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Conserving Forests with Hi-OSS
Hi-OSS helps in the growth of forests in northern Japan
(Hitachi On-Site Screening and Solution)
Hi-OSS processes thinned wood at the site of the thinning. This contributes to the development of a sustainable society by assisting in the growth of rich forests that absorb CO2.
Hi-OSS contributing to the growth of forests
Rich forests where trees grow soundly are vital for the sustainable production of lumber and the absorption of CO2. The major issue facing lumber production has been whether it is possible to sell lumber at a price that can compete against imported lumber. Weeding and thinning is vital to the maintenance of forests, which absorb CO2. Thinned wood is usually just left in the forest because there is little demand for such wood, and this increases the difficulty of maintaining forests.
To solve the problems stated above, Chitose Ringyo (head office located in Kutchan-cho, Hokkaido) decided to use an Hi-OSS fitted with a harvester that allows a single operator to fell and pull trees, remove branches and cut the trunk. Previously, six or seven people were needed to do this amount of work. The company succeeded in improving the competitiveness of lumber prices by reducing labor costs. In March 2009, due to the increased demand for wood chips needed for biomass electricity generation, the company purchased the ZR125HC Wood Recycler. This recycler makes chips out of thinned wood. Using this wood recycler, the company was able to reduce the amount of thinned wood left in the forest, making it possible to keep the forest in a good state.
The use of machinery as stated above has increased the level of safety in the foresting industry and is contributing to raising the appeal of forestry work to a younger generation.
Hi-OSS equipped with a harvester for forestry operations
We should not only cut down trees in forests: we should also grow forests
Mr. Yoshihiro Tsunoda
Representative Director
Chitose Ringyo Co., Ltd.
It would be nice if I could own a little more forest area and use it to make my company sustainable only within my forests. I want my forests to help stem the migration of the local population from the area, and I will strive to set up a work environment where young people can work free from anxiety.
Hi-OSS is the acronym of Hitachi On-Site Screening and Solution. Hi-OSS uses equipment such as mobile screeners and crushers that process, sort and recycle soil, wood and other materials generated at construction sites.
