Henrik explains that the company operates a total of four machines from Eco Log, and right in front of us, operator Gunilla is unloading their oldest forwarder—an Eco Log 594E, which at the time has run for approximately 12,000 hours.
During our visit, we take the opportunity to prepare lunch out in the forest and invite the employees working on site that day to join us. It is obvious that Henrik truly cares about his employees, and today we place a little extra focus on Gunilla, who takes us along for a ride in the forwarder during our visit. We ask Henrik what it is he appreciates about Gunilla.
–First and foremost, she is a fantastic person and an incredibly skilled operator. She works in a calm and methodical way. She takes good care of the machine and keeps it clean. And she brings many great qualities that many men don’t have. So, she is very competent, Henrik says.
Säljgården AB is a company active in both forestry and agriculture, with the family farm having been in the same family as far back as the 16th century. Today, it is the only remaining family farm in the area that still runs an active agricultural operation, and Henrik is proud to be able to carry the tradition forward. The forestry operation is conducted both in their own forest and through contracting work for a local sawmill.
When we accompany Gunilla in the forwarder, she also highlights the strong sense of teamwork within the crew and the joy she finds in her work.
–Yes, we’re a tight working- group where we cooperate between teams and help each other out. I think it’s a very enjoyable job, especially operating machines. I’ve always liked vehicles in general. About 99% of the time I operate this machine, so by now I know it very well. I usually call the machine Moa, Gunilla says.
Gunilla has worked with the forwarder for more than 9,000 hours, and we ask her what she appreciates about the machine, which belongs to the first generation of Eco Log machines equipped with Volvo Penta engines.
–I think it has performed really well. It’s powerful, reliable, and stable in every way. Visibility is also good. It’s a pleasant machine that just keeps on running, Gunilla says.
We leave Dalarna and Säljgården for this time, hoping that Gunilla and Moa have many more enjoyable hours to look forward to together in the future.
