2017 International Forest Industries Magazines February March 2017 | Page 8

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

SFPA : Southern pine lumber exports increased by 29 % in November

Exports of Southern Pine lumber remained strong in November , amounting to just under 62 million board feet ( MMbf ). This volume represents a hefty increase of 29 % above the same month last year , contributing to a year-to-date
increase of 16 % when compared with the first eleven months of 2015 , reports the Southern Forest Products Association .
Offshore shipments during November roughly break down as 34.4 MMbf dressed , 8.1 MMbf
rough , and 19.3 MMbf treated lumber . Softwood lumber imports to the U . S . edged lower in November , reaching 1.28 billion board feet ( Bbf ), down three percent from the volume imported during November of 2015 .
Through the first eleven months of last year , softwood imports are up 24 % when compared with the same period a year ago .

New grapples enhance productivity of John Deere knuckleboom loaders

The new grapple , available with a 48- or 52-inch opening , is made with a more durable cast design and a larger , more robust rotator
To stay ahead of the competition , loggers need to keep up at the landing , and the John Deere 437E and 337E Knuckleboom Loaders are now equipped with new grapples manufactured by John Deere to further improve productivity and machine durability . The E-Series machines deliver five percent more swing torque and lift force over previous models , and the new grapple complements these features by improving rotator torque and response times , and enabling higher side loads and rotator lift capacity . The new grapple , available with a 48- or 52- inch opening , is made with a more durable cast design and a larger , more robust rotator , providing loggers with a heavy-duty machine designed to withstand the toughest of jobs .
“ If I could describe the new grapple in one word , it would be ‘ nimble ’ — and my operator agrees ,” said Donald Mixon , owner of Mixon Saw Mill in Bermuda ,
Alabama . “ It ’ s smoother , faster and holds wood well during second thinning . Overall , it just feels tough .”
Key Grapple Features
• Rotator lift capacity : 123,000 pounds
• Rotator torque : 36,200 pounds / inch
• Built with high impact and wearresistant custom steel
The new grapple is optimized to run from a John Deere carrier versus previous models that utilized a third-party grapple . It ’ s built to run better by being more integrated into the hydraulics of the machine , which also simplifies service with a John Deere dealer .

John Deere Power Systems & Liebherr Machines Bulle announce engine collaboration

John Deere Power Systems and Liebherr Machines Bulle SA announced Feb 8 they have entered into an agreement to jointly evaluate engine technologies , designs , and development processes that may be useful for developing and producing future power needs of each company . The two companies have indicated that the collaboration will be targeted towards specific horsepower and displacement ranges .
“ John Deere Power Systems and Liebherr are both worldclass engine designers and manufacturers who have a long history of successful interactions with each other ,” said Mike Weinert , John Deere Power Systems vice president responsible for engine engineering and manufacturing . “ Because of the capabilities each brings , and the long standing , positive working relationship , it makes sense for our two companies to join technical efforts in areas of engine technology and architectures , component sourcing strategies , and best practices related to engine development and manufacture .”
“ Markets and customer needs are always evolving , meaning the engines that our respective companies need must also change ” said Rudolf Ellensohn , as managing director at Liebherr Machines Bulle SA responsible for the business unit diesel engines . “ This collaboration between John Deere Power Systems and Liebherr enables the two companies to gain leverage in numerous areas such as pooling engineering resources , tooling costs , and supplier development .”
Both partners also indicated they expected the collaboration to accelerate the time from engine concept to first production on any particular engine project .
John Deere Power Systems
Mike Weinert , John Deere Power Systems VP
and Liebherr produce engines for powering John Deere and Liebherr equipment , as well as machines manufactured by other equipment manufacturers . Potential engine ( s ), and other output associated with this collaboration are not being detailed at this time ; separate announcements are expected to occur , as appropriate .
6 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY 2017 / MARCH 2017