As we arrive at the CJ Newland Logging container near Whanganui it is a bit puzzling to see the new Alpine Yarder about 100 metres away, up through the cutover hauling wood. First impressions on this log site are there is a lot going on. As well as the Alpine hauling stems there is a Tigercat skidder growling away industriously, a John Deere and Waratah 626 Big Wood is processing logs while an owner/operator Tigercat grapple loader is loading a truck.
After a health and safety briefing where one of us is given a growling for not having quite bright enough high viz (and given an upgrade on the spot – great to see our safety monitored yet again) we set our sights on the Iron Test.
Clambering up through the frosty, slash-strewn ground to get a better look at the Alpine reveals a big green monster of a machine on heavy duty tracks that would be quite happy climbing directly over stumps, logs and untracked ground in general – kind of like the 4WD version of a yarder, and possibly the ultimate component in a two-staging operation because of that extreme-duty track gear.
Interesting concept. Huge savings for the forest owner as there are far lower landing build costs and lower roading costs as well. This machine must get a few dollar signs going off in the forest owners’ eyes for sure as it is sitting amongst freshly cut stumps on unlevelled ground quite happily working.
Teaming up
Alpine’s South African-based website states their machine is “Cable yarding made really easy” and a big part of that is the capability to high lead and skyline safely without the need for guylines, allowing it to operate as a true mobile mini swing yarder – but at close to 72 tonnes it is going to sit firm on the landing/cutover under most loads thrown at it.
This latest New Zealand spec’d Alpine is mounted on John Deere’s 3754G LC road builder/excavator. It is plain to see Clint Newland is a big fan of John Deere gear as five of the 10 machines on the site carry that label. This new base machine boasts 67% more durable frame structure and 17% more lifting power than the previous John Deere models.
The John Deere arrived at Total Hydraulic Solutions Ltd’s (THSL) View Road, Rotorua workshop with a rock bucket on it ready for the Alpine build. The electric over hydraulic control systems were designed and manufactured by THSL in Rotorua while nearby Active Engineering carried out the fitting of the Alpine SA-made mast, main winch and strawline. Active then fitted a second fuel tank, access stairs and catwalk.
This is the second Alpine build in New Zealand and the second for THSL which now holds all spare parts in its Rotorua parts department. Andy Bedford, owner of THSL has purchased outright Alpine Logging Equipment New Zealand (ALE) after completing a four-year, 50/50 joint venture with Spencer Hill’s Logpro.
In time, ALE will have its own parts and service team (for the...
