ALUMAC construct launches the MAC-ROLLER 165Z with unique advantages for forestry

It has long been known that ALUMAC construct as a COP recognized bodywork company focuses on customization. That they do not shy away from challenges in this respect is proven by the project they recently completed for haulier Bjorn Vindevogel from Waregem. 

Productivity boost thanks to rolling construction

Bjorn Vindevogel's company focuses primarily on timber transportation. Bjorn has been in the business for almost 20 years. When he took over the business from his former employer 3 years ago, it included the existing equipment. However, that soon needed replacing. Bjorn turned to a trailer builder for the construction of a new trailer. 

Bjorn Vindevogel explains, "The chassis had to be strong enough for a heavier type of crane because over the years the work has evolved enormously and so the equipment I work with has to be maximally adapted to this. My previous crane was also a HIAB Loglift, part of the CARGOTEC group, but less performant than my new one. I was well used to them and enjoyed working with them. I had already gone to ALUMAC for service because the manufacturer who built them quit a few years ago. I immediately noticed that there is very specific knowledge at ALUMAC. Again and again, they helped me out quickly and competently when work needed to be done on my old crane. Even when there were problems with the motor's outdated electronics, ALUMAC was always able to fix it. And that inspires confidence." 

Cedric Carette, salesman at ALUMAC construct, picks up: "We have been an official HIAB distributor for many years, the world's leading supplier of loading and unloading systems. For our customers, a crane is often essential in their job. Most of the time, without a crane, they cannot work or cannot work optimally. For Bjorn, too, the crane makes a fundamental difference. The HIAB Loglift F 165Z 93 we chose in this case is a high-performance folding Z-model that is extremely suitable for loading and unloading long and short timber. But it is a model that is normally fixed mounted. For Bjorn, however, it was important that the crane could be used rolling so that it could be moved from the back to the front of the trailer and vice versa. And this is not available as standard. That's where the shoe was missing for Bjorn but ALUMAC was happy to accommodate his specific request, even though this is about a complex construction." 

Bjorn adds: "True. My new trailer is 13.5 meters. I can load and transport up to four 3-meter-long packs in a row. After all, efficiency is crucial in our industry. The more you can transport at once the better. Maximizing productivity is something I work on a lot. But to be able to load and unload that load efficiently, like my previous vehicle, I wanted the crane to be on a rolling system so that I can roll forwards and backwards along the full length of my trailer, allowing me to work autonomously, quickly and effectively without any other equipment or manpower. After all, I always work alone, often deep in the Ardennes. And then you want to be able to pull your plan." (laughs) 

"ALUMAC's experience with customization was a great advantage in this case. While with other constructors I contacted about my needs I felt that they were rather reluctant, with ALUMAC I noticed very quickly the eagerness and will to realize this project. From the second meeting, we were on the same wavelength and I saw in ALUMAC my ideal partner. partner in crime. Their engineer was tremendously committed and motivated. My specific needs and wishes were listened to. Everything was thoroughly considered, different possibilities were considered and investigated. In close consultation, we arrived at a suitable construction. Even at the start of the works I was always welcome and the door of their workshop was open. Moreover, during production, flexible adjustments were made where necessary, always in consultation with me." says Bjorn.

Bet on commercialization with the MAC-ROLLER 165Z

ALUMAC construct gave the realization its own name: the MAC-ROLLER 165Z. The intention is to bet more on this type of construction since there are not many players who can handle this type of project and ALUMAC construct notices that the need in the forestry sector is high. 

The HIAB Loglift 165Z is immensely durable and therefore value-retaining. It has a hydraulic reach of 9.3 meters and can be extended twice. At 9 meters, the lifting capacity is 1,480 kg. The great advantage of the MAC-ROLLER 165Z is that it can roll along the entire length of the trailer, since the 9-meter reach is often insufficient to unload the front trunks, for example. The crane is equipped with flapdown support legs that are far from wide. Their narrow feature has the advantage that the rolling structure with crane can pass between the support pillars on both sides of the trailer holding back the load, such as tree trunks.

"It was an intensive process and I am extremely happy to finally be able to start working with my new crane. I know from experience that it takes some time to be able to 100% intuitively work with it, but I already feel that it is right. The performance of the new crane is much higher than my previous one. Moreover, together with the ALUMAC experts, we are still continuously adjusting where necessary to get everything completely on point. Their after-service is top-notch!" concludes Bjorn Vindevogel.