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Chris Holmes - East Sussex
Chris Holmes is a well-established timber harvesting contractor based in the East Sussex area of southern England. He works alongside his father, Victor Homes, specialising in the selective thinning of mixed-species woodlands and in removing mature ash trees affected by dieback disease. A considerable portion of his professional activities pertains to smaller volume parcels, reflecting the characteristics of the woodlands in the region, which are comprised of a mix of private and public ownership. Typically, most of his contracts average a few hundred tonnes.
Chris operates the Logset 6HP 8WD harvester, which is equipped with a Mesera 221H crane and a Logset TH65 harvesting head. His father, Vince, operates the Logset 5F forwarder, which has a load capacity of 12 tonnes and is fitted with a Mesera 71F crane that extends to a reach of 10 meters.
This setup is ideal for Chris, as the harvester boasts exceptional reach and power, capable of processing both mature hardwood and softwood trees. Trees that are heavily branched or oversized are manually felled and de-limbed by Chris, who continues to take pleasure in applying his skills with the chainsaw.
The 5F forwarder is equipped with 600 mm wide TRS tread pattern tyres, which provide exceptional grip and enhance manoeuvrability. With an empty weight of just 16 tonnes, the forwarder, as noted by Chris, operates primarily on firm soil conditions, resulting in minimal soil compaction. Furthermore, the narrower tyre design significantly reduces disturbance when navigating tight areas.
Chris has amassed over 15 years of experience in the forestry sector and started with a County 1164 Highland Bear before progressing to a Timberjack 1270B harvester, while using a Valmet 8150 tractor to pull a Vreton Timber Trailer for extraction.
Over a decade ago, he first encountered RJ Fukes Forestry Services and subsequently acquired his initial used Logset harvester. He expressed considerable satisfaction not only with his purchase but also with the customer service provided by the team at RJ Fukes, prompting him to acquire a used Logset forwarder. Since that time, he has upgraded his Logset harvesters on four occasions and his Logset forwarders on two occasions.
All his Logset machines have proven to be productive and reliable, and whenever a problem has arisen, he is often able to repair it himself with the assistance of telephone instructions from John Fukes, whom Chris describes as a technical wizard.
For the type of work he specialises in, the purchase cost of new equipment is often prohibitively high and doesn't align with the financial realities of his business model. Consequently, having access to a steady supply of well-maintained used machinery is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and competitiveness. Investing in reliable second-hand equipment not only helps manage costs but also ensures that he can deliver quality service to his clients without significant interruptions. This reliance on quality used machinery has become a cornerstone of his strategy for running a successful and sustainable business.
Chris has established an exemplary reputation as a responsible contractor, demonstrating proficiency in woodland thinning management. His approach to selective thinning enhances the quality of the remaining trees by reducing competition for light, water, and nutrients. This practice not only improves the structural integrity of the stand but also contributes to the overall health of the woodland, making it better equipped to withstand pests and diseases.
This offers a favourable situation for landowners, as the thinning process not only improves forest health but also generates financial return from the timber harvested.
Having the right equipment is the foundation of Chris’s operation, ensuring efficiency and dependability in his daily tasks. Relying on high-quality machinery, combined with excellent after-sales support from RJ Fukes, is vital for maintaining his work standards. This level of dependability not only increases productivity but also helps him succeed in a competitive market. Having top-class equipment and strong support services enables Chris to face challenges effectively, giving him the confidence to deliver excellent results to his clients.
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