A small contribution to nature conservation

How JENZ is developing new tracts of land in the Chilean Andes

"It is not just a case of carrying out a job, it's also to do with us making a small contribution to nature conservation" said Fernando Guerrero as we stood in front of the huge charred tree trunks in Araukanien, a mountainous region of the Chilean Andes with heights of up to 5000 m which is almost totally covered in volcanoes, some of which are still active.

The area got its name from the slow-growing tree which was a native long before the discovery and settlement of South America. "Every bark ring represents one year, and if we apply the principle to these huge trees over their length it works out at at least 1000 years old" according to graduate forester Andrès Nannig, CEO of the Tescus company and, together with main shareholder Fernando, our main sales partner in Chile over many years. "A forest fire here about four years ago was a huge environmental disaster and resulted in considerable economic damage. We process the charred trunks into woodchippings which means that the area is cleared for replanting with larch and araukaries.

The HEM 582 R chipper truck, which is only fitted with one belt outfeed in contrast to its "brothers" is in use here. "Using the blower outfeed we found that the extremely dry and partly charred woodchippings were just crushed into a powder and had no fuel value anymore. With the belt outfeed we didn't just get a lumpy chipping quality, but also less wear, dust development and noise". In the LX cabin, with its wide glazed areas, the operator has an unimpeded view of the tree trunks, up to 2 m thick and mostly pre-split. "I've been working with JENZ chippers for years" said chipper driver Juanito proudly "but I still wouldn't let anyone take this chipper truck away. My bosses know that as well." With the split screen basket, he manages up to 150 m³ per hour in his stress-free, dust-proof and air-conditioned workplace. Juanito worked his way up slowly but surely starting with a Fendt, then with a Claas Xerion right up to the highest class. The slow-growing wood is extremely hard, and the forest fire has taken the very last drop of moisture out of the wood.

When we leave the work location we can see heavy construction machines, which are preparing the way for HGVs to transport the woodchippings away, next to the replanting area. "With our 6 x 6 drive on the chipper truck we got to the worksite without any problems at all. We don't need anything else! One thing is for sure: wherever we can get to, a lorry can get there as well. And vice versa. That's the basic rule in our logistics!" These are Andrès' comments, and he should know! He's been in the business for 6 years and he knows exactly how the 80 m³ HGVs crawl up and down the mountains in the area, especially in places where the track is only 2.6 metres wide. This is plain to see on the way down into the valley.