Cut better, for longer, for less with STIHL's RMHS harvester chain

Designed by international experts to last longer than similar industry standard chains, the STIHL Rapid Micro Harvester Special (RMHS) has up to a 70% longer service life and less chance of downtime than conventional harvester chains with a 2.0mm drive link gauge.

The STIHL RMHS saw chain is a semi-chisel chain with a slim, straight-sided cutter designed for all hydraulic harvester heads. It is an essential investment for professional timber harvesting operations.

The offset depth gauge of 1.0mm makes this a smooth-running chain so that the chance of dangerous breakages is minimised. The sliding surface has been increased through the patented asymmetrical toe and heel shape, resulting in considerably reduced pressure on the cutters and a longer service life. The saw chain is marked with the letters HS on the cutters and an arrow that points in the direction the saw chain rotates.

The RMHS is designed to withstand continuous high loads, a standard element in highly mechanised timber harvesting operations.

Compared to conventional saw chains, harvester saw chains are subject to extreme conditions. High loads can result in cracks radiating from the rivets that finally cause the chain to break. To address this problem, STIHL has designed the harvester chain elements to effectively and evenly distribute forces acting on the drive links, tie straps, cutters, and rivets over the entire saw chain. This significantly reduces the risk of cracking. The smaller distance between the tie straps increases flexural strength and reduces the risk of chainshot.

Through focused R&D, STIHL has developed the ideal material mix for every component. With proper maintenance, the RMHS speciality saw chain ensures less friction for a smoother operation and increased wear period. The Rapid Micro Harvester Special saw chain is remarkable in that it has up to a 70% longer service life and less chance of downtime than conventional harvester chains with a 2.0mm drive link gauge.

Making the RMHS work at its best

The chain's wide running faces extend the service life, so it is necessary to check that the guide-bar groove depth of the running faces on the chain, guide-bar rails, and chain sprocket match. Narrower saw chains cause a narrower wear pattern on the guide bar and chain sprocket.

The edge pressure increases when a new RMHS chain is mounted on a worn guide bar. This results in excessive wear or damage on the new saw chain. It is recommended that a new chain sprocket and a new guide bar be installed for optimum break-in and operation.

STIHL is known for its expertise in producing innovative, top-quality machines. Its harvester chains are precision-made in the company's Switzerland-based factories on custom-designed machinery. Meticulous production processes, strict quality control, and proper chain maintenance ensure less friction for smooth operations and longer wear life in a mechanised timber harvesting operation.

Owning a legend made easy

Owning a legend made easy

It's an easy choice when a chainsaw combines performance and reliability with fuel savings and user comfort. The STIHL MS 382 is this machine...

Specifically designed for the rigorous demands of professional forestry, plantation management and agricultural applications, the 3,8kW MS 382 delivers an impressively fuel-efficient performance, saving up to 20% less than previous models, thanks to an improved 2-MIX engine (according to in-field testing conducted by independent forestry contractors both locally and abroad). That's a significant saving over a year!

How does it work?

A 2-MIX engine is a 2-stroke engine that replaces unburned fuel with fresh air, which would have been emitted via the exhaust during the transfer process. This is achieved by adding an extra 'fresh air' port on either side of the inlet manifold between it and the transfer ports.

The air induction system introduces a buffer of clean air between fuel charges to purge the system efficiently. Clean air from the transfer ports enters the combustion chamber first when the ports are uncovered by the downward-moving piston.

This air (oxygen) joins the remainder of the exhaust gas emitted via the exhaust port, lowering nitrous oxide levels and reducing the hydrocarbon content by 60 – 80%.

The result is groundbreaking, with high torque over a wide speed range, fuel consumption cut by up to 20%, and exhaust emissions reduced by up to 50% compared to conventional two-stroke engines without 2-MIX technology.

Light yet robust

The petrol-powered MS 382 chainsaw is ergonomic and lightweight (weighing just 6.2kg) with an excellent power to weight ratio and various upgraded features that make it easy to handle. The flywheel is aluminium with fewer fins, making it lighter with enhanced cooling. The reduced rotating mass reduces wear on the crankshaft and main bearing, adding to its reliability with minimal need for servicing.

The starter wheel is made of polymer instead of magnesium, allowing for more airflow and better cooling. Plus, the new-looking starter cover helps to prevent dirt from entering the cylinder fins, which means there is less need for maintenance.

A host of other benefits

The MS 382 is economical to operate in other ways. The STIHL Ematic bar lubrication system facilitates longer wear and reduces chain oil consumption compared to conventional methods of chain lubrication; impressively, up to 50% less, depending on the cutting attachment and the type of wood being cut. The enhanced oil pump has a one-gear drive system and ensures a steady oil flow to the saw chain links and guide bar rails.

Another helpful feature is the compensator, a control system in the carburettor, which prevents the fuel-air mixture from getting richer as the air filter becomes clogged over time.

The correct quantity of fuel is delivered to the carburettor depending on the amount of air passing through the air filter. This keeps the fuel/air ratio in the combustion mixture constant and, therefore, the engine power. There is no need to clean the air filter until there is a noticeable drop in performance.

User-friendly for less fatigue

In addition to being fuel-efficient, easier to service and cost-effective to maintain, the MS 382 also has reduced noise levels, lower emissions, and features the STIHL anti-vibration system, which all help limit operator fatigue during extended work periods.

Side-mounted chain tensioning ensures simple, safe chain tensioning and replacement, and the tool-free fuel cap allows easy refuelling.

With the single-lever master control system, all critical functions are operated using a single lever.

The MS 382 has a decompression valve and ElastoStart for hassle-free starting.

Nationwide support

Supported by a nationwide network of STIHL dealers that offer expert advice, after-sales servicing and spares, the iconic MS 382 chainsaw embodies the typical STIHL legacy of robust performance, cost-effective operation, and professional-grade delivery.

No wonder STIHL is the world's largest-selling chainsaw brand.

STIHL supports rhino dehorning project

*The rhino are darted and then the horn is cut off just above the growth point, using a chainsaw. The process is quick and painless.*

There has been an alarming surge in rhino poaching, particularly within the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP), forcing Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in collaboration with WWF South Africa, to undertake a rhino dehorning programme. KZN lost a total of 325 rhinos in 2023, with 307 of those poached within HiP, despite concerted efforts to stem the tide.

The dehorning programme marks a pivotal moment in Ezemvelo’s anti-poaching efforts, aligning with proven strategies implemented elsewhere, such as in Kruger National Park. Ezemvelo CEO, Sihle Mkhize, stressed that while dehorning is ‘not a panacea’, it forms part of a comprehensive approach to disincentivise poachers. “Rhino dehorning goes against the grain of what we stand for, but the persistent threat posed by poachers has necessitated more drastic measures,” he said.

The dehorning programme complements the recently approved Ezemvelo KZN Guardianship Strategy for Rhinoceros, which aims to significantly reduce poaching incidents. The strategy includes:
o Approximately R11 million from the KZN province to erect a smart fence to cover a significant portion of HiP where poaching levels are high;
o Financial support of +-R40 million from the Dept of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment to extend the area protected by the smart fence;
o Increasing field ranger numbers from 45 to 88 and improving ranger living conditions;
o Installing trackers in all vehicles;
o Improving relations with adjacent communities;
o Additional helicopter hours with night vision capability;
o The appointment of Sthembiso Ndlovu as the Senior Manager: Rhino Protection

To ensure that the dehorning process is as fast and as safe as possible, STIHL SA has donated equipment to WWF South Africa to support this cause, including eight high-powered chainsaws, sharpeners and protective chainsaw pants to be worn by those doing the dehorning.

“If removing their horns is the only way we can save the lives of our magnificent rhinos, then it has to be done, albeit with a sense of sadness,” says STIHL managing director, Hayden Hutton. “We are humbled to be able to play a part in this project, undertaken in such tragic circumstances. We hope this will ensure the survival of this species so that the next generation of humans is able to see rhinos in their natural environment - not only in picture books.”

*Preparing a rhino for dehorning in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal. The aim is to deter poachers.*

Wattle field day in Eswatini

*Wattle growers at the field day networking and watching demo’s of forestry tools.*

A successful wattle field day jointly organised by Eswatini-based Montigny Investments and South African-based NTE was held at Mhlambanyatsi in Eswatini recently, attended by around 60 enthusiastic tree farmers and stakeholders.

The aim of the field day was to promote co-operation and networking between stakeholders involved in forestry business across the border, and to share ideas about how to grow and market wattle timber and bark effectively.

Eza Mapipa of NTE said that Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has good growing conditions for wattle, and that co-operation and collaboration between wattle growers, processors and marketers across the border was important in order to expand the resource into the future. Montigny has vast areas planted to wattle in Eswatini, and there are many small scale wattle growers active there as well, said Eza.

Presentations from invited guests from forestry businesses were followed by a field visit to a Montigny wattle plantation with live demonstrations of latest equipment and methods.

NCT Forestry’s Craig Norris discussed the importance of good land preparation for planting wattle with quality pits and good planting techniques. He also touched on the need for effective after-care and weed control to ensure productive, uniform stands.

Erich Jacobs of Sunshine Seedlings shared info about sourcing good quality planting stock and how to look after the seedlings on their journey from nursery to field. It is crucial to transport them carefully so that seedlings are not damaged in transit. He said they should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly so they don’t dry out before they are planted.

*The Stihl hand-operated earth auger makes good quality, uniform pits for planting trees.*

The Stihl team demonstrated the use of a Stihl earth auger for creating uniform pits for planting, and also the effectiveness of the Stihl MS 260 chainsaw that is light but powerful and well suited to forestry work.

Callum McKenzie of Pietermaritzburg-based Silvix Forestry demonstrated the use of various forestry tools including the Faka-Plenty hand-operated planting tube that enables a field worker to put a seedling in the ground and add gel to the pit without having to stoop down, as well as some highly effective spraying tools for effective weed control.

*Callum McKenzie of Silvix Forestry* *demonstrates a hand-held sprayer connected to a specially designed backpack for effective weed control.*

Cliff Walton of NCT shared info about Project Wattle Regen, a joint NCT and NTE programme that provides support to small-scale wattle growers in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. These growers supply their timber to NCT and the wattle bark to the NTE factory at Hermannsburg.

William Aherin, Industrial Manager at NTE, provided some info on the wattle bark market, while Eza Mapipa shared insights on corrective pruning of young wattle trees to maximise growth and tree form. He also demonstrated the correct way to bundle wattle bark for transporting to the NTE bark factory at Iswepe just outside Piet Retief in South Africa.

*Eza Mapipa of NTE demonstrates the correct way to bundle wattle bark for transporting to the bark factory.*

Eza explained that the bark should be delivered as fresh as possible, preferably within 24 hours of harvesting. The bark should also be securely bundled with the white inner bark facing inwards so it is protected from exposure to the sun and weather. This will ensure top quality fresh bark that fetches a premium price.

NCT’s small scale tree farmer of the year

*Vikesh from Pmb Power Products presents Sydney with a brand new STIHL chainsaw.*

Sydney Qedumona Hlanguza from the Umvoti tribal area has been nominated by the NCT Forestry team as their Small Scale Tree Farmer of the Year for 2023.

This is a prestigious award presented annually to tree farmers who display excellence in the management of their plantations grown on tribal land.

After spending 20 years working in the formal sector, first as a teacher and then with Old Mutual’s sales division, Sydney returned to his traditional home in Ntembisweni in the Umvoto tribal area where he bought a plot situated adjacent to his family’s ancestral land.

*Evidence of Sydney’s excellent forestry operations with effective weeding around newly planted tree seedlings.*

Initially he managed a small rural trading store but was eventually persuaded to try his hand at forestry, initially planting wattle on his land from seed acquired from NTE.

By the time those first trees reached maturity, Sydney had made contact with NCT’s Greytown District Manager, Cliff Walton, who helped him find a market for the timber.

This was the start of a long-standing relationship between Sydney and NCT, with Sydney becoming a member of the co-op in 2010.

Sydney continued to plant wattle on his land, and now also manages the wattle plantations on the adjoining land owned by his two brothers. He has a total of three hectares of wattle under his management.

*Sydney’s three hectares planted with wattle.*

Sydney has been instrumental in assisting the foresters from NCT and NTE to roll out Project Wattle Regen in the Umvoti tribal areas, which aims to support the small-scale growers to improve their productivity, and expand the areas planted to wattle.

Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) is an ideal tree crop well suited to local conditions, and with ready markets nearby.

Most of the wattle timber grown in this area is marketed through NCT which has chipping and export facilities at the nearby port of Richards Bay. The wattle bark is marketed through NTE which has a factory near Greytown that turns freshly harvested wattle bark into tannin and adhesives, destined mainly for the export market. Wattle timber not marketed through NCT is also widely used by locals in many applications such as fencing posts and building material.

*Young wattle seedlings are planted in a fenced enclosure to protect them from being trampled by cattle.*

Sydney shared some of the many challenges he faces daily. Goats, cattle, and duiker breaking through his fences and seedlings being removed shortly after planting. Fire also is a constant threat and part of his management plan is making sure that he has good firebreaks during the winter months. He deals with challenges faced proactively and responds tactfully. He allows neighbours to collect firewood on his property in a controlled manner, this way he gains allies rather than enemies.

In addition to his forestry business, Sydney also runs a small side-business selling gas refills, lectures in Theology at a local Bible college, and is a speed-walking champion for good measure.

Sydney is a proud father of seven children. His older children are all in successful careers while he is still responsible for his last two who are both training to be teachers. Sydney’s wife works for the University of KwaZulu-Natal as an admin clerk.

He is a humble person who is always open to learning and improving. He considers himself a “student of life” and is always ready to take advice from people who know more about something than himself.

*Sydney’s fire breaks – fire is a constant threat, especially in the dry winter months*.

Conserving soil health for future generations

*Terry Wolhuter receiving his prize – a brand new chainsaw – from Hayden Hutton of Stihl.*

Terry and Belinda Wolhuter of 92 Farming (Pty) Ltd are NCT’s Commercial Tree Farmers of the Year for 2023.

Terry is the sixth generation of the Wolhuter family farming on Eiland Spruit Farm in New Hanover in the KZN midlands. The farm was established in 1851 by Mathys Wolhuter, and was historically utilised for raising cattle while crops were cultivated in the flatter areas.

It was Terry’s father, Peter Wolhuter, who started growing wattle on the steeper areas of the farm with sugar planted on the flatter areas.

The farm is 500ha in size and is currently planted with 250ha of sugar cane, 110ha of Acacia and 40ha of Eucalyptus. The remaining hectares are managed as open areas, valleys and waterways which are well maintained with seasonal work being done to ensure alien invasives are eradicated.

*All timber compartments are being re-established along the contours to prevent soil erosion.*

Terry is very aware of his responsibility as the custodian of the land and the importance of ensuring the viability of the farming operation for the next generation, so conservation of the natural resources - especially the soil - is of fundamental importance to his operational planning. Hence the move to ‘regenerative agriculture’. All timber compartments that are harvested are being re-established along the contours; cool burns are practiced to reduce the harvesting residues. This is only done when the weather conditions are conducive to a cool burn, and after the local community has removed firewood from the harvest sites.

Pesticide usage is kept to a minimum and weed control is done by means of line hoeing followed by a modified slasher that uses chains instead of blades. This creates a mulch in the inter-row that conserves moisture, reduces weed germination and protects the soil from sun, wind and heavy rain storm events.
Terry uses his Nguni cattle to graze under the canopy thus reducing the fuel load for fire protection, and promoting weed control.

*The farm’s neighbours are corporate timber growers and NCT commercial timber growers.*

Regenerative agriculture in the sugar cane blocks is done by planting the fields due for re-establishment with a cover crop seed mix that includes Japanese Radish, Stooling Rye, Fescue grass and Oats. The resultant crop is used for grazing by the Ngunis – the manure they leave behind is a bonus for the soil. After this operation, maize is planted that is either sold or used for feed.

Terry is discovering the benefits of leaving a two-year fallow period between sugar cane crops which he says increases the microbial activity in the soil and results in improved growth when the sugar cane is replanted. Due to the current situation with more sugar cane being carried over than usual, Terry is feeding this to the Ngunis so these blocks are receiving an addition bonus of manure before the sugar cane ratoons or is planted with the cover crop.

*Green wattle (Acacia decurrens) stand sown with the specially designed seeder.*

Terry’s passion for his farm doesn’t stop at his adoption of regenerative agricultural operations. Innovation is what has assisted Terry in the timber operation, with the creation of a unique wattle seeder as well as a modified ripper with a duck’s foot that has improved stand survival and uniformity.

The wattle seeder, built by Terry’s mechanic Tewis, has reduced the quantity of seed used per hectare and created a uniform dense hedge of young wattle seedlings that are thinned 12 to 18 months after sowing to 2 500 SPHA and then down to 1 800 SPHA at 24 months. Where site conditions allow, conventional Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle) seedlings are planted. This is where Terry’s ripper and duck’s foot combination comes to the fore. This piece of equipment creates a rip line, and the seedlings are planted into it after is has been marked to the correct espacement. The addition of the duck’s foot behind the ripper’s tine shatters the soil underneath the surface, while the suspended weight automatically closes up the rip line ensuring that soil moisture is not lost due to drying out. This replaces the conventional pit planting system.

Being a sugar cane grower and owning an earth moving business specialising in cane contouring and water way construction, Terry knows the importance of a well-maintained road infrastructure. All the main access roads throughout the farm are gravelled. Contour roads and water ways are all grassed to prevent erosion. Stream crossings are constructed with pipes and concrete so vehicles can cross easily and silting up of the streams is prevented.

A composting operation on the farm reduces the need to purchase synthetic fertilizers to boost growth of the sugar cane crops. Compost is made from a mixture of cane tops, Mila sourced from the local cane mill and chicken litter. The ingredients are mixed and left to break down into a healthy compost that enriches the soil and boosts growth.

*The composting operation reduces the need to use synthetic fertiliser, and is central to the regenerative agriculture approach.*

Social responsibilities are as important as any other operation on the farm, and apart from assisting with firewood, Terry has loaned TLBs to the community and sponsored a local soccer team.

Terry he attributes the success of the farm to everyone working together, and he says it wouldn’t be the success that it is without the assistance of his wife, Belinda, especially when it comes to all the admin work.

*Responsible pesticide use is essential … all pesticides are locked safely away when not in use.*

Linking small-scale wattle growers to market

*Stihl technical training officer Phawu Silosini explains the benefits of the BT230 Earth Augur to the small growers at the NCT field day at Glenside.*

The NCT forestry team hosted two field days for small-scale growers in the KZN midlands at their Glenside and Ahrens depots in March.

These depots play a crucial role in the timber business of the small-scale growers as they are located close to the growing areas thus requiring a relatively short haul from field to depot. The NCT team weighs the in-coming timber, schedules the payment to the grower and arranges the long haul transport from the depot to the NCT chipping facility at Richards Bay.

The purpose of these field days is to familiarise the growers with the timber specs required, to provide the latest info about different aspects of planting, tending and harvesting, and to encourage the growers to network among themselves and interact with the NCT team.

Fisokuhle Ngcobo explains the benefits of correct spacing in this wattle compartment at his homestead in Matimatolo. Fisokuhle and his wife Nomthandazo Hlombe were NCT’s Small-Scale Tree Farmers of the Year in 2021. They manage six ha of wattle and supply NCT’s Ahrens depot.

NCT forester Eric Msomi explained the most common timber defects that the depot will not accept. These include:-
• Undersized (less than 50 mm diameter) and oversized (more than 500 mm diameter) timber
• Wrong length - the depot requires 2.4 metre lengths
• Crooked and bent timber
• Timber that has been poorly de-branched or de-barked
• Burnt timber and timber that has started decomposing
• Timber that is contaminated with stones, rubble, metal or other debris
• Timber too fresh – ideally timber should be delivered to depot from around three weeks after harvesting.

One grower raised the issue of timber theft and wondered why he can’t deliver his harvested timber to the depot immediately after harvesting, as the longer it lies around in the plantation the greater is the risk of it being stolen. Eric explained that freshly cut timber is too wet to handle, and also because NCT sells its wood chips as bone dry tons and so it must be weighed at least three weeks after harvesting when the moisture content is sufficiently reduced.

It was suggested that growers could mark their timber with a green dye after harvesting so that it can be identified as belonging to an NCT member, which may discourage the timber thieves.

*Timber loading at NCT’s Glenside depot, KZN midlands.*

Another issue that came up for discussion at the Ahrens depot field day was the challenges that growers face of getting their timber to the depot. It seems that there is a shortage of reliable transport available for the small-scale growers in these tribal areas to haul their timber from field to depot. This has been an on-going problem as the loads are often quite small and the growers don’t have suitable transport of their own, so they are reliant upon informal, local transporters when available.

Eric also explained to the growers the importance of accurate record keeping in order to verify the origin of all timber delivered to the depot. He explained that the timber is sold as ‘Controlled Wood’ and so the ‘Chain of Custody’ – the timber’s journey from plantation to market - has to be tracked and verified as legal and proper.

The STIHL SA team were on hand to demonstrate the use of their range of equipment designed to improve the productivity of small-scale timber growers and farmers. These included the following:-
• WP230 water pump – easy to move around by hand, ideal for pumping water into an irrigation ditch or water tank, moves up to 250 litres per minute.
• BT230 Earth Auger – drills perfect holes in the ground for building or fence poles and is ideal for creating uniform pits for planting.
• SG230 Sprayer – delivers powerful spray capacity ideal for plantations or small farms.
• MS260 Chainsaw … this little baby is designed for felling, de-branching and cross-cutting small timber. It’s light, powerful and reliable.

All of this equipment is available at STIHL dealerships around the country.

A Stihl team member demonstrates the correct method of sharpening the saw chain using a proper Stihl chain sharpening kit. It’s quick and easy once you know how and should be done every time you stop working to fill the machine with petrol. That way the saw is always sharp, more fuel-efficient and easier to handle.

The Eradispray team, based in Pietermaritzburg, demonstrated the use of their Faka-Plenty hand-operated tree seedling tube planter as well as various tools for doing chemical sprays before and after planting to eliminate weeds. These sprayers are attached to special backpacks that are designed for comfort and meet Mondi’s health and safety requirements for contractors working on their plantations.

The tree farmers supplying both if these depots are primarily growing wattle timber which is in big demand among NCT customers around the world. Wattle timber is also used extensively by the local people as building poles and for fences etc. The farmers in this region are also fortunate in that they can sell fresh wattle bark to the bark factories operating close by, which provides them with additional revenue at harvest time.