Or CLICK to download a pdf of this article

Supplier Newsline

Pierce Pacific introduces new grapple processor tool

Interest continues to grow for the Pierce grapple processor—a work tool that offers loading utility and processing productivity in one machine.

It’s the only tool of its kind that shovels, sorts and loads like a grapple, says the company. It also delimbs, measures and cuts like a processor.

The unique grapple arms offer versatility. Built to handle big timber up to 52” in diameter, they are said to be ideal for picking up individual stems as well as handling multiple logs without criss-crossing. Other ground-breaking features on the Pierce grapple processor include integral feed wheels that allow users to increase the distance of each shovel turn, and thus reduce the number of turns to the landing. It also comes with a full scale measuring system that calculates log length and diameter, making it easy to process and merchandize logs with precision.

The grapple processor’s innovative design makes it possible to also reposition long logs, handle bundles of short wood and distribute brush. It can be used with both new and pre-existing log loaders.

www.piercepacific.com

Wood-Mizer releases new high tech thin-kerf headrig

Wood-Mizer has released the WM4000 thin-kerf industrial sawmill, a mill the company is calling the ‘next generation’ in sawmills that combines thin-kerf blades for maximum log yield with advances in automated technology to create an ideal solution for profitability in the growing timber industry.

Similar in overall design to Wood-Mizer’s industrial WM3500 sawmill, the WM4000 features are more heavy duty and more productive.

Featuring a standard larger and fully-enclosed operator cab, the operation of the WM4000 is designed for productivity and ease-of-use. The new deluxe joysticks control all sawing and log handling functions, and feature proportional hydraulic speed control. They can also be set up to save two different sawyers’ personal joystick preferences.

The new 7.5” Human Machine Interface touch screen provides more information to the sawyer.

The addition of a servo motor to control the vertical head location increases the head up and down speed and positioning precision. Larger blade roller guides provide the blade with even more support in the cut.

The hydraulic system on the WM4000 is both faster and larger than any Wood-Mizer mill, resulting in faster and more powerful log handling and more overall throughput. Proportional hydraulic speed is easily adjusted by the pressure that the operator applies to the joysticks during use.

www.woodmizer.com

Epicor LumberTrack upgrade available

Epicor Software Corporation now offers a major upgrade to Epicor LumberTrack, formerly from Progressive Solutions, a comprehensive business software solution for lumber and wood products manufacturers and wholesale distributors.

The new version of LumberTrack gives customers advanced customization tools to create role-based user experiences, simplify screens, streamline data entry, extend data accessibility and support multiple languages.

Epicor LumberTrack is a feature-rich software solution that provides accurate inventory information in real time and integrates all business management functions for hardwood and softwood sawmills, panel mills, value-added remanufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and brokers. This latest update to LumberTrack offers user-defined fields, data access and extension, flexible user interface, multilingual support, multiple windows and export functionality.

www.epicor.com

App monitors John Deere equipment on the fly

John Deere Forestry recently extended the availability of its machine monitoring system, JDLink, to select mobile devices.

The free JDLink mobile application allows loggers to access John Deere’s proprietary system to keep tabs on machine location and alerts tracking via their iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. Customers can use a demo function to explore the features provided before subscribing for an account.

The application includes a number of interactive JDLink features, including multiple machine mapping, directions to machines, ping and share locations of machines and view and acknowledge alerts.

JDLink is one of five technologies incorporated within John Deere WorkSight. The WorkSight suite of technology solutions assists in business optimization and also incorporates Fleet Care proactive machine health program, Service ADVISOR remote dealer diagnostics, grade control, and payload weighing.

www.johndeere.com

B.C.’s BID Group acquires controlling interest in Quebec’s Comact

The B.C.-based BID Group of Companies has announced it has acquired controlling interest of Quebec-based sawmill equipment manufacturer Comact. With the combined sawmill equipment design, manufacturing and delivery capabilities, the BID Group is now one of the largest North American companies of its kind.

“This acquisition tremendously strengthens the opportunities for both groups to serve our very busy domestic and international forestry-based markets,” said Brian Fehr, CEO of the BID Group. “For our western operations in B.C., this provides not only greater geographic flexibility for product delivery, but also access to Comact’s highly-experienced and well regarded business development team serving Canadian, U.S. and international markets,” he explained.

Together, the companies will operate over 250,000 square feet of manufacturing plants and employ approximately 750 employees. Comact will continue to be based in Quebec and operate under the Comact brand. All other operating divisions of the BID Group, including Nechako Construction, Nechako Mechanical, Sawmill Equipment Company (SEC) and Deltech Manufacturing, will also continue business as usual under their respective operating names.

Brian Fehr will continue as CEO of the parent company BID Group. As part of the transition, Pierre Morency assumes the role of Chairman of the Board of BID Group. As well, Simon Potvin becomes Senior Vice-President Manufacturing and Eric Michaud becomes Senior Vice-President Sales & Marketing of BID Group.

“We are very excited about Comact becoming part of the BID Group family,” said Simon Potvin. “Much like BID, Comact now has greater flexibility for manufacturing and shipping on the other side of the continent, with the added benefit of expanding its business by leveraging BID’s extensive turnkey experience and capabilities,” Potvin added.

With over 30 years of experience, the BID Group has established itself as a leader in a variety of value-added, turnkey solutions for the forestry industry. BID’s services include engineering, industrial fabrication, construction and maintenance as well as green energy systems and lumber remanufacturing.

With over 50 years of experience, Comact is a leader in a variety of equipment manufacturing, optimization and engineering solutions for the forest industry. Comact services include automated controls and optimization, engineering, fabrication and field crews.

www.bidgroup.ca

www.comact.com