Keeping with the theme of the festival, a demonstration will be held showing the technological advancements in the forest industry over the decades.
Just as the pit saw demonstrates the early stages of the forest industry, the machinery demonstration shows processing of logs in today’s forest industry and creates much public interest.
In 2007 the public will again be able to watch trees being felled by a mechanical tree felling machine. The logs will then be processed and prepared for transportation.
The logs are set up on a “landing” as they would be in the forest. The logs are classified by an accredited Log Classifying Officer (LCO). The officer will assess each log to ensure their highest end use is achieved.
For the first time in 2006 an innovative new sawlog docket system, implemented by the Forest and Forest Industry Council and forest industry partners, called “E-dockets” was demonstrated. E-dockets have been operating in the industry for just over 12 months, with contractors in the south receiving their machines during 2006.
E-docket is a palm top computer, replacing the old paper docket book system. Logs are given a unique barcode number which are then entered into the palm top computer, ensuring the contractor is aware of product stocks he has at any one time. When a load is dispatched, the operator uses the palm top to create a delivery docket, which is then printed for dispatch to the sawmiller.
The contractor downloads this information via his phone line regularly, which transfers the information not only to Forestry Tasmania, but also to his contract manager ensuring a smooth and accurate information transfer.
Sawlogs classified on site are then be processed by a portable sawmill provided by Forestry Tasmania. A large portable chipper demonstrated the processing of pulpwood. Other logs are set-aside for the public to view prior to them being sent to veneer and sawmills. LCO’s and industry representatives are on site to discuss the classification of logs.
This festival committee would like to thank Komatsu Australia for their continued sponsorship of this demonstration, along with Ian Crouch of Southcape Harvesters, the team from TP Bennett and Sons, Lane Watson of Watson’s Timber, Lindsay Doyle of L & S Doyle and Chris Emmett of Forestry Tasmania.For further information on the machinery demos, please contact the Co-ordinator.
PHOTO: HVN