An average Eucalyptus pole is handled at least 13 times from felling to final sale or export. Much of that handling is now mechanical, and at Khulani Timbers in Limpopo, Bell Equipment's logging machines carry the load.

Khulani Timbers is based in Modjadjiskloof in South Africa's Limpopo province, home to the Balobedu people and their legendary Rain Queen, Modjadji.

"We manufacture treated poles in accordance with SANS specifications and are proud to maintain the ACT (African Certification and Testing) mark," explains Khulani’s CEO Mark Tullis. "Around 60% of our creosote poles are supplied to power utilities, and this certification reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and service”.

Khulani has the largest Tanalith treatment vessel in South Africa, following a recent plant expansion.

From Harmony to Khulani

The company traces its origins to 1980, when Douglas Tullis founded Harmony Sawmills. His son, Mark, took over in 1991, marking the start of Khulani Timber Industries as it operates today. The business has remained in family hands ever since, as has Bell Equipment.

Leon’s mother, Adelè, is a sales executive, and Mark's daughter, Jessica, manages long-haul transport operations. Her husband, Ruan Snyman, coordinates creosote supply logistics using his own road tankers.

“Our workforce of about 165 includes a diverse leadership team that reflects South Africa's demographics, with a strong emphasis on the inclusion of women”, says Mark.

"We also place significant emphasis on skills development, offering annual refresher training through our in-house training centre, which supports community upliftment initiatives."

From Eskom to export

Khulani sources Eucalyptus timber locally and from regions including Makhado and Mbombela in Mpumalanga. Eskom historically accounted for much of the company's utility pole demand.

However, in 2014, the Tullis family decided to diversify their markets. The move paid off. Khulani first expanded into neighbouring Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique, and has since broadened its export footprint across Africa, as well as into New Zealand and the Middle East.

Handling poles at every stage is central to Khulani's operations, and Bell Equipment has been part of that story from the start. "From the outset, my father recognised the value of Bell Loggers," says Mark.

A backbone of Bells

Over the years, Khulani has worked closely with Bell Equipment, even operating tracked loggers and feeding back performance data. "Our early machines included the Bell 120 models, which had tubular frames, unlike the modern square-frame designs."

Today, Bell Loggers are integral to every stage of the operation, from infield harvesting and depot handling to plant processing and export logistics. In the timber yard, Khulani runs a continuous cycle of offloading, stacking and loading poles onto gurneys for creosote and Tanalith treatment.

"Our fleet has grown to 24 Bell Loggers, comprising 18 Bell 225A models and six of the newer Bell 225F units, with the latest additions delivered in April 2026," says Leon.

"The A-series machines have proven exceptionally durable, particularly their Deutz engines, while the F-series offers quieter operation and improved efficiency. Bell Loggers are the backbone of our operations, supporting every stage from harvesting to final export handling."

Maintenance and support

Maintenance discipline runs deep at Khulani. "My father ensured that machines were serviced every 250 hours without fail," remarks Mark. "With advances in engine technology and lubrication, service intervals have now been extended to between 500 and 1,000 hours. Given that each machine averages around 250 operating hours per month, this has significantly improved efficiency."

Khulani benefits from its proximity to Bell Equipment’s Tzaneen branch, supported by skilled technicians and the company’s own fully equipped workshop staffed by five qualified mechanics. This ensures minimal downtime and reliable machine performance.

Bells everywhere

Khulani's use of Bell equipment extends beyond the logger fleet. A Bell B25D Articulated Dump Truck has been converted into a timber forwarder by replacing its bin with stanchions, and a Bell 1734AF Haulage Tractor handles timber transport. A Bell 225A Forklift loads palletised guardrail posts and spacer blocks, while a Bell 315SG Backhoe Loader supports plant maintenance and expansion work.