As final preparations get underway for the country’s largest forestry and tree-care event, here’s a look at what to expect from APF 2024 – and why you won’t want to miss it.
WHEN the APF Exhibition returned in 2022 following a short COVID-enforced hiatus, it was back with a bang. For 2024’s edition, organisers are out to ensure that it is bigger and better than ever before – and they have a few aces up their sleeve to achieve just that.
Nearly 300 exhibitors and thousands of showgoers will head to Warwickshire’s Ragley Estate this month for a celebration of all things forestry and tree care. With a wealth of machinery on show – including some products that will be making their UK debuts – and a wide variety of products on display, it promises to be a fantastic three days.
“APF 2024 is almost upon us,” said APF’s exhibition secretary, Ian Millward. “The excitement is tangible. I hope this APF 2024 preview gives you a taster of the huge range of events, demonstrations and exhibitors that you will see at the show.”
Stuart Goodall, chief executive of industry body Confor (found on stand 1710–1725 OUT), said: “The APF occupies a special place in the forestry calendar, bringing together people from every corner of forestry, arboriculture, wood products and biomass.
“It is a unique and valuable experience for anyone with even a passing interest in what our industry does.”
A packed show
As well as old favourites, there are many new events and competitions to see and get involved in. Leading the way is a returning one (and one that’s sure to garner plenty of interest).
For the first time in a number of years, the UK Forwarder Driving Championships will take place at the APF in a major boost for the show. Sponsored by Richard Court Forestry Engineering and Coombes Forestry, the contest will take place on a large 90m x 60m arena across all three days of the forestry exhibition.
It will see the country’s leading operators go head-to-head to determine who is the best behind the controls of a John Deere 1110G.
“We feel the APF Exhibition is a great place to show that forestry is robust and still capable of growth,” a statement from Richard Court read. “Supporting events like the APF Exhibition brings a real exposure to the industry, also educating a new generation and being able to show how the latest developments in equipment and technology are helping the forestry industry become efficient and safe.”
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Elsewhere, a record prize pot will be up for grabs during the Husqvarna World 25m Poleclimbing Championship. The £10,000 prize fund consists of a mixture of cash and Husqvarna goods, with the winners of the expert, tree surgeon, and ladies classes all receiving one of the manufacturer’s leading saws, the 540 XP III. The best time for a beginner and a veteran will win a Spire Vent X Arborist helmet.
Cash prizes are available for the fastest climbs in all three main categories each day, as well the finals on Saturday 21.
The Poleclimbing Championship is just one of many highlights to be found on Husqvarna’s ever-popular Arena, which will also feature an expansive product display area and live demonstration zone of the latest machinery from the manufacturer. New for 2024, Husqvarna will have a VR simulation where visitors can wear a VR headset and play ‘Husqvarna Limberjack’ – grab your virtual chainsaw and pursue your dream of becoming the undisputed greatest limber alive.
A Husqvarna statement added: “Visitors can also explore a variety of PPE and selected accessories and will have access to a workshop zone where Husqvarna’s staff will be on hand to offer technical advice, product support and customer assistance.”
Other stand-out events at the show include the AW Jenkinson and Tilhill European Chainsaw Carving Competition, which sees 25 of Europe’s top carvers compete over the three days to produce a fantastic sculpture. These will be auctioned on Saturday afternoon. There will also be two daily speed carves with eight carvers having just 30 minutes to complete a sculpture.
The new APF Team Tree Climbing Challenge is a speed event for teams of two climbers to achieve the most scoring points in the shortest time. Sponsored by Pfanner and Teufelberger, there is a top prize of £500 for the overall winning pair along with a trophy and some great goody bags.
The Forest Worker and the Arb Workers zones will have a wide variety of daily practical demos and workshops as well as many others focusing on training. There are also the UK’s largest and most varied demonstrations of traditional woodland crafts and horse logging.
Add the UK Lumberjacks championships, the British Fencing championships, and axe throwing – returning to the show for the first time in 22 years – to the mix and it’s easy to see why APF remains a highlight of the forestry calendar; and an event not to be missed.
Exhibitor highlights
As always, APF will be packed full of familiar names – and there is one that’s already got tongues wagging.
Komatsu Forest is one of the ‘big boys’ in forestry, and it is back for 2024’s edition.
While details of its show offering remain under wraps (at least at the time of writing), its stand (H15,16,17) is sure to be one of the busiest across all three days of the event.
Also new for 2024 is Serra Sawmills, which is exhibiting at the show in its own right for the first time. Find the manufacturer on stand 205–225 OUT.
Looking for something a little bit different? Then look no further than Rhizocore Technologies (11C), which will be highlighting its unique mycorrhizal fungi products that significantly boost soil health and tree growth.
“Our solutions are tailored to improve the establishment and resilience of trees by enhancing nutrient uptake and soil structure,” a spokesperson said. “We warmly invite you to visit our booth at the show to learn more about how our products can help you achieve thriving, sustainable woodlands.”
Forestry Journal will also be exhibiting at the show as we celebrate our 30th year.
Head on over to our large stand at 1725–1745 IN where you’ll be able to meet the team, pick up free copies, and take advantage of our special anniversary offer and bag yourself a subscription for just £30.
Approved Hydraulics (F13A), Riko (370–380 OUT), RSL Engineering (E8), B Price Mus Max Specialist (760–820 IN), and Antonio Carraro dealer Kirkland (640–660 OUT) are just a few of the other machinery-focused exhibitors you won’t want to miss. You can also add DJB Machinery (1440–1500 IN), Easy Petrol Post Driver (300–320 IN), and Exac-One (1000–1040 IN) to that list.
Talking of machinery, FSI Stump Cutters UK has teased “something new” will be unveiled on its 1560/1580 stand, but remains tight lipped on just what that will be.
APF 2024 will mark the first time FSI has exhibited at the show since its UK subsidiary was established.
GreenMech (1270–1310) will use the show to demonstrate its “revolutionary” EVO 205TT woodchipper, a turntable version of the popular EVO 205.
When it comes to dealers, Jas P Wilson (1310–1400 OUT), Global Machinery Solutions (1500–1570 IN) and Field and Forest Machinery (1300–1340 IN) are just a few you won’t want to miss.
A spokesperson for Field and Forest, which supplies the likes of Westtech and Bomford Turner, said: “With a reputation built on premium-quality equipment and unparalleled expertise, Field and Forest Machinery is excited to showcase our extensive range of cutting-edge machinery that meets the demanding needs of today’s forestry and ground-care professionals.”
As for chainsaws, while Husqvarna may benefit from its extended presence around the showgrounds, don’t let that fool you; there are plenty of other brands to enjoy.
Chief among them is Stihl (140–180 IN/610–650 OUT), which will use APF 2024 to present a range of products, including the new MS 400.1 forestry chainsaw and its first professional battery-powered pruner – the GTA 40. Both new models will be launching in 2025.
Makita (420–500 IN), Cramer (G9), and Oregon (325–340 OUT) will also be demonstrating the latest chainsaws and related equipment.
If machinery isn’t your thing, perhaps you’ll get more of a kick out of tree shelters (with Tubex, Vigilis, and NexGen among those exhibiting); household names like Tilhill, Euroforest, and AW Jenkinson; or even retailers such as Buxtons and Honey Brothers. What we’re saying is – there’s something for everyone at APF.
Ian Millward said: “I hope you have a great day out. Even better come for two days and make sure you don’t miss anything.”
Stuart Goodall added: “Once again, the APF team have done a fantastic job in putting together the biggest and best forestry show in the UK. The exhibition keeps going from strength to strength.”
APF takes place between September 19 and 21. www.apfexhibition.co.uk/
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