THERE are many benefits to being a member of the Forest Machine Operators Blog on Facebook.
There’s the helpful advice dished out on a routine basis as the world’s operators look out for one another. Then there’s the chance to enjoy seeing brand-new machinery in action (with a Reel of John Deere’s H Series a particular highlight last month). For those brave enough to put forward a viewpoint, there’s the always measured and considered reaction, with everyone appreciating difference of opinion in forestry (okay, we might be using our creative licence on that last one).
But one area the blog does certainly excel in now is its capacity for keeping forestry professionals abreast of recent developments. It’s something FJ uses to its advantage, sharing the latest news directly to the blog’s thousands of members.
This was very much the case last month when the team (okay, Jack) shared our breaking story on a ban on the commercial planting of spruce in large swathes of the south-east of England.
Implemented by the Forestry Commission in a bid to slow down the rapid spread of Ips typographus, the new measures were set to be enforced at the end of October in numerous counties already under demarcated area restrictions.
While many foresters don’t view spruce as a key species in the area – at least not Sitka, with Norway generally favoured – there’s no doubting this was big news, which had the whole industry talking. The blog was no different, with members quick to point out some of the potential ramifications of this approach (even if the reasons for the ban appear to have been overlooked).
“Will they just import all timber for construction in a couple of decades?”
“Writing is on the wall for the whole industry, sadly.”
“The greenies will ironically be the death of the plant in the future.”
“So more ‘not in our back yard’ but happy to buy in from others that have it.”
“It’s goodbye to forestry as such. Plant hardwoods and make forests non-productive and forget how much carbon conifers catch. Been run down for the last 20 plus years but will keep tree huggers happy without them realising the damage they cause to the birds that need conifers to breed in.”
However, others tried to quell fears that a ban on productive forestry was on the way, with one notable forester writing: “A bit alarmist – if you look at a map of future climate suitability, particularly rainfall, then many areas of the south-east of England will probably be too dry anyway.”
It isn’t just news shared by FJ that makes its way onto the blog. Readers might remember that Novotny had told us during APF 2024 that the Czechia-based brand was on the hunt for a new UK dealer following the closure of Caledonian Forestry Services. A maker of low-impact-focused machines, the manufacturer was finally eyeing a return to the British market following Brexit- and Covid-related problems. Now it seems that its dreams have become a reality.
“Forest Machine Services Ltd are pleased to announce a co-operation with Novotny Forestry to bring their products back to the UK market,” wrote one member last month. “Previously supplied by Caledonian Forestry, we will be happy to help new and existing customers. A small range of very well-built compact machines made from well-known components such as Danfoss, Perkins, NAF, Cranab etc.”
The news was received warmly by members of the blog, with one operator writing: “All the best!” However, another was less positive.
“Novotny has a problem with the hydraulic arm and drive,” he wrote. “Cannot be loaded and driven. You have to go stop, turn on the pump, load, turn off the pump, go 5 m and again.”
But the original poster quickly came back to point out: “Separate pump now for drive and crane, plus chassis issues have been resolved.”
In any case, FJ is delighted to see Novotny is back on British shores and we look forward to seeing its machines out in the wild soon.
In less positive news on the blog last month, another member shared a letter he had been sent from DK Electronics, which confirmed the firm was closing due to the impending retirement of its owners. Members were universal in their sadness at the revelation.
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“That’s a shame,” one replied. “Great firm to deal with, with an amazing team and great expertise. Wish them all the best with retirement after years and years of great help.”
“That’s a shame. It highlights the issue that a great deal of small businesses have; if it revolves around you, it’s nothing without you!”
“That’s a major loss to the industry.”
“A big loss to everyone. Simple down-to-earth folk who will try to mend and repair to keep you going. Common sense in the face of the ‘replace with new’ off the manufacturers.”
We’d like to take a moment to wish the DK team all the best on their retirement.
Finally this month, as well as news, the Blog remains a great place to seek advice for all sorts of problems. Here is a perfect example: “What are people getting for hours out of Black Bruin rotators? Just starting to leak at 8,000 hours on a Scorpion King with H7.”
Members responded with their own real-life experiences.
“Usually around 8,000 hours. 4,000 out of an Indexator.”
“About 6,500 when it start leaking in winter mornings but when it warmed up then leaking stopped.”
Others offered some useful tips on how to extend the life of the part:
“Carefully take top off rotator and don’t lift the guts out bottom. Clean seal or replace seal – should be good till 10,000.”
“Just put a seal in it and keep going. I have over 14,000 hours on mine, not a big deal to put a seal in. Did mine once so far.”
Keep up with the conversation by joining Facebook’s Forest Machine Operators Blog.
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