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John Deere has five new P-Tier Skid Steer Loader (SSL) and Compact Track Loader (CTL) models. Entering the market, the 330 and 334 P-Tier SSLs and the 331, 333 and 335 P-Tier CTLs boast a brand-new one-piece cab design with premium options, enhanced technology features, and an overall increase in operating power. Source: Timberbiz With the introduction of new CTLs and SSLs also comes the debut of three brand new attachments, including the MK76 and MH72D mulching heads and the CP40G cold planer. Expanding offerings in grade management solutions on compact models, the 333 and 335 P-Tier machines can be equipped with John Deere SmartGrade technology, helping to boost productivity on the job. Prioritizing operator comfort and capability, the new P-Tier models boast larger, fully redesigned operator stations. Built from the ground up with direct feedback provided by customers, the new models feature multiple styling upgrades. The new operator station is sealed, pressurized, and isolated from the frame to help improve operator comfort and productivity. This means that outside noise will be lowered, and the cab interior is better protected from the elements. Utilizing the eight-inch premium touch-screen display interface, available on the full line-up of P-Tier models and standard on the 334 and 335 P-Tier. Customers can experience better insight and customization of machine settings and viewing information. When the premium display is selected, a range of standard features and benefits are included within the software. Also enhancing comfort, a new premium heated and ventilated seat allows those working in all types of climates to be comfortable during hot summers or frigid winters. Aiding operators to focus on the task at hand, hands-free Bluetooth calling capabilities allow the operator to easily communicate. The pairing of Bluetooth devices is enabled on the touchscreen display and enables the answering of calls and control of streaming audio, making for seamless operation. Onboard Grade Indicate is standard on the new touchscreen display. This feature displays the cross-slope and main-fall of the machine in either degrees or percent and allows operators to use a relative benchmark to assist in maintaining a desired grade. Helping take control to the next level; the optimized joystick controllers enable more tasks to be completed with easy to reach and adjustable controls that offer personalized setup. The new 25 Button SSM puts all functions in one spot, eliminates rocker switches, and makes it easier to quickly make machine adjustments while operating. With a focus on serviceability, the new cab tilts up in one piece, giving ground-level, all around access to the engine, drivetrain, and undercarriage of the machine. A single operator or technician can raise the boom and enable the mechanical lock out from within the cab. In addition, visibility has increased 20% over G-Series, improving visibility out the front, sides, and back to the machine. Built upon the legacy of the large frame G-Series machines, the new P-Tier machines take technology capabilities and performance to a whole new level. The 333 and 335 P-Tier Compact Track Loaders can be equipped with SmartGrade Ready including 2D grade control or 3D SmartGrade with Topcon. Not only will operators have more power at their command but will also have more capabilities and control than ever before, with a new hydraulic system designed to help operators maximize efforts on the job. In addition, On Board Diagnostics enable an operator to easily navigate through a diagnostic and settings menu structure to look up detailed information on current machine settings and any active codes. With the new monitor option, any active diagnostic trouble codes will also contain more detailed descriptions about the issue and not just a code number. Two brand new technology capabilities make their debut with the rollout of these models, including Attachment Manager and Surround View. Attachment Manager, available as an upgrade on the 330, 331 and 333 P-Tier Machines and standard on the 334 and 335 P-Tier models, takes the guesswork out of determining optimal attachment performance parameters by enabling preprogrammed flow and pressure for John Deere attachments, resulting in optimal productivity. From displaying the key attachment parameters on the screen while running to being able to save or select performance parameters depending on the tool, this new feature helps increase operator confidence and productivity, and helps prevent damage to the attachment correlated to incorrect machine settings during usage. Surround View technology, available on all P-Tier models, stitches together views from around the machine to provide a birds-eye-view image to the operator to assist with increasing situational awareness and giving more confidence to operators to navigate jobsites with ease. When reversing, the display will automatically switch to the rearview camera which gives the operator a closer view of what’s behind the machine. Surround View dynamically integrates two boom mounted cameras in addition to a rear camera onto a dedicated monitor that provides a 270-degress view of the sides and rear of the machine. Adding enhanced visibility and situational awareness for operators can help prevent damage and keep operators safer on the job. Lastly, the John Deere Operations Centre will continue to be included on all large-frame CTL and SSL, enabling fleet managers to monitor machine location, codes, fuel usage and other key features more efficiently. Enabling data sharing with a dealer streamlines maintenance and repairs and can help prevent downtime when issues are identified early. As John Deere rolls out the latest P-Tier CTL and SSL options, it also debuts strategic Quick-Tatch system updates and three new attachment offerings. A full overhaul of the John Deere Quik-Tatch coupler means customers can experience less downtime and continue to easily switch back and forth between attachments. Also, both install implementation and design improvements have been made to increase customer and confidence, making for a more efficient jobsite. Entering the market as part of the over-100 attachment offerings available by John Deere, the CP40G Cold Planer, and MK76 and MH72D Mulching Heads help expand jobsite capabilities with ease. The CP40G Cold Planer, powered by industry-leading Wirtgen Group milling machine and cutting technology, provides […]

The US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is taking the next step to advance President Biden’s commitment to conserve old growth forests by publishing a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed national old growth forest plan amendment. Source: Timberbiz The purpose of this amendment is to provide consistent guidance for the stewardship, conservation, and recruitment of old growth across national forests. The proposed amendment highlights the importance of proactive stewardship actions in managing threats to old growth forests, and to reduce wildfire risk, considering current and emerging climate-driven threats. It also calls for adaptive management strategies to be developed using local, geographically relevant information and the best available science, including Indigenous Knowledge. “Recent scientific analysis shows us that many old-growth forests are under significant threat from climate change,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Forest Service’s plan will help safeguard these iconic stands of trees through science-based management and conservation strategies that can be adapted to unique local circumstances on national forests. USDA is looking forward to receiving feedback on today’s draft proposal from Tribal, state and local governments, industry partners, conservation organizations, and many others; all of whom will be critical partners in the forest management and conservation actions needed to ensure the maintenance and growth of old-growth forests into the future.” White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory said: “Under President Biden’s leadership, we are taking action to ensure that millions of acres of old growth forests across the nation are conserved, resilient, and abundant for future generations,” At President Biden’s direction, the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) completed the first-ever nationwide inventory of old and mature forests and developed definitions for more than 200 forest types in the United States. This initial inventory report showed that the BLM and Forest Service manage approximately 32 million acres of old growth and 80 million acres of mature forests on federally managed lands, for a total of 112 million acres. Old-growth forests represent 18% and mature forest another 45% of all forested land managed by the two agencies. The Forest Service also recently finalized The Mature and Old Growth Threat Analysis, which identifies threats to mature and old growth forests on Forest Service and BLM lands. The report informed the Forest Service’s proposed national amendment and highlights the urgent need for action, suggesting current management is not responsive enough to address disturbances driven by climate change such as wildfire, insects and disease. The Forest Service evaluated Tribal and public input from the initial scoping period, which closed 2 February 2024. Extensive feedback from a diverse range of audiences was vital in the development of the draft environmental impact statement and were incorporated into the proposed action and used to develop alternatives. The agency will continue to learn from the input and feedback received during this public comment period, as well as through ongoing Tribal roundtables and consultation sessions, and dialogue with cooperating agencies, and state and local governments. This work is part of larger agency efforts to support healthy, resilient forests and ecosystems by integrating climate change considerations into all aspects of planning and operations to support healthy resilient forests and ecosystems. The work is consistent with the Inflation Reduction Act which directed US$50 million to fund old growth conservation and stewardship as well as Executive Order 14072, Strengthening the Nation’s Forests, Communities, and Local Economies, issued by President Biden on 22 April 2022. It also supports the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy and Reforestation Strategy. In addition, USDA announced updates to its Climate Adaptation Plan in concert with other agencies acting to advance climate resilience. Throughout the comment period, the Forest Service will conduct public engagements and field tours, including virtual information sessions. The agency will also continue formal consultation with Tribes, and work with state and local governments, conservation districts and other cooperating agencies. Additional information on engagement opportunities is available on the Forest Service National Old Growth Amendment website.  

Södra is establishing a new business to become a world leader in the production of kraft lignin. Södra’s production facility will be the first commercial facility in Sweden and the largest of its kind in the world. Source: Timberbiz This is an investment of over two billion SEK and expected to be in operation in 2027. Kraft lignin can replace fossil materials in, among other things, glue, batteries, rubber, composites and form the basis for new biofuels and biostimulators. The market and demand for replacements for fossil chemicals are increasing and Södra has for some time been exploring the opportunities on the market, had dialogue with potential customers and signed offtake agreements for a significant part of the production volumes. There is good possibility for kraft lignin production both to contribute to the green transition and the profitability of the forest estate. “The forest is being called on for many things as society seeks to replace fossil-based materials. To succeed in that transition, sustainability and profitability need to go hand in hand and Södra’s kraft lignin investment is a good example of that. We will make more out of every tree and strengthen our profitability. This is a big investment for Södra and the green transition,” says Lotta Lyrå, CEO of Södra. Today, lignin is used for generating energy, but the refining process Södra is investing in will make more use of the raw material as a product. This is in line with Södra’s strategy to make more of each tree and create more value for the forest estate. “Innovation is a necessary and important part of our business to ensure our competitiveness today and in the future. We are constantly working to create the most possible value from each tree, both with today’s processes and through new opportunities. Within Södra’s strategy, we see several future energy and chemical products with great potential as alternatives to fossil-based materials in society, of which kraft lignin is one,” says Catrin Gustavsson, Executive Vice President at Södra Innovation. “With kraft lignin in our product portfolio, we are strengthening our position as a supplier of sustainable alternatives. Södra has seen potential in kraft lignin production for a long time. Now that we see growing market interest, we can offer a product that contributes to the green transition,” says Johannes Bogren, Vice President, Södra Bioproducts. Södra’s new facility will have the largest capacity for kraft lignin production in the world. Production is planned to start in 2027 and is enabled through the Swedish Energy Agency and The Industrial Leap.