Game changer in
Log handling

Innovative and sustainable concepts
for the future-oriented log handling

Portal crane solutions - efficient, sustainable, future-proof

New approaches in log handling

The demands on the wood industry are changing. Rising operating costs, pressure for sustainability and the need for greater efficiency call for new strategies. Especially in log handling there is a significant potential to make processes more economical and climate-friendly. Traditionally used diesel-powered industrial trucks generate high maintenance and operating costs - often up to €100,000 per machine annually - and require complex infrastructure. This is exactly where HOLTEC introduces a completely new approach: the VPK Loghandler.

VPK Loghandler – game changing technology

Together with experienced partners from the crane construction and handling technology, HOLTEC has developed a fully electric portal crane concept that revolutionises log handling. The VPK Loghandler offers:

  • Fully electric drive for climate-neutral operation
  • High energy efficiency and significantly reduced operating costs
  • Maximum availability with minimal maintenance
  • Precise handling even with heavy log loads
  • Flexible integration even in confined log yard spaces

Sustainability meets efficiency

The wood industry is undergoing a profound transformation: rising costs, stricter climate regulations and the need for sustainable process. With the VPK Loghandler HOLTEC offers a solution that combines ecological responsibility with economic efficiency - paving the way for the sawmill of the future. 

Challenges in the wood industry

Why log handling needs new concepts:

➽ Skilled labour shortage
Qualified excavator operators are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Staff shortages are leading to growing productivity losses. In addition, confined cabins, heat, and dust discourage potential new employees.
 

➽ Work productivity
Operator performance has a decisive impact on sawmill productivity. Unskilled workers require long training periods, while the day-to-day condition of experienced operators can strongly influence efficiency.
 

➽ Sustainability
The pressure on companies to reduce CO₂ emissions is increasing due to emissions trading, ESG requirements, and CSRD reporting. Diesel-powered machines are coming under growing scrutiny.

➽ Space requirements
Conventional log yards using mobile equipment can occupy up to 40% of total site area. Valuable space for expansions or new production facilities is therefore unavailable.

 

➽ Process complexity
The variety of product grades and the requirements for wood logistics are steadily increasing. Without intelligent log yard management, there is a risk of misplacement, inefficient processes, and declining performance.
 

➽ Occupational safety
Employee safety is receiving increasing attention. Workplace accidents on log yards are on the rise, which can lead to high costs, legal consequences, and reputational risks

➽ Wear & maintenance
High wear and the demanding maintenance of diesel-powered machines drive up operating costs. At the same time, there is a shortage of qualified maintenance personnel.

Conclusion: 
The wood industry is under economic, ecological and organisational pressure:

  • Fewer staff and increasing demands
  • Higher costs due to maintenance, wear and tear, and space consumption
  • Stricter climate regulations and growing expectations for safety and efficiency

It is precisely these challenges that create the need for innovative technologies such as VPK Loghandler, which simplify and optimise processes while also making them more sustainable.

Advantages of the VPK Loghandlers

➽ Sustainability
Up to 80% less CO₂ and significantly reduced emissions. No large-scale surface sealing required – resulting in lower costs and an improved environmental footprint.

➽ Efficiency
Significantly lower operating costs thanks to low-maintenance electric drives and a long service life.
 

➽ Space optimization
Up to 50% more storage volume through intelligent use of space and flexible yard organization.
 

➽ Safety and ergonomics
Optimal visibility, clearly defined safety zones, and modern, attractive workplaces.

➽ Future readiness
Partial automation and remote operation are possible – enabling maximum process optimization.

➽ Flexibility
Modular expandable concepts – from infeed systems to digital log yard management.

„More efficiency, lower emissions – the VPK Loghandler sets new standards in log handling.“

Strong partnership for innovative log handling technology

For the development of the VPK Loghandlers we rely on a close and strategic partnership with SENNEBOGEN, one of the leading specialists in wood handling technology. Together, we have developed an entirely new concept for log handling that comines the advantages of state-of-the-art portal crane technology with the expertise of two technology leaders.

SENNEBOGEN contributes decades of experienc in hydraulic and drive technology as well as in the precise handling of large volumes of wood, while HOLTEC brings its expertise in engineering complete log yards and digital log yard management. The result of this collaboration is the VPK Loghandler - a fully electric, highly efficient and sustainable solution for log handling that sets new standards in performance, flexibility and energy efficiency.

This partnership represents more than the sum of two competencies: it demonstrates how joint development and mutual trust can enable innovations that meet the demands of modern sawmills and wood-based materials plants.

Together with SENNEBOGEN we are setting new standards in log handling.“
 

 

Possible plant layout for the sawmill industry. The VPK Loghandler as the central element in log handling for emptying the boxes and simultaneously feeding the saw line. Highly efficient operation with just one operator, even in limited space.  

Possible layout for the wood-based material industry for a modern wood yard for feeding a rotary debarker, eg. in MDF, OSB or pellet production.