YOU’RE asking for trouble inviting members of the Forest Machine Operators Blog for their opinions on the APF exhibition, but that’s what someone (it may have been a member of the FJ team) did recently.
“What are you most looking forward to seeing at APF 2024?” That was the question. Some of the Blog’s most vocal contributors can be politely described as ‘APF sceptic’ and were keen to share their thoughts.
Among the things people were listed as being most hyped for, then, were “not much”, “the tailbacks to get in and out of the normally poorly organised parking arrangements” and “a ridiculously overpriced bacon roll and an extortionate cup of coffee”.
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On the flip side, one member said: “I enjoy seeing customers, suppliers and contractors the most. That’s what it’s all about.” And there was Toby Allen, excited to distribute ‘forestry work in progress’ signs at the Forest Workers Zone. He said: “We have a stack of these to give out at the Forest Workers Zone. Open discussions about the future of forestry training at 2 pm Thursday and Friday.”
Then there was the contractor who said he was most looking forward to “coming home and finding I’ve still got some money in my wallet/bank account”. We’d be keen for an update on that one. Well done to anyone who achieved success with that ambition.
Given Facebook’s reputation as a hive of negativity, we should be grateful opinions were so evenly split. But this was all discussion that took place before the actual event. When the show finally took place, it produced an image that was one of the Blog’s most popular of the month.
This was the snapshot of a moment taken during the forwarder-driving competition, when competitor Will Simpson, racing to complete a series of tasks and obstacles against the clock, swung out the crane and caused the bunk to pitch up onto its left wheels, with the right taking to the air. For a fraction of a second, spectators feared the whole machine might tip over onto its side. As Blog founder Mark Curtis put it, it was a real “squeaky bum time”.
Or, as Will himself said: “Yes, this was me. Brown pants moment. I missed the round so had to go back, but thought I could slew and move to save time. What I didn’t realise was how heavy the crane was.”
A member responded: “I was one of the guys walking ahead of the forwarder when this happened. Almost gave me a heart attack! The forwarder had less than 10 hours clocked. Good recovery, though.”
For others, the pic brought to mind some of their own ‘tipsy’ experiences. “Done worse than that,” said one. Another said: “Been there often with a 1710. Less often after I learned the bunk brake.” And another: “Used that before to get out of a ditch or snot hole.”
In any case, we’re sure Will breathed a huge sigh of relief – as did many others – when all wheels were safely back on the ground again. And the John Deere series G forwarder he was operating wasn’t the only new machine to be the focus of admiration on the Blog this month.
There was footage of the much-hyped Komatsu 951XC harvester shown working on steep ground in Argyll. Hailed as the ‘final piece’ in Komatsu’s harvesting solution, the harvester – shown off for the first time at 2023’s Swedish Forestry Expo – is said to be ideal for working in denser stands. More compact than its predecessors, such as the 951, it has lower ground pressure, too, so is gentler on the environment, yet suitable for large timber harvesting and final use in demanding terrain.
Comments on the video included:
“Looks like she can climb.”
“See the power.”
“Some kit.”
“Looks impressive!”
Then there was footage of the new John Deere 2510H forwarder, shown working in not-so-sunny Wales. The 25-tonne forwarder offers 25-per-cent more load capacity than the comparable model in the G series. The new twin-motor driveline also offers a 50-per-cent faster driving speed. Offering their own opinions of seeing it at work, members said:
“Must be a lorry load and half on that thing.”
“Could be doing with that for a day or two.”
“Fkn huge!!!”
We’ll admit, having seen the machine up close, it’s astonishing to see it fully loaded up. But will we ever see its like at the APF forwarder-driving competition? Now that would be a sight to see!
In the meantime, to keep up with the latest pics, videos and comments, search for the ‘Forest Machine Operators Blog’ on Facebook.
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