The sawmilling industry has continued its rise despite the strained economic situation in many other industries. In response to the demand, one of Germany’s largest wood processing companies, GELO Holzwerke decided in 2020 to invest in a new small-diameter wood sawmill. This mill features a SENNEBOGEN 835 E electric material handler, which is now responsible for all its log handling duties.
At the end of 2020, the 750,000+ ft² (70,000 m²) plant in the Wunsiedel Energy Park went into operation. GELO Holzwerke, along with a strategic partner, combined to invest almost 40 million euros into the new site. Now, the site processes 50,000 solid cubic ft. (1400 cubic m) per day.
So, to make this project a reality, a SENNEBOGEN 835 E with a unique rail gantry was imagined, designed and engineered. This 835 E runs on a track that is 105 ft (32 m) wide, travels a distance of 368 ft (112 m).
Also, GELO Holzwerke chose a SENNEBOGEN 730 E to unload incoming trucks and stock the new in-feed deck.
GELO Holzwerke did commit to a major goal of sustainable management. One way to achieve this commitment is by using low-emission systems and machines that help to meet market demands.
Reducing operating and service costs
A SENNEBOGEN material handler with a 271 HP (200 kW) electric motor is used to transfer the logs and feed the sawmill, eliminating exhaust emissions. A significant advantage of an electric operation is the reduction in operating and service costs. SENNEBOGEN’s electric equipment offers longer service intervals when compared to combustion motors.
In addition, built-in flexibility plays a major role in purchase decision. The gantry design gives the operator the ability to travel forward, reverse or sideways while simultaneously rotating the material handler. These movements are possible through an integrated trolley, allowing coverage of a large working area.
Also, the 30 ft. (8.9 m) long, curved, banana boom and 26 ft (7.9 m) loading stick, help the 835 E achieve a reach of 50 ft. (15 m). For increased efficiency, attached is a SENNEBOGEN hydraulic timber grab, which allows logs up to 20 ft. (6 m) in length to be easily moved.
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The SENNEBOGEN Mastercab
An excellent all-round view is provided by the SENNEBOGEN Mastercab. This cab boasts various features such as a large-area floor window and an air-suspension comfort driver’s station with heated seating.
Finally, Manuel Wildgans, one of four machine operators at GELO Holzwerke is thrilled with the new sawmill and the 835 E. He says, “The SENNEBOGEN 835 E is the first machine of this size that I have been able to operate. In the meantime, all of us drivers have become accustomed to it and are pleased with the simple controls using the joysticks. At a height of over 33 ft. (10 m), we can now enjoy the best view over the entire site every day.”
