Gordon Timber, based in the Highlands of Scotland, has a long history of supplying high quality softwood timber. Founded in 1862 and managed by four generations of the same family since the late 1880s, the company is now recognised as one of the top sawmilling companies in the UK.
Its core business is converting roundwood grown in the North of Scotland into a comprehensive range of high-quality sawn timber products for the construction, fencing and packaging markets.
As demand for co-products such as wood chips has grown significantly in recent times, and with ever more stringent quality standards required by the Scandinavian export market - where Gordon Timber ship monthly cargoes to Norway from the Port of Inverness – the company needs a materials handler which is fully loaded with features and tailored to meet their specialist requirements.
With a 6.6% more powerful and efficient Stage V Cummins engine, the Stage V JCB 437 wheeled loader is proving just the machine for the job. It boasts a choice of loader arm (Gordon Timber selecting the HT (High Tip) version) and axle options and benefits from a fuel-saving auto engine shutdown feature. There is also a unique 5-speed gearbox as standard and the most operator friendly cab on the market.
Fuel saver
Founded over 160 years ago Gordon Timber credits their longstanding success to an innate ability to respond to challenges, move with the times and diversify as customer needs have changed. It is this astute business acumen that has allowed Gordon Timber to become one of the top sawmilling companies in the UK.
The complex, specialist nature of its work, and the continuous rigours of its production, has necessitated Gordon Timber to invest in machinery which is not only productive and reliable – but fuel efficient too – making valuable cost savings while supporting their environmentally friendly practices.
Johnny Dean, Gordon Timber’s Harvesting Manager said: “We experienced several costly engine issues on a competitor wheel loader, so we decided to look at the British-built JCB 437HT, and I’m pleased to report we made the right decision to switch brands. The JCB 437HT has not missed a beat since its arrival and we know the service support provided by Scot JCB is some of the best in the business. We have a good service agreement and warranty package from Scot JCB for peace-of-mind and fixed costs over the next 5-years.
“I'm pleased to report the fuel figures JCB supplied are proving to be very accurate and we are enjoying a significant reduction in fuel burn compared to running a competitor machine. We can check the JCB LiveLink monitoring data at any time, and in addition, Scot JCB send us weekly performance reports on all aspects of the machine.”
As Artur Dobruk, Gordon Timber’s Operator adds: “Most of the time we run it in eco mode, but when pushing large volumes of wood chips, the power boost is great. The fuel efficiency is outstanding, compared to my last machine, as the JCB 437HT is using around 7 to 8 litres per hour, that’s about 70-litres per day, whereas my last competitor machine was burning 90-litre per day! This means less downtime refuelling, with just two fuelling stops per week from the 270-litre fuel tank. And the AdBlue usage is very low too.”
Fully loaded
A Scottish sawmilling and timber company is putting a JCB 437 Stage V wheel loader through its paces on site in Nairn.
The JCB 437HT has not missed a beat since its arrival
Powerful performance
Despite this reduced fuel consumption there is no compromise on power as the Stage V Cummins engine on the 437HT delivers more power with lots of low-end torque.
A variable geometry turbocharger provides increased performance at low engine speed for improved cycle times and tractive effort. It also offers optional torque lock-up 5-speed transmission. Two new power modes increase or reduce power at the flick of a switch and the new auto engine shutdown feature works when left idling, to further save fuel.
Johnny Dean said: “With over 120,000 tonnes of timber per annum running through the mill, and 50% of that being residues, we need a wheel loader that we can rely on to handle this amount of residue, as we only have one day’s capacity of storage for residue materials. If this prime mover were to go down, then our contingency plans kick in, but it still impacts on production – and so far, so good, as the JCB 437HT has been a strong and reliable performer.”
Artur Dobruk added: “The JCB 437HT is a very nice machine and has lots of power to handle all the loading, stockpiling and material handling duties. I also like the exhaust regeneration system on the JCB 437HT, as it regens on the go, whereas my last machine had to be parked up during this process, which resulted in a loss of productivity.”
Take a load off
For operators spending a full day at the controls, the JCB 437 is a workplace dream, featuring the class-leading CommandPlus cab. With optimal control layout and driving position for operators of all shapes and sizes, it provides greater comfort, visibility and ease of use for enhanced operator productivity.
It boasts large interior with panoramic front windscreen plus seat mounted controls move with the seat suspension. End damped steering allows easier turning lock to lock and the controls are laid out optimally for the driving position.
On-site safety is a key focus for Gordon Timber. The JCB 437HT comes with a rear-view camera as standard and benefits from excellent front and side visibility through the large glass area. The company has added additional safety features with a front-view camera system positioned high on the cab for a good view over the large capacity tipping bucket when on loading and carrying work around the yard.
Gordon Timber has also opted for the ZoneSafe warning alert system to further minimise the risk of vehicle to person collisions. This sees the 437HT fitted with transponders which trigger vibrating alarms worn on lanyards by all ground workers and visitors to provide early warning of the machine’s approach.
Artur Dobruk, Gordon Timber’s Operator concludes: “The cab of the JCB 437HT is one of the best I’ve operated, as it has plenty of space and storage for personal items and the visibility is very good from the large windows, which is essential for such a busy yard and high traffic flows. It’s also very quiet, comfortable and smooth to operate.”
A cut above
With over 160 years’ experience in the sawmill industry, Gordon Timber knows the importance of sustainability, business efficiency and adapting with the times. With the JCB 437HT wheeled loading shovel they’ve picked a state-of-the-art, fuel-saving machine that’s a cut above the competition.
Despite this reduced fuel consumption there is no compromise on power as the Stage V Cummins engine on the 437HT delivers more power with lots of low-end torque.
A variable geometry turbocharger provides increased performance at low engine speed for improved cycle times and tractive effort. It also offers optional torque lock-up 5-speed transmission. Two new power modes increase or reduce power at the flick of a switch and the new auto engine shutdown feature works when left idling, to further save fuel.
Johnny Dean said: “With over 120,000 tonnes of timber per annum running through the mill, and 50% of that being residues, we need a wheel loader that we can rely on to handle this amount of residue, as we only have one day’s capacity of storage for residue materials. If this prime mover were to go down, then our contingency plans kick in, but it still impacts on production – and so far, so good, as the JCB 437HT has been a strong and reliable performer.”
Artur Dobruk added: “The JCB 437HT is a very nice machine and has lots of power to handle all the loading, stockpiling and material handling duties. I also like the exhaust regeneration system on the JCB 437HT, as it regens on the go, whereas my last machine had to be parked up during this process, which resulted in a loss of productivity.”
Take a load off
For operators spending a full day at the controls, the JCB 437 is a workplace dream, featuring the class-leading CommandPlus cab. With optimal control layout and driving position for operators of all shapes and sizes, it provides greater comfort, visibility and ease of use for enhanced operator productivity.
It boasts large interior with panoramic front windscreen plus seat mounted controls move with the seat suspension. End damped steering allows easier turning lock to lock and the controls are laid out optimally for the driving position.
On-site safety is a key focus for Gordon Timber. The JCB 437HT comes with a rear-view camera as standard and benefits from excellent front and side visibility through the large glass area. The company has added additional safety features with a front-view camera system positioned high on the cab for a good view over the large capacity tipping bucket when on loading and carrying work around the yard.
Gordon Timber has also opted for the ZoneSafe warning alert system to further minimise the risk of vehicle to person collisions. This sees the 437HT fitted with transponders which trigger vibrating alarms worn on lanyards by all ground workers and visitors to provide early warning of the machine’s approach.
Artur Dobruk, Gordon Timber’s Operator concludes: “The cab of the JCB 437HT is one of the best I’ve operated, as it has plenty of space and storage for personal items and the visibility is very good from the large windows, which is essential for such a busy yard and high traffic flows. It’s also very quiet, comfortable and smooth to operate.”
A cut above
With over 160 years’ experience in the sawmill industry, Gordon Timber knows the importance of sustainability, business efficiency and adapting with the times. With the JCB 437HT wheeled loading shovel they’ve picked a state-of-the-art, fuel-saving machine that’s a cut above the competition.