Adding a purpose-built Tigercat H855C harvester to the fleet has been a game-changer for leading forestry contractor Fennell Forestry.
One of the biggest logging contractors in SA and with more than 33 years in the industry, the renowned company deals in plantation timber harvest and transportation.
It operates pine harvesting operations and harvests around 400,000 tonnes annually, along with multiple transport operations that run 24/7.
Fennell Forestry’s success is rooted in a forward-thinking approach that prioritises safety, growth, and respect for employees.
Managing Director Wendy Fennell is a key figure in this effort, with over three decades of experience working alongside long-serving staff members in all aspects of the family business.
Given her extensive knowledge of the industry, she has become a trusted and respected figure in forestry.
It is this steadfast commitment to the future that has established Fennell Forestry as a leading force in the Green Triangle timber industry.
Fennell Forestry started with an excavator with modified forestry attachments.
The addition of the purpose-built Tigercat H855C harvester to the fleet was a big boost to operations.
“Once we went to purpose-built, we never went back,” she said.
“Since then, we have acquired more than 10 Tigercat machines, including two feller bunchers, two skidders, a 1085C forwarder, four H855C harvesters, a H855E harvester and in 2023 a new 1075C forwarder.”
The decision to purchase the new Australian specification 1075C forwarder was based on experience with the 1085C forwarder that was purchased a few years ago.
A key factor in the 1085C’s success was its reliability, an improvement from competitors’ machines which had issues with the bogies.
The new Australian specification for the 1075C matches its larger 1085C brother, but with a slightly higher transmission ratio. These latest models are also fitted with the Dasa F30 Productivity and GPS data module, F195T85 Tigercat Crane with hooked boom, and Wide Range transmission as standard.
When Fennell Forestry were looking for a new forwarder, it thought the new 1075C would be the best fit for the type of work they were doing.
It has proven itself well, being a very reliable machine that has performed with good production and improved fuel efficiencies. So good in fact that Fennell already has a second new 1075C Forwarder already on the way.
Wendy said that some of the best features of the machine include operator comfort, reliability, and economical fuel use.
The business’ operators are pleased with the general operation and comfort of the machine, a highlight being the travel speed and load carrying capacity.
“I know that Tigercat will continue to evolve its products as it always has and put a sustained focus on data collection,” Wendy said.
“The decision to purchase a Tigercat is driven by its reliability, durability and efficiency, which is closely monitored.
“The relationship with Onetrak goes back 10-15 years when Fennell Forestry first stepped into the Tigercat Harvesters.”
Wendy noted that it was refreshing to be able to speak directly to the owner of a business, with Onetrak’s Managing Director David Hazell happy to make himself accessible to customers.
“Onetrak also provides peace of mind with its service solutions, completing the package with good back-up, knowledge and service, especially from its Forestry Specialist, Jotham Allwright,” she said.
Fennell Forestry is contributing to Australia’s thriving forestry sector located in the Green Triangle of South Australia, and is proud to be a part of the most productive softwood producing region in Australia.
The forestry industry in the state is a key contributor to its regional communities and economies, supporting 21,000 direct and indirect jobs.
This industry is helping build the nation by producing:
• 35 per cent of Australia’s timber housing
• 25 per cent of Australia’s particleboard
• 48 per cent of Australia’s fibre for packaging
• 60 per cent of Australia’s agricultural timbers
• 90 per cent of all potting mix used in South Australia
Onetrak is the official dealer for Tigercat in Australia and is proud to support Fennell Forestry and the Australian forestry industry.
For any of your forestry needs please contact Onetrak on www.onetrak.com. au or call 1300 727 520 to speak with its forestry experts.