Returning to the show calendar for the first time since before the pandemic, Interforst was back with a bang. Forestry Journal joined thousands of guests at Messe München last month, as 31,000 visitors and more than 300 exhibitors ensured there was plenty to see. In this series of articles, we provide a small taste of what was on offer. 

IT promised to be a 'massive upgrade' on past models and is out to prove that size doesn't matter. At Interforst, was living up to that reputation. 

The H8e harvester, the latest from Rottne, is a "small and versatile" machine, perfect for thinning. Boasting improved performance, it features the Swede's RK75 crane, Rottne Crane Assistance and variable transmission with anti-spin. 

Much like its elder sibling - the H21d - it also has a Stage V compliant engine, but weighs in at less than half the kilos of the bigger harvester. 

"It's our newest product and it features a redesigned crane with our new Rottne Crane Assistance," Elias Johansson, of Rottne, said during Interforst. "It helps you to make a smoother crane movement, it's easier to manage. You don't need to work with the jib arm and extension boom.

"It's more or less where you want to be; and the machine should help.

"This is mainly for thinning." 

When it was first announced, the RK75 crane, with its host of mechanical upgrades on the old RK50 and a built-in position sensor, was touted to make a "big difference" in the lives of operators. 

Couple this with a range of harvester heads - the Interforst model was equipped with an EGS406 - and you can see what all the fuss is about. 

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"We have had this concept for many years and the interest has been great," Elias added. "It's a good machine. 

"Around Germany it is a big seller.

"The H21, F15 and F20s are the main machines we sell in Scotland, with Jim Wilmer & Sons."