Investment in technology increases profitability

Machine operators in Mönsterås have an improved working environment, and productivity has increased significantly. This is the result of Sveaskog's investment in new technology.

In the past a lot of felling time was spent repairing ageing machinery. This has a negative effect on profitability in the long run, so now Sveaskog replaces machinery about every five years.

"We can now fell full-on continually, and profitability has increased significantly. The new machines are both more economical to run and more effective," says Fredrik Klang, production manager for Götaland.

"And disposing of the old ones is no problem at all since there is a huge demand for used machines," he adds.

New electric hybrid in October

A new electric hybrid forwarder, Elforest F15, was taken into service in Götaland in October. This is the second Elforest forwarder to be tested in Sweden. The first one is being used by Sveaskog in southern Norrland.

Electric hybrid forwarders are not charged using a cable as electric cars are. Charging via a mains supply in the remote areas where forest machinery is usually stationed is, of course, not viable. Instead the diesel engine charges the battery during braking and when the vehicle runs downhill. The engine runs at a slow, even speed and the excess energy produced is stored in the battery. This results in the vehicle consuming 30 per cent less diesel.

Improved comfort for drivers

The test drivers often come from Lag Väst since they work close to the Växjö based company, Rottne. At present the newest Rottne harvester with the latest engine technology is being tested and will shortly be going into production.
In addition to being more economical and effective, they are also more comfortable for the drivers. Jan Dahl in Mönsterås received a new Ecolog 560 harvester a year ago, which has an aligning cab.

"Not having to look in different directions all the time places much less strain on your neck," he says.

Jan Dahl can continue to work while he speaks since the cab is extremely well insulated against external noise. He drives quickly and stably over trunks and rocks facilitated by a new type of shock absorption. Compensation for lean is also built into the harvester, so he sits upright even when working on an incline.

"I used to have an ache in my left shoulder, but not anymore. This could have something to do with the new machine."

Tree juggling

Jan Dahl thinks that the work tempo has increased by a third. This is mainly thanks to a multi-trunk unit which enables him to handle up to six trunks at the same time.

"You need to be concentrated and on the ball continually with this machine. It goes so quickly that you feel as though you are juggling with trees," he says.

To enable his colleagues to keep up the pace, a new machine will soon be needed, a John Deere 1110E. This also has an aligning cab as well as height adjustable supports. The supports stand vertically on the log trailer and hold the trunks apart.

It was previously necessary to lift the trunks high to clear the supports but now the supports can be raised to match the height of the load. This is just one of many details that together save a lot of time.