Automation in the sawmill: Partnership of SENNEBOGEN and HOLTEC
SENNEBOGEN and HOLTEC are collaborating to deliver gantry solutions for the fully automated, continuous handling of round timber. SENNEBOGEN supplies the electric handling machine, whilst HOLTEC develops and implements the system design for the round timber yard. At Dold Holzwerke in Buchenbach, an electric SENNEBOGEN 840 E mounted on a rail-mounted gantry forms the core machine of the solution.
Dold Holzwerke replaced its previous wire-rope gantry crane with the new system. The 840 E unloads the log bins and supplies two cutting lines. A SENNEBOGEN 735 GED with electric travel drive supplements the material flow during the unloading of incoming roundwood trucks.
What was the challenge involved in handling roundwood?
Dold Holzwerke needs to store large quantities of round timber in a predictable manner, move it across a spacious work area, and reliably feed it into subsequent processing steps. This requires efficient use of space, short transport distances, and a continuous flow of material.
The existing wire-rope gantry crane was to be replaced with a modern, electric solution. In addition to ensuring a reliable supply to production, the ability to expand the system in the future and its integration into existing processes were key requirements.
Clear division of labor between SENNEBOGEN and HOLTEC
With the electric 840 E, SENNEBOGEN provides the core machine for the gantry solution. The material-handling excavator empties the bins and feeds the roundwood to the two cutting lines.
HOLTEC is responsible for the plant design tailored to the site for the log yard. The design connects the 840 E to a mobile rail-mounted gantry and integrates the machine into the sawmill’s log logistics system.
Technical Specifications of the Portal Solution
| Feature | Project Data at Dold Holzwerke |
| Client | Dold Holzwerke GmbH, Buchenbach |
| System Concept | HOLTEC |
| Core Machine | SENNEBOGEN 840 E |
| Model | Electric material-handling excavator on a rail-mounted gantry |
| Engine Power | 200 kW |
| Operating weight | 67 t |
| Reach | up to 20 m |
| Portal track width | 36 m |
| Track length | approximately 45 m |
| Project phase | nine months |
| Tasks | Emptying bins and supplying two cutting lines |
| Supplementary machine | SENNEBOGEN 735 GED with Electric Drive for unloading trucks |
How does the portal solution work during normal operations?
The 840 E’s rotating upper carriage and the movable rail gantry together provide access to a large portion of the log yard. The machine unloads the storage bins, distributes the logs, and feeds them to the two cutting lines.
After a nine-month project phase, the gantry solution took over the tasks previously performed by the cable gantry crane. The 840 E, which is stationary and powered by electricity, operates at the site without local exhaust emissions. Compared to a diesel-powered design, this also eliminates the need for refueling and maintenance work typical of diesel engines.
At the start of the material flow, a SENNEBOGEN 735 GED with Electric Drive unloads the arriving roundwood trucks. The gantry solution then takes over further distribution and production supply.
Video: How the SENNEBOGEN 840 E and HOLTEC Automate the Log Yard at Dold
Results for Log Logistics and Operations
With this portal solution, Dold Holzwerke consolidates several key roundwood handling tasks into a single system. The 840 E provides a large work surface, unloads the roundwood bins, and supplies two production lines . The electric drive system also supports the company’s sustainability goals. The facility also provides the technical framework for clearly structured material flows and the efficient use of available storage space.
“With our sustainably managed wood as a competitive alternative to non-renewable building materials, our product portfolio alone enables us to make an effective contribution to climate protection and CO2 reduction. The fact that we are now implementing this even more consistently in our processes thanks to the new log-handling concept definitely sets new standards for modern, sustainable business practices in our industry.”
Preparations Underway for Track Expansion
The portal solution is designed to accommodate the site’s future development. A potential future extension of the rail system was already taken into account during the planning phase. This allows Dold Holzwerke to adapt the rail system to changing production or storage requirements.
The project demonstrates how automation in the sawmill, electric drive technology, and site-specific plant design can be combined to create an integrated roundwood logistics system.
In-Depth Article
For more detailed technical and procedural information, see the technical article Roundwood Processing at the Sawmill.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Portal Solution
How does a gantry solution work in a sawmill?
In a gantry solution, the handling machine is mounted on a rail-guided gantry. This allows it to move along the log yard while simultaneously spanning the work or traffic areas below. This enables logs to be picked up, sorted, and prepared for further processing. The elevated position also improves visibility of the work area.
What is the reach of the SENNEBOGEN 840 E in gantry mode?
The SENNEBOGEN 840 E achieves a maximum reach of up to 20 m. Depending on the configuration, the machine has an operating weight of 53 to 67 t; the electric drive delivers 200 kW. The actual usable reach depends on the equipment and project specifications. Technical Specifications of the SENNEBOGEN 840 E
Why electric instead of diesel for log handling?
The electric drive is particularly well-suited for stationary or rail-guided applications with predictable movement sequences:
- no local exhaust emissions
- lower noise and vibration levels
- no refueling stops
- less maintenance required than with a diesel engine
- lower energy and operating costs
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