In arboriculture and forestry contracting, machinery choices are rarely about novelty. The priority is integrated chipping equipment that performs consistently, integrates properly on site, and is backed by people who understand how it’s used day to day. That’s ALFA Equipment’s operating position.
Supplying the Heizohack chipper range, JAKE tractor integration systems, and the PALMS forestry lineup – including cranes, trailers, and grapples – ALFA focuses on complete, practical solutions for professional contractors rather than individual machines in isolation.
The emphasis is not on introducing new ideas to the industry, but on applying proven systems in a way that makes work safer, more efficient, and easier to manage on the ground.
What matters
Once equipment is in regular use, the conversation tends to move away from specifications and on to how the setup performs over the course of a real-world working day.
Contractors point to the same fundamentals: fewer machines on site, controlled material handling, stable operation on uneven ground, and chip quality that remains consistent across varying material. Integrated chipping systems that can realistically be managed by one operator are particularly valued, especially where labour availability is tight.
Those priorities are reflected in configurations such as the Heizohack 10-500 KF crane-fed chipping system supplied to Whakatipu Timber, where a rear-mounted PALMS 7.94 crane on a JAKE-mounted tractor feeds material directly into a rear-mounted chipper. The results from the integrated chipping set up were evident early on.
“It’s rinsing through the material and we’re impressed,” said Whakatipu Timber founder Rich Gunston. “It produces a fine-quality wood chip and it rips through the material. We’re happy we got the 10-500 model with its single axle as it’s versatile. We’re excited to see what we can do.”
Why integrated systems work
At the centre of these setups is the JAKE integration platform, developed in Finland for forestry and crane applications. Rather than relying on custom fabrication, JAKE provides engineered mounting frames, structural reinforcement, support legs, and protection packages designed to handle sustained load and off-road work.
This allows PALMS cranes and grapples to be mounted securely while maintaining tractor balance, visibility, and driveline protection. In practice, the crane, tractor, and chipper function as a single working unit rather than separate machines competing for space, labour and attention.
The outcome is predictable handling, reduced operator fatigue, and a smoother overall workflow. Efficiency is key here, with the ability to reduce labour units and machinery to achieve the same outcome.
The PALMS range spans compact to heavy-duty forestry cranes, log and biomass trailers, and purpose-built grapples for timber, brash, and chip handling. When paired with the Heizohack drum chipper range – from mid size contractor machines through to high-capacity crane-fed models – systems can be configured to suit arboricultural, forestry, and biomass applications without compromise.
Flexible, not one-size-fits-all
While integrated systems show what’s possible, ALFA recognises that contractors operate at different scales and stages.
The Heizohack chipper range is supplied both as part of complete systems and as standalone machinery, allowing operators to upgrade or replace equipment based on output requirements and material types.
PALMS cranes, trailers, and grapples are also supplied independently, giving contractors the ability to improve material handling without changing their entire setup.
Likewise, JAKE systems are available as complete or modular packages, including mounting frames, support legs, underbody and driveline protection, engine and fuel-tank armour, and structural reinforcement. These can be specified individually or as an integration package, depending on the application.
“Some operators want a complete system,” said Asher Bowyer, Director at ALFA Equipment. “Others prefer to build their setup over time. The important thing is that everything works properly together.”
A consistent approach across markets
The same approach applies wherever ALFA operates: proven equipment, correctly specified, and supported with an understanding of how it’s used in the field.
That experience now carries through to ALFA’s work with Australian contractors, where the focus remains on supplying integrated, well-matched equipment rather than pushing generic solutions.
Moving forward
For contractors considering new chipping, handling, or transport equipment, the conversation is not about adopting something untested, but about applying established systems in a way that suits their operation.
For more information on the ALFA Equipment range – Heizohack, PALMS, and JAKE – visit alfaequipment.co.nz.