An Otago-based logging contractor is using innovative harvesting techniques that offer both efficiency and environmental stewardship in a challenging area that would otherwise have been uneconomic to harvest.Gillion Logging, owned and operated by second-generation bushman, Matt Winmill, has been tasked with extracting 40 hectares of mature Radiata pine with no disturbance to a Sensitive Natural Area (SNA) in Herbert Forest, North Otago, owned by US-based company, Port Blakely.
South Island Regional Manager for Port Blakely, Barry Wells, says the area was planted with no consideration as to how it was going to be harvested: “There is a large gully system which includes native bush, a wetland and an SNA to work around and putting in a road was not a viable option. What Gillion has been able to do using their combo-system has made the process a very effective and economic option for us as the forest owner while at the same time protecting some significant natural areas.”
Port Blakely has had a good working relationship with Gillion Logging for more than 24 years. “We enjoy the way both Bill (Matt’s father) and now Matt think outside the box when it comes to harvesting in an efficient, safe, and cost-effective way,” says Barry.
The combination system has been a gradual advancement for Gillion Logging as the company has slowly developed and upgraded its plant and machinery portfolio over the years.
In 2013 Matt’s father Bill was running the business and decided to build his own tether system to suit the purchase of a brand new Tigercat 855 feller buncher.
“It was a long, hard process that saw him going back to the drawing board a few times. It was when he employed the help of Jesco Hydraulics that he finally ended up with an awesome frontline machine. It now has high tether hours, but it is still in use today,” explains Matt. “The expertise of Steve McNeil and Cameron Clark at Jescos streamlined the process and proved them to be sought-after engineers that could be called on for any future work.”
Brainstorming
Matt purchased Gillion Logging off his father in 2016 and as the company moved from manual to mechanised cable logging systems, the idea of hydraulically driving the skyline drum on the main hauler – the 171 Madill – was bounced around.
“After some discussion with Brian Tuor and Steve at Jescos we worked out that it would require a lot more horsepower and a substantial retrofit to make it possible, so the idea stopped there,” says Matt. The concept of a second tether machine on the backline attached to the skyline and remotely operated from the hauler seat was suggested, “but unfortunately it also wasn't in the budget”.
It took a skyline shaft failure due to excessive loads being applied while grappling to spark up a conversation about a skyline tether: “Once again, we called on Jescos to help us out. They came on site, and we conducted some tests with our winch assist machine. It was very...
