New machinery for Sweden’s leading timber port

TERBERG ON A LARGE PORT SCALE

Every day, vast quantities of timber pass through the port, placing high demands on machines capable of heavy and continuous operation.

In the procurement process it was emphasised that the terminal tractors must have four‑wheel drive, based on past experience. The result was the Terberg RT223, a machine combining strong tractive power, stability and good fuel efficiency. With its robust transmission and permanent four‑wheel drive, it is capable of pulling heavily loaded timber wagons.

SPECIAL‑BUILT TIMBER WAGONS
As the transport distances increased following the port’s expansion, new demands arose. Hallands Hamnar Varberg and N.C. Nielsen jointly developed custom timber wagons. These wagons are used, among other tasks, to transport timber to and from pressure‑treatment facilities — a logistics solution where both capacity and sustainability were essential.

“We drafted proposals showing what we wanted in terms of function, length, width and weights. N.C. Nielsen were responsive, and we are really pleased with the wagons,” says Jonne Johansen. The wagons weigh 7.5 tonnes and can carry an additional 50 tonnes of material. One of the adaptations was the addition of an extra beam along one side to protect the structure during handling.

“We made some improvements here. There is a beam on one side that we didn’t have on the previous version. You simply can’t avoid hitting the wagons when loading them,” says Johansen.

OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT IN FOCUS WITH MODERN FORKLIFTS

For operators the machines are more than tools — they are their workplace. That is why operator needs have been central to Hallands Hamnar Varberg’s selection of new machinery.

“What matters to us when choosing the machines is the work environment for the operator. When I wrote the specification, I met with the operators. It’s important to have a good seat since it is their workplace, and also good visibility and handling ease,” says Jonne Johansen.

The forklifts feature spacious cabins with excellent visibility, air conditioning, heating, and a powerful hydraulic system. Their reliable drivetrain, including a fourth gear, enables operation at low RPM — reducing fuel consumption, a technical detail that makes a real difference in a high‑intensity logistics flow.

THE OPERATOR’S MACHINE

At Hallands Hamnar Varberg each machine is assigned to a specific operator, and the operator’s name is affixed to the vehicle. It’s a simple but thoughtful detail that fosters pride and responsibility. “It creates a sense for the operator that they ‘own’ the machine and will take better care of it,” says Johne Johansen. The new machines have been received very positively, as evidenced already when they were delivered.

“When we received the last machine, one of the operators took part in the delivery test and it was wonderful to see — she literally lit up like the sun,” Jonne Johansen says with a smile.

MACHINES FOR THE FUTURE
The collaboration with N.C. Nielsen has been characterised by good dialogue and attentiveness. With the right machinery in place, tailored for daily high‑load operation and a focus on operator comfort, Hallands Hamnar Varberg is now equipped for future challenges.