Shaws Iron Test; A mean Workhorse
Today we are at DK Logging’s stems crew in the Matahina Forest, near Kawerau, to test the capable and innovative new Tigercat LH857 running a Satco 3L2 and tethered off a T-Winch 10.3 when required.
Owner, Kevin O’Malley, says he is impressed with the new machine. “It drives better and has more lift power than the previous 855 – better cab, wider seat, and that swept up tail makes a big difference in the steep country.”
Kevin started out as a loader operator on a Hough 65, loading out for wood lot crews, and then decided dr...
NZ Logger Feature Sections March 2026
Winch-assist skidder logging, Kiwi style
A study that wrapped up late last year has examined the conditions in which winch-assisted skidding might shine.While there are many winch-assist units in the forestry...
A labour of love
It’s the early 2010s, and Steve Evans learns that the earthquake-damaged Lyttelton wharves are heading for landfill.Steve loves working with vintage timber and is shoc...
Forest Talk
An honest, agile machine
This month our Iron Test team visits the Mangatu Block to test Hill Logging's new Sany 245F fitted with a Falcon Winch Assist financed by TDF Solutions. ...
Axeman to compete after near fatal heart attack
Just four months after being declared clinically dead, Kiwi axeman Kahu Woolley is back on the chopping block this weekend – literally.Australian-based Wooll...
Environmental Forestry 2026
This month’s Environmental Forestry conference will focus on the immediate, practical needs of forest managers and planners.While previous discussions in the...
Patchell Group expands options through Australian joint venture
With decades of experience designing and building transport solutions for New Zealand conditions, The Patchell Group continues to focus on what it does best ...
Safety Alert following a yarder stabilising ram failure incident
The Forest Industry Safety Council has released an important Safety Alert following a yarder stabilising ram failure incident.The Safety Alert relates to Thu...
Tidy-up trial leads to new grapple
Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 highlighted concerns around the impact of slash on waterways – especially around New Zealand’s East Coast. In November 2024, ...
Week of forestry workshops in Rotorua
University of Canterbury’s School of Forestry is running a series of Forest Engineering Workshops in Rotorua this winter.The one-day courses are designed to ...
"if a tree falls in a forest...?"
Forest Talk will hear it!
