World's first tree harvested by a drone in a real forest - AirForestry
AirForestry says its drone felled trees in a working production forest and, separately, completed an end-to-end harvest without human control — each a first for the airborne thinning method it has built since 2020. Founded in 2020 by Olle Gelin, Mauritz Andersson, Markus Romar and Caroline Walerud, the company has drawn backing from several of Europe’s largest forest owners. Walerud, who became chief executive in December 2025, has moved AirForestry into a scale-up phase after a €10.3 million seed round led by Northzone late in 2024.
She has set the company an unusually large target, arguing that drone thinning can take a substantial share out of forestry’s carbon emissions against what she describes as almost unlimited customer demand. “I believe that AirForestry could become one of the world’s most important companies,” Walerud said.
Conventional thinning relies on machines weighing 20 tonnes or more, driven deep into the stand to fell trees that themselves weigh as little as 80 kilograms. AirForestry estimates that more than 20 per cent of the forest floor is damaged simply to move that machinery into position, with forest owners worldwide spending around €14 billion a year on the operation.
Built to avoid all of it, the company’s drone flies above the canopy on an electric powertrain that leaves no wheel tracks, no soil compaction and no root damage. Its 6.2-metre carbon-fibre airframe carries a purpose-built harvesting tool that grips a tree from the top, delimbs it on the way down, cuts it close to the ground and carries the trunk out to the nearest road. The machine is built to operate in Northern European conditions.
STIHL marks 100 years globally and 30 years in South Africa with renewed local investment
Hayden Hutton and Dr Nikolas Stihl at the official opening of the new STIHL SA premises
When STIHL marks one hundred years in business, it does so from a position few in the forestry equipment sector can match: a century shaped by engineering innovation and long-term relationships with professional users.
Founded in 1926 by Andreas Stihl in Germany, the company’s roots are deeply embedded in forestry. The invention of portable chainsaws transformed timber harvesting, and over the years, STIHL has grown into a comprehensive range of outdoor power tools. Today, the brand has a presence in over 160 countries, supported by a robust, independent dealer network that remains a core part of its business.
The opening of the new STIHL premises in SA coincides with the centenary of STIHL in Germany
South African footprint
That dealer-driven approach has defined STIHL’s journey in South Africa since its establishment in November 1996, marking its first sales and marketing subsidiary on the African continent. Opened by Hans Peter Stihl, the operation has grown into a key supplier to the country’s forestry, agricultural and landscaping sectors.
Over three decades, STIHL South Africa, first under the leadership of Dave Hutton and now with his son, Hayden Hutton as Managing Director, has built a reputation for product quality and consistent support for its dealer network and end users. This approach has underpinned its steady growth in a competitive market.
STIHL SA's staff celebrating the 30th year of the company
Renewed momentum
The importance of the South African market was underscored by a recent visit from Nikolas Stihl, who officially opened the company’s new premises and engaged with local dealers and staff.
His visit links the group’s global centenary celebrations with a new phase of investment and confidence in the South African operation, reinforcing the country’s role within the broader STIHL network.
Resilience after disruption
The new facility replaces premises lost during the unrest of 2022—an event that affected many businesses across the country. STIHL South Africa resumed operations within weeks, demonstrating the strength of its internal systems and the commitment of its team.
Four years later, the business is once again on track for record sales.
“Our focus remains on providing premium products, reliable service, and sustainable growth for the South African market,” says Hayden, highlighting the role of strong dealer partnerships and customer loyalty in that recovery.
MS 500i Centennial Edition
The centenary is also being marked through product innovation, a theme that has defined STIHL since its earliest days. The introduction of the MS 500i Centennial Edition reflects the company’s engineering heritage and its continued technological progress.
As the first chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, the model delivers high performance and efficiency, key attributes for professional forestry applications.
Sustainability
For Nikolas, the milestone is about more than technology. His message during the visit emphasised forestry’s long-term perspective and the importance of sustainability.
“Coming from forestry, we have always understood that true success is measured over generations, not financial quarters”, he noted. “Those who work in and with nature understand that many of their efforts will not serve their own gain but are made for the benefit of the next generation”.
Dr Nikolas Stihl addressing the STIHL SA staffDave Hutton
Longterm view
As STIHL approaches its second century, its South African operation reflects a proven formula: continuous investment, strong local partnerships, and the ability to adapt to challenging conditions. “South Africa is an important part of the STIHL family”, Nikolas remarked.
Hayden agreed, saying, “We thank our loyal customers who have been part of our expansion throughout southern Africa over the past 30 years. We look forward to the future with confidence”.
NCT Richards Bay rebuilds with Bell after massive fire
Bell supplied the Kobelco SK260LC-10 excavator fitted with a MT1000 timber grab
Described as “a multi-billion-rand catastrophe”, the September 2023 at the NCT mill in Richards Bay destroyed tonnes of wood chips and round logs, damaged the wattle and Eucalyptus chip lines, and equipment, including a Bell L1506 wheeled loader, an old Bell Haulage Tractor and logger, and a tracked Kobelco Excavator with a timber grab that had been purchased four years earlier.
NCT began replacing the burnt-out equipment once the insurance claim was paid out. The new fleet includes a JCB 436 Wheel Loader, a JCB 155HD Skid Steer and a wheeled Kobelco SK260LC-10 Excavator fitted with an MT1000 Timber Grab, all supplied by Bell Equipment Empangeni.
NCT Plant Manager, Charles Atkins, had spoken to others about wheeled loaders and was advised that JCB was the way to go. The JCB 436ZX, with an operating weight of 14,564 kg, 132kW of power, and a net torque of 786 Nm at 1,300 rpm, is proving to be a sound choice. Fitted with a larger bucket, it’s used for cleaning around the plant, moving chips, and loading biomass onto side-tippers for return to NCT growers as mulch.
The JCB 155HD Skid Steer, with its 2,990 kg operating weight, 42kW of power and 192 Nm of gross torque, is ideal for general housekeeping duties in the yard, where it can manoeuvre into tight spots inaccessible to other types of equipment.
NCT currently has one tracked, and two wheeled Kobelco SK260LC-10s fitted with MT1000 Timbers Grabs to offload the timber trucks.
The wheeled machines move between NCT's two wood chipping plants
Ryno explains that NCT opted for a wheeled undercarriage on the latest machine so it could move between the two wood-chipping plants for greater efficiency and resource use. The cab was also raised by 500mm to improve visibility, allowing operators to see over stockpiles, which can be up to 6m high.
Charles comments: “Other than a small radiator leak, we haven’t had any issues in the six years that we’ve owned Kobelco Excavators. They are really good machines and are basic and easy to work on.” NCT is also pleased with the average fuel economy of 11-12 litres per hour.
Charles is also enjoying Kobelco’s Komex and JCB’s LiveLink telematics systems, particularly the feature that alerts him when a machine is due for service.
While build quality and machine performance are important, Charles says customer support also influenced their choice of machines.
“It’s all to do with service. If I phone, I want service, and that's what I get with Bell Equipment. I have three or four people that I can call if we have an issue, and one of them is bound to answer and jump, no matter what time of day or night.”
Apart from the latest wheeled Kobelco, which has a three-year service plan, all the other equipment will be serviced by Bell during the standard warranty period. Thereafter, they will be maintained by NCT’s own mechanic.
Other Bell-supplied machines in the fleet include five old Bell Haulage Tractors and two A-series and one F-series Bell Loggers, all fitted with longer booms for improved reach.
NCT’s Richards Bay operation has relied on Bell equipment for over 25 years. With a new chipping mill and upgraded equipment, NCT is set to remain operational for many more years.
Cintasign forestry harvesting contractors has deployed a Hitachi 350 excavator fitted with the URUS TL3021 for steep-slope logging in KZN
A report by Urus Equipment
Nine months into full operation in Mondi’s Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal plantations, the URUS TL3021 Winch Assist mounted on a Hitachi Zaxis 350 excavator base is tethering a Ponsse Bison forwarder and transforming steep-slope harvesting.
The Urus system is a proudly South African innovation. The highly manoeuvrable Bison with a machine weight of 22,000 kg and payload capacity of 16,000 kg, confidently handles combined loads of up to 38 tons on slopes of up to 100%. This is the kind of challenging terrain that previously restricted mechanised harvesting in South Africa.
The milestone deployment is the responsibility of the Cintasign forestry team, a progressive mechanised contractor operating in KwaZulu-Natal. We are grateful to Quinton Preen, one of the shareholders at Cintasign and his seasoned team for placing their trust in our technology. Their unwavering commitment to safety and minimal environmental impact has been the perfect partnership for proving the URUS TL3021’s real-world value.
The URUS TL3021 mounted on a Hitachi 350 base in action
A special tribute goes to Technical Operations Manager Nitesh Govender, who oversaw the meticulous fitment and system integration in close collaboration with the Hitachi Construction South Africa team of Marius Fourie and Morne Van Wyk.
The day-to-day operations are conducted under the watchful eye of Jason Menell, who has been instrumental in getting the system operating, along with Barbara Smith and Natalie Crouch, who manage Cintasign’s operational health and safety. Their professionalism and attention to detail ensured a flawless commissioning and continue to drive daily success.
The URUS TL3021 is designed and built in South Africa and is a point of immense pride for us at Urus Equipment.
Our heritage stretches back to 1966, when we began solving steep-slope forestry challenges with robust engineered Universal Rigging Under Skyline cable-yarding systems. Fast-forward to the introduction of the Shovel Yarder in 2005, and we are proud of our “winching heritage”, having produced over 500 yarders operating worldwide.
We have always focused on durable, operator-friendly equipment tailored to South African conditions. The TL3021 is the latest chapter in that story: The only winch-assist systems developed and manufactured entirely on home soil and now performing reliably on three continents.
The unit’s steep-slope credentials shine through in every detail. A powerful 21-ton line pull, 500m operating range and 25/28mm wire rope provide the muscle needed for tethered forwarders and skidders. The innovative 90-degree swivel pulley enables smooth roadside stacking. At the same time, the purpose-built snatch block system keeps the winch unit clear of hot decking areas during tight-binding operations, critical for safety and productivity in confined plantation layouts.
For South African forestry, where much of the resource sits on steep terrain, winch-assist technology is essential.
The Cintasign harvesting team’s success in Mondi’s Greytown operations proves that locally developed solutions can meet the highest international standards while delivering the safety, efficiency, and environmental care our industry demands.
We at Urus Equipment salute progressive teams like Cintasign for their vision and partnership. Their continued support inspires us to keep innovating, proving once again that proudly South African engineering can compete and win on the global stage.
All our machines are proudly built and assembled at our facility in Johannesburg. Beware of any lookalikes. Log and Load Pty Ltd is the sole owner of the Hin-Tech & URUS Equipment brands.More info: www.urus-equipment.com
Welverdiend Forestry opts for TimberPro
The TimberPro harvester fitted with an SP head and the TimberPro Forwarder are a purpose-matched harvesting team
A highly experienced Mpumalanga-based forestry contractor has taken delivery of a TimberPro harvesting and forwarding system to boost productivity on a pine-harvesting contract for Sappi Forests.
It has been acquired by the contractor, JC Potgieter of Welverdiend Forestry, specifically for harvesting pine on the steeper slopes of Rooihoogte plantation, situated between Carolina and Badplaas in Mpumalanga.
The TimberPro harvester is a TL735D tracked and levelling harvester equipped with an SP761 LF head. The harvester is paired with a TimberPro 840D wheeled forwarder, which can retrieve timber from steep-slope compartments.
The machines were delivered to Welverdiend in January by the South African TimberPro distributor, Logmech. The Logmech team spent a few days at Rooihoogte familiarising the Welverdiend team with the new equipment, so they could hit the ground running.
JC, son of Jaco Potgieter, who established Welverdiend Forestry way back in 1998, says he’s very happy with TimberPro’s performance so far. He uses an excavator-based harvester on flat terrain and the TimberPro machines on steeper slopes and for harvesting large trees, which is where the TimberPros come into their own.
An operator can safely extract timber on steep slopes
Service & backup
Welverdiend Forestry has had a long association with Logmech, dating back to their use of Swedish-manufactured SP harvesting heads around 2010.
Service and support were a major factor in their decision to choose the TimberPro machines for the pine harvesting contract. “We’re very happy with the service and back-up we get from Logmech; we’ve had a lot of equipment through them”, says JC. “Their Technical Manager, Ryan Chase, is world-class; they really look after us”.
Matching parts
The TimberPro machines are more than up to the task, especially on tough terrain. They are purpose-built, rugged, powerful and versatile. The harvester and forwarder are almost identical machines from the swing bearing up, meaning that you only need one set of spare parts and components for both machines. They are both powered by Cummins engines.
The harvester has dedicated pumps for all the basic functions, so there is no lag time when you engage the head, and head speed remains constant. Ryan says it has “unmatched levelling capability”.
The TimberPro forwarder in action
Forwarder
The forwarder cab rotates 360 degrees, so the operator is always facing the task, a major advantage when retrieving and loading logs all around the machine. It also has gravity-defying capability on very steep slopes. This was effectively demonstrated at a Logmech field day in the Midlands in 2024, when attendees, mainly forestry contractors, witnessed a TimberPro forwarder safely bring a large load of logs down an extremely steep slope onto the roadside.
JC was one of those contractors, and he was sufficiently impressed with the forwarder’s performance to invest in one for his own operation. It has the power and the balance, and three different driving modes which enable the operator to maintain control of the machine and the load on extreme slopes.
“You can load 22 tons and go down a 50% slope safely”, said JC.
He said his operators took only a couple of days to get used to the TimberPro machines – now they don’t want to operate anything else.
The SP head are equipped with Dasa 7 the latest generation control system available wireless or wired
SP heads
The Logmech team has played a key role in the development and refinement of these heads over many years, and it is known for its reliability and unmatched productivity. When it came to selecting a harvesting head, pairing the TimberPro TL735D harvester with a Swedish-made SP head was a logical decision, given the SPs' proven service record in South African conditions.
The heads now come equipped with Dasa 7, the latest-generation control system offering lightning-fast reaction times, robust modules, and a user-friendly interface.
Dasa 7 comes in two versions: wireless or wired. The radio module in the wireless version is installed in both the cab and the harvester head, allowing for intelligent, real-time link selection. This means no manual adjustments, no lag, and no risk of communication loss, even in areas with high signal interference.
By replacing cables with a high-speed, ultra-reliable radio link, Dasa Wireless 1 delivers seamless, interference-free communication, even in the most demanding conditions.
The TL735D harvester and SP head are a productive combination
Dealer support
The Logmech team is based in Zululand, from where they can provide effective backup and support for both TimberPro and SP equipment. They have many years of experience in forestry operations and know the equipment they distribute inside out. They also carry a comprehensive inventory of spares and components.
“We’ve got enough spares at Logmech to almost build an entire machine”, comments Ryan.
Logmech also distributes a range of grabs that they developed in partnership with an international manufacturer.
There is a growing number of TimberPro machines operating in South Africa that have been tried and tested under a variety of South African conditions. The SP heads are also widely used on both purpose-built harvesters and excavator-based machines.
For more info about TimberPro, SP heads, and Logmech grabs contact Ryan Chase on 064-8806436, technical@logmech.co.za or Leon van Eeden on 082-4559207, leon@logmech.co.za
Afrequip drives forestry performance through partnership and precision
A productive partnership of a TCi Harvester fitted with a LogMax head and the TCi Forwarder
In the demanding, ever-evolving landscape of Southern Africa’s forestry sector, operational efficiency, reliability, and strong technical support are essential. AfrEquip, a specialist supplier and support partner, has spent over two decades refining its role within the industry.
Established in 2005, AfrEquip has built a reputation as a key player in mechanised forestry, supporting harvesting, extraction, and processing operations across South Africa. It is aligned with globally recognised equipment manufacturers while keeping a distinctly local, customer-focused approach.
AfrEquip recommends the levelling TCi LH822E for clearfell and thinning applications
Specialist partnerships
At the core of AfrEquip’s success lies the deliberate strategy of partnering exclusively with suppliers rooted within the forestry industry. This ensures that every piece of equipment in its portfolio is purpose-built, field-tested, and optimised for real-world forestry conditions.
From the first contact with a standing tree to final biomass processing, AfrEquip’s equipment offering spans the entire value chain. Their harvesting solutions are led by industry-renowned Log Max heads, particularly the E6 model, which has become a preferred solution in eucalyptus plantations across Southern Africa.
Complementing this are a range of pine-specific heads, including the high-capacity 10 000XT for large timber, the popular 7000C and 7000XT heads, and compact units suited for thinning operations.
In full-tree-length harvesting systems, TCi equipment plays a pivotal role, offering versatile solutions including disc saws, bunching shears, and directional felling heads. Both full-tree-length specific heads and the Log Max harvesting heads are mounted on robust TCi carriers designed for durability and productivity in challenging terrain.
AfrEquip supplies the Morbark range of grinders and chippers for biomass processing
Productivity value chain
AfrEquip’s portfolio extends well beyond harvesting heads. In addition to the range of Log Max heads available, it includes:
Purpose-built carriers such as the popular levelling TCi LH822E, capable of handling clearfell and thinning applications.
High-capacity skidders, including the TCi 620H four- and 625H six-wheel drive models engineered for maximum extraction efficiency.
Forwarders tailored for large-scale timber movement and confined thinning operations, in the form of their TCi 1075C and 1055C units.
Specialised solutions like TimberMAX winches, enabling operations on steep slopes where conventional machinery cannot perform
Post-harvest equipment, including TCi M726G mulchers for land preparation, and a variety of Morbark grinders and chippers for biomass processing
This integrated approach allows forestry contractors and companies to achieve a lower cost per ton, an increasingly critical metric in a competitive, cost-sensitive industry.
The high capacity TCi 620H four-wheel drive grapple skidder in actionThe use of mulchers for land preparation is increasing and the TCi M726G mulcher is a perfect solution
Support is the differentiator
While premium equipment is essential, AfrEquip’s true competitive edge lies in its support network. By expanding its footprint with larger, improved facilities over the years to accommodate increased demand, and now running from five strategically found branches in Pietermaritzburg, KwaMbonambi, Ugie, Mkhondo, and Mbombela, the company reflects a commitment to customer support by ensuring proximity to key forestry regions.
Each branch is equipped with fast-moving parts tailored to local operational needs, while the central hub maintains a comprehensive inventory. With over R53 million parts holding across its key branches, AfrEquip is positioned to minimise downtime and keep operations running.
Equally important is its investment in people. A fleet of mobile, manufacturer-accredited technicians operates nationwide, delivering on-site servicing and repairs. Continuous training from original equipment manufacturers ensures that technical teams stay at the forefront of evolving technologies.
Customer-centric
Operating in Africa presents unique logistical and operational challenges, including remote locations, demanding terrain, and infrastructure limitations.
AfrEquip has responded with systems designed to bring support closer to the customer, reducing travel time, operational delays, and overall costs.
This proximity-based model, combined with a philosophy of collaboration between supplier, dealer, and customer, fosters a partnership-driven environment. The goal is to maximise productivity while maintaining reliability and cost efficiency.
The Log Max E6 head is becoming a preferred solution in eucalyptus plantations
Performance culture
Underlying AfrEquip’s operational model is a culture rooted in urgency and performance. As captured in a well-known analogy often referenced within the company, survival and success depend on constant movement and improvement.
This mindset translates into proactively ensuring that machines are running, support is accessible, and customers are still competitive in a fast-paced industry.
The TCi L855E and feller bunching head in a clear fell operation
Looking ahead
As the forestry sector continues to evolve, driven by sustainability demands, technological advancement, and economic pressures, companies like AfrEquip will play an increasingly critical role.
By combining world-class equipment with local expertise and robust support systems, Afrequip keeps pace with industry demands while actively shaping the future of forestry operations in Southern Africa. In a business where downtime is costly and efficiency is everything, AfrEquip’s integrated approach positions it as a strategic partner in productivity.
Congratulations, Godi Nsele: NCT's 2025 Small-scale Tree Farmer of the Year
Godi and Babazile Nsele with NCT's Christo Müller at the Tree Farmer of the Year awards ceremony
Godi Isaac Nsele, an agroforestry farmer from Manguzi in KwaZulu-Natal, was chosen as NCT's 2025 Small Grower Tree Farmer of the Year. The award recognises exceptional silvicultural and operational practices and environmental management.
Forestry was not on Nsele's radar when he began working in the kitchens at the state-owned South African Railways in the early 1970s. After earning his driver's license, he decided to seek other opportunities in the private sector.
In 1974, he joined his uncle in the clothing trade, sourcing garments from Durban and selling them in Empangeni. By 1977, Nsele bought his first bakkie, which he used for the business and transporting passengers between Mozambique and Empangeni in KZN. In 1981, he ventured into farming, establishing a two-hectare banana plantation in the swamps of Kosi Bay.
New plants from Nsele's nursery seedlings growing on well-prepared landBurnt brushwood prior to planting
In 1989, his land was expropriated by Ezemvelo for environmental conservation, and he invested the compensation in his first tractor and, with profits from the banana trade, built two general-dealer shops.
When the forestry industry began promoting community afforestation in Zululand in the early 1980s, Nsele seized the opportunity and planted his first timber plots. He joined NCT in 1996 and a year later harvested his first rotation.
Once he realised the potential of forestry, Nsele handed over the management of the shops to his wives and dedicated himself to his plantations. Today, he employs ten full-time workers and five seasonal workers. His son's contracting business handles harvesting, creating further employment within the family.
Godli Isaac Nsele's plantation of young healthy treesEucalyptus harvesting operations
Nsele is known for his generosity in helping others. He supports aspiring timber farmers in his community by planting and harvesting the first rotation for them. Once the landowners inherit the coppice, they are empowered to continue independently. He recently bought a new truck to transport his timber and assist fellow farmers in his area.
NCT says Nsele's journey from hardship to leadership is a reflection of the soul of the Tree Farmer of the Year accolade.
Source: NCT News & Views September 2025, edited by Joy Crane. Pics supplied by NCT.
