MechLog selected to field-test Komatsu’s MaxiVision under Australian conditions
Tasmania’s, environmentally responsible forest services company, MechLog, has been selected by Komatsu to test its new MaxiVision digital tool under Australian condition at its Green Triangle operation. The trial, which is ongoing at various locations and in different operating environments, is designed to establish if the programme works as successfully under Australian conditions as it does elsewhere in the world.
MechLog’s Managing Director, Anthony Brown, said that his company was selected because of its commitment to sustainable forestry practices and its philosophy of implementing successful low-impact environmental procedures.
“Komatsu’s MaxiVision is a completely new digital tool designed to assist our machine operators to visualise the state and conditions of the plantation. The key to sustainable forestry practices, what we call ‘Forestry with Care’, is understanding the environment where we are operating. Depending on the weather, this can change from day to day,” Mr Brown said.
“An easy to read map offers different data layers providing valuable information about current ground conditions in the area where our operators are working. With almost instant information to hand, MaxiVision allows an operator to fell and forward timber with less impact on the forest floor. This not only increases the quality of the work, but also helps to meet demands for minimal ground damage. On initial inspection, and the data from overseas, MaxiVision’s long-term sustainability ethos sits perfectly with MechLog’s own view on good forestry practices.
“From a safety and workplace awareness perspective, we anticipate that MaxiVision will augment our already steadfast commitment to the health and welfare of our field teams. Komatsu’s MaxiVision offers our field teams an overview of each other’s work, while helping to facilitate communication between operators. The ability to send messages to each other or marking potentially difficult areas on the map, our field operators can collaborate to operate more safely, without affecting productivity. This unmatched integration between harvester and forwarder provides an optimised workflow and prioritises safety,” Mr Brown said.
A spokesman for Komatsu said that with MaxiVision, the operator can combine maps of the area with the latest data on ground conditions into a single image and, at the same time, see both their own production data and that of the colleagues – all updated in real time.
“The work overview is a great tool for planning production and enables the operator to make well-founded decisions. MaxiVision also allows for effective collaboration between harvesters and forwarders as each team member can see what their colleagues are doing,” the spokesman said.
“In practical terms, this means that the harvester operator can simplify matters for the forwarder operator by – for example, planning suitable access roads, log roads and landings to match the prevailing conditions. In turn, the forwarder operator can see the production in each working zone making it easier to optimise the forwarding process and avoid unnecessary detours. The operator can mark the zone complete once the timber has been forwarded to the landing making follow-ups easier. Once the timber has been forwarded to the landing the operator can mark the zone complete, making follow-ups easier,” the spokesman said.
MEDIA NOTES: Mechanised Logging Pty Limited (MechLog) is an Australian forestry services company that commenced operations in 1994. Since that time, the company has established its brand and its ‘Forestry with Care’ approach to industry practices as a respected services provider to the sector. Over the years, MechLog has kept pace with the latest technology and forestry practices. By embracing the changes within the industry, adopting new technologies, and maintaining a fleet of modern equipment, MechLog has built a successful sustainable business, and created greater efficiencies and productivity to meet the requirements of their clients and the demands of the end-users.
Media contact: Mark Wells +61 414 015 966
© Mechanised Logging Pty Limited and MWPA