Fortronics LTD

Fortronics in the Field

Fortronics Electronic Choker System is employed in New Zealand forests every day. Contractors have bought the system to keep their staff safe and to bring efficiencies in a highly competitive industry.

Here’s what they have to say:

Ray Thomas, Logging and Roading Manager, JNL, Gisborne, New Zealand

“Fortronics gear makes the loggers’ job safer and easier.  It means our workers don’t have to climb into piles of logs to release chokers and that’s a big plus for safety. And now we can get shorter cycles, we can shift more logs and get better use of our manpower and equipment.

We’ve been using Fortronics gear for about two years. We bought it to replace equipment from other manufacturers that just wasn’t reliable, and we’ve had no problems since.

It’s a really good idea – I’m sold on them.”
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Kerry McCormick, McCormick Logging Ltd,  Wanganui, New Zealand
 
"The new chokers are streets ahead of the old ones.  In terms of maintenance they are just awesome, put them on the rigging and almost forget about them.

The new tracking system has improved considerably too".

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Binky Ellis,  Wild Cherry Logging Ltd.                 Taupo NZ

We operate in the Central North Island, based in Turangi and contracted to NZ Forest Managers.We have two operations in this area, a semi-mechanised ground based crew working in Hautu/Rangipo Prison and a cable logging operation in Lake Taupo Forest.

In 2003 I purchased a set of automatic chokers for the hauler crew from Ross Lumsden of  Fortronics Ltd.This purchased was made for two reasons.

1: We could release the in-coming drags more quickly and more safely, than we could with a poleman,therefore doing more cycles per day and pulling more wood.

2: With the chronic shortage of skilled people in Turangi , the chokers gave us means of freeing up that poleman to do meaningful work in the operation. I have always viewed the polemans role as only half a job unless your hauler is sitting on your skid where the poleman can help with the processing side of things, quality control, trimming etc.

I was very impressed with the chokers and so were the crew members. We have used the chokers in all applications of cable logging including high-lead and found them to be durable and reliable.

The aftersales back-up from Ross Lumsden has been excellent and I have since purchased a set of the later model chokers.Early indications are that these are even better than the old model.I would certainly recommend these chokers to anyone thinking of purchasing a set.

Trevor Burt, JBT Logging, Napier, New Zealand

“They just go, and they don’t break down.”
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Steve Rosin, Rosin Harvesting Ltd, Tumut, Australia

"I really cannot fault the Fortronic Electronic Choker System for performance and reliability.  For several years I have used another brand of Radio Controlled Chokers, but the Fortronic ones leave them for dead.

When the logging conditions got slightly rough, I had to remove the other brand of chokers from the rigging.  The Fortronic Chokers remain on the rigging at all times, regardless of the logging conditions".

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Dan Mouatt, Ribbonwood H.B. Ltd Napier,New Zealand

"Fortronic Electronic Chokers make our operation flow a lot smoother.Our profitability is dependant upon the yarder landing the maximum tonnage of wood per day.

Fortronic chokers consistently allow us to achieve this. Production gains are real.

Safety is a big issue for us and not having a poleman working in a high risk area is a major benefit. I would certainly purchase these chokers again".

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Lou Prince, Lou Prince 1995 Ltd
Taupo, New Zealand

Having purchased a set of automatic chokers from Fortronics Limited, we have found them to be very fast and reliable, especially in the hard rocky conditions, where there is not much lift and  the chokers are getting bashed around.

Because of the conditions our battery life is down a bit, through bashing and shock loading.
Generally if the chokers can handle these conditions they will handle anything.