Customer-centered innovations push mobile chipping boundaries

3 Mar 2025

The importance mobile chipping capabilities in the forestry and wood-processing industries should not be underestimated, especially as they can underpin yields and the efficient conversion of forest residues into valuable wood chips for the bioenergy and other processed wood industries.

“As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, mobile chippers have become an increasingly vital part of the bioenergy supply chain,” explains Christian Ehn, Director Mobile Chippers, Bruks Mobile Chippers, Bruks Siwertell. “Their ability to operate in tough, remote conditions makes them indispensable for forest contractors, providing a versatile, high-capacity solution for wood processing. With these machines, efficiency, reliability, and adaptability are key.”

Customer-centered innovations are fundamental to the continuous development of Bruks Siwertell technology. Bruks Siwertell is a name synonymous with pioneering solutions for the dry bulk handling and wood-processing industries, and this extends to the diverse needs of the forestry sector.

Building on a legacy

By understanding market demands and customer feedback, Bruks AB, a Bruks Siwertell Group company, is expanding the capabilities of industrial mobile chipping machinery with two new concept machines: the 1006.2 PT single cabin and the 1006.3 RT Bruks cabin mobile chippers.

The new wood chipper models focus on flexibility, performance, and operator comfort and are built on a reliable Volvo FH chassis, with their installation totally integrated with the truck.

Both of these new models build on the proven capabilities of the Bruks 1006 mobile chipper series. Known for delivering high-quality wood chips and dependable performance, 1006 models are the backbone of many forestry operations.

“The addition of advances in technology, operator-focused designs, and increased flexibility, further enhances their appeal, making them indispensable tools for modern forestry contractors,” continues Ehn. “By combining cutting-edge technology and direct customer input, we can really demonstrate how tailored innovation can benefit forestry operations.”

Customers drive innovation

All Bruks Siwertell Group companies offer technologies which have been incrementally improved and enhanced through a customer-driven design philosophy. “As a team, we consistently gather input from contractors, operators, and forestry experts. These are the basis for us developing solutions that address specific customer challenges, while also offering cross-market benefits,” he says.

“The development of the 1006.2 PT single cabin and the 1006.3 RT Bruks cabin models illustrates this approach, delivering machines that cater directly to users’ needs while providing enhanced operational flexibility and performance.”

For example, the 1006.2 PT single cabin model, mounted on a Volvo FH 16 truck chassis, stands out with its compact design and operator-friendly cabin modifications.

The truck’s cabin has been modified with an operator position. The fixed passenger seat has been replaced with a rotatable forest operator seat, offering optimal comfort and visibility during chipping. Adding to this is a large rear window, making it easier for operators to manage the work area.

Contractors are often faced with narrow forest roads, requiring machines that can maneuver easily while still delivering high-capacity chipping performance. The 1006.2 PT achieves this with its short wheelbase and tight turning capabilities.

“The 1006.2 PT is engineered for the high-capacity production of fuel chips from forest residues and energy wood,” notes Ehn. “Integration with the truck’s power and control systems ensures smooth operations, while its compact design makes it an ideal choice for forest roads.

“The redesigned cabin offers a comfortable, ergonomic environment for operators, allowing easy transitions between road transport and chipping operations. These refinements came directly from customer feedback, where ease of operation and visibility were top priorities.”

Power in all the right places
All the new models benefit from the Volvo engine’s high and straight torque curve, providing power with low fuel consumption and an in-house-designed control system.

“Combined with our chipping technology, these units deliver a powerful and efficient chipping experience, with precise control over chip quality, whether it is energy wood or forest residues being processed,” adds Ehn. The new design 1006.3 RT Bruks cabin model also offers unique industrial mobile chipping capabilities. “This is our most flexible mobile chipping unit to date,” he says. “It is built on a compact frame, with a slewing system at its base, allowing operators rotate the chipping unit to feed material from either side of the road. This feature significantly enhances operational efficiency, especially in tight spaces where positioning is more challenging.

“The 1006.3 RT model provides the highest capacity production of fuel chips from energy wood and forest residues in its size class. It is perfect for operators looking for high mobility, especially when working at multiple sites throughout the day,” he adds.

Like its counterpart, the 1006.3 RT also uses a Volvo diesel engine, providing impressive torque and fuel efficiency. The advanced control and hydraulic systems allow for precision operation, even in the most demanding conditions.

“In comparison with older models, the Bruks 1006.3 RT range of wood chippers benefits from around 11 percent more power in the engine’s operating range and over 17.5 percent more power at a lower rpm; a very favourable power curve for the chipper operate at,” Ehn explains.

Demonstrating technical advances

To demonstrate the capabilities of these innovative machines, Bruks Mobile Chippers hosted an event in Skövde, Sweden. With over 120 attendees from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Poland, Portugal and South Korea, the event showcased the 1006.2 PT single cabin and 1006.3 RT Bruks cabin models in action, allowing participants to see firsthand how these machines perform in real-world conditions.

Attendees were not only able to witness the chippers in operation but also had the opportunity to engage directly with Bruks Mobile Chippers representatives and contractors, facilitating a valuable exchange of ideas.

“This level of customer engagement is critical to our aim to deliver technology that meets customers’ needs,” he highlights.

The event featured seminars and presentations from industry leaders, including Volvo’s research and development department, which looked at its work introducing longer and heavier transport vehicles, and new developments such as electronic stability and braking systems, and electrification.

Scandinavia’s largest forestry media platform, Skogsforum, was also represented, and gave a presentation on the paradigm shift in the Swedish timber market, including a historical insight into how timber prices have developed since the 1970s and looking to the future and its trends.

Investing in the future of forestry
“We are dedicated to empowering forestry professionals with the tools they need to succeed. The new model developments are more than just machines; they represent a commitment to listening to customer needs and delivering solutions that drive efficiency and productivity.

“By embracing technology that puts customer needs first, and investing in industrial mobile chipper development, forestry contractors can stay competitive in an ever-changing industry. We ensure that operators have access to the most advanced, reliable, and flexible wood chipping machinery available,” Ehn concludes.