Cape Forest Products is a new dawn for South Africa's forestry sector
The optimising cross-cut system at PG Bison's Thesen Sawmill in George
The merger of PG Bison’s Southern Cape sawmilling operations with MTO Forestry Southern and Eastern Cape operations to create a new company, Cape Forests Products, creates a more sustainable timber and sawmilling industry in the Southern Cape.
CEO of the newly formed Cape Forests Products, Greg Woodbridge, says, “This merger heralds an exciting new dawn for an industry that is so important to the region in terms of sustaining jobs.” Cape Forests Products will employ directly and indirectly over 2,500 forestry and sawmilling people in the region.
The devastating fires in recent years have severely impacted the forestry and sawmilling operations in the area, and it will take several years for operations to recover to pre-fire levels. As a result, the various businesses were operating at suboptimal levels.
“Our customers are situated predominantly in the Western, Southern and Eastern Cape. The merger means we can offer them a more reliable source of supply and a wider variety of quality products from our various operations”, Woodbridge explains.
Cape Forests Products will consist of PG Bison Southern Cape’s about 10,200 hectares of forestry plantations; the Thesen sawmill in George and its Woodline pole plant in Groot Brakrivier, and MTO Forestry’s about 31,700 hectares of leased forestry plantation and its sawmills in George and Longmore.
“The merger has created a significant black controlled business in the forestry and sawmilling sector with increased production and reliability of sawlog supply, improved efficiencies and sustainable sawn timber supply, all of which will encourage further investment and enhanced competitiveness”, says Woodbridge.
The merger is subject to approval by the Competition Commission.
When Knysna’s woodcutters cut wood
Oxen offloading logs at Thesens Sawmill. Pic by discover-sedgefield-south-africa.com
Adam Stander was born in the Knysna forest in 1928 and given two birth days, 22 November, when his name was carved on a tree to note his birth and 28 November, the day his woodcutter father travelled into town and registered his son’s birth.
The Knysna forest, which forms part of the “Garden Route” on South Africa’s southern coastline, was historically significant from colonial times as a natural timber resource used for fuelwood, construction, shipbuilding, furniture, and other purposes.
Life was hard
Life was hard for forest woodcutters. Boys from a young age laboured in their father’s harvesting team and were taken out of school when they were about 12 to work full-time. It was a challenging and dangerous life, with woodcutters working and camping in hazardous conditions to harvest and transport trees out of the forest to sawmills in Knysna.
Adam often regaled his daughter, Dalena Wolmarans, with stories of growing up and working with his father, and later with his own oxen, deep in the Knysna forest.
“Good for” payments
Woodcutters were usually paid with a “Good for” list of items they could exchange for their timber, including foodstuffs like sweet potatoes, flour, and coffee. This meant that no money was exchanged, which made it nearly impossible to save and break free from this kind of life.
On one occasion, potatoes were left in the fire overnight to cool. The elephants paid the camp a visit after dark, scratched out the potato treats and ate the men’s breakfast! Another time, the bread was five days old and too hard to eat. The men rolled it into hard balls that they threw at a few luckless doves, managing to kill them for dinner.
In 1913, a new Forest Act required woodcutters to register to practise their trade. The register of that time reflects 1,260 woodcutters.
The trees were numbered, and the registered men had to draw numbers out of a hat to obtain the trees they were allowed to harvest. They often had to walk deep into the forest to find and fell the allocated tree. Frequently, it was in a deep valley or on a steep slope, making it backbreaking to extract.
By this time, the government realised that harvesting indigenous timber was unsustainable and promoted the planting of pine plantations.
In those days trains were also used to extract logs from the Garden Route indigenous forests. Pic by Discover-sedgefield-south-africa.com
Adam Stander legacy
Adam had an entrepreneurial spirit and was determined to work his way out of the forest. In 1950, the owner of a Knysna garage was so impressed by the young man’s resolve that he did an unheard-of thing in those days and loaned him the money to buy a truck.
For almost 30 years, AJJ Stander Vervoer transported pine for Thesens Sawmill, the largest sawmill in the area at the time, until its wood yard burned down. Thereafter, he hauled timber for Urbans Sawmill in George.
He also established Adam Stander Houtverkope and a sawmill until he handed the reins to Dalena to continue growing the family legacy.
New Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Zimbabwe
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has released the new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Zimbabwe, which incorporates the FSC's latest Principles and Criteria for effective forest management. The standard will take effect on 1 January 2026.
The scope of the Zimbabwe standard encompasses plantation and indigenous forests. It includes large-scale and small- or low-intensity managed forests (SLIMFs). Producers of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are also catered for.
Growing deforestation
Zimbabwe is home to over 5,930 species of plants and more than 1,360 species of animals. Forests and woodlands currently cover about 35% of the country's total land area and play multiple essential roles critical to the livelihoods of poor rural communities.
In 2021, the forest products sector accounted for about 3% of Zimbabwe's total GDP. The country has three major forest ecosystems: Baikiaea, which comprises 25% of total forest cover; Miombo, covering 30%; and Mopane, accounting for 45%.
However, deforestation is an urgent issue. Between 1990 and 2010, Zimbabwe lost an average of 1.48% of its forest cover each year, totalling over 6.5 million hectares. Data from Global Forest Watch indicate that between 2002 and 2024, the country lost 1.02 million hectares (13%) of humid primary forest, accounting for 0.43% of its total tree cover loss during that period.
According to the Forestry Commission, the country loses an average of 330,000 hectares of forest land each year due to agricultural expansion, tobacco curing, overreliance on fuelwood energy, increased human settlement, uncontrolled veld fires, and the introduction of invasive alien species. At the current rate of forest loss, it is estimated that Zimbabwe could lose all its forests within 52 years.
Sustainable forestry
The new IFSS represents a significant advancement in FSC's commitment to promoting sustainable forestry practices in Zimbabwe. Forest certification ensures that plantations are managed responsibly and sustainably, protecting the rights of forest workers and communities, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring the profitability of the forest enterprise. It will facilitate the export of Zimbabwean forest products and enhance competitiveness.
The development of this standard was a collaborative effort. In 2023, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) appointed the non-governmental organisation Soil Association Certification to develop Interim Forest Stewardship Standards (IFSS) for Zimbabwe.
Soil Association's forestry standards specialists, Vanessa Linforth and Jeanette Clarke, facilitated the standard development process in Zimbabwe, working closely with the lead forestry agency, the Zimbabwe Forestry Commission. Stakeholders were identified in 2023 and participated in several online and onsite consultations, culminating in a workshop in Lusaka where various industries and community members discussed the second draft of the standard.
The IFSS is aligned with the 2023 Zimbabwe National Forest Policy and the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025), which is Zimbabwe's first five-year Medium-Term Plan, aimed at realising the country's Vision 2030 for national development.
Making the cut: Jana van Heerden's technical journey in woodworking
Janarien (Jana) van Heerden brings electrical expertise and mechanical precision to her role as woodworking machine technician at CMC Group, and, as South Africa's only female technician in this specialised field, she's charting new territory in the forestry sector.
Jana's journey began with her 2020 electrician qualification from Sol-Tech, followed by experience in the plastics industry. When she responded to CMC's technician advertisement in 2023, her background with machine components like bearings and motors caught their attention.
"Although I had solid experience with mechanical systems, I knew nothing about wood," Jana recalls. "Leon Fourie's confidence in offering me the woodworking machine technician position was both surprising and encouraging."
Proving expertise
Jana's role spans installation, commissioning, and servicing advanced CNC and woodworking machinery across Southern Africa, with projects completed in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Her arrival at client sites invariably creates a moment of surprise.
"There's always that initial reaction when I arrive at a factory and they realise I'm the technician they've been waiting for," she explains. "Most production departments in woodworking, kitchen manufacturing, and shopfitting are managed by men, so seeing a female technician is unexpected."
However, van Heerden's technical competence quickly establishes credibility. Her electrical foundation covering single- and three-phase systems, manufacturing processes, and PLC principles, proves essential when calibrating equipment for diverse applications.
"The characteristics of different timber species, engineered boards like particle board and MDF and edge banding materials on tooling and machine settings are fascinating," she explains. "Each material demands specific technical adjustments".
Recognition and growth
A career highlight came in February with a hands-on learning opportunity at KDT's manufacturing facility in China, where Jana expanded her expertise on industrial-scale operations.
Pieter Olivier, Founder and CEO of the CMC Group, says he is proud of her achievements. "We believe in equal opportunities for anyone who is competent in what they do", he comments. "Jana regards everything as a learning experience, and her positive attitude in the workplace, respect for her colleagues and our clients make her achievements and performance exceptional".
Jana credits her success to mentoring from CMC’s technical manager, Flippie Badenhorst and the supportive environment. "The respect and dignity I've experienced from management and colleagues has been exceptional. Everyone has invested in my development".
Her Sol-Tech training, which included a practical industry year emphasising service delivery excellence, continues to inform her approach. "Understanding both the technical and service aspects is crucial. Ultimately, results speak louder than first impressions".
John Deere helps you OUTRUN THEM ALL
Introducing John Deere's new 2144G forestry swing machine - built for the woods.
AFGRI introduces John Deere's new 2144G forestry swing machine - built for the woods. Efficient. Agile. Productive. The John Deere 2144G Swing Machine is changing the way forestry professionals tackle timber harvesting. Purpose-built with insights from the people who live and breathe harvesting, the G-Series machine doesn't just meet expectations, it resets them.
The John Deere 2144G tracked swing harvester is ideal for fast-growing, high-yield plantations
Efficient. Agile. Productive. The John Deere 2144G Swing Machine is changing the way forestry professionals tackle timber harvesting. Purpose-built with insights from the people who live and breathe harvesting, the G-Series machine doesn't just meet expectations — it resets them.
Born in the forest
A swing machine that's tough, smart, and designed for you. Backed by decades of experience and refined through rigorous field testing, the 2144G G-Series delivers everything you need for productive, low-maintenance harvesting in even the most challenging conditions.
Nothing is out of reach
The local supplier of John Deere equipment, Afgri, states that the machine's 9.37m maximum boom reach and options to fit a H225E, H216, or a H219 Harvesting Head for Eucalyptus and pine (pulp or sawtimber) plantations make it the ideal machine for Southern African conditions.
Engineered from proven 25-ton excavator components, the 2144G delivers rugged performance, a durable swing system, and a rock-solid undercarriage. Whether you're working steep slopes or dense stands, it's built to go the distance.
Robust cooling system to keep hydraulic temperature low
Hydraulic reversing fan clears debris and saves fuel
Heavy-duty track chain and nine-roller track frame for superior stability
With a 585L fuel tank and arm-mounted chain oil reservoir, this machine keeps going long after others have called it a day.
A Cab that works as hard as you do
Step into a workspace designed for the long haul. Built with operators in mind, the 2144 G's ROPS/FOPS/OPS-certified cab redefines comfort, visibility, and control.
Spacious layout with isolation mounts for reduced noise and vibration
Ergonomic short-throw pilot levers for smoother operation
Efficient HVAC system and air-ride seating
High-visibility polycarbonate windows and an optional 4-point seat belt
You will feel the difference — especially on long days in rough terrain.
Preprogrammed productivity modes
With preprogrammed productivity modes (Economy, Power, and High-Productivity), the 2144G puts power and fuel efficiency at your fingertips. Machine owners can even lock in specific modes for consistent performance and better fuel savings.
Intuitive LCD display with multilingual support
Easy diagnostics with JDLink remote monitoring
Seamless integration with Waratah processing heads, factory-installed and fully supported.
An optional 12-light LED package ensures nothing slows you down when the sun goes down. Whether you're navigating narrow plantation rows or tackling late-night jobs, the 2144G lights the way.
Durability isn't a feature — it's a foundation. The 2144G is built around proven John Deere components and backed by a 10,000-hour structural warranty, giving you the confidence to push your operations further.
The base machine is designed to carry Waratah attachments for harvesting pine and eucalyptus trees
Performance you can count on
PowerTech Plus 6.8L engine
Remote diagnostics and fast dealer response
Simple maintenance access from ground level
Improved fuel economy and service intervals
The 2144G G-Series Swing Machine is more than a machine — it's a partner built for your pace. Designed with your feedback, tested in the woods, and supported by John Deere's legacy of reliability, this machine is ready to work when you are.
To find success in the forest, you can wait for the perfect set of conditions or give yourself every advantage to create your own. Productive machines. Innovative technology. Useful insights. Dependable support. A complete set of solutions that only one equipment manufacturer can provide.
The obstacles to success are many. John Deere helps you OUTRUN THEM ALL.
Source: Advertorial supplied by Afgri.
Goobs Forestry loads up on Bell and Kobelco for timber loading contract
When Simphiwe Magubane submitted his application and motivation at the last minute for an internship that would include tertiary education at a forestry college, little could he have known how his concerted effort would change his life for the better.
Simphiwe hails from a small village called eMakhwabe between Vryheid and Paulpietersburg in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. When he matriculated at the Mantshinga Combined School in Paulpietersburg in 2007, there was no money for him to continue his education. He worked for a while as an intern with a large timber-growing and paper and pulp company. The same company would later sponsor his tertiary education in forestry.
"I was fortunate enough to gain a bursary to study forestry at Saasveld, and having worked in the field for almost a year before getting there, I had a far better understanding of many forestry methods and operations before studying," he says. "When I qualified after three years, I started working back with my sponsoring company, which added to my experience."
Simphiwe began as a forester-in-training, and with hard and diligent work, he was soon promoted to Forester and given a permanent appointment.
"I literally started at the bottom of the tree-growing value chain with seed to seedlings in the tree nursery and learnt a lot about silviculture practices. This is basically planting, maintaining, and protecting the compartments for about nine years, depending on where you are located and the targeted product," he says.
"After four years, I was moved into harvesting as a harvesting forester and was promoted to harvesting manager in 2017. While I so enjoyed all aspects of the learning experience, it was during this stint in harvesting that the idea of being self-employed in some branch of the value chain started taking shape in my mind."
In April 2021, Simphiwe registered his own company, Goobs Forestry (Pty) Ltd, which is derived from his surname, Magubane.
"I am grateful for the mentoring that I received from Hendrik Steenekamp, who is an established and well-respected contractor in the Piet Retief area, when he invited me to work with him on an extraction contract for a timber-growing company," Simphiwe adds. "I learnt a lot about the business side of contracts from Hendrik."
Simphiwe Magubane of Goobs with the rubber-covered tracks of the SK220XD-10 Excavator
Then a contract was advertised to load rail trucks at a railway siding in Paulpietersburg, from where the timber is railed to a large pulp and paper mill in Richards Bay. Simphiwe tendered successfully and with a solid five-year contract in hand, he could approach financial institutions for financing to buy timber handling equipment.
A business consulting agent assisted Simphiwe by using selected business tools and providing training interventions and coaching to improve his business position and ultimately maintain a leading edge in the forestry industry. "They want you to succeed and offer financial assistance and advice all along the way, which is really commendable and greatly appreciated," he says.
"It was about then that I met Daniel van Huyssteen, Bell Equipment's experienced Sales Representative, and himself a qualified forester. His advice has been so valuable. We started with 22 people and three rented Bell Loggers and, in time, I obtained finance to buy the equipment that Daniel had suggested – a new Kobelco SK220XD-10 Excavator fitted with a Bell 800 timber grab and a used Bell 225F Logger with low hours."
As the Kobelco Excavator would be running mainly on concrete, rubber pads from a third-party supplier were fitted to the metal tracks to save both the tracks and the concrete from damage. The machines were delivered in November 2022 and put straight to work on the rail siding on the outskirts of Paulpietersburg.
"The contract had initially called for the use of two excavators, but as the rail service wasn't consistent up to that point, and the volumes we were loading were not at full capacity, I held back on acquiring a second Kobelco SK220XD-10 Excavator until the rail service and volumes were more settled," Simphiwe explains. "Towards the end of September 2023, this was the case, and I ordered another Kobelco SK220XD-10 Excavator from Bell Equipment."
Simphiwe explains how the three lines of rail trucks work. One line contains 19 trucks, another 18, and a third eight trucks. The two Kobelco Excavators load the longer lines of trucks, and the Bell Logger loads the short line of eight trucks.
"As much as we admire the agility of the Bell Logger, the Kobelco SK220XD-10 Excavators with the larger Bell 800 timber grabs perform well in this application and outperform the smaller Logger with much less operator fatigue," comments Simphiwe.
The Kobelcos easily load around 75 tons of timber per hour, while the Bell Logger, which is smaller, reaches 37 tons, which is still impressive considering its size. Also, these will differ significantly depending on where you are on the value chain."
"The use of the Kobelco Excavators has made a difference to this loading operation with a huge saving on fuel consumption, which sees neither we nor our clients complaining," Simphiwe says. "The use of the Kobelco Excavators ensures productivity and helps us meet our client's key performance indicators." Simphiwe is also full of praise for the service he has received from the Bell Equipment branch in Mkhondo. He says the Mechanic, Stefan, and the Parts Specialist, Qiniso, have made his life easier with solid maintenance and the correct parts and service kits.
A vibrant Elmia Wood 2025 bodes well
Anticipation at the gates for Elmia Wood 2025
By Alan Sherrard
Elmia Wood 2025 brought together forestry professionals from around the world to the forest of Bratteborg, just outside Jönköping, Sweden. A total of 27,751 visitors from 48 countries and 327 exhibitors from 25 countries enlivened the quiet woods over the three-day show.
In keeping with its five-decade heritage, the trade show was defined by live machinery demonstrations, innovations, and an atmosphere filled with optimism for the future and business opportunities.
For many exhibitors, both old and new, a trade show like Elmia Wood is an ideal platform for product updates and launches. Indeed, the 50th anniversary exhibition, along with several Elmia Classics scattered throughout the grounds, served as a reminder of just how much innovation and business have evolved.
While most of the "big iron" forest machinery brands were missing from the exhibitor list, for reasons previously communicated by the brands, those that did participate took full advantage of having less competition on site.
Logset
Logset, one of the few big iron forest machinery companies that participated, had a full demo stand showcasing its eight-wheeled harvester and a new version of its 4F GT forwarder.
Cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremonyThe Logset TH90 harvester head is the largest in the new 4.0 series
The company released four new harvester head models, thereby expanding its range of harvester heads. The 4.0 series replaces the 3.0 series, which was first introduced in 2009, with the TH60, TH70, TH80, and TH90, respectively.
Each model includes key updates, including Bucher hydraulic valve block, offering advantages such as proportional control of the saw unit, measuring sensor repositioned above the rear feeding roller, extended frame length for increased stability, improved accessibility and optimised hose routing, reinforced tilt arch for enhanced durability, and powerful top saw option for the TH80.
Logset also launched a new crane line, the H series, with three model sizes, the H245, H325, and H405. Key features of the H series include an exceptional lifting capacity and performance across all functions, powerful hydraulic motors for smooth and powerful rotation, a hydraulic cylinder-based parallel linkage that offers flexible and precise movement, a robust frame construction ensuring long-term durability, and an extended tilt angle for versatile operation.
Vimek
Swedish forest machinery manufacturer Vimek AB, a Fassi Group company, launched a six-wheeled version of its popular four-wheeled 470 thinning harvester.
"This gives a much more stable harvester and lower ground pressure. At the same time, the excellent driving characteristics are maintained", said Åsa Eriksson, Technical Information Officer at Vimek.
Demonstration of the Alstor 850 forwarderThe Vimek popular 470 harvester is now available in a Next Generation 470 6WD that premiered at Elmia Wood 2025
"Sweden is large and has varying forestry conditions. With the 6-wheel concept, we are expanding further. 6WD, as we call it, is an interesting complement. Both the harvester and the forwarder are available with the six-wheel concept or their previous versions, which have four or eight wheels", explained Johannes Nilsson, CEO of Vimek.
"Forest owners like this size of machine. And in the end, the forest owner is our customer – after all, it is in their forest that our machines will achieve good results. Even if the machine is owned by the contractor, the forestry company, or the forest owner himself, the result in the forest is most important. And we know that the new 6WD concept delivers", Nilsson said.
Menzi Muck
Emil Glömmen from Swiss machinery manufacturer Menzi Muck was excited about the Elmia Wood debut of the firm's novel universal tool carrier.
While the flat, boulderless terrain in Bratteborg is anything but challenging for a Menzi Muck carrier, it provided an ideal platform to perform a spectacular "dance", demonstrating the carrier's unique capabilities in manoeuvrability while wowing onlookers.
The Menzi Muck's unique Transformer-like capabilities sparked the imagination of onlookers at Elmia Wood 2025Logset launched its new H crane series featuring three model sizes, H245, H325, and H405
Steep slope logging in neighbouring Norway is the first forestry application that comes to mind, as well as other conventional vegetation control applications, such as roadside verges and utility right-of-way maintenance.
"Our tool carrier has gained a lot of attention at construction fairs. This is the first time we're exhibiting at Elmia Wood, and it feels like the perfect fit, given the forestry applications our machine can now offer," commented Emil Glömmen.
Bioenergy tech
As ever, there were plenty of firewood processors and biomass boilers in action and on display. Hardly surprising, since many forest owners and rural households source fuelwood from their backyards. A recreational and forest management activity that has an economic dividend.
Other notable bioenergy implements and equipment included various tree shears and accumulating harvesting heads, such as those from Farma, RagnarTech, and Bracke Forest. The dedicated bioenergy area, located on the forest trail, featured prominent brands in shredders, grinders, and chippers, including Albach, Bandit Industries, Bruks, Morbark, Terex–CBI, and Vermeer.
A Morbark Wood Hog 3400 XT horizontal grinderWith a 35-inch by 60-inch throat opening, the Bandit 2660EU can easily handle waste wood, and moreThe UFKES RagnarTech 9400 is a formidable machine
"We're drawn to the broad international perspective Elmia Wood offers. The interest during our demo runs has exceeded expectations", said Thommy Nilsson, Sales Manager for Komptech in Sweden, who demonstrated their biomass crusher on-site.
While Albach had its Diamant, Bandit had its Beast, Komptech had its Axtor, Morbark had its Wood Hog, and Vermeer had its HG, all well-established and capable machines; RagnarTech stole the show.
Visitors were drawn to the size and colour of the all-new RagnarTech UFKES 9400, a legendary product from size reduction machinery builder Anders Ragnarsson, founder of CBI, which subsequently became part of Terex.
Chainsaws
To mark its 50th anniversary, Elmia Wood posted an array of information boards out on the forestry trail highlighting (technical) highlights of each event from its inception in 1975. Some of these Elmia Classic machines were scattered around the trail.
Exhibitors that have participated in all of Elmia's forestry fairs over the past 50 years were marked with a special 50th anniversary logo at their respective stands.
Local global "forest and garden" power tool manufacturer Husqvarna was one of a handful of exhibitors that has participated in all of Elmia's forestry fairs over the past 50 years.
A Homelite XL chainsaw kitted with a bowbar developed for bucking pulpwood on the ground.A Pezzolato PTO powered tractor-crane-fed chipper
Lasse Strandell, Product Specialist at Husqvarna, said, "The atmosphere has been fantastic! Visitors are inquisitive about new developments and eager to try our chainsaws in practice. The test logs ran out almost immediately, which says something about the level of interest."
Germany-headquartered global power tool company, and cutting-edge competitor, STIHL AG, the headline sponsor of STIHL Timbersports, also celebrated 50 years at Elmia Wood.
"We've seen a fantastic flow of visitors and a strong interest in our latest products. The new trail layout has helped, and we've had people in the stand all day. We're thrilled", said Clara Bergström, Product Manager for Stihl's professional range at Andreas Stihl Norden AB.
Logosol
Elmia Wood is not just about showing or demonstrating products – deals are done right out in the woods. Portable sawmill manufacturer Logosol used Elmia Wood to premiere its new bandsaw mill.
"Elmia Wood is a real business platform for us. We know we make direct sales here at the fair. It's unique to meet so many of our customers in one place", said Robert Berglund, CEO of Logosol.
Alstor
Traditionally, Alstor's focus has been on the self-employed forest owner who wants a small, efficient forestry machine. However, the customers are changing. "Our target group is here, and they're genuinely ready to buy. We've met customers from all over Sweden, and from new markets where demand is growing, said Kristian Laurell, CEO of Alstor.
"We still have our core customer group. With our 840 series, which came out a few years ago, we saw that arborists and other professional segments became interested. And now, with the 850 series, we are taking another step, appealing to professional crews that perform thinning. We are broadening our range without losing our focus on gentle, within-forest-stands machines", Laurell said.
The company also launched its first-ever roller-fed harvester head option, developed in collaboration with Finnish Kone-Ketonen Oy. Stroke harvester heads have up until now been the standard for Alstor's popular range of harvesters.
"We know that our stroke-head units deliver. But we are still often asked if there are no roller-fed units. Now we were ready to take that step. Keto's head has belt rollers that work incredibly well. The head is available for our new harvesters and our combi machine, said Laurell.
Timber haulage was not a feature at Elmia, however, Sweden's first renewable natural gas (RNG) powered timber truck was a highlightThe Romanian IRUM with its TAF 690 S5 winch-plate skidder. It is becoming a popular model in Central Europe and North America
A vibrant meeting place
"There's been a wonderfully lively buzz throughout the area. Visitors and exhibitors together demonstrate that Elmia Wood is an important meeting place. You could feel the energy radiating from the industry", commented Anna-Karin Zinnerfors, CEO of Elmia.
I'm also struck by the mix of big and small players, Swedish and international, as well as experienced and new. Together, we created something memorable in the Bratteborg forest."
Elmia's project manager, Johannes Hansson, had similar reflections. "The best part of this year's fair was the atmosphere, engaged visitors, active exhibitors, machines in motion, and a strong international presence. It truly was a vibrant meeting place for the entire forestry sector.
"The redesigned trail across the fairground proved to be a real success. Relocating over 100 exhibitors, enhancing the visitor route, and introducing new stages all contributed to improved flow and a more accessible, engaging experience for our visitors", Johannes Hansson said.
The trails, featuring special interest areas such as the Drone Zone, along with convenient and well-placed shortcuts, allowed visitors to make multiple trips to their area of primary interest with energy to spare, thereby avoiding the ebb-and-flow surges between the field area and the forest circuit that previous editions suffered from.
All in all, this bodes well for the coming biennial editions of Elmia Wood in Bratteborg. Hopefully, some of the names and brands that were absent will return with a vengeance in 2027, rolling out new forest technology and innovations that may yet become an Elmia Classic.
