increase font size
The Grapple Rake can grab huge amounts of slash in one go, which can then be precisely placed in a designated area.
With the current issues of forestry ‘slash’ continuing to be a major problem in high rainfall events, a new take on an old method to deal with the forestry waste is set to help Kiwi logging crews better manage skid sites and landings, which could in turn increase productivity.
The locally developed Falcon Slash Grapple Rake fits around two of the most common sizes of Ensign grapple. An independent study shows it can reduce the laborious task by as much as one hour a day, while improving safety and environmental outcomes.
The idea for the new attachment came from Moutere Logging M3 Crew manager Steve Johnson, who was frustrated with existing methods of managing slash and debris on their sites.
“I was up on the skid for three hours one evening moving slash for management purposes and thought ‘there’s got to be a better way’ as I continued to pick up small loads,” he explains.
The Grapple Rake consists of a one-piece spring lock system to attach to either side of a standard Ensign grapple, commonly used for loading. It can grab huge amounts of slash in one go, which can then be precisely placed in a designated area.
During the design phase, three key points were considered. Firstly, it needed to be quick to attach and remove. Secondly, it needed to have minimal maintenance and accessories, with no additional plumbing.
Third and finally, it needed to be able to still be used for logs – jobs such as loading or sorting – if needed.
“Clearing slash from skids and landings can be a real headache,” says Darrin Barr of DC Equipment, the company behind Falcon Forestry Equipment products.
“It can slow down operations and make them unsafe if you don’t keep on top of it. More importantly, it needs dealing with in an environmentally responsible manner, ensuring it doesn’t end up in waterways or impede access. Simply pushing it over the edge of a slope might not be the best way to deal with it.”
DC Equipment has designed two versions, working in conjunction with a local engineering company; one to fit the Ensign 1530 and a larger model to fit the Ensign 1730 – weighing 1,100kg and 1,200kg respectively, in addition to the weight of the grapple.
Fitting or removing from the host grapple takes around three minutes.
The versatility of the Falcon Slash Grapple Rake has been highlighted due to its ability to augment an existing Ensign Rotating Grapple. Along with its ease of use, both aspects grabbed a lot of attention at the recent Rotorua Forestry Show.
The company notes that operators of other grapple brands should get in touch, with a view to including ongoing development to fit these units.
www.falconforestryequipment.com
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Alliance has announced a series of capital raise roadshow event, starting on 29 September in Tuatapere, Southland.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.
