Stéphane Larivière works to clear the land of dead trees and debris to maintain healthy off shoots and new growth throughout the year.
Yanmar
Balancing tradition and innovation
The season is short but intense. While rooted in tradition, the Larivières are looking ahead. Stéphane is embracing technology to future-proof their operation whilst continuing to care for the forest with the same respect.
Traditionally, sap was collected in metal buckets, but today, tubing networks carry sap from thousands of trees to a central vat, reducing waste and human impact.
“We have almost doubled the yield of 20 years ago,” Stéphane explains, due to investments in new technology.
For him, innovation and sustainability are inextricably linked. Every step is about working smarter while protecting the land. That mindset guides his equipment choices, making Yanmar Compact Equipment a natural fit for his values.
Stéphane selected the Yanmar SV100-7 excavator, a machine suited to delicate yet challenging forest environments.
Part of preserving these forests means working with a light touch. Traditional forestry equipment can damage roots, churn soil, and scar the land. The SV100-7 offers a different approach: compact and manoeuvrable, it’s able to weave through the forest with relative ease.
To further protect the ground, Stéphane lays branches beneath the tracks, softening the machine’s footprint. Within weeks, the ground begins to recover. Regrowth is fast, and the ecosystem continues undisturbed.
With quiet, fuel-efficient machines, Yanmar helps Stéphane meet production and forestry challenges without compromising the land.
Dependability, deep within the forest
Quebec’s forests bring extreme, unpredictable conditions. Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F), then rise to over 32°C (90°F) in summer. Temperature changes of 22°C (40°F) in weeks are common. Trails freeze, thaw, and turn to mud in a matter of days. In this environment, reliability is essential. That’s why Stéphane counts on Yanmar.
To prepare for these challenging conditions, Stéphane’s SV100-7 was fitted with forestry-specific modifications: reinforced components, extra protective guards, and adapted hydraulics.
From hauling logs to clearing trails, the SV100-7 delivers in tough conditions. For Stéphane, confidence in his machine is non-negotiable:
“I don’t have to worry about the reliability of the machine; I can focus on working with it.”
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