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Industry News - Page 457 of 734

  • Automated Harvesting With Robots In The Forest

    Automated Harvesting With Robots In The Forest

    FPInnovations is moving full speed ahead with its automated-harvesting project to usher in a new era of  forestry machinery with an eye to one day operating fully autonomous machines.
    Much of the forestry equipment in use dates from designs that originated in the 70s, with improvements made along the way. In an industry-leading move, the automated-harvesting team is developing the brains behind a new generation of machines destined for forest operations.
    “No one has been able to design a suitable machine that can work autonomously in a hostile forest environment,” says Francis Charette, digitalization manager at FPInnovations. “The terrain is unpredictable, there are many physical obstacles in the way, and the worksites are remote. The first step is basic automation and if we’re successful, and we have every reason to be, we’ll move on to more highly automated machines. FPInnovations and its partners want to be one of the first in the world to develop an algorithm capable of telling a machine what tasks to do in a forest environment.”
    FPInnovations recently acquired two new machines on which to develop its robotic skills.

    Log Loader For Automated Harvesting
    The mechanical log loader allows the automated-harvesting team to work on automating the crane function before scaling up to bigger machinery. From FPInnovations’ Pointe-Claire facility, engineers and programmers are working on getting the loader to detect logs on the ground while avoiding obstacles such as rocks, trees or even people nearby. To do that, sensors and hardware have been added to the machine and programmers are developing algorithms that will decipher the information, then perform a specific task.

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • Backwoods Energy Services Begins Work On Provincial Site Rehabilitation Program

    Backwoods Energy Services Begins Work On Provincial Site Rehabilitation Program

    Backwoods Energy Services (Backwoods), one of the largest Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada, is pleased to announce it has begun reclamation work associated with the Alberta Department of Energy’s Site Rehabilitation Program (SRP). The program will allow Backwoods to employ Indigenous workers and carry out abandonment activities on suspended and abandoned oil and gas sites in Alberta.

    Backwoods’ work within the SRP started in early July, marking a significant step in the acceleration of reclamation activities on an initial 56 well sites on Enoch Cree Nation lands on the western edge of Edmonton.  In addition, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and Backwoods Energy Services have nominated multiple well sites on Alexis Whitecourt Reserve #232 for closure through future periods of the Site Rehabilitation Program.

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • Forest Sector Welcomes Ministers’ Efforts To Promote Importance Of Canadian Forestry

    Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) recently welcomed the CCFM’s public commitment to raising awareness about Canada’s world-leading approach to sustainable forest management, and how it helps fight climate change while supporting our move to a lower-carbon economy.
    “Canada is a global leader in how we sustainably manage our working forests for cultural, recreational, health, environmental, and economic benefits. Our deeply rooted commitment to forest renewal and forest health has helped Canada retain 90% of its original forest cover and will ensure that we will keep Canadian forests as forests forever,” said FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor.
    “Canada’s forest sector has an opportunity to do more to help drive an economic recovery that secures and grows good-paying jobs in communities that need them, and delivers innovative products that support human health and are good for the environment. We are pleased to see Forest Ministers from across the country take note of this opportunity – one that is even more critical in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Nighbor added.
    At the annual CCFM Forum on the Forests meeting, Ministers also discussed the ongoing implementation of the Forest Bioeconomy Framework and expanding the mandate of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFCC).
    “We are grateful to Northwest Territories Environment and Natural Resources Minister Shane Thompson for his leadership in hosting this year’s meeting under such exceptional circumstances and look forward to working with the Government of Manitoba’s Ministry of Agriculture and Resource Development as it prepares for next year’s gathering,” added Nighbor. 

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • John Deere Offers Grade Control-Ready For The L-Series Tractor Loaders

    John Deere Announces Industry-First Grade Control-Ready Offering For The L-Series Tractor Loaders

    A first in the construction market, the John Deere 210L and 210L EP Tractor Loaders are now available with grade control-ready and grade indication factory options, allowing for faster and more accurate fine grading. The grade technology options combined with an updated box blade result in increases to productivity and efficiency when completing site prep, road building and landscaping jobs, especially in tight areas.
    “We’re excited to facilitate grade control solutions for customers involved in fine grading applications,” said Brian Hennings, product marketing manager, backhoes and tractor loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “When utilizing grade control technology, operators can finish jobs faster with fewer passes and less rework. This results in less fatigue and more productivity, ultimately boosting the business’s bottom line.”

    John Deere Announces Industry-First Grade Control-Ready Offering For The L-Series Tractor Loaders
    The grade control-ready machines are designed to support 2D or 3D grade control technology solutions, automatically controlling the box blade’s lift and tilt cylinders. Additionally, the factory-installed grade control-ready solution requires no hydraulic hose disconnections or bracket welding, and is designed to minimize technology installation. When adding grade control capabilities in the field, the customer simply selects their preferred technology provider (e.g., Topcon, Trimble or Leica) and works with their dealer to install the finishing kit on the machine.
    These tractor loaders are also available with a factory-installed grade indication option. It provides an on-board readout of the machine cross slope and main fall slope in real time, all within the existing machine’s display. This simple, integrated solution requires no additional hardware or software.
    The 210L and 210L EP machines are also equipped with an updated box blade, providing a single attachment solution designed to both cut the grade and spread materials accurately with great visibility. The increased clearance of the ripper mechanism on the box blade allows rock and gravel to more readily pass through the frame. It also features fewer moving parts, increasing reliability, while the ripper hook has improved locking in the working position.
    The 210L is equipped with a 93-horsepower PowerTech™ Plus diesel engine, while the 210L EP boasts a 69-horsepower Yanmar engine that requires no aftertreatment components needed to comply with Environmental Protection Agency emissions regulations, resulting in lower total cost of ownership and enhanced uptime. Both models feature a four-speed PowerShift™ transmission for smooth, no-clutch, fingertip shifting.
    The on-the-fly mechanical front-wheel drive can be engaged to give extra traction in poor job site conditions or to move heavy loads. An optional limited-slip front axle delivers 65% of available power to the tire with the best traction for true all-wheel-drive pulling power. Additionally, compared to the K-Series models, loader lift cycle times and loader lifting capacity were increased by 26% and 17%, respectively, increasing productivity. 
    Additionally, when the ride control option is activated, the front loader hydraulic cylinders act as shock absorbers with or without full loads, smoothing box blading over rough terrain to help get sites to grade and reduce operator fatigue.
    For additional information and specifications, visit your local John Deere dealer or www.JohnDeere.com. 

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • A New Era For The Toro Loaders And Trucks From Sandvik

    A New Era For The Toro Loaders And Trucks From Sandvik

    Sandvik is reintroducing its earlier, renowned Toro family name for its underground hard rock loaders and trucks, model by model, starting later this year. The Toro™ family name has been recognized by Sandvik underground mining customers for decades and now Sandvik is bringing back the bull, firstly with the large intelligent loaders Toro LH517i and Toro LH621i.
    Toro, “the bull”, has traditionally symbolized the strength of Sandvik underground hard rock loaders and trucks since the first model was introduced in the early 1970s. Even though the family name has not been used for fifteen years, it has never disappeared from the thoughts of the company and many of its customers.
    For the new generation of Sandvik loaders and trucks, the Toro stands for safer, stronger and smarter. “Safety is at the forefront of our product design and crucial for those who work in or around our loaders and trucks. We also believe that environmentally-sound solutions and sustainability principles firmly belong with safety. Being strong and powerful is at the very heart of the old Toro. To be robust, reliable and productive in the most demanding of conditions is part of our heritage, and we will keep that with us going forward. Being smart involves seamless integration with Sandvik’s AutoMine and OptiMine offering, but it is also about innovation and smart design: e.g. how we arrange maintenance access, improve efficiency and reduce waste. Developing intelligence on all frontiers is, and will be, one of the key elements of the Toro going forward,” said Wayne Scrivens, VP Product Line, Load and Haul.

    Upgraded Sandvik Intelligent Loaders Toro LH517i And Toro LH621i
    toro-LH517i-2-400px.pngThe large intelligent loaders Toro LH517i and Toro LH621i now come with several design upgrades aimed to further boost productivity, reduce total cost of ownership and improve operator experience. Both loaders can now be equipped with a Stage V state-of-the-art engine, meeting the most stringent current emission regulations. Operator speed assist, a new feature that will be available with the Stage V engine option, specifically supports downhill tramming and preserves the equipment brakes as the Sandvik Intelligent Control System can be set to limit maximum speed. A new traction control system, available as an option, reduces wheel spin and slippage when penetrating to the muck pile, extending tyre lifetime. Finally, a training simulator, Digital Trainer, has been added to the Load and Haul equipment range, offering a compact and flexible solution for the safe training of operators, with authentic controls and real loader control system.

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • COVID-19 Takes Toll On Canadian Equipment Manufacturers

    COVID-19 Takes Toll On Canadian Equipment Manufacturers

    The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on equipment manufacturers in Canada, according to a new survey released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). For example, nearly half (forty-seven percent) of equipment manufacturers in Canada surveyed said it will take a year or more for their organizations to recover to pre-COVID business levels.
    “The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly impacted equipment manufacturers and the communities we proudly serve across Canada,” said Alexander Russ, Director of Government Affairs for AEM. “From new orders drying up to supply chain disruptions, this unprecedented crisis has caused many companies to reduce their immediate financial outlook. AEM continues to help our industry navigate these challenging times to come back stronger and fuel Canada’s economic recovery.”
    As the country navigates the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors have largely remained open and continued to supply the equipment necessary to keep the country moving forward and help lead the recovery and renewal of the Canadian economy.
    The survey was in the field from June 22 to August 5, 2020. The 24 respondents weighed in on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, the industry, their companies, supply chain and manufacturing operations, their financial expectations, as well as the challenges they continue to face and specific ways the federal government can keep equipment manufacturing strong and ensure the nation’s economic resilience.
     
    Key Findings
    •    Nearly half (forty-seven percent) of equipment manufacturers in Canada surveyed said it would take one year or more for their organization to recover to pre-COVID business levels.
    •    More than three out of four equipment manufacturers in Canada surveyed identified a decrease in demand (new orders) as the primary impact of COVID-19 on their business and manufacturing operations (seventy-six percent). Four out of ten (forty-three percent) respondents identified supply chain issues as a major impact.
    •    Fifty percent of Canadian equipment manufacturers say they have used or intend to use Canada’s federal COVID-19 assistance programs to help their business, with the other fifty percent saying they haven’t or will not.
    •    Of the equipment manufacturers in Canada accessing the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), fifty-five percent said it was “easy” while twenty-two percent said it was “relatively easy,” and another twenty-two percent saying it was “moderately difficult.”
    •    The top additional policies equipment manufacturers believe the Government of Canada should undertake to help their businesses through the COVID-19 crisis are recognizing the critical importance of Canadian manufacturing capacity, implement measures to increase the competitiveness of the sector, and reward innovative Canadian manufacturers (sixty-five percent), investing more federal money in infrastructure projects, including increasing the federal portion of funding for provincial and municipal projects (sixty percent), and creating a program to replace older equipment with new, lower emission equipment through tax credits or government grants and loans (sixty percent). 
     

    AEM continues to lead the industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is working closely with Canadian officials to keep the equipment manufacturing industry in Canada strong and ensure the nation’s economic resilience. AEM is calling for bold action by the Canadian government to incentivize the further development of the equipment manufacturing industry in Canada, and to provide additional economic assistance to businesses of all sizes. 

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 5 years ago

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