Hoffman Firewood Processor Gets An Upgrade
About Hoffman Haulage (Hoffman Group)
Laurence Hoffman started in the Timber industry in the Killarney area since 1964. Laurence and Christine have been contracting together in the Timber Industry since 1986.
The Hoffman family started in the Dorrigo area, and is now currently based in Wauchope – in the North Coast of NSW. They are now made up of 5 separate companies working in a Sustainable Timber Industry, and is a family run company now seeing its 5th Generation working and carrying on the family tradition. Over the years Hoffman Group has seen its business grow from a single dozer and small crew to now having a fleet of machines, trucks, and with over 40 employees. The company is now advancing to new ventures including civil excavation, dam construction, land clearing and salvage work.
Challenges
Laurie Hoffman contacted the AE Gibson team to look at upgrading the power unit for their firewood processing machine which had 2 small engines with 2 hydraulic pumps on each machine. They had noticed the splitter and hydraulic functions were getting slower and not functioning as efficiently as it used to. The 2 handed operation in front of the splitter was not operator-friendly and needed some changes to be made.
Solution
The Gibson team arranged a site visit to review the issues and develop a suitable solution to improve the efficiency of the machinery . The Gibson service team conducted hydraulic testing to identify the issues, and to work through potential solutions to run the plant more efficiently and boost production. The Gibson team developed a unique Hydraulic System design using a Cummins turbo diesel 4BT engine with Quad gear pumps, hydraulic manifold block to protect the pumps and hydraulic equipment, custom made hydraulic tank with return filtration, 24V Inline hydraulic cooler to keep the fluid temperature low, and a Deadman Valve and Hydraulic Detent kick-out-valve. This would ensure the Processing machines could run more efficiently and effectively.
Results
The Hydraulic System upgrade allows the splitter head to auto return on the up-stroke, resulting in quicker cycle times, improving production. The operator control levers were also moved to a user-friendly height, improving worker Health and Safety. As a direct result of the Hydraulic System upgrade, the Hoffman site experienced an overall improvement in reliability, productivity and WHS. The firewood processing equipment now functions at a higher capacity, is more energy efficient, and is Operator friendly.