ON Sunday, the eyes of the forestry world will turn to Munich when this year's Interforst gets underway.
Around 450 exhibitors and more than 50,000 guests will head to Germany for the four-day event, with some of the biggest names in the sector taking centre stage. This includes John Deere, Hiab and Komatsu.
As well as showcasing the latest equipment and machinery, the show will also focus on digital solutions for modern-day forestry, offering foresters and woodland managers alike the chance to see how they can meet the challenges of climate change.
Here's our guide to some of the exhibitors you need to look out for at Interforst 2022.
NOTE: These are, of course, only a snapshot. Forestry Journal will be there, so make sure to keep an eye on all of our channels between July 17 and 20 for exclusive pictures, interviews and news from one of forestry's biggest events.
Will Ufkes' new chipper prototype make an appearance?
It was one of the highlights of Elmia Wood. Ufkes Greentec's new 800 hp Panthera woodchipper prototype has an infeed capacity of 90 cm and provides the "best quality woodchip".
Currently being tested by partners of the Dutch firm, it is likely to be a year before it is available on the market - so best to catch a glimpse of it while you can.
While Ufkes hasn't confirmed the prototype will be at Interforst, it is very likely to make an appearance, alongside many other of its products. If it does, make sure you don't miss it.
Where to see it: Hall/Booth FS.1010/5
Alternatively: Check out any of Ufkes' other products - you won't be disappointed
Stihl's most powerful cordless chainsaw
The new MSA 300 is Stihl’s most powerful cordless chainsaw. Suitable for felling, cross-cutting, snedding and processing, the MSA 300 is designed to offer forestry professionals plenty of power for taking on larger cutting tasks.
Powered by the new AP 500 S battery, the MSA 300 is recommended with a 16” Light 04 guide bar and .325” RS Pro chain for fast cutting. The recommended cutting attachments are identical to the popular MS 261 C-M, with a maximum recommended guide bar length of 18”.
Compact and well balanced, the MSA 300 features Stihl’s anti-vibration system for comfortable working over long durations. Other features include a captive nut on the sprocket cover, an adjustable oil pump, durable die-cast magnesium components and an air filter to aid effective air cooling.
It'll be on display, alongside many other Stihl products, across all four days.
Where to see it: Hall/Booth FM.712/10
Alternatively: Check out the Husqvarna stall (Hall/Booth FS.904/7) to get more of your chainsaw fix
John Deere and Komatsu among heavy hitters
It wouldn't be a trade show without some of forestry's biggest names - and they don't come much bigger than John Deere and Komatsu.
The two powerhouse will be in attendance from Sunday, with the former's G series of forwarders and harvesters a highlight.
Where to see them: John Deere (Hall/Booth FS.910A/0) and Komatsu (Hall/Booth FS.1007/1)
Alternatively: Other big names at this year's Interforst include Hiab (Hall/Booth FS.1104/11), EcoLog (Hall/Booth FS.908/3), Cranab (Hall /Booth FS.1106/5), and LogMax (Hall/Booth FS.1006/6)
The 'Iron Horse' mini-forwarder
It might not quite be the 'mane' event, but Serra's 'mini-forwarder' is out to prove that size really doesn't matter.
The Iron Horse, a machine with a wide chain drive, is extremely agile and can be used in almost any terrain. This means you can use it to access areas that other forwarders can't reach.
It's the just one of the innovations from the German manufacturer - which has sold more than 1,600 products in 80 countries - that will be on show at Interforst. Its range of mobile sawmills will also be on display.
Where to see it: Hall/Booth FM.711/1
Alternatively: If you want to see even more sawmill solutions, then head to Wood-Mizer (Hall/Booth FM.710/6), just a stone's throw from Serra
Digital solutions offer glimpse into the future
With digital solutions at the heart of this year's Interforst, no preview list would be complete without one. Step forward Alto Drones.
The Italians will be showing off their range of digital solutions for foresters, offering tools to track and manage large sites without having to leave the office. This includes scanners so precise that "it's possible to measure an area of woodland and isolate and classify individual trees".
Where to see it: Hall/Booth B6.202
Alternatively: Best Planter is providing a wide range of forestry services in Scandinavia and Europe - forest planting, forest care, cones collecting, and electricity lines care (Hall/Booth B6.328)
For the full list of Interforst 2022 exhibitors, visit here.
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