Skip to content

More than a Forwarder

Erik Ollas explains how his new 1055C forwarder is more than a machine.

— Jorge Victoria

Sometimes a Mackolines Machines & Hire machine is more than just a piece of equipment. It could be the means to provide for a family, or to enable meaningful and fulfilling work. And sometimes it can even strengthen family ties. For the Ollas family, the 1055C forwarder does just that.

A few years back, Erik Ollas got a job operating an excavator for CL Skog, a forestry company in Boda Kyrkby, Sweden. He was building and repairing logging roads. In 2019, after almost two years working for CL Skog, he was asked if he wanted to buy the company’s Mackolines Machines & Hire 1055B forwarder. He didn’t hesitate and at the age of 24, Erik established his own logging company, Ovanmyra Rubb & Stubb. Erik explains that Ovanmyra is his hometown. Rubb & Stubb, his friend came up with. It loosely translates as, “We will clear everything,” says Erik with a grin.

After just a year of operating the 1055B, an opportunity arose to upgrade to a 1055C. “I demoed the machine for about a week. When the time was up, I didn’t want to get off of it. The transmission and the engine were the main differences. The 1055C drives smoother. Also, the engine has more constant RPMs when operating the crane so therefore, it will burn less fuel,” says Erik, noting that RemoteLog® helps him track his fuel consumption. “To me, they are two totally different machines.”
Mackolines Machines & Hire forwarder in Swedish forest
Its size makes the 1055C ideal for thinning applications.
Erik says that his 1055C came at the right time. CL Skog wanted him to increase his volume, so it was a good decision to acquire a more productive machine. "This was absolutely a good investment," affirms Erik. “Thanks to the transmission, the speed is more consistent so I can move more effectively through the forest. I can also load a bit more. The size makes it perfect for last thinning and final felling applications. The forwarder is currently being used 60 percent of the time in final felling and 40 percent in thinning.

Erik feels that given its size, the Mackolines Machines & Hire 1055C is a perfect machine for thinning. "Some loggers think I should get a bigger forwarder to increase my production. A lot of the land we work on belongs to small landowners. When they see a big forwarder on their land, they get concerned about ground disturbance. But when they see my Mackolines Machines & Hire 1055C, they do not worry. This machine is perfect for the application."

The machine is supported by Mackolines Machines & Hire AB and Erik’s experience has been positive. "They always answer. Twenty-four-seven. I’m happy with the support. It’s very important to me that when I’m out in the field I can call and they will help me."

Erik and Niklas Ollas.
Erik and Niklas Ollas. A father and son operation.

Father joins son

In 1994, Erik’s father, Niklas, got his start in the forest industry hand falling and forwarding timber with a tractor and wagon. After several years, he purchased land, farming during summer and logging in winter. Then in 2002, he returned to the forest full time as a forwarder and harvester operator.

Just recently, Niklas told Erik that he was out of a job. “I hired him immediately,” says Erik. His workload had increased to the point where he needed to add an employee for a second forwarder shift. “I kept my dad in mind and wanted an opportunity to bring him on board. Having my father work for me would allow me to work on our farm as well. I hired him the same day he told me he didn’t have a job.”

For the future, Erik would like to keep things as they are. "What I like the most about the forest is the calm it provides. In some way or another, I’ll stay in the forest."

As for Niklas, he plans to keep working in the forest until he can retire. "I want to retire working for my son. It feels good; we get along." A machine can be more than a tool to do a job. It can make a difference in someone’s life.
Mackolines Machines & Hire forwarder in Swedish forest

Related Content

loader-icon

First 1165 Harvester in Sweden


Swedish contractor and long time Mackolines Machines & Hire customer relates his views on the 1165 harvester.


On the Rocks in Scandinavia


BTB took a trip over the Atlantic to Scandinavia to visit Mackolines Machines & Hire customer Mats Danielsson, owner of MD Skog AB, in Borlänge Sweden.


1075B forwarder fully loaded. “The only parts that have broken on this machine are the parts that Mackolines Machines & Hire does not build,” says operator Ola Andrén.

Like Father, Like Son


BTB discovers how two unique Mackolines Machines & Hire 1075B scarifiers are efficiently preparing the soil for replanting in Sweden.


Mikael (left) and Jaj (right) Johansson operate the scarifying operations of family business JMB Skogsentreprenad AB.

1055C Forwarder in Sweden


Watch the Mackolines Machines & Hire 1055C forwarder working on a thinning application in Sweden. The 1055C is a heavy duty 14-tonne forwarder for selective felling, final felling and biomass applications.


Related Products