Integrated Forestry Systems: JAKE, PALMS & Heizohack Boost NZ Productivity

When the job gets bigger, the gear needs to keep up. For contractors like Whakatipu Timber, the difference between keeping ahead of schedule and falling behind often comes down to how well equipment systems work together. That’s where ALFA Equipment is changing the game across New Zealand and Australia.

After introducing itself to the market as the regional supplier for Heizohack, JAKE, and PALMS, ALFA Equipment is now demonstrating what happens when all three brands come together in one purpose-built solution - Integrated Forestry Systems.

Performance

In 2025, ALFA Equipment supplied an integrated build for Whakatipu Timber, combining a Heizohack 10-500 KF chipper, JAKE mounting system, and PALMS crane-and-trailer setup on a Valtra tractor. The result was a compact, crane-fed chipper unit designed for precision handling, faster turnaround, and safer on-site operation in demanding forestry conditions.

“The Heizohack 10-500 is a proven high-capacity chipper, and pairing it with a front-mounted crane via the JAKE system gives the operator total control,” explained Asher Bowyer, ALFA’s Director. “It’s efficient, balanced, and can be managed by one operator, which improves productivity and safety.”

Results

For Rich Gunston and his team at Whakatipu Timber, the new system has been put to the test on land-clearing and timber-recovery work in Central Otago.

“It’s ripping through the material and we’re impressed,” said Rich. “It produces a fine-quality woodchip and we’re happy we got the 10-500 model. It’s versatile with its single axle, and we’re excited to see what we can do.”

That feedback echoes what ALFA has heard from forestry and arboricultural operators nationwide. Professionals want heavy-duty gear that’s been proven locally, supported by people who understand how it needs to perform day after day.

The strength of integration

The JAKE mounting system, engineered in Finland, forms the structural backbone of the Whakatipu Timber build. By reinforcing the tractor frame and allowing the PALMS crane to be mounted to the chassis, JAKE ensures the load is evenly distributed and stable under full lift.

This design means the front-mounted crane can safely feed material into the rear-mounted Heizohack chipper without compromising visibility or balance. It’s a setup that reduces handling time, improves operator comfort, and minimises ground disturbance.

Paired with the PALMS forestry crane and trailer, the combination creates a self-contained chipping unit that can move easily between sites. PALMS’ robust construction and hydraulic stabilisers keep the system stable on uneven terrain, while the crane’s reach and smooth hydraulics make feeding efficient, even in tight work areas.

Heizohack: power with precision

The Heizohack 10-500 KF is one of the most versatile chippers in the Heizohack range, capable of processing material up to 500mm in diameter while maintaining consistent chip quality. Designed for biomass production, farm clearing, and roadside vegetation management, it delivers high throughput with low fuel consumption, essential for operators facing long days and remote work sites.

“Being able to mount a crane-fed chipper on a tractor gives forestry and land-clearance crews flexibility,” said Asher. “You can take the machine to the material rather than the other way around. That’s a huge advantage in NZ terrain.”

Built and supported in NZ

ALFA doesn’t just import machinery. It works alongside local contractors and service partners to ensure every setup is right for its environment. The Whakatipu Timber build, completed in Dunedin by JJ Limited using ALFA-supplied components, is one of several configurations now working across the country.

“Our goal is to deliver integrated systems that are ready to work the moment they arrive,” said Asher. “JAKE, PALMS, and Heizohack complement each other. Together they give contractors a system that’s efficient, safe, and futureproof.”

Driving productivity

For ALFA, it’s not about selling machines in isolation, but providing complete, engineered solutions for professionals across the arboriculture, forestry, and land-management sectors.

As ALFA continues to grow its presence in New Zealand and Australia, projects like those for Whakatipu Timber are setting a clear example: when the right gear comes together, productivity, safety, and performance follow.