HarvestTECH 2020 was scheduled to run in Melbourne, Australia on 16-17 September 2020 and then again in Rotorua, New Zealand for local harvesting & wood transport operations, on 22-23 September 2020. Because of current restrictions around COVID-19 in both countries and the uncertainty in the weeks and months ahead, it has been decided that the technology series has to be postponed. The programmes had largely been completed …
Positive messages for contractors during lock down
The Log Transport Safety Council, Forest Industry Contractors Association and Forest Industry Safety Council have been working together to get positive messages out to New Zealand forestry contractors in these uncertain times. A local expert, Pio Terei, has been called in to produce a series of light hearted every few days while we’re all in lock down. See below for the first in …
Stay home, stay well, stay sane social media campaign
Safetree, FISC and FICA plan to support forestry contractors while New Zealand goes on its ‘stay home’ journey. So, over the next few weeks, they’ll be posting interesting and entertaining videos and other resources on social media. These aim to help you and your family look after your physical, mental and social wellbeing during the lockdown. They focus on ways …
Video: Voice-operated heavy truck inspections
Technology is now making truck inspections far easier. Schlumberger Trucks perform assisted inspections on heavy trucks and trailers using a head mounted tablet, the RealWear HMT-1. Technicians use the voice-operated interface to log inspection results in real-time. The HMT-1 includes a 16mp camera that can visually annotate inspection steps to provide thorough documentation of the inspection process. Upon a satisfactory …
RDO Equipment delivers new support to Australia’s largest contractor
RDO Equipment delivers new machinery and customised service support to one of Australia’s largest standalone forestry contractors RDO Equipment has delivered a fleet of brand-new John Deere forestry machinery to one of Australia’s largest forestry contracting companies, while supporting them with a full-scope service and parts support package for their Hervey Bay operations. Queensland-based Sunchip Group has accepted a fleet …
John Deere ends Cable Price agreement
John Deere Construction & Forestry and Cable Price (NZ) Limited end distribution agreement in New Zealand. John Deere Construction & Forestry and Cable Price (NZ) Limited (CPL) agreed to end their distribution arrangement of Deere branded and manufactured construction, forestry, and compact machinery in New Zealand. As the joint businesses expanded over the years, so have each company’s priorities in …
Waratah releases new app
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 …
Tigercat Releases 602 Grapple Skidder
Quick, compact and fuel efficient, the 602 grapple skidder is ideal for high value selective logging in tight or challenging terrain. The size and agility of the 602 grapple skidder makes it ideal for selective felling applications. The machine can access high value timber in steep terrain, while minimizing damage to the residual stand. A fixed front axle with an …
John Deere: New felling head for steep slopes
With the continued growth of the steep slope machine felling, John Deere has announced its new large-class directional felling head, the FL100. The new model provides customers with a larger, more durable directional felling head solution. “Our customers are continuing to tackle more challenging terrain, and we want to provide reliable, durable equipment that is designed to meet their unique …
Timbeter expanding to SE Asia and Latin America
Estonian company Timbeter, who have been involved in previous FIEA Technology events (and who have confirmed that they will be presenting in this year’s September series, HarvestTECH 2020 in Australia and New Zealand, has closed a seed round of approximately €920K. Timbeter, founded in 2013, is a global industrial timber measurement, logistics and reporting platform. Timbeter’s precision forestry platform eliminates …