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International Forest Industries (IFI) takes a closer look at the Log Max 6000V Top Saw, a next-generation harvester head designed to improve productivity, measurement accuracy and operational control in modern forestry operations.

Developed for both wheeled and tracked harvesters, the Log Max 6000V Top Saw introduces several engineering refinements aimed at operators working in demanding harvesting conditions – including steep terrain, heavy branching and large-diameter timber.

Tilt Control for complex harvesting environments

One of the defining features of the Log Max 6000V Top Saw is its new Tilt Control system, which allows operators to lock the felling link and position the harvester head at a precise angle during processing.

This added control is particularly valuable when working in:

• Dense crowns with thick branching

• Steep or uneven terrain

• Situations requiring controlled processing of the upper stem

By improving head positioning, Tilt Control helps maintain smoother processing flow and reduces unnecessary stress on both machine and operator.

Optimised saw box design for larger timber

The 6000V Top Saw features a redesigned and extended saw box geometry, now capable of accommodating saw bars up to 90 cm. The repositioned saw unit enables the head to process trees with larger root structures while maintaining stability and cutting performance.

Additional protective elements – including a reinforced root bone plate – help extend chain and bar life, reducing downtime and maintenance requirements in high-output operations.

The maximum cutting diameter reaches approximately 78-80 cm, making the unit well suited for high-volume harvesting applications across logging, biomass and sawmill supply chains.

Improved length measurement accuracy

Accurate measurement is critical in modern forestry, and Log Max has focused heavily on improving this area in the 6000V platform.

Updates include:

• Reinforced measuring wheel arm and attachment

• Improved hydraulic circuit design

• Revised measuring wheel cylinder geometry

Together, these changes allow the measuring system to follow the stem contour more precisely, delivering improved length accuracy and reducing costly measurement errors during processing.

Robust saw unit and service-friendly design

The Log Max 6000V Top Saw is equipped with dual 318 MK2 saw units, featuring durable materials and thoughtful serviceability improvements. New forward-positioned grease points allow lubrication even when the head is tilted, improving safety and reducing maintenance time.

Other enhancements include:

• Reinforced bar holder with Hardox 450 material

• Improved sealing to prevent dust and debris ingress

• Simplified safety shaft design replacing traditional safety chains

These refinements are designed to maximise uptime while maintaining long-term durability in demanding forestry environments.

Designed for productivity, sustainability and precision

Underpinning the 6000V Top Saw is Log Max’s Active Friction Control (AFC) system, which optimises feed force to minimise friction and unnecessary wear. By reducing excess pressure during processing, AFC helps improve timber quality, lower operating costs and support more efficient use of energy.

Combined with the Log Mate 510 control system – compliant with StanForD 2010 standards – the 6000V Top Saw integrates seamlessly into modern forestry data and optimisation workflows.

Availability and applications

The Log Max 6000V Top Saw is suitable for a wide range of harvesting operations, including:

• Commercial logging

• Biomass harvesting

• Sawmill supply operations

• Large-diameter timber processing

The unit is scheduled for availability from Q1 2026.

(Video content below showcases the Log Max 6000V Top Saw in operation and highlights key design features and performance benefits.)

The post Log Max 6000V Top Saw: Tilt Control Technology Redefining High-Productivity Forestry Harvesting appeared first on International Forest Industries.

When it comes to choosing the right size of bucket for an excavator, bigger isn’t always better. A large-capacity bucket may seem like the obvious choice for achieving high productivity and low costs per tonne. However, as they are heavier than smaller-capacity buckets, they can be difficult to fill properly and make the machine move more slowly, ultimately reducing production levels.

A smaller bucket with a high fill factor will load a similar amount of material as a large bucket with a low fill factor, according to HCME Product Manager Mark Luijten. He advises customers on the optimum size bucket for their machine, which brings multiple benefits: “It means increased production, faster cycle times, lower fuel costs per tonne, reduced wear, longer lifespan of pins and bushings, and less stress on the structure of the boom and arm of the machine,” he explains.

Operators will also notice the difference between using a smaller bucket with a high fill factor instead of a larger bucket with a low fill factor. “The machine doesn’t have to work as hard with the smaller bucket, which makes everything run faster and more smoothly,” adds Mark.

He cites a ZX690-7 as an example, fitted with a bucket with a 3.9m³ ISO bucket capacity. “The fill factor was 134%, meaning the actual volume inside the bucket was 5.25m³. It could load a 65-tonne dump truck with 42m³ in eight passes.”

Thanks to the use of high-quality materials, Hitachi buckets are as light as possible without compromising on durability. “For higher performance, less environmental impact, greater efficiency, and less stress for operators, choose a bucket recommended by your machine manufacturer,” concludes Mark.

 

HCME Product Manager Mark Luijten.

To read previous Hitachi related posts click here

 

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The post HITACHI -The secret to choosing the best bucket for your machine appeared first on International Forest Industries.

WWF

A new year but tigers still need you…

As we enter the new year, tigers still have poachers on their tails. They still need all the friends they can get. They still need you.

Together we’ve done so much to help tigers recover in recent decades. But there’s only around 5,700 tigers left in the wild. Every tiger we continue to lose to conflict, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade threatens their future survival.

With two thirds of wild tigers residing in India, our work across the Terai Arc Landscape is crucial. Find out more and see how your support can protect tigers for future generations in our video below.

PROTECT TIGERS TODAY

 

The post Start 2026 by standing up for tigers appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Jartek has established Jartek US Inc. in the United States and Les Entreprises Jartek Canada Inc. in Canada. These new subsidiaries provide a clear organizational framework for serving customers across North America and demonstrate Jartek’s long-term commitment to the region.

The establishment of a local presence supports the continued development of Jartek’s global operations and strengthens its international footprint. This approach enhances customer collaboration and enables more efficient project execution throughout North America.

To further support regional sales activities, Jartek has appointed Jeroen Hinnen as Sales Manager for North America. Hinnen brings a vast experience in the wood industry, along with extensive expertise in industrial automation, international sales, and customer-oriented project delivery.

“A strong local presence and experienced professionals are essential to operating successfully on a global scale. By establishing subsidiaries in the US and Canada and appointing a dedicated Sales Manager for North America, we are better positioned to support customers throughout the region,” says Jartek’s CEO Juho Luoranen.

Jartek currently has two active projects underway in North America. A thermal modification kiln project for Arbor Wood is in the installation phase. In addition, Jartek has a new kiln project in the pipeline with Western Forest Products, where engineering and project preparations are ongoing and installation is scheduled for May 2026.

“I am pleased to join Jartek at a time when concrete projects are already underway in North America. Jartek’s strong technical expertise and customer-focused approach provide a solid foundation for supporting customers in the region,” says Jeroen Hinnen.

With established subsidiaries in both the United States and Canada, a dedicated Sales Manager for North America, and ongoing customer projects, Jartek continues to strengthen its global operations while maintaining a strong focus on technical expertise and reliable project delivery.

Jeroen Hinnen, Sales Manager for North America at Jartek.

To read previous Jartek related posts click here

 

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