4 decades of innovations in the field of forestry technology
The history of forestry technology from 1970 to 2010 Since the first event in 1970, INTERFORST is a symbol of innovation in the field of forestry technology. This will be the case once again at the 11th edition of the fair. INTERFORST distinguishes itself by the fact that its role has always been to present both the forestry "hardware" and the associated "software" such as process engineering, work organization and technical management, which continues to be the central task of the INTERFORST Congress and the INTERFORST Forums. In conjunction with the fair and the special shows, these are distinctive trademarks of INTERFORST since its foundation.
Since 2002, there is an additional innovation driver, the KWF novelties competition which is an integral part of INTERFORST. INTERFORST and the history of forestry technology that it depicts can be subdivided into five main phases:
During the first decade (1970 - 1980) the development of skidding technology with numerous agricultural tractors which were refitted for being used in the forest, with front boards and sprag and above all with double-drum radio-controlled cable winches took center stage. Subsequently, above all a new development from Germany, the so-called all-terrain forest special tractors with articulated steering and radio-controlled winches were launched to the market.
A further achievement of this period is the development and fine-tuning of mobile log decorticating machines and the mechanization of small wood harvesting on half-stationary and stationary reprocessing centers. Round-timber technology with decortication, measuring and EDP-supported portioning optimization can be found up to the present day on the few remaining forest-owned wood farms and the round timber yards of the sawing industry. The use of forest radio communication made the coordinated use of machines and enterprises in disaster situations possible for the first time.
The second decade (1980 -1990) is characterized by the beginning of mechanized small wood harvesting using felling machines and wood processors and launched the first mechanization wave which contributed in coping with the storm catastrophes in 1990 and 1999 within a very short time although they were replaced by crane harvester technology later on. The fine-tuning of mobile rope crane technology with radio control for timber hauling on steep slopes, among other things, and the development of the first harvester for felling and reprocessing were of major importance.
The political events that occurred between 1990 to 2000 such as the German reunification and the opening of Eastern Europe not only shaped society but also forest technology. The new federal states of Germany were integrated into current forest technology. The philosophy of forest management in harmony with nature with suitable soil- and tree-protecting forestry technology was developed at the same time. Moreover, Germany closed up with Scandinavia which was leading in the field of forestry technology, by developing own harvesters and forwarders as well as by adapting and selling Scandinavian products on the Central European market. And finally, the "triumphant advance" of crane full harvesters and forwarders - nowadays standard in places which are accessible by vehicles - is also to be mentioned.
Since 2002, wood has experienced a renaissance as a raw material, among other things, as a result of the large stock of wood as was proven by the German national forest inventory. The forest industry responded by dealing more intensely with topics like wood mobilization, process orientation, and the optimization of the logistics chain from the forest to the factory with the appropriate tools (EDP, navigation). At the same time, the state-owned forest enterprises were transformed into companies, such as for example into the foundation of the Bavarian State Forests.
Since then, the further development of the crane harvester technology allows for the use of these machines in difficult terrain, in both dense coniferous and deciduous woodlands thanks to chain vehicles and protection by synchronous rope winches.
Interforst 2010 heralds the fifth decade with chances and challenges. One major chance is certainly the fact that wood is meanwhile unquestionably recognized as a multi-talent because it is sustainable, durable and innovative. Challenges are hidden behind keywords such as climate change, forest restructuring and windthrown trees.
A comprehensive outlook on the future of forest technology will be provided by the exhibitors, the Congress and the forums of INTERFORST.
Additional information and photos are available at: www.interforst.de
About INTERFORST
International Trade Fair for Forestry and Forest Technology with Scientific Conferences and Special Shows INTERFORST is one of the world's major trade fairs of the industry. The event takes place every four years and presents forward-looking technologies for the entire world of timber and forest. It is accompanied by top-class scientific congresses, conferences, special shows and forums. The trade-fair shows the full variety of the industry ranging from reforestation to timber harvesting and sawmills. The presence of the market leaders and the event's international mix emphasize its character of a key trade fair. The exhibitor and visitor figures of INTERFORST are examined by an independent auditor on behalf of the Gesellschaft zur Freiwilligen Kontrolle von Messe- und Ausstellungszahlen - FKM - (in English: Society for the Voluntary Control of Fair and Exhibition Statistics) and are certified internationally by UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry). The next INTERFORST will be held from 14th to 18th July 2010 in the halls and on the open-air site of the New Munich Trade Fair Centre. The first INTERFORST was conducted in 1970.
About the German Board of Trustees for Forestry Work and Technology (KWF)
The German Board of Trustees for Forestry Work and Technology (KWF) is a registered non-profit association and is supported by 2000 members. The KWF is the competence centre for forestry work, forestry technology and wood logistics in Germany and Europe and provides advice to all key players in the forestry, wood and bio-energy sectors. It is available as an interlocutor to everybody. As a transnational non-profit organization, the KWF focuses on all major tasks for securing the future, avoiding accidents and protecting the environment in a precautionary way. This makes the KWF exemplary for a joint, efficient and future-oriented execution of tasks by the German Federal Government and the Laender. The KWF is the only organization that examines and certifies forestry technology, tools, supplies and protection equipment at the national and transnational level. In doing so, the KWF grants the coveted trade-in value mark, the KWF test mark, but also the DPLF (German Test Center for Agricultural and Forestry Machinery) mark and the GS (Tested Safety) mark. Furthermore, the KWF fulfills a cross-sectional function bridging the worlds of research, practice and industry for the areas of forestry, wood and bio-energy. In these areas, the association is also available as a project partner. The KWF conference is the second-largest forestry fair worldwide and includes a congress, specialist excursions and a forestry machinery and novelty show. In addition, the KWF organizes special shows on the subject of forest and wood, e.g. also at INTERFORST. At its headquarters in Groß-Umstadt, the KWF organizes specialist forums, seminars, workshops and expert talks on current topics related to forest practice.
