When operating handling equipment, reliability is probably the most important factor. The continual struggle to increase productivity and efficiency across every part of the timber industry puts a large burden on handling equipment, as companies expect or demand machinery that can lift more, higher and faster than ever before, while also insisting on reliability.
Planned maintenance is a crucial part of the productivity goal; even the most modern, top quality machinery will not be efficient unless it’s cared for.
Kalmar Industries is one of the leading manufacturers of lifting equipment. Its experience across many countries helps to ensure that its equipment can cope in the most rigorous conditions.
Tommy Klippvik, a service engineer in Sweden with Kalmar for over 25 years, has seen a great change in the way that customers view their machinery. “Our clients now realise the advantages of investing in one of the wide range of service agreements that we offer; they recognise the importance of putting their machines through regular, thorough maintenance checks.
“Regular servicing allows customers to monitor their equipment closely and ensure it is running at an optimum level; preventative maintenance saves time and money.”
Mr Klippvik travels all over southern Sweden to various forestry and timber yards. While for many months of the year the climate is reasonably benign, the winter season is long and hard. Machinery used in these conditions needs to be extremely well built, using top grade components and maintained on a regular basis.
Mönsterås sawmill
A typical example of an operation that uses a wide mix of handling equipment is Södra Timber’s sawmill in Mönsterås, the largest in the area. The stress placed on its machinery is immense, as it works around the clock, moving large, awkward logs into position, or transferring sawn material from various locations.
“I carry out a four-weekly check on each machine, including oil and filter changes, as well as any other minor repairs that are necessary to ensure smooth running. At each service they’re checked for the normal wear that is expected from machines that are used on three shifts of eight hours, each day,” said Mr Klippvik.
The Södra mill operates an RTD 3026 log stacker with a lifting capacity of 30 tonnes and the ability to reach up to 9m high, while the grapple can cope with material ranging from tree length to short wood; a very specialised machine that needs specific care and attention.
Södra’s fork lift fleet ranges from 6-15 tonnes. When new machines are delivered to a yard or existing trucks are moved to a new operating area, Mr Klippvik assesses the equipment for its role. “This is the advantage with operating under a service agreement,” said Mr Klippvik. “I am available at all times to advise on how to get the best out of the machine.”
With close observation, an experienced service engineer can establish the best way to run a machine so that its greatest potential can be achieved wherever it is operating. In an industry where the expectations placed on machines are constantly changing, it’s vital to work closely with the manufacturer to tailor each machine to meet its exact requirements.
