Forestry Journal travelled to Sweden for the return of ‘the world’s forestry fair’ last month.
The presence of over 270 exhibitors from 22 countries ensured there was an incredible amount to see. Here are a few highlights.
NOTE: This is the second in a series of articles we will publish over the coming days.
VIMEK
With its large demonstration zone, Vimek was able to give visitors an extensive demonstration of the capabilities of its ‘next-generation’ eight-wheeled forwarder, the NG 870.1.
Equipped with a newly developed control system that makes it possible to follow it online, the forwarder also features a new dual steering system, improving its accessibility.
Forestry Journal met Joe Litter from Vimek’s UK and Ireland distributor Oakleaf on the stand.
READ PT. 1 OF OUR ELMIA WOOD COVERAGE: Sniffer dogs, spruce bark beetles, Neuson and Profi Production
He said: “It’s been super busy. All day people have been coming to see the new machine. It’s bigger than Vimek’s previous offerings, the first eight-wheeled machine they’ve made, and it’s been really well received.
“It’s got a brand-new crane with intelligent boom control. It has a 7-tonne carrying capacity and has a unique steering rear bogie, which keeps the turning radius really tight. It’s got a really good cab, really good sound proofing, great technical features – all the comforts you would expect from a big machine, but in a compact package.”
Another new product on Vimek’s stand, tailored more towards the Swedish market, was the Vimek Fire Box, designed for mopping up forest fires.
KRONOS
A new system Kronos was able to show at work won the Elmia Wood Innovation Award Silver 2022.
Smart Stabilizer Control is a semi-automatic control system for the support legs on the timber trailer, making it easier to drive and load.
Dennis Grankvist, Kronos sales, who had been involved in the development, said: “SSC is a complement to our systems Smart Drive and Smart Boom Control, and we are proud to present a complete intelligent system for our customers. All the development that is being done aims to offer a better solution for entrepreneurs.
“Everybody who has been driving a forest trailer knows how hard it can be to get the support legs in a correct position and to stabilize the trailer. With SSC this is done automatically, which also saves time and money.”
ALSTOR
Another exhibitor, Alstor, showed no fewer than 10 different machines at Elmia Wood 2022. Newcomers in the stand included two machines from what purchasing manager Patrik Christansson called the “fourth generation”.
He said: “They are the totally new 822 with an open operator’s seat and the cab-equipped 832. They’re doing demos more or less constantly during the fair.”
The Alstor 822 is the successor to the bestselling Alstor 821. Patrik said: “Operator ergonomics have been optimised with increased storage, a flat floor, improved driving position and better access in and out of the machine on both sides.
“Another advantage over choosing a cab version is, of course, the price tag. But also that you gain such good visibility, plus the ergonomics when you want to get in and out often.
You have the chainsaw hanging up front by the roll bar beside the driver’s seat – you want to have the machine with you by the tree that you’re felling. You can lift up the trunk to a comfortable height while you delimb and cut to length. The 822 is a great friend to have with you in the forest.”
This is Pt. 2 of our Elmia Wood 2022 coverage.
Pt 1. Sniffer dogs, spruce bark beetles, Neuson and Profi Production
Pt. 3. Malwa's new 'big but agile' harvester and battery-powered combi machine
Pt. 4. Will be published on Monday
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