tractive force and unique interaction between engine, control system and power transmission. The hydrostatic transmission enables engine power to be fully utilised, providing considerable advantages in difficult terrain as well as excellent climbing ability. This is much due to the machine’s large hydrostatic pump, which can maintain higher speeds at high tractive forces.

“What is special about the 951XC is that it combines the strength of a 951 with an extremely compact design. Since it has about the same dimensions as the 931XC it can be used in denser stands,” Johansson explains.

951XC is also equipped with hub reductions. They provide an advantage when working in challenging conditions, such as steep, snowy, or wet terrain, as they increase the life of the bogie and thereby machine reliability.

The Komatsu 951XC has new working hydraulics to better utilise the diesel engine. The new hydraulics also provide faster feeding from start to maximum speed and allow the saw motor to work even more efficiently.

“The new working hydraulics contribute to a feeling of an even stronger engine according to the test operators that have been working with 951XC,” Johansson states.

Although the working hydraulics are new, in all other respects the Komatsu 951XC shares the same proven design as other Komatsu harvesters, meaning 3PS.

“This enables several crane and head functions to be used simultaneously with retained maximum hydraulic power, all thanks to the machine’s hydraulic power coordination,” Johansson continues.

Powerful crane

All Komatsu harvesters are equipped with parallel cranes, this has been the case since 1999. With the Komatsu Forest design concept, the lifting booms and outer booms are linked, thereby eliminating an entire aspect of crane control. This concept simplifies crane operation by ensuring that the head is always in level regardless of crane cycle stage. The parallel crane is also cleverly designed to be fast in its outward movements, when the head is unloaded, and powerful in its return movements, when the head is heavily loaded.

Compared to the 951, the Komatsu 951XC has a significantly shorter distance from the centre of the crane to the front wheels. This creates a larger working area in front of the machine, that enables the operator to work at shorter reaches.

“The new larger working area in front of the machine means more powerful crane movements. And for those who equipes their machines with Smart Crane they get an even more easily manoeuvred crane with excellent precision,” Johansson explains.

Operator environment

The Komatsu 951XC, just like all other Komatsu harvesters, features a high-performance operator environment. Examples of the many advantages include the spacious cab, good visibility and comfortable cab climate.

Thanks to the machine’s stability and levelling cab, the operator is always seated level without the need to stretch and strain to maintain a good seating position. The 951XC is, as all Komatsu harvesters, based on the tried-and-tested Komatsu concept that offers favourable weight distribution and has a low centre of gravity. In addition, the eight-wheeled XC series harvesters have a double oscillating bogie on the rear frame giving the machines completely unique handling characteristics.

“Our double oscillating bogie on the rear frame is an innovation of which we’re very proud. As well as increasing stability by lowering the machine’s centre of gravity, the machine follows irregularities in the terrain in a forgiving manner while delivering excellent manoeuvrability in challenging terrain conditions,” Johansson ends.

The work to develop a new machine is a massive team effort. Before a new machine model is launched prototypes are thoroughly tested first with Komatsu’s own test operators and then by contractors working in environments suitable for the specific machine model. One of the contractors, Henrik Lysebäck at Lysebäcks Skogsentreprenad, tested a prototype of the 951XC in the fall of 2022 and concludes the test like this;

“The 951XC is a good machine, stable and comfortable to operate. It is a machine you can trust, and you feel secure working at a long reach. This is definitely a machine I would like to continue to work with.”

The basis for the upgrade is requests from users of the harvester head and the response to the improvements has been positive from customers who have tested.

“Continuous improvement is part of our DNA. One of our most popular heads, the Komatsu S92, will be even more reliable and productive in the forest,” says Mikael Forsberg, product manager for harvester heads at Komatsu Forest.

Among the new benefits, the improved measurement characteristics stand out. The new design enables the measuring wheel to follow the contours of the stem more closely, providing excellent measurement characteristics.

A major new feature is also the new intelligent saw motor controller, Constant Cut, which now becomes standard on the S92, and ensures that the head maintains a constant and high chain speed without the risk of overspeeding.

The Find End function now has a new design and together with new mechanical stops at the rear knife this extends the service life of the head. The new feed system reduces energy losses and enhances the head performance, and an improved hose routing simplifies servicing the feed system. For even better service friendliness, all lubrication points are now easily accessed with the head in an upright position.

The colour marking tanks have been redesigned to provide easier access for filling and the multi-tree handling function has a new, more durable design which results in a lower and more agile head.

“The response from customers who have tried the upgraded head has been positive only with comments such as that the feed speed is really good, the geometry of the saw box and the position of the saw bar makes the cutting much faster and increases production significantly, the new knife control on the lower knife is very good and the clamping of the stem is perfect, and that the entire head is much improved compared to previous versions,” says Forsberg.

In addition to the above and several other improvements, the head has also been equipped with a new head computer that enables future development opportunities.

Learn more: Komatsu Forest.

“Here at Eco Log, we are in constant dialogue with our customers and we try to listen to them and learn more about their requests and what they need to make their operations work as optimal as possible,” said Eco Log’s Emil Forsblom, head of product development.

“The development work is really a team-effort and the result of this is a spacious harvester cabin with good ergonomics, effective sound insulation, great visibility and a whole new system for cab climate and a well-planned work lightning. Also, we have put a lot of effort into the cabins interior, in everything from smart storage and broad charging options to modern palettes and a great sound system.”

The G-series pendulum arm harvesters includes the models 550, 560, 580 and 590. The new Eco Log 580G has now raised to yet another level and shares the same platform as Eco Log 590, which means it is an even stronger machine than before.

During the fall, Eco Log introduced several, large updates on the pendulum harvesters – from a new control system, new rear wheel transmission and anti-spin system to a simplified hydraulic system and several improvements regarding serviceability and safety through improved access. All of these updates are now implemented on the new G-series.

Learn more: Eco Log.

Many forestry companies struggle to prepare post-harvest sites for replanting with modified ag tractors. These machines are not up to the task, often suffering from insufficient power, cooling capacity and structural durability. The 630H was launched to address these deficiencies.

Based on Tigercat’s skidder platform, the machine is equipped with hydraulic connectors and several drawbar receiver variations to adapt to a variety of plow or mounding implement connection points. In addition, the carrier can be equipped with an optional winch and bolt-on fairlead system. The whole package is factory-equipped and ready to work.

Initial studies conducted by Mexican forestry company, Proteak indicate that the 630H carriers are quicker, more productive, and more fuel efficient than the ag tractors that they are replacing. Operators are safe and comfortable in a climate controlled cab equipped with an air ride suspension seat and ergonomic armrest mounted controls.

Tigercat, a company that has contributed significantly to increased efficiencies in timber harvesting operations, is putting focus on gaining efficiencies in the silviculture side of the forest industry.

Microtec’s CT Log is a worldwide unique computed tomography scanner in the wood products industry, allowing J.D. Irving to scan and digitally reconstruct the internal features of their logs in 3D. Delivering the optimal cutting solution in real time, this technology is consistent with J.D. Irving’s mission to ensure the use of 100 per cent of every tree.

The computed tomography scanner provides a complete reconstruction of the internal features of the logs, allowing the logs to be graded and sorted by quality and optimization. The CT Log solution developed by Microtec’s engineers provides quality grading and virtual grading information in addition to the full 3D log description. 

Integrated with Microtec’s Maxicut Pro, Winlog, and Microtec Connect, the CT Log communicates with the Logeye Stereo, providing the head rigg operator the exact degree of log rotation to provide maximum value. Working with the CT Log, Microtec’s Maxicut software optimizes cutting patterns based on value. 

The newest investment is part of J.D. Irving’s continued partnership with Microtec. Beginning in 2014 with a Lucidyne scanner installation at their Dixfield, Maine, location, J.D. Irving has since installed Lucidyne scanners at their Doaktown and Kedgwick, N.B., locations, with another Wanescan installation at their Dixfield facility in 2023. Their recent investment of the CT Log is accompanied by a commitment of five Microtec Logeye Stereos, which execute 360° scans during rolling, adding to the information gained before the log is sawn. 

Speaking to the solutions provided by Microtec, Jerome Pelletier, vice-president of J.D. Irving, sawmills division says, “We are very excited to further grow our partnership with Microtec. We firmly believe that this strategic investment in the newest scanning technology will allow us to maximize log yield as well as improve the value of the products offered to our customers.” 

The CT Log solution and Logeye Stereo applications will be installed in early 2024. 

Designed to offer the highest productivity, durability, visibility and ease of maintenance for the operator, the BL4/SSL features the most powerful bite limiter system currently available in the market, complete with the new, ultra-high performing BL MAX blade.

This head delivers high productivity and unmatched shredding capacity in vegetation management and is ideal where the agility and compactness of a skid steer is required.

The BL4/SSL is available in VT version and with FAE’s exclusive Sonic technology, which optimizes performance by up to 30% and offers easy calibration, setting and monitoring through a dedicated FAE App for smartphones.

Main applications for the new BL4/SSL include heavy vegetation management in woods and forests, roadside and railway vegetation maintenance, canals, rivers and pond overgrowth cleanup, wildlife habitat protection & food plots, orchard & vineyards maintenance and restoration, maintenance of commercial and residential green areas, parks, trails and green recreational areas.

• For skid steers from 90-135 hp
• Available in 2 working widths: 62” and 72”
• 12” shredding diameter
• Bite limiter technology with BL MAX blade
• Available in VT and Sonic versions

The new ERP solution has already been successfully implemented in Ponsse’s Swedish and Norwegian subsidiaries. Particular attention has been paid to the user experience, and all functions can be used anywhere in the world, with any device.

“With the new solution, we have streamlined our customer service in Sweden and Norway, and made the day-to-day work of Ponsse people more efficient and easier. The new solution will enable continuous improvement and gives us greater transparency throughout Ponsse’s operations – which in turn helps us to serve our customers better in the future,” says Miika Soininen, chief digital officer at Ponsse.

The new ERP solution is being used for a number of things, such as material and stock management, procurement, sales, deliveries, field work control and maintenance, invoicing, and financial management and reporting. The ERP solution will also be used for aftersales processes, such as spare parts sales and maintenance.

Single platform for managing entire life cycle

Following a thorough selection process, Ponsse chose the Microsoft Dynamics 365 complemented by the Annata 365 designed for the manufacturing and distribution industry of vehicles and heavy machinery. The solution will be delivered to Ponsse by Fellowmind, which has plenty of experience in ERP solutions for the manufacturing industry.

With the Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management solution, Ponsse can manage the entire production and the life cycles of products and services with a single digital platform. The Annata 365 industry solution based on the Dynamics 365 environment also enables Ponsse to have a structured process for registering and monitoring all asset items with a serial number throughout the products’ life cycles. The solution also supports all aftermarket processes, such as warranty management, maintenance agreements, and spare parts management.

TRUMARK-EVO operates in conjunction with Wellons’ computerized control system (Winkiln-Evo) to develop precise drying schedules to automate the drying process and achieve consistent results. MC is continuously measured while Winkiln-Evo monitors and adjusts the drying process. TRUMARK-EVO in a batch kiln will determine the end-point of a drying schedule and in a CDS will determine push rate adjustments using real-time data.

Installation of TRUMARK-EVO systems require minimal down time and are available for both new and existing drying systems.
Benefits include:

• Accurate MC measurement above and below fiber saturation.
• Seamless Integration with Wellons Winkiln-Evo control software.
• Automatic push rate adjustment in Continuous Drying Systems (CDS).
• Automatic end-point determination in batch kiln systems.

Count on TRUMARK-EVO for truly accurate drying results and to achieve your target MC.

Cloud-based and accessed through desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, new VisionLink consolidates My.Cat.Com, the Cat app, and the previous version of VisionLink applications into one centralized solution for fleet management. Simplifying the process for customers, all user accounts, personal settings, account configurations, and equipment subscriptions seamlessly transition from these previous platforms to the new VisionLink.

Allowing users to access their data on the go and in the field, the new VisionLink mobile app replaces the Cat app. A download for both Android and iOS platforms, the new mobile app allows users to stay up to date on key metrics, location of assets, fuel level, idle time and more, all through a smartphone. Using all the key elements of a smartphone, it was built with mobility in mind.

For more info: www.cat.com

The new top-handle T540 XP^® Mark III was redesigned following consumer feedback resulting in a lightweight, balanced, and agile chainsaw for climbing and cutting. With a high cutting capacity, the T540 XP^® Mark III was redeveloped to ensure maximum reliability and trusted performance over hours of use. Its lightweight ergonomic design aids operator comfort and AutoTune 3.0 technology enables simple start technology and ensures peak performance even in the toughest of environments. This chainsaw represents the next generation of products designed with—and for—professional arborists.

“We listened to the feedback given by arborists and redesigned the T540 XP® Mark III specifically with their needs in mind,” said Carlos Haddad, Vice President of North America, Professional Products at Husqvarna Group. “Our top handle 40cc chainsaw offers maximum performance and precision in a durable package to enable the arborist to get the job done efficiently and effectively.”

The engine power of the T540 XP® Mark III is enhanced with Husqvarna’s SP21G X-CUT chain, maximizing precision and productivity. AutoTune 3.0 technology allows tree pros to use the same starting procedure on hot or cold starts, with no risk of flooding. Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine design delivers impressive power and LowVib technology reduces handle vibration. Added versatility comes from double eyelets that make it easy to attach and remove from the climbing harness keeping it closer to the body while climbing.

Additionally, Husqvarna’s new range of arborist climbing gear designed in collaboration with industry leader Teufelberger offers the ultimate in performance, durability, and reliability. High quality meets functional design in the form of a climbing harness, positioning lanyard, anti-shock chainsaw lanyard and mini-carabiners. Husqvarna also designed and created a new gear bag to keep gear organized. Rigorously tested, Husqvarna climbing gear products meet or exceed global safety standards and are built to last.

“Tree care professionals require durability and smart design in the gear they use day in and day out, and we’ve worked to meet those needs and provide additional comfort to improve the quality of their working lives,” added Haddad. “We’re proud to partner with Teufelberger to create a complete ecosystem of high-quality products for our customers.”

The T540 XP® Mark III and arborist gear are available at your local dealer and online. Husqvarna’s new rear-handled 540 XP® Mark III chainsaw will be available this summer.

Learn more: Husqvarna.com.

“Our goal is to change the world’s understanding of forests by providing the most accurate, scalable and timely forest analytics possible,” said CollectiveCrunch co-founder Rolf Schmitz. “Through solutions like Linda Planet, we can enable sustainable forestry, assist in the mitigation of carbon losses, and bring transparency to forest carbon markets to spearhead the fight against climate change.”

The urgent need for transparency in the carbon market

The AI-based Linda Planet solution eliminates the uncertainty and subjectivity associated with forest carbon assessments by providing a scientific and data-driven approach to forest carbon management. It does this by helping mitigate forest carbon value loss by tracking changes and potential damages in near real-time, and assists in forecasting the growth and loss of forest carbon stocks.

Linda Planet ensures the accountability of carbon assets behind an offset and provides the transparency necessary for credible carbon development through the AI backbone of the Linda platform. Nominal check-ups with five-year manual auditing cycles of forest carbon assets have proven to be insufficient. In order to have foolproof understanding of the progress and permanence of the natural capital, continuous and accurate visibility into the assets is essential – which is what Linda offers.

Linda Planet is uniquely positioned to bring credible baselines to the market at large scale. Credible baselines are necessary to build a strong foundation for the future of carbon offsets. A data-driven forest carbon inventory helps to define stored carbon and rates of sequestration throughout the forested lands, and assists forest management efforts with precision and high quality.

Tracking biodiversity unveils the reality behind biodiversity loss

A transition to sustainable forestry at a global scale requires analytics ranging from deforestation and carbon stock changes to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Ensuring that the world’s forests are on a path towards increased resilience and enhanced biodiversity requires access to the best available intelligence. Resilient forests better withstand natural disturbances and require less time for recovery, reducing the need for clearing trees. Biodiverse forests provide habitats for a wide range of species and ensure that ecosystems remain intact. The ability to track changes in resilience and biodiversity at scale is necessary to address the environmental challenges on the road towards global sustainable forestry.

“The dramatic loss of biodiversity in the forestry ecosystem is a serious global challenge. Linda Planet provides continuous visibility into the forest status and timely assessment of disturbances,” said Schmitz. “We’re thrilled to launch this product to the market to fundamentally change how the forestry industry monitors forest health.”

CollectiveCrunch is a solutions provider that is approved by Verra, a nonprofit organization that operates standards in environmental and social markets, including the world’s leading carbon crediting program, the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. CollectiveCrunch’s involvement in the Verra carbon accreditation program will further solidify the organization’s methodologies and add a baseline for near-real time carbon-storing data to support the program.

CollectiveCrunch has been developing state-of-the-art AI-based technologies for the forest sector since 2016. Linda Forest today covers 23 million hectares of forest. Continuous monitoring is an essential part of understanding the changes in the sensitive ecosystem of forests and providing visibility into biodiversity and the changes in the forest carbon storages near real-time.

Business Finland has granted EUR 10 million in funding to Ponsse’s FORWARD’27 programme in its challenge competition for leading companies. The funding is used to accelerate the product development of mobile work machines.

The aim of Ponsse’s FORWARD’27 programme is to significantly reduce emissions from mobile work machines, reduce their energy consumption and improve productivity. Improving operator working conditions with auxiliary functions and automation are also among the key components of the programme.

“Ponsse aims to be a technological pioneer in CTL forest machines and it aims at producing carbon neutral, sustainable and increasingly competitive solutions. With funding granted by Business Finland to leading companies, we can accelerate our development of sustainable and digital solutions for mobile work machines,” says Juho Nummela, Ponsse’s president and CEO.

In addition, Business Finland has granted EUR 20 million in funding to the ecosystem companies associated with the programme.

Towards sustainable mobile work machines

Ponsse and Epec will implement the FORWARD’27 together and will invest more than EUR 25 million to developing sustainable mobile work machines in the next few years.

The companies will create an extensive ecosystem around the development work. The first partners have already been selected.

“Epec innovates and develops technological solutions for future work machines to enable zero emission. The joint competence of Ponsse and Epec develops continuously and FORWARD’27 programme will take our abilities even further. The group of companies and partners included in the ecosystem created also play a key part”, says Jyri Kylä-Kaila, Epec’s managing director.

The Tigercat 612 series skidder platform was created to manage the extraction function in challenging terrain selective felling applications, while preserving the value and quality of the residual stand. The machine can be equipped with a dual winch, a movable back shield and fairlead system, as well as a crane, and front blade tongs.

The 612 is equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 Stage V engine, delivering 155 kW (208 hp). Combined with Tigercat’s efficient drive system, the 612 impressively handles adverse terrain while minimizing wheel spin.

A narrow stance allows easy navigation through tight trails and rough ground conditions. The movable shield can be used as an anchor while winching. The dual winch and moving fairlead system allow the operator independent control over two separate cables when operating in tight stand conditions. The optional heavy-duty crane and blade tongs offer even more versatility for extracting, maneuvering and sorting logs.

The operator’s cab is spacious with generous sized windows providing clear sightlines. Creature comforts include a climate-controlled cup holder and dedicated storage. Key to ergonomics and operating the machine effectively is the Turnaround seat. Turnaround provides increased comfort, clear sightlines, and easy entry and exit from either side of the machine. The operator enjoys full control of all machine functions in any position within the 220° range.

The 5710E is particularly suited for land clearing operations or other applications where mobility is desired. The horizontal grinder is equipped with several features designed to improve efficiency and help operators reduce material handling costs.  

Michael Spreadbury, product manager for Astec, says, “We are excited to reveal the 5710E at CONEXPO and have the opportunity to demonstrate the innovations we’ve made to an already strong design.”  

The 5710E features a larger rotor that can accommodate a greater number of grinding bits.

“The new rotor is eight per cent larger and 19 per cent heavier than the previous model,” states Spreadbury. “More mass means more grinding power.” To keep up with this improved power, the screening area has also been increased, to allow for greater throughput. Additionally, the grate change process has been simplified.  

 While weight and size have been increased where it counts, the machine is lighter overall.

“In our redesign process, we’ve examined how to maximize efficiency and simplicity at each stage of the grinding process,” explains Spreadbury, “You see that from the rotor to the screens, and even in the new compression roll cylinders, which offer better downforce to help process material as it is fed to the rotor.”  

Offering an easy plug-and-play installation system, the 6-in-1 wireless sensor can be scaled to any application and offers a battery life of up to 8 years. Connecting directly to the IoT platform over a secure cloud, via WiFi or cellular, customers and Wajax experts can easily keep track of machine measurements (vibration, temperature, acoustic emissions, energy consumption, etc.) while ensuring data security.

TechIQ not only allows for Wajax expert-analysis via the IoT platform, but it also provides the ability for on-the-spot assistance and support with its Mixed Reality Wearables (via Microsoft HoloLens). This option allows for a Wajax technical expert to be on the factory floor or worksite in real time, helping the customer diagnose and troubleshoot potential issues, resulting in quick turnarounds, increased equipment uptime and cost savings.

“TechIQ is an enormous step forward for Wajax in terms of how we can provide support to our customers” says Sada Haque, Wajax’s director of innovation and technology. “This platform makes it even easier for us to be available for our customers and keep their machines constantly running. Our experts are always available for emergency troubleshooting scenarios; but with the wireless platform and mixed reality options of TechIQ, we can work with our customers safely – anywhere, anytime, for any issue big or small.”

Learn more: Wajax TechIQ

“We are always listening to customer feedback to bring ideal solutions and technologies to the forestry industry,” said Jarvis de Groot, global product marketing manager, forestry swing machines, John Deere. “The new 2956G crawler log loader machine not only provides optimal power and hydraulic capabilities but is still easy to transport due to its excellent width and weight combination.”

Aimed to help ease transportation, the 2956G crawler log loader features an overall shipping width of less than 11’6” and a 90,000 lbs operating weight. As machine weights and widths increase, so do costs associated with transportation. The design on the 2956G not only helps simplify transportability, but also helps save on costs relating to transport due to its less restrictive transportation requirements. In addition, the new mounting of the log deflector adds additional strength to the right-front corner of the machine and the new, clean, and simple design of the hood profile, aligned with counterweight, helps to enhance debris shedding.

The 2956G crawler log loader machine features excellent engine power for a machine of this size. When combined, the engine power and hydraulic flow significantly boost loading capability, speed, and the capacity to run the Waratah 624. Also, customers looking to increase efficiency in roadside processing can expect improved productivity when running the Waratah 624 head as compared to the 2654G.

Visibility enhancements have also been prioritized in the design of the new 2956G. Enabling additional visibility to the right track, as well as reduce overall impact, the RH front corner log deflector has been strategically moved to the back on the machine. This improves operator visibility to avoid obstacles and impact, reducing potential damage and downtime. Lastly, a rearview camera, light and JDLink antennas have been integrated into the counterweight for additional protection.

Offering ease of serviceability, the 2956G features strategic service access to the machine’s filters and checkpoints. With exceptional access to filters, maintenance points, and the cooling package, operators can stay up and running on the job for longer. These machines are also easy to inspect and change filters with wide open access, helping simplify daily inspections and routine maintenance.

To learn more about 2656G crawler log loader, visit www.JohnDeere.com/forestry.

The system can be deployed at all stages of the process and uses Artificial Intelligence to analyze images from the cameras that constantly watch production and identify objects of interest, leading to an increase in productivity.

BID’s Smart Vision will better serve its customers by providing the following benefits and technologies to sawmill and planer mill operations:

• Identification of production anomalies that normally require mechanical and/or human intervention
• Reduction of major production stoppages and equipment breakdowns
• Alerts when a problem occurs so that action can be taken automatically or manually
• Continuous management and monitoring of one or more stages of the wood transformation process
• Ongoing measurement of quality control and optimization of equipment maintenance

“We are proud of our team and the hard work that was put into our new Smart Vision, a technology that will allow our customers to easily optimize their production flow and get the most out of their mill. Artificial Intelligence is changing the face of our industry and BID is leading the revolution by relentlessly pushing the limits” said Simon Potvin, president of Wood Processing.

BID’s Smart Vision is only the beginning, a series of applications is to be developed, in addition to the ones just launched.

The new DX89R-7 mini excavator replaces the DX85R-3 and packs many of its predecessor’s features with enhancements such as greater lifting capacity and more horsepower. This nimble machine is equipped with a family of products, including a DEVELON engine and diagnostics tool. The mini excavator boasts a reduced-tail-swing feature, permitting more power in cramped, congested worksites.

“The new 9-metric-ton DX89R-7 excavator is a bridge between our smaller mini excavators and our crawler excavators,” says Thomas Lee, director of product management at DEVELON. “It gives our customers the flexibility of a mini excavator with more power and dig depth they may need without moving up to a larger machine.”

Performance

Like smaller -7 Series mini excavators, the DX89R-7 comes with an innovative platform to improve structural durability and machine robustness. Powered by a Tier 4-compliant D24 diesel engine offering more horsepower, the DX89R-7 provides increased productivity from its predecessor. Auxiliary hydraulic flow remains readily available for operators to use hydraulic-powered attachments with the mini excavator.

An increased machine operating weight and the excavator’s new counterweight design provide better stability for increased lifting capacity. This is particularly useful when using the excavator to lift and place objects such as pipes, boulders or hardscape materials. Traction force is also higher in the new DX89R-7 due to the machine’s higher weight, meaning customers can push material more efficiently with a dozer blade.

The boom swing feature provides more flexibility for DX89R-7 operators. A thumb switch on the left joystick controls the excavator’s boom swing. This can be helpful when operating the excavator in a confined space, when the operator needs to dig next to an existing structure or obstacle.

Customers can configure their new DX89R-7 with an optional long arm. The long arm provides nearly two feet of additional dig depth and reach. This can help reduce machine repositioning and improve cycle time when performing repetitive movements.

Versatility

The new DX89R-7 is a versatile machine that can be paired with attachments, including buckets, quick coupler, and thumb. The quick coupler significantly reduces the time it takes to switch attachments, which can increase the operator productivity and ensure the correct bucket is paired with the digging requirements. Quick coupler piping comes standard for the new DX89R-7 mini excavator.

Excavator owners can further increase the machine’s versatility by operating with approved attachments, such as augers, hydraulic breakers, plate compactors, rippers, and grapples. Customers can also add an optional second set of hydraulics to operate multi-functional attachments. For example, the secondary auxiliary hydraulics are ideal for using tilt-rotator accessories for mini excavators.

A backfill (dozer) blade levels, backfills, grades and pushes material with ease. To make grading, leveling and backfilling as easy as possible, the blade float feature allows the blade to follow the contours of the ground without operator input.

Operator Comfort

DEVELON’s newest mini excavator will introduce all-new features for operator comfort. The machine offers best-in-class air conditioning and improved vents throughout the cab. DX89R-7 operators will appreciate features such as heated seats and fold-up pedals for additional floor space. An open canopy with Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) is also an available option.

Similar to larger excavators, the new DX89R-7 comes standard with the Smart Touch screen. The 8-inch touch screen enables operators to quickly read machine performance indicators and change machine settings. A rear-view camera can be viewed from the touch screen for enhanced jobsite visibility and safety. An optional 360-degree all-around view monitoring (AVM) system is also available. For additional visibility, particularly in low-light situations, LED lights can be installed on both the front and rear of the DX89R-7.

Bluetooth audio allows operators to communicate easier without removing their hands from the joystick controls, as well as enjoying their favorite music or podcasts while operating.

Serviceability

The new DX89R-7 excavator has a swing-open tailgate and side-access hood, providing easy access to the excavator’s engine and pump package, valve bank, cooling system and hydraulic system. Everyday maintenance items like filters, fluids, air cleaner and battery are also easier to reach. A centralized grease bank makes it simple for the operators to properly add grease to the machine. Additional maintenance features include the following:

• Battery disconnect switch
• Color-coded and labeled wiring and hydraulic hoses
• DX89R-7 Mini Excavator Specs
• Horsepower: 65 hp at 2100 rpm (48.5 kW)
• Operating weight: 21,005 lb. (9,528 kg)
• Maximum digging depth: 13 ft. 6 in. (4 m)
• Maximum digging reach (ground): 22 ft. 6 in. (6.6 m)
• Maximum loading height: 15 ft. 5 in. (4.7 m)
• Travel speed: 1.8 – 3 mph (2.9 – 4.8 km/hr)

Specs reflect the standard excavator arm

Yanmar will show its new products as well as its mini excavators, wheel loaders and tracked carriers at booth W40059 in the West Hall.

“This will be Yanmar Compact Equipment’s first CONEXPO appearance since 2014 and we are thrilled to be returning to the show after an almost 10-year absence,” said Tate Johnson, president of Yanmar Compact Equipment. “We’ve grown immensely since our last visit to CONEXPO and the new products we will introduce will prove our focus on compact equipment growth in North America.”

The Yanmar CE NA booth will feature 12 machines and attachments, showcasing Yanmar Compact Equipment’s full line of compact equipment offerings suitable for any worksite. The booth will feature several vignettes marking Yanmar’s key pillars in the construction industry — heavy civil, commercial and residential. The booth will also display one of Yanmar’s renowned reliable engines — the heart behind its equipment solutions.

Yanmar Compact Equipment will exhibit new equipment at the show, as well as existing products.

“We are excited to make a splash at CONEXPO with a new product that meets our customers’ needs,” said Buck Storlie, product manager for ASV. “Between the new product introduction and recently introduced equipment we will display; we anticipate show attendees will be impressed with what our booth has to offer.”

ASV will highlight four powerful Posi-Track loaders ideal for landscaping, construction and forestry. Visitors to the booth will also get a close look at ASV’s patented undercarriage technology through a display of the Posi-Track system.

Specially designed for the lumber mill or wood products manufacturing environment, Omega and its optional data collection and analysis software is an invaluable tool for improving your kiln drying or overall moisture quality control.

Whether your company is a primary lumber mill or a secondary wood products operation, with or without dry kilns, the Omega In-Line Moisture Measurement System should be your most important moisture measurement and analysis tool.

Whether it is installed upstream or downstream of your planing or moulding operation, a sideways or end-to-end configuration, the benefits of having an Omega system are the same:

• Keeping moisture problems out of your mill
• Improving your kiln drying, your grade recovery, and your bottom line by minimizing moisture-related degrade, excessive drying energy costs, wet claims, and overall moisture quality control issues

Omega, Wagner’s latest generation of moisture measurement systems, continues our legacy of providing comprehensive and robust moisture measurement and data analysis tools that are so critical now for today’s modern wood products mills.

Click here to learn more.

This system is designed to improve the distribution of fluid to other functions, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system. With the help of Eltec FRS, their hydraulic system can now operate faster and more efficiently, saving time and energy consumption in the process.

The technology has been implemented into all their B series log harvesters , where hydraulic systems play a crucial role in their equipment. In conclusion, Eltec FRS is a game-changer when it comes hydraulics, providing improved performance and increased efficiency, making it a must-have technology for all their operators.

Learn more: www.tecelement.com

AGILOX is thus targeting an entirely new area of applications: the transport of small load carriers. AGILOX is expanding its Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) range with the new Omnidirectional Dolly Mover AGILOX ODM. It can accept loads with a maximum weight of 300 kg / 661 lbs. to a maximum lifting height of 250 mm / 10 inches and transport them to their destination. The intelligent AMR concept based on the proven AGILOX X-SWARM technology thus opens up new areas of applications and other industry segments where small load carriers (such as totes), which the new AGILOX ODM is designed to transport, are widely used, especially in the electronics and pharmaceutical industries.

Click here for more info.

The new BL MAX blade is the ideal addition to the king of FAE’s mulchers for excavators with Bite Limiter Technology. This technology reduces power demand and promotes a consistent working speed, for excellent performance mulching any type of wood.

The new BL MAX blade features a large cutting surface, an optimized profile, ultra-strong built materials, and special heat treatments that make it extremely efficient for shredding. The BL MAX blade can be sharpened to extend the life of the tooth.

The BL5/EX can mulch logs up to 16” in diameter. It works with 24–36-ton excavators and has a working width of 63 inches.

This machine can be equipped with FAE’s exclusive Sonic System, which keeps the operating machine and the FAE mulcher seamlessly aligned by automatic calibration. Every FAE user can easily access this technology with the FAE app for iOS and Android. The Sonic System continuously manages the mulcher’s hydraulic settings for a significant boost in overall productivity of up to 30 per cent.

The new BL MAX blade is also an optional tooth for the 200/U forestry mulcher, which is available for the FAE PT-300 tracked carrier and other special high horsepower vehicles.

The groundbreaking collaboration will enable Metsä Group to utilize a powerful AI-based solution that detects, quantifies, and monitors storm and pest damages. With CollectiveCrunch, Metsä Group can leverage continuous monitoring to detect areas that have been affected and take necessary measures quickly and precisely.

The platform locates storm damages promptly while also providing early detection of pests such as bark beetles and preventing the spread – bringing significant cost savings for forest owners and helping to ensure the vitality of forests.

“When it comes to forest damages, quick and precise measurements are vital. The collaboration with CollectiveCrunch enables us to serve our customers better by anticipating potential damage areas and taking essential measures in the case of something like a significant weather event,” said Olli Leino, director of digitalization from Metsä Group.

Leino continued, “Accurate, timely data allows us not only to react rapidly, but to prepare potential actions to repair forest damages. The data is updated regularly during the growing season, which helps us to manage forests better. However, in the event of something like severe storm damage, we can get data promptly on an on-demand basis, which helps us in operational planning and offers exceptional value to our customers.”

CollectiveCrunch is the global leader of AI modelling in forestry, utilizing various data sources to provide accurate spatial insights and analysis. Multi-layer data collected from various sources is processed with machine learning models.

“The analysis is based on petabytes of processed data and advanced cloud-based processing routines. By combining data sets and processing them with our sophisticated machine learning models, we are able to produce near real-time monitoring data that can be used to take forest management planning to a whole new level,” said CollectiveCrunch co-founder Jarkko Lipponen. “Up-to-date data is at the very core of sustainable forest management. Being able to indicate any relevant change in a timely manner is vital, and technology plays a significant role in this. We are delighted that Metsä Group selected CollectiveCrunch as their partner to develop these pioneering services in the forest sector.”

CollectiveCrunch has been developing modern AI-based technologies for the forest sector since 2016. Continuous monitoring is an essential part of understanding the changes in the sensitive ecosystem of forests and providing visibility into biodiversity and the changes in the forest carbon storages near real-time.

This sturdy boot features a composite safety toe with puncture protection, built in arch support and sturdy rough out European bull hide leather.

“Our bull hide leather is made from some of the strongest hides in the world, which translates into a boot that has unparalleled durability,” said Sandy Longarzo, marketing manager. “European sourced leathers offer some of the highest quality leathers in the world, and since leather makes up over 70% of the boot, it’s the most important component to consider.”

In addition to its long wearing durability, the Airpower XR23 features a completely waterproof, yet breathable, GORE-TEX inner liner that also offers an additional 500 grams of insulation for the colder weather months. Everything needed for those tough, labor intensive jobs.

The Airpower XR23 is available in both medium and wide widths from size 4.5 – 15.

For more information, visit www.haixusa.com.

“We’ve developed an innovative solution by listening to our customers’ needs. The rotating harvester head speeds up processing wood, makes working easier for the operator and reduces hose failures,” says Janne Loponen, product manager for harvester heads. “Compared to competing products, the rotator is strong, powerful and above all, energy efficient, and Ponsse has exclusive rights to the product in forest machine use,” Loponen continues.

The powerful and exceptionally energy efficient PONSSE HH360 rotator is available for H6, H7, H8, H7 HD, H8 HD, H7 HD Euca, and H8 HD Euca harvester heads when installed as a loose head installation.

All PONSSE harvester heads are designed to withstand the toughest conditions. They are characterised by a simple and solid structure which is why they can be used in various harvesting applications. Comprehensive design applies to both mechanical components and the electronic control system, controls, and software. The manufacturing process is highly automated, guaranteeing a high level of quality and measuring accuracy.

Launched in 1998 by Italian magazine Trattori, the prestigious annual Tractor of The Year awards recognize the latest innovations throughout the international tractor sector. This year the jury comprised 26 journalists in representation of the most influential agricultural magazines, websites, TV programs and social networks across Europe.

FPT Industrial engines are the preferred choice of winning tractors. Out of all the candidates in the three Tractor of The Year 2023 categories, almost one half was powered by FPT Industrial engines, reconfirming the trust that the world-leading tractor brands put on its technology, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability for the most demanding applications.

The compact and integrate layout of the new F36 Stage V FPT Industrial engine was one of the key features acknowledged by the Tractor of The Year jury for the Best of Specialized prize awarded to New Holland T4.120F: “All the components required for Stage V approval are under the bonnet and do not affect the size of the tractor or visibility. The design concept comes directly from higher ranges of New Holland. Among the most interesting features we can find is a standard flat deck cabin.”

The F36 Stage V represents the flexible FPT Industrial solution for light and mid-range applications above 56kW (75hp), delivering high performance and low operating costs with a very compact layout, which is key for agriculture equipment applications in this size. Improved engine hardware includes increased engine displacement (from 3,4 to 3,6 liters), new turbocharger and optimized piston design to cope with higher performance, increasing power output by 14% versus Stage IV (up to 105kW / 143hp) and torque by 20% (up to 600 Nm), setting best-in-class torque density in its class. Easy servicing and low operating costs are ensured by the 600-hour-oil-change interval and one-side maintenance. To fulfill Stage V emissions requirements, F36 features the HI-eSCR2 system, a marking a further step in FPT Industrial’s long-term SCR experience.

The Best Utility Tractor of The Year 2023 McCormick X6.414 P6-Drive powered by FPT Industrial N45 engine, has been awarded because “McCormick has brought open field technology down to the utility segment, recognizing the need for increased versatility for tractors of this size and a demand for precision farming technology.”

With best performances in the category in terms of both power and torque, fuel efficiency and reliability, NEF series stands out for its flexibility, with either structural or non-structural design and a wide range of options to customize the solution according to the customers’ needs. Thanks to FPT Industrial’s pioneering EGR free combustion and exclusive, patented HI-eSCR2 after-treatment technology, N45 represents the productivity benchmark in mid-range applications.

For more information, visit www.fptindustrial.com.