Combi machines, tree protectors and saw innovations at Elmia Wood

With more than 260 exhibitors from 22 different countries, the fair has products that interest almost everyone. And there are masses of innovations that visitors are crowding to see.

Malwa is one of the exhibitors at the fair and comes with a world first: At Elmia Wood the world’s first battery-powered combi machine is clocking up its first working hours.

“The battery arrived just a few hours ago. The machine has never run as much as it has on the demo on day one of the fair. We can really call it a world premiere for this prototype,” says Magnus Wallin, business developer and founder of Malwa.

The machine makes its way into the stand with an almost whining sound. It loads the wood and rolls on.

“The idea is that the battery will last a full working day and be charged during the night,” Magnus says.

Many passers-by stop and step into the forest where the demo is taking place.

Malwa’s brand new 980 harvester attracts equal interest.

“It’s a big harvester but also an agile one.”

New petrol and electric saw models as Husqvarna invites visitors to try them out.

“We’ve been looking forward to Elmia Wood. We can finally get out and meet our users again,” says Lasse Strandell, instructor and product specialist at Husqvarna. “We’ve brought ‘everything’ in our forestry range to our stand. From chainsaws powered by both petrol and electricity to brushcutters and safety equipment. New this year is that we’re also giving visitors the opportunity to try out our saws in a section of the stand.”

Like many other companies, Husqvarna is experiencing some delays due to the world situation.

“This means that some models that are very close to launch will actually have to wait a little longer,” Lasse says.

But there is still no shortage of innovations and technology goodies for anyone who fancies efficient chainsaws and brushcutters.

One of the most ingenious new products at Elmia Wood is a “peg” that is mounted on the top of young pine trees to reduce damage from hungry moose. The inventor, Johan Larsson, has used the pegs for over 10 years on his own plants with excellent results. Now tallskydd.se is being launched to forest owners on a wide scale.
“Getting confirmation from buyers that it actually works is the best thing ever,” he says.

When the infamous storm Gudrun passed over Sweden in 2005, much of Johan’s forest was blown down.

“Then I wanted to plant pine. I was told it was an impossible mission – that the moose will eat it all. ‘No they won’t,’ I thought, and planted, sprayed with all the products available and waited. Unfortunately, they were right, it was impossible – the moose ate everything.”

But shame on him who gives up.

“I tried again. Tried fencing but that also proved impossible if you want to have your land accessible.”

So Johan had to find another solution.

“I don’t give up easily. So I started trying out a mechanical solution in steel plate. The patented model that is now available is version 32 in the product development phase, so it takes time to get things right," he laughs.

The Tallskydd pine protectors are put onto the young plants in August/September before the moose and deer start to eat them.

“You can put them on when you want – the weather makes no difference to the result, unlike spraying, which is weather dependent.”

You carry the protectors with you in an ingenious holder attached to your belt.

“In year two and later, you don’t need to take any tools or accessories with you – you just go out and move the protector up to the new top shoot.”

One important advantage is that the top shoot is protected while the side shoots are still accessible for grazing.

“We’ve deliberately rejected aluminium and stainless steel in favour of ordinary steel plate. If one gets left behind in the ground, it will eventually disappear.”