New Faces ~ New Ideas ~ New Technology Panel
Thursday, February 19, 2009 ~ 2:00 p.m.
"Radio Controlled Chokers Signal Technology Improvements"
Presented by Wayne Van Damme, ACME Manufacturing, and Ross Lumsden, Fortronics LTD

Wayne Van Damme has been around logging and timber harvesting in one form or another for almost all of his life.

In 1997 He and his family made the transition from Logger to Logging Equipment Manufacturer producing the ACME brand motorized carriages.

Eight years ago he started offering radio controlled choker bells to buyers. Customer response was great and the radio controlled choker bell has proved its worth in the field.

Since then, a next generation radio controlled choker bell system has been introduced in the U.S. by ACME Manufacturing, Inc. Built in New Zealand by Fortronics LTD, the new choker bell system offers customers a system that is easier to use, more rich in features, and requires less maintenance than earlier designs by other manufacturers. This new generation Fortronics radio controlled choker system looks to be the choker system of choice for today and tomorrow.

Ross Lumsden, an electronics engineer has been developing Electronic Choker Systems in New Zealand since 1994. Major advances in design were made in the four year period up to the year 2004, when Ross was employed by D.G. Glenn Logging, Ltd. During this time, Ross developed the Glenn choker bell which is still used today.

In 2004 Ross and wife Nancy formed Fortronics Ltd. with the view of developing a superior electronic choker system suitable for the International logging market.

Access to state of the art electronic components and a corporate philosophy of diligently studying previous mistakes has resulted in this exciting new generation Electronic Choker Bell System, especially in quality and reliability aspects.

Fortronics currently has 47 systems operating in New Zealand and Australia.

Today's Fortronics choker was first developed in May 2004, and then extensively tested in many high impact logging situations on steep New Zealand terrain. Their product is commonly used with large, 350 plus horsepower cable systems, and more recently, with smaller yoader cable machines as well.

Compared to the United States, the shock loading on the Fortronic choker bells in New Zealand is far greater. In spite of these rugged conditions, the Fortronic choker bells have performed exceptionally well, few have ever been returned because of excessive repair issues.

This presentation will illustrate the associated benefits of using the Fortronics System to ultimately improve the bottom-line: increased profitability, greater safety factors, and lower daily operating costs.

In addition, there will be an overview of New Zealand's harsh operating conditions where the system was first proven and how this relates to the United States market in terms of use and reliability.