An Australian mining group has advanced the future of mobility (in mining at least) with the deployment of a fleet of fully-autonomous Ford Rangers at one of its mines. Fortescue Metals Group has retrofitted four Rangers at its Christmas Creek mine in Western Australia with autonomous systems created by the company’s Technology and Automation team, to remove the need for …
Sprinklers start at log water storage
Sprinklers have been activated at the dam on its Macgill property where KIPT plans to store more than 100,000 tonnes of pine. The pine logs, harvested from the fire-damaged Gosse West plantation will be preserved in preparation as the company awaits approval and construction of the Smith Bay export facility. KIPT plans further storage facilities on other properties it owns …
Tigercat goes big with new 875E logger
The no-compromise 875E logger introduces several new features, including an updated operator station, two undercarriage options, and various grapple configurations to tailor the machine to your specific needs.The 875E logger is a multi-purpose carrier with two boom options for loading or processing applications. The machine can be equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 Non-certified, Tier 4f or Stage V engine, …
ForestFit training program pilot launches
Leaders of New South Wales (NSW) forest contracting businesses came together last week for the launch sessions of the ForestFit training program pilot (training pilot) in Tumut (16 March) and Grafton (18 March). Ms Stacey Gardiner, General Manager, Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) said “The training pilot is designed specifically to meet the needs of leaders of small and medium-sized …
Human drivers still key to haul logs
A pilot project that we reported on recently aiming to address a severe shortage of logging truck drivers through telemetric wizardry may lead to new jobs being created, not their elimination, the proponents say. When the $700,000 project by Marathon-based Nawiinginokiima Forest Management Corporation (NFMC) and Ottawa-based Provectus Robotics Solutions became known, some assumed truck drivers would no longer be …
Let The Water Flow: Why These Bridges Are Designed To Be Swamped
Bridges traditionally sit above the water at all times, providing continuous access even in severe weather. But the potential for flash flooding in two streams in the Kopua Forest in Maraetaha, Gisborne, meant an innovative solution was required to allow Aratu Forests Limited to carry out its harvest operations. Existing fords across both streams did little to provide reliable day-to-day …
WorkSafe: Trucking Induction Video
We have put together this video to help educate PCBUs and operators within the trucking industry about some common risks and how they can ensure people go home healthy and safe. The video shows how to avoid or minimise the risks associated with: Route planning Cab safety On-site traffic management Loading and unloading We want everyone involved to feel empowered …
Logistics companies merge to create $1.2b business
Asia Pacific freight giants VISA Global Logistics and Mondiale Freight Services have announced they will be merging to form a significant international transport and logistics entity. The merged company will have a combined annual revenue of A$1.2 billion, with operations across Australia, New Zealand, North Asia, South East Asia, Indian Sub-Continent, and Europe. Both companies have made large investments in …
John Deere realigning its forestry technology
The advancement of forestry equipment has typically focused on generating more powerful machines. Now, John Deere has launched a new tech-driven initiative that will marry strength with intelligence. Through the Precision Forestry initiative, Deere will reorganize its technology portfolio and increase its efforts in delivering solutions designed to increase efficiency and productivity in the woods. “It’s not about getting bigger …
Real deal for hydraulic servicing of forestry machinery
Anyone who knows machinery understands the value of proper hydraulic servicing – especially now. It is a fast moving and demanding field of expertise, currently evolving ever faster and in terms of machinery sophistication that might astound its founding fathers, starting with the child prodigy, mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal. Pascal (for whom KPA is named) gave us in his …