HIGH PROFILE
Large audiences watched Komatsu demonstrations at Expoforest
The Expoforest was extremely good – it was half the size of Elmia but the quality was just as good
designed to tackle eucalyptus? RA: What a machine really needs is heightened automation. We need to steer away from machines that allow too much flexibility. High- tech machines that will process the tree with the press of a button are the best way to do things because then the operator does not have a lot of functions and options that may be confusing.
In the newer machines destined for Brazil, Komatsu Forest has ensured that we can control what we want the operator to do. The machine can only be adjusted in a few necessary ways so when the next operator gets into the machine it has not been changed to the point where no one else can use it.
IFI: Is it mainly Cut-to-Length or Tree- Length harvesting or is it a combination of the two? RA: It is a combination, really. We work mostly
Komatsu 911 X3M
with the CTL system but we do have some TL system machines. We have started to move into areas with very steep terrain so we have taken on the Komatsu 911 X3M harvester, which is mainly used in Germany, Sweden and Austria on hilly terrains. We’re just waiting on the first one to come down and we’re going to take it around and do demonstrations. The impression we have so far from companies is that this machine will be very successful.
IFI: You recently attended Expoforest 2011 as part of the Komatsu Forest team; did you enjoy the show? RA: Yeah, it was a really, really nice show and it was great to finally have some company. In 20 years during all the exhibitions, which have gradually grown larger and larger, we have been the only major supplier but this year was the
first time all the big guys were down here. Can you imagine, being in a market this size all on your own?! For the first time we can really say it was a show of international proportions. The Expoforest was extremely good. It was half the size of Elmia but the quality was just as good.
IFI: Has Komatsu Forest maintained an advantage over other suppliers who have arrived more recently? RA: I think we still have that advantage. We can see it today because our aftermarket department is a lot more efficient. There is nothing wrong with our competitors’ machines but I don’t think they compete when it comes to servicing those machines sold and having all the parts in stock. Competitors sometimes have their parts in a warehouse in a container and once they know what parts are needed they have to pay to have them released through customs and then wait another 48 hours etc. When our customers need parts they can contact us at the end of the day and we can organise to have that part with them for fitting by late the next morning. This is important to many companies because while that machine is not operating they are losing money. I know we have more technicians, more parts in stock, faster delivery and this is an advantage for our Brazilian customers. I’m quite sure of this. We are very, very well known and well respected now in Brazil. Other companies just coming recently are having problems establishing themselves as a quality brand, which for some is a challenge given that they get that recognition automatically in most parts of the world.
There are a lot of problems that are unique to Brazil and Brazil is a tough operating environment. I work a lot with the engineers in Sweden because they say that if they can make it work in Brazil then they can make it work anywhere. Other suppliers are finding these things out for themselves at the moment and are working out the best way to deal with these issues within their internal structures. Komatsu Forest has already overcome those issues and is using them to its advantage.
50 International Forest Industries | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
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