Since the first event in 1970, INTERFORST is a symbol of innovation in the field of forestry technology. This will be the case once again at the 11th edition of the fair. INTERFORST distinguishes itself by the fact that its role has always been to present both the forestry "hardware" and the associated "software" such as process engineering, work organization and technical management, which continues to be the central task of the INTERFORST Congress and the INTERFORST Forums. In conjunction with the fair and the special shows, these are distinctive trademarks of INTERFORST since its foundation.
Since 2002, there is an additional innovation driver, the KWF novelties competition which is an integral part of INTERFORST. INTERFORST and the history of forestry technology that it depicts can be subdivided into five main phases: During the first decade (1970 — 1980) the development of skidding technology with numerous agricultural tractors which were refitted for being used in the forest, with front boards and sprag and above all with double-drum radio-controlled cable winches took center stage. Subsequently, above all a new development from Germany, the so-called all-terrain forest special tractors with articulated steering and radio-controlled winches were launched to the market.
A further achievement of this period is the development and fine-tuning of mobile log decorticating machines and the mechanization of small wood harvesting on half-stationary and stationary reprocessing centers. Round-timber technology with decortications, measuring and EDP-supported portioning optimization can be found up to the present day on the few remaining forest-owned wood farms and the round timber yards of the sawing industry. The use of forest radio communication made the coordinated use of machines and enterprises in disaster situations possible for the first time.
The second decade (1980 -1990) is characterized by the beginning of mechanized small wood harvesting using felling machines and wood processors and launched the first mechanization wave which contributed in coping with the storm catastrophes in 1990 and 1999 within a very short time although they were replaced by crane harvester technology later on. The fine-tuning of mobile rope crane technology with radio control for timber hauling on steep slopes, among other things, and the development of the first harvester for felling and reprocessing were of major importance.
The political events that occurred between 1990 to 2000 such as the German reunification and the opening of Eastern Europe not only shaped society but also forest technology. The new federal states of Germany were integrated into current forest technology. The philosophy of forest management in harmony with nature with suitable soil- and tree-protecting forestry technology was developed at the same time. Moreover, Germany closed up with Scandinavia which was leading in the field of forestry technology, by developing own harvesters and forwarders as well as by adapting and selling Scandinavian products on the Central European market. And finally, the 'triumphant advance' of crane full harvesters and forwarders — nowadays standard in places which are accessible by vehiclesš— is also to be mentioned.
Since 2002, wood has experienced a renaissance as a raw material, among other things, as a result of the large stock of wood as was proven by the German national forest inventory. The forest industry responded by dealing more intensely with topics like wood mobilization, process orientation, and the
optimization of the logistics chain from the forest to the factory with the appropriate tools (EDP, navigation). At the same time, the state-owned forest enterprises were transformed into companies, such as for example into the foundation of the Bavarian State Forests.
Since then, the further development of the crane harvester technology allows for the use of these machines in difficult terrain, in both dense coniferous and deciduous woodlands thanks to chain vehicles and protection by synchronous rope winches.
Interforst 2010 heralds the fifth decade with chances and challenges. One major chance is certainly the fact that wood is meanwhile unquestionably recognized as a multi-talent because it is sustainable, durable and innovative. Challenges are hidden behind keywords such as climate change, forest
restructuring and wind thrown trees.
A comprehensive outlook on the future of forest technology will be provided by the exhibitors, the Congress and the forums of INTERFORST.
Additional information and photos are available at: www.interforst.de
