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A Hatton-Brown Publication Co-Publisher David H. Ramsey Co-Publisher David (DK) Knight Chief Operating Officer Dianne C. Sullivan PUBLISHING OFFICE Street Address: 225 Hanrick Street Montgomery, AL 36104-3317 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Telephone (334) 834-1170 Fax 334-834-4525
Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers Browse, subscribe or renew: www.timberharvesting.com Vol. 63, No. 4: Issue 651
Executive Editor David (DK) Knight Editor-in-Chief Rich Donnell Western Editor Dan Shell Senior Associate Editor David Abbott Associate Editor Jessica Johnson Associate Editor Jay Donnell Art Director/Prod. Mgr. Cindy Segrest Ad Production Coord Patti Campbell Circulation Director Rhonda Thomas CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Bridget DeVane 334-699-7837 ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES
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OurCover As southern timber companies go, Forest Energies LLC operates outside the traditional orbit. It is relatively new, not family-oriented, and applies strict business discipline to its extensive harvesting and hauling operations in parts of Alabama and Mississippi. Story begins on PAGE 10.
OurFeatures
SOUTHERN USA Randy Reagor • P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 (904) 393-7968 • Fax: (334) 834-4525 E-mail: reagor@bellsouth.net
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MIDWEST USA, EASTERN CANADA John Simmons • 32 Foster Cres. Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1R 1W1 (905) 666-0258 • Fax: (905) 666-0778 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com WESTERN USA, WESTERN CANADA Tim Shaddick • 4056 West 10th Avenue Vancouver, BC, Canada V6L 1Z1 (604) 910-1826 • Fax: (604) 264-1367 E-mail: tootall1@shaw.ca
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California Logger
INTERNATIONAL Murray Brett Aldea de las Cuevas 66, Buzon 60 03759 Benidoleig (Alicante), Spain +34 96 640 4165 • Fax: +34 96 640 4022 E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations (ISSN 01606433) is published 6 times annually (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December issues are combined) by HattonBrown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscriptions are free to U.S. logging, pulpwood and chipping contractors and their supervisors; managers and supervisors of corporate-owned harvesting operations; wood suppliers; timber buyers; businesses involved in land grooming and/or land clearing, wood refuse grinding and right-of-way maintenance; wood procurement and land management officials; industrial forestry purchasing agents; wholesale and retail forest equipment representatives and forest/logging association personnel. All non-qualified U.S. subscriptions are $50 annually; $60 in Canada; $95 (airmail) in all other countries (U.S. funds). Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds). Subscription Inquiries— TOLL-FREE 800-669-5613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.timberharvesting.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Timber Harvesting magazine are accepted and published by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. harmless from and against any loss, expenses, or other liability resulting from any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations. Copyright ® 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and at additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.
Member Verified Audit Circulation POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TIMBER HARVESTING, P.O. BOX 2419, Montgomery, AL 36102-2419
Migrates To Arizona
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Fourth InWoodsExpo
Starts Slow, Finishes Strong
Cut-To-Length Update:
Machines, Attachments & More
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‘House of Wilson’
Has Big Forest Footprint
OurDepartments My Take __________________________________________________ 4 News Lines _______________________________________________ 6 People Power ____________________________________________ 34 Downtime _______________________________________________ 36 Dust & Rust______________________________________________ 38 Equipment World _________________________________________ 40 Innovation Way ___________________________________________ 46 Select Cuts ______________________________________________ 50 THExchange _____________________________________________ 52 Events/Ad Index __________________________________________ 54 Other Hatton-Brown Publications: Southern Loggin’ Times • Wood Bioenergy Timber Processing • Panel World • Power Equipment Trade
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This Issue’s Content, IWE Notes This issue is packed with enlightening and entertaining material, one example being the Forest Family Series piece starting on page 30. For the last two years I’ve wanted this magazine to launch this series, and patiently waited for the appropriate opportunity. I found it in the deep-rooted Wilson family of Rison, Arkansas, whose story is enough to make even the most die-hard pessimist feel good. The Wilsons are honorable, responsible, outgoing folks with a deep, wide forestry footprint and are actively engaged in their industry and community. They set a grand example. It was a pleasure getting to know the Wilsons a little better, to sense their values and cooperative spirit. Being a pushover for expressions, I was particularly struck by some of the one-liners of Frank, the patriarch. One example: “We’ve covered up lots of mistakes with sweat.” Another: “The only way that equipment is any good is if you work the money out of it.” You can help TH keep the series going by passing along the names and details of other forest families we may want to visit. See contact info above. Logger Mike Wirta, 56, is an interesting study, as revealed by his story on page 14. A year ago he relocated Wirta Logging’s equipment and several employees to Flagstaff, Ariz. after logging for more than 20 years in Plumos County, Calif. He hooked up with a timberland investment management organization that in 2013 was appointed by Good Earth Power Arizona (GEPAZ) to manage the forest restoration operations of the ambitious Phase 1 Four Forest Restoration Initiative. Wirta says it cost almost $60,000 to move his equipment the 740 miles, but he evidently had no qualms about doing it as he sought a brighter future. “I’d been wanting to get out of California and this deal came up…California’s just a tough place for a logger.” Wirta is grateful for the opportunity and hopes to expand as the program gains traction. For an example of a new timber 4
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company that has grown rapidly since it was founded in 2012, check out what Forest Energies LLC is up to and how it gets it done from its base in north Alabama under the management of principals Lenn Morris and Ricky Freeman. As described by the story beginning on page 10, Forest Energies started as a timber brokerage entity but soon began developing logging crews when suitable contractors were hard to find, and later added its own dispatch truck system. Today it operates to scale, applying detailed business discipline, and is looking to expand to other parts of the state and beyond. Beginning on page 18, cut-tolength machines, attachments and accessories are highlighted. TH invited some 25 companies to participate and many did, including AFM-Forest, Barko, Bracke Forest, Caterpillar, Custom Machined Specialties, CSI, John Deere, Kesla, Komatsu, Log Max, Logset Oy, Olofsfors, Oregon, Pierce Pacific, Pentin Paja Oy, Ryan’s Equipment, Tigercat and Waratah. Wendy Farrand delivers another intriguing People Power column, page 34, in which she underscores the importance of building and maintaining business relationships. InWoods Expo, staged near Hot Springs, Ark. June 18-20 and co-sponsored by Hatton-Brown Publishers, TH’s parent company, and the Arkansas Timber Producers Assn. (ATPA), came off well despite threats of heavy rain from tropical depression Bill. It rained several times at the site, but not during show hours, and the summer heat was held in check until the last day. See article, page 26) While it could have been better, attendance was on par with previous InWoodsExpos, and may have been impacted somewhat by predictions of heavy rain—even the possibility of flash floods. Most exhibitors seemed satisfied with the setup and traffic flow. At any such exhibition, live or otherwise, it seems there are always a few exhibitors who dwell on the negative.
They delay signing up, waiting until sites have been picked over, only to complain about their location. They set up equipment 30 or more feet off the footpath and sit under a tent, waiting for people to stop, when they should set up closer to the footpath and engage those who do come by. Participating in a trade show is much like attending church or belonging to an association: you get out of them about what you put into them. Some exhibitors would do well to follow the example of David and Elva Royer, a couple who drove down from Goshen, Ind. They were seen on the grounds the better part of all three days. They really got into it. By the time the show wound down, they probably had memorized the serial numbers of all the machinery! Pulling off such an event takes a lot of planning, preparation, cooperation, patience, and execution. ATPA leader Larry Boccarossa and his team are to be applauded for their efforts. From what I could learn, business is good for most manufacturers. Several mentioned their production is sold three to six months out. It’s always good to reconnect with established friends, see people you worked with years ago, and meet new people. For me this group included, but was not limited to the following: Allen, Lou and David Bedell; Sammy Ward; Willie, Don and Chris Wright; Larry Pennington; Dean Crouse; Frank, James and Brad Wilson; Jim Cearley; Greg Jones; Mike Farris; Steve Woodson; Tony Iarocci; Kevin Selby; Judy Brooks; Johnny Boyd; Heinz Pfeifer; Steve Richardson; Doug Patrick; Tom Hirt; Roy Zenor; Dennis and Ryan Andrews; Ray Prevette; Kerry Strasner; Jason Koskinen; Phyllis Pearce; Harold Hooper; Jeff Littlefield; Michael Hartline; Tom Trone; Cliff Caudill, Jr.; Berry Johnson; Sandi Fallowfield; Randy Bowlin; Chip Fennell; Chad Still; Randy Hervey; Danny Dructor; Cliff Hudson; Dale Greene; Alvin Schilling; Marty Scudder; Patrick Dougherty; Johnny Thompson; Misty and Cade Booth; Gale Wilson; Peggy and Cecil Johnson; Ken, Brent and Sandy Martin; Dan Webb; Tedrick Ratcliff, Jr.; and TH Linda and Sam O’Bryant.
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NewsLines Drax Biomass Leader Talks Wood Fiber Drax Biomass President and CEO Pete Madden discussed the wood fiber capabilities at the company’s two new wood pellet plants in the Southern U.S. Madden participated on a Biomass Carbon Neutrality panel during the annual meeting of the Composite Panel Assn. held in Bonita Springs, Fla. in early June. Madden noted that the Drax power station in North Yorkshire England provides about 7-8% of UK electricity with six turbines, each generating more than 600 MW. He said the company has answered UK directives and incentive for renewable energy by converting two of those turbines from coal to biomass, and a third one is in process, which combined would enable Drax to deliver CO2 reductions of 12 million tonnes per year. He reviewed the ongoing commissionings of the new 450,000 ton per year wood pellet plants in Gloster, Miss. and Morehouse Parish, La., along with an industrial wood pellet port facility at Baton Rouge, all of which represent a $350 million investment. Madden said the two pellet plants will each require 1 million tons of fiber per year, 80% of which will be forest residuals (first thinnings) and 20% harvest residuals (slash). Each plant will receive 150 inbounds trucks per day delivering 3,900 tons of raw feedstock. The Mississippi plant will move 50 outbound trucks per day to the port, delivering 1,250 tons of pellets. The Louisiana plant will move an 80 car train (Union Pacific rail) per week 235 miles delivering 7,200 tons of pellets. As to the location of the new plants, Madden pointed to an abundance of fiber and also emphasized that Drax targeted areas where there has been forest products operation closures. He noted that closed pulp/paper and OSB facilities in the Southern U.S. represents more than 28 million green tons of reduced demand for roundwood and chips, while operating and announced (and likely to happen) wood pellet facility demand will be 26 million green tons. Madden said the size of the wood pellet market on a global scale has been overstated. “There’s not going to be hundreds of pellet mills in the South,” he said. He noted, according 6
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to forecasts, that EU demand for wood pellets may double by the end of the decade toward 25 million metric tons but then will most likely plateau.
SWPA Honors Early Leader, Names Loggers Of The Year The Southeastern Wood Producers Assn., which serves members in Georgia and Florida, marked its 25th anniversary at its annual meeting in early June, honoring an early organizer-leader and recognizing respective loggers of the year from Georgia and Florida. Gathering at the World Golf Village at St. Augustine, Fla., SWPA presented its Long Haul Award to former Florida logger Clyde Barber for his vision and tireless work in setting up the association’s framework in 1990. Not given each year, the Long Haul Award “recognizes the highest level of appreciation for those who have had a significant impact in furthering the SWPA mission for loggers,” according to SWPA. Owned by Rodney Schwab and Gary Brett since 1995, M.A. Rigoni, Inc., was singled out as the Florida Logger of the Year. With 41 employees, the 55-year-old Perry-based company operates on the principles of “whatever is true, honorable, and right.” It has three chipping crews and deals with six contract logging crews. Triple J Logging was named the Georgia Logger of the Year. Based in Summerville, the company was established in 2001 by James, Jason and Josh Dawson, who have since welcomed Jamye Dawson into the fold. Employing more than 40, the company emphasizes safety and participates in local forestry awareness events. It keeps three logging-chipping crews busy and has two logging crews under contract. Guest speaker at the concluding banquet was Kevin Thieneman, President of Caterpillar Forest Products, who touched on today’s high tech logging equipment and applauded the recent passage of federal trans-Pacific trade legislation.
American Loggers Council To Gather In California President Myles Anderson and Associated California Loggers will host the annual meeting of the American Loggers Council September 24-26 in Eureka, Calif.
An optional logging tour precedes the welcome reception on September 24, while educational seminars, a ladies redwood tour, and president’s reception-dinner and ALC auction follow on September 25. The last day is given over to a board meeting, full membership meeting, awards luncheon and other events. For more details and a registration form, see pages 44-45.
Enviros Says Biomass Is Worse Than Coal A number of environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, Dogwood Alliance and Greenpeace, has collectively signed off on a letter to the director of the Office of Management and Budget in Washington, DC, registering their objections to the use of biomass combustion for power generation as a compliance measure in the Clean Power Plan (CPP). They say biomassbased power generation should not be included in the final CPP as a compliance measure because, at least in its proposal, EPA has not identified a rational basis for considering biomass combustion as part of the “best system of emission reduction” (BSER). Power plants burning wood and other forms of biomass emit about 3,000 lbs. of CO2 per megawatt hour, an emissions rate that is approximately 50% higher than that of a coal-fired power plant, according to the letter. EPA and other agencies have often treated CO2 from bioenergy differently from CO2 from fossil fuel combustion, even though CO2 from both sources has the same effect on the climate, according to the letter. “This different treatment is based on the theory that burning biomass to generate energy either results in emissions that will be recaptured as trees grow back, or avoids emissions that otherwise would have occurred if the biomass were to decompose. However, even if emissions are reduced by regrowth later in time, or if emissions that would have occurred later in time are avoided, the offsetting reductions are significantly delayed— on the order of years, decades, or more than a century, depending on the material used as fuel. The emission reductions typically attributed to power plants that burn biomass are therefore uncertain, speculative, and dislocated, and cannot be relied upon for the pur-
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NewsLines pose of CPP compliance.” The letter points out that EPA’s proposed CPP would not require biomassburning facilities to ensure that emission reductions are contemporaneous, or even that such reductions will occur within a specified time period.
USDA Restarts BCAP For Renewable Energy U.S. Dept. of Agriculture announced that incentives are resuming this summer for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. BCAP provides financial assistance to establish and maintain new crops of energy biomass, and for harvesting and delivering forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying energy facility. The energy facility must be approved by USDA to accept the biomass
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crop. Facilities can apply for, or renew, their BCAP qualification status. $11.5 million of federal funds will be allocated to support the delivery of biomass materials through December 2015. Last year, more than 200,000 tons of dead or diseased trees from national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands were removed and used to produce renewable energy, while reducing the risk of forest fire. This fiscal year USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will allocate up to $8 million for producer enrollment to expand and enhance existing BCAP project areas.
Oregon Gains Key Biomass Grants Oregon gained several U.S. Forest Service (FS) grants to aid in developing wood bioenergy resources, markets and infrastructure as part of the recently announced $9 million in FS Wood Innovations grants awarded to projects in 23 states.
The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council received a grant to help create an overall regional plan to increase market-based utilization of forest restoration project byproducts, including analyzing regional opportunities and barriers to biomass utilization, plus coordinating public and private biomass programs and promoting central Oregon as a biomass utilization hub.
Weyerhaeuser Invests In New Arkansas Sawmill Weyerhaeuser Co. is investing $190 million to build a new sawmill at Dierks, Ark. The mill will produce more than 350MMBF annually. The new mill is being built adjacent the existing sawmill and ultimately will replace it. The mill will be installed and operated in phases, with total completion expected in 2017. A sawmill has operated at Dierks since 1918 when Dierks Forests built one. Weyerhaeuser purchased Dierks Forests in 1969.
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ConnieNess
Disciplined Alabama timber company banks on data, process controls.
B
ased in Jasper, Ala., Forest Energies LLC is anything but a traditional timber company. It is not a family entity with deep roots. Founded only three years ago, it is a vertically integrated company that buys standing timber in lump sum contracts and then harvests and hauls the wood to market. This wasn’t how the company first operated when CEO Lenn Morris and president Ricky Freeman launched the business. They bought timber and subcontracted harvesting and hauling. “But to do the volumes to have the return on investment we wanted to see, we needed to be a true supply chain partner to our markets,” Morris relates. Forest Energies became an end-toend supplier also out of necessity 10
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when reliable harvesting and hauling sources were hard to find. Within the first year the partners started building harvesting crews, and soon realized they had to do the same with trucking. Forest Energies is also different in the discipline it brings to the business. “We’re used to having roles and responsibilities,” Morris explains. “We have a way of doing things. We have a vision; we have a message; we have a path and how we’re going to get there.”
Detailed Tracking Forest Energies does business with about 22 regular customers, landowners and mills, mainly in north central Alabama and a few in Mississippi. The company has 80-plus employees,
including harvesting crews, the trucking operation and mechanics. Procurement manager Rolland Gray oversees the work of five timber buyers. In addition to the Jasper office, corporate offices were opened recently in Birmingham. There is an operations center and fuel depot in Jasper to dispatch and maintain equipment, another fuel station and truck depot in Samantha, Ala. and wood yards in Samantha, and Columbus, Miss., the latter currently inactive. At the business core of the entity are detailed expense tracking, controls at every step in the process, and daily profitability forecasting. The profit and loss for each crew is calculated on a monthly basis. “We know when a crew is not making money, so we
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FE principals Ricky Freeman, left, and Lenn Morris monitor costs closely and make adjustments as necessary to insure profitability. Company trucks and trailers deliver 29-ton payloads.
know where we need to make changes,” Freeman says. “Does a crew need more trucks? Does one need an extra guy? What’s the cost going to be? Will it make us more profitable?” With historical data on harvesting and hauling costs, the company can project profitability with a high degree of accuracy before it buys a tract. “We know how many tons per acre a tract will produce, how many loads we can do in a week, what the labor, fuel, insurance and hauling costs will be. And we know what our return on investment needs to be, so we know what we’ve got to get to make it work,” Morris asserts. The company has controls in place to track expenses on a micro level. “We require a significant amount of information every day from each of our business segments—harvesting, hauling and brokerage—so we can see just how the company performs on a daily basis. Given the thin margins in the industry, having the ability to act and not be reacting is very important to us,” Freeman says. Take fuel, for example. “I don’t know of another timber company in Alabama that keeps up with the cost
the way we do. We track how many gallons are used, as well as what goes into each machine and truck every day,” Freeman tells. Drivers and machine operators swipe a card when they refuel.
Productivity Forest Energies has the capacity to produce more than 500,000 tons per year, and it projects getting close to that this year. The goal for its basic three-man harvesting crews—fellerbuncher, skidder and loader—is 50 to 70 loads a week. The largest crew has a track-type cutter, two skidders and two loaders. Ratio of hardwood to softwood is about 50/50 and thinning to clear-cutting is about 30/70. Tracts need to produce around 200 loads, and no less than 150, for Forest Energies to send in one of its own crews. All other tracts are harvested by subcontractors. Cat equipment dominates. Caterpillar Financial Services Corp. provided financing. “Cat equipment helps us out in many ways. We operate our equipment in some extreme conditions and they deliver day in and day out. It is
one thing to be able to produce, but the equipment also needs to be able to produce on a cost basis as well. Our Cat machines have done a good job producing at a cost per ton rate in line with what was advertised,” Freeman says. Morris describes the company’s relationship with Caterpillar Forest Products and Cat dealer Thompson Tractor as a “partnership” that’s key to their business. “It really is about the support after the sale because there’s no bad equipment out there any more. The more communication there is, the fewer problems there are for everybody,” he says. Freeman adds, “The product support guys are on our job sites about every two weeks, and we have a weekly conference call with Thompson to go over the status of every machine.” Beyond the service support, the company called on Caterpillar’s help when it was looking at a tract that others had passed on because of the terrain—33° slope on average and as steep as 45° in some areas. Thompson and Caterpillar engineers worked with the company to find a solution. They presented detailed simulations and cycle time comparisons that illustrated higher production and lower cost per ton that would be achieved with a Cat 522B track-type feller-buncher fitted with a HF201B head, and adding two skidders. “They brought the 522B out here and ran it for two weeks themselves” Freeman recalls. Morris adds, “Their boots on the ground and their expertise have helped us understand how to better use our machines to get more productivity.” For example, Morris tells how optimizing skid trails and training the skidder operator on pulling in the correct gear, depending on the load, has reduced fuel consumption up to 7%. He says the Caterpillar team also taught their loader operators to use the economy mode. “Every operator we had just put it in power mode no matter what we were loading,” he explains. “Now we’ve educated our loader operators and we’ve seen a significant drop in fuel consumption.”
Harvesting Crews In general, the company does not hire workers who have never operated forestry equipment. New workers are trained on the job under the supervision of the crew leader or foreman.
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Prentice pull-through delimbers and CSI slashers are vital attachments for Cat loaders.
Energies is able to operate three-man crews “that produce as much as fourand five-man crews.” Another is strong leader-operators. “We have been able to find people who can run the loader and be the crew leader that can get production we need,” Freeman says. Morris adds that assigning a bulldozer to each crew so they can stay on shorter skids, along with the efficiency of newer machines, enables them to run leaner crews.
Biggest Challenge
Cat 320D track-type loader adds versatility.
Crew leaders are not responsible for hiring, firing or crew assignments. Darryl Morris, general manager (no relation to Lenn Morris), does all that. “We take that part of the decisionmaking away from our crew leaders. They also don’t need to worry about where they’re going to get their fuel or 12
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parts,” Freeman says. “They don’t have to worry about anything but getting to the woods and back, and picking up who they’re supposed to pick up. The direction is the same every day: You’ve got trucks coming; do as many loads as you can.” This support is one reason Forest
From both the regulatory and expense standpoint, trucking is the biggest challenge these days, according to the principals. The company owns 34 trucks and 48 trailers. The transportation operations group includes dispatcher Phillip McCollough and trucking director Danny Alexander, who ensures the company is operating within regulations. “DOT regulations are really tough, but we’ve taken the position to embrace them. We’re not going to fight them. We’re going to have the safest, best equipment and we’re educating our drivers to be safe,” Morris says. The days of hiring a driver off the street are over. After initial screening, a drug test, a check ride and DOT
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refresher, new hires ride with an experienced driver, first as passenger and then as driver, before driving solo. The company uses Telogis for realtime GPS fleet tracking. Besides being the dispatcher’s daily tool for managing the drivers’ location and activity, Telogis stored data can come in handy. “If there is a question about where a particular load was delivered a couple weeks ago, we can pull up the data on that driver and see,” Freeman says. “And if a driver were to get a speeding ticket, the data could help us prove he was not speeding.” Brokerage and harvesting are profitable, according to Freeman, and the goal is to make hauling profitable, too. “If we can make a little with hauling, then we’ve won the game,” Freeman says. “We’re looking at how we can manage the fleet’s logistics more effectively instead of the traditional way of each crew with its own trucks,” Morris says. “For example, if we have a 150 mile trip, we could have one truck do the trip or two trucks do 75 miles each. If we go with one truck, and that truck breaks down, I don’t get the wood to the mill. If we have two trucks and one breaks down, we can probably make the delivery.” One path to profitable hauling is double shifting. The company is shooting for a 20 hour day per truck, with an average of three loads delivered per shift per truck. “You can’t do that with every truck, because we don’t want to run all the trucks at night; we still have to do maintenance and we don’t want to do that during the day,” Morris explains. “Say we have 40 trucks. If I have 20 trucks doing two loads a day and half the trucks running two loads at night, I’ll make my average.” Currently, the first shift starts at 5 a.m. and ends about 5 p.m., with the second shift starting at the same time. Only a couple of drivers are on the second shift now, so this basic schedule will be refined as the company gets more drivers. Right now everyone has Sunday off, but as the company grows, the plan is to rotate some drivers who will haul to the mills on Sundays, too. Another step to profitable hauling is weight reduction. The operation foregoes the extras that add weight when ordering trucks. As a result, it is able to average a 29-ton payload and still be within the state’s legal 88,000 lb.
522B track-type buncher often takes on steep terrain.
The skidder lineup includes some newer Tier 4f engine-equipped 535Ds.
limit for raw forest products. “We don’t care about those 600 HP motors. We want a 455 HP motor that will get you to the mill safely with a bigger payload,” Freeman says. Despite all the challenges, in-house hauling is still preferable to subcontracting because dependency on third party hauling would leave the company open to many variables beyond its control. One is availability. If it rains, Forest Energies crews are back in the woods just a few hours after it stops. They need the trucks to be ready, too. Another more critical reason: “If there’s an accident, we know we’re following the rules and doing what we’re supposed to be doing. If you have a third party doing your hauling, you don’t know that for sure. If there’s a claim, they’re going to go after
whomever has the deepest pockets,” Morris explains.
Future The principals see continued growth in the near to mid-term and anticipate expanding harvesting operations into south Alabama and parts of Tennessee and possibly Georgia. As well, the company’s origin and name hint at the possibility of biomass energy projects. “We’re going to continue to be a true supply chain partner to our clients. You will also see us expand deeper into the forestry industry. We’re going to expand our business with the same ethics, integrity and safety, taking care of our people and the environment and doing it the Forest Energies way,” Morris concludes. TH
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Moving Toward A Brighter Future Mike Wirta seeks opportunity in Arizona with Good Earth Power. JayDonnell
M
ike Wirta moved his logging business from Plumos County, California to Flagstaff, Arizona in September of 2014 and hasn’t looked back. After logging for more than 20 years in the Golden State, Wirta knew it was time to seek opportunities elsewhere. He began searching online to see if he could find anything that peeked his interest when he came across the company Good Earth Power Arizona (GEPAZ). In September 2013, the U.S. Forest Service transferred the management of the Phase 1 Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) contract to Good Earth Power. The Phase 1 contract calls for the restoration of 300,000 14
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acres of forest in the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab and Tonto national forests over a 10-year period. In October 2013, Good Earth Power appointed Campbell Global to manage the initial forest restoration operations under the 4FRI contract. The Campbell Group, LLC is a full-service timberland investment advisory firm and manages more than 3 million acres in the U.S. and Australia. Wirta knew this could be a good opportunity so he contacted Campbell Global, which invited Wirta to come and visit GEPAZ’s offices in Flagstaff. They eventually struck a deal for Wirta Logging, Inc. to work on the 4FRI project. The company
began working in the Tonto National Forest last September. “I had been wanting to get out of California and this deal came up,” Wirta recalls. “I decided to jump in with both feet.” Wirta Logging had logged for Sierra Pacific Industries for 20 years before making the move to Arizona. “California’s just a tough place for a logger,” Wirta says. “There’s a lot more support down here from different organizations.” Of course the forestry situation in Arizona is a completely different animal than what Wirta was used to. For one thing, there hasn’t been a significant forest products industry in the state for years—very little logging in
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Mike Wirta: “in with both feet”
John Deere 843K feller-buncher often works on one side...
...while Tigercat 830C track-type machines remains on another.
two decades—meaning no infrastructure. Wirta Logging is one piece, a significant one, in the entire effort to build a timber industry infrastructure for this project. This challenge goes to the Forest Service as well because it hasn’t had the administrative capacity to handle this contract, so it’s building its own forces as well. The situation continues to evolve, as Good Earth Power has recently brought its forestry and procurement operations in-house.
Operations Wirta Logging, Inc. was officially established in 1989, but Wirta went to work for his grandfather out of high
JD 648H skidder is Wirta’s newest.
school in 1976, and after his grandfather sold out in 1984 Wirta went out on his own. Recently increasing to three sides, Wirta Logging is harvesting 40 loads of sawlogs and chips per day and can ramp up to 65. When Timber Harvesting visited, Wirta Logging was thinning a 585-acre tract, cutting
mostly ponderosa pine, juniper and some smaller oaks. Wirta’s primary markets include the Good Earth Lumberjack sawmill in Heber, Ariz., and the Good Earth sawmill at Williams, Ariz., as well as Gro-Well in Phoenix, Scotts Miracle-Gro in Phoenix and the Novo Power biomass power plant in Snowflake. ➤ 16
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Hitachi 210 loader feeds slash to Morbark 40/36 drum chipper.
15 ➤ “The plan is to continue to Health benefits are also provided. grow our logging force through Mike’s son, Tyler, 28, made the Wirta Logging, to bring all forest move to Arizona and runs several difmanagement in-house and to continferent machines for the company. ue expanding GEPAZ forest operaThe company is currently using tions,” says Jason Rosamond, GEPAZ’s office in Flagstaff for bookGEPAZ co-founder. keeping and accounting work. Mike’s In California, Wirta was cutting wife, Karen, does all of the bookkeepconifers, sugar pine, yellow pine, westing for the business. ern cedar, white fir and a small amount of white pine. “I was doing more clearEquipment cutting in California, but other than Wirta uses a mix of equipment, that this isn’t much different than what including a 2013 JD 843K fellerI was doing there,” Wirta says. “The buncher with FD55 disc sawhead, biggest difference is we feel like we 2013 Tigercat 830C track-type fellerhave more support from local organizations here.” The company had 15 employees when TH visited but continues to expand. Wirta had several employees follow him from Portola, Calif., but some got homesick and went back. He’s done considerable hiring since he’s been in his new state, a task that would seem difficult, but with a contract paying government wages, it has been surprisingly easy for the 56-year-old. “Finding guys hasn’t been a problem at all so far,” Wirta explains. “Typically a skidder operator will make $18 an hour, but out here anyone running equipment makes $24.11.” Employees generally work 10 hours per day and they are granted personal time for illLeft to right, mechanic Clifford Berry and driver Wiley Akers ness and family emergencies. 16
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buncher, JD 690 loader, Cat 320 loader, 2013 Hitachi 210 loader, two Cat 518 skidders, 2013 648H JD skidder, Timberjack 635 delimber and a Morbark 40/36 drum chipper. Wirta deals with Empire Cat in Flagstaff and RDO Equipment (JD dealer) also located in Flagstaff. He has a great relationship with his primary dealers. “RDO took us back to their corporate headquarters and we took a two day tour of the factory,” Wirta says. “Empire Cat recently invited me to a barbecue at one of their new shops.” A big challenge for Wirta was moving his equipment from California to Arizona, some 740 miles, on low bed trailers. It cost nearly $60,000. “Once we finally got every piece moved it wasn’t hard to get everything set up because it all went straight to the first job,” Wirta explains. Wirta Logging spent an estimated $600,000 on parts and supplies in the past year. Each machine gets greased every day and oil is changed every 250 hours. Rotella 15W40 motor oil is used as well as hydraulic 46 oil. All of the company’s equipment maintenance is done in the woods. “My mechanic, Cliff Berry, does 99% of the work and he does a great job for us,” Wirta comments. Most of Wirta’s trucking is contracted, but the company does have one truck, a Peterbilt, that pulls a Cozad trailer. He also has a Wesco chip van. The company holds meetings at least once a month to discuss safety issues. “If there’s something going wrong I want to know about it,” Wirta says. “Safety is always the most important thing out here.” When Wirta moves on a new tract his company finds the landings and flags the skid trails. When they’re finishing up a tract they have to put water bars in and use a lot of slash for cover. “The Forest Service has to approve our pre logging and our post logging,” Wirta says. “When we’re done with a tract they have to tell us that everything’s fine before we can leave.”
Forest Problems Wildfires have been a major problem in Arizona for the past decade. In 2011, the Wallow
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fire consumed 500,000 acres, making it the largest in the state’s history. In 2013, Arizona lost 19 firefighters in the Yardell Wildland fire outside of Prescott. These fires have alerted regional and national authorities to the need for proper management and thinning of the forests and that’s where GEPAZ comes in. It took quite a while for everyone to get on board with the 4FRI plan, but environmental groups and the Forest Service worked together and got it going. “They’ve set this up and it seems like most everybody wants this thinning and fire proofing done here,” Wirta says. “Even the environmental groups were keyed in on this from the beginning.” Thwarting fires is obviously a big concern for Wirta and his crews. Each of his machines is equipped with a fire extinguisher, shovel and axe. They also have a fire pumper with 300 ft. of hose and a 500-gallon tank. “I also have a 4,000 gallon water truck that I can hook up to the fire pumper and try to fight the fire if something was to occur,” Wirta says. “I have to do what I can to put it out.”
will be sold and distributed throughout the southwest. “Unlike previous stewardship projects or a typical timber sale, the 4FRI contract requires that all biomass be removed in a timely manner. For every truckload of sawlogs that we move, there are three related loads of biomass that must be hauled from the forest and then on to a GEPAZ customer in Arizona or Cali-
fornia,” Rosamond explains. Wirta hopes that his company will be able to expand as GEPAZ’s efforts continue to move forward. He believes his company could have as many as six sides if things continue to go smoothly. “We definitely want to expand and continue to grow,” Wirta says. “There’s only so much time in the day, but I hope that we can turn TH into a big thing down here.”
Looking Ahead GEPAZ is now cutting an average of 30 acres per day and 625 acres per month. GEPAZ continues to try to increase the rate of restoration. Additional logging capacity is being put into place and GEPAZ is actively building its own fleet of trucks and trailers to supplement the existing group of truckers. Thirteen task orders have received notices to proceed from the USFS. While GEPAZ has made progress in Arizona there are still many delays and challenges, but despite them, GEPAZ CEO Rosamond remains optimistic. “Good Earth remains 100% committed to the 4FRI project and its goal to create an industry and a sustainable economic model that will fund long-term forest restoration.” he says. GEPAZ is hoping the biomass side of the operation will continue to grow as the wood products industry continues to grow in Arizona. They are making significant progress in the development of their soils business, which operates as Good Earth Soils, LTD. In January they partnered with Roots Composting, LLC to produce a line of enriched soil products that Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers
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CTL Update:
Dedicated Machines, Attachments & More Manufacturers describe their latest products and innovations.* AFM-Forest Ltd. Hakkutie 3, 40320 Jyvaskyla, Finland Ph. +358 20 765 90 61 afm-forest.fi
dling device which enables easy collecting of small wood and processing of several stems at the same time. Suitable base machines for AFM White Line heads are 12-16 ton wheeled harvesters and 10-15 ton excavators. AFM 35 can be installed also on bigger forwarders for cut and forward operations.
width shoes and 6.54 PSI with 700 mm shoes, and maximum travel speed is 2.47 MPH. Dual swing motors provide continuous rotation and high swing torque at 50,787 ft. lbs. The unit features a heavy-duty, oversized swing bearing and offers outstanding reach with any attachment. A responsive IQAN control system is specifically designed for the 240, featuring hydraulics tailored for both fixed and dangle head harvesters, and feller-buncher applications. A patent-pending design allows the cab to slide forward 36” for enhanced serviceability, while a hydraulically opening gull wing door makes routine maintenance quick and easy.
Barko Hydraulics LLC 1 Banks Ave. Superior, WI 54880-1319 Ph. 715-395-6700 barko.com
The AFM White Line is a totally new line of harvesting heads. AFM 35 is a powerful and versatile energy wood combo head suitable for conventional logging as well as multistemming and loading. Optional cutting blade above the chain saw unit is designed to speed up the cutting and handling of small diameter energy wood. High feeding power and feeding speed ensure profitable small wood harvesting. AFM 45 is an effective harvesting head for thinning and final felling with small and medium-sized forest machines. AFM 55 has big capacity and perfect holding geometry for clear felling and later thinning operations with middle sized forest machines. AFM heads are equipped with high flow hydraulic valves together with proportional feeding pressures that perfectly exploit the base machine power. Three rollers feeding together with four delimbing knives ensure high quality production. AFM heads can be equipped with a multi-tree han-
Bracke Forest AB Svedjegatan 11 840 60 Bräcke, Sweden Ph. +46 (0)693-105 75 brackeforest.com
Driven by a 220 HP Cummins QSB6.7 engine, Barko’s 240 harvester/feller-buncher delivers superior productivity and optimal fuel efficiency on tough jobs. The power and engineering of this 45,000 lb. machine result in impressive performance specifications, including maximum tractive effort of 65,833 ft. lbs. and superior drawbar pull—better than 1.3 to 1 ratio—to handle steep hills and rough terrain with ease. The D5 undercarriage of the 240 features high ground clearance of 26.2” and a compact track width (9’4”) and length (13’-1”) for enhanced maneuverability. Ground pressure is 7.63 PSI when equipped with 600 mm
The Bracke C16.c is an accumulating felling head for silviculture and bioenergy. The head has a high accumulating capacity and a unique, patented cutting solution that provides extremely rapid cutting. This makes the Bracke C16.c the fastest felling head for biomass on the market. The C16.c combines highly efficient clearing with the ability to make use of
*All claims are attributable to respective manufacturers.
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valuable assortments such as biomass. As a result, the head is suited to all types of mechanized felling, such as corridor clearing, pre-commercial and first thinnings, thinning and clearing along roadsides, field edges and power lines. It can be installed on harvesters, forwarders and other machines equipped with a crane. It is versatile and has smooth exterior and rounded corners, making it easy to maneuver without damaging remaining trees. The cutting solution comprises a circular saw disc on which a ¾” saw chain is installed. The design of the disc means that the chain is always taut when working. The head has an open saw box that allows for easy maintenance. It also uses the same type of hydraulic cylinders for accumulation and the grapple, which means fewer spare parts.
Caterpillar distributes SATCO felling and processing heads, which are known for their performance, durability and leading-edge technology. Caterpillar offers a full line of SATCO single-grip heads for felling, delimbing, and bucking at the stump. Caterpillar manufactures a line of forwarders with ample power and hydraulics and state-of-the-art controls for quickly loading wood and removing it from the forest. Load capacities range from 15 to 22 tons.
Custom Machined Specialties 1356 N. Main St. Ph. 814-938-1031 Punxsutawney, PA 15767 chain-serts.com
Caterpillar Forest Products 100 S.L. White Blvd. LaGrange, GA 30241-9310 cat.com/forestry
Caterpillar manufactures purposebuilt forestry machines for cut-tolength harvesting operations, including track harvesters, attachments and forwarders. The Cat 541 and 552 Series 2 harvesters are full tail swing track-type machines designed for high production clear-cut or final fell in rough terrain while the 521 and 522B Series machines are near-zero tail swing harvesters. The 552 and 522 models are leveling machines suitable for steep terrain. All models have been upgraded with the new Cat PRO (Parallel Reach Operation) System, which enables operators to complete a smoother, more fluid harvesting motion. One joystick extends or retracts the boom by combining both main and stick boom functions. Another option is the Cat 501HD track-type harvester, a zero tail swing machine.
Has sharpening your harvester chain got you down? Cutting into your profits? Chain-Serts may be the answer for you! The Chain-Sert system is a twopart system consisting of a long-lasting carbide-tipped cutter and a specially designed chain that is actually a tool holder for the cutters. The tapoff/wedge-on cutter replacement process is quick, convenient and drastically reduces downtime! No special bars needed. The cutters can be configured for different cutting conditions, i.e. semi-chisel, full-chisel, mixed full and semi-chisel or skip tooth—all with one chain! Here are some typical responses from our owner-operators who know that time is money: “Works great, love the system!” “Cutting 25 loads a day in mud and clay, can’t tell its’ been touched.” “Owners’ favorite chain.” “Very well satisfied, saves time on sharpening.” “Good idea, don’t have to sharpen all the time.” Made in the U.S., the Chain-Sert system powers through frozen, muddy, sandy covered wood and the occasional nail and stone. Customers are cutting 40–60 times longer with Chain-Serts. Save time and money— no re-tipping or grinding—just stock up on cutters, not chain.
Cutting Systems Inc. 774 Zeb Rd. Union Grove, NC 28689-9148 Ph. 877-844-1274 cuttingsys.com
CSI’s DFH-3526 is a grapple felling sawhead designed for use on tracktype carriers. It incorporates a dangle hook-up system and features bar and chain cutting technology. Expertly designed and built from the finest alloy steel, the robust DFH-3526 is built to withstand daily punishment. The head is equipped with a ¾” pitch chain that runs on a 37” bar. You can do a 26” cut in a single pass or a 35” cut with multiple passes. The arms are designed to allow the operator to pick up the tree and remove the top, forks, big limbs, etc. You can also shovel log trees for skidder access, as well as load stems with the unit, which weighs 3,000 lbs. and is 51” high (without rotator). CSI has been in the attachment manufacturing business for the past 30-plus years. All of our attachments are used in the forestry industry.
John Deere Forestry 1515 5th Ave. Moline, IL 61265 Ph. 309-781-7937 johndeere.com
Harvesters—John Deere’s E-Series wheeled harvesters (1070E, 1170E, 1270E and 1470E) are full of intelligent features. Their exclusive hightech cabs with 160° turning radius and state-of-the-art leveling systems deliver unsurpassed visibility and productivity. The new twin-pump hydraulic
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system employs two loops: one for harvester head and transmission control; and one for head and boom control. A standard reversing fan keeps the engine cooler cores clean while lowering fuel consumption. Forwarders—Strong, smooth booms, fuel-efficient PowerTech engines, and durable transmissions are just some of the productivity boosters loggers have come to expect from John Deere forwarders. From the nimble 1010E to the powerful 1910E, John Deere’s E-Series machines offer a variety of features and options that make it easier for forestry professionals to find a machine that will meet their needs and make their operations more productive and profitable. John Deere first introduced the ESeries in 2009, adding productivity boosting innovations and enhancements ever since. A notable feature of the E-Series is a long awaited breakthrough in forwarder technology, Intelligent Boom Control (IBC). First introduced in 2013, Intelligent Boom Control has been praised for its ability to operate the boom with more precision, making it easier for the operator, and easier on the equipment as well. It is currently available as an option on the 1210E IT4, 1510E IT4 and 1110E IT4.
Kesla Oy Kuurnankatu 24 Joensuu, Finland 80100 Ph. +358 40 3565 102 kesla.com Kesla is the first manufacturer in the world to install JPS R5500 saw units on its harvester heads. The new saw unit’s low RPM, highcapacity motor is much more durable than tradi20
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tional solutions and operates at much better efficiency. The JPS R5500 saw unit also has lower operating and maintenance costs. It utilizes wide Iggesund JW series saw bars, which have a life span many times that of traditional bars. With an efficient tensioner, the chain stays intact in all sawing situations. Studies also show that the JPS saw produces fewer cutting cracks. The new saw unit is available for the Kesla harvester head range from the fresh model 18RH-II upwards. Kesla has also taken into its range the new proLOG and xLogger measuring devices, which are compliant with the Stanford standard (proLOG with limitations). Thanks to modern modular technology and sufficient calculation capacity, timber measurement is precise and control is accurate. The user-friendly interface ensures that harvesting and the adjustment of the harvester head are easy. The proLOG measuring device is equipped with a 7” wide screen and xLogger with 12” touch screen. The latter is also fully Stanford 2010-compatible.
Komatsu America Corp. Forestry Group P.O. Box 168 Chattanooga, TN 37401-0168 Ph. 847-437-5800 komatsuforest.us
Next Generation Harvesters— Komatsu is 1st-in-the-forest to offer a complete line of Tier 4f harvesters in North America. The 901, 911, 931 and 951 models replace the former 901TX.1, 911.5, 931.1 and 941.1 models, respectively. Besides the more fuel-efficient Tier 4f engines, they feature new cabs, hydraulic systems, transmissions, 360º cab/crane rotation, and expanded MaxiXplorer software control options for increased productivity, operator comfort, serviceability, reliability and durability. The Tier 4f engines come with notable enhancements, including high “torque backup” at low engine speeds,
higher capacity cooling systems with “intelligent variable fan control” to reduce fuel use and noise, and heated batteries. All models share a common modern design cab that features significantly improved front/rear visibility, LED lighting, automotive-type sounddampening fit and finish, heating/cooling boxes for food/beverage storage, and a MaxiXplorer 3.1 control system with 7 available software options for improved productivity. Additionally, all cabs/cranes now rotate a full 360º to maximize the working area. The new 3-pump hydraulic system (3PS) allows higher flows at low RPM to improve productivity. One pump runs the transmission and two pumps run a dual-circuit system to provide higher working flows. All models share the same “Intelligent HST System” transmission used in Komatsu forwarders, which optimizes performance in all driving conditions.
Next-Generation Forwarders— These three models feature advanced Tier 4i SCR engine technology, new transmissions, “comfort bogie” axle systems, redesigned cabs and other technological advances. The 855.1 (15.4 ton capacity), 865 (16.5 ton), and 895 (22 ton) machines provide greater productivity, operator comfort, and fuel economy than prior models. All feature robust chassis designs with long bunks and adjustable wideners, providing high capacity bunk space. The new “HST” hydrostatic transmission automatically responds to increase tractive effort in every situation. This “smart” transmission produces higher traction force than earlier designs to muscle over hills and obstacles more effectively. The portal “comfort bogie” axle design creates an ideal combination of traction, speed, and comfort in difficult terrain. The cab design is more spacious, with dramatically improved visibility and storage solutions to create an ideal ergonomic work environment.
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The interior has exceptional fit and finish, including a smart radio with Bluetooth hands-free functionality and new ergonomic comfort control hand controls with added functionality. The 855.1 offers the revolutionary Comfort Ride hydraulic cab suspension option, providing superior operator driving comfort in the most difficult terrain. The user-friendly MaxiXplorer machine control system integrates and monitors all machine systems and functions.
C93 and C144 Heads—Komatsu’s C-Series carry-style family of harvesting heads includes the C93 and C144 models. The C93 weighs 2,152 lbs. and handles thinning, crooked stems and multi-stem harvesting duties with an ideal working range of 6” to 13” DBH (23.6” max cut). The C144 weighs 3,086 lbs., is suited for clear-cutting, and has an ideal working range of 8” to 20” DBH (29.5” max cut). Key features include: User-friendly MaxiXplorer 3.1 head control and monitoring system; new robust frame design which allows delimbing knives to closely follow the trunk; an increased rearward tilt angle (40º vs. 25º) that provides faster feeding while reducing frame stress when harvesting downhill; and hydraulic “carry-style” feed rollers which maximize contact with the stem, creating consistent feeding force and fast speeds when handling difficult trees/limbs. The new Constant Cut saw control provides constant 130 ft/sec chain speed throughout the cutting cycle. Automatic chain tensioning and EcoOiler chain oiling systems deliver faster cutting performance, longer saw motor life, and reduced fuel use, splitting/cracking, and maintenance. Optional stump treatment and color marking systems are available, and the C93 can be equipped for multi-stem operation. Service is easy with centralized lubrication points, and all electrical circuits/solenoids are visibly marked. 22
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Log Max 1114 W. Fourth Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660-2021 Ph. 360-699-7300 logmax.us
“Highest quality,” “simple and efficient design,” and “best performing head” are just some of the comments that Log Max customers make after experiencing the capabilities of Log Max processing heads. There are many features setting Log Max apart from other heads. Our patented knife control, combined with our feed roller geometry, results in minimal friction, maximum limb coverage, and the highest quality logs produced. Additionally, these features allow Log Max to process multi-stems in smaller wood to maximize production. The Log Max design includes the market’s most accurate diameter measuring system that utilizes 4 points compared to 2. Our focus is also on simplicity and long product life. Log Max incorporates a single frame system, rather than multiple pieces, that results in exceptional structural strength. Plus, when maintenance is needed, one pin removes one part— plain and simple—to make repairs quick and easy. Finally and most importantly is the Log Max service team who customers proclaim as the most knowledgeable in the industry. They will work with you to assure your Log Max is maximizing your bottom line throughout its long life.
Logset Oy LN Machinerie 10 Route Villeneuve Saguenay, QC G7H 5A8 Canada Ph. 418-690-3277 lnmachinerie.com Logset Oy manufactures forwarders, harvesters and harvester heads, all equipped with Logset´s own control system and measuring device. The GTE harvester series is the latest developed 8-wheeled machines.
Designed for the most demanding conditions, the GTE series measures up to the steepest terrain and ensures greater stability during processing in the whole reach area of the crane. All Logset harvesters are controlled with the most efficient and userfriendly measuring device: TOC-MD. The measuring device controls the engine and fuel efficiency and optimizes production while working quickly and accurately. The TH harvester head range, starting from smallest diameters to 37.4”, is the perfect match for all processing work with tracked and wheeled machines. The GT forwarder range, lately complete with the biggest model 12F GT (20 ton capacity) embraces all valued Logset standards in terms of reliability, low running costs and power to enhance productivity. The 12F convinces with its ability to carry the highest possible timber volume ever, its powerful 300 HP engine and its amplified tractive force of 250 kN. This massive forwarder shows outstanding performances in the most challenging terrain, thanks to the newly patented decelerate assistant and protection system (DeX).
Olofsfors, Inc. 121 Roy Blvd., Unit 4 Brantford, ON N3R 7K1 Canada 519-754-2190 olofsfors.com Olofsfors is a Swedish-based company founded in 1762, with North American operations in Brantford, Ontario. Olofsfors specializes in attachments and accessories for cut-tolength machines. The two main product lines are ECO-Tracks and Iggesund Forest. Olofsfors is the market leader in bogie tracks for CTL machinery and wheel tracks for skidders and wheeltype feller-bunchers. Under the brand name ECO-Tracks, Olofsfors offers a wide range of track models and link-
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age systems for various machine configurations and ground conditions. Most track models are now available in the next generation of curved cross members for increased flotation, less ground disturbance and easier machine turning. A new product line to the Olofsfors Group is Iggesund Forest saw bars. Iggesund Forest manufactures harvester bars in both .404” and ¾” pitch sizes. The models are R7 and R8 in .404” and R9 for ¾”. These solid harvester bars are made extremely rigid and durable by using a unique heat treatment process. The special alloy used also creates exceptional strength characteristics. Key features are the nose sprocket and roller bearings. The sprocket is larger with 12 teeth and the roller bearings are fully contained within the shims, resulting in less heat and wear.
tified as harvester chain assembly center of Blount manufactured harvester saw chain; and 5) Certified to setup authorized dealers to promote and grow market share. OREGON leads in product education and training. We offer maintenance manuals, handbooks and service seminars which cover current industry concerns such as “chain shot,” “safety,” and “recommended cutting system maintenance and product trouble shooting” for both mechanized and chain saw-based harvesting. OREGON and its team are conducting “chain shot awareness” and “mechanized timber harvesting” seminars. Interested parties should call 800-223-5168 and select the technical services option, or email technical services@oregonchain.com.
Pierce Pacific Mfg. Inc. P.O. Box 30509 Portland, OR 97294-3509 Ph. 800-760-3270 piercepacific.com
Ryan’s Equipment 111 Quicksilver Ln. Edmore, MI 48829 989-427-2829 ryansequip.com
Oregon Cutting Systems 4909 SE International Way Portland, OR 97222-4601 Ph. 800-223-5168 oregonchain.com Our goal is to be the global brand of choice for mechanized timber harvesting systems and harvester machine parts. To achieve this, we are moving closer to our customers, selectively developing new innovative products, continually improving established products, ensuring the highest quality, and utilizing the skills and expertise of a select team of worldwide distributors certified under the OREGON Harvester Centers of Excellence Program. To achieve OREGON certification under this program, this select team of customers has completed an intensive product education and training course at OREGON. As Certified Harvester Center of Excellence, they are: 1) Certified as the regional mechanized timber harvesting system experts with an on-staff harvester technical training specialist to assist customers immediately; 2) Certified to do all warranty on location for customers; 3) Certified in chain shot and harvester cutting system education and training; 4) Cer24
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place of a loading grapple and does not require any cables or extra hydraulics. All functions are operated with the grapple open/closevalve. Stroke delimbing: 50 cm per stroke. The head weighs only 235 kg so it can be mounted even on the smallest cranes. Naarva S23C can also be installed on a 5-8 ton excavator, for which we provide an extension boom kit. The saw unit can be replaced with a cutting guillotine. a strong and maintenance-free cutting unit for small wood. Guillotine cutting diameter is 23 cm. With the guillotine you can also split firewood directly after felling.
See for yourself what others are raving about…and saving about. The Pierce Grapple Processor combines your processor and loader into one single machine, and thus reducing the amount of equipment needed to perform a job historically requiring two. Valuable time, labor, maintenance, fuel, and transportation are all costs saved using the GP. Whether your logging operation is large or small, the Pierce GP is the smartest way to do more with less.
Pentin Paja Oy Pamilonkatu 30 Joensuu, Finland 80130 Ph. +358400 298966 naarva.fi Naarva S23C is an electricity-free harvesting head. It is simple and easy to mount and use. With S23C you can do felling, delimbing and cutting. Naarva S23C is equipped with a 30 cm cutting saw. Stroke harvester is installed in the
The DS28 is a rugged chain-and-bar grapple felling sawhead designed for use on excavators, track-type fellerbunchers and loader-type carriers. It is equipped with a ¾” pitch saw chain running on a 37” bar and is capable of cutting 28” in a single pass or 40” in multiple passes. The grapple style arm design enables the operator to handle standing or downed timber to fell, pile, crosscut, trim, top and shovel. This head is ideal for right-of-way clearing, selective cutting, salvaging storm timber and harvesting large trees. Hydraulic requirements are 30-50 GPM @ 4,000 PSI. The heavy-duty construction and robust rotator enable the operator to work continuously with ease, day after day.
Tigercat Industries Inc. P.O. Box 637 Brantford, ON N3T 5P9 Canada 519-753-2000 tigercat.com Tigercat’s purpose-built, full forest duty track-type harvesters offer superior performance, fuel efficiency, uptime, longevity and service access
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over excavator conversions, ultimately reducing the cost per ton of processed wood. With an extensive range of machines, Tigercat can match a model to any harvesting or roadside processing application. The Tigercat H845D, powered by the Tigercat FPT N67 tier 4f engine, is an efficient, productive harvester with limited tail-swing and outstanding service access. ER boom technology improves fuel efficiency, reduces operator fatigue and increases productivity. The combination of high horsepower and efficient harvester head-optimized hydraulics provide the operator with responsive control, quick feed speed and powerful delimbing capability. Best of all, the Tigercat FPT engine is fully supported by Tigercat and the
Tigercat dealer network. The H855D is built for severe duty and offers performance and durability advantages over excavator conversions. A Tigercat 575 head makes a great fit for the machine, whether you are harvesting at the stump or processing at roadside. The patented threewheel drive system on the 575 head automatically switches between threewheel and two-wheel drive for high efficiency in small stem processing without sacrificing big tree feeding performance.
Waratah 60 Eastbrook Bend, Suite A Peachtree City, GA 30269 770-692-0380 waratah.net Waratah’s HTH 622B Series 2 offers new features: an industry first laser photocell design, 360° continuous rotation rotator, a much improved pin retention system, a lock-on saw cut feature, plus other enhancements. Waratah also introduces the all-new 622C 4x4 multi-tree processing head, a new model released this summer. This
head features proven multi-stemming capability, 4-wheel drive feed with wider drive wheels, an auto tensioning ¾” saw unit, twin laser photo eyes, a cleaner high-efficiency valve design, and other exciting features designed to bring your logging operation increased production, improve measuring accuracy and lower operating costs. In business for over 40 years, Waratah’s harvester/processor designs have vast working experience in the USA for over 20 years. It has been our strong relationships with our customers that have made it possible for Waratah to continue to be the global industry leader in harvester/processor sales. TH
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IWE Dodges Storms, Crowds Converge Fourth InWoodsExpo in Arkansas goes well; vendors sell machines.
T
DavidAbbott
he success of the fourth InWoodsExpo (IWE), held near Hot Springs, Ark. June 18-20, looked doubtful as the show got underway. Thanks to tropical depression Bill, clouds overshadowed crowds when registration opened, and after hours thunderstorms threatened to wash out the rest of the weekend. Given that the three previous expos had been impacted by rain and severe weather, organizers opted to move this year’s show to June. As it turned out, the rain was not much of a factor. By the time the majority of attendees arrived to walk the trails on Friday and
Saturday, clouds had cleared and the heat was on. “Out of the four outdoor shows we have done, this is the only one when we’ve had sunlight on both full days,” according to Arkansas Timber Producers Assn. (ATPA) Executive Director Larry Boccarossa, who was expo manager “We didn’t have to worry a lot about tornadoes. I’ll take hot in exchange for that.” ATPA hosts IWE every four years. A static show takes place on an alternating four-year rotation. HattonBrown Publishers, parent company of Timber Harvesting, was a co-sponsor
of IWE this year. Boccarossa reports that IWE hosted about 3,500 total across the event. “I was real pleased,” he says. “We were shooting for 3-5,000, so we hit the target.” Attendees came from 28 states as well as British Columbia and Ontario. The vast majority of paid attendees naturally came from Arkansas, but Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas were well represented (100-150 each), with other bordering states Missouri and Mississippi sending more than 40 each. Attendance wasn’t limited to the immediate region. There were also 41
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Friday and Saturday while Thursday, in keeping with show tradition, was designated as a day for area students to learn about forestry. With the show’s rescheduling to June, school was out for summer, but learning continued nonetheless. Rob Beadel, with the Arkansas Forestry Assn., hosted a group of elementary and high school teachers as part of a week-long teacher conservation tour. In a first for IWE, a family area featured activities for children, such as inflatable slide and bouncy house, and a clown making balloon animals. Woodson, Inc. sponsored this section entirely. “We’re very grateful to Steve Woodson for taking care of it for us,” Boccarossa says. “It was one less thing we had to worry about.” The show also presented several opportunities to give back. According to Mike Pennington, several contributors, including John Deere/Stribling Equipment, Norman Wolf/Texarkana Trucks and Tucker Trucks, combined with a show raffle to raise $4,412.05 for Log A Load for Kids.
On Display
from Georgia and 39 from Illinois. Several came from as far away as Washington, Michigan and New York. An entire crew drove more than 900 miles from Virginia, and two gentlemen traveled all the way from Brazil. Weyerhaeuser again provided the site, and several major players in the state’s forest industry, including Plum Creek, Potlatch, Green Bay Packaging, Deltic Timber Corp., The Price Compa28
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nies, Zilkha Biomass Energy, Crouse Truck Parts & Equipment, L.D. Long, Inc., Don Wright Logging, and Tri-W Logging, along with BITCO Insurance, were among IWE’s sponsors. As well, several individuals prominent in the Arkansas timber community lent their time and energy in planning, preparation and execution of the show. Education was a key part of IWE. Loggers earned CE credits on-site on
There was plenty of equipment to see. Caterpillar hosted the Prentice Loader Championship. Tigercat presented its new Tier 4f 234B loader. John Deere highlighted its L and M series machines and gave a preview of its TimberNavi mapping system, which will hit the market later this year. Crouse Truck Parts demoed Barko’s 260 track-type harvester fitted with a Southstar processing head— Southstar heads have been in Canada for a while but are just migrating South. Oklahoma-based Dougherty Forestry Mfg. (DFM) displayed its compact feller-buncher head mounted on Terex skidsteer machine. DelFab Inc. drew a lot of attention by advertising the return of the three-wheeled feller-buncher, the DF703 Phoenix. Although most of the equipment on display had already been sold, several vendors reported making or finalizing sales at the event. Crouse Truck Parts sold a Barko 595 ML loader and two Pitts trailers. Stribling Equipment sold a John Deere 437D loader and a fellerbuncher. DelFab marketing rep Tom Hirt received orders for two Phoenix 703 three-wheel cutters. “Overall, everyone was happy,” Boccarossa reports. “The responses from most vendors have been positive.” TH
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Deep, Wide, Diversified
Forest Family Series
‘House of Wilson’ is a highly respected heavyweight in southeastern Arkansas. DKKnight
O
fficially, there are two communities in Arkansas called Wilson. The larger, a 900-soul town that holds down delta dirt and hugs the big, brown river not that far north of Memphis, is located in Mississippi County. The smaller is situated in Pope County, a few miles southeast of Russellville and about 90 miles up the Arkansas River from Little Rock. You won’t find it on any map, but there is a third Wilson settlement in the state, and it’s not hard to find if you know where to look. Glide down U.S. 79 from Pine Bluff to Rison, population 1,350 or so, and travel north on state highway 35 for a little longer than it takes for Johnny Cash to growl out a couple of his classic hits via Sirius XM. When you come upon a large metal building (shop) and a parking lot dotted with trucks, trailers, logging gear, and other assorted stuff on the right, and a cluttered hardwood saw-
mill on the left, all teeming with beehive-like activity, you’re there. This obscure place in rural Cleveland County—599 square miles now settled by about 8,500 people—is home to the Wilson family, whose forestry footprint in the state is deep, wide and diversified. (Cleveland County is also the birthplace of Johnny Cash, the late
country music icon, but that’s another story.) Technically, the place is known as Staves, but since at least eight Wilson families live within five miles of the mill, and since they have a heavy impact hereabouts, Wilson III seems quite appropriate. Through its intertwined enterprises, the highly respected family is the county’s largest employer at 100-plus, a figure that tops the local school system. These involve the sawmill, a logging business, trucking company, wood procurement and forest management activity, maintenance shop, software entity and equipment/parts remanufacturing business. One other thing: along the way the family has accumulated some 20,000 acres of timberland. Overflowing with brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, the Wilson House is known for its faith, integrity, morality, business soundness, and community and industry outreach. It’s an understatement to say the name carries a lot of weight around these flat, heavily forested parts. Stop and visit with Frank Wilson, the still energetic 70-year-old patriarch who somehow manages to keep a keen eye on everything while mostly delegating the details. Having walked to the woodsided office building from his house across the road, he’ll warmly greet you with a firm handshake and engaging
The Wilson bunch, from left: Alex Tilley and Frank, Brad, Harrell, James and Jeff. The older two, Jewel and Brady, rest a spell (inset). At far right, Jeremy Wilson, right, pauses with crew members Tony Taylor and David Bailey. 30
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smile. As you take in his office trappings (lots of family photos), he’ll relate that the converted dwelling belonged to his late mother, Maudie, who served as the sawmill’s watchdog for years and was known to make savory sweet treats for her loved ones. If you’ve got an hour or two—better make that two or three—he’ll gladly recall how it all began; how it got from there to here; the many successes, scars and setbacks; the satisfaction of family togetherness and teamwork; and who does what, where and why.
anie, is not directly involved in any of the businesses. Neither are the two children of Jewel nor any of the Wilsons’ spouses. Here are the Wilson businesses and the owners thereof: —Wilson Brothers Lumber Co.: Frank and Grady —A&W Logging, Inc.: James, Jeff, Brad, Harrell, and Alex Tilley —Tri-W Logging, Inc.: Frank, Grady, James, Jeff, Brad, Harrell, Melanie, and Jeremy —Arkansas Forest ManageGrady, Jewel and Frank cut pulpwood by hand and stacked it in ‘pens.’ ment Services (AFMS): Tri-W Photo courtesy Forest History Society Logging, Inc. ging, Inc., which years later expanded —River Ridge Equipment, Backstory and also began producing logs for other Inc.: Frank, James, Jeff, Brad, Harrell, Frank and his brothers, Grady and mills in the area. James Wilson, the and Alex Tilley Jewel, grew up in the woods and on the older brother of Jeff, joined Tri-W as —20,000 acres of timberland: Frank farm, and as teens cut and stacked pulplogging supervisor around 1990 followand Grady wood by hand for $2.75 a ‘pen’—four ing several years as a logging equipment In addition, Frank was instrumental to a cord. Older than Frank by 12 and salesman for local Caterpillar dealer in developing software that several of eight years, respectively, Grady and J.A. Riggs. Over time, this business the businesses use and is made available Jewel, as young men, began working for swelled to multiple highly mechanized through a company known as Pate Enthe railroad as welders. Frank completed crews, and eventually took on a new terprise. One program, called Timber high school and earned a forestry degree identity as A&W Logging, Inc. MeanTrack, which he says is “very simple at Arkansas-Monticello, later working while, as more family members were and easy to run,” accounts for logs from for and around timber dealer Searcy inducted into the Wilson business circle, woods to the mill. It is used by most of Elrod and lumberman Robert Hixon Tri-W Logging evolved as the standthe pine sawmills in Arkansas, accordbefore joining Weyerhaeuser. “I learned alone transportation component and the ing to him. Another program along the a lot from those two men,” Frank acWilsons expanded into land managesame lines is called EquipmentTrack. knowledges. Eventually, he learned ment and accelerated their established “It’s been real handy for us, especially about a man in the vicinity who owned a timber buying program. when we added in the trucking busigroundhog sawmill. “We finally perness,” he reports. “There’s not as much suaded him to sell it to us for $1500, but margin in the trucking side as some of Current Setup before he would part with it we had to the others, so we need to keep very build a shed for it. He said the mill had Although he’s still seen at the mill close tabs on costs.” Another program never been in the rain. So we spent anmost every day, Jewel retired a couple offered is called LandTrack. Frank coother $1500 setting it up,” Frank tells. of years ago after selling his business owns the entity along with Janice TayThat was in 1972 and the beginning interests to Grady, who spends lots of lor and Petty and Erwin Pate. time at his nearby woodworking shop, of Wilson Brothers Lumber Co. To proAlthough old and not exactly prisand Frank, who ably continues as the duce more products, principally crosstine, the mill remains functional, runs central business leader. Take a deep ties and furniture lumber, the brothers 12 hours a day, five days a week, and breath as you follow how who goes upgraded five years later, investing turns out about 5.5 MMBF per year, where: Jeff, 54, remains at the sawmill. $30,000 in a new Corinth automatic mostly in the form of crossties and He and Frank’s son-in-law, Alex Tilley, mill. While holding on to their better upper and lower grades of lumber, all 42, manage the mill. James, 58, is paying jobs, the three operated the mill of which is sold green. co-manager of the family’s newest venonly part time for years, then put all The number of logging crews can ture, River Ridge Equipment, Inc. Brad their weight into it in 1983. “I wanted to fluctuate, depending on timber conWilson, 43, Grady’s youngest son and leave Weyerhaeuser, and Jeff, Grady’s tracts, weather, markets, and labor brother to James and Jeff, heads the middle son, was about to finish college, availability. As of mid June six threeequipment-truck maintenance effort. so he came to work full-time at the man crews were in gear, down from an Harrell Wilson, 43, Frank’s older son, mill,” Frank continues. “Originally, my all-time high of nine. Some are astakes care of timber purchasing and land intent was to do a little sawmilling, a signed to regeneration harvests and management, while his younger brother little consulting, and a little bit of logsome to thinning, Along with five conand newest family hire, Jeremy, 38, ging, but you can’t do a little bit of anytract crews, A&W produces roughly shares logging crew management with thing; you’ve got to do it all. So, we 300 loads a week. Various roundwood Harrell and Jason Hall, who is not rededicated ourselves to the sawmill, and products are delivered to multiple marlated to the Wilsons. Blake Wilson, worked hard to make it work.” kets, mostly within a 70-mile radius. James’ son, is a mechanic, one of seven Not long afterward, they tiptoed into John Deere is the dominant machine shop employees. Frank’s daughter, Melthe logging side, forming Tri-W Logbrand, followed at a distance by TigerForemost Authority For Professional Loggers
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cat. In 2013 the Arkansas Forestry Assn. (AFA) honored James Wilson as Logger of the Year. (AFA singles out individuals, not companies.) On the trucking side, about 30 trucks—mixed brands and models— are equipped with Black Box GPS systems to enhance efficiency. The trailer pool is full of Pitts four bunk, eight bolster, frame units. AFMS, the land management and consulting business, has about 16,000 acres under management and another 30,000 under de facto management. It seems that many local and area landowners trust the Wilsons to treat them right when it comes to selling, harvesting, and managing timber. Now in its fourth year, River Ridge Equipment is located in a facility a few miles away. It specializes in rebuilding John Deere skidders, components and parts. (See adjacent sidebar article.) Known for his willingness to help people, whether with a smile, an encouraging word, or some folding money, Frank is quick to credit employees for their part in the success of the multiple companies. “We have a lot of good people working for us and they are the only reason we’ve been successful,” he says. Foresters Tony Cummins and Jeff Lowery interface with landowners in buying timber and managing their land. Maintenance team members are Keith Pierce, Tony Duncan, Blake Wilson and Jared Attwood. Logging crew foremen include David Bailey, Ricky Burrow, Joe Castillo, Tim Jones, Jimmy Don Robertson, Mario Palmerin and Austin Saeler. Office staff includes Jamie Jacobs, Kathy Cash, and Emily and Regina Parnell. Three long-term contractors within the fold are Randy Jones, Jeff Cooper and Steve Hicks.
Grounded In Faith The Wilsons are people of faith and most take time for church, the Church of Christ at Rison. Frank and Jeff are Elders and James and Harrell are deacons. The Wilsons’ abiding faith is their guiding light of life. They don’t try to push their faith on others, but they do try and live it. They are thankful for the way God has blessed them personally and through their businesses. They are faithful in attending worship services three times a week. “Nothing here is important enough to miss church over,” asserts Jeff. With so much going on, and with so 32
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River Ridge Equipment Offers Loggers Options Launched in 2011 with a mantra of saving loggers money, River Ridge Equipment, Inc. is the outgrowth of the Wilson family’s longing to move into the salvage parts business, but it has turned out to be much more. As with any new entity, it has encountered some twists and turns and adjusted to them. The salvage parts idea was scrapped early on and the company instead focused on rebuilding parts for John Deere G-III skidders, at the same time offering complete rebuild services for those skidders. Also, sensing the logging market needed a small track-type loader, it sought to convert Deere’s smallest excavator, the 160D, to a log loader. It completed one such conversion, and the unit is still working on one of the Wilson logging crews, but the conversion work was halted. “We learned that we could buy and rebuild three older skidders for the amount of money it took to buy and modify just one new 160D,” explains River Ridge co-manager James Wilson. “Since we were buying worn out skidders for parts, it made sense to rebuild skidders.” Thin margins realized by many loggers, along with the much higher cost of new equipment fitted with the EPA-mandated Tier 4f engine and other technologies, combine to help attract loggers to the River Ridge rebuild option. Skidders are stripped to the frame and put back together. A completely rebuilt JD 748 G-III, with engine (from factory), transmission, hydraulic pumps, pins, tires, paint and decals can be had for about $168,000. Rebuilt skidders come with a 12 month warranty on the engine and six month warranty on the power train and hydraulics, according to Wilson. To date River Ridge has rebuilt 70 skidders, including several for Deere dealers Doggett Machinery and Beard Equipment. A&W Logging, one of the Wilson family’s companies, is running two totally rebuilt skidders and several partially rebuilt units. One logger from Maryland sent his skidder down for the company to overhaul. Marty Scudder is general manager of the operation. Visit riverridgeeqipment.com. much family blood involved, one might think the Wilsons would meet regularly to iron out issues or discuss concerns; that some members might have trouble getting along. Think again. Yes, there is a conference room on site, but the chairs are rarely warmed. Their mutual respect, combined with their faith, helps keep the group on track in a spirit of cooperation. “We pretty much stay in our circle of responsibility unless we’re asked, but we’ll help one another in a heartbeat,” Jeff says. Frank chimes in: “We have lots of confidence in each other, and we practice teamwork.” James adds: “All our wives even get along.” This cooperative spirit was evident during the formative days of River Ridge Equipment when family members pitched in to clean out and modify a former egg hatchery the company had purchased to house its operations. Many family members even spend
their leisure time together. Thanksgiving at the nearby family-owned hunting camp on the Saline River is one example; an out-of-state turkey hunting excursion is another.
Plugged In It’s no surprise that the family is firmly plugged in to the community in various ways and that some are actively involved in forest-related organizations. Frank served on the board at the local bank before it was sold, remains active on the local water board, serves on the Arkansas Forestry Commission, is a past president of the Arkansas Forestry Assn. (AFA), where he is still active, and is well known in political circles. James is an officer and board member of the Arkansas Timber Producers Assn. (ATPA), is co-chair of the Arkansas Logger Training and Education Council, and former member of the
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local school board. Jeff is president of the Rison High School Wildcats Booster Club and is vice president of the Arkansas Hardwood Club. Harrell is also involved with the AFA, serving as a board member. He also serves on the local school board and is president and a board member of Camp Wildwood, a Church of Christ children’s ministry. Jeff previously served on the Camp Wildwood board. Alex is a Justice of the Peace. The family is highly visible during local high school football games, where James is found doing play-byplay, Brad attends to the scoreboard, Frank keeps the 25-second clock, and Harrell the game clock. Regarding local football, Grady played defense on Rison High’s first state championship team, in 1950. As well, the Wilsons generously support Log-A-Load for Kids fundraising events, not to mention the separate static and live biennial expo events sponsored by ATPA.
that it forces us to clean out the shop,” says a grinning Frank.
Reflections, The Future
THE Grand Barbecue Perhaps the best-known example of the Wilsons’ community outreach is their legendary annual December barbecue, a widely known event that causes people from near and far to adjust schedules so they can get in line. What started out many years ago as a simple pre-Christmas luncheon for sawmill employees has developed into “an occasion” for employees, family, friends, business associates, suppliers and local and state dignitaries. Even the Arkansas governor and U.S. and Arkansas legislators have attended, not to mention high-ranking equipment folks based in certain river cities in Illinois.
John Deere machines dominate in the Wilson woods but other brands, including Tigercat, Prentice and Barko, make significant contributions.
The spectacle takes place at the shop and seems to grow bigger each year. Last December almost 1,000 streamed in to sample some 2,000 lbs. of beef and pork barbecue prepared by the family— the second generation donates days to the task—to go with ample sides, not to mention cookies, cakes and pies prepared by local ladies. It’s where some folks who reside north of the MasonDixon line discovered sweet potato pie. “One side benefit of the barbecue is
The shop overflows when the family sets the table in December for the extended community.
The first and second generation Wilsons have traveled far, even though they’ve remained at home. For the most part, success has been their companion, but they have dropped their soap in the sand a few times, Frank assures. “We’ve covered up lots of mistakes with sweat,” he quips. Asked about the most satisfying aspect in his career, Frank pauses and reflects, a trace of emotion peeking out in his answer: “The strong family connection,” he says, “all of us working together so well.” Even so, he is cautious about bringing in the next Wilson generation, knowing that the “third generation syndrome” leads to the downfall of all too many businesses, regardless of their type or status. Just one third-generation member, Blake, works in the business today, and he was hired only after working elsewhere for two years. “Any business needs fresh thinking and new ideas to keep going,” Frank asserts. With operating costs so high, Frank believes “the only way that equipment is any good is if you work the money out of it.” The Wilsons have traditionally run a blend of older and newer gear, but since the great recession, the logging and trucking components have rotated equipment less often. Truth is, Frank, Grady and Jewel have always worked the money out of their sawmill equipment, choosing to invest more in land than in upgrades. Now, however, they realize they must either eventually shut the old mill down or invest in a new one if they are to lower production costs and increase uptime. So they are opting for the latter. They have no concrete plans yet, except that likely the new mill will be larger, more productive, and located on a site closer to Rison. Emotionally, moving the mill “out of town” may be a soft spot, particularly for Frank, Grady and Jewel. But a new mill at another location will only deepen and widen the deep, wide Wilson forestry footprint. Besides, Rison is not far from the House of Wilson—just two, perhaps three, TH Johnny Cash songs away. Note: TH would like to occasionally feature other families similar to the Wilsons in future issues. Send suggestions to dk@hattonbrown.com or phone 334-834-1170.
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PeoplePower! WENDY FARRAND wendyfarrand@gmail.com, 207-838-4435
It’s Not About The Wood! WOOD! That’s all you think about day and night! Buy it, cut it, process it, haul it, track it and sell it! Wood is in your blood, so it’s natural for you to claim you are in the wood business. Don’t be shocked when I tell you: it’s not about the wood! You are in the relationship business. It’s the relationships you’ve forged, and will forge throughout the years, that make your business the success it is, or will be. Focus on your business as a relationship business, and the sky is the limit! Think of all the relationships a logging business owner has to maintain on a daily basis—foresters, landowners, log buyers, lenders, dealers, foremen, and operators, just to name a few! These relationships need to be strong and healthy to keep your business moving forward in the direction you would like to see it go. In 1912, Dale Carnegie, the famous lecturer and writer, began holding classes in New York City for professionals who wanted to speak more effectively in business. As time went on, Carnegie realized that the most difficult part of business was dealing with people. He knew that learning skills that could enhance those relationships would be invaluable in the business world. After years of research and lessons from his own experiences, in 1937 Carnegie published How to Win Friends and Influence People. Over the past 60 years it has made the top 10 bestselling business books list more times than not. In this day and age of computers, social media and other new technologies, the time-tested human relation principles shared in his book still hold true. Generation after business generation has used his book as a guide to create a foundation for business to flourish. If a business book can stay in the forefront for over six decades, there are truths on those pages that loggers, as business professionals, should know. Dale Carnegie knew that the backbone of any business was the ability to get along with people, internally and externally. Successful business people 34
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step outside the daily grind and focus on the “soft” skills of management. I know the word “soft” and logging don’t seem to go together, but if you’re not strengthening those skills and relationships, your company is not as successful as it could be. What Dale Carnegie was talking about was what we now refer to as “emotional intelligence,” or EI—the ability to understand different emotions, and use that understanding to get the most from business relationships and relationships in general. The ability to work well with people and get the most out of people is the biggest challenge in any industry. We all know that the person with the most smarts isn’t always the one who can get the job done. I once worked with an MBA graduate from an Ivy League school who couldn’t lead his way out of a paper bag, let alone his own team. We all know this type of person who is oblivious to how his words and actions impact those around him. To me, lack of self-awareness in logging, carries a larger impact than most industries. Working to keep things going smoothly can save a life or prevent an injury. As a leader, you need to be self-aware, and if running a larger company, work to foster selfawareness in the crew leaders you have working for you. Self-awareness is key, and I believe it can be learned. Consciously step back, take a good look at yourself after a situation and ask, “Could I have handled that better?” Take time to reflect on a business transaction and how the words you used created the outcome. Are there words you can delete from your working day which cause harm to your business? Some examples may be, “He can’t do that;” “She isn’t good at that;” or “He’s incapable of handling that.” When you set limits on the people you work with, you set limits on your business. Degrading the potential of your employees not only hurts them and your business, but the future of our industry. We should foster strong, vibrant professionals to keep our industry thriving. Limiting people,
controlling people and capping untapped potential of those who love this industry is a disservice to us all. I recall asking a truck driver what he liked most about working for his employer. He said, “I know if I came to work tomorrow and wanted to learn how to run the feller-buncher, my boss would make it happen.” How cool is that? We all want someone to believe in us, to see our untapped potential. Skilled operators are not born with a joystick in their hand. Even the most talented operators had to start somewhere. Sometimes when I am making a presentation I will pull out a “magic” wand, wave it over my audience and say, “When you return to your job site, you will find all brand new, cutting edge, shiny, top-of- the-line equipment. No hours, no payments and no leaky hoses; everything your heart desires!” I love looking out at the loggers as they smile, nod and imagine what that would be like. Then as soon as I see those smiles, I wave my wand again and say, “Poof! I just made your crews disappear!” For me that moment when they realize the point I made is priceless. It drives home the fact that people are the most important part of our industry; that even if you have all the most advanced equipment, it doesn’t amount to a hill of beans without a strong team to operate it. Sharpen your self-awareness by becoming familiar with the human relation principles that can strengthen all your relationships. When you walk on the landing in the morning, or attend a meeting at the mill, know that as Dale Carnegie so aptly reminds us, “When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” Focus on building strong relationships. For within the forest products chain, we are only as strong as our weakest link, and we need to strengthen those relationships across the board, internally and externally. Most of all, we need to remember that it’s not about the wood! TH Farrand is a writer/speaker who emphasizes the value of strengthening the people side of a logging business. Her popular workshop, How to Build a Kick@*# Crew, has gained notoriety throughout the country.
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DownTime Chinese Sick Leave Ho Chow calls his boss and says, “Hey, I no come work today. Feel really sick. Got headache, stomachache, and legs hurt. I no come work.” The boss says, “You know something Ho Chow, I really need you today. When I feel sick like you do, I go to my wife and ask her for sex. That makes everything better and I go to work. You try that.” Two hours later Ho Chow calls again, saying, “I do what you say and I feel great. I be at work soon. By the way, you have nice house!”
The Penalty For Peeing Humming a merry tune, a little old lady was walking down the street dragging two large plastic garbage bags behind her, One of the bags was ripped and occasionally a $20 bill fell out onto the sidewalk. Noticing this, a policeman stopped her and said, “Ma’am, there are $20 bills falling out of that bag.” “Oh, really? Darn it!” said the old lady. “I’d better go back and see if I can find them. Thanks for telling me, officer.” “Well, now, not so fast,” said the cop. “Where did you get all that money? You didn’t steal it, did you?” “Oh, no, no,” she replied. “You see, my back yard adjoins a golf course. A lot of the male golfers walk into the woods and pee through a knothole in my fence, right into my flower garden. It used to really tick me off. Kills the flowers, you know. Then I thought, ‘why not make the best of it?’ So now I stand at the fence by the knothole, real quiet, with my hedge clippers. When a guy sticks his thing through my fence I surprise him, grab hold of it and say, ‘OK buddy! Give me $20 or off it comes!’ “Well, that seems only fair,” said the cop, laughing. “OK. Good luck! Oh, by the way, what’s in the other bag?” “Not everybody pays,” she said with a smile.
The Train Of Life At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. As time goes by, other people will 36
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Large, Leaning Oak Takes F-B Down
Subscriber Jeffrey Davis of Davis Timber Co., Raeford, NC, is a witness to what can happen with a wheel-type feller-buncher, even if the terrain is relatively flat. He reports this JD 843J tipped over while cutting a big, leaning oak. The tree “got hung in the head and laid the machine over. No damage.” The takeaway: use caution and don’t try and manhandle a big, leaning tree. Cut it and let it fall.
board the train, and they will be significant. They will include our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of our life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers and requires that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery to everyone is that we do not know at which station we will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because we do not know when we will step down and leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life. May you experience a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey.
Newspaper Headlines Sex Education Delayed, Teachers Request Training Iraqi Head Seeks Arms Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge Something Went Wrong In Jet Crash, Expert Says Safety Experts Say School Bus Passengers Should Be Belted Drunk Gets Nine Months In
Violin Case Survivor Of Siamese Twins Joins Parents New Study Of Obesity Looks For Larger Test Group Stud Tires Out Prostitutes Appeal To Pope Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax Hospitals Sued By 7 Foot Doctors Miners Refuse To Work After Death Police Begin Campaign To Run Down Jaywalkers Cold Wave Linked To Temperatures Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge Tornado Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead Juvenile Court To Try Shooting Defendant Astronaut Takes Blame For Gas In Spacecraft Include your Children When Baking Cookies Killer Sentenced To Die For Second Time In 10 Years Old School Pillars Replaced By Alumni British Union Finds Dwarfs In Short Supply Ban On Soliciting Dead In Trotwood Lansing Residents Can Drop Off Trees Local High School Dropouts Cut In Half Deaf College Opens Doors To Hearing
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Dust&Rust Readers are encouraged to send historical items.
FWD Blue Ox: Early Vintage Skidder One of the earliest skidders produced in North America was the Blue Ox, a product originally developed in 1952, according to an account in the book, Tracks in the Forest, published in 1997. The skidder was developed by representatives of KVP, an Ontario timber company, and Archie Kerr, a local dealer for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co. (FWD) of Clintonville, Wis. The parties stripped down a 4x4 FWD truck and added a winch and Aframe at the rear. It had a 6 cylinder gasoline engine and five-gear, twospeed auxiliary transmission. In fifth gear in high range it could hit 48 MPH without a load, assuming you could find a suitable place to go this fast. Canadian Leon Pond, who researched early vintage skidders for Kimberly Clark Corp., was quoted in the book: “The Garrett Tree Farmer was a good little machine. Along with the Timberjack, it was very obvious even then that frame steering was the way to go because the Blue Ox, which was a really fast machine and in a straight line could outrun anything, couldn’t get around. It couldn’t get into the corners; it had no maneuverability.” In an ad that appeared in the forest industry trade press in early 1961, General Motors’ Detroit Diesel Engine Div. touted the fuel savings of its diesel engine in the Blue Ox: “One unit doing the work of two machines…$50 saved in fuel each month…3,000 more feet of logs handled per day…That’s what happened when Weber Brothers of Frohna, Mo. replaced a pair of gasoline-powered crawler tractors with a GM Dieselpowered FWD Blue Ox HBXS log skidder.” An “all new” version of the tractor, designated the “Super C,” came out a year or so later. Among other improvements, it had larger, tractor-type tires, 38
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stronger axles, improved transmission and better guarding.
Dynamiter Bill Horn By Jim Stevens When Bill Horn watched the side of a mountain canyon split with hellish roar and smoke at a twitch of his hand, and then belch thousands of cubic yards of shattered rimrock down to choke a big river, I imagined he must have felt himself to be akin to Paul Bunyan. I asked him later if this was not so. “No,” he said, with a watery-eyed stare of solemn wonder. “How could you ever think to hook a piddlin’ feller like me up with the mighty Paul? Why, he could set off a coyote blast like this one with only a single fulminatin’ cap! “Paul Bunyan,” Horn went on to say, “he only took 17 charges to shoot all the timber, stumps to boot, in Dakota off the scenery. The only item of scenery there he missed in that foray of land clearin’ was a monster mountain that was h’isted whole by one of the charges. Yes, sir, it stuck right with its timber, all in one piece. “Up and up that blasted mountain went,” declared Horn. “Up she blew, then she done a flipflop over the clouds and, still solid, that mountain came down to light on her head. And there she stood, quiverin’ for a spell, but not enough to shake off her timber. The trees on the slopes stood, crowns down.
“There she’d still be,” he said, “except for the fight of Paul Bunyan and Hels Helson. They clumb atop the bottom of that upside down mountain and fought’er out, so’s to be sure and hurt nobody else. Paul won. But it was such a hard fight that it tore that mountain all to flinders. You can still see the pieces, scattered all over—the Bad Lands, folks call ’em.” Bill was a logger born, and in most of his career he worked in the woods with high explosives. At the time of my first meeting with him he had switched to an Oregon railroad construction project. What took him was a chance to boss a job that required the digging and loading of a “coyote” hole—a toy tunnel in which men had to crawl to work—in the shoulder of a great cliff above a river. The coyote called for 7,500 cans of black powder and 1,500 cases of dynamite. Bill Horn got the job done in record time. He pulled the switch that set off the blast that looked to be Bunyan size to me. Ten years later, when I was out of the uniform of World War I, my trail took me into a Douglas fir camp where Bill Horn was high-climbing. This trade in 1919 was still fairly new in the big timber. Its attraction to Bill was the opportunity it gave him to top big trees with dynamite. With climbing harness and “irons,” life rope encircling the tree, ax and saw dangling from ropes at the back of his belt, Horn would climb and trim his way up a tree marked for high-lead skidding in the style of the yet-to-come high-rigger. But there was a difference. Bill, when he was up 150 or more feet, would simply saw and chop a little shelf around the trunk, then tie in dynamite sticks, fuse and blasting cap. Lighting the fuse, he would drive downward with his legs, plant his spurs in bark and grain, flip the circle of his life rope down, drive and dig again—and so on rapidly to the ground. It was Bill’s pride to time a fuse so that he would have only scant seconds to get to shelter after hitting the grit. On the ground he walked, never hustling, always just getting out of harm’s way as the giant tree “blew its top.” Note: This item was lifted from the archives of Southern Lumberman.
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EquipmentWorld Exhibitor List Growing For Mid-Atlantic Expo
Chipper activity at 2013 Mid-Atlantic expo
Exhibitor interest in the Mid-Atlantic Logging & Biomass Expo, set for September 18-19 near SelmaSmithfield, NC, continues to build. Late June-early July signees included Barko, John Woodie Equipment, Jewell Machinery, Fogmaker, and Powerscreen Mid-Atlantic. Other exhibitors that booked space earlier in June included Caterpillar and Peterson dealers Gregory Poole and Carolina CAT; John Deere and Morbark dealer James River Equipment; Tigercat and dealer Bullock Brothers Equipment; Cutting Systems, Inc.; Vermeer Mid-Atlantic; Forestry Mutual Insurance; Quadco; Alliance Tire-Primex; CTR/CTRS, Inc.; Pinnacle Trailers; and Big John Trailers, Bandit, Olofsfors, ICE, Pemberton, AFEX, GCR, Southern Loggers Co-op and ASC. “This year’s site incorporates a timberstand and open field and is more compact and convenient for all concerned,” describes Expo Manager Jack Swanner. “Most exhibits will front the walking trail and the parking area will be so close that we won’t need shuttles.” Swanner encourages decision makers with companies that intend to exhibit to move quickly while choice spaces are still available. More than 75 exhibitors participated in the MALB Expo in 2013, which drew some 2,500 attendees from Atlantic coast and adjacent states and beyond. Given the forest products industry’s current throbbing pace in the Mid-Atlantic region, Swanner expects the 2015 turnout to match or exceed the 2013 mark. To make the event more family-friendly, Swanner says that special activities for children will be incorporated this year. For example, Smokey the Bear will be present, both in animated form and as a 50 ft. inflatable, courtesy of the NC Forest Service. Industry professionals who plan to attend should consider pre-registering to save time and money. Pre-registration, which is open until early September, is $15 per adult versus $20 at the gate. Visit malbexpo.com. The event is again being sponsored by the Carolina Logger’s Assn., NC Forestry Assn., and Hatton-Brown Publishers, parent company of Timber Harvesting and affiliated forest-oriented trade publications. Contact Swanner at 828-421-8444 or visit malbexpo.com. 40
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Maine’s Taylor Wins Loader Championship Heath Taylor, who took second place last year, won the Caterpillar Loader Championship at the Northeastern Forest Products Equipment Expo held May 15-16 in Bangor, Maine. The competition raised $952 for Log A Load For Kids through voluntary contestant contributions and the company’s match. Taylor, who is from West Baldwin, Maine, had an initial run of 2 minutes, 28.15 seconds. He shaved off more than 9 seconds for a final Trophy Run time of 2 minutes, 19 seconds. Second and third place winners were Shaun McLucas of Rangeley, Vt. and Marc Riendeau of Danville, Vt. Contest machine was the Cat 559C knuckleboom loader.
Rogers Brothers Celebrates 110 Years This year marks Rogers Brothers Corp.’s 110 years in continuous operation, with more than 100 years of that time devoted to building high performance lowbed trailers. Even more remarkable is the fact that Rogers is still owned by the founding family. Jay Kulyk, Nick Kulyk and Beth Hough, fourth generation of the Rogers family, are leading the company as president, vice president and secretary, respectively. With customers in 65 countries on five continents, Rogers trailers has literally circled the globe. Customers can choose from severe-duty or lightweight models for off- or on-road use.
B&G Stages Open House At New Alabama Location Tigercat dealer B&G Equipment celebrated the opening of its new store at Moundville, Ala. on June 22 with an open house that featured new equipment displays, presentations from Tigercat officials, and support from several vendors, including Donaldson, Quadco, GCR, Firestone and Truckers Supply Co. Along with door prizes, guests were treated to a full dinner. Just over 150 participated. Established by the Bates family almost 40 years ago, B&G operates at four other locations in Mississippi. The Alabama store is the company’s first outside Mississippi. TIMBER HARVESTING & WO OD FIBER OPERATIONS
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EquipmentWorld Tigercat Dealer Shift In Eastern North Carolina
Terex Continues Acquisition Growth Terex Materials Processing acquired the assets related to the Environmental Technology product lines of Neuson Ecotec GmbH (an Austrian company). This acquisition marks the further expansion of the Terex Environmental Equipment (TEE) business unit, close-
ly following the purchase of the assets of Continental Biomass Industries (CBI) in April. The acquisition of the Neuson Ecotec Environmental Technology products add chipping, shredding, screening and composting products that will accelerate development of a global dealer network while adding a facility in Linz, Austria that can sup-
The new Tigercat dealer in eastern North Carolina is now CTW Equipment, based in Williamston and owned by Wayne Cale and Ben Twiddy, who have been associated with Tigercat for years. The development is an outgrowth of negotiations involving Tigercat, its previous dealer in the area, A.G. Lassiter Equipment Corp., and Cale and Twiddy. “Tigercat thanks A.G. Lassiter Equipment for 14 years of service and for the strong relationships the team built with loyal Tigercat customers over the years,” states Kevin Selby, Tigercat’s U. S. Sales Manager. “Particular appreciation goes to Al Lassiter, who passed away this past January. We could always rely on Al to act on his word and he would be pleased to know that the fine team he formed will continue to serve Tigercat customers.” Along with the majority of the Lassiter staff, service manager Todd Sauls, parts manager Brian Johnson and sales specialist Ronnie Piland have moved over to CTW from Lassiter. Donald Smith has also joined the sales team. “We are humbled to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy of A.G. Lassiter and to continue providing strong customer service in the region and the best product on the market,” says Cale. Adds Twiddy: “CTW Equipment understands the industry, the equipment and the loggers. We know that minimizing machine downtime is critical to a profitable operation. “We are confident that our experience and industry knowledge, and our products, will amount to an unparalleled customer experience.” CTW is located at 1294 Greenville Ave., Williamston. Ph. 252-789-1150. Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers
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EquipmentWorld Peterson Again Recognizes Barry Equipment
port production requirements in continental Europe. Terex is not acquiring the Forestry Division of Neuson Ecotec GmbH. The Neuson Ecotec products that Terex is acquiring will now be part of a global portfolio that will soon be rebranded as Terex Ecotec. After combining these products with existing Terex products, products in development, and some of the products recently acquired from CBI, the Terex Ecotec line will be among the most comprehensive in the industry.
Fecon Selects Road Builders
For the third time in three years, Peterson has named Barry Equipment Co., Webster, Mass., its Dealer of the Year, this time for 2014. Left to right, Randy Earle, Mike Conway, Charlie Bagnall (Peterson), Tom Barry, Trish Barry, Joseph Barry, Bryan Morris
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Fecon, Inc., has chosen Road Builders as its dealer and service provider for Kansas, Nebraska and western Missouri. Road Builders will offer Fecon’s line of Bull Hog mulchers, FTX track carriers (ranging from 97-600 HP) and various other forestry attachments.
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AMERICAN LOGGERS COUNCIL 21st Annual Meeting September 24-26, 2015 • Eureka, California
“Experience California”
O
n behalf of the American Loggers Council and Associated California Loggers, I invite you to attend our 21st Annual Meeting in beautiful Eureka, Calif. The Eureka area is one of the most scenic regions in the country and includes many groves of oldgrowth redwoods along the famous “Avenue of the Giants.” There are several options available for travel to Eureka, but most require a rental car and a half-day drive to get into town. Fortunately, the scenery and natural beauty of the area will make your trip that much more enjoyable. The Red Lion Hotel is located within walking distance of the harbor, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore the area. Two of our
evening events are scheduled to take place at the Adorni Center on the waterfront. Stacey and I are excited that you are visiting our part of the country, and we, as well as Associated California Loggers, will do all that we can to make this a trip that you will enjoy. Come relax in the surroundings and find out why we are proud to call Northern California our home.
Myles Anderson
Myles Anderson President
21st Annual Meeting Agenda Thursday, September 24
7 am-5 pm: Registration and exhibits open 8 am-4 pm: Optional California Logging Tour; includes lunch at the Samoa Cookhouse 6 pm-9pm: Cocktail Welcome Reception-Red Lion 9 pm-9:30 pm: Executive Committee meeting
Friday, September 25
6 am-12 pm: Registration and exhibits open 6:15 am-7:45 am: Breakfast Buffet-Red Lion 8 am-3 pm: Educational Seminars-Red Lion 8:30 am-4 pm: Ladies Redwood Tour, lunch, and shopping-Ferndale, Calif. 6 pm-7 pm: President’s Reception-Adorni Center 7 pm-10 pm: President’s Dinner & ALC AuctionAdorni Center
Saturday, September 26
7 am -8 am: Registration and exhibits open 7 am-7:45 am: Breakfast Buffet-Red Lion 8 am–9 am: ALC Board of Directors Meeting 9:15 am-11:30 am: Full Membership Meeting 12 pm-1:30 pm: Full Membership Awards Luncheon, sponsor recognition, President’s Award, Logging Activist of the Year Award 12 pm-1:30 pm: Ladies Luncheon–Inglemar ClubEureka 1:30 pm-6:00 pm: Free Time-Explore Old Town Eureka! 6 pm-7 pm: President’s Farewell Reception-Adorni Center 7 pm-10 pm: President’s Farewell Banquet-Adorni Center Roll Call of the States Timber Harvesting Logging Business of the Year Award Passing of the Gavel
ALC’s Live Auction Item Name: ________________________________________________________________ Description of Item: __________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Value: ____________________________________________________________ Donor: ____________________________________________________________________ Contact person: ____________________________________________________________ The American Loggers Council is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization. Donations given to the ALC for auction items may not be written of as a charitable contribution. Please have all donated auction items turned in at the registration desk by noon on Friday, September 25 to facilitate setting up the event at the Adorni Center. Thank you! If you need to ship your auction item to the meeting, please send to: Red Lion Hotel, C/o Kayla Mansfield, 1929 4th St., Eureka, CA 95501 Attn: American Loggers Council – Danny Dructor,707-445-0844 All auction items being shipped need to arrive at the Red Lion Hotel by no later than September 24.
Association Supporters
The American Loggers Council would like to thank these businesses for their yearround support and sponsorship of our organization: American Loggers Insurance, Bandit Industries, Barko Hydraulics, Bitco Insurance Companies, Caterpillar Forest Products, Forest Insurance Center Agency, Inc., Forestry Mutual Insurance, Hatton-Brown Publishers, Hawkins & Rawlinson. John Deere, Loggers World, Louisiana Timbermen’s Fund, The Lyme Timber Company, Morbark, Peterbilt, Peterson-Pacific, Ponsse, Rotochopper, Southern Loggers Cooperative, Stihl. Tigercat. TimberPro, Vermeer
Lodging
We have made contracts with the Red Lion Hotel in Eureka (1929 4th St., Eureka, CA 95501). Reservations can be made toll free, 1-800-7335466, or call the hotel direct, 1-707-445-0844. All rooms are at the special rate of $89 per night, plus applicable state and local taxes. To get the special rate, identify yourself with the American Loggers Council. Hotel cutoff date is August 22, so act promptly. Note: An early departure fee of $50 will be added to your folio should you check out prior to your scheduled departure date. Other Hotel Options Holiday Inn Express & Suites—877-859-5095 (reservations) or 707-269-0682 (direct); Roadway Inn—1-888-231-9496 (reservations) 707-4440401 (direct); Clarion Eureka—707-4423261(direct).
Travel
The closest airport to Eureka is Arcata Airport, 15 miles away, but with limited flights and more often than not weather delays (fog). We recommend that you rent a car and take a scenic drive up from the San Francisco Bay area along highway 101 and/or highway 1; or drive from Sacramento via I-5 to highway 20 and highway 101. Distance from airports: Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 280 miles, 5 hours; San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 280 miles, 5 hours; Oakland International Airport (OAK), 280 miles, 5 hours; Portland International Airport (PDX), 424 miles, 7.25 hrs.
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AMERICAN LOGGERS COUNCIL 21ST ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 24-26 • REGISTRATION FORM Please submit one form for each attendee. Make copies if needed. (CIRCLE ONE)
Mr. Ms. Mrs.
Name:________________________________________________ Nickname for badge: ________________________________ Company: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Logging Association: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________ State:________________ ZIP: __________________________________ Phone:_____________________ Fax:_____________________ E-mail: ____________________________________________
FULL MEETING REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
● Thursday Logging Tour ● Friday Welcome Reception ● Friday ALC Ladies Tour ● Friday President’s Reception & Dinner & Auction ● Saturday ALC Ladies Luncheon ● ● Saturday Full Membership Awards Luncheon ● President’s Farewell Reception & Banquet ● ● Friday and Saturday Breakfast ● ●
REGISTRATION FEES PLEASE CHECK ONLY THE EVENTS YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. WE NEED AN ACCURATE COUNT.
ALC Member Registration Fee: √ ■ Early Bird Registration (postmarked by 8/31/2015) ■ On-Site Registration (after 8/31/2014)
$325.00 $375.00
■ Thursday’s Logging Tour ■ Thursday’s Welcome Reception
ALC Spouse Registration Fee: √ ■ Early Bird Registration (postmarked by 8/31/2015)
$300.00
■ On-Site Registration (after by 8/31/2015)
$350.00
■ ■ ■ ■
Non-Member Registration Fee: √
■ Early Bird Registration (postmarked by 8/31/2015) ■ On-Site Registration (after 8/31/2015)
Included Events √
■ ■ ■ $400.00 ■ ■ $375.00
Friday—Logger Breakfast Friday—ALC Ladies Redwood Tour Friday—Seminars and Lunch at Red Lion Friday—President’s Reception, Banquet & Auction
Saturday—Logger Breakfast Saturday—Ladies Luncheon Saturday—Full Membership Meeting Saturday—Full Membership Awards Luncheon Saturday—Farewell Reception/Banquet
I have enclosed full payment for the events indicated for the total amount of $ _____________ Please make check payable to: American Loggers Council For best rates, please complete and mail or fax by August 31 to: American Loggers Council c/o Doris Dructor PO Box 966, Hemphill, TX 75948 Fax: (409) 625-0207 CANCELLATION POLICY: Registration cancellation by August 10=full refund; cancellation by August 31=50% refund; cancellation after August 31=no refund NO SHOW POLICY: Early bird registered attendees that do not cancel by August 31 will be billed.
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InnovationWay Caterpillar F-B, Harvesters Upgrade
Mesera Forwader, Harvester Cranes
Cat track feller-bunchers and track harvesters have been upgraded with the new Cat PRO (Parallel Reach Operation) System, which gives operators the ability to complete a smoother, more fluid harvesting motion. One joystick either extends or retracts the work tool by combining both the main and stick boom functions. For feller-buncher configurations, the head is kept level as well. By combining these functions in one joystick, the operator can efficiently move the head in a planar, parallel motion relative to the ground. The Cat PRO System is adjustable for differing applications. The trajectory of the boom and the head tilt on a feller-buncher configuration can be modified for applications on steeper slopes. The machines also have new enhanced power management software LED lights as standard equipment as another upgrade to the full line, which consists of two near-zero tail swing feller-bunchers, and two full tail swing machines. Visit cat.com.
Mesera forwarder and harvester cranes are reliable, durable and have good operational characteristics for demanding forestry applications. Mesera offers a wide range of harvester cranes and manufactures skidder cranes and builds various types of cranes and components by contract. The crane base and slewing mechanisms are well known for their durability. Mesera’s roots are in the Fiskars and Loglift Oy’s offroad crane business. Loglift, Mesera-Loglift and Mesera brands have delivered more than 12,000 cranes to more than 100 countries. Mesera welds and machines parts in its own factory, and each crane is assembled by hand, with each crane undergo-
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InnovationWay ing comprehensive testing before it is delivered to the customer. Being a small manufacturer, Mesera is flexible, and works with customers in creating customized design and specifications. Visit mesera.fi.
Thunder Creek Field Trailers
Olofsfors ECO-Wheel Tracks For CTL Olofsfors offers an upgraded version of ECOWheel Tracks for cut-tolength machines in North America. There is a new cross member design based around the proven EVO model and the addition of side supports make ECO-Wheel Tracks available for more tire sizes and brands. The EVO cross member offers excellent strength and anti-slip properties with a unique sunken cleat position which reduces the stress in the cross member and making it user friendly when re-cleating. ECO-Wheel Tracks CTL are suitable for harvesters and forwarders where traction and stability are the primary requirements. Wheel tracks are an economical alternative to conventional tire chains for the metric sized tires. Visit eco-tracks.com.
Thunder Creek Equipment offers the FST Series trailers— available in 500, 750 and 990 gallon diesel capacities with a 100 gallon DEF tank and an optional field-installed rear utility box. The new FST Series combines the best of Thunder Creek’s fuel, DEF and service transportation technologies into a single design while retaining the company’s focus on craftsmanship with heavy gauge steel, patented/patent-pending designs and premium options that allow contractors to spec each trailer to meet the demands of their work. The rear utility box is 55% larger than previous designs and can be installed on any FST Series trailer. Options in-
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InnovationWay clude a three-in-one welder/generator/ air compressor, an auxiliary oil tank, a Worksight light tower and a Field Max tire kit. All Thunder Creek trailers are built with a low profile and baffled fuel tanks, making them suitable for traveling both on-road at highway speeds and off-road on large jobsites. Visit thundercreek.com.
Tigercat 234B Loaders Tigercat has released the 234B and T234B series knuckleboom loaders, which have several improvements, including the addition of a Tigercat FPT Tier 4f power plant and a redesigned cabin. The loaders are equipped with the Tigerat FPT N45 engine, delivering 168 HP. The four-cylinder engine was
chosen because it is very well matched to the duty cycle of the 234 series loaders, enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing DEF consumption and improving the performance of the after treatment components. Lifting force and boom speed are unaffected by the engine change and operators are reporting the same high performance characteristics that they have come to expect from the 234. The redesigned operator’s station has a significantly improved climate control system along with a number of additional features to improve the operator experience. The T234B is equipped with a full forest duty Tigercat-built undercarriage providing excellent stability, flotation and track power. The 234B is available with the Tigercat AC16 articulating carrier, an excellent choice for mill yard applications. Visit tigercat.com.
Fire Detection System Insight Robotics, an international technology company specializing in data visualization and risk management over large areas of land, has developed a new system capable of detecting fires the instant they break out. The Insight Robotics Wildfire Detection System is capable of detecting a single tree on fire up to five kilometers away, allowing fires to be extinguished before they can spread out of control, according to the company. Currently deployed to protect more than 250,000 hectares (600,000 acres) of territory, the system has a detection track record of 100%. The system is composed of a network of automated InsightFD1 robots, all connected to a central control room. The robots combine a thermal sensor with geospatial intelligence to scan for fire and report its location while minimizing false alarms. The robots also provide a real-time video feed of the fire area and micro-weather data, for response coordination. Visit insightrobotics.com. 48
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The Endangered Species Act—Second Take MYLES ANDERSON Growing up in a small rural town in Northern California, I have seen firsthand how well intended regulations can destroy jobs, once manipulated by the regulatory agencies and the environmental industry. Recently we saw how dwindling populations of the northern long-eared bat pushed Federal Fish and Wildlife to take immediate action. Many of us would have been impacted by this action, which raised the question of the Anderson quality of science, the proposed restrictions and the real reason for the decline. This action sent tremors across the nation’s wood products industry, whose professionals got a taste of what those of us in the Pacific Northwest have been dealing with for over 25 years. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973. It was designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction as a “consequence of economic growth and development un-tempered by adequate concern and conservation.” The U.S. Supreme Court found that “the plain intent of Congress in enacting” the ESA “was to halt and reverse the trend toward species extinction, whatever the cost.” The summer of 1990 on the North Coast of California was a time that would change the course of our regional timber industry forever, due to a pair of events. The first was Redwood Summer, where a few hundred college students decided to spend their summer vacation in sunny California, protesting the nation’s most stringent forest regulatory system and sampling some of the regions local produce. The second event was the listing of the northern spotted owl as threatened under ESA. Among other factors, these propelled the California timber industry into a death spiral, which led to the closure of 84 out of 117 sawmills and reduced the industry by 70% in just 20 years. In order for any timber harvest in northern spotted owl (NSO) territory to 50
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take place, survey protocols must be followed to locate and protect the species. This process has evolved to become very burdensome; however, it has provided some very interesting data, collected mostly by biologists employed on private land. This data show that the species is declining on federal forests, parks and areas where management is nonexistent. Just the opposite is true for private landowners that have continued to manage their land and are seeing NSO populations increase. More recently the finger has been pointed at the barred owl as one reason behind the decline of the NSO, and the solution has been to authorize management of the barred owl species by termination. A logical person has to ask how many years this termination policy will take to produce another endangered species for us to protect. Termination seems like a simple solution because the barred owl is not a listed species, but it begs the question: what do you do when a federally listed southern sea otter is eating a federally listed Coho salmon? History has shown that biologists, usually through the help of lawyers, add regulation to the fishing industry and others to make up for this natural process. Currently, under the ESA it is not uncommon to shut down timber operations for months to protect potential habitat for species in areas that represent the extreme reaches of their range. After 40 years of living and working with the ESA, I think it is time to revisit the actual intent of Congress. We need an act designed to protect critically imperiled humans from extinction as a consequence of overzealous laws and regulations. It is time to petition the California State Fish and Wildlife to list the California Logger as an endangered species, but we wouldn’t stop there because we would have to add mill workers, log truck drivers, foresters and many other professions specific to the forest products industry. We would also have to look at indirect jobs that have been affected and why whole communities have become dependant on the government for support. This trend is on the move across the nation, and many states are already seeing the impact from regulations
like these being used for purposes other than their intended use. Perhaps if proper science, rather than political science, were the determining factor for these listings, the ensuing regulations and restrictions would actually help the species and lead to their recovery. At that point perhaps both the imperiled species and imperiled workers could be removed from their respective endangered list. Anderson is president of the American Loggers Council and he and his father Mike own and operate Anderson Logging, Inc., Fort Bragg, Calif. The American Loggers Council is a non-profit 501(c) (6) corporation representing professional timber harvesters in 30 states. Visit amloggers. com or phone 409-625-0206.
Log Trucker Bill Hanson Remembered In Idaho Bill Hanson, 62, one of the longer serving board members of the Associated Logging Contractors (ALC), the Idaho loggers’ and log truckers’ association, was euloHanson gized at a memorial service May 2 in Horseshoe Bend, Id. He collapsed immediately after the ALC board meeting on April 25 and died on April 27. In honor of Hanson, who owned Bill Hanson Trucking, more than 20 empty log trucks lined highway 55 in front of Horseshoe Bend High School, where the service was held. His coffin was brought to Pioneer Cemetery aboard a partial load of logs. He founded the business in 1984 and drove a truck for the next 31 years, hauling for numerous logging companies in the region. He was married to Mary Hanson for 41 years. Survivors include his widow, two sons, four grandchildren, father, two sisters and one brother.
FOROP School Bound For Virginia The Forest Equipment Operator Training School (FOROP) is temporarily moving from its traditional eastern North Carolina base to the Lynchburg, Va. area. FOROP will operate
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SelectCuts on timber tracts northeast of Lynchburg for approximately six months. Training commenced in mid-July. FOROP is now in the fourth year, having evolved from a pilot program at a community college into the current structure as a non-profit school with a mobile classroom and the assets and tools to provide full time training on active logging jobs. The school offers both basic and specialized training. Basic training involves comprehensive operation of a skidder, feller-buncher and loader (and attachments) for entry-level operators. Students are screened for a willingness to start a career and also for any past heavy equipment experience. Average class length is 8-10 weeks, depending on competencies achieved, and many are able to secure employment earlier. Students are interviewed by instructors and drug tested prior to acceptance. Training on live production logging sites runs from 8 to 3 daily with students providing their own transportation. FOROP utilizes a mobile class-
room and advanced teaching technology such as GoPro cameras and Internet tools. Safety, professionalism, productivity and teamwork are incorporated into all aspects of the training. Students are offered assistance with job placement following successful completion of the training. Specialized training can be started at any time and involves existing logging operators who want to upgrade their skill levels, typically from a skidder to feller-buncher or loader. Logging business owners can send their current employees to FOROP to be trained and returned to their crew. There is no tuition cost and students are issued a small stipend to help defray transportation costs. FOROP is supported by Caterpillar Forest Products, with new equipment provided by their dealerships in Virginia and North Carolina. A 573C feller-buncher, 525D skidder, and 559C loader are provided this year by Carter Machinery, Carolina CAT and Pioneer-Gregory Poole Forest Products, respectively. WestRock is also sup-
porting FOROP efforts and assisting with contacts and logistics for Virginia activities. “Loggers have been some of our best recruiters,” says Doug Duncan, FOROP CEO. “If they can identify solid prospects within their own community they can send them to FOROP training without losing production, equipment abuse or safety issues. FOROP will train them and send them back to their community with honest feedback about their skills and abilities.” Visit forop.org.
Three Fairs Merge In Stockholm Adforum and Elmia have agreed to combine their fairs as part of International Wood Biorefining Week, May 24-26 in Stockholm, Sweden. The three events included in International Wood Biorefining Week are International Pulp & Paper Week, World Bioenergy and Bioeconomy Innovation Forum. ➤ 54
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2008 Deere 748H ...........................$82,500 2007 Prentice 2384 ........................$75,000 2007 Prentice 2470 ........................$34,375 2008 Prentice 2470 ........................$81,250
2002 Tigercat 718 ..........................$36,900 2006 Tigercat 718 ..........................$59,000 2009 Tigercat 718E........................$90,000 2005 Tigercat 720D .......................$70,000 2011 Tigercat 720E......................$131,000 2005 Tigercat 724D .......................$72,500 2007 Tigercat 724E........................$93,000 2005 Timberking TK340 ................$35,900
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2001 Tigercat 230B........................$25,000 2002 Tigercat 230B........................$50,000 2009 Tigercat 230B......................$125,000 2010 Tigercat 234CS ...................$125,000 2005 Tigercat 240B........................$40,000 2006 Tigercat 240B........................$52,500 2007 Tigercat 244 ..........................$72,900 2005 Tigercat 250 ..........................$60,000
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SelectCuts 51 ➤ International Pulp & Paper Week continues the tradition of fairs for the pulp and paper industry that have been organized by Adforum since 1968. World Bioenergy has been organised by Elmia and its partner Svebio, since 2004. “Thanks to Sweden’s leading position in the bioenergy field, it has been possible to develop World Bioenergy into a global event with participants from 80 countries,” comments Torbjörn Johnsen, business manager Forestry at Elmia. “When we launched World Bioenergy, the growth area was byproducts from tree harvesting and the sawmill industry. Today we have a totally new situation with a pulp and paper industry that is investing heavily to create an integrated process industry in which bioenergy is becoming an ever more important part of the product mix.” Bioeconomy Innovation Forum is a new event for new and innovative products from the forest industry. The focus is on bioplastics, textile fibers, nanocellulose, carbon fiber, packaging, biochemicals and wooden structures.
Exhibitors at this event will encounter not only visitors from the forest industry but also from other industries with an interest in biobased products. In 2016 the three fairs will be held concurrently in the same hall at Stockholmsmässan and the conferences will also be integrated with the fairs. Visit elmia.se/worldbioenergy.com.
Virginia Loggers Assn. To Meet At Wintergreen Information regarding truck regulations, highway safety, new Virginia truck overweight permits, entrance access roads, markets and much more will be presented at the annual meeting of the Virginia Loggers Assn., set for August 28-29 at Wintergreen Resort, Roseland, Va. Presenters will include Wayne Davis, Mutaz Alkhadra, Keith Goodrich, Kathleen Garrison, and Scott Parsons. VLA’s traditional Legislator’s Reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 28.
Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.
July 19-22—Council on Forest Engineering annual meeting, Lexington, Ky. Call 304-206-1884; visit cofe.org. July 24-25—Missouri Forest Products Assn. annual meeting, Hilton Branson Convention Center, Branson, Mo. Call 417-336-5400; visit moforest.org. July 26-28—Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Summer Conference, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Va. Call 336-885-8315; visit appalachianwood.org. July 31-August 2—Georgia Forestry Assn. Annual Meeting, Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll Island, Ga. Call 478-992-8110; visit gfagrow.org. August 25-27—Florida Forestry Assn. Annual Meeting, Wyndham Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa, Panama City Beach, Fla. Call 850-222-5646; visit floridaforest.org. August 25-27—Louisiana Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Golden Nugget Resort and Casino, Lake Charles, La. Call 318-443-2558; visit laforestry.com. September 10-12—Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo, U.P. State Fairgrounds, Escanaba, Mich. Call 715-282-5828; visit timberpa.com. JULY/AUGUST 2015
A coalition of forest owners, wood suppliers and manufacturers of pulp and paper goods announced the creation of Biomass101.org, a clearinghouse for scientifically sound information on carbon-neutral bioenergy. Biomass101 is jointly produced by American Forest & Paper Assn., American Wood Council, Forest Resources Assn., and National Alliance of Forest Owners. “With biomass becoming a more prominent part of the national renewable energy discussion, Americans deserve a conversation that is honest, accurate and reliable,” says Chuck Fuqua, executive director for Strategic Communications at the American Forest & Paper Assn. Biomass101.org will include blog posts, infographics, videos and other digital media content that corrects false or distorted information in the press. The effort will also have a robust social media presence.
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Easy Access to current advertisers! http://www.timberharvesting.com/advertiser-index/ This issue of Timber Harvesting is brought to you in part by the following companies, which will gladly supply additional information about their products. American Logger’s Council BITCO Insurance Cat Forest Products Cleanfix Reversible Fans John Deere Forestry Doosan Infracore Construction Equip. Forest Chain Komatsu Forest Log Max Mesera Cranes Mid-Atlantic Logging & Biomass Expo Morbark Olofsfors Pemberton Attachments Peterson Pacific Pettibone Prolenc Manufacturing Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers Southstar Equipment Terex Environmental Equipment Tigercat Industries TraxPlus TruckWeight Smartscale Technologies Wallingford’s Waratah Forestry Attachments Wood Supply Research Institute
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