Sawmills have long asked for more choice and competition in the reversible chipper knife market. The status quo has always been purchasing chipping heads and being stuck with the same knife supplier for the life of the head. This creates comfortable pricing for the knife manufacturer and a suffocating market for the customer—devoid of competition, cost savings, or innovation. If you have a problem with the knives, the only way out is to invest over $70,000 for new chipping heads…. difficult to slide that into the maintenance budget.
Fortunately an innovative and rapidly growing company is said to have kicked in the door of the status quo and is making waves throughout the industry. Cortex, founded by Gavin and Trent Carpenter, of Portland, Oregon has designed what they say is a superior knife which can be bolted into existing chipping heads, conical, or drum style heads. The ‘bolt in and go’ solution allows mills to immediately gain increased performance and significant cost savings without the huge capital expense of new heads. For example, a simple change in wear components, such as clamps and counterknives, provides an immediate savings and superb performance right from the start, according to the company. Cortex also manufactures conical heads and segments which can replace chipping heads as they wear out.
Central Interior B.C. – Drum head conversion
‘Bolt on and go’ forces the older knife companies to finally compete for mill business, says the company. “Our mission is to earn your business through performance,” states company president and co-founder Trent Carpenter. “The huge savings on knives and wear parts is simply a bonus.
“We provide a performance evaluation period where we simply send you the parts, install them with a certified Cortex tech, and you see the results yourself. No contracts. No hassle. It’s how it should be,” he adds.
New slabber head - Skeena Sawmills, Terrace B.C.
In 2016, Cortex signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Burton Saw and Cut Technologies. Shortly thereafter, they installed the first drum style conversion in Northern B.C. Right out of the gate, the sawmill saw the knife edge wasn’t chipping out as much compared to the competition. Cortex worked directly with the mill and made some refinements before fully releasing the product. Running at 650 fpm in frozen wood gave the custoCentral Interior B.C. – Drum head conversionmer the confidence and data to convert the entire line.
Solid head conversion – Alabama.
Cortex uses the latest in cold steel forming technology. ‘The tighter the tougher’; the cold drawing process forces the steel into a dense grain structure strengthening the knife from within. When looking at the knife, you see a smooth mirror finish on the cut surface. This is a huge contrast to the deep grinding marks etched onto the surface from current reversible knife manufacturers.
“This makes a huge difference in knife life, even in the toughest applications,” explains Carpenter.
Jason Allen, vice-president of sales for Burton and Simonds International, states: “Our customers have told us for years that we need to find them a solution for chipping heads without having to wait for them to wear out. Cortex was a great fit—an innovative and dynamic approach to the market, offering incredible value to the customer, and a deep history of product knowledge on all applications.
“Western Canadian sawmills have an opportunity to put some significant savings back in their pocket with a Cortex upgrade, and that’s a win for everyone,” says Allen.
With multiple installations each month throughout North America, Simonds and Burton Saw are loading up their 12 distribution facilities with Cortex parts to facilitate the ‘bolt on and go’ conversion in any application. With the merger with Simonds (see sidebar story), they now have a wealth of talent at all levels in service and sales to support the accelerating growth of the Cortex product line.
This material was supplied by Burton Saw and Supply and Simonds International.
Simonds International and Burton Saw & Supply mergingSimonds International and Burton Saw & Supply have announced the merger of the companies in a transaction that they say will create the leading producer and marketer of cutting tools and related equipment for the primary wood fiber industry.
The combined entity will continue to operate in North America with facilities located in the major wood fiber regions. All products and customer segments currently served by Burton, Simonds and B.G.R. Saws will continue uninterrupted during the integration process, and following. The focus will be to identify and implement the Best Practices of each of the companies and leverage them across the entire organization.
The combined company delivers the most extensive range of products and services available to the company’s end users, it says. Its range of maintenance equipment, cutting tools and consumable supplies allows the company to provide the complete needs of customers’ production process. Popular brands include: Simonds, B.G.R. Saw and Cut Technologies custom-made and engineered saw blades; Simonds, Cortex and Global Tooling wood processing knives; and Armstrong and Wright Machine filing room equipment. It says the merged company maintains very strong relationships with the key file room suppliers that the industry relies upon, and represents through distribution several other brands of innovative European filing room equipment.
Komatsu Ltd. has signed an agreement to acquire the Quadco and Southstar forestry attachment operations from Quebec-based Prenbec Equipment Inc.
By adding the Quadco felling heads and Southstar large harvester heads to the existing lines of Log Max and Komatsu small and medium-sized harvester heads, Komatsu will become an industry leader in forestry attachments, the company says. This will allow Komatsu to offer its customers a full range of forestry attachments.
The acquisition will be made through a wholly owned subsidiary of Komatsu in the U.S. and is expected to close in February. The deal excludes the forestry equipment businesses of Tanguay and Forespro delimbers.
Quadco and Southstar will continue to operate as independent companies within the Komatsu group following the completion of the acquisition and will maintain their existing sales networks. To offer improved value to customers, a forestry attachment division within Komatsu Forest AB will be formed, which will manage the Quadco, Southstar, and Log Max brands.
In 2016, Komatsu launched a three-year mid-range management plan, to grow towards the company’s 100th anniversary in 2021, and beyond. In line with this plan, Komatsu decided to make this acquisition and expand its forestry attachment business, it says.
The global market for forestry machines, including forestry attachments, is continuing to grow at a rapid rate. It’s anticipated that there will be particular growth in the North American market, the company says.
www.home.komatsu/en/press/2018/others/1198707_1831.html
Vacuum scraper a new concept in dust mitigationThe removal and collection of dust fines has been a long-standing concern for many companies, from a safety perspective as well as the loss of potential revenue. In a number of different industries, conveyor systems are moving products that create fine particulates, some not even visible to the naked eye. Over time, these large and fine particulates build up as they become dislodged by the return rollers. They become airborne and are carried by air currents to accumulate on the floor below or to be deposited on the surrounding structures and equipment.
The airborne dust is a health and safety hazard as it can be inhaled, reduce visibility or cause failure of conveyor system components. If the materials are combustible, they also have the potential to ignite catastrophically and cause serious life threatening injuries.
The Vacuum Scraper was specifically designed to dislodge and collect the carryback material at the head pulley, before the first return roller, to effectively migrate these issues.
By utilizing Infinity Belting Ltd.’s patented Finger Scraper technology, the Vacuum Scraper is able to remove and contain 87 per cent to 97 per cent of the carryback, for collection by in-house dust collection systems.
Profab Manufacturing Ltd has announced that Vanguard Cranes is now officially in the Vancouver Island community of Chemainus, B.C.
“We are in full production,” says the company, adding that having the combination of Profab Trailers and Vanguard Cranes manufactured out of the same facility will prove to be much easier for customers looking for new combined units.
All parts sales for both Vanguard Cranes and Profab continues from Chemainus.
“We look forward to continuing our strong relationships with our current customers and building new relationships with our new Vanguard Cranes customers,” says Profab Manufacturing.
www.profabmanufacturingltd.canic.ws
Forest industry supplier Carbotech has opened a new office on Quebec City’s north shore in the Saint-Nicholas district.
A division of Carbotech’s Plessiville head office’s engineering department, the new offices will mainly accommodate new draftspeople, mechanical engineering technicians, engineers, project managers and the company’s after-sales service staff working in the ‘CARBOCARE’ unit.
Taking advantage of its momentum and a favorable economy, Carbotech says it will continue developing markets in South America, Europe, Oceania, the United States and Canada. At the same time, the company will maintain its contribution to the lumber industry by continuing to develop patented concepts for efficient lumber production.
Westcon JCB, headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan is the newest addition to JCB’s North American dealer network.
The new dealer will sell, rent and service JCB equipment from branches in Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.
Westcon Equipment has sold and serviced heavy equipment on the Prairies since 2004. The new Westcon JCB will initially carry JCB backhoes, excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders, telescopic handlers, wheel loaders, Access aerial work platforms, and rough terrain forklifts.
John Deere changes engine on some tracked feller bunchers and harvestersJohn Deere’s 900M-Series tracked feller bunchers and 900MH-Series harvesters are now equipped with Final Tier 4 (FT4) engines, which the company says offers fuel and fluid-efficient machines without sacrificing power and performance.
John Deere says it is a leader in FT4 technology, offering a diesel particulate filter (DPF) solution that is known for its ability to reduce the dependency of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
With the required emissions change, John Deere FT4 engines maintain power density, torque, and transient response, which results in productivity, uptime, and more value. The company says that in addition to excellent fuel economy, the design of the engine after-treatment system results in exceptionally low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) usage.
“DEF usage has become a real input into the planning and cost of the overall equipment operation,” says Jim O’Halloran, product marketing manager for John Deere. “We have to talk about overall fluid economy now, and if you use less fluid, there is less handling and storage requirements. It’s a real positive factor in the efficiency and overall bottom line of our customers.”
Pettibone introduces Cary-Lift 254i to material handling lineupPettibone has added the Cary-Lift 254i to its line of log handlers.
The Cary-Lift 254i features a unique overhead lift arm design, giving the operator full front visibility when lifting or transporting loads—a sharp contrast to the lift arms on wheel loaders, which are located directly in front of the vehicle. Additionally, Cary-Lift forks are capable of tilting down 90 degrees for specialized lifting tasks.
The 254i is powered by a 225 hp Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 4 diesel engine with DOC and SCR after-treatment. The unit includes an engine-driven fan, cooling package and engine block heater as standard equipment. The machine provides a maximum load capacity of 25,000 lbs and maximum lift height of 14’. Offering 4-wheel drive with 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab hydraulic power steering modes, and with the wheelbase limited to just 12’, the 254i can achieve a turning radius of 23’ 6’.
Unlike forward-reaching articulated loaders, the Cary-Lift’s heavy-duty, solid steel frame design allows it to take full loads into sharp turns without sacrificing load capacity or stability.
Oregon announces upgrade to 70 LGX saw chainThe new Oregon PowerCut 70-Series EXL saw chain is an evolution of the popular LGX 3/8” professional saw chain for 50 to 100cc chainsaws. This upgraded chain features a proprietary grind that provides increased performance with reduced operator fatigue.
The new 70-Series EXL saw chain also offers a proprietary multi-axis grind technology and precision-ground cutters to help the saw power through timber, as well as LubriTec technology that keeps the saw chain and guide bar oiled for less friction and longer life. It has improved grind shape profile to better match the shape of the file, making it easier to file a precise edge. The Gold Loop Start Indicator makes sharpening easier with start-stop identification. The saw chain also has an overall design that reduces the force applied by the operator.
New Husqvarna X-Cut chain design requires less saw powerHusqvarna offers a new line of X-Cut chains, completely developed, designed and manufactured in the company’s state-of-the-art production facility in Sweden.
The X-Cut SP33G chain offers more control and creates an optimal performance experience, says the company. It is a low-vibration pixel chain made of chrome and steel with a tough optimized structure. The carefully engineered thickness of the chrome layer creates a lasting sharpness.
The chain requires less power from the saw and delivers an optimal cut due to its unique angle design. The small arrow-shaped channels in the links help achieve superior lubrication results by transporting oil to the chain during operation. It comes pre-stretched from the factory, preparing it for use right out of the box, saving time and decreasing the risk of saw damage.
The chain is available for a limited selection of 400 and 500 series saws.
www.husqvarna.com/ca-en/accessories/chainsaws/
2017 marked the 50th year of the business relationship between Wajax and Hyster, who celebrated the occasion with a series of events across Canada as well as with the introduction of new warehouse products and the latest Class V internal combustion pneumatic forklifts. Wajax is the sole Canadian distributor of Hyster products.
Throughout the year, Hyster and Wajax celebrated their half-century long association with special events.
Hyster is a leading manufacturer of forklift trucks in Canada and one of the best-known names in the material handling industry. Wajax offers an extensive selection of new and used Hyster forklifts for sale across Canada, as well as expert local service. With a fleet of more than 2,500 Hyster forklifts in Canada, Wajax can also meet virtually any short or long-term rental requirements of its customers.
“We’ve been a leading supplier of high-quality products to the Canadian market, including best-in-class Hyster forklifts, for half-a-century,” said Sajith Manikath, Director, Material Handling at Wajax. “The introduction of the new version of Class V forklifts this year gives us an even wider array of solutions to meet the needs of our customers.”
Hyster forklifts have a reputation for strength and durability in the toughest industrial applications. Rugged Hyster internal combustion pneumatic forklifts— designed for outdoor surfaces—offer the flexibility of diesel, propane and gasoline engines to suit a variety of demanding applications including lumber, heavy steel, pre-cast concrete and shipping.
On the Cover:
Successful sawmill owners are always seeking ways to improve their operations and make them run more efficiently. If an upgrade in one area of the mill contributes a positive ripple benefit elsewhere in the process, that’s so much the better. That’s exactly what happened with the installation of the first Brunette Machinery Retract-To-Load (RTL) log singulator unit at Carrier Lumber’s Tabor mill operation near Prince George, B.C. (Photo courtesy of Carrier Lumber).
Goin’ south—with PinkWood
Calgary’s PinkWood, which sets itself apart by producing a fire-resistant I-joist line, was initially set up to serve the market in Western Canada, but is now making big inroads into the U.S. market—which is good news for the mills that supply it with lumber and OSB.
Logging Win all the way ‘round
The Snuneymuxw First Nations and Vancouver Island logging contractor A&K Timber are part of a successful venture that is seeing work and revenue being generated for the band, logging work for A&K Timber, and timber being harvested for mill operations on Vancouver Island.
What will sawmills of the future look like?
Will the sawmills of the future be run entirely from an I-Phone or I-Pad? Logging and Sawmilling Journal looks at what might be in store for future sawmills with UBC wood science assistant professor Julie Cool.
Hauer Bros. mill has a lot of history
The mid-sized Hauer Bros. Sawmill in B.C.’s Robson Valley has a long history in the area, and these days finds its market niche producing mostly timber for regional markets in the B.C. Interior.
Advance look at the COFI Conference
Logging and Sawmilling Journal takes a look at the issues—from the softwood lumber dispute to dealing with wildfire-damaged timber in the sawmill—that will be under discussion at the upcoming COFI conference, being held April 4-6 in Prince George, B.C.
New singulator unit increases mill efficiency—and more
New sawmilling technology, in the form of the first Brunette Machinery Retract-To-Load (RTL) log singulator unit, is helping to make operations run more efficiently—and reducing maintenance downtime—at Carrier Lumber’s Tabor sawmill in Prince George, B.C
The Edge
Included in this edition of The Edge, Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, are stories from the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, Alberta Innovates and Alberta Agriculture.
The Last Word
The ITC decision on Canadian softwood lumber duties is pure theatre, says Jim Stirling.
Departments
