Tigercat introduces highly anticipated 1165 wheel harvesterThe Tigercat 1165 is a mid-sized harvester well suited for thinning, selective cut and final fell applications.
With strong swing and leveling capabilities that Tigercat says exceeds the competition, the 1165 is well suited for steep slopes. The machine is available in both six-wheel and eight-wheel drive configurations.
Powered by the Tigercat FPT N67 engine, the 1165 provides full emissions compliance for Tier 4 final regions, along with excellent fuel economy, all in a simple and reliable package. Both Tier 4f and Tier 2 options deliver 282 hp at 2000 rpm.
The 1165 wheel harvester uses the same swing components as the larger 1185 machine, as well as oscillating and articulating centre section components used on Tigercat forwarders. The new active oscillation balancing technology provides machine stability, even while travelling. This allows crane operation while driving, thus increasing productivity.
The patented long reach ER crane is energy efficient and provides the same action as a parallel crane, but with simplified construction and less maintenance. The 30’ crane comes standard for heads up to 3530 lb, and a 36’ telescopic crane for heads up to 2425 lb.
The 360 degree continuous swing upper turntable supplies strong swing torque. Leveling capacity is 24 degrees backward, 18 degrees forward and 18 degrees side to side. This, along with tethering lugs built into the frame, facilitates steep slope cable assisted harvesting applications.
Weiler Forestry begins new product launch with B457 and B458 track feller bunchersWeiler Forestry has launched two new reduced tail swing track feller buncher models, the B457 and B458.
The company says that these productive new machine platforms feature excellent multi-function capability with dedicated pumps, a new cab that maximizes operator experience, field-proven components, and excellent serviceability
These Weiler B457 and B458 track feller buncher models have the latest Cat C9.3 engine that produces 298 hp and meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. A Tier 3 engine option is also available.
The B457 is a non-leveling model best suited for plantation thinning, biomass harvesting, and medium-production select or clearcut applications, while the B458 is a leveling machine for steeper terrain and excels in select or clearcut logging.
The B457 and B458 combine lift capacity, swing torque, and drawbar. Multi-function performance is achieved through dedicated pumps and optimized circuit configurations. The B458 has an extended track roller frame option that includes two additional bottom rollers for a total of 11 bottom rollers, enhancing overall machine stability in steep terrain. In addition, a standard or heavy counterweight option is available for a diversity of harvesting conditions. Unobstructed ground clearance enables unimpeded travel over stumps, rocks, and other debris.
Expander Energy Inc has entered into a letter of intent with Vanderwell Contractors (1971) Ltd, an Alberta family-owned company, to build Canada’s first commercial demonstration biomass-to-gas-to-liquids (BGTL) facility near Slave Lake, Alberta.
The plant will produce clean burning synthetic biodiesel from a variety of biomass feedstocks.
The BGTL project will be completed in two stages. Phase one will be the installation of a gasifier and gas-to-liquid unit with expected production capacity of 120 barrels per day (BPD) of synthetic fuel. Upon the successful completion and testing of phase one, the companies will proceed with phase two to increase the capacity of the plant to 500 BPD.
Expander has developed and patented the BGTL technology to be used in the facility and says it has the expertise to build plants of this magnitude. Vanderwell brings over 70 years of expertise in the forestry industry and will provide a sustainable biomass feedstock and a location for the facility.
KilnScout offers energy savingsA mill can save as much as 10 per cent on its energy costs, just by optimizing its lumber drying and control strategies. The KilnScout wireless in-kiln moisture meter from Finna Sensors gives mills the power of optimization by reporting accurate lumber moisture content during kiln drying.
Powered by direct in-kiln moisture content input, KilnScout features real-time moisture and temperature readings, advanced reporting software and remote monitoring options to optimize batch and continuous kilns. No more costly manual feedback loop between planer and kiln. Now, KilnScout’s real-time readings control drying, save energy, improve grade recovery and increase profit, says the company.
On the Cover:
With two summers of record-busting forest fire seasons behind it in 2017 and 2018, the B.C. government is looking for any steps that can be taken to reduce the chance for wildfires. And the province’s forest industry is stepping up to help with that. Read about Gorman Bros. Lumber’s work on a fuel mitigation project in the Okanagan region of the province beginning on page 14. (Cover photo by Paul MacDonald).
Aid package for B.C. forest industry: a little late, and a little light?
The B.C. government has announced a $69 million aid package to forest industry workers and communities that have been affected by mill closures and curtailments—but some critics say it’s late in coming, and does not go far enough.
Capital for constant improvements
The management at Alberta’s Spray Lake Sawmills fully understands the concept of constant improvements, and has recently made some capital investments to upgrade its main breakdown line and expanded its value-added product mix.
Stepping up to help prevent wildfires
The B.C. forest industry is involved in some interesting initiatives to help reduce the risk of forest fires, including a recent fire mitigation project in the Okanagan region involving Gorman Bros. Lumber and logger Donovan Martin.
Handing over the logging reins to the next generation
The Canadian Woodlands Forum’s Outstanding Logging Contractor of the Year, Darrin Carter Logging, is truly a family logging operation, with Darrin Carter in the process of having sons Justin and Cody take on increased responsibility in the business.
Eltec equipment takes on tough ground—anywhere
Quebec-manufactured Eltec logging equipment has earned a solid reputation for performance and reliability in Canada-and abroad—thanks to a focus on producing high performing machines for tough harvesting environments.
Growing the cut in Alberta
Alberta’s new Conservative government is considering more intensive land management to grow its Annual Allowable Cut, by perhaps as much as 30 per cent.
The Edge
Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, are stories from Alberta Innovates and Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC).
The Last Word
Jim Stirling talks about finding the smart—although difficult—path forward for the B.C. forest industry.
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