John DeereJohn Deere forestry simulators are state-of-the-art tools for efficient, safe and cost effective operator training, according to the company. The simulators can be equipped with one of three configurations: TimberSkills, TimberMatic or TimberRite.
The TimberSkills option simulates the operation of a wheeled harvester or forwarder without a measuring and control system. The TimberSkills simulator provides an efficient tool to teach effective working methods and operations. The TimberMatic configuration simulates the operation of a wheeled harvester or forwarder equipped with the TimberMatic control system, while the TimberRite configuration features a tracked harvester with the TimberRite control system. Both options provide an excellent tool for establishing the best working methods in a virtual environment, says the company.
Available on all three options, the Terrain Editor software enables the easy creation of different worksites for training, including various types of trees, rocks and driving tracks. Over 200 different scorable exercises, self-evaluations and teacher feedback helps to track performance and progress.
DoosanDoosan Infracore has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Unity Technologies Korea for mutual co-operation in the development of a construction process simulator.
The co-operative project with a game engine developer, the first in the domestic construction equipment industry, is also rare in the global construction equipment industry, says the company.
Unity is a global game engine company that has created the world’s most used real-time 3D development platform to date. A game engine is the base software required to make graphics look real. The Unity Game Engine was installed and used more than 37 billion times worldwide in 2019.
Suitable for the realization of virtual and augmented reality (AR and VR), the game engine has been evaluated to be incredibly useful in various industries such as shipbuilding, logistics, and construction.
Doosan Infracore and Unity have agreed to join forces to develop a ‘simulator’ that can materialize various virtual construction processes.
PonssePonsse simulators offer a modern learning environment for training operators how to use harvesters and forwarders as well as the Ponsse Opti information system.
The Ponsse simulator provides training for basic machine controls, working techniques, work planning and how to harvest a cutblock. It always includes the SimTrainer tool.
It is easy to create an individual learning path for each operator—training sessions can then be executed by signing in to the simulator. Passing sessions allows the operator to proceed to the next level, thus developing the skills needed most.
SimTrainer allows the trainer to work with bigger groups of operators while maintaining the possibility of individual guidance based on different skill levels.
SimTrainer can also freely create exercises with Ponsse simulators and transfer them from one equipment simulator to another.
Experienced operators benefit from simulator training by learning new working techniques, such as thinning. Ponsse simulators are also available with 360-degree virtual reality (VR) headsets and excavator controls.
WaratahWaratah’s virtual laptop or machine simulator applications offer options to assist new or experienced operators in developing their expertise. Developed for harvesting or processing applications, both options build skills while removing on-the-job pressures to develop proficiency while maintaining a productive pace.
The virtual laptop simulator is a compact mobile unit complete with joysticks, ideal for personalized individual or instructional skill set development of general Waratah head operation. Suitable for individual self-paced or remote instruction, operators learn technique in a realistic virtual environment with machine joysticks and a virtual environment simulating real-life machine, tree tendencies and head responses.
The machine simulator provides an expanded machine feel, including joysticks and seat. It also features the virtual environment plus the TimberRite H-16 control system. This version is ideal for developing H-16 knowledge including work sites, cutting instruction, adjustments, caliper calibration, data management and general familiarity of the system.
CatCat Simulators teach the same applications as found in real world forest operations, says the company. The company adds that using correct operational techniques increases safety and production. Cat Simulators are the only Caterpillar-licensed simulators on the market.
The Cat Simulators system features convertible OEM controls, three to four-monitor screens, motion, and many optional accessories. Simulation training includes multiple machine applications built with Cat expert operators to teach the same techniques as found on real world sites. It is possible to record and report the results of simulations sessions and track user progress.
The FM Log Loader teaches the learner foundational applications for log handling plus more challenging applications, such as loading and sorting logs.
The Track Feller Buncher includes many foundational applications the learner needs to get started, plus more challenging techniques like thinning and multiple tree cutting.
On the Cover:
Logging contractor Tyler Backer of Pro Link Logging has seen a technological revolution within British Columbia’s forest industry, and says he’s always got an eye open for new harvesting equipment developments and techniques that might enhance Pro Link Logging’s efficiency. Read all about his logging approach—and the equipment he executes that approach with, such as this Hitachi 260 processor —beginning on page 18 of this issue (photo courtesy of Pro Link Logging).
B.C. partnership steps up to the plate in training equipment operators
The City of Quesnel, B.C. and partners are looking to step up to the plate to train logging equipment operators on harvesting methods new to most B.C. loggers.
Virtual convention coming up
The BC Council of Forest Industries’ Annual Convention is going virtual for 2021, and we talk with COFI CEO Susan Yurkovich about the compelling speakers and the important issues in forestry that will be discussed at the convention in April—and what new U.S. President Joe Biden might mean for the industry.
Dealing with changing logging logistics
Logging contractor Tyler Backer is dealing with changing logging logistics in the B.C. Interior these days, such as working in steeper ground—but he has the dedicated people and tough iron to successfully take it all on.
Landrich 2.0 is launched
The Landrich harvester 2.0 version has been launched by New Brunswick’s A. Landry Fabrication, and the new machine features a number of improvements suggested by very loyal customers of the original Landrich harvester.
Enhancing pellet production—and quality—at Pinnacle
Pinnacle Renewable Energy recently completed a $30 million investment package in B.C.’s Cariboo region designed to enhance pellet production efficiency—and product quality.
Big recovery boost for Quebec mill with upgrade
The Bois CFM Inc. sawmill in Sainte-Florence, Quebec recently installed a new optimized primary and secondary line from USNR to meet growing customer demand, that will move its production to the next level.
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 (CWFC), FPInnovations and the Faculty of Forestry of University of B.C.
The Last Word
Jim Stirling takes a look ahead for the forest industry, beyond the recent elections, and COVID-19.
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