The Iron Horse makes planting easier—without a single unnecessary lift
Over the past few seasons, we at the Skogsliv Project have tested the Järnhästen throughout the entire process—from road to cutting site—including seedling transport, planting arms, and soil preparation combined with planting. Now that the project has concluded, it’s time to summarize the most important lessons we’ve learned: seedling logistics work, and they make a real difference.
What we knew – and what we learned
As early as in Phase 1, tests showed that the Järnhästen Essence, equipped with a seedling bed and trailer, saved a full hour per day per person, simply by transporting seedlings to the cutting site more efficiently. It may sound simple, but for a team of four planters over an entire season, it makes a huge difference—in terms of time, physical exertion, and cost savings.
The soil preparation component tested in Phase 3 revealed some interesting possibilities, but also showed that further development is still needed. We are setting that component aside for now and focusing entirely on where the results are most clear: getting the seedlings where they are needed, without having to carry them.
Plant logistics – it’s about more than just transportation
Quitting isn't just a matter of convenience. It's about:
- Ergonomics and recruitment – heavy lifting takes a toll on the body and makes it harder to recruit and retain staff. Using the Järnhästen as a plant transporter significantly reduces the physical strain.
- Plant quality – seedlings that are handled with care and kept moist throughout the work shift have a better chance of survival.
- Efficiency – when planters don’t have to walk back to the road to get more supplies, the planting pace increases.
A simple setup that works in practice
You don’t need advanced technology to make a difference. The Flex or Essence iron horse, equipped with a custom flatbed and the ability to tow a trailer, offers a solution that’s easy to transport to the logging site using a standard car and trailer, quick to set up, and simple to operate—with the Essence, you get a radio-controlled remote that works from up to 100 meters away.
The planters follow the machine; the machine carries the load.
Does this sound familiar?
Several forestry companies are already using Järnhästen in their planting operations and notice the difference every day. We believe that many more could streamline their work in the same way—and we’d be happy to help you find the right solution for your specific business.
Please contact Dick Henriksson at dick@lennartsfors.com or call +46 573-392 00, and we can discuss this further.