ExTe Magazine

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Securing cargo. We invented the Concept.

If you are a timber truck driver, you have a tough working environment. Not least when loading, securing and unloading timber. This is why, on our Roadshow, we want to talk to you about safety.

Welcome!

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Contacts: Contact us via tel. no. +46 (0)651-175 00 or fax no. +46 (0)651-175 03 and tell us what you need.Sales department direct: If you wish to speak to a sales person, call +46 (0)651-175 01.ExTe's website: At exte.se you will find everything you need to know about the world's leading manufacturer of timber bunks.

E DITOR IAL

2011

Our products, expertise and experience are being sought after outside Europe also. For example, a lot of interest is being shown in Luftman tensioners for goods transportation in Australia. Much of this international interest in ExTe is based on the attention we pay to safety aspects in the development stage of our products. They shall, quite simply, ensure the safety of all those involved during the transportation of timber and other goods. And we are always interested in hearing people's opinions on the development of safety aspects concerning our products. During the whole of this year, the ExTe Roadshow is roll-ing from north to south throughout Sweden. We are meet-ing hauliers and drivers at the majority of the large timber reception points and terminals. Timber truck drivers often have a tough working environment, not least when timber stacks are being secured or freed. Together with hauliers and drivers we work to identify the risk factors. Naturally, we at ExTe wish to minimise risks by developing solutions that are as safe as possible. We have now strengthened our internal organisation allow-ing us to further forward our position. A new marketing man-ager, a new service technician and a new production engineer have been employed. More information on these new recruit-ments is available elsewhere in the magazine. <

Lennart Wallström, MD

Further progress at hand.

Last year was primarily a recovery year for most industries, not least the forestry industry, which is now experiencing good production levels again. And, as we could see already last autumn, the demand for timber is high. Many Swedish timber hauliers are reporting that they are having difficulty meeting the demand. Germany, which is our strongest market outside Sweden regarding timber transportation truck equipment, had an inconsistent autumn. But things have also stabilised there now, and the future looks much brighter.

Generally speaking, from ExTe's standpoint, prospects have improved on several markets regarding the demand for both road and rail transportation products. The interest in transpor-tation by rail has increased substantially, and this cannot only be attributed to the improved financial situation. Many coun-tries in Europe are increasing the degree of transportation by rail. We are getting enquiries not only for conventional bunks for railway wagons but also for the development of new con-cepts, for example, collapsible bunks designed for covered wagons. It is obvious that our strong position in Europe regard-ing the development and provision of bunks and tensioners for transportation by road is now boosting interest in our rail, as well as other, transportation equipment.

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www.exte.se

these recent events are proving to be very significant for us. “ExTe can show that it has products not only for timber trans-portation but also for other types of transportation that demand good load securing. We have delivered Luftman tensioners that have been mounted on trucks transporting piece goods. “Laminex, as the company is called, wanted to improve its drivers' working environment and increase safety with respect to load securing. The competition from a couple of other ten-sioner manufacturers was tough, but we got the order, which was great. And there is a huge potential. Several large hauliers are showing an interest. If everything falls into place, we should beAw talking about 500-1000 Luftman tensioners,” says Per Jonasson. <

Here timber is being unloaded from both a conventional timber truck and from a wood chips truck with a timber cassette, on the left in the picture.

While the forklift lifts clear the timber cassette from the wood chips trailer, the timber is being handled by the grapple. This makes it a cost effective operation since the wood chips trailer can return loaded with timber.

Luftman – favourite in Australia.

We are all well aware, through the extensive media coverage, of recent events in Australia. Violent floods, tropical storms and equally dramatic forest fires. But away from this chaos, in other parts of the continent, life goes on as usual.

Australia has a population almost double that of Sweden but covers an area almost 17 times that of Sweden. This entails a lot of long distance trucking. It cannot in, all honesty, be said that transportation routes zig-zag the continent since most of it is desert or steppe. The large urban concentrations are close to or on the coast and primarily in the south east. But there is, nevertheless, a huge amount of transportation. ”Since Australia is a modern country that places high demands, also on load securing, there is a natural market for us there”, says ExTe's Per Jonasson, who is responsible for sales in Australia, among other places. ”We have delivered bunks customised for the Australian market, so ExTe certainly has a presence there”, says Per, “And

Timber cassette on SVT (Swedish Television) news.Together with ExTe, driver Jan Ranudd from Korpilombolo, has developed the timber cassette. SVT Play has now produced a news item about it. The featured film is available on ExTe's website; it is primarily of interest to those transporting wood chips. Go to www.exte.se and then ”Senaste Nytt” (Latest News).

Follow the Roadshow on our website.The route and stop-offs for the ExTe Roadshow are available on our website. The current placings in the Truck Racer competition are also available here, as are the winning lottery numbers for each week.

Masses of other information whichever way you browse. ExTe's website contains almost all the information that is available on our products. You will find dimensions and assembly instructions along with lots of other useful information. Moreover, you can easily find contact information for the people at ExTe you wish to speak to. <

Visit ExTe's website for the very latest news.

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Roadshow 2011


First to arrive today. Rune Eliasson, on the left, and Rolf Mattsson.

Understandably, Joakim Langlet-Andersson looks pleased with himself. The best time just now (when this was written) in Truck Racer. Joakim drives for Rolf Mattssons Åkeri.

Concentration, concentration. Full focus all the time to hold the truck on the track.Christoffer Blombäck, Allsåns Åkeri, gave his all in Truck Racer.

“Interest is high among the hauliers and drivers. This year we are raising the issue of working environment and safety in con-nection with the loading and unloading of timber. We give all our visitors the opportunity to respond to questions on the risks they associate with this work. And several hauliers and drivers have given us first hand accounts of incidents that could have ended very nastily. “ “Naturally, we at ExTe wish to minimise risks by developing solutions that provide as much safety as possible.” says Jörgen.

Big Truck Racer competition.

But the Roadshow, naturally, has its lighter side also. "We have to have a little fun as well," says Jörgen. “Everybody that visits us can take part in the Truck Racer com-petition. “ “It's perhaps better that the drivers apply their racer instincts on the computer rather than on the road. The competition will run for the entire year, and the ten best will then compete in the grand final in 2012. And it is not only honour that is at stake. There will be some fine prizes on the line. You can check on the current placings on our website, www.exte.se”

Complete Roadshow programme on the website.

“The Roadshow schedule is also available on our website. If there are any changes, these will be shown there,” says Jörgen. You can also see if you have won a prize on the lottery that all our visitors are entered for. A prize is given each week, and the winning number is shown on the website. <

ExTe's Roadshow is on the road.

The ExTe Roadshow started its trip southward through the country with a kick-off in the far north in the middle of February. “We have now reached the half-way point,” says Jörgen Spring, who together with the ExTe team, is meeting hauliers and drivers during the late winter at the large timber reception points and terminals between north and central Sweden. After the holiday period, the Roadshow will continue to cover the southern half of the country.


Brynolf Larsson has driven timber trucks for 40 years. Today is Markus Lidström's first as a timber truck driver and Brynolf is his "teacher".

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Roadshow 2011

children I prefer to come home after work to my family .... and to get a proper meal. I certainly didn't always eat so well before,” says Marcus. “The experience gained driving in Norway will prove benefi-cial when I'm out driving timber trucks on forest roads. But there is a lot to learn, and I couldn't ask for a better teacher than Brynolf,” says Marcus. “He has seen it all when it comes to loading and unloading. You can't emphasise this aspect enough,” Marcus feels. “It's very good that ExTe is out like this, and that they take up the safety aspects in this way,” says Brynolf. “I can give several examples of what can happen, and what can happen very easi-ly. I saw a driver get a trunk in the head when he was going to tension the chains. He was lucky to survive; it was a very seri-ous accident. Others unfortunately have not been as lucky when things have gone wrong,” notes Brynolf. “I'm trying to impress on Marcus the importance of standing behind the rear stake and in front of most protruding logs when freeing the load. If the logs start to roll, it happens in the middle.” “We drive group vehicles, the chain or strap being lifted over by the grapple when we secure the load. The grapple must be completely still when the chain is placed on it, and you have to have eye contact with the operator,” Brynolf points out. “It's essential to think ahead and not stress,” says Marcus.

You won't find a better teacher than Brynolf.

"You can ask my wife. She has never heard me complain about my work." After 40 years as a timber truck driver, Brynolf Larsson still delights in it. “I'm pleased that the retirement age may be raised, so that I can continue working,” he says with a laugh.

Brynolf, who lives in Kalix, started driving timber trucks when he was 21. He drives for Allsåns Åkeri, mainly on behalf of Sveaskog, from Gällivare southwards so its usually a case of one trip per shift. “Independence,” says Brynolf when asked why he enjoys his work so much. “Even though it's more controlled these days, I can still stop off for a cup of coffee or a chat on the way. I enjoy this freedom. Nobody is hanging over me; I feel a little like a loan wolf when I'm on the road. I prefer to be alone then and to focus fully on my driving.” And a lot of driving it has been; Brynolf has transported timber over 5 000 000 km. He is one of the many drivers and hauliers that has visited ExTe during the Roadshow. On this occasion he has Marcus Lidström with him, who is experiencing his very first day as a timber truck driver. “It feels fine. I have done a lot of long distance driving both to Norway and the west coast. But now that I have


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Göranssons

Open to new ideas.Göranssons Åkeri has several tractor units and trailers. In cooperation with Parator and Scania, Curt Göransson has built timber trucks with all-wheel drive and double semi-trailers. “These have several advantages over conventional timber trucks,” Curt tells us. “Using tractor units and trailers makes the total unit more stable and is, in addition, both lighter and cheaper than a corresponding conventional set up. Moreover, tractor units are easily sold, which cannot be said of a conventional timber truck. The market for used tractor units is much larger. I always try to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive. And I'm very willing to try new ideas. It usually goes very well, but, naturally, not always.”

Ingalill's super soup was just the ticket.Ingalill's super hot soup soon put smiles in the faces of the drivers and other personnel from Göranssons Åkeri in Färila on their visit to ExTe.

“Actually many of my drivers had not visited ExTe before,” explains Curt. “As usual, we were very well received. We were given a little personal course before looking around the workshop and at the products. Everybody was clearly impressed by the order that ExTe maintains, not easy in this kind of workshop.” Some activities are mandatory during a visit to ExTe. Eating is one of them - there is always ample and it is always good. The mashed potato and pork with lingonberry jam was just the job. This was followed by a sauna and hot tub, which were guaranteed to maintain the group's good spirits. “Many thanks from this group of very satisfied visitors,” says Curt.

Jonas Alström drives one of Göransson's timber trucks.


Mats Karlsson, new marketing manager.“ExTe has a strong concept”

When you are born and bred in Mora, timber trucks are a feature of everyday life. You don't need to have driven yourself or even be part of a haulier family. They are all around you anyway, an unavoidable part of the land-scape. And so then are ExTe timber bunks since they sit on almost half the trucks. Mats Karlsson, the new marketing manager at ExTe, grew up in Mora and still lives there.

“I've worked in the engineering industry all my professional life,” says Mats. “After my university studies, I started work at ASEA in Västerås. This is where I gained my first experience of the international market. That's how it started, and since then all my positions over the years have to a greater of lesser extent concerned business in different parts of the world. “ “As from 1988, I worked for WIBE in Mora, before joining ExTe,” says Mats.“When you think of WIBE, ladders is the first thing that comes to mind. But WIBE is much more than just ladders, even if they are an important product,” Mats explains. “The company supplies masts, among other things, to the US military. In Sweden, WIBE has also provided numerous masts for the 3G mobile network.” “I am 56 years old, my children are independent, and I'm still looking for challenges in life. ExTe felt like the way to go when I saw that they were looking for a marketing manager,” says Mats. “The company has a very strong concept that I am convinced can win a lot of ground on the international market.” “Today ExTe is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of timber bunks. Swedish timber hauliers and drivers have every reason to be proud of their contribution to this achieve-ment.““They have made themselves available to test products, for-warded ideas and placed demands on the quality of bunks. And from what I understand, ExTe has responded by incorporating all such ideas and points of view in the development of new products.“ “In my eyes, product development is the single most impor-tant factor for sustainable success. This is why we already now need to be forming ideas for the next generation of timber bunks.“ “Looking outside Sweden, we are in a strong position in Germany and the German speaking countries, but we have to introduce the ExTe concept to other markets,” Mats explains. “Not only because it is very strong, but also because this would create resources for the development of new products that would be beneficial to Swedish hauliers.”

Mats joined ExTe in February.

“Excellent timing with regard to the Roadshow, which is cover-ing all of Sweden. I'm very much looking forward to meeting the hauliers and drivers.”

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Mats Karlsson


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New versions

Being out there, keeping contact and listening to hauliers' and drivers' views on our products is part of the ExTe strategy. Through Roadshows, exhibitions and visits to hauliers and body-builders as well as by joining working timber trucks, we learn about the effects the timber han-dling process has on our products. This enables us to make the changes needed to maintain optimal functionality. But we cannot always meet the spe-cific demands of an individual haulier.

Haulier and driver experiences have been taken into account in the designs of the new versions of the bunks.A Volvo XC 70 from 2001 and a XC 70 from 2011 are not the same. The design is slightly different and important safety functions have been improved. But a Volvo XC 70 is still a Volvo XC 70. And this is the case with most products, irrespective of how simple or complicated they are. Over time, new ideas and lessons learned through experience are successively incorporated in the new series of a product. And believe it or not, this applies to timber bunks also. An A-bunk is still an A-bunk, even though it changes with time. And it has, along with the other bunks in the ExTe range. Sometimes the changes are obvious and sometimes not.

A-series

The A-series bunk needs no presentation really. This is the bunk that sits on the vast majority of timber trucks in Sweden. It is made of aluminium, a compromise between strength and the hauliers' demands for low weight. It is important to remember during loading and unloading that aluminium is not steel. Heavy-handed use that would have no effect on a steel bunk could well cause damage to an aluminium one. Some important changes have been made to A 6 and A 9 bunks. For example, a base plate has been placed under the socket. The frame side plates are bevelled, which means that the force is transferred more gently. The frame profile cross-section has been changed to improve its resistance to bend-ing. This increases service life. The form of the side plates has also been changed, which has involved changes to and the strengthening of welds.


2.0E-series

This is a combination bunk which is largely based on the C-bunk. The most significant change to the E-bunk, is the wedge that solved the problem of the stakes vibrating in the mounting sockets. But this change was made some years ago now.

144-bunk

The 144-bunk with its steel frame has been a faithful servant for many years, and is very popular among European hauli-ers. Even the original design had a wide inside dimension which provided a large loading area. ExTe has now developed a new stake for the frame, which has increased the loading capacity from seven to nine tonnes per bunk. At the same time the weight of the bunk has been reduced.

Com 90

Com 90 bunks have been continually upgraded over the years, not least regarding the control system. A new development is that stakes are now cut off at a 90° angle instead of 45° as before. The new cap means that the stakes are now somewhat longer, which improves safety. And the cap retaining bolt has been moved to the side of the stake to prevent it damaging the timber. Inside the stake, the brake block has been improved, and the inner surface of the lower part of the stake has been improved to reduce wear. The hydraulics and electronics have been upgraded to allow for five stacks even if the unit only takes three. <

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Per Olsson

“Since I had worked for ExTe before, I knew it was a good company to work for. So when this job came up, I became interested straight away, mainly because of the direct contact with customers – body-builders, workshops and hauliers. I'm part of the Technical Support unit, which means visiting cus-tomers, supporting them and using my knowledge to satisfy their needs. It is also part of my job to listen to and take heed of their ideas and points of view, and to pass on this informa-tion to our designers. I feel that I've been quite good at identi-fying needs for improvement, and I hope to be able to apply that in this job also,” says Per. When not at work, motocross is the big interest, or, to be more precise, his son's motocross. “I've competed some also, but only at hobby level. My work took too much time,” says Per. But his son, who is 13 now, trains and competes, and is doing very well. “Now he's going to compete against 15-year-olds, so that's going to be tough. But just like me, there's something in him that doesn't easily accept losing.” On other fronts, Per is not married but has a girlfriend. “The ideal situation,” he says with a laugh. <

Being an ExTe service technician appealed to me.

Per Olsson is new at ExTe. He is taking over from Robert Johansson at Technical Support, who is retiring this spring. “I like to think of myself as a rather cheerful sort of a person,” says Per. “And that's very good when much of your work concerns people contact. I try to live by the code - you only live once so try to make life as pleasant for yourself and everybody else as possible.”

ExTe is not something new to Per. He was employed here as a toolmaker for several years, and left to start his own company in 2007. He was also self employed prior to his time at ExTe; at that time he built sawmill machinery for Catec and has also worked as a welder for Eklunds Svets. “When I left ExTe and became self-employed again, I worked a lot with timber truck service, mainly for Göranssons Åkeri. So I know a bit about them, I like to think. I also did a fair amount of machine repair work for various work-shops,” says Per.

This is what he looks like. The new ExTe service technician, Per Olsson. A cheerful, easy-going personality in his prime at 39.


The load's ready. Just needs to be secured.

It would be nice, sometimes, just to sit for a few minutes in the shelter of a timber stack with a cup of coffee.

Living close to Sälen, most things orient around the Vasaloppet international cross-country skiing compe-tition or ski tourism, which, incidentally, cause roads to be impassable on occasion. But not so for Sören Richardsson, for him it is hauling timber that counts.

He has driven timber trucks for just over 20 years. “I was more or less born into this way of life,” he reflects. Johnny, his father, started transporting timber in the middle of the 60s, and with time Sören has taken on increasingly more responsibility. “But I'm still 'only' an employee, even though it is me that makes most of the decisions,” Sören says with a chuckle. At 70, Johnny has now taken a back seat, but still takes the wheel when the need arises. “When both myself and our other driver want to be free at the same time, it feels good that dad can cover for us,” says Sören. Richardssons Åkeri has one truck and drives for Fiskarhedens såg. “Timber is in high demand, and it's all we can do to keep up. This truck is two years old, and we have now driven 220 000 – 230 000 km per year.” “Right now I'm on my way to Mora and Trätågs timber ter-minal with a load of pulpwood. All the pulpwood is taken to ter-minals, either at Mora or Vansbro,” says Sören. “Fiskarheden only saws pine so all the spruce goes to other sawmills such as Notsäs in Torsby.” The Richardsson unit is equipped with A-bunks. “We have always had ExTe bunks on our trucks. They are top of the line, and ExTe is great to deal with,” says Sören, who has occasional contact with Jörgen Spring at ExTe. “I have visited them at Färila, and you can't help but be impressed by their set-up there. This gives you faith in their products also. We have never had any problems to speak of, and ExTe has quickly fixed any that have arisen,” says Sören. “The winter, which is still holding its grip in western Dalarna, has been very good,”Sören continues. “Maybe a bit cold, but the roads have been excellent. And lovely sunshine right now, so if I had the choice I would plonk myself down by that timber stack for a while with a cup of coffee and take in the rays, but unfortunately time doesn't allow for that these days.” “The life of a haulier has become harder. That's for sure. Everything just gets more expensive. Unfortunately, you need to have been born into this profession. Starting up from scratch is incredibly difficult,” says Sören. <

Johnny Richardsson, foreground, bought his first timber truck in the middle of the 1960s. He still takes the wheel when needed. Sören Richardsson, at the wheel, and another employed driver, drive two shifts.

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Richardssons


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Opinions

The views of hauliers and drivers.

During this year's Roadshow, ExTe is attempting to map out the views of hauliers and drivers on their working environment. This applies mainly to safety in connection with loading and unloading timber, and what can be done to reduce risks. We asked four hauliers and drivers to answer some questions. Irrespective of whether a crane is used on the truck or group vehicles are used, risks are involved. If you, reading this, have any points of view on this, we at ExTe would be very pleased to hear from you. Speak to Jörgen Spring or Jenny Eklund.

Kjell Söderlinghaulier, Sigtuna Åkeri.

Esbjörn Lindberg haulier, Lindbergs Skogstr. Hedesunda.

Bernt Larssonhaulier, Allsåns Åkeri, Överkalix.

Simon Simssondriver for Göranssons in Färila.

Four questionson safety during the loading and unloading of timber.

1. Have you been involved in any inci-dents when loading and unloading tim-ber?

2. What type of inci-dent was it?

3. What are the main risks with loading-securing-unloading timber?

4. How well does the ExTe LongLife hook work?

Once or twice, a long time ago.

Once in 30 years. Not really. Yes, caused by hurry.

A log fell, but nobody was injured.

A log fell. My own fault!Small incidents but nothing serious.

Slipped on ice but nothing serious.

If the load is higher than the stakes, a log can fall when they are being secured. Slipperiness in winter.

Trying to do it too hur-riedly and not having eye contact with the forklift driver.

Doing it too hurriedly. Important to know what you are doing.

Not having eye contact with the forklift driver.

Even though they break occasionally, we are generally satisfied with the hooks.

Works really well, but is a bit weak.

Have no idea as we only have group vehicles.

The hook is good. Improves safety since there is no need to cast the chain.


Whose task it is to find short cuts.

ExTe has the reputation of being a very orderly company, a factor which facilitates effective manufacturing. But even effective production can be improved upon. Consequently, ExTe looked for a production engineer in the autumn. And now he has joined them, Bengt Johansson. Bengt's task is to create still better produc-tion methods and minimise the amount of raw material and finished article stock. ExTe simply wants to provide the same end result in a simplified and more cost effec-tive way.

Bengt Johansson is 59 and has come to ExTe from Mekanotjänst in Järvsö, where he was production manager. “We did subcontract production of, among other things, X-ray equipment and ABB robots,” says Bengt. “I hope to con-tribute with my experience and introduce new angles of approach. I will also work to find short cuts in production, but not at the expense of quality.” “It's always interesting to try something new, and the timing felt just right when this job appeared on the market.” “Apart from his family, his primary leisure-time interest is old cars. Renovating an old car is the perfect therapeutic pastime for me,” says Bengt. “I have also done some rally driving at ama-teur level, and have navigated for my brother, Robert, who has competed professionally. A large house also contributes to boredom being the least of my problems.” <

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Bengt Johansson

Bengt Johansson, new production engineer at ExTe.


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Opinions

Rättvik's goalkeeper, Joakim Björkman, looks happy enough, despite letting in four goals. He received the best player award in the Rättvik team. And Kalle Mårtensson received the title in Ljusdals BK. The awards were presented by Bosse Spännare from Rolf Eriksson Lastvagnar in Mora and ExTe's MD Lennart Wallström.

Bosse Spännare from the company Rolf Eriksson Lastvagnar in Mora took some of his customers with him to ExTe, part-ly to see how ExTe works and partly to see the bandy match between Rättvik and Ljusdal. All the hauliers from the Mora-Rättvik area were naturally invited to visit ExTe and to learn where they can be found, worldwide. And they found the manufacturing entities of considerable interest. After a bite to eat, it was off to the match at Ljusdal's IP. Strangely, they were all equally convinced that their team was going to win. After some time the trend became appar-ent, and some began to whisper in terms of a “bought refe-ree”. Thanks to a good performance by the Rättvik goal-keeper, the loss was limited to 4-0. One can only conclude that it is not easy to beat an old, established team. <

Sometimes not even newly sharpened skates are enough.

No holding back. The determination to win. Getting involved. That's team-spirit. And this applies just as much to selling timber bunks as to playing bandy. A clear sense of direction and good cooperation are the keys to success. Rättvik's trainer, Dan Hjelm, and his colleague, Björn “Böna” Eriksson, at Ljusdals LBK left no doubt. There has to be a clear vision and a passion to reach the goal.

Only smiling faces when drivers from Mora-Rättvik visited ExTe. The picture was taken before the match, you understand.

Ljusdal's bandy team trainer Björn Eriksson, left, talking about team spirit. ExTe's MD Lennart Wallström and LBK's Mikael Wallin, right, listen with interest.


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Winter roads

Easily navigated winter roads, both north and south.

The end of February. The thermometer shows -15°. Clear blue skies. At least in middle Sweden. I won-der how things are up north, and down south for that matter. Worth taking a look.

Dalshälls Åkeri in Kaunisvaara, lies 30 km north of Pajala

and very close to the Finish border.

“We have two trucks, transporting both timber and pulp-wood,” says Per Anton Dalshäll. The timber goes to Setra in Kalix and to SCA in Piteå and Karlsborg. The distances are long, 200 km one way, on average. So only one load per shift is possible. And there is not much opportunity for return loads either, since the industries are on the coast and the timber is inland. “The biggest concern for us in the far north is the poor prof-itability. We are used to snow and low temperatures, but the conditions have hardened considerably for hauliers up here in recent years.” “It's really cold right now but there is not that much snow, just under a metre,” says Owe Dalshäll, who is a driver. “It's a bit like former winters, extremely cold and little snow. Then the roads are clear and dry, so in that respect, conditions have been really good this winter,” says Owe.

At the other end of the country – way down south in Skåne

– Lars Linder drives one of the haulier's two units.

“No, we are not so used to cold temperatures for such long periods, but now we have had -15° to -20° for a bit too long. Everything is a little tougher,” says Lars, who mostly delivers to pulp mills. “There is still quite a lot of snow in many places, in others it's away. But there has been up to almost a metre in some parts of Skåne. Despite this, there is already evidence of thaw-ing in the ground. In the middle of January, it rained for two or three weeks. It wasn't so much fun on the roads then, but apart from that, they have been clear and dry,” says Lars. <

ExTe Fabriks AB, SE-820 41 Färila Sweden. Tel. +46 (0)651 175 00. Fax. +46 (0)651 175 03. E-mail: [email protected] www.exte.se

Securing cargo. We invented the Concept.

This year it's time again – the timber hauliers' and drivers' most important exhibition.Ljusdal has become the natural meeting place for people with common interests. And every other year, the theme is timber transportation. This year the exhibition, which is the most significant for the timber transportation industry, will be on 19-20 August. This is where you meet all your friends and working colleagues. This is where all the news is presented. And this is where you get your inspiration.

On the last occasion, two years ago, there were more than 6 300 visitors. The industry is not so very extensive, so in other words, “just about everybody was there”. And it will no doubt be the same this year. For many, the Mittias Skogstransportmässa, is Christmas Eve, but every other year. The stands and exhibits cover everything of interest to hauliers and drivers. There are tractor unit and trailer manufacturers, there are body-builders and there are accessory manufacturers and suppliers. ExTe will naturally be in place to show the latest versions of our bunks and tensioners, and, as usual, we will have a stand with many other interesting and fun features. So enter the dates 19-20 August in your diary.

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